Computer Tutorials, Tips and Resources

How to Clean Computer Keyboard

2010-03-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

It’s important to remember to show your keyboard some love every now and then both for the sake of good hygiene and to ensure it functions properly. Those keys take quite a beating everyday, and all the little crevices are excellent at trapping things like dust and hair, and if you ever eat near your computer, it’s easy to wind up with sticky surfaces and crumbs buried between the cracks. Ew, right? Here, step-by-step instructions to get your keyboard in tip top shape.

Shut down your PC, and unplug the mouse, discs or CDs, USB drives or anything else that’s protruding from your machine. Carefully, turn the keyboard (or your entire laptop, as the case may be) upside down and give it a gentle shake to release any dusty build-up that might be lurking between the keys.

Use a can of compressed air (available at just about any electronics store) to blow off residual debris around and under all the nooks and crannies. Alternatively, the hose of a vacuum cleaner works too.

Put a couple drops of isopropyl alcohol on a Q-tip and run it around the edges of your keys to get them squeaky clean. The cotton swab should be only slightly damp—not wet—dripping liquid into your keyboard is (obviously) a bad thing!

Lastly, give the whole thing a once over with a dry, lint-free cloth, and let it air dry for a few minutes before using it (never turn on your machine until you’re positive the keys are completely dry). And between in-depth cleanings, one of my favorite tricks is to use the sticky part of a Post-It note to run between rows of keys to pick up dust.

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/haven/how-to-clean-your-keyboard-1117544/

What are Trojan Horses?

2009-12-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

We have all heard the term Trojan Horse, but what exactly is it? A Trojan Horse is a destructive program that masquerades as a harmless application. Unlike viruses, Trojan Horses do not replicate themselves, but they can be just as destructive. One of the most dangerous examples of a Trojan is a program that promises to rid your computer of viruses but instead introduces viruses into your computer.

The Trojan can be tricky. Who hasn’t been online and had an advertisement pop up claiming to be able to rid your computer of some nasty virus? Or, even more frightening, you receive an email that claims to be alerting you to a new virus that can threaten your computer. The sender promises to quickly eradicate, or protect, your computer from viruses if you simply download their “free”, attached software into your computer. You may be skeptical but the software looks legitimate and the company sounds reputable. You proceed to take them up on their offer and download the software. In doing so, you have just potentially exposed yourself to a massive headache and your computer to a laundry list of ailments.

When a Trojan is activated, numerous things can happen. Some Trojans are more annoying than malicious. Some of the less annoying Trojans may choose to change your desktop settings or add silly desktop icons. The more serious Trojans can erase or overwrite data on your computer, corrupt files, spread other malware such as viruses, spy on the user of a computer and secretly report data like browsing habits to other people, log keystrokes to steal information such as passwords and credit card numbers, phish for bank account details (which can be used for criminal activities), and even install a backdoor into your computer system so that they can come and go as they please.

To increase your odds of not encountering a Trojan, follow these guidelines.

1. Remain diligent
Trojans can infect your computer through rogue websites, instant messaging, and emails with attachments. Do not download anything into your computer unless you are 100 percent sure of its sender or source.

2. Ensure that your operating system is always up-to-date. If you are running a Microsoft Windows operating system, this is essential.

3. Install reliable anti-virus software. It is also important that you download any updates frequently to catch all new Trojan Horses, viruses, and worms. Be sure that the anti-virus program that you choose can also scan e-mails and files downloaded through the internet.

4. Consider installing a firewall. A firewall is a system that prevents unauthorized use and access to your computer. A firewall is not going to eliminate your computer virus problems, but when used in conjunction with regular operating system updates and reliable anti-virus software, it can provide additional security and protection for your computer.

Nothing can guarantee the security of your computer 100 percent. However, you can continue to improve your computer's security and decrease the possibility of infection by consistently following these guidelines.

What are Botnets?

2009-12-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

Botnets are networks of computers that hackers have infected and grouped together under their control to propagate viruses, send illegal spam, and carry out attacks that cause web sites to crash.

What makes botnets exceedingly bad is the difficulty in tracing them back to their creators as well as the ever-increasing use of them in extortion schemes. How are they used in extortion schemes? Imagine someone sending you messages to either pay up or see your web site crash. This scenario is starting to replay itself over and over again.

Botnets can consist of thousands of compromised machines. With such a large network, botnets can use Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) as a method to cause mayhem and chaos. For example a small botnet with only 500 bots can bring corporate web sites to there knees by using the combined bandwidth of all the computers to overwhelm corporate systems and thereby cause the web site to appear offline.

One well-known technique to combat botnets is a honeypot. Honeypots help discover how attackers infiltrate systems. A Honeypot is essentially a set of resources that one intends to be compromised in order to study how the hackers break the system. Unpatched Windows 2000 or XP machines make great honeypots given the ease with which one can take over such systems.

A great topic to read up on this is The Honeynet Project which describes its own site's objective as "To learn the tools, tactics and motives involved in computer and network attacks, and share the lessons learned.

Best and Worst Tech Gadgets of 2009

2009-12-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

A consumer spending slump dealt a blow to electronics makers in 2009. With industry sales expected to tumble 8% to $164.9 billion this year, Pioneer dropped out of the plasma HD television market and mobile Internet device innovator OQO shut its doors. Even the supposedly recession-proof video-game industry suffered steep sales declines.

But the year in tech wasn't all bad. Online retailer Amazon (AMZN) kicked off a frenzy of competition with its wireless Kindle e-Book readers. A certain operating system named Droid emerged to give Apple a run for its money in the smartphone market. And eco-friendly products, from big-screen televisions to music systems, became commonplace.

Read on for the best products for 2009, as selected by BusinessWeek's technology writers and editors, as well as five highly anticipated products that failed to meet expectations.

Best Gadgets of 2009

1. Kindle 2 International Edition

Amazon
$259

When it was released last year, Amazon's Kindle quickly outshone the previously released Sony e-book reader, thanks to the inclusion of free, high-speed wireless access that lets users download books on the go. The retailer's superb follow-up this year offered a much-improved design and wireless connectivity that lets users download books outside the U.S. for a fee. But Amazon (AMZN) will have to keep innovating to stay ahead in a market that's quickly getting crowded with devices from rivals, including Barnes & Noble (BKS).

2. Windows 7

Microsoft
$49.99 (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Windows 7 fixes many of the problems that plagued Vista, the preceding version of Windows. Available on most new PCs, Win 7 boots faster than Vista and performs snappily, with more intuitive features than ever before.

3. Samsung 8500 Series LED Television

Samsung
$3,700

Never content to be a follower, Samsung rocked competitors with a new line of superthin high-definition televisions that use energy-sipping light-emitting diodes as their primary light source instead of traditional cold cathode fluorescent lamps. The top-of-the-line 8500 Series measures just 1.6-inches thick and processes pictures at a faster rate than older sets to reduce motion blur and create video-like images. The LED sets also include Internet connections that let users download content off the Web. Rivals Vizio, LG, and Sony are hot on Samsung's heels with their own LED-based sets and are throwing in software that the high-end Samsung set lacks, such as those that connects to Yahoo! (YHOO) tools or allows Netflix (NFLX) streaming movie access.

4. IdeaPad S12 Netbook

Lenovo
$599

Many electronics users have had a love-hate relationship with netbooks since their introduction. With their cramped keyboards, low-power processors, and small 7-in. screens, they're highly portable but not good for much more than surfing the Web. Lenovo addresses these shortcomings with the IdeaPad S12. It has a 12.1-in. screen sporting a high-definition 1280-by-800 resolution display. The IdeaPad is one of the first netbooks to sport Nvidia's (NVDA) high-end Ion graphics chip to support HD streaming video without the stuttering playback that's plagued other netbooks. Excellent stereo speakers, a relatively speedy Intel (INTC) Atom processor, and a six-hour battery make the S12 a shoo-in for our favorite netbook of the year.

5. Dual-View TL220 Digital Camera

Samsung
$250

Some products make so much sense they leave you wondering why nobody thought of them before. Samsung's Dual-View TL220 digital camera fits that description. Say you want to snap a picture of yourself and the family but don't have the time to set up a tripod or will to bother a passerby. Simply tap the front of the 12.2-megapixel TL220 to engage a 1.5-inch view screen that lets you frame yourself in the picture quickly and easily. There's even a child mode that displays built-in animations to keep the kid occupied while you line up a shot. With a wide-angle lens and the ability to shoot short HD movies, the Samsung Dual-View sets a new standard for point-and-shoot cameras.

Worst Gadgets of 2009

1. Aspire EasyStore H340 NAS Server

Acer
$390

We loved the idea: a low-priced machine that lets you store up to 500,000 digital photos, 300,000 MP3 files, and 4,285 hours of movies, and then send and share the information with devices in the home and on the road. The Aspire is slick, has a powerful Intel Atom processor, and is relatively easy to set up and install. The desktop software is the deal breaker; it includes McAfee (MFE) antivirus software that can't be removed and at times significantly slows your PC's operations. Also, if you lose the installation disc, there's no way to download it from Acer's Web site.

2. Windows Mobile 6.5 Operating System

Microsoft
Free (with purchase of Windows Mobile smartphones)

Microsoft has been working hard to put its Windows Mobile operating system on par with Android, Palm's webOS, and the software running Apple's iPhone. But Windows Mobile 6.5 doesn't quite get there. Sure, it's zippy and more stable than previous generations, but the touchscreen interface needs work, and the overall experience seems Stone Age compared to its rivals.

3. Twitter Peek

Twitter Peek
$200 (with wireless lifetime service)

With Twitter available on so many smartphones, you'd better make a dedicated mobile Twitter device good. This isn't. Its shortcomings are legion. It doesn't display full 140-character messages on the home screen, and there's no way to include multiple Twitter accounts or even get Tweets from one account if you power the device off and turn it back on.

4. PoGo Instant Digital Camera

Polaroid
$180

We liked the idea of a digital camera that can instantly print out images on the run. But overall, the camera was too heavy to carry around for extended periods of time, its tiny prints yielded washed-out or uneven colors, and the tradeoff between novelty and value was too high at a time when a point-and-shoot digital camera at twice the resolution can be had for $40 to $70 less.

5. AT&T 3G Network

AT&T
www.wireless.att.com

We hate to kick them when so many others have come before us. But spotty 3G coverage and overloaded networks have hobbled Apple's iPhone and App Store in some big cities and kept us from adding the iPhone 3GS to the list of this year's best gadgets. A delay in offering multimedia text messaging (while still charging for it) also merits a bucket of coal.

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108279/best-and-worst-tech-gadgets-of-2009

Tips in Choosing a Laptop Computer Based on Hardware and Software Needs

2009-11-26T07:23:00.000-08:00

Laptop computers are one of the most desirable techie gadgets. A laptop is a portable computer that could comfortably be used while on a person's lap - hence the name. It contains all the basic and necessary software (like Office System and Internet access) and hardware (like CD-Rom drive and Modem) features of an ordinary computer and still fits in an ordinary briefcase or backpack.

Advantages of Owning a Laptop

1. Portability.

Being portable, it can be brought along and used anywhere - school, work, vacation trips, unlike the ordinary desktop computer. This is especially handy to a person with a very hectic schedule and busy lifestyle. In this regard, a computer addict doesn't have to be a hermit anymore! He or she can go out under the glaring rays of the sun and still hold on to the best technological breakthrough product.

2. Convenience.

It is useful for the working person, for the student, for the hobbyist, and for a computer addict too. One can take notes in class, type and print assignments and reports, access the Internet and communicate with another person on the other side of the globe. Teachers and public relations officers can make use of the laptop to give a different dimension to their presentations. Some teachers also find students are more motivated when using a laptop.

3. Size and Weight.

The dormer and studio type apartment lessee would agree that a laptop would save them more space.

4. Image.

It cannot be denied that a laptop is cool. With its sleek shape and form, it can be very eye-catching. It also gives the statement that the owner is not outdated, that he or she is in keeping with the times, and finally, computer literate.

Laptops are not that expensive anymore, but this is not the kind of item a person would shop for every other week. Each and every laptop has its own demands, requirements and features. Features you may want to look for:

1. Size and weight. Laptops are portable, but their sizes and weight still vary. To be very portable, it must be small and lightweight. They usually weigh 5 pounds. If it will be used outdoors more often, the weight should not be more than 5 pounds.

The size of the screen is also important. The usual sizes are 12.1, 13.3 and 14.4 inches. Tiny screens, as small as 8 inches, are ideal for portability, but the demands of the eyes - to have a squint-free screen - should also be considered.

2. Sturdy. A laptop must be taken care of, but it would be more ideal to have a tough and sturdy one that will be able to withstand any accidental knock or minor bump. There are models available with shock-resistant hard drive mounts. It has to be durable enough if it will be taken outdoors often.

3. Internet connection. One has to be in touch with the rest of the online community. There are wireless connections offered already. To one with budget constraints, an ordinary 56Kbps modem would do to connect to the rest of the world.

4. USB port. This should also be carefully checked out so that the laptop can be used in many more ways. There should be at least one USB port if not more, for future expansion of adding other hardware. The USB port can be used for external keyboard and mouse, but it is most useful to create connection with digital cameras, external drives, and MP3 players.

5. Battery life. The battery life of the laptop must allow the user to use and enjoy it outdoors or in areas that do not offer power resources for the public. A reasonable battery life should not be lower than 5 hours. The battery life will determine the extent of freedom that can be enjoyed with the laptop.

There are 3 kinds of batteries available.

The Lithium-ion (Li+) is usually chosen. Li+ batteries have range that can offer the best quality.

Nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries are less expensive, although they do not excle in terms of battery life.

Nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries are the ones to stay away from. They require constant recharging.

6. Technical specifications. There should be enough RAM, storage space / hard drive and computing speed. The technical specifications would depend on the most probable purpose of the laptop to the owner. If the laptop would be used for playing 3D games, it is ideal to get at least a 256 RAM. If several music or video files will be stored, a larger hard drive should be considered, 40 gigabyte is ideal.

7. Price. Finally, the laptop should be reasonably priced. There are refurbished laptops available out there for those with strict budgets but there is a way to save money and still get the ideal laptop.

First, the purpose that the laptop will serve must be properly ascertained. This will avoid purchasing laptops with expensive features that would end up being unused. Don't buy 80 gigabyte of storage space if only 3 gigabytes will be used for documents.

Stick to your budget. There are many attractive add-ons in the computer shop like glow-in-the-dark mouse pads or wireless mouse. These may not be necessary and can add to the total cost.

Negotiate for add-on features. Lastly, it wouldn't hurt to try to negotiate for the price. 5% off can go a long way.

Choose the Laptop that Fits your Budget

Tips in Buying Laptops, Personal Computers and Notebooks

2009-11-26T07:16:00.000-08:00

Are you an executive always scurrying with your suitcase during business trips? A student always on the go trying to finish as many projects as possible to gain extra credits? Or a businessperson always meeting up with your biz partners to explore more business opportunities?

Are you any of those mentioned category of people? If so, chances are, you already are carrying what has come to be the busy person's best friend - a laptop a.k.a. a portable Personal computer. Or you're just planning to get one. If so, take some time to digest this guide on which laptop is for you and how to take care of it.

Here are the various kinds of laptops and their specifications:

1. Ultralights

As monikered, these are the lightest of all the laptops. Also known as an ultraportable or sub-notebook, if you travel a lot, you may consider acquiring this kind of laptop since it only weighs approximately 4 pounds. One drawback that an ultralight has is its not being able to contain an internal CD drive or a network card since it has to maintain its weight. This means you have to bring with you an external CD drive and port replicator. Also, ultralights come with heftier price tags compared with other kinds of laptops.

2. Notebooks

The basics of the laptop kingdom belong to the notebook kind. This type is less heavy though, weighing only about 4 to 6 pounds. Notebooks are a bit heavier than the ultralight but they offer more features. They are made with a large opening on the side for a CD drive or extra battery.

3. Standards

Like notebooks, these are considered the same as regular laptops. But they are a lot heavier than the notebooks weighing in at 6 to 8 pounds. Cost-effectiveness-wise, standards are known to give you the best value for your moolah. Big laptop manufacturers often offer discounts on this kind of laptops because of their popularity and user-friendliness.

4. Extra Large

These laptops weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. Their screen measures at least 17 inches. Living up to its name, it also has a larger keyboard compared to a standard laptop. It is for those who despise the hassle of a small keyboard. If you don't mind its weight or you really are not that much of a traveler, this kind of laptop might be the one for you. You only have to beware of its heftier price tag.

Depending on your personal preference, you might consider other factors such as the brand name, in choosing which laptop to purchase.

Here are a few do's and don't's if you are unsure of how to take care of your new gizmo:

a. Do not put it on unstable work surfaces.

b. Do not expose it to any kind of moisture, extreme temperatures, strong electrical or magnetic fields or dirt or dusty environment.

c. Do not touch or press the display panel.

d. Before cleaning, disconnect first the AC power and remove the battery pack.

e. Before transporting it, turn it off and detach all external peripherals. This is to prevent the connectors from getting damaged.

5. Always always read the instruction books that come with your new machine. It will provide you with more tips to keep your hardware and your software operating perfectly!

Check this list of Computers

Build Your Own Computer

2009-11-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

If you’ve been kicking around the idea of building your own computer, it actually isn’t a bad idea. It’s easier than you might think, and you can probably come out with a system that gives you more kick for your money, than you’d see in retail, or those made-to-order places. There are mainly two ways you’re going to see the benefits here:

1. You can see the money you’re going to save on this right up front. Just do a search on Cnet.com under “Compare Prices” for any random PC component you see in the stores, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. In most cases, you’ll cut out the full-retail markup, and then some. You’ll find brand new, sealed, in-box items lower online than you’ll ever find in any store.

2. The quality of the parts you’re getting is much better than what they put in pre-assembled, store-bought computers. You’ll know which brands mean quality. You could have a Creative sound card and a video card made by ATI or nVidia; the price difference is negligible, and we’re dealing with quality and performance standards that dwarf any no-name components they put in store bought systems, so they can keep their costs down. Many times, computer manufacturers like just use a cheap motherboard that has everything, your sound, video, etc., integrated into it; you get a third-rate version of everything.

Here are the main parts, or the basic building blocks for what you’ll need when you build your own computer.

1. A Motherboard.
All computers have one, but a good motherboard is just a fast connector that’ll hold lots of memory and extra slots for expansion components. Steer clear of motherboards that have “built-in” this or “integrated” that, because they’re almost always of lousy quality. It does help to have all your USB ports, keyboard plugs etc., on your motherboard, however. I have an onboard LAN that works pretty well, since a LAN is a LAN, but there were some driver issues with it when I put it together.

2. The Processor, or CPU.
This is the “brain” of your computer. The kind of CPU that you can get depends on the kind of board that you picked out. The market is pretty much Intel Pentium 4 or AMD. Most people who are interested in higher power and long-term use tend to opt for the Intel.

3. Video Card.
This is easy. Are you a hardcore gamer or someone who just uses a PC for a little email and word processing every now and then? This is the major question that’ll tell you the video card you need. Obviously the more intense and rigorous your video and graphics demands, the more video memory your card will need.

4. Memory.
Memory or RAM (Random Access Memory) is easy too. The main size ram you’ll find that goes with what’s still the most common new computer motherboard size (the Pentium compatible, socket 478) is the standard DDR 184 pin memory stick. Whether you need DDR 333, DDR 400, or DDR 533 (mhz, frequency and speed really) depends on the board you chose. Some handle all of them, some handle just a few, so be sure to read that part of the box, (or online description).

5. Sound Card.
This is probably one of the easiest parts to pick out and add. Most standalone sound cards you’ll see out there (the best way to go) are pretty good in the digital sound that they’ll give you. I would go with Creative Labs, who I mentioned earlier, because they’ve been around since the mid 80’s; they’ve got this right. Almost every one sold and made today is the PCI slot, the most common motherboard slot, so it’s pretty hard to pick a sound card that won’t work.

6. Hard Drive.
This is your main storage on your PC. It holds all of your files, games, pictures, operating system, everything. I would make sure I had at least 160 gigs of space, even if I weren’t a power user. This sounds like a lot but you’ll find that just in everyday PC use, that space gets eaten up fast. There are a few quality names out there that most people know, like Western Digital and Seagate.

7. Chassis / Computer Case.
It’s good idea to get a case that comes with the power supply already in it, so you won’t have to deal with the annoyance of buying one separately and fitting it in. Plus, the power supply warranty (and they do go out sometimes) is by the same people who made your case, so they’re easy to track down. The only big consideration is that you need to get a case that supports the new generation boards (socket 478 and 775 for power users) because the power supply has this special 4-pin plug that any motherboard made in the past 5 years needs or it won’t even boot up. But still, the biggest part of your computer case selection is going to be cosmetics and personal style, so pick one you like!

8. Other Drives.
Once the main parts are together and your system’s up and running, you can pick and choose what extras you like or need – everything from CD or DVD burners to MP3 hubs and advanced audio hookups.

With a little smart shopping, and little close attention to quality brands, you can build one affordable, high-performance PC in a snap!

Best Laptop, Desktop and Tablet PCs Under $500

2009-11-05T17:06:00.000-08:00

With the launch of Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7, the budget end of the spectrum is suddenly ripe with value. Unless you need a high-performance machine you can push to the very extreme, you'll find plenty of amazing systems under $500. Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Dell Studio Hybrid Desktop, $499

Call it "green" if you must, but make no mistake: Dell's hyper-efficient Studio Hybrid doesn't play favorites when it comes to color. The chic little desktop can be ordered in six colors, and makes good on its Earth-friendly reputation by using 70 percent less power than a typical desktop, measuring 80 percent smaller, and made from 95 percent recyclable materials. An Intel Pentium Dual Core processor and GMA X3100 graphics chip also set it a cut above the standard netbook crowd when it comes to processing power.

2. Acer Aspire Revo 3610, $330

Acer's Aspire Revo is a computer tiny enough to strap behind a flat-screen display, quiet enough to forget about, and powerful enough to drive stunning HD content in all its 1080p glory. Although it shares the same Atom processor line used by netbooks, the system uses a dual-core variant of the chip, plus adds Nvidia's powerful Ion graphics processor to help deal with games and video.

3. HP Mini 311, $449

The first netbook to make use of Nvidia's powerful Ion graphics processor is also one of the cheapest, with a price tag barely any higher than most of its competitors. The Mini 311 not only boasts an Ion LE chip to bolster HD video and gaming performance, it also sports an 11.6-inch screen for more viewing area, an almost-full-size keyboard, and an attractive patterned lid.

4. iBuypower Intel Core 2 Duo Custom Gaming PC, $490

How do you get a high-quality gaming rig for under $500? Reach for last-gen, but still plenty high-tech hardware. This Core 2 Duo machine won't blow the doors off of anything with the latest Intel Core i7 Chip, but you just can't beat the price. It technically starts at $519, but opting for a Gamma case gets it down to a comfy $490. That includes an Intel Core 2 Duo processor clocked at 3.0GHz, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, and an Nvidia 9400GT graphics card with 512MB of RAM (we recommend upping it to 1GB for another $6).

5. HP Compaq CQ61z Notebook, $399

That's right: notebook, not netbook. HP's Compaq CQ61z packs a real processor, video card, optical drive and screen into a machine no pricier than the average low-cost, no-frills portable PC. That means an AMD Sempron M100 tooling away at 2GHz under the hood, an ATI Radeon HD 4200 with 128MB of RAM, and a glorious 15.6-inch screen. Of course, it weighs about two more pounds than a netbook, but that's the price you pay for enhanced performance.

6. Archos 9 PCTablet, $499

While you're waiting for the fairy tale known as Apple's touch tablet, check out this slick little number, which you can pick up today. Despite the system's tiny 9-inch screen, 0.67-inch thickness and weight of only 1.7 pounds, it runs a full-fledged version of Windows 7. You can use it to surf the Web, chat with friends, type up papers in Word, or even watch HD videos on the high-resolution display.

7. Gateway SX2800-01r, $449

You might guess from the size of it that Gateway's SX2800 is yet another performance-compromised small-form-factor PC that sacrifices speed in the name of size. Not so. Lurking inside the diminutive gloss-black tower case is an Intel Core 2 Quad processor clocked at 2.33GHz, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 640GB hard drive, and Intel GMA X4500 graphics accelerator. The lack of a real graphics card might make it a dog for games and 1080p video playback, but for heavy desktop multitasking all the way up to tasks like Photoshop and video editing, its Quad Core Intel will barely break a sweat.

8. Lenovo C300 All-in-One Desktop, $450

Don't have another $150 floating around to spend on a 20-inch monitor after you drop serious coin on a new PC? Lenovo's C300 combines both into an all-in-one desktop based on netbook hardware for under $500. The Intel Atom powering the machine makes it a bit anemic as far as desktops go, but for routine surfing, typing and chatting, it will get the job done. Asus' comparably priced Eee Top ET1602 offers a smaller touchscreen, but we prefer an ordinary 20-inch screen to a 15.6-inch fondle-ready model.

9. Toshiba Satellite T115, $450

Don't be fooled by the 11.6-inch monitor: This little guy is packing a bit more brawn than the average netbook. You'll find a dual-core Intel Celeron beating inside its heart instead of an Atom, and an Intel X4500 graphics accelerator buried in there somewhere too. Together, they multitask and push around media with more authority than a netbook, and according to Toshiba, provide over nine hours of battery life as well. Now that's a mini laptop we could live with.

10. Dell Inspiron 546, $269

You can't get much cheaper than Dell's no-frills Inspiron 546, an unassuming mini tower that, like the HP Compaq CQ61z, uses affordable desktop hardware rather than scraping by with netbook guts. That includes an AMD Sempron LE 1300 clocked at 2.3GHz, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and a legit ATI Radeon HD3200 graphics card. You also get your pick of eight different colors for another $30, and should you decide to opt for a little more grunt, Dell offers plenty of performance-boosting piecemeal upgrades.

http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/278/best-laptop-desktop-and-tablet-pcs-under-500/

Choosing the Right Monitor For Your PC

2009-11-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

Your monitor is, in many ways, the most important part of your computer purchase. Sure you can make a case that without a keyboard you couldn’t enter data, but that’s not totally true. You could have a touch screen monitor or you could use a computer mouse. Naturally you need a box containing a CPU, but years ago the monitor was included in a box with the motherboard and all connecting boards. But leaving that argument aside, just remember that the monitor is your window to the world of computing. It is the part of the computer that you look at. It shows you what your software is doing and it shows you that your commands to the software have been properly inputted. If you make a spelling error you’ll notice it on the monitor, either by proofreading the screen, or running a spell checker. Your monitor could be called the personality of your computer.

There are many types of monitors and before choosing one you should be familiar with the types available. The first type to consider is the traditional monitor, also known as a CRT because it uses the cathode ray tubes found in television sets. With these monitors a beam of electronics is passed over tiny red, blue and green phosphor dots on the front of the screen. Traditional monitors, because they are so close to TV sets, are the original computer monitors and have been with us for many years. The most common type is 17 inches, though larger monitors are available. The only real drawback to this type of monitor is the size. They need a lot of room for the large and lengthy picture tube.

LCD monitors are very popular these days and are also called flat panel or flat screen monitors. LCD stands for liquid crystal display, much like those used in laptop and notebook computers. With LCD monitors a thin layer of liquid crystals is sandwiched between layers of polarizing filters and a special glass that is conductive. This creates an electrical grid with millions of miniscule transistors, switched on and off to allow light from fluorescent tubes to pass through. These monitors are much thinner than traditional monitors and have a greater viewing area than their CRT cousins. They also suffer less from electrical interference and generate less radiation. The downside here is that sometimes from some viewing angles the picture can be harder to see than on a CRT.

There are other specialized types of LCD monitors. They include the Wide Screen Entertainment Display, and the Stereoscopic or 3D Display. Both CRT type monitors and LCD type monitors are also available in touch screen versions, which allow you to touch a spot on the monitor to get the desired result rather than using a mouse or keyboard.

When choosing a monitor the questions to ask first are:

1. Where will I use the monitor? Do I have plenty of room, or is space at a premium? If you have plenty of space, then a traditional CRT might be just fine. If space is as a premium, then look at flat screens.

2. What type of work will I do with the monitor? If you are simply playing games, doing spreadsheets or surfing the web, a standard 17 inch monitor might be fine. If you are a graphic artist, or make your living doing word processing then a larger monitor that is easier to read and allows a view of an entire document page might be a good investment.

3. Will I use it only for computing, or do I want to replace my traditional television set and use my computer monitor? If that were the case, then a larger size monitor would be better if you have family members.

4. How important is resolution to me? Do you need fine detail and multiple colors? Then a higher priced high-resolution monitor could be the best choice.

5. Do I have special needs? If you do, then the 3D monitors, wide screen entertainment monitors, or the touch screen monitors should be looked at.

Remember, you have to live with and use your monitor, so look at all the options out there and choose carefully.

Firewall Program Defends your Computer from Hackers

2009-10-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

How secure is your computer? Most of us have virus protection and probably feel pretty safe. But how many know that there can be many individuals out there who may be trying to spy around your hard disk all day long? I would venture that there are not many sitting at their computer right now who have even thought about it!

High speed access to the Internet has opened the doors to our work areas. I had even recorded attacks on my computer when I was using a local dial up service. The high speed access capability is great; I know that from personal experience. But it does open you up to extra risks since your Internet connection is probably open all day, even when you are not using it.

Intrusions on the Internet are common because hackers do frequent scans looking for systems they can break into. A typical hacker may scan thousands. He or she isn't targeting you personally. In the hour preceding the writing of this article I had three attacks on my computer through my cable hookup. Two were hackers probing to see if they could get in and the other was a hacker checking to see if I had a specific Trojan program that might have compromised my system so that they could get in. This is a regular daily occurrence. Luckily my system has a software (firewall) program that detects and stops any attacks. It also logs in the attacks so that I can see what they were. It felt pretty good for the moment since they couldn't get into my machine.

You can sit there and say that you are only a little guy or gal, who would even try? Well that may be so, but on the other hand, do you know exactly what you have saved on your computer - credit card numbers, account numbers, personal information...? You would be amazed at the number of files that are saved on your machine by windows and other programs that you aren't
even aware of.

I have had to change credit card accounts twice in the last year due to some large well known companies who's systems were attacked and credit card files were compromised. So it can happen, even to the big guys. There is a lot of software out there to help you; it can be free or relatively inexpensive.

So, why not feel a little more secure? Click Here!

Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer

2009-10-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

It's easy to be intimidated by all the laptop models on the market today. There are literally dozens and dozens in every price range.

The key to finding the right one for you is to step back and consider exactly how you plan to use your laptop. When you define what you need before you go shopping, buying the right machine becomes much easier.

Here are 5 basic factors to consider:

1. SIZE

In the world of mobile computing, size definitely matters. The size of a laptop affects two key areas: portability and display size.

If you're always on the go and will be using your computer only in short bursts, a so-called ultralight will save you some shoulder strain. On the other hand, if you're going to spend hours in front of your laptop, a larger display may be in order.

Today, some laptop displays exceed 17 inches, rivaling the display size of many desktop systems. The down side is that these monsters can easily weigh three times as much as an ultralight.

2. HARD DRIVE

Speaking of size, what about the size of the hard drive? One way to approach this issue is to ask yourself the following question:

Will this be my primary computer, or will it supplement my desktop system?

If the former, you should look for a bigger hard drive - 60 GB or more. If the latter, you may be able to make it with a 20-30 GB hard drive. But even this isn't absolute.

If, for example, you plan to copy a huge MP3 library from your desktop system to your laptop to make your music library portable, you'd be well advised to err on the side of too big.

3. MEMORY

In determining the right amount of system memory, or RAM, take a look at the ways in which you intend to use your laptop:

If your needs are somewhat mundane - email, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. - 256 MB of RAM should be plenty. This is a common configuration for many laptops, so it means you probably won't need to spend extra for more RAM.

On the flip side, if you're an aspiring mobile digital photographer or videographer, you should stuff your laptop with as much RAM as it can hold.

In fact, exactly how much RAM your laptop can hold may in part drive your purchase decision. Applications for editing and manipulating multimedia content are notorious resource hogs.

4. NETWORK CONNECTIONS

Thanks in no small part to the Internet, computing in the 21st century relies heavily on being connected:

Connected to the Internet, connected to a corporate network, connected to a wireless network, connected to a home network, connected to an online service.

Your life will be easier if you buy a laptop that includes built-in means to connect to them all.

5. PRICE

If you're considering a laptop, you're probably wondering how much money you'll need to spend.

A few years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find one for under $2,000. Today, there are plenty of laptops to be had for under $1,000. What's more, most of the major manufacturers offer a variety of financing options.

Laptop prices have come down, to be sure. However, a laptop still represents a fairly major purchase for most people.

If you take the time to search for a laptop that meets your specific needs, you should get many years of use and enjoyment from this important investment.

To know more about laptops and other gadgets, Click Here!

Do You Know How To Remove Spyware?

2009-10-22T08:46:00.001-07:00

Spyware is rapidly becoming a major problem for Internet users. It is estimated that 9 out of 10 computers are infected with spyware or ad ware or both. Spyware may be responsible for 50 % of all computer crashes. Spyware runs silently and you may not be aware that your every move on the Internet is being observed and recorded.

If a user does not detect and remove spy ware from his computer, all his files may get infected and it may stop working. All his passwords, credit card numbers and other personal information may be stolen before he can realize what is going on. Once spyware has been removed, the computer will run much faster. It is worth while you to find and use the best spyware removal software available.

Features Of Good Spyware Removal Software

A few features to consider, while searching for spyware removal software products, are:

* It should offer complete protection from spyware, key loggers, remote acess Trojans (RATS), browser hijackers and ad ware.
* A good spyware program will offer automatic updates, to provide protection from the latest spy ware threats.
* The spyware product should offer technical support, so you can call or e-mail someone, if you have a technical problem.
* A good customer service back up also shows that the manufacturer can be trusted to look after the needs of the customer in the long run.

How Does It Work?

It is very difficult to find and remove spyware software from a computer manually. Spyware protection software detects and removes spyware and ad ware from your computer automatically. It can also protect your computer from data thieves, hackers, malicious e-mail and other threats.

There are many free spyware protection software products available. These programs can be used to detect and remove spyware and adware that is already present in your
computer. Many types of spyware, install themselves on your computer again, after you have deleted them.

Free spyware removal programs can help you to assess the problem. A permanent solution may be to get the best spyware solution product available.

For the Official Spyware Remover, Click Here!

Cleaning your Computer

2009-10-22T08:40:00.001-07:00

Taking care of your computer will help it last longer and work better.

To clean your mouse - The trackball can pick up dirt and dust from your desk and mouse pad. Also, the wheels that the trackball come in contact with get dirty and need to be cleaned. If you notice your mouse "doesn't work right", it may be time to clean it. First, turn your PC off. Turn your mouse over and you will see the ball sticking out of a cover. Look at the arrows on the cover and turn it in the indicated direction to open it up. Don't worry about anything falling out. The only thing that comes out is the ball, and maybe a little dust, and you want to take that out anyway. You can clean the ball with alcohol if it needs it, but usually just wiping it off will work. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol works well for cleaning the wheels. When you're done, drop the ball back in and put the cover back on. If cleaning it doesn't help, it may be time to replace it. PC mice are usually less than $10 and are sometime free if you watch for sales in the Sunday paper.

To clean your optical mouse - If you have an optical mouse, one with a red light under it, there is no ball and you can just wipe off the lenses with a cotton swab.

To clean your keyboard - Never spray anything into your keyboard, this includes coffee. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean dust, dirt, staples and cookie crumbs from your keyboard, but make sure your computer is off before starting, and make sure you don't have any loose keys. Rubbing alcohol works well to clean the keys and surface of your keyboard, but use it sparingly. Using a cloth works well, as paper towels tend to leave little pieces behind. If you spill something sticky like your favorite soft drink on the keyboard, the keys will likely start to get sticky as it dries. It could be time to replace it. They too are cheap and can be free if you watch for a sale.

To clean the computer - You can use a vacuum to clean around the vents and anywhere else that looks dusty. Be careful in the back of the PC to not knock any plugs loose. It is a good idea to keep the vents clean and free of dust, pet hair or lint. How often you clean your computer depends more on the environment it's in than the manufacturer's recommendation. I have 2 dogs that shed so I clean my computer about every 2 months. A cloth and alcohol can be used on the outside of the PC if it's dirty but, again, turn it off first.

To clean your monitor - A vacuum can be used to remove dust from the vents. If you have fingerprints on the glass, you can use the same wipes that you would use on your glasses or use as soft cloth and warm water followed by a dry cloth. Think of your monitor glass the same way you think of glasses, if you wear them. They may have delicate coatings on them that can be scratched. Always avoid chemicals on displays. To clean a laptop display or LCD - These displays are plastic and can also be scratched by paper products such as tissues or paper towels or damaged by chemicals. Use a cloth made for glasses or camera lenses or a soft cloth and warm water followed by a dry cloth.

Google automated Spam Blog detection locked ComputerBlogTips as Spam Blog!

2009-10-18T19:31:00.001-07:00

Last October 14, 2009, i received a mail from Google informing me that two of my blogs (http://computerblogtips.blogspot.com/ and http://ecreditloans.blogspot.com/) has been identified by their automatic spam detection that those blogs has been considered spam blogs and will be deleted within 20 days unless i request for a review. They provided a link for the review but no response or nothing happened at all after clicking the link.

Here is the message that i received in my mail:

http://computerblogtips.blogspot.com/ - ACTION REQUIRED

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 3:30 PM
From: "Blogger"

Hello,

Your blog at: http://computerblogtips.blogspot.com/ has been identified as a potential spam blog. To correct this, please request a review by filling out the form at http://www.blogger.com/unlock-blog.g?lockedBlogID=8967635968084746035

Your blog will be deleted in 20 days if it isn't reviewed, and your readers will see a warning page during this time. After we receive your request, we'll review your blog and unlock it within two business days. Once we have reviewed and determined your blog is not spam, the blog will be unlocked and the message in your Blogger dashboard will no longer be displayed. If this blog doesn't belong to you, you don't have to do anything, and any other blogs you may have won't be affected.

We find spam by using an automated classifier. Automatic spam detection is inherently fuzzy, and occasionally a blog like yours is flagged incorrectly. We sincerely apologize for this error. By using this kind of system, however, we can dedicate more storage, bandwidth, and engineering resources to bloggers like you instead of to spammers. For more information, please see Blogger Help: http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=42577

Thank you for your understanding and for your help with our spam-fighting efforts.

Sincerely,

The Blogger Team

P.S. Just one more reminder: Unless you request a review, your blog will be deleted in 20 days. Click this link to request the review: http://www.blogger.com/unlock-blog.g?lockedBlogID=8967635968084746035

Conclusion:

This is very offensive on our part as a legitimate blogger. When a reader open the site, this will be the opening remarks. What a freaking remarks and an offensive way to inform the readers! It really upsets!!! To avoid embarassment, you've followed their instructions but nothing happened!!!

"This blog is currently under review due to possible Blogger Terms of Service violations.

If you're a regular reader of this blog and are confident that the content is appropriate, feel free to click "Proceed" to proceed to the blog. We apologize for the inconvenience.

If you're an author of this blog, please follow the instructions on your dashboard for removing this warning page."

Simple Ways To Increase Your Computer Speed

2009-10-14T00:41:00.000-07:00

If you're a computer expert, you'll probably already know about these tips (hopefully this will provide you with a little reminder). If you're not an expert, don't worry - these tips are simple, and don't require a lot of computer experience.

While an old computer will never operate at the same speed as a newer (and bigger & faster) computer, you can help your computer stay as "young & healthy" as possible.

Disk Cleanup

Performing a disk cleanup regularly is a good idea. Whenever you "surf the internet", open attachments, delete files, your computer saves a record of your activity. Many of these files are harmless, and individually are very small. But if you spend a lot of time on your computer, before long you'll take up enough space to slow your computer down a bit.

Disk Cleanup is a Windows utility that helps keep unused and unwanted files from taking up extra storage space on your computer. You can think of it as "spring cleaning” for your computer.

Basically, it removes files that may have once been useful or used but now are just taking up extra room that could be used for more useful programs and files.

To perform a disc cleanup, click on the Start button on the bottom left of your computer screen, then Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disc Cleanup. A small box will pop up, allowing you to select the files to delete (most files are OK to delete, but if you are unsure, it is best to not select the file). Then click OK, and the unused files will be removed.

If you've never done a disk cleanup on your computer, now is a good time to get started. Then, depending on how much you use your computer, you can perform a disk cleanup every few weeks to keep your computer running smoothly!

Defragmenting Your Computer

Another way to improve the performance of your computer is to defragment your hard drive. What is defragmenting, and why do you need to do it? Here's a simple explanation:

Basically, defragmenting is putting files back where they belong. With the files in the proper order, your computer will run more efficiently.

You don't need to hire a computer expert to defragment your computer. It's simple to do. You just need to plan ahead, because if you have a lot of "stuff" on your computer, it could take a while.

And it's best not to use your computer while defragmenting.

Not sure how to defragment your computer? You can either click on your computer's help file (Click the "Start" button on the bottom left of your computer screen, then Help), or click on Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Defragment - for most computers) .

Keep in mind that the actual wording is slightly different depending on the operating system you use (Windows 95, 98, XP, Vista, etc) so you might need to refer to your computer's help file.

Periodically defragmenting your computer will keep it running smoothly!

Removing Spyware & Adware

If you've ever had spyware or adware on your computer, you know how frustrating it can be - strange things happening, your homepage changing, inappropriate popups, unfamiliar icons...

What exactly is spyware or adware?

Simply, files that are often downloaded onto your computer without your knowledge (or at least without you knowing what they really are).

Unfortunately, many of these programs "sneak" their way onto your computer, so avoiding them entirely is difficult, especially if you spend a lot of time on your computer, surfing the Internet and downloading new programs and files.

Fortunately, there are ways to remove these unwanted files from your computer.

Here are 2 adware/spyware removal programs that are simple to use (and both are free):

* Ad-Aware http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/>http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
* Spybot http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html>http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Why does adware/spyware continue to be such a problem? Because most of these programs make money for the people creating and spreading them, unfortunately. So, all we can do is try to avoid them as much as possible, and to remove them when they do find their way onto our computers.

If you do find spyware on your computer, don't panic. In many cases, you just have some extra "junk" on your computer. But keeping spywaer and adware off of your computer will help it run more quickly and efficiently.

Uninstalling Old & Unused Programs

While uninstalling old, unused programs will help speed up your computer, removing the wrong files can cause you some big problems. So, please proceed carefully. And if you are not comfortable, please ask for help from someone you know who is more knowledgeable.

Most programs that you download simply have an "uninstall" feature that comes with them. If you're like me and you download a lot of free programs or free trials, after a while your computer begins to slow down. That means it's time for me to remove some of the old programs I don't use any more (and most I only used once just to see how they work).

To uninstall unused programs from your computer, first click on the Start button on the bottom left, then Programs, then click on the name of the program and Uninstall. If there is no uninstall option, then click on the Start button on the bottom left, then Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs.

Again, if you are unsure whether or not to remove a program, it is best to leave it.

If you follow these instructions, you should find your computer working faster right away.

Get A High Speed Internet Connection

If you spend a lot of time on the internet, a high speed internet connection is a must. It is more expensive, but for most people the savings in time and effort is worth the added expense.

There are several advantages of having a high speed internet connection - faster surfing, web pages open more quickly, files download faster, and if you send or receive large files, like pictures or video, trying to open these files with a slower dialup connection is extremely frustrating!

If you're already spending $20 a month or more for your dialup connection (through your phone line) then you'll find DSL to be comparable in price, and a lot faster.

A cable internet connection might cost a little more, but it is usually the fastest type of internet connection you can get from home.

High speed wireless connections are available for those who travel a lot. And high speed satellite internet is available in areas where other options are not (check your options first, as this is the most expensive high speed connection).

That's all the tips for increasing your computer speed and helping your computer run more efficiently. We hope you found these tips helpful!

3 Simple Ways To Save Money When Buying A New Computer!

2009-10-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

For most people, buying a new computer does not have to be as stressful as buying a new car. Nor does it have to be as expensive. If you're like most people, and you have a limited budget for buying a computer, then you need to try to get as much computer for your money as possible.

Here are 3 simple ways on how you can save money when buying a new computer:

1) Shop around for best deal.

Sounds pretty obvious. But many people don't realize they don't need the fastest, most expensive computer with the most "extras". In fact, if you are already using an older computer, even the least expensive new computer will be a big upgrade. If you don't know a lot about computers, you can learn a lot by shopping around. Ask lots of questions, compare prices, compare features, then find the best price. Shop at your local electronics store, and look for the best deals online. You'll be surprised at how much money you can save by shopping around!

2) Install your own "extras"

Many computers you will find in a store have a lot of extra software already installed. While this is convenient, it is not always the best way for you to save money. Also, while many of these extras sound good, you don't always need them. You can often find better deals by shopping around separately for your own software extras (such as a word processor, anti-virus, popup blocker, spyware removal, games, etc). And some of these you can get for free. So before you buy the "fully loaded" computer, ask yourself if you really need all the extras, then shop around to see if you can buy a scaled down computer - and get the extras yourself for much less!

3) Don't buy extended warranty

If you are not a computer "techie", the extended warranties offered by the computer retailers often sound like a good idea. After all, who wants to be bothered paying for service on a computer after you buy it. But keep in mind that most computers come with a warranty, and most computer problems will either happen at the beginning (when you still have the warranty in effect) or much later (when it might be cheaper to buy a new computer). Technology changes very quickly these days. So consider whether or not it's worth the inflated price of the extended warranty. And, if you really feel you need the extended warranty, then ask to purchase it at a lower price. Not all retailers will negotiate on the warranty, but some will. And whether you buy the extended warranty or not, make sure you back up all your files periodically, just in case!

If you have an unlimited budget, consider yourself lucky. And if you do business on the computer, make sure you get what you need, while trying to keep the price down. At any price, buying something that does not fit your needs is not a good deal.

For more information on buying your computer, Click here...

How To Buy The Right Computer

2009-10-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when trying to figure out the differences between RAM, processor speed and hard drive size , it seems like you need a degree in computer science. But it can be simplified into layman's terms.

On the same note, you can’t take it too lightly, because there is a lot to think about. Believe me, the purchase of a new computer can affect you sanity.

I read an article that stated most Americans ask: “What do I want?” Instead of: “What do I need?” when they go shopping. Now, if money is no object, stop reading this and return to your carefree life of Lamborghinis, Beluga, and chilled three olive Martinis. Otherwise this may help you in deciding on your next purchase.

Can I go no frills?

Yes, there are some good no name brands that will work just as well. However, (Personally) I prefer brand name PC’s to the no frills isle. The $50-$75 that you save for going the cheaper way may cause you headaches when a warranty issue comes around.

Does size matter?

I did a quick survey and contrary to what we would like to think, size does matter. I mean it’s pretty simple when you think about it, the larger it is, the more information you can store on it. (What did you think I was talking about; get your mind out of the gutter) Seriously, if you write essays/proposals for school or work, play a lot of games, or have tons of music that you would like to store, you’ll need to make sure you get a hard drive with practical size. (80-120GB should be fine for now, if you need more space in a year or so you can look at an external USB or Firewire HDD)

How fast is fast?

In order to answer this you will have to ask yourself one question. What am I going to do with my new PC? If you are using it for checking emails, writing letters and surfing the web, save yourself some money and go with the Celeron processor and standard RAM package. If you are going to play games, develop graphics and use your PC as a TV/stereo, you’ll need to go with Pentium or equivalent processor and boost your RAM to 1GB or what ever you can afford. (Remember, more RAM (memory) is one of the best ways to speed up your PC)

Bring On The Noise!

This is simple, if you plan on using your PC as a TV or stereo, I suggest the latest greatest sound card along with some kicking speakers. (7.1 surround sound really responds nicely)

What operating system do I need?

Again, we need to ask the same question. What am I using this PC for? (See a Pattern)Email checking, Web surfing, Game playing junkies – Windows XP Home/Professional/Vista is your choice (If you have a choice, always go with the Pro). Home theater watching, MP3 ripping, picture taking extremists – Windows Media Center is your puppy.

What You See Is What You Get!

Video can make or break your PC. Standard users need a least 64MB of video RAM. I recommend 128MB or better for everyone.

Is flat better?

Yes, the technologies with the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) displays have made major improvements in the last few years. Also, the space saved is worth its wait in gold. Go flat.

Breakdown

If you plan on checking emails, surfing the web, writing letters, here is your PC.

Brand name – Whatever you want (I recommend Dell);
Hard drive size – (120 - 250 GB IDE drive);
Memory – (256-512MB);
Processor – Latest Celeron processor will do;
Sound – Integrated sound card and 2.1 speaker system will be fine;
Operating system – Windows XP Pro or Home or higher (Vista), Linux ;
Video Card – Integrated is fine, but you should have between 64 and 128MB of RAM;
Monitor – 15”-17” flat panel.

If you are going to play games, create a home theater or stereo it up. This is what you will need.

Brand name – Whatever you want (I recommend Alienware);
Hard drive size – (250-400GB SATA drive);
Memory – (1-4GB);
Processor – Latest greatest Pentium or equivalent;
Sound – Audigy 4 Pro will suffice, along with the Creative Power Pak 7.1 speaker system;
Operating system – Widows XP Pro or Media Center;
Video Card – ATI all-in-wonder X800 XT;
Monitor – 19-21” Flat Panel or DLP projection screen for home theaters.

Understanding Compression

2009-10-06T00:57:00.000-07:00

Downloading files from the Internet has always been one of the most popular activities on the Internet – third to sending email and browsing the web. We download files from software libraries, ftp directories, YouTube and Google Video, MP3 sites, and we download files sent to us as email attachments.

Being so popular an activity, it’s imperative that you compress the files destined for another computer. File compression combines a number of different files into one file, and it can also significantly reduce a very large file to a smaller one. As a result, the transmission of a compressed file across the Internet is faster and smoother. This article looks at compressed files a little closer and it describes how to compress and decompress them using two of the most popular archiving programs.

Identifying Compressed Files

Most files are compressed in .zip format (if you’re using Windows) or .sit format (if you’re using a Mac). The two most popular software programs used to compress and decompress files are Winzip and StuffIt respectively. There are other programs that do the same thing and there are even programs that can compress and decompress files for both the Windows and the Mac system. However since Winzip and StuffIt are the most popular, we will assume you will use either one to compress and decompress your own files.

If you download a compressed file from a website or file library that ends in an .exe extension, take note that although the file is compressed, it’s typically a file that will install a program onto a computer. .Zip or .Sit files don’t install software – they merely archive a collection of them into one, or they significantly reduce the size of a larger one.

Decompressing Files

Assuming that you have Winzip or StuffIt installed on your computer, you can access the files archived inside a .zip or .sit file by simply double-clicking the archive (a file ending in a .zip or .sit extension). Double-clicking one of these kinds of files will open up a window that displays the contents of the archive. In most cases, you can double click a file inside this window to use it, or you can select it and drag the file to a folder to view later.

Depending on how you elected to install Winzip or StuffIt, you may be able to right-click a .zip or .sit file and have the program extract its contents into a new folder for you.

Compressing Files

When you want to upload a file or email a collection of files to a friend, it’s best to archive it as a .zip or .sit file first. This will decrease the time it takes for your computer to send it elsewhere, and it will also decrease the time it takes for someone else to download it.

To create your own .zip or .sit file, you can select a single file or a group of files from within Explorer, and right-click the selection. Again, depending on how you installed Winzip or StuffIt, you can click the “Add to Zip” or “Add to Sit” option and have these programs automatically archive the file(s) into one.

Some files compress better than others and in some instances, you may not notice that much of a difference. The files that compress the best are images, documents, and multimedia files. Executable files (files that end in an .exe extension) don’t compress that well, however when they’re archived with a sizable number of other files, they compress rather well. Go figure!

Computer Security

2009-10-06T00:31:00.000-07:00

Advances in computer technology is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it affords us quick and easy access to numerous conveniences such as bank statements, favorite shopping centers, school and health records, and more. On the other hand, it can also grant the same access to those who aren’t supposed to get it. Although it’s a rare occurrence, hacking has become the biggest criminal nuisance in computer history.

Make no bones about it. There’s nothing innocent or cute about the hacker. Today’s hackers aren’t the pimply-faced teen rebels that you might be thinking of. Instead, this generation of hackers are grown individuals who are more than likely earning a living by stealing the identities of innocent, law abiding individuals and then selling those identities to others who want to slip by the system. And the only protection against these seedy people is prevention.

Computer security couldn’t be more important than it is today and that’s why we’ve taken the time to introduce it to you. You can reduce the probability of experiencing identity theft by making your computer as hacker-proof as possible. All that’s needed is a little software and a lot of common sense.

1. Install an anti-virus/anti-spyware program. Anti-virus/anti-spyware software will stop malicious code from downloading and installing onto your computer while you peruse the Internet. Known as viruses, worms, or spyware, this malicious code can destroy important files and render your computer good for only one thing: sending sensitive data back to the server of an identity thief.

2. Don’t store sensitive data on your computer in the first place. Should your computer get infected with a virus, worm, or piece of spyware, you can thwart the individuals responsible by not storing your personal information on your PC so that when and if your computer does send back data – it won’t be anything valuable. Hackers look for things like full names, social security numbers, phone numbers, home addresses, work-related information, and credit card numbers. If these things aren’t saved onto a computer, there’s nothing critical to worry about other than restoring your computer to a non-virus condition.

3. Don’t open files without scanning them with an anti-virus/anti-spyware program. In the past, the warning was to avoid opening files from people that you don’t know. Today it’s really not safe to open files from anyone (without scanning the files) because that’s how viruses get spread – through files - even by mistake. So even though your co-worker may have emailed a funny video, it’s no more safe to open than a video downloaded from a complete stranger. Be safe and scan each and every file you download from the Internet or receive through email regardless of where it came from.

4. Create a barrier between your computer and prying eyes. Anti-virus/anti-spyware programs are only effective after the effect. But you can prevent identity theft from occurring by installing a firewall. A firewall is software that checks all data entering and exiting a computer and it then blocks that which doesn’t meet specified security criteria (user-defined rules).

5. Don’t click on website links in spam messages. In an effort to obtain personal information, some spammers will send email that asks you to click on a link. The email messages are often disguised as important messages from well-known online establishments, and they often try to scare their readers into clicking links with threats of closing an account of some sort. Sometimes the links are harmless and attempt to con the reader into volunteering personal information (credit card number), but other times the links attempt to download harmful software onto a computer.

Your best protection against computer crimes is your own knowledge. Hopefully the suggestions above will prompt you into taking appropriate action and into protecting your computer with the suggested tools. In doing so, you’ll not only protect yourself, you’ll prevent the spread of these malicious activities and protect others at the same time.

Computer Help

2009-10-06T00:29:00.000-07:00

Well there’s no denying it – No matter how new or how well maintained our computers are, we all encounter computer problems sooner or later. The good news is that we don’t have to face them alone. There are a ton of resources available to walk us through computer issues but it may take a little knowledge in knowing how to access them. This article will show you how.

1. Remember help files. It’s funny, but people seem to forget that every computer and every program installed on a computer comes with its own help file. Even the operating system of a computer has a help file and it really should be the first place to look for answers. Help files are designed not only to guide the usage of a computer, they’re also designed to solve problems. Inside a help file, look for a section called, “Troubleshooting” (or something similar) when you need to resolve an issue. This section is reserved for solving problems specific to the software or hardware that you’re using.

2. Product websites. If you’re having a problem with a piece of software or with a hardware part, try the website of that software’s or hardware’s manufacturer. Most (if not all) manufacturer’s reserve a portion of cyberspace and dedicate it to support the products that they build. Microsoft’s help desk is good example.

3. Fan sites. Fan sites probably isn’t a good name for this resource, but you can find websites that are dedicated toward supporting the users of a particular software program or piece of hardware. We’ve called them “fan sites” because the maintainers of these sites have no affiliation with the manufacturers that they support! Call them what you will, but their free help is immeasurable and without it, we wouldn’t have some of the wonderful workarounds and unique problem solving techniques that we have today.

4. Usenet newsgroups. Another underused resource on the Internet, Usenet newsgroups have hundreds of discussion groups dedicated to some of the most popular computer systems, operating systems, hardware manufacturers, and individual software programs. Sometimes, the representatives of these companies participate, but most of the time, the support in this group is user to user, which is just as valid because you’re
working with a team of experienced people.

5. Support Lines. Another source for help that we shouldn’t forget are the support systems of various manufacturers. You can reach these systems by calling the phone number associated with the product that you’re having trouble with. Calls may be free (1-800 or 1-877 number), or they may cost a small fee (1-900).

6. PC support groups or user groups are another option for help. These are groups that meet in libraries, computer stores, or other local areas and they discuss all sorts of issues related with a particular product. Even if you aren’t experiencing a computer or software problem, user groups are fun to participate in and they can help you network into other interests such as job or teaching opportunities.

7. Surprisingly, you may even get a helping hand from the salespersons at your local computer store. We don’t recommend that you make this your first pit stop when you experience a problem, but we don’t recommend that you rule this option out altogether either. Computer salespersons are hired for a reason – and that’s their knowledge. Often, these kind folks can help you resolve an issue over the phone and prevent you form having to buy a costly solution.

As you can see, help is easy to find - You’ve just got to know where to look for it. Most of the contacts within these resources are extremely friendly and willing to take the time to walk you through a problem at little to no cost. From online discussion groups to the files on your own computer, help is often just a click away.

Working With Computers

2009-10-06T00:16:00.000-07:00

Well, we’ve been warned that this time would come – probably from the earlier eighties on. Yes, computers have finally taken over and if you doubt it, we’re here to convince you - but not because we want to or because we can. We want to convince you that if you don’t take the necessary steps to control that reign, you’re going to be left behind further than you could have ever imagined.

Computers are everywhere. Take a moment to try and think of a place a business where you didn’t see a computer in use. From the small local corner store to the largest hospital, computers are in every gas station, grocery store, bank, restaurant, beauty shop, and doctor’s office around. From a consumer’s point of view – you may not think that’s much to worry about. But along with computers, we’ve also been infiltrated with a little thing called “self-service.” Today, there are more self-serviced resources than ever and in an effort to synchronize them with headquarter databases, they’re provided via your inescapable computer.

Here are some examples. Banking is self-serviced through the desktop-clad ATM machine. Gas stations are self-serviced through a menu-clad touch screen kiosk. Most cash registers are Windows XP or Vista machines that send purchase details back to headquarters via the Internet (or a small Intranet). Having your weight, blood pressure, and heart rate measured and recorded is now a digitized process. Even ordering a pizza is now a simple matter of dialing from a wireless cell phone and making a few selections from series of pre-programmed menus!

The important thing to realize here is that this phenomenon isn’t a new convenience – it’s a new requirement. And if you haven't jumped onto the binary wagon, you’re going to face a few problems. For just as this new lifestyle was once predicted, we’re going to predict that “the old ways” will slowly disappear.

We’re going to predict that all paper-based transactions (checks, money orders, etc.) and documentation (think of the old filing cabinet system) will disappear. We’re going to predict that chips will replace everything that was once transported from one location to another through the trusty post office. And we’re going to predict that homes will become less cluttered with stacks of paper and that our natural resources will flourish as a result of it.

This all sounds fine and dandy of course, but if you’re not computer savvy, you’re going to feel a little lost once the choice has past and the revolution is 100% complete. Fortunately, computer systems are designed in a way that even a child can manipulate them. In fact, if you can remember that most systems are designed along the line of menus and the selections of a few options on these menus, you’ll do just fine no matter how many buttons there are to push.

For example, when you’re faced with an electronic system, look for a main menu. Most main menus display themselves as soon as a device is turned on, so chances are that if you’re standing before a device that shows a bunch of choices to do something, you’re looking at a main menu. The buttons on these main menus of course take you to additional menus, which in turn give you even more choices to make. And all of those choices will eventually bring you to the service that you need. One very important choice you’ll want to keep your eye on is the option to return to the main menu. This way, you can return to the beginning of a system and start over in case you get lost among the way.

Another important choice that you want to keep your eye on is the choice to get help! This option may not be available on every device that you encounter, but when it is available, be sure to use it.

There’s just no way around it. Computers and computerized systems are here to stay. There’s no need to fear them – but you surely can’t avoid them. Just remember the menu system and you’ll soon discover that you can approach and use these things as if you designed them yourself.

Using Computers

2009-10-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

These days it’s strange to hear people say, “I’m just not computer literate,” as computers have evolved from archaic scientific calculators to simple point-and-click type machines. We suspect that today’s “computer illiterates” are people who haven’t taken the time to experiment with such a machine. And we strongly believe that spending just twenty minutes with one could turn the most adamant technological caveman into any one of those who have fun wreaking chatroom havoc on the Internet today.

Today, one only needs to learn how to manipulate a mouse, punch a few buttons on a keyboard, or really just turn the thing on to use a computer. It’s hard for some folks to believe, but the computers of this generation almost run themselves! For fun, let’s investigate just how little knowledge these thousand-dollar machines actually require.

Can an absolute newbie operate a computer without knowing how to use a mouse or keyboard? Assuming that a computer is set up to operate on voice command – sure! Voice command software allows users to tell a computer what to do and the computer responds by fulfilling the user’s commands. Although it’s pretty new and still under development, voice directed technology has already infiltrated consumer service related systems.

Think back to the last time that you paid a bill over the phone. Instead of speaking to a human being, chances are that you spoke to a computer that not only responded to what you said and followed the commands that you gave it, it also asked you for more information such as your full name or credit card number. In this case, a person (such as yourself) operated a computer without even knowing it!

Can an absolute newbie sit down at a computer without knowing how to use one? Assuming that a computer is set up to operate on touch command – the answer is again, yes! Touch command software allows users to literally touch objects on a monitor and tell the computer what to do with a finger. Known as “kiosks,” these programs are already in use world wide at ATM machines, employment centers, and in health monitoring systems.

Neither a mouse nor a keyboard is required. A computer user only needs to touch various boxes on a screen to control a computer. Sure, the programming behind such technology is extensive and advanced, but to the end user, it makes computer use less intimidating and plain easy.

Of course when we talk about operating a computer, we envision more involvement than speaking on the phone or touching things on a screen. The above illustrations were just a couple of examples of how far computer technology has grown, and how far we’ve pushed “user-friendliness” to its limit. Eventually, the keyboard and mouse will have to play a role when computer newbies have to work with one as a cash register, as a hotel booking program, or as a library’s catalog system.

These requirements don’t make computers any less easier to operate, but they don’t make them that much harder either. So much of today’s software is designed to accommodate the experience of a new user that anyone could get connected to the Internet, send an email message, and download an MP3 file within the first five hours of purchasing a personal PC.

Understanding Operating Systems

2009-10-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

Every new computer that’s brought home from the store has an operating system installed onto it. But what most new computer users don’t realize, is that without an operating system, that computer would be a simple shell of possibilities. A powered computer lacking an operating system wouldn’t display anything more than a bunch of confusing text messages that describe the computer’s boot process. At the very end of this process, the computer looks for an operating system and if not found, it will prompt the user to tell it where it is.

Earlier computers didn’t have an operating system and if you have experience with the computers of the early eighties, you’ll remember that most to them didn’t even have a hard drive! These old computers booted an MS-DOS type operating system from drivers stored onto a floppy disk, and in order to use a program, users would remove the boot floppy and then insert a new floppy that contained the program. The floppy not only stored the program (word processor, spreadsheet, etc.), it also stored the drivers that the program needed to communicate with the computer’s hardware. As you can imagine, the cumbersome process of switching from floppy to floppy prompted the birth of the operating system.

An operating system is a software program that controls how the computer’s hardware (and installed software) works. It manages the activity of every component and then displays that activity as a user-friendly interface (GUI). It keeps track of where things exist on a computer’s hard drive as well. But perhaps most importantly for the end-user, the operating system is responsible for translating commands issued with a keyboard and mouse into binary code (010110101 stuff) that can communicate with a set of speakers, a printer, a scanner, and more.

With an operating system installed onto a computer’s hard drive, users no longer need to boot a computer with a floppy disk, nor do they need to run programs from a floppy disk. All the drivers of a program are stored onto the computer and used whenever a program is started.

Apple’s Macintosh computer was among the first of a couple systems to establish a user-to-hardware relationship through a user-friendly interface. Today, we have quite a few operating systems. Some of the more popular ones are Windows Vista, Mac OS X, ZETA, IBM, Unix, and Linux. But even still, operating systems have extended onto to non-computer devices such as game consoles, portable music players, and PDAs. Regardless of the device, the operating system installed onto it serves the same purpose across the board: to enable user-to-hardware communication.

When you think about upgrading your computer to a new operating system, be careful to make sure that you have the necessary hardware components. We tried to upgrade one of our Windows 98 machines to Windows XP, but we were cautioned that the former may not be hardware compatible with XP technology. Apparently, the Windows XP operating system requires components that weren’t developed at the time Windows 98 was distributed and if we were to install Windows XP on this machine anyway, the new operating system would look for hardware that the computer didn’t have. And that would be an instant recipe for failure.

Also be careful about installing operating systems that are incompatible with existing hardware. The hardware of Macintosh computers is extremely different from the hardware of Windows computers and under no circumstances will a Windows operating system work on a Macintosh machine!

A Few Common Computer Errors

2009-10-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Computer errors can pop up when least expected, they can cause the entire system to suddenly shut down, and they can inadvertently corrupt data to the point where it can’t be deciphered. Although they can’t always be avoided, it’s important to remember that computer errors can be corrected. The key is to understand what computer errors are, understand what they mean when they show up, and understand how to minimize their occurrence in the first place.

Basically, computer errors are the result of a number of things that may or may not have anything to do with the way the computer is used. They “operate” whenever there’s a conflict among commands. Remember that computers essentially run off of a series of commands and it’s usually a smooth process. But when one command conflicts with another command – or when one command asks for a process or information that isn’t available, the computer returns results that aren’t useable. That’s an error.

A prime example of this kind of error is when users attempt to use software that isn’t applicable for their system. Almost all software accompanies a list of system requirements which dictates what a computer needs to have in order for the software to work properly. To minimize errors of this sort, always verify that your computer has the required components. A project management program that you’re interested in may require a specific operating system, like Windows XP for example. And although this program may install just fine on a Windows 98 machine, it will generate a multitude of errors once its started.

Insufficient memory will cause errors as well. That’s why software programs include minimum memory requirements. A program that needs 14MB of memory will generate errors on a computer that only has 4MB of memory if it runs at all. The same goes for disk space, monitor color depth and resolution. In these situations, problems occur the moment that a piece of software attempts to access the things (hardware, memory, space, resolution, etc.) that it cannot find.

Because some programs share common files, errors can also occur when these shared files are not up to date. For instance, let’s say that Program A is already installed on a computer and it’s working just fine. Then let’s say that the user of that computer downloads and installs Program B. Program B uses a file that Program A installed much earlier, but when Program B is run, errors popup. Those errors are the result of Program B attempting to use an outdated (shared) file that was installed by Program A. In order to fix that problem, the user would have to download an updated version of the shared file (which to say the least – is not an easy thing to find or do).

Sometimes, errors occur because a system doesn’t have the required drivers or the drivers that are on the system are the incorrect version. Both errors in these cases can be resolved by updating the computer on a regular basis. Microsoft provides a section on its website that can automatically update a computer online and it does this at no cost in an effort to reduce errors like this. Always try to keep your computer updated so that should a program share a file, it will share a file that has been updated on hundreds of thousands of computers, like yours.

This article doesn’t even begin to cover the entire gamut of computer errors – but additional information regarding how to get help with a computer issue (including computer errors) can be found in our article titled, “Computer Help” no matter what the problem is.

Cheap and Fast Software

2009-10-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Visit any computer store today and you’ll find what seems like miles and miles of software on sale. Certainly enticing buys, there are a few problems with buying software off the shelves. On the shelf, software – otherwise known as “commercial software” - can be expensive, and incompatible, and outdated when compared to what’s available online. Fortunately, there’s an alternative to commercial software and although it isn’t new, it’s one of the most under-exploited opportunities in the computer industry.

We’re talking about shareware – software that you can try before buying.

Shareware has a long history and was rather popular in the days where BBS (bulletin board systems) reigned the online industry. It hasn’t gone anywhere, but its competition with commercial software is fierce – so fierce that it tends to fall on the back burner among new computer users. This is unfortunate because shareware has so many advantages over commercial software.

One of those advantages is its cost. On the whole, shareware is generally cheaper than commercial software. But don’t misinterpret the cost. With shareware, cheap does not equal low-quality and there are plenty of examples that prove shareware often outperforms the quality of commercial software time and time again. How much savings are we talking about? You could purchase a quality word processor, spreadsheet, database program, or system utility anywhere from a mere $15 to under a hundred. This is almost unheard of in stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, or Egghead, yet the shareware programs offered within this price range rival even Microsoft’s Office suite.

Another advantage that shareware has over commercial software is its compatibility. We’re not saying that shareware is compatible with all operating systems. What we’re saying is that since we can try shareware before paying for it, we can determine if the software is completely compatible with our systems first. In other words, we can discover whether the software performs the way we want them to and should anyone try to do the same with commercial software, they’ll be in for a big disappointment.

Commercial software policy doesn’t even allow for returns, let alone “borrowing” them to try them.

The last advantage that shareware has over commercial software (but certainly not the least) is its applicability. Plain and simple, shareware is the best bet when you want to keep on top of the latest release of a particular program. Sure, computer stores do their best to keep their inventory up to date, but when you can download version 5.6042 of a shareware program as opposed to buying a commercial 3.0 version from the local computer shop, there’s just no comparison.

Which brings up our next point. Just where does one get shareware? Shareware is all over the Internet and it’s really hard not to bump into it. The most popular places to find shareware is within thousands of download libraries, however the companies (and even independent programmers behind shareware) are increasingly offering shareware from their own websites. A simple Google or Yahoo search for a particular type of program will yield all sorts of results that point you toward items that you can try before you buy.

Be aware however, that because shareware is not commercial software, you may not experience a full program the way you would if you bought the software out of a box. Shareware may or may not be limited – meaning that some functions may not be available to you until the program is paid for. These limitations are often small and don’t interfere with the way its full version operations. They’re really just implemented as a way to prompt payment. Remember that shareware is not freeware. You shouldn’t try to use shareware as commercial software without paying for it.

About the only thing that’s similar between shareware and commercial software is the way in which they may be bought. With a credit card, you can be the new owner of your own software within minutes.