Hardware Basics

So you wanna get a new computer this holiday season. You picked a good time. The holiday season is a prime time of the year to scope out a new machine and you can usually get some pretty good deals. The real trick is weeding through the garbage of makes and models to find a truly decent machine. This is done by doing your research and looking for key specifications rather than just how much it costs or how it looks. Like the old saying goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Usage

You may be asking yourself, why are there so many computers to choose from. If you think of a computer as a tool, the answer lies in finding the right tool for your job. You would no sooner buy a saw to hammer a nail, so why would you expect a $300 netbook to play the latest Call-of-Duty or Photoshop a picture. It’s important to know what you’re using a computer for before you buy it. I know that sounds weird, but surprisingly most people who are unhappy with their computer just don’t have the right one. Hopefully, with this information in hand, you can better find that perfect hammer for your nail.

Budget

Of course, one of the most important elements to consider is budget and when it comes to computers I’ve come to believe you get what you pay for. Having the most top-of-the-line computer can sometimes mean taking another mortgage on your home. It’s important to always follow a budget when shopping for a new computer to find that balance of price versus expected performance. I always say that a computer at any price can do just about anything, it’s how long you want to wait that will end up costing you.

Form Factor

The first thing you probably have already asked yourself is: desktop or laptop? While you’ll actually get more for your money on a desktop computer, most everyone still opts for a laptop simply because of their portability. Even if the computer never leaves the home, having the flexibility to work between rooms is something that is just too hard to beat. But, what about tablets?

This year, the big item is of course tablets. They are a pretty handy tool for web browsing, checking email, and simple tasks. For some people, this is going to be enough, but as much as you might think they can replace your entire computer, think again. A tablet, as least for right now, is only going to be a great cooperative device for your existing computer. Really look at your needs for a computer and then weigh if a tablet is right for you.

If you’re looking at a laptop, the other question you need to ask is size. 13” through 17” and this range is getting wider all the time with the release of netbook and ultrabooks. On the one end, you have a laptop that is extremely portable but not very powerful and on the other end you have a computer that is extremely powerful but not that portable. To answer this question, you need to again look at what you plan on using this computer for and how often you take it with you.

Electric Computer

Architecture and CPU

Desktop or Laptop aside, the other big question is with architecture. In computing, architecture translates into what type of CPU or processor, memory, and even upgrades the overall computer can support. While there are hundreds of variations; to keep things simple, there are basically two main competitors: Intel and AMD. Intel is by far the dominant company making up nearly 80% of all computers including Apple’s. Intel CPUs are marketed as being faster and better at multitasking than its competitors and I’d likely agree. However, AMDs are sought after by specific niches of computer users like gamers because while they may not multitask as well, they are generally good… really good when given a single task (like gaming).

CPU

What makes a good processor

In the old days, you used to just have to look at how fast the processor was to know if you getting a good one. Back then it was in terms of Megahertz (MHz), but that just isn’t the case anymore. There are several factors that make up a good processor.

Cores – how many independent actual processors (aka. cores) that can execute programs. More cores translates to better multitasking or programs running at the same time. More cores can also mean a more efficient CPU because a task can be spread across these cores causing it to finish quicker without increasing the overall clock speed.

Threads – is the smallest unit of processing that can be scheduled by an operating system. With a single CPU, time is allocated to a process which is broken up between different threads giving the illusion of multitasking. The more cores or CPUs a computer has, the more these threads can run at the same time and the more threads, the greater the ability to multitask and the more efficient the CPU.

Clock Speed – usually represented as Gigahertz (GHz) is how many cycles per second or the frequency of the clock of the CPU. Generally, the faster this number, the quicker your computer can accomplish a task in a thread. A single clock cycle is represented by toggling between a logical zero and a logical one state.

Cache – represented as L1, L2, L3 which is physical memory on the CPU die that runs at the same or near the clock speed of the CPU. This is memory the CPU can access before it uses your physical memory which is much slower. The more cache your CPU has, the faster it can accomplish a task in a thread because it isn’t necessarily waiting for data from the memory or chipset.

Cache Memory

Bus Speed – not to be confused with clock speed, is represented in Gigahertz or Megahertz. A bus is simply a circuit that connects one part of the motherboard to another. The more data a bus can handle at one time, the faster it allows information to travel. In terms of the processor, bus speed is usually referred to as the front side bus (FSB) which connects the CPU to the motherboard chipset including memory (Northbridge). The faster this number, the faster the CPU can communicate with memory thereby affecting the speed of the overall computer.

According to this information, an Intel Core i7 2715 should perform better than a Pentium B950 even though they have the same base clock speed at 2.1Ghz:

• Cores: 4 versus 2
• Threads: 8 versus 2
• L3 Cache: 6MB versus 2MB
• Bus Speed: 1600 MHz versus 1333 MHz

Futuremark Rating (higher is better): 6380 versus 1942

Dedicated Graphics

The “other” processor in your computer is the GPU or graphics processing unit. While the CPU is responsible for tasks and program computations, the GPU is responsible for handling the visuals. The better the GPU, the better the picture and more accurate the color. Like with CPUs, there are hundreds of variation but boils down to basically three: Nvidia, AMD, and Integrated. Yes, AMD is the same AMD for processors but they also make graphics processors too. Nvidia is the other main competitor and creates a lot of processors for the mobile and tablet space. Lastly, integrated is just that, your processor has the graphics integrated or supported off the CPU or motherboard.

Graphics Power

Most people assume that a graphics card or GPU is just for gaming, but as programs and even operating systems get more visually complex, the more this places the demand on the GPU. Windows for example uses a technology called Aero glass to make all of the windows transparent and don’t forget about video. Your graphics card is also responsible for playing back that 1080p youtube clip or even viewing/editing your photos. So, ensuring you have a GPU that supports your needs is crucial and most of the time your integrated graphics just won’t cut it.

Let the buying begin

Armed with this information, in my next post, we’ll take a look at some ads and see exactly what kind of a deal we’re getting… if any. I’ll also make some recommendations on computers to look for and some to stay away from.

Cup 'o Script

There comes a time when you’re online when you need the ability to disable JavaScript. Maybe you’ve heard of JavaScript, but in case you’re living in the dark, JavaScript is a web language that provides you’re browser extra functionality. JavaScript validates forms, change items on the page, and can even be used to create animations or games instead of using plugins like Adobe Flash. In fact, it is arguably THE scripting language of the web.

JavaScript is essentially a client-side scripting language meaning it is rendered at the browser level. As such, you have more control that your actually might think. For every piece of functionality JavaScript can add to a page, it can also take some away. In this case, it might be necessary to disable JavaScript or limit its ability on the page.

Internet Explorer

Disabling JavaScript in Internet Explorer is probably the most manual process of the browsers. This process should work for Internet Explorer 7, 8, and 9. Launch Internet Explorer and goto Tools (or the gear in the upper right corner) and then click Internet Options. Click the Security Tab on the new windows that appears.

Step 1

With the Internet icon selected, click the custom level button. Find the section titled “scripting” on the new windows and click “disable” on Active scripting. JavaScript is now disabled for Internet Explorer. Just jump through the same hoops to re-enable.

Step 2

Mozilla FireFox

FireFox and Chrome are much easier to manage JavaScript through the use of Add-ons or Extensions. An excellent one for Firefox is NoScript. With a simple click, you can enable/disable JavaScript elements on the page and see what JavaScript calls are being made.

To manually disable JavaScript in FireFox, click the Firefox button in the upper-left of the browser window.

Step 1

In the Options window, select the “content” tab. Simply uncheck the “enable JavaScript” and click OK. JavaScript is disabled.

Step 2

Google Chrome

Manually disabling JavaScript in Google Chrome is probably the most difficult. It’s the easiest to manage through extensions. ScriptNo is an excellent JavaScript blocking extension for Chrome. ScriptNo allows you to easily block individual JavaScript elements on the page or everything on the page. Setup whitelists for trustes sites or blacklists for sites you know aren’t trustworthy.

ScriptNo

If Dyson Made a Computer

No, I don’t mean cleaning out your file system or trying to get your documents and photos organized, although a great idea for a post. I mean spring cleaning for the inside of your computer. If you’re like most people using a desktop, the system is under your desk, sitting on the floor for your feet to kick. While this might seem like a great place to hide your desktop, you’ve actually just created a dust trap. 

Every time you turn your computer on, that noise you hear emanating from the machine are the case fans spinning up. These fans are designed to create an airflow inside your computer to keep the components cool. There’s usually a fan or two pulling air in through the front or side and an exhaust fan pushing air out the back or top. With this setup, desktop computers are essentially a really low power vacuum collecting dust which gets trapped inside your computer. Over time, this dust builds inside your computer causing fans to fail while acting as insulation causing your computer to heat up and your system to slow down or fail.

If Dyson Made a Computer

Most people are terrified to open their computer up, but with the way that most manufacturers have their cases setup, it’s a fairly easy process. Tools you are going to need:

• Philips Head Screw Driver
• Vacuum, preferably a shop vac or one with a hose attachment
• Air Compressor or Can of Air
• Face mask (optional)

First thing first, open your computer case. There’s usually a couple of screws on the back of the computer which opens one of the sides to the case. Some cases won’t require the use of your screw driver. These cases use thumb screws or a latch which opens the side of the case.

If Dyson Made a Computer

With the case open, you can fire up your vacuum. Use the host attachment to lightly grab all of the larger dust bunnies that have collected at the bottom of the case an around the components. Next, position the vacuum hose in your left hand and use your air compressor or can of air in your right hand. The goal here is to spray off the internal components and catch the dust with the vacuum. Areas you are going to want to focus on are the heatsync (component that sits on your CPU on the motherboard, usually has a fan), the power supply (usually near the top of the case where all of the German colored cables come from), and the fans near the front, side, rear, and top of the case.

Some manufacturers use specially designed parts to maximize airflow. These pieces make it difficult to get to the heatsync on your motherboard. These parts can easily be removed but sometimes require a bit of extra work. Go online or find the documentation that came with your computer to make sure you follow the instructions carefully.

Best Desktop Placement

To reduce the amount dust your computer collects, you need to get that computer off the floor. With the size and style of newer desktops, you can easily fit your desktop on your desk. Not only can you do a better job hiding cables, but you have more convenient access to ports and drives. If you have a desk with a compartment specifically designed for your desktop, you need to resist the temptation and keep it on top of your desk. These compartments restrict airflow to the computer and cause the computer to generate heat which causes problems. It’s even worse if there’s a door on the front and you keep it closed. Technology is beautiful; show off your desktop and keep it on your desk!

What about laptops

Laptops have the same problem with dust as desktops but are in a much tighter package. They are also susceptible to dirt and lint from bags and different environments you travel in. To clean your laptop you can use the same tools, but a much smaller screw driver. Flip over your laptop and remove the screws and remove the cover from the bottom. Using your air compressor or can of air, carefully blow out the components and fans.

Some laptops don’t have any removable parts and if this is the case, you can find the air vents on the side or back of the laptop. Using your air compressor or can of air, you can carefully blow out these vents removing any dirt and dust.

Heat is the greatest enemy of any computer. Airflow is your best defense to keep your computer cool and efficient. Your computer’s lifespan could increase substantially by keeping the airflow unobstructed and cleaning it out every few months. Clean out your computer every few months depending on your environment to beat the heat and prevent hardware failure.

KeePass Versus

It hasn’t been that long since I posted an article about creating an inventory of your passwords and how to use strong passwords. In this article, I recommended a cloud service called LastPass to help you manage your passwords. Well, a lot has changed in a few months time and I’ve since moved all of my passwords from the cloud to a different tool. This action was in part due to the LastPass security issue at the beginning of the month, but more so for trying to maintain control over MY data.

Let me start by saying I still really like and recommend LastPass. It’s a simple tool that is tremendously more secure than using the same password for every site like most people do. LastPass also does a great job of encrypting your data so that it’s protected from even them. When it comes to being somewhat compromised, LastPass does a great job of communicating this information and putting their customers’ needs above their own (not bad for essentially a free tool).

So why did I switch? Well, like most things, this had to do with control. I ultimately want to be responsible for my data and not someone else. LastPass maybe the last password you’d have to remember, it’s also the last password the bad guys have to use. The more popular LastPass becomes, the more targeted it is and I just can’t take the risk of my data being compromised from someone else’s mistake. There also were some things about LastPass that I didn’t care for. While LastPass works on all of my platforms/browsers, their Android App is less than desired. It’s essentially another custom browser that runs along side your main browser which is confusing at times. Synchronizing works really well as long as you’re online. Running in offline mode just doesn’t work as smooth as I’d like.

After some research, suggestion from some friends, and some experimentation I’m now using an open-source program called KeePass. I actually started using a combination of KeePass and Dropbox a while ago, but because it lacked the browser and forms support I required, I moved away. KeePass now supports all of your major platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux) and nearly all of your browsers (Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer). The best part is that it also supports your mobile platforms (Android, iPhone, Blackberry, and Windows Phone 7).

Keepass Screenshot

As you probably guessed by now, KeePass isn’t a cloud solution meaning you run a program on your local system and store everything in a local database. As you need a username and password combination, KeePass pastes this information into the form fields and you’re off on your way. When you couple this convenience with a browser extension like ChromeIPass, you get a nearly perfect LastPass replacement solution while keeping your data localized and secured. Using another tool like Dropbox, you can easily keep this data synchronized across all of your computers and devices.

While you can install the entire program, KeePass also supports a “portable edition” meaning that you can run the program without installing it to your system making it highly attractive for carrying around on a USB Flash drive or better yet, your mobile phone’s storage.

Creating a New Database File

After you’ve installed KeePass, create a new database by going to File and New. You’ll be prompted for a location to store this file as well as a master password. Make sure this password is complicated using at least 8 characters, upper/lowercase characters, numbers, and at least 1 special character (eg. K3#P4ss4U). Here you can also specify a Key file which I highly recommend. This is a file that is required to open the database along with your Master Password. Since it can be almost any file, I recommend using a file that is present on all of your systems like an mp3 or text file. If nothing else, you can easily create one by clicking the “create” button, but make sure you save it outside your KeePass installation path.

Master Key

Importing your LastPass Data into KeePass

Using LastPass’s stand-alone “Pocket” application, you can easily export all of your accumulated LastPass data to a .csv. From within KeePass, you can simply perform a File > Import, select Generic CSV Importer and point it to your saved .csv file. During this process, you’ll have to “define field order” to make sure the fields entries match up, but this is a simple drag-and-drop process. When this process is complete, make sure to delete your unencrypted .csv file.

LastPass Data Import

Browser Integration

(Process for Google Chrome) Download and install the secure Http KeePass plugin at:
https://passifox.appspot.com/KeePassHttp.plgx and save it to your KeePass installation path.

Install the ChromeIPass Browser extension at:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ompiailgknfdndiefoaoiligalphfdae

When you visit a page that requires authentication, you’ll see a new icon in your chrome address for KeePass that will create a one-time secure AES Key. Follow the instructions to save this key to your KeePass database and from there on, any site that requires authentication will automatically pre-fill your credentials. That’s not too bad.

Browser Integration

Synchronization

Like I mentioned before, if you use a service like Dropbox, you can save your database to your Dropbox directory which will be synced across your systems including your mobile devices. The other cool thing KeePass does is allow you to save, sync your data with a specific URL. This is perfect if you have a secured public FTP/SSH server. All you need to do is specify your credentials and you have access to your database from any computer with an Internet connection.

Mobile Support

With your database syncing in dropbox, you have access to your database pretty much anywhere you need it; even your mobile device. Install the KeePass App for your mobile device along with the DropBox App and you’re good to go. It’s hard typing in complicated passwords on your phone. I think most people set their browser to automatically remember it which is a huge hole in your personal security. The KeePass App supports copy and paste (as long as your device supports it) making it extremely easy to manage passwords on the go no matter how difficult to type.

KeePass Droid

Check out KeePass at: http://www.keepass.info
Other Resource on setting a good password: LifeHacker, How I’d Hack Your Weak Password

From Concept to Completion

If you remember a while back, there was a tornado here in Billings that destroyed not only our sports arena, but hundreds of neighborhoods. Ours was one of them. While our vehicles didn’t really sustain any damage, our home exterior was like someone took a shotgun to it from the hail. It was a scary ordeal but it meant dealing with insurance and getting things replaced.

I’ll be honest, I don’t get excited about dealing with insurance and like most people, I’m intimidated trying to find a quality contractor. We really wanted to keep our business local. With the tornado, Billings was overrun by a lot of fly-by-night shops for all the hail damage. The first thing we did was go online to see what we could find. Unfortunately, with this industry and our area, we didn’t find much. Again, like most people, we started asking around. We trust our friends and anyone they’d refer, which is how we met Ty Nelson.

We were taken back right away because Ty spoke our language which really helped us visualize our project. He worked closely with us and made several recommendations that really added to the quality of our home. Ty also only works with experienced local sub-contractors, so we really felt comfortable knowing we were in good hands. During our project, I was shocked Ty didn’t have much in terms of an identity or web presence. We were so pleased with our project and working with Ty, I wanted to get involved to help his business.

Identity and Branding

I started with Ty’s identity and branding. After a few initial meetings and rough concepts, I came up with a logo and tagline that really expressed Ty’s mission statement, “Building Home Possibilities” since a majority of his work is home remodels and additions. His logo is understated and elegant while providing effective branding for his business since his reputation is driven by his name.

Marketing Materials and going Paperless

With a new logo came new letterhead, business cards, and even invoices. Like most small businesses, Ty uses Quickbooks to manage his income/expenses. While we could design and print custom invoice pages to use with Quickbooks, I spent some time setting up his logo within the program which allows Ty to send paperless invoices through email along with printable ones. The business cards were a lot of fun to make since I suggested using wood instead of paper stock. With a custom wood business card, anyone you give it to instantly identifies Ty’s business and because it’s unique are more likely to keep the card. We chose a simple birch veneer since it provided a contrast with his logo and lots of wood grain. They turned out great!

Letterhead and Business Cards

Website

After the branding was created, I could start work on the website. I always encourage building a site like Ty’s from scratch rather than use a template. This just allows limitless flexibility and customization with content, functionality, and use-ability. I started by selecting complementary color palette and typography that helped express Ty’s business. I used as much natural materials and textures in the design which were all created from scratch. With the foundation laid, I interviewed with Ty to generate all of the content which was also written from scratch. We setup photo shoots for each location featured and built a photo gallery and featured content. The site does a great job of explaining Ty’s process and what clients should expect. We’ve discussed future plans for the site that would help integrate it with his billing process as well as the various social arenas.

Website Screenshot

The website launched April 1st to coincide with a featured article in a local publication, The Yellowstone Valley Woman magazine. Check it out at: tynelsonconstruction.com

Change your password

The new year is almost upon us. This is a time for new resolutions and new beginnings. When it comes to technology, this is a great opportunity to create new passwords for all of your systems and websites you visit. Since most of the tech-world still relies on a simple lock and key philosophy, by creating a new password, you are creating a stronger lock on your digital world.The first place to start is with your local system. Create or change your login password to your computer. This is the first line of defense should your machine be stolen or be compromise in anyway. Change your email password especially if it’s with an Internet based service like Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail. Move on to your e-commerce sites like Amazon and then to your social networking sites like FaceBook and Twitter.

Use a strong password

Strong passwords consist of at least 8 characters which include upper and lower-case characters, numbers, and even special characters. By using a complicated password, it becomes difficult for dictionary attacks and brute force attacks to steal your password. Some websites now have a visual key to show how strong your password and build in some logic to help you enforce a strong password. But, if you want to test your password’s strength, you can goto sites like www.passwordmeter.com and see exactly how your password stands up.

Don’t re-use the same password

I don’t think it’s shocking to hear that most people still use the same username and password for just about everything and probably have never updated it. While this might be convenient carrying around a “single key”, there is an exponentially high risk should it become compromised. Many websites today don’t explicitly explain how they capture and store your credentials as you register. If this site becomes hacked or compromised, the bad guys could potentially have access to your entire digital life which now-a-days can include credit card and financial information.

Don't re-use the same password

Tools to help

I’ll be honest, it’s pretty unreasonable to remember every password for every site especially when they’re all supposed to be different and complicated. How are you supposed to remember SG5%$bO*? A tool I like to recommend is LastPass. This online service acts as a digital vault for all of your passwords you use allowing you to essentially remember only one, the “key” to the vault. LastPass uses browser extensions and addons to then auto-login or pre-populate your login information which prevents keylogger functionality. It helps generate strong passwords and keep all of them in a nice inventory for you to manage in the future. It works on mobile devices and allows you to backup your vault to your local computer. LastPass is a free service unless you take advantage of the mobile or advanced options, but can be found at www.lastpass.com. It’s the last password you have to remember, just make sure this one is a VERY strong password.

The last password you need to remember

Other things to consider

Malware is the other variable to consider. Malware plagues ALL computers including Windows based PCs, Macs, and even Linux flavors. Unlike viruses that want to hurt your machine, malware attempts to silently steal your information as you type or from the sites you visit. Make sure you keep your system up-to-date with the latest service packs and security patches. Update your browser regularly or make sure it’s set to update automatically. Use an anti-virus and anti-malware software on your machine and try to include ad-blocking extensions with your browser.