Dec
11
Filed Under Computers | Comments Off
ravindersingh asked:
Although there are many things that can affect the performance of your computer, there are a few simply things you can do each month to help keep your computer running at maximum performance. This article will focus on two problems that impact the performance of your computer and will then explain what you can do about it.
Problem #1: Computer Hard Disk Files
Your computer is always writing information to your hard disk, no matter what you do. Your computer attempts to keep all file information in the same location on your hard drive. As you add and delete files, blank spaces are left between your files. As you add new programs or files, your computer tries to use these blank spaces.
Over time, this reading and writing of files can affect the way your computer performs. The files eventually become scattered in multiple locations on your hard disk rather than in the same location.
Your computer will still find the information. However, the more scattered the information becomes on your hard drive, the more accesses your computer has to make to find (and gather) the information. This requires your hard disk to work harder and do more reading/writing than is necessary. It will slow down your computer by as much as 200% and causes increased wear and tear on your hard drive.
Problem #2: Spyware
If you use the Internet, at some point you will download a file or software program onto your computer. Sometimes you will know something is being downloaded to your computer. Other times you will have no idea. (Although this article will not talk about small files called “cookies”, you may want to look up information on this subject. Cookies are written onto your computer from the Internet.)
Free computer programs (often referred to as Freeware) are a big hit on the Internet. Every day thousands of users download these “free programs”. Although there are some great freeware programs, these programs often have advertisements or tracking code associated with their use. The term “Spyware” refers to programs that gather information about your computer and (Internet) surfing habits without your knowledge. This information is then sold to a third party company as a means of generating revenue.
The problem with Spyware is that it also impacts the performance of your computer. It can make your computer very sluggish and unresponsive.
Three Steps to Improved Computer Performance
Now that we’ve discussed two problems that affect the performance of your computer, let’s discuss three things you can do to get your computer performance back to normal. You should do these three steps in the order presented. Ideally, you should repeat them about once a month or whenever you notice a change in your computer’s performance.
Step #1: Delete Spyware
The first thing you should do is to delete spyware files or programs from your computer. To do this, you can use a free software program such as Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition from LavaSoft. To get the program, go to www.download.com and search for “Ad-Aware SE” (without the quotes). Select “Download Now” and follow the installation instructions. Once the program is installed, you can scan your computer for spyware files. Then, you can select and delete them from your computer.
Note #1: Always be sure to use the “Check for updates now” option to keep your program current.
Note #2: You need to be aware that when you delete spyware files, some of those “free” programs you downloaded may not continue to work correctly. If you have a program you’ve downloaded and want to continue to use, check very carefully what you select to delete from the “Scanning results” once the scan has been completed.
Step #2: Clean up your Hard Disk
Once the spyware is removed, you need to clean up temporary and unwanted files from your hard disk. To do this on your windows PC, select the start option in the lower left hand corner of your computer screen. Then, select the program option. Under the program option, select “Accessories”. Under the “Accessories” option, select “System Tools”. From the System Tools option, select “Disk Cleanup”.
Select the drive you want to clean from the pull-down menu and select OK. Usually, this is Drive C. If you have more than one hard drive, select one at a time. This program will then scan your computer for files that could be erased from your computer. You can safely erase all temporary and Recycle Bin files. You can also check the box of any other files you want the program to erase.
Step #3: Defrag your Hard Disk
Once all the spyware and temporary files are removed, you need to defrag your hard disk. This process simply rewrites your computer files so they are no longer scattered all over your hard disk, but are written in the same location for quick sequential access.
To defrag your hard disk on your windows PC, select the start option in the lower left hand corner of your computer screen. Then, select the program option. Under the program option, select “Accessories”. Under the “Accessories” option, select “System Tools”. From the System Tools option, select “Disk Defragmenter”. First, select the hard drive from your computer. Usually, this is Drive C. However, many computers have multiple hard drives. Select one at a time.
You can select “Analyze” to have the program check out the hard drive and see if it needs to be defragged. The program will prompt you at the completion of its analysis. Use the defragment option as prompted.
Note: If you’ve never used this option before, I would recommend that you select the defragment option.
Once, you’ve completed these three steps, your computer and hard disk should be able to operate at maximum performance. Don’t forget to repeat these steps at least once a month or whenever you notice a change in your computer’s performance
PETER
Although there are many things that can affect the performance of your computer, there are a few simply things you can do each month to help keep your computer running at maximum performance. This article will focus on two problems that impact the performance of your computer and will then explain what you can do about it.
Problem #1: Computer Hard Disk Files
Your computer is always writing information to your hard disk, no matter what you do. Your computer attempts to keep all file information in the same location on your hard drive. As you add and delete files, blank spaces are left between your files. As you add new programs or files, your computer tries to use these blank spaces.
Over time, this reading and writing of files can affect the way your computer performs. The files eventually become scattered in multiple locations on your hard disk rather than in the same location.
Your computer will still find the information. However, the more scattered the information becomes on your hard drive, the more accesses your computer has to make to find (and gather) the information. This requires your hard disk to work harder and do more reading/writing than is necessary. It will slow down your computer by as much as 200% and causes increased wear and tear on your hard drive.
Problem #2: Spyware
If you use the Internet, at some point you will download a file or software program onto your computer. Sometimes you will know something is being downloaded to your computer. Other times you will have no idea. (Although this article will not talk about small files called “cookies”, you may want to look up information on this subject. Cookies are written onto your computer from the Internet.)
Free computer programs (often referred to as Freeware) are a big hit on the Internet. Every day thousands of users download these “free programs”. Although there are some great freeware programs, these programs often have advertisements or tracking code associated with their use. The term “Spyware” refers to programs that gather information about your computer and (Internet) surfing habits without your knowledge. This information is then sold to a third party company as a means of generating revenue.
The problem with Spyware is that it also impacts the performance of your computer. It can make your computer very sluggish and unresponsive.
Three Steps to Improved Computer Performance
Now that we’ve discussed two problems that affect the performance of your computer, let’s discuss three things you can do to get your computer performance back to normal. You should do these three steps in the order presented. Ideally, you should repeat them about once a month or whenever you notice a change in your computer’s performance.
Step #1: Delete Spyware
The first thing you should do is to delete spyware files or programs from your computer. To do this, you can use a free software program such as Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition from LavaSoft. To get the program, go to www.download.com and search for “Ad-Aware SE” (without the quotes). Select “Download Now” and follow the installation instructions. Once the program is installed, you can scan your computer for spyware files. Then, you can select and delete them from your computer.
Note #1: Always be sure to use the “Check for updates now” option to keep your program current.
Note #2: You need to be aware that when you delete spyware files, some of those “free” programs you downloaded may not continue to work correctly. If you have a program you’ve downloaded and want to continue to use, check very carefully what you select to delete from the “Scanning results” once the scan has been completed.
Step #2: Clean up your Hard Disk
Once the spyware is removed, you need to clean up temporary and unwanted files from your hard disk. To do this on your windows PC, select the start option in the lower left hand corner of your computer screen. Then, select the program option. Under the program option, select “Accessories”. Under the “Accessories” option, select “System Tools”. From the System Tools option, select “Disk Cleanup”.
Select the drive you want to clean from the pull-down menu and select OK. Usually, this is Drive C. If you have more than one hard drive, select one at a time. This program will then scan your computer for files that could be erased from your computer. You can safely erase all temporary and Recycle Bin files. You can also check the box of any other files you want the program to erase.
Step #3: Defrag your Hard Disk
Once all the spyware and temporary files are removed, you need to defrag your hard disk. This process simply rewrites your computer files so they are no longer scattered all over your hard disk, but are written in the same location for quick sequential access.
To defrag your hard disk on your windows PC, select the start option in the lower left hand corner of your computer screen. Then, select the program option. Under the program option, select “Accessories”. Under the “Accessories” option, select “System Tools”. From the System Tools option, select “Disk Defragmenter”. First, select the hard drive from your computer. Usually, this is Drive C. However, many computers have multiple hard drives. Select one at a time.
You can select “Analyze” to have the program check out the hard drive and see if it needs to be defragged. The program will prompt you at the completion of its analysis. Use the defragment option as prompted.
Note: If you’ve never used this option before, I would recommend that you select the defragment option.
Once, you’ve completed these three steps, your computer and hard disk should be able to operate at maximum performance. Don’t forget to repeat these steps at least once a month or whenever you notice a change in your computer’s performance
PETER
Nov
30
Filed Under Computers | Comments Off
Nasreen Haque asked:
Fujitsu desktop computers are a great alternative to the more well-known desktop brands. There are several unique features that make the Fujitsu desktop computers stand out from other desktop computers. If you are looking for a computer that has a lot of versatility and many other great features then the Fujitsu may be right for you. The Fujitsu computer is similarly priced to other computer models, but since it contains many features and benefits Fujitsu computers stand out as a clear choice.
Fujitsu computers come with a large amount of processing power. Most of them have an Intel Core Duo processing unit, which makes the processing power of the computers faster than any computer that just has a single processing unit. Duo processing means processes take half as long. The processing unit of the Fujitsu is also environmentally friendly.
The processing unit is not the only part of Fujitsu desktop computers that are environmentally friendly. All Fujitsu computers comply with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances procedures. Fujitsu also chooses products and materials that are safer for human use as well. This makes Fujitsu computers some of the most environmentally sound among the many brands any available in the market today.
Another great feature of Fujitsu computers is their ability to expand with additional hardware options. Fujitsu computers come with multiple PCI and PCI express slots which make it easy to install extra memory, network options, and other hardware needs. The multiple expansion slots make Fujitsu one of the most easily modified computers. Modification capabilities are becoming rarer these days, so a computer that still offers customization is a major plus.
Another great feature of Fujitsu computers is the graphics capabilities. With many computers the graphics card that comes with the computer is too small to run many games or programs. The graphics card that comes with a Fujitsu computer is capable of running almost any game out in the market today. Fujitsu computers also come fully equipped with the Windows Vista operating system.
A Fujitsu computer also comes with many external card reader slots and USB ports. The inclusion of so many different types of card readers makes it easy for anyone to upload their pictures or other information onto the Fujitsu computer. Fujitsu computers come with a card reader that is compatible with almost any memory device out there.
The last great benefit of a Fujitsu computer is the design of the CPU. The computer is designed to be taken apart and put back together quite easily. This makes it easy not only for users to upgrade the computer, but it also means that when the computer has to be taken in for repairs that they are able to be completed quickly and efficiently. The use of the easy-access CPU style is one of the biggest things that stick out about Fujitsu computers.
If you have never considered purchasing a Fujitsu computer, then consider looking into it for your next computer purchase. With all the features and benefits offered by Fujitsu, you will not be disappointed.
WALTER
Fujitsu desktop computers are a great alternative to the more well-known desktop brands. There are several unique features that make the Fujitsu desktop computers stand out from other desktop computers. If you are looking for a computer that has a lot of versatility and many other great features then the Fujitsu may be right for you. The Fujitsu computer is similarly priced to other computer models, but since it contains many features and benefits Fujitsu computers stand out as a clear choice.
Fujitsu computers come with a large amount of processing power. Most of them have an Intel Core Duo processing unit, which makes the processing power of the computers faster than any computer that just has a single processing unit. Duo processing means processes take half as long. The processing unit of the Fujitsu is also environmentally friendly.
The processing unit is not the only part of Fujitsu desktop computers that are environmentally friendly. All Fujitsu computers comply with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances procedures. Fujitsu also chooses products and materials that are safer for human use as well. This makes Fujitsu computers some of the most environmentally sound among the many brands any available in the market today.
Another great feature of Fujitsu computers is their ability to expand with additional hardware options. Fujitsu computers come with multiple PCI and PCI express slots which make it easy to install extra memory, network options, and other hardware needs. The multiple expansion slots make Fujitsu one of the most easily modified computers. Modification capabilities are becoming rarer these days, so a computer that still offers customization is a major plus.
Another great feature of Fujitsu computers is the graphics capabilities. With many computers the graphics card that comes with the computer is too small to run many games or programs. The graphics card that comes with a Fujitsu computer is capable of running almost any game out in the market today. Fujitsu computers also come fully equipped with the Windows Vista operating system.
A Fujitsu computer also comes with many external card reader slots and USB ports. The inclusion of so many different types of card readers makes it easy for anyone to upload their pictures or other information onto the Fujitsu computer. Fujitsu computers come with a card reader that is compatible with almost any memory device out there.
The last great benefit of a Fujitsu computer is the design of the CPU. The computer is designed to be taken apart and put back together quite easily. This makes it easy not only for users to upgrade the computer, but it also means that when the computer has to be taken in for repairs that they are able to be completed quickly and efficiently. The use of the easy-access CPU style is one of the biggest things that stick out about Fujitsu computers.
If you have never considered purchasing a Fujitsu computer, then consider looking into it for your next computer purchase. With all the features and benefits offered by Fujitsu, you will not be disappointed.
WALTER
Nov
14
Filed Under Computers | Comments Off
Warren Franklin asked:
Let’s face it for many being on the computer is hassle-full. Being on the computer isn’t fun and productive any more.
Whether your home or business computers are online or offline over time they seem to slow down and many times crash. Being on the computer isn’t fun and productive any more. What is it that
causes these problems?
It’s my experience that the average individual knows a lot about his/her chosen field and very little about computer repair services and protecting information stored on a home or business computer.
Most of us are looking for a simple easy way to work or play on our computer. Unfortunately, computers have become complicated, necessary tools. Yet, it seems, several months after purchasing a computer it begins to bog down and run slower. You might experience mysterious freeze ups and crashes. Once this problem turns into a nuisance, generally, the computer is taken into a computer repair service shop where it will be out of commission for a week or so and a few hundred dollars spent to clean it up.
Most people don’t understand the relationship between a slow running computer and cyber-crime. Yet, the relationship is huge. There is a huge need to develop safe computer practices and rely on
an emerging computer industry called “Personal Computer Services.”
One of the ways I like to describe computer safe practices is by comparing it to safe dental practices. We are encouraged to develop an everyday practice of flossing and cleaning teeth, right? We do this to keep the teeth clean and avoid dental problems like infection and tooth decay in the future. In other words we do this to avoid dental hassles. We want a hassle-free dental experience.
Now, when you compare best dental practices to keeping your computer running like new, you need to implement similar measures. Only this time instead of brushing and flossing you have to develop safe computer practices including purchasing the computer repair service money can buy. On top of that, you’ll also need to set up a safe practices guideline for everyone in your family.
A slow running computer or a computer that crashes frequently may be a sign of Malware (Trojans, viruses, worms, and other malicious code) on your computer. These hacker tools not only can be used to steal sensitive information from your computer they slow your computer down or even cause computer crashes. Unfortunately, traditional over-the-counter computer protection products don’t keep up with this growing problem. If they did would we continue to have these problems?
Over the last three years there’s been a huge shift from curious hackers to professional hackers creating devious methods to steal proprietary information from computers like yours. This evolving threat is costing individuals and businesses tens of billions of dollars every year. V. McNiven, an advisor to the U.S Department of treasury has stated, “The proceeds from cyber-crime are now greater than the sale of illegal drugs.
These evil hackers continue to find more devious ways of stealing financial and proprietary information. It is important that every individual, family and business have a computer repair service plan in place to protect themselves from these cyber terrorists.
You might be surprised to learn that computers that don’t go online are vulnerable through file sharing from infected flash drives, cds and floppies. These devices, when infected, can install scrambling software or logic bomb software that opens up the possibility of extortion to get your proprietary information back.
A 2007 PC Magazine survey of 42,000 PCs worldwide released last September showed the top speed killers. The problems included:
· Over 52 percent of the PCs surveyed were clogged up with spyware
· Over 60 percent of the PCs surveyed had un-optimized Internet settings slowing the Internet down and even signaling that spyware and other malware have secretly stolen portions of your bandwidth to run on your PC.
· Surveyed computers also contained an average of twelve serious registry problems per unit that may have been caused by spyware and other malware.
Incredible, many of these computers are supposedly protected by the over-the-counter products that aren’t doing what they promise to do. So how can individuals and small businesses protect against identity theft, fraud and extortion? How can they get their computers back to running like new again?
Here are six crucial steps to protecting your computer and making it fun and productive again:
1. Keep your computers patched. Microsoft has automatic patch updates. Make sure are signed up to receive them.
2. Use professional enterprise grade anti-virus and anti-spyware at the email and web gateways. Install a professional grade by-directional firewall to guard against backdoor threats.
3. Use sender-authentication technologies, such as Sender Policy Framework (SPF) to make phishing far more difficult since – In theory – phishers will only be able to send their spam from “unapproved” domains.
4. Develop and enforce a password policy. This will make passwords difficult to be guessed. Use a different password for each situation. Make sure these passwords are changed frequently. If you use one password for every web site, for example, and a phisher manages to steal it, all of your online activity is at risk. Sophos, an enterprise grade Internet Security Company, recently conducted a business poll and discovered 41 percent of the respondents were using the same password for all web sites.
5. Keep an eye on the advice from organizations promoting safe computing. Many of their web sites will list the latest threats, and give advice on how to protect your home and business against them.
6. Always report suspicious activity.
Just as important, find a computer repair service that offers “Personal Computer Services.” Your personal computer service should include online repair at no additional cost. The end result: hassle-free computing making being on the computer fun and productive again. With the right computer repair service, using computers at home and at work should be hassle-free allowing you to focus more on your home and business activities.
SHELBY
Let’s face it for many being on the computer is hassle-full. Being on the computer isn’t fun and productive any more.
Whether your home or business computers are online or offline over time they seem to slow down and many times crash. Being on the computer isn’t fun and productive any more. What is it that
causes these problems?
It’s my experience that the average individual knows a lot about his/her chosen field and very little about computer repair services and protecting information stored on a home or business computer.
Most of us are looking for a simple easy way to work or play on our computer. Unfortunately, computers have become complicated, necessary tools. Yet, it seems, several months after purchasing a computer it begins to bog down and run slower. You might experience mysterious freeze ups and crashes. Once this problem turns into a nuisance, generally, the computer is taken into a computer repair service shop where it will be out of commission for a week or so and a few hundred dollars spent to clean it up.
Most people don’t understand the relationship between a slow running computer and cyber-crime. Yet, the relationship is huge. There is a huge need to develop safe computer practices and rely on
an emerging computer industry called “Personal Computer Services.”
One of the ways I like to describe computer safe practices is by comparing it to safe dental practices. We are encouraged to develop an everyday practice of flossing and cleaning teeth, right? We do this to keep the teeth clean and avoid dental problems like infection and tooth decay in the future. In other words we do this to avoid dental hassles. We want a hassle-free dental experience.
Now, when you compare best dental practices to keeping your computer running like new, you need to implement similar measures. Only this time instead of brushing and flossing you have to develop safe computer practices including purchasing the computer repair service money can buy. On top of that, you’ll also need to set up a safe practices guideline for everyone in your family.
A slow running computer or a computer that crashes frequently may be a sign of Malware (Trojans, viruses, worms, and other malicious code) on your computer. These hacker tools not only can be used to steal sensitive information from your computer they slow your computer down or even cause computer crashes. Unfortunately, traditional over-the-counter computer protection products don’t keep up with this growing problem. If they did would we continue to have these problems?
Over the last three years there’s been a huge shift from curious hackers to professional hackers creating devious methods to steal proprietary information from computers like yours. This evolving threat is costing individuals and businesses tens of billions of dollars every year. V. McNiven, an advisor to the U.S Department of treasury has stated, “The proceeds from cyber-crime are now greater than the sale of illegal drugs.
These evil hackers continue to find more devious ways of stealing financial and proprietary information. It is important that every individual, family and business have a computer repair service plan in place to protect themselves from these cyber terrorists.
You might be surprised to learn that computers that don’t go online are vulnerable through file sharing from infected flash drives, cds and floppies. These devices, when infected, can install scrambling software or logic bomb software that opens up the possibility of extortion to get your proprietary information back.
A 2007 PC Magazine survey of 42,000 PCs worldwide released last September showed the top speed killers. The problems included:
· Over 52 percent of the PCs surveyed were clogged up with spyware
· Over 60 percent of the PCs surveyed had un-optimized Internet settings slowing the Internet down and even signaling that spyware and other malware have secretly stolen portions of your bandwidth to run on your PC.
· Surveyed computers also contained an average of twelve serious registry problems per unit that may have been caused by spyware and other malware.
Incredible, many of these computers are supposedly protected by the over-the-counter products that aren’t doing what they promise to do. So how can individuals and small businesses protect against identity theft, fraud and extortion? How can they get their computers back to running like new again?
Here are six crucial steps to protecting your computer and making it fun and productive again:
1. Keep your computers patched. Microsoft has automatic patch updates. Make sure are signed up to receive them.
2. Use professional enterprise grade anti-virus and anti-spyware at the email and web gateways. Install a professional grade by-directional firewall to guard against backdoor threats.
3. Use sender-authentication technologies, such as Sender Policy Framework (SPF) to make phishing far more difficult since – In theory – phishers will only be able to send their spam from “unapproved” domains.
4. Develop and enforce a password policy. This will make passwords difficult to be guessed. Use a different password for each situation. Make sure these passwords are changed frequently. If you use one password for every web site, for example, and a phisher manages to steal it, all of your online activity is at risk. Sophos, an enterprise grade Internet Security Company, recently conducted a business poll and discovered 41 percent of the respondents were using the same password for all web sites.
5. Keep an eye on the advice from organizations promoting safe computing. Many of their web sites will list the latest threats, and give advice on how to protect your home and business against them.
6. Always report suspicious activity.
Just as important, find a computer repair service that offers “Personal Computer Services.” Your personal computer service should include online repair at no additional cost. The end result: hassle-free computing making being on the computer fun and productive again. With the right computer repair service, using computers at home and at work should be hassle-free allowing you to focus more on your home and business activities.
SHELBY
Nov
10
Filed Under Computers | Comments Off
K Purdenn asked:
A brand new computer will not need a computer speed test because you are sure that it will run smoothly. As you use your computer you will come to notice that its performance gradually slows down. To make sure that your computer is performing as it was indicated in the package you need to perform a computer speed test.
There are different ways on how you can conduct computer speed test:
1. Look for a software that allows you to measure the speed of the computer’s CPU. This will give you an idea on how well your computer is doing. The CPU speed test application will let you compare your computer’s CPU score with other ratings internationally. If your computer’s measurement is in Mhz then you need to upgrade your system. Your CPU should be running not less than 1 Ghz especially when you are going to install large programs such as games or web development or programming tools.
There are also other computer speed test applications that will indicate if your computer is doing well by the color. Like for instance if the color is green the computer is functioning as stated by the manufacturer. If the color is red it means that the computer is running faster more than what was indicated in the package. For the color yellow, it means that the computer is running a bit faster.
There are also other computer speed tools that can indicate errors on the computer. Then it will provide solutions that will address the problem reported. And you have the option to push through with the repair or not.
These tools are for free so you can download several of these and compare the results you obtained from each of the application. Make sure that you uninstall the programs after use unless you decide to keep it.
2. The second method to perform computer speed test is very simple and you do not need any tool. First restart your computer and time its start up. Then take note of it. Browse through the programs that you have installed in the computer. If you have programs that you are not using then remove it.
Then remove temporary files, cookies, check the registry for corrupt or damaged files and clear the Internet cache. This can be done by using the cleanup utilities in the Microsoft Windows. This will free up space on the hard disk and memory of the computer. Then scan the computer for virus infections. Make sure that the virus/es found are deleted immediately by configuring the settings of the antivirus program,
After doing so, restart the computer and time it again. Compare the number to the first one that you took. You will notice that the computer starts faster and programs are loading smoothly.
But if the computer is still taking time to start up then your best bet will be to reformat the computer. It is safer to let a computer technician do this job. Just make sure that you have installers for the programs that you are going to need.
Computer speed tests will also evaluate the computer’s registry. Detecting registry errors will help the computer run faster because it will get rid of the complications occurring in the computer. The registry is where almost all important files are stored so it is important to maintain it in a good condition.
DERRICK
A brand new computer will not need a computer speed test because you are sure that it will run smoothly. As you use your computer you will come to notice that its performance gradually slows down. To make sure that your computer is performing as it was indicated in the package you need to perform a computer speed test.
There are different ways on how you can conduct computer speed test:
1. Look for a software that allows you to measure the speed of the computer’s CPU. This will give you an idea on how well your computer is doing. The CPU speed test application will let you compare your computer’s CPU score with other ratings internationally. If your computer’s measurement is in Mhz then you need to upgrade your system. Your CPU should be running not less than 1 Ghz especially when you are going to install large programs such as games or web development or programming tools.
There are also other computer speed test applications that will indicate if your computer is doing well by the color. Like for instance if the color is green the computer is functioning as stated by the manufacturer. If the color is red it means that the computer is running faster more than what was indicated in the package. For the color yellow, it means that the computer is running a bit faster.
There are also other computer speed tools that can indicate errors on the computer. Then it will provide solutions that will address the problem reported. And you have the option to push through with the repair or not.
These tools are for free so you can download several of these and compare the results you obtained from each of the application. Make sure that you uninstall the programs after use unless you decide to keep it.
2. The second method to perform computer speed test is very simple and you do not need any tool. First restart your computer and time its start up. Then take note of it. Browse through the programs that you have installed in the computer. If you have programs that you are not using then remove it.
Then remove temporary files, cookies, check the registry for corrupt or damaged files and clear the Internet cache. This can be done by using the cleanup utilities in the Microsoft Windows. This will free up space on the hard disk and memory of the computer. Then scan the computer for virus infections. Make sure that the virus/es found are deleted immediately by configuring the settings of the antivirus program,
After doing so, restart the computer and time it again. Compare the number to the first one that you took. You will notice that the computer starts faster and programs are loading smoothly.
But if the computer is still taking time to start up then your best bet will be to reformat the computer. It is safer to let a computer technician do this job. Just make sure that you have installers for the programs that you are going to need.
Computer speed tests will also evaluate the computer’s registry. Detecting registry errors will help the computer run faster because it will get rid of the complications occurring in the computer. The registry is where almost all important files are stored so it is important to maintain it in a good condition.
DERRICK
Nov
9
Filed Under Computers | Comments Off
Mr. Modem asked:
Technology has advanced so much during the past few years that any entry-level computer is going to have more than enough “horsepower” for the average computer user. So the days of being concerned about the size of the hard drive and speed of the processor have pretty much passed into history. RAM (memory) is still vitally important so I would not recommend any new system with less than 512MB. 1GB is even better; and if you’ve got your eyeballs set on the full, bells-and-whistles version of Windows Vista, 2GB will warm the cockles of Mr. Gates’ heart.One topic I always encourage when giving out computer tips and help to shoppers is to purchase locally, if at all possible. Virtually every community has one or more reputable computer shops that build computers. There are many advantages of purchasing locally as opposed to going through mail order or online through Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq, etc. First and foremost, service is generally outstanding. A retailer that builds your computer will typically provide extraordinary service and support for all your computer problems, answers them in a timely manner, and realizes that their future business depends on their reputation within your local community.I usually purchase two new systems a year, each one built for me by a local computer builder/retailer. I’ve experienced first-hand through the years that if I have computer problems, answers are found quickly, with minimal or no “down” time, no 800-number calls to Banglagore, no bureaucracy, no messages that let me know how important my call is, only to advise me that my approximate waiting time is 37 minutes.In addition, many local computer builders will deliver and install your new system. Some will even copy data from your old computer to the new; and some will include an hour of training so they can show you how to use the CD-DVD burner or answer any questions you may have. But the primary benefit is cultivating a relationship with a local computer builder/repair service so that you’ll always have someone to turn to if a problem arises.If you purchase your new PC from a local retailer/builder, there’s also the benefit of keeping your hard-earned dollars right there within your community. You’ll be supporting the tax base while at the same time supporting your local merchants. How good is that?If you’re not sure who to go turn to for your new system, start making some inquiries; talk to friends, ask at local computer clubs for computer tips and help, and check the Yellow Pages and the business section of your newspaper. Keep asking and you’ll discover that there are always one or two names that continually come up.Another advantage of having a computer built for you is that you can get exactly the system you want. Or, if you’re not sure what you want, you can discuss with the builder how you use your computer and benefit from the builder’s suggestions and recommendations.When you purchase off-the-shelf or online from a national outfit, your brand-new system will generally arrive loaded with all kinds of software that you’ll probably never use. The first time you connect to the Internet, many of those programs will automatically register with their respective vendors which will open the door to pop-ups and nag screens galore, all inviting/harassing you to sign up for a variety of services, upgrades, etc., which creates unnecessary computer problems. Answers to any issues like this will always be to buy locally. I’ve never understood the philosophy behind loading up a new computer with gratuitous software. To me, that’s like buying a new car that the dealer then drives for a thousand miles under the pretense of testing it out for you. By the time you get it home, it’s a used car! Why accept a new computer with a hard drive that’s already infested with software that you’ll never use and probably never even know what it’s for?When I purchase new computers, the only thing I permit to be installed is Windowsthough these days I prefer dual-boot Windows/Linux systems. This gets rid of many computer problems, answers all my questions about what was installed on my computer, and allows me to pick and choose what I want installed. By only permitting the operating system to be installed, and whatever drivers or programs are necessary for any peripheral devices I might purchase, I know I’ve got a squeaky clean hard drive and anything that gets installed on that computer will be installed by me. Doing this also ensures that I’ll never look at my Programs or other folders and scratch my head wondering, “What’s that program?”Another one of my computer hints, tips and recommendations is if your computer builder normally installs a plethora of programs, review a list of programs beforehand and tell the builder which ones, if any, you want installed. It’s your computer; you should decide what’s installed or not. Once I setup my new computer, then I’ll install a few of my favorite ‘can’t-live-without-’em’ programs, and I’m good to go. You’ll find a list of Mr. Modem’s Favorite Programs in my Web-based Library.Last, but not least, when purchasing a new computer, tips and help I always give out is to obtain the original Windows installation CD. Some of the big-boy retailers won’t include the installation CD or will place a ‘restore utility’ on a drive partition, which serves no useful purpose if you experience a drive failure. Obtaining the original Windows installation CD is rarely a problem with local computer builders. In most cases, it’s automatically included, but it never hurts to mention it, just to be sure. If you ever need to reinstall Windows or if a file becomes corrupted, or if you need to reinstall a component, you’re pretty much out of luck unless you have the original Windows installation CD.Nationally syndicated columnist Mr. Modem delivers helpful, easy-to-understand computing tips and prompt, personal, plain-English answers to subscribers of his weekly newsletter. For additional information or to subscribe, visit www.MrModem.com. © 2006 Get-the-Net, Inc.
ALVA
Technology has advanced so much during the past few years that any entry-level computer is going to have more than enough “horsepower” for the average computer user. So the days of being concerned about the size of the hard drive and speed of the processor have pretty much passed into history. RAM (memory) is still vitally important so I would not recommend any new system with less than 512MB. 1GB is even better; and if you’ve got your eyeballs set on the full, bells-and-whistles version of Windows Vista, 2GB will warm the cockles of Mr. Gates’ heart.One topic I always encourage when giving out computer tips and help to shoppers is to purchase locally, if at all possible. Virtually every community has one or more reputable computer shops that build computers. There are many advantages of purchasing locally as opposed to going through mail order or online through Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq, etc. First and foremost, service is generally outstanding. A retailer that builds your computer will typically provide extraordinary service and support for all your computer problems, answers them in a timely manner, and realizes that their future business depends on their reputation within your local community.I usually purchase two new systems a year, each one built for me by a local computer builder/retailer. I’ve experienced first-hand through the years that if I have computer problems, answers are found quickly, with minimal or no “down” time, no 800-number calls to Banglagore, no bureaucracy, no messages that let me know how important my call is, only to advise me that my approximate waiting time is 37 minutes.In addition, many local computer builders will deliver and install your new system. Some will even copy data from your old computer to the new; and some will include an hour of training so they can show you how to use the CD-DVD burner or answer any questions you may have. But the primary benefit is cultivating a relationship with a local computer builder/repair service so that you’ll always have someone to turn to if a problem arises.If you purchase your new PC from a local retailer/builder, there’s also the benefit of keeping your hard-earned dollars right there within your community. You’ll be supporting the tax base while at the same time supporting your local merchants. How good is that?If you’re not sure who to go turn to for your new system, start making some inquiries; talk to friends, ask at local computer clubs for computer tips and help, and check the Yellow Pages and the business section of your newspaper. Keep asking and you’ll discover that there are always one or two names that continually come up.Another advantage of having a computer built for you is that you can get exactly the system you want. Or, if you’re not sure what you want, you can discuss with the builder how you use your computer and benefit from the builder’s suggestions and recommendations.When you purchase off-the-shelf or online from a national outfit, your brand-new system will generally arrive loaded with all kinds of software that you’ll probably never use. The first time you connect to the Internet, many of those programs will automatically register with their respective vendors which will open the door to pop-ups and nag screens galore, all inviting/harassing you to sign up for a variety of services, upgrades, etc., which creates unnecessary computer problems. Answers to any issues like this will always be to buy locally. I’ve never understood the philosophy behind loading up a new computer with gratuitous software. To me, that’s like buying a new car that the dealer then drives for a thousand miles under the pretense of testing it out for you. By the time you get it home, it’s a used car! Why accept a new computer with a hard drive that’s already infested with software that you’ll never use and probably never even know what it’s for?When I purchase new computers, the only thing I permit to be installed is Windowsthough these days I prefer dual-boot Windows/Linux systems. This gets rid of many computer problems, answers all my questions about what was installed on my computer, and allows me to pick and choose what I want installed. By only permitting the operating system to be installed, and whatever drivers or programs are necessary for any peripheral devices I might purchase, I know I’ve got a squeaky clean hard drive and anything that gets installed on that computer will be installed by me. Doing this also ensures that I’ll never look at my Programs or other folders and scratch my head wondering, “What’s that program?”Another one of my computer hints, tips and recommendations is if your computer builder normally installs a plethora of programs, review a list of programs beforehand and tell the builder which ones, if any, you want installed. It’s your computer; you should decide what’s installed or not. Once I setup my new computer, then I’ll install a few of my favorite ‘can’t-live-without-’em’ programs, and I’m good to go. You’ll find a list of Mr. Modem’s Favorite Programs in my Web-based Library.Last, but not least, when purchasing a new computer, tips and help I always give out is to obtain the original Windows installation CD. Some of the big-boy retailers won’t include the installation CD or will place a ‘restore utility’ on a drive partition, which serves no useful purpose if you experience a drive failure. Obtaining the original Windows installation CD is rarely a problem with local computer builders. In most cases, it’s automatically included, but it never hurts to mention it, just to be sure. If you ever need to reinstall Windows or if a file becomes corrupted, or if you need to reinstall a component, you’re pretty much out of luck unless you have the original Windows installation CD.Nationally syndicated columnist Mr. Modem delivers helpful, easy-to-understand computing tips and prompt, personal, plain-English answers to subscribers of his weekly newsletter. For additional information or to subscribe, visit www.MrModem.com. © 2006 Get-the-Net, Inc.
ALVA
Nov
5
Filed Under Computers | Comments Off
Christophe Catesson asked:
Nowadays desktops and laptops are much more durable and dependable that they were just five years ago. Therefore, buying a used or refurbished computer is becoming more of a trend.
Suppliers replace their computers on average every 6 months and companies frequently upgrade their equipment. Buying one of these used or refurbished computers can save you a lot of money while still using a quite up to date technology. This is even more relevant if you are not a heavy user (i.e. most of your time on a computer is spent online, you may use a few standard applications once in a while). Even modestly priced computers will more than suffice for these types of demand.
Thinking about buying a used or refurbished desktop or laptop?
Buying a computer is not at all an easy job, one has look get detailed information of the available computers of good and reputed brands. One must take into consideration the size, color, configurations, features etc… While your computer should correspond to your personality and lifestyle, you should always keep in mind the reputation of the brand in the market. Brand counts a lot; you can render good service by the manufacturer if your computer is damaged.
Important handy Tips before buying a computer…
* Verify if the brand is reputed and always buy a good reputed brand. Read about customer service experience for that specific computer issues.
* Check the warranty/guarantee of the computer (seek out computers which still have warranty/guarantee remaining)
* Compare the price of the new model in the market with what price your buying your used computer, try to get the best bargain. i.e. a two year old computer should not be bought for more than half of its original price.
* Check if the computer is outdated (if out of production it is difficult to get spare parts)
* Is the operating system current (Windows Vista/Windows Xp). Earlier versions probably run slower (windows 2000) and would not be advisable unless your needs are limited (i.e. web surfing, Word…). In any event, stay away with computers running on Windows 98 (granted you don’t find many anymore). Also be aware of Windows Vista. Many users are reverting back to XP and that is even more obvious in the corporate world. Why? Vista looks nice but doesn’t bring many technical improvements; therefore IT managers are not willing to implement something new when what they have works just fine. Some domestic users just don’t like the new way of navigation within the Vista Operating System.
* Check if the configuration of the computer you are buying is good.
* Check the speed of the processor. If possible start the computer and see how long it takes to fully turn on. If its slow just turning on, imagine the lack of speed once you start adding software..
Additional Tips for laptops
* Is the battery life good? (search for the computers with a very good battery backup).
* Check for the screen size of the computer your buying and see to it that it is not exceeding the Normal (normally the screen size should be between 15-17). Less than that generally translates in older computers and increases the chance of age failure. Once the screen breaks, you are often better of changing the whole computer.
* Review the connectivity of the computer (Network, USB, Video, Audio…) look to it that it has a good connectivity including wireless.
* Check out the weight. Ensure the computer is light enough for you to carry.
* More details at http://www.bestlaptopsreviews.com/index.php/Used-Notebooks.html
Where to buy used computers:
* Online auctions. Pro: Often offer the best prices. Cons: Cannot validate the accuracy of the described item. No warranty. Tip 1: Some companies will offer warranty for up to two years, the cost is about 12% to 18% of the purchase price. Tip2: Buy from sellers with great feedback, do not hesitate to contact the seller with questions prior to bidding.
* Online marketplaces: Pro: Set prices and quantities - Sometime warranty is available. Cons: Prices can vary a lot, do your homework.
* http://Craiglist.com Contacting sellers on http://Craiglist.com in your local area gives you a chance to meet with the owner and physically test the computer before the purchase
Where to buy refurbished computers:
Refurbished computers can be a great way to buy as they have warranties and are generally sold by manufacturers or companies affiliated with them.
* Manufacturers websites will tell you how to buy directly from them or from their authorized sellers. Pros: Warranty, established companies. Cons: Prices are higher than regular auctions (you pay more for peace of mind)
Buying a used or refurbished computer can be a great way to save money. If you use some of the advice discussed above you can avoid many pitfalls. One last thing concerning laptops, make sure you have a good bag to protect your computer from a fatal accident. Your bag should be big enough for a 17 inch screen computer as it is rapidly becoming the norm, you will probably change your computer within a few years, the bag you may keep a lot longer.
Good Buy!
CHESTER
Nowadays desktops and laptops are much more durable and dependable that they were just five years ago. Therefore, buying a used or refurbished computer is becoming more of a trend.
Suppliers replace their computers on average every 6 months and companies frequently upgrade their equipment. Buying one of these used or refurbished computers can save you a lot of money while still using a quite up to date technology. This is even more relevant if you are not a heavy user (i.e. most of your time on a computer is spent online, you may use a few standard applications once in a while). Even modestly priced computers will more than suffice for these types of demand.
Thinking about buying a used or refurbished desktop or laptop?
Buying a computer is not at all an easy job, one has look get detailed information of the available computers of good and reputed brands. One must take into consideration the size, color, configurations, features etc… While your computer should correspond to your personality and lifestyle, you should always keep in mind the reputation of the brand in the market. Brand counts a lot; you can render good service by the manufacturer if your computer is damaged.
Important handy Tips before buying a computer…
* Verify if the brand is reputed and always buy a good reputed brand. Read about customer service experience for that specific computer issues.
* Check the warranty/guarantee of the computer (seek out computers which still have warranty/guarantee remaining)
* Compare the price of the new model in the market with what price your buying your used computer, try to get the best bargain. i.e. a two year old computer should not be bought for more than half of its original price.
* Check if the computer is outdated (if out of production it is difficult to get spare parts)
* Is the operating system current (Windows Vista/Windows Xp). Earlier versions probably run slower (windows 2000) and would not be advisable unless your needs are limited (i.e. web surfing, Word…). In any event, stay away with computers running on Windows 98 (granted you don’t find many anymore). Also be aware of Windows Vista. Many users are reverting back to XP and that is even more obvious in the corporate world. Why? Vista looks nice but doesn’t bring many technical improvements; therefore IT managers are not willing to implement something new when what they have works just fine. Some domestic users just don’t like the new way of navigation within the Vista Operating System.
* Check if the configuration of the computer you are buying is good.
* Check the speed of the processor. If possible start the computer and see how long it takes to fully turn on. If its slow just turning on, imagine the lack of speed once you start adding software..
Additional Tips for laptops
* Is the battery life good? (search for the computers with a very good battery backup).
* Check for the screen size of the computer your buying and see to it that it is not exceeding the Normal (normally the screen size should be between 15-17). Less than that generally translates in older computers and increases the chance of age failure. Once the screen breaks, you are often better of changing the whole computer.
* Review the connectivity of the computer (Network, USB, Video, Audio…) look to it that it has a good connectivity including wireless.
* Check out the weight. Ensure the computer is light enough for you to carry.
* More details at http://www.bestlaptopsreviews.com/index.php/Used-Notebooks.html
Where to buy used computers:
* Online auctions. Pro: Often offer the best prices. Cons: Cannot validate the accuracy of the described item. No warranty. Tip 1: Some companies will offer warranty for up to two years, the cost is about 12% to 18% of the purchase price. Tip2: Buy from sellers with great feedback, do not hesitate to contact the seller with questions prior to bidding.
* Online marketplaces: Pro: Set prices and quantities - Sometime warranty is available. Cons: Prices can vary a lot, do your homework.
* http://Craiglist.com Contacting sellers on http://Craiglist.com in your local area gives you a chance to meet with the owner and physically test the computer before the purchase
Where to buy refurbished computers:
Refurbished computers can be a great way to buy as they have warranties and are generally sold by manufacturers or companies affiliated with them.
* Manufacturers websites will tell you how to buy directly from them or from their authorized sellers. Pros: Warranty, established companies. Cons: Prices are higher than regular auctions (you pay more for peace of mind)
Buying a used or refurbished computer can be a great way to save money. If you use some of the advice discussed above you can avoid many pitfalls. One last thing concerning laptops, make sure you have a good bag to protect your computer from a fatal accident. Your bag should be big enough for a 17 inch screen computer as it is rapidly becoming the norm, you will probably change your computer within a few years, the bag you may keep a lot longer.
Good Buy!
CHESTER
Oct
30
Filed Under Computers | Comments Off
Howard Platt asked:
ng how to fix computer errors can be a real life saver at times. With the popularity of the personal computer rising everyday obtaining some basic technical computer repair skills can be very beneficial. When you first buy your computer it runs extremely smooth but as time goes on and your usage of your computer increases you may begin to notice a change its overall performance.
NEIL
ng how to fix computer errors can be a real life saver at times. With the popularity of the personal computer rising everyday obtaining some basic technical computer repair skills can be very beneficial. When you first buy your computer it runs extremely smooth but as time goes on and your usage of your computer increases you may begin to notice a change its overall performance.
The power of present day computers is amazing, although they do have their problems and if you don’t know how to fix computer errors when they present themselves you can become very inconvenienced. Computers do require regular maintenance and they need to be periodically upgraded and if you fail to keep up with some easy maintenance you will no doubt experience problems. There are a few simple tasks that can be performed to fix computer errors and help prevent them from occurring in the future.
Tips That Will Help You Fix Computer Errors
If your computers registry becomes corrupt or unstable it will dramatically affect your computers performance in a very negative way. You may notice your computer is running extremely slow and your having to wait for programs to open or it takes awhile to switch from web page to web page. If you use your computer for work or school or maybe just to run the family’s budget, learning to fix computer problems can be extremely beneficial.
When your computers registry has been corrupted you may have error messages popping up on your screen such as “fatal .exe error” or “.dll file error” and these type of errors can cause your system to shut down or freeze up leaving you with a computer that you cannot use. When these type of errors occur it can be extremely frustrating because you may be in the middle of some important work so if your learn how to fix computer errors such as these you can avoid serious down time.
One of the first steps you should take in efforts to solve your problem would be to run your disk defragmenter. Running the disk defragmenter may reduce the occurrence of errors by condensing all the files in need of repair.
To fix computer errors that are related to your computers registry, you should complete a registry scan so that all the unused, old and unwanted data can be detected and removed. To clean your computers registry you will need to buy a good registry cleaner program. I want to emphasize on the word “Buy” because there are a lot of free registry cleaners available but it’s a terrible idea to even try a free registry cleaner. Free registry cleaners will not only just not fix computer errors they will cause damage to your system. When it comes to the free registry cleaners the programmers will put in malicious code and adware and spyware programs that will collect and transmit your personal information and in many cases end up leaving your computer so damaged that it cannot be repaired.
Reg Clean is one of the more advanced registry cleaner programs available as it can perform a variety of preventative maintenance tasks as well as removing malicious spyware and viruses that have infected your registry. When you run a scan with Reg Clean it can fix computer errors as it cleans up your entire registry and it performs a registry backup while it is defragging your system.
There are a number of viruses out there that can really attack your system causing all sorts of problems. Spyware and virus programs can be the cause of a variety of computer errors. They are capable of overwriting program files or deleting necessary file extensions disabling important programs and limiting the functionality of your system. To fix computer errors that are a result of spyware and some viruses you can use updated antispyware and antivirus protection.
Damaged or corrupt programs or virus infections can cause serious damage to your computers boot section, and this will prevent your system from booting up properly or possibly not at all. When you need to fix computer errors related to your system booting up properly you should use your Windows XP Boot CD as this can repair the Windows XP installation which can overwrite computer errors picked up through spyware or viruses.
If the problems that you are having are directly related to your computers memory you will experience some of the following problems; system crashes, system hang or computer freeze, blue screen, constant restarts and crashing software programs. To fix computer errors related to your systems memory there are specific software programs that can help free up some memory space which will help solve RAM related problems. Improving your systems memory which is also known as RAM (random access memory), will improve your computers performance dramatically so I would highly advice you to do a computer memory test. To complete a memory test there is specific software available for such a task, one program that I am aware of that is very effective is called Memtest86, this can help you zero in on your problem allowing you to fix computer errors brought to your attention.
If you have tried all the advice given in this article and your still experiencing computer problems I would do a search on the Internet for information on how to fix computer errors. You will find many websites that focus on computer basics and troubleshooting. I would be very careful though and really check the websites credentials so you can be sure that your getting advice from a reliable source. There is also a software program available that can help you learn how to fix computer errors but again I would be very cautious about any program that needs to be down loaded and run on your computer. Remember preventative maintenance can save you from a lot of unnecessary problems and one of the best preventative measures you can take is to purchase a reputable registry cleaner program and use it periodically.
NEIL
Oct
30
Filed Under Computers | Comments Off
Muna wa Wanjiru asked:
If you have been shopping in the market for a new computer system, you might have noticed that most branded computers today have become highly unaffordable. Sure, prices have fallen in certain sectors that contribute to the making of computers. The prices of memory have hit an all time low due to the enhancements in manufacturing volumes of memory manufacturers. The prices of mother boards and other assorted computer innards have also fallen steeply. But the fact remains that the branded computer manufacturers are in the business to make their own profits. Therefore, despite the all around falling in prices that we have been witnessing, the prices of good computers have remained more or less constant!
Does this mean that a good computer system will always remain unaffordable? Not really! If you consider sourcing your computer from dealers who specialize in wholesale computer parts. Wholesale computer parts are an excellent way to source out and build your own computer. Most people are of the opinion that wholesale computer parts are in some way inferior to the parts available in branded computers. The same was the case with me. I always believed that wholesale computer parts were a means for cheap and inefficient computer parts manufacturers to offload their inferior stock on unsuspecting customers. Until my computer broke down recently that is. When I took it to the authorized dealer, I got a quote that was very high. Being unable to spare that much cash, and being desperately in need of having my computer restored, I grudgingly made my way to a nearby wholesale computer parts dealer.
What I saw there amazed and astounded me. This wholesale computer parts dealer has his own repair service. And when they opened up my computer and diagnosed the problem, the repair quote I got was a fraction of what the authorized dealer had given me. I was naturally curious as to what had created the difference and suspiciously eyed the wholesale computer parts on display. But the dealer opened up my computer to show me that the replacement parts would be the very same that my existing computer had. As installed by the original manufacturer. When I asked him how this was possible, he explained the wholesale computer parts business to me.
Apparently, most computer parts manufactures manufacture more parts than required by an order from a branded computer manufacturer. This is an in-built quality control feature in order to ensure that a sudden spurt in demand or a quality crisis can be handled quickly and efficiently. When the order is processed without incident, the excess parts are offloaded to wholesale computer parts dealers for a huge discount. These wholesale computer parts dealers then sell these equally good computer parts for a discount to users like you and me, who know better and are willing to invest the time and effort that it takes to build our own computers. Which means, that by buying the parts directly from wholesale computer parts dealers, we stand to make great savings!
The next time you want to go in for a computer purchase, do consider new source apart from the regular computer manufacturers. Consider sourcing out your computer from the wholesale computer parts dealers. And you’ll never regret your decision.
JOSE
If you have been shopping in the market for a new computer system, you might have noticed that most branded computers today have become highly unaffordable. Sure, prices have fallen in certain sectors that contribute to the making of computers. The prices of memory have hit an all time low due to the enhancements in manufacturing volumes of memory manufacturers. The prices of mother boards and other assorted computer innards have also fallen steeply. But the fact remains that the branded computer manufacturers are in the business to make their own profits. Therefore, despite the all around falling in prices that we have been witnessing, the prices of good computers have remained more or less constant!
Does this mean that a good computer system will always remain unaffordable? Not really! If you consider sourcing your computer from dealers who specialize in wholesale computer parts. Wholesale computer parts are an excellent way to source out and build your own computer. Most people are of the opinion that wholesale computer parts are in some way inferior to the parts available in branded computers. The same was the case with me. I always believed that wholesale computer parts were a means for cheap and inefficient computer parts manufacturers to offload their inferior stock on unsuspecting customers. Until my computer broke down recently that is. When I took it to the authorized dealer, I got a quote that was very high. Being unable to spare that much cash, and being desperately in need of having my computer restored, I grudgingly made my way to a nearby wholesale computer parts dealer.
What I saw there amazed and astounded me. This wholesale computer parts dealer has his own repair service. And when they opened up my computer and diagnosed the problem, the repair quote I got was a fraction of what the authorized dealer had given me. I was naturally curious as to what had created the difference and suspiciously eyed the wholesale computer parts on display. But the dealer opened up my computer to show me that the replacement parts would be the very same that my existing computer had. As installed by the original manufacturer. When I asked him how this was possible, he explained the wholesale computer parts business to me.
Apparently, most computer parts manufactures manufacture more parts than required by an order from a branded computer manufacturer. This is an in-built quality control feature in order to ensure that a sudden spurt in demand or a quality crisis can be handled quickly and efficiently. When the order is processed without incident, the excess parts are offloaded to wholesale computer parts dealers for a huge discount. These wholesale computer parts dealers then sell these equally good computer parts for a discount to users like you and me, who know better and are willing to invest the time and effort that it takes to build our own computers. Which means, that by buying the parts directly from wholesale computer parts dealers, we stand to make great savings!
The next time you want to go in for a computer purchase, do consider new source apart from the regular computer manufacturers. Consider sourcing out your computer from the wholesale computer parts dealers. And you’ll never regret your decision.
JOSE
Oct
27
Filed Under Computers | Comments Off
Maxwell Z. Rubin asked:
Many computer users live in fear of computer viruses. It is true that computer viruses can do a lot of damage that most likely could have been easily prevented - that is if they had a working up to date virus program.
First of all be reassured. Even if your computer is “wiped clean” or “wiped out” you may not be in the doghouse so to speak. If you use the computer mainly for browsing on the internet, then it is only a matter of a reinstall of windows to get you on the web again. Your computer is only a device to access the internet. It is as if you get a new phone to plug into the wall or a new TV to watch the channels that were there that were and are still there.
Your email most likely is safe as well. If you use a web based mail program like hotmail or yahoo to access your email - then your email is most likely still sitting on that company’s server in California, Bombay India or somewhere else in the world. If Microsoft goes bust, your lost email will be the least of your problems in today’s world. If you use a mail reader client like Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express, then at the worst your new email is sitting safely at that computer mail server computer.
Next it can be can be said that we have gotten off easy with computer viruses. Well at least up the present. Computer viruses can be written by its developer to do anything the developer wishes. For the most part computer viruses have been relatively innocuous. The majority of the computer viruses that you will encounter, at present, in your career as computer user, are of the “Trojan” variety and are not that mean or destructive to your computer. . Trojan antivirus are computer viruses that patiently sit in wait for a signal from a control computer, somewhere in the world, to be part of a large scale computer attack on some remote computer to overwhelm that service and disrupt its function on the internet.. You may have heard such tales in regards to C.N.N. or Amazon having their internet service being knocked out of service maliciously. Believe it or not it is estimated that up to 50 - 60 % of most computers have these Trojan viruses sitting quietly and patiently in their computers and do not know and most likely will never know that they are infected.
The first rules of computer security is that if the computer is used at for storing delicate, sensitive or important data - then that computer should not be attached to the internet or have an internet connection. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t talk then you can never be accused of blabbing.
As an example there was a firm that was allowed access to very confidential government data as part of its business plan. . It was made very clear, by the government agency involved as a sponsor, that this data was most confidential. I f this information was somehow leaked or placed on the internet then dire consequences would occur. What could be a simpler message? And yet in this case, all for the convenience of the owner of the firm, the computer was directly attached to a fax computer. Even of that computer was only connected to the fax max machine computer for a split second that is all it would take for the wrong information to “get out”. Politicians follow the rule of deniability. Why shouldn’t you. ? Make your life trouble free. If the computer is nowhere near the internet in any way shape or form you can never be blamed. Simple as that.
The most important factor in computer antivirus protection is not so much the product used or installed - and there is no shortage of very reasonable computer antivirus products. The most important factor for computer antivirus security protection is that updates for the antivirus be done on a regular basis.
When you purchase a new antivirus product or complete a renewal product that is in essence what you are doing. It as if you are buoying a magazine subscription for the year.
By purchasing the subscription you are now entitled to antivirus updates for the coming year. New computer viruses are coming out “all the time”. It does you little good to be protected from last years plague. You need to be protected from the current viruses that are causing the havoc now.
Make sure that you either have a copy of an antivirus installed that has current virus definitions or if you purchased a commercial product that you have a valid subscription that allows you access to the current up to date virus lists. Next be sure that you run regular full comprehensive antivirus scans to detect and quarantine new and perhaps dangerous computer viruses. More featured commercial antivirus programs may do this automatically.
In the end most of life comes down to preparation and attention to detail. A major role of fire departments is not only to fight fires but fire prevention. Your computer antivirus protections scheme and program should be likewise
JULIUS
Many computer users live in fear of computer viruses. It is true that computer viruses can do a lot of damage that most likely could have been easily prevented - that is if they had a working up to date virus program.
First of all be reassured. Even if your computer is “wiped clean” or “wiped out” you may not be in the doghouse so to speak. If you use the computer mainly for browsing on the internet, then it is only a matter of a reinstall of windows to get you on the web again. Your computer is only a device to access the internet. It is as if you get a new phone to plug into the wall or a new TV to watch the channels that were there that were and are still there.
Your email most likely is safe as well. If you use a web based mail program like hotmail or yahoo to access your email - then your email is most likely still sitting on that company’s server in California, Bombay India or somewhere else in the world. If Microsoft goes bust, your lost email will be the least of your problems in today’s world. If you use a mail reader client like Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express, then at the worst your new email is sitting safely at that computer mail server computer.
Next it can be can be said that we have gotten off easy with computer viruses. Well at least up the present. Computer viruses can be written by its developer to do anything the developer wishes. For the most part computer viruses have been relatively innocuous. The majority of the computer viruses that you will encounter, at present, in your career as computer user, are of the “Trojan” variety and are not that mean or destructive to your computer. . Trojan antivirus are computer viruses that patiently sit in wait for a signal from a control computer, somewhere in the world, to be part of a large scale computer attack on some remote computer to overwhelm that service and disrupt its function on the internet.. You may have heard such tales in regards to C.N.N. or Amazon having their internet service being knocked out of service maliciously. Believe it or not it is estimated that up to 50 - 60 % of most computers have these Trojan viruses sitting quietly and patiently in their computers and do not know and most likely will never know that they are infected.
The first rules of computer security is that if the computer is used at for storing delicate, sensitive or important data - then that computer should not be attached to the internet or have an internet connection. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t talk then you can never be accused of blabbing.
As an example there was a firm that was allowed access to very confidential government data as part of its business plan. . It was made very clear, by the government agency involved as a sponsor, that this data was most confidential. I f this information was somehow leaked or placed on the internet then dire consequences would occur. What could be a simpler message? And yet in this case, all for the convenience of the owner of the firm, the computer was directly attached to a fax computer. Even of that computer was only connected to the fax max machine computer for a split second that is all it would take for the wrong information to “get out”. Politicians follow the rule of deniability. Why shouldn’t you. ? Make your life trouble free. If the computer is nowhere near the internet in any way shape or form you can never be blamed. Simple as that.
The most important factor in computer antivirus protection is not so much the product used or installed - and there is no shortage of very reasonable computer antivirus products. The most important factor for computer antivirus security protection is that updates for the antivirus be done on a regular basis.
When you purchase a new antivirus product or complete a renewal product that is in essence what you are doing. It as if you are buoying a magazine subscription for the year.
By purchasing the subscription you are now entitled to antivirus updates for the coming year. New computer viruses are coming out “all the time”. It does you little good to be protected from last years plague. You need to be protected from the current viruses that are causing the havoc now.
Make sure that you either have a copy of an antivirus installed that has current virus definitions or if you purchased a commercial product that you have a valid subscription that allows you access to the current up to date virus lists. Next be sure that you run regular full comprehensive antivirus scans to detect and quarantine new and perhaps dangerous computer viruses. More featured commercial antivirus programs may do this automatically.
In the end most of life comes down to preparation and attention to detail. A major role of fire departments is not only to fight fires but fire prevention. Your computer antivirus protections scheme and program should be likewise
JULIUS
Oct
27
Filed Under Computers | Comments Off
Andrew Gates asked:
With the rapid pace of technological developments, nothing has become as ubiquitous as the computer. Everyone’s got one. And they are used for all manner of endeavour, by people of all walks of life. So, do you simply buy the computer that someone’s selling? Or do you do some homework and figure out what detailed specifications are going to make some difference to you?
At Myshopping.com.au you can compare the prices of a wide range of different computers from different vendors and of different specifications. This guide will help you find what you’re looking for.
Mac or Windows (PC)
At the outset, you need to decide what you are going to use the computer for. This will help you make the fundamental decision of whether you should go Mac or PC. Although, with the advent of the dual core processor (an Intel chip now used by Mac) the differences are narrowed a little, there are still some choices that can help you favour one system over another. Historically, Mac computers have a reputation for greater stability that comes from a more robust operating system than Windows based computers. Largely for this reason, Macs have been the computer of choice for the graphic design industry, the music production industry and the video production industry. This has prompted the software manufacturers to make professional software packages for these disciplines that favour the Mac operating system. Although they have packages supporting the Windows operating system, they are often less capable.
Consequently, if you are engaged in these industries and need your computer for this type of work, you should consider Mac. Mac computers appear to attract fewer viruses and software malfunctions than do Windows based PCs. On the down side, there has always appeared to have been limited software support for Mac systems.
Another decision that may guide your choice is the aesthetics of the computer. If you have limited available space, there is nothing quite like the iMacs or the mini Macs for space saving. iMac’s all-in-one desktop units are compact and complete with all the connectivity you need. However, the look of other brands may be more to your taste, with many models available in compact packages and modern colour schemes to suit practically all dÊcor. Now that you’ve made that basic decision, you can start comparing the apples with apples.
The Components of Your Computer
The two factors that determine the price of your computer are size (yes it does matter) and speed. Either or both of these two dimensions are a factor of practically every component that makes up the machine. Naturally the highest price tags go with the combination of biggest and fastest.
CPU
The heart of the computer is the CPU (central processing unit). You need to decide which CPU you want driving your computer. These come from different manufacturers, and the current development of the technology is called Dual Core, which means that there are two processors on the one chip. Dual Core technology delivers more performance with less energy requirements. Intel and AMD are the two leading CPU manufacturers, and they offer different products under different names.
Current processing speeds range from about 1.4 GHz (gigahertz) through to 3.46 GHz. But it is not simply just a matter of speed. There are other considerations. Mac Operating Systems have a different architecture to Windows and will perform many functions faster with a slower speed CPU. A dual core chip at 1.4 GHz will deliver a better performance that a Pentium 4 chip at 1.8 GHz. A 1.4 GH dual core chip running a Mac with OSX Tiger, will perform better than a 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor running Windows. You need to decide what you want your computer to do, what your major software requirements are before you decide on the CPU processor.
However, for everyday use, a processor faster than 1.8 GHz will deliver excellent performance. As a rough rule of thumb, choose a Celeron for low cost computing, a Pentium 4 for mid-range budgets, or an AMD Athlon for bigger budgets. You can compare computers based on Pentium, Celeron, Athlon or Dual Core CPUs by searching those specifications on Myshopping.com.au and finding different vendors and brands using different processors.
RAM
This is where bigger definitely means better performance. RAM is the system memory that enables the computer to use its programs and swap data between the hard drive and the program functions. It’s important to match the speed of the RAM of your computer with the speed of the CPU. The more RAM you have available for your programs to work, the faster will your computer run. Most computers today come with at least 256 M (megabytes) of RAM. But memory is a relatively cheap component, and it costs little extra to upgrade to 512 M or greater.
HARD DRIVE
The hard drive of the computer stores your program files and your data. As computers have advanced, so has the need for more capacity to operate programs and store data. People working in media fields tend to work with very large files and require large storage space. Most computers in today’s market come with a minimum of 40G of hard drive space. However, this can be upgraded (usually in 20G chunks) to as much as 200G or more. The effectiveness of your hard drive also can depend on its physical speed (5400-7200 RPM) and the speed at which it can transfer data between the computer’s RAM and the hard drive. Faster means better performance.
REMOVABLE MEDIA
You will want to have a CD-R or (CD-RW) drive installed in your computer, and or possibly a DVD or DVD-R. For reading a CD ROM, all that is required is a CD drive and for watching DVD movies, a DVD ROM drive. However with a CD-R drive, you can record your own data and music CDs, and with a DVD-R drive, you can burn files in a DVD format, allowing you to store movies and data in far greater quantities. The CD-RW (DVD-RW) drives allow you to use re-recordable media. Your decision will depend on what you want to use your media drives for and what you want to store.
Other removable media will possibly include flash card storage, which is usually plugged in via the USB ports on the computer.
MONITORS
The monitor for your computer is integral to its function and aesthetics. If you are working in graphics you may want to stay with a CRT monitor. However most bundle offers these days are supplied with LCD monitors, which have the advantages of smaller space requirements, use lower energy and offer wider screen images. However they generally are more expensive (although prices are dropping everyday), can frequently be not as bright, have limited viewing angles and sometimes require a digital interface connector.
For graphics intensive work, LCD screens do not have the same capacity to render colours in gradients as CRT monitors. Once again, size matters. Bigger screens cost more than smaller ones.
VIDEO AND SOUND
For a detailed explanation of video cards, please see the article on Myshopping.com.au dedicated to Video Cards.
The interface between the CPU and the Monitor is provided by the video card. One of the basic decisions you need to make is whether you require a 3D or 2D card. Video cards come in two different types: those that use an AGP (accelerated graphics port) on the computer motherboard and those that use the PCI bus. Data transfer rate is critical to video performance. Faster video cards use an AGP, and this proves a faster data transfer than PCI cards. Most video cards also have their own video memory installed on the card, a feature that increases a computer’s memory performance. Today, these memories are often 128M or 256M, and can be more in the higher-end cards dedicated to sophisticated video work or gaming. Video cards performance is also affected by what is known as clock speed or clock rate, cards with a faster speed offer faster performance.
Cheaper computers, and laptops and notebooks, have an integrated graphics chip included in the motherboard instead of a discrete video card. This type of configuration is not as powerful or as fully functional as having a separate video card, which can allow more comprehensive gaming, the use of multiple monitors and faster and better rendering of images.
For a computer to reproduce the sounds recorded in games, movies and music products it requires a sound card. Quality of sound can be affected by the sound card your computer has installed. It’s important that you know how you want to use the sound reproduction processes of your computer. If you are a musician and want to record audio, then you will want to be sure that you have excellent connectivity, good midi access and at least 16-bit (CD quality) audio reproduction. Sound cards give you the possibilities of full cinema surround sound, and the many subtle effects employed by high-end games.
Nearly every computer comes with a set of stereo speakers. However it pays to have a good listen to what you’re buying. Make sure you listen to program that you are familiar with (take your own CD along) and compare the sound in a quiet environment. Many speaker systems for computers have poor frequency response and are underpowered. For desktop use that does not involve a quality listening environment this may be satisfactory. But if you want to listen to music and watch movies for the full effect, then you need to consider buying a good quality set of speakers. Use the search facility of Myshopping.com.au to compare specifications and prices of different speaker systems.
KEYBOARD AND MOUSE
The choice of keyboard and mouse are personal choices. Sometimes it depends on what you do on your computer, whether you have formal typing skills or whether you’re a two-finger hack. Serious writers may prefer an ergonomic keyboard. Keyboards frequently have different clicks and responses to others. You may prefer an infrared cordless keyboard and mouse. You may prefer an optical mouse on which you don’t have to clean the rollers. Optical mice have no rollerball, and can be used on most flat surfaces, but they are more expensive.
CONNECTIVITY
Today, connectivity is everything. Your computer can have wireless connections to all of your peripherals: printer, scanner, and other computers. Having an onboard modem will only be really important if you are using a dial up internet connection. Broadband modems tend to be peripherals and you can connect via USB, wireless or firewire. It does pay to consider how you will connect to the internet and other peripherals. It’s not always convenient to get behind your computer to plug something in or unplug it. Some sound cards have a front face panel with all the connections you need. The USB ports on Macs are conveniently located. Many PC manufacturers haven’t caught on to the fact that it’s important for some people to easily access the connections to their computers.
To compare the different bundle offers from different brands, and to compare the different components by their specifications, search the Myshopping.com.au database for exactly the specifications you are seeking. You can compare prices and vendors, and order what you need online with a few clicks.
JULIO
With the rapid pace of technological developments, nothing has become as ubiquitous as the computer. Everyone’s got one. And they are used for all manner of endeavour, by people of all walks of life. So, do you simply buy the computer that someone’s selling? Or do you do some homework and figure out what detailed specifications are going to make some difference to you?
At Myshopping.com.au you can compare the prices of a wide range of different computers from different vendors and of different specifications. This guide will help you find what you’re looking for.
Mac or Windows (PC)
At the outset, you need to decide what you are going to use the computer for. This will help you make the fundamental decision of whether you should go Mac or PC. Although, with the advent of the dual core processor (an Intel chip now used by Mac) the differences are narrowed a little, there are still some choices that can help you favour one system over another. Historically, Mac computers have a reputation for greater stability that comes from a more robust operating system than Windows based computers. Largely for this reason, Macs have been the computer of choice for the graphic design industry, the music production industry and the video production industry. This has prompted the software manufacturers to make professional software packages for these disciplines that favour the Mac operating system. Although they have packages supporting the Windows operating system, they are often less capable.
Consequently, if you are engaged in these industries and need your computer for this type of work, you should consider Mac. Mac computers appear to attract fewer viruses and software malfunctions than do Windows based PCs. On the down side, there has always appeared to have been limited software support for Mac systems.
Another decision that may guide your choice is the aesthetics of the computer. If you have limited available space, there is nothing quite like the iMacs or the mini Macs for space saving. iMac’s all-in-one desktop units are compact and complete with all the connectivity you need. However, the look of other brands may be more to your taste, with many models available in compact packages and modern colour schemes to suit practically all dÊcor. Now that you’ve made that basic decision, you can start comparing the apples with apples.
The Components of Your Computer
The two factors that determine the price of your computer are size (yes it does matter) and speed. Either or both of these two dimensions are a factor of practically every component that makes up the machine. Naturally the highest price tags go with the combination of biggest and fastest.
CPU
The heart of the computer is the CPU (central processing unit). You need to decide which CPU you want driving your computer. These come from different manufacturers, and the current development of the technology is called Dual Core, which means that there are two processors on the one chip. Dual Core technology delivers more performance with less energy requirements. Intel and AMD are the two leading CPU manufacturers, and they offer different products under different names.
Current processing speeds range from about 1.4 GHz (gigahertz) through to 3.46 GHz. But it is not simply just a matter of speed. There are other considerations. Mac Operating Systems have a different architecture to Windows and will perform many functions faster with a slower speed CPU. A dual core chip at 1.4 GHz will deliver a better performance that a Pentium 4 chip at 1.8 GHz. A 1.4 GH dual core chip running a Mac with OSX Tiger, will perform better than a 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor running Windows. You need to decide what you want your computer to do, what your major software requirements are before you decide on the CPU processor.
However, for everyday use, a processor faster than 1.8 GHz will deliver excellent performance. As a rough rule of thumb, choose a Celeron for low cost computing, a Pentium 4 for mid-range budgets, or an AMD Athlon for bigger budgets. You can compare computers based on Pentium, Celeron, Athlon or Dual Core CPUs by searching those specifications on Myshopping.com.au and finding different vendors and brands using different processors.
RAM
This is where bigger definitely means better performance. RAM is the system memory that enables the computer to use its programs and swap data between the hard drive and the program functions. It’s important to match the speed of the RAM of your computer with the speed of the CPU. The more RAM you have available for your programs to work, the faster will your computer run. Most computers today come with at least 256 M (megabytes) of RAM. But memory is a relatively cheap component, and it costs little extra to upgrade to 512 M or greater.
HARD DRIVE
The hard drive of the computer stores your program files and your data. As computers have advanced, so has the need for more capacity to operate programs and store data. People working in media fields tend to work with very large files and require large storage space. Most computers in today’s market come with a minimum of 40G of hard drive space. However, this can be upgraded (usually in 20G chunks) to as much as 200G or more. The effectiveness of your hard drive also can depend on its physical speed (5400-7200 RPM) and the speed at which it can transfer data between the computer’s RAM and the hard drive. Faster means better performance.
REMOVABLE MEDIA
You will want to have a CD-R or (CD-RW) drive installed in your computer, and or possibly a DVD or DVD-R. For reading a CD ROM, all that is required is a CD drive and for watching DVD movies, a DVD ROM drive. However with a CD-R drive, you can record your own data and music CDs, and with a DVD-R drive, you can burn files in a DVD format, allowing you to store movies and data in far greater quantities. The CD-RW (DVD-RW) drives allow you to use re-recordable media. Your decision will depend on what you want to use your media drives for and what you want to store.
Other removable media will possibly include flash card storage, which is usually plugged in via the USB ports on the computer.
MONITORS
The monitor for your computer is integral to its function and aesthetics. If you are working in graphics you may want to stay with a CRT monitor. However most bundle offers these days are supplied with LCD monitors, which have the advantages of smaller space requirements, use lower energy and offer wider screen images. However they generally are more expensive (although prices are dropping everyday), can frequently be not as bright, have limited viewing angles and sometimes require a digital interface connector.
For graphics intensive work, LCD screens do not have the same capacity to render colours in gradients as CRT monitors. Once again, size matters. Bigger screens cost more than smaller ones.
VIDEO AND SOUND
For a detailed explanation of video cards, please see the article on Myshopping.com.au dedicated to Video Cards.
The interface between the CPU and the Monitor is provided by the video card. One of the basic decisions you need to make is whether you require a 3D or 2D card. Video cards come in two different types: those that use an AGP (accelerated graphics port) on the computer motherboard and those that use the PCI bus. Data transfer rate is critical to video performance. Faster video cards use an AGP, and this proves a faster data transfer than PCI cards. Most video cards also have their own video memory installed on the card, a feature that increases a computer’s memory performance. Today, these memories are often 128M or 256M, and can be more in the higher-end cards dedicated to sophisticated video work or gaming. Video cards performance is also affected by what is known as clock speed or clock rate, cards with a faster speed offer faster performance.
Cheaper computers, and laptops and notebooks, have an integrated graphics chip included in the motherboard instead of a discrete video card. This type of configuration is not as powerful or as fully functional as having a separate video card, which can allow more comprehensive gaming, the use of multiple monitors and faster and better rendering of images.
For a computer to reproduce the sounds recorded in games, movies and music products it requires a sound card. Quality of sound can be affected by the sound card your computer has installed. It’s important that you know how you want to use the sound reproduction processes of your computer. If you are a musician and want to record audio, then you will want to be sure that you have excellent connectivity, good midi access and at least 16-bit (CD quality) audio reproduction. Sound cards give you the possibilities of full cinema surround sound, and the many subtle effects employed by high-end games.
Nearly every computer comes with a set of stereo speakers. However it pays to have a good listen to what you’re buying. Make sure you listen to program that you are familiar with (take your own CD along) and compare the sound in a quiet environment. Many speaker systems for computers have poor frequency response and are underpowered. For desktop use that does not involve a quality listening environment this may be satisfactory. But if you want to listen to music and watch movies for the full effect, then you need to consider buying a good quality set of speakers. Use the search facility of Myshopping.com.au to compare specifications and prices of different speaker systems.
KEYBOARD AND MOUSE
The choice of keyboard and mouse are personal choices. Sometimes it depends on what you do on your computer, whether you have formal typing skills or whether you’re a two-finger hack. Serious writers may prefer an ergonomic keyboard. Keyboards frequently have different clicks and responses to others. You may prefer an infrared cordless keyboard and mouse. You may prefer an optical mouse on which you don’t have to clean the rollers. Optical mice have no rollerball, and can be used on most flat surfaces, but they are more expensive.
CONNECTIVITY
Today, connectivity is everything. Your computer can have wireless connections to all of your peripherals: printer, scanner, and other computers. Having an onboard modem will only be really important if you are using a dial up internet connection. Broadband modems tend to be peripherals and you can connect via USB, wireless or firewire. It does pay to consider how you will connect to the internet and other peripherals. It’s not always convenient to get behind your computer to plug something in or unplug it. Some sound cards have a front face panel with all the connections you need. The USB ports on Macs are conveniently located. Many PC manufacturers haven’t caught on to the fact that it’s important for some people to easily access the connections to their computers.
To compare the different bundle offers from different brands, and to compare the different components by their specifications, search the Myshopping.com.au database for exactly the specifications you are seeking. You can compare prices and vendors, and order what you need online with a few clicks.
JULIO