Computers and Technology

For most people who love computers, and think they want to go into business, they don't know where to start. Starting a computer repair business can easily be considered one of the fastest growing home businesses in the US. There are scores of households who want their computers repaired but don't know where to go. There may be questions on what skills you will need, other than computer skills you will need in starting a computer repair business, and the steps involved in getting it off the ground.

You will need to follow a logical, careful steps and plan very carefully to make sure you understand what you need to do before you are able to even provide services to your clients.

The same holds true of offices or small businesses that have avoided signing expensive annual maintenance contracts. They need computer repair personnel to come and fix their computers. But there are not enough computer repair personnel available. So, if you have a natural flair for technology, starting a computer repair business is the way to go. If done right, it is one business where you will have more work than you can possibly do.

The ideal person in starting a computer repair business is by nature a problem solver. Such a person is well-versed with both the hardware and software side of the computer business. But there is no rule that says that you cannot repair computers unless you are a computer engineer. There are several computer repair professionals who have never had formal training. More than that, these individuals have a passion for technology. They can't sit still. They need to put their heads inside their personal computers to know how it works. They want to load every new software package that comes along themselves. If you are one of these people, then you are the right person for starting a computer repair business.

You may want to differentiate between the software and hardware side of starting a computer repair business if you feel you aren't strong enough to be a problem solver for both sides. The hardware side is more difficult since it requires knowledge of circuits and chips. The software side is relatively easier. Each software has a help manual, books, courses, websites, and forums that makes installation, customization and running it easy.

In this style of business, it can be essential to upgrade your skills constantly. There can be a high degree of obsolescence inside the computer system industry. You must know the latest versions of hardware and software available. This would require attending workshops run by computer system professionals. Computer firms like IBM and Apple, too, hold training sessions for computer pros to keep them in the loop. You should make certain that you attend these workshops once every few months.

You ought to also visit the internet sites of major personal computer equipment manufacturers as a rule, and study the technical details of every new product. If will need be, you should email the technical advisory teams to clarify doubts you have. This is an efficient way to keep yourself abreast of latest developments. An additional excellent source of knowledge is technical forums. You are able to post questions on these forums and wait for an individual to reply. Staying up to date is essential to starting a computer repair business.

Your principal investment really should be on acquiring knowledge. After that, you'll need four points: a car to attend repair calls, a telephone to answer queries, an web connection to browse computer web sites and check out technical forums, and a tool kit. You ought to in no way assemble an inventory. Set up relationships with computer part dealers so that you can purchase a computer element or software as and when necessary. Settle the bill as soon as you get funds from the client. This will help you develop a positive cash flow.

You should not waste income on setting up a swank office. It is much better to operate from your existing facilities. Maybe, it is possible to use a garage or an inside room as your workshop.

The success of your company depends on how well you identify your target market. You are able to decide on households, for instance. In this situation, you need to be willing to travel to distant homes to repair a computer system or bring the pc home for repairs. You are able to also look at servicing offices. In this circumstance, you need to draw up a maintenance contract whose terms really should be far more attractive to your clients than those demanded by big companies. In either situation, you have to work hard to create your customer base.

If you make out calls, then do a good job at it. It can be more lucrative. Don't wait for the clients to bring you their computers. Your uniqueness in making outcalls can be beneficial. If you're looking at the office visits as your principal customer base, then you really should be ready to make service calls. Go to as numerous offices as possible. You will find that business will eventually come to you on its own. Focus on the speed of your response. Attend a call as soon as it comes. Please remember that people feel paralyzed when their laptop or computer breaks down. They want the system to be fixed at the earliest time. This is one area where if you want a lot of business, you need to step up your service. Whenever you attend a call, leave your company card behind. Before you know it, you can have built a loyal base of customers, with one satisfied consumer passing your number to yet another and then one more and so on. You possibly can also advertise in online directory, newspaper classifieds and online on sites that target your city. Even get your own website.

How much you charge is totally dependent on the type of customer you have. The advantage of starting a computer repair business is that the customer pays you immediately. Your money isn't restricted. Also, make sure the repair rates are reasonable. You are able to effortlessly charge $25-$50 an hour plus. The main thing is set your rates from the very beginning. Be upfront with your customers about your rates, and give them good accurate estimates, just be honest with them. Besides this, don't forget to charge transportation expenses, because you've invested both time and funds in going out on a repair call. You can also make a few dollars upselling parts and to do this try to find a deal with a PC parts supplier.

There are some additional steps you can take that will help you in starting a computer repair business.

First, determine who is your ideal client. This may be individuals, small businesses, medium to large size business, you need to know who your target is before you go after them. You need to know who your clients will be, what your ideal clients are and what are their unique characteristics. When I say characteristics I mean how big, location, type of employees for a business or type of household. Also determine what is your niche and if you have a specialty. Also think about if your clients will have be in a specific industry, for business, will they have a specific type of hardware and software. Having a niche or specialty can help you position yourself to offer technology solutions that few others may offer in your area. As a result you will be a lot more indispensable to your clients.

Next determine your own strengths and weaknesses. If you really are a hardware person and weak in software then make it your niche or specialty. Also determine if your business skills match your computer skills, if you are not very business savvy, then you may want to seek those who can help you. To have the best result you want to have a good mix of business skills and technical skills. Anybody who is starting a computer repair business also has to have good social skills. You must always be marketing and advertising your business. If your skills in that area aren't very good you may want to try a professional. Maybe check out advertisesmallbusiness.com for tips for advertising your business.

Just be patient and let your business grow over time, be consistent and treat your clients with respect. You are bound to be successful.

Demands are high for computing in industry. Industrial machines have to cope with many hostile elements whilst also providing reliable computing. Traditionally industrial computers have been specific, bespoke machines. These industrial computers tend to run old hardware and versions of software. Whilst this has the advantage of making the machines stable and reliable, the out-dated technology may mean the processes controlled by the machine are not done as efficiently.

These machines are also very expensive, not just to buy but also the maintenance. Industrial computers have to be maintained by service engineer, often forcing shutdown of production lines they also have to be replaced periodically as the hardware and software will eventually become obsolete. All computers eventually fail but an industrial computer enclosure means that over three generations of computers can use the same enclosure.

Industrial PC enclosures are a more efficient, affordable and reliable alternative to these expensive machines. The main benefits of an industrial computer enclosure are:

1. Withstand the same environments as an industrial computer, whether that is dust (including explosive atmospheres), dirt, grime, oil, grease and water (even completely doused). Enclosures are rated using European IP ratings that give a clear indication to the types of environments the enclosure can operate in, for example IP 65 totally protects dust whilst protecting against strong jets of water, (the first digit, 6, represents the dust protection the second digit, 5, the water) while IP 66 offers the same dust protection but the enclosure can be completely immersed in water.

2. Enclosures can also withstand the same shocks, vibrations and tampering as the enclosure can be built from robust materials and the enclosed PC can be fitted snugly and secured with shock absorbing bolts. Enclosures can also be securely locked and bolted to floors or walls to protect against theft.

3. For computing in extreme temperatures, computer enclosures can in fact work to a better standard than industrial machines as the extra cooling and heating units can be replaced if they are not working as efficiently as they should (a sealed industrial computer that is running too hot or cold would need to be replaced or returned for an upgrade).

4. Computer enclosures can enable a PC to run equally as reliable as an industrial computer as the desktop PC housed in the enclosure can be any conventional machine, from a trusted office workhorse to the latest all singing, all dancing off-the shelf PC.

5. A computer housed in an enclosure is also far cheaper than an industrial computer. Apart from the initial outlay for the expensive bespoke industrial computer, enclosures can out live an industrial machine by over a decade as an industrial computer will eventually have an internal failure (as all computers do) or become completely obsolete and will need replacing. However, an enclosure can be reused to house another machine and will in general house three generations of machines.

6. A computer enclosure can house monitors, printers, touch-screens and all manner of computing equipment (including the peripherals such as mouse and keyboard ) or they can be combined with water/dust proof sealed keyboards and mouse.

7. As an enclosure houses a conventional PC, any repairs or upgrades can be carried out in-house in minutes rather than have to wait for an engineer and have to shutdown the production.

8. Enclosures can be manufactured from a range of material including food grade stainless steel.

9. Enclosures can be lockable and secured to walls or floors to prevent theft or tampering.

10. Enclosures allow you to choose which software or hardware to run inside the enclosure rather than suffer out-dated technology.

With the demands of industrial computing so variable and extreme, industrial PC enclosures offer a flexibility that even conventional industrial computers fail to match whilst also offering the same protection and reliability for a fraction of the cost. PC enclosures are ideal for even the most hostile industrial environment and while specialist PCs will always be required for certain tasks the majority of uses for an industrial computer can be achieved using a conventional PC housed in an industrial PC enclosure.

So what is computer networking? To the uninitiated this term may sound intimidating but you may have already come across it or have even used it either at work or at home. For those new to computer networking, simply put, a network refers to a system where two or more computers are connected to each other. This is done so people can share things like information or computer hardware, like a printer for instance.

Now there are several things you need to set up a computer network. The most basic system consists of a protocol, NICs or network interface cards, cable and a hub.

A protocol is a set of rules that the computers have to follow in order for them to "speak the same language". For example, http is a protocol. If you want to be able to access a website from your computer that operates on http, the website you are accessing must also operate on the same protocol otherwise you won' be able to read the site.

NICs are cards that you put at the back or side of a computer. This allows the computers to communicate with each other. A cable is simply a wire that connects the computers together and the hub is a device that controls traffic, for example, information that one computer sends to another.

Now this is a list of items for a standard network. You're going to need a different set of devices if you are to go for wireless networking.

How does a computer network work? Let's say for instance, you want to send information from your desktop to your father's computer. The NIC on your PC transfers the file through the cable into the hub. The hub then transfers the data to your father's computer. If each of the units uses the same protocol then the information is accepted by your dad's computer and he will be able to open the file you just sent.

There are two types of networks: the LAN or local area network and the WAN or wide area network.

The LAN is a very simple type of network where all the units you connect are located in one place. There are two types of LAN, peer to peer and client server. A peer to peer network is where two or more computers are connected to each other directly. For example, computer 1 is connected to computer 2, computer 2 is connected to computer 3 and so on. The computers are dependent on each other so if one unit experiences problems, the others simply won't be able to connect to each other. The client server type is where all computers are connected to a main unit. This is more convenient because if one computer has problems, the others won't be affected. You will still be able to exchange data.

An example of a WAN is the internet. As you can see, this is a very large type of network allowing millions of users to connect with each other.

More and more people are looking to computer networking, even at home. This affords people more convenience and makes day to day life more efficient

Every aspect of our lives today largely depends upon the computer systems. We need to have effective computer systems to complete various tasks, whether general or specific. Computer is a useful device that helps us in solving our logical problems and keeps the record of our data in its storage memory. For a properly working computer we are required to have proper connectivity of computer cables and adapters.

Computer adapters are required to connect various additional enhancements to our computer systems. We have various kinds of computer adapters to connect various components of the computers. We have various adapters like gender changers, mini centronics adapters used as connective modular for the computer. In order to connect various video and audio cables we are required to have the adapter that can provide a proper connectivity to the computer and the video or the audio devices. Connectivity of keyboard of a computer also largely depends upon the great connective computer cables and effective adapters.

Today we are required to have proper connection in of the various attached computer cables with the computer system. Every component like mouse, keyboard, speakers, and monitor are connected with the system in the network of systematic computer cable connections. In order to attach all the components together we are required to have good quality computer cables. Every time a connection may fail due to the bad connection. Normally we avoid the requirement of the perfect computer cables and do not stress upon the need to have the best connectivity between the various additional enhancements in the computer systems.

Today we have access to various good quality computer cables available in the market. We need cables for connecting the system and its devices together. Firstly, we need to have some good quality power cables that can allow us the good power flow without any failure of power supply. In order to connect devices like printer and scanner we again are required to connect these computer cables to our system that allow us to have the connection of the both the printer and the other devices.

Computer system is all about the computer cable connection networked to attach various components together to create a computer system. Sometimes we are not able to recognize the cable as most of the cable looks the same. In this situation sometimes we detach another cable by mistake and face problems. We are provided with the various computer cables in the market, and if you wish to have cables of different colors then we have the option of black and grey.

Using right kind of computer cables and adapters is very essential as they allow you to have the good performance of your computer system.

A generation of young people just leaving college and going out to seek their fortune have grown up with computers, and their computers have always been personal. They've always used a keyboard to enter data and have always viewed their work on a screen that reacted pretty much instantly to their input. Increasingly, they use a small portable computer with a flat high resolution screen, or maybe even a hand-held device, with a user interface they've customized to their own liking. Personal computing. Where did it come from?

I've had reason to think about this, having been involved in the early software business and having recently published a book about my experiences selling software in the late 1970s. The book is called Priming the Pump: How TRS-80 Enthusiasts Helped Spark the PC Revolution. In the book, co-authored with my husband David, we talk about how Steve Leininger, a newly-hired engineer and computer hobbyist, and Don French, a company insider, created this ground-breaking product for Tandy Corporation for under $150,000 in development costs. Tandy, parent of the nationwide chain of Radio Shack stores (3500 at the time) sold the TRS-80 for $599.95. It was the most expensive product Radio Shack had ever sold, and it was a phenomenal success, so successful that Radio Shack was overwhelmed with orders it couldn't fill. People had to go on waiting lists to get one.

So was the TRS-80 the first truly personal computer? We do make the claim that it was the first mass produced (all made in factories in the US) off-the-shelf microcomputer. But in 1977, exactly thirty years ago, the TRS-80 was only one of three microcomputers introduced. There was also the PET from Commodore and the Apple I and II, designed by the guru of geekdom, Steve Wozniak. These three microcomputers hit the market that year, and for the TRS-80, it was the beginning of a series of upgrades and add-ons that eager users snapped up over the next seven or eight years. For Apple, their Apple II computer, which had color from the beginning and was a superb game machine, had an even longer run and sold in huge numbers. In fact, Steve Wozniak, in her new book, iWoz, claims that he "invented the personal computer" (iWoz: How I invented the personal computer, co-founded Apple, and had fun doing it, by Steve Wozniak and Gina Smith, Norton & Company, 2006). But did anyone really "invent" the personal computer?

Before there were personal computers, there were big corporate computers. In the 1960s, computers were large and expensive and did not have a screen. The input/output device was likely to be a teletype machine, itself a large, clunky and expensive machine. Or it may have been connected to a "terminal," another expensive machine that did have a TV-like screen and a keyboard. You might think that this type of computer somehow evolved into the smaller ones we use today, but that is not so.

Small computers, known initially as microcomputers, arose in the 1970s as a result of developments in electronics, specifically the microprocessor, which let many components that used to be individually mounted on a board be part of one integrated device. This was a technology that moved fast once the principles were in place. Intel founder Gordon Moore observed the fast pace and declared a proposition: Moore's Law stated that processing power would double every 18 months, and he's proved right in this observation. But it was more than technical advances that brought about personal computing. It was also a pent-up desire on the part of many people to own their own computer. This is what drove Ted Nelson to write his self-published book, Computer Lib, in 1974 and later write that he sought "the freedom of people to do their own thing with computers." It is what drove Ed Roberts to build the Altair, the first microcomputer, which appeared on the cover of Popular Electronics in January 1975. Roberts was once quoted as saying that he "lusted" after a computer of his own and that "to have a computer was better than sex."

When the Intel 4004 chip came out, it was a beginning, but only a concept, as this first microprocessor did not do enough to power a computer. Then came the 8008 and finally the 8080, the one that became the brains of the Altair and the IMSAI, kit computers that found an eager following. These chips were expensive but soon there were other microprocessors, like the 6502 from MOS Technologies and the Z80 from Zilog. Among the fruit trees of northern California soon to be known as Silicon Valley, a young Steve Wozniak had obtained two 6502 microprocessors at a computer show for the incredibly cheap price of $20 each. The man selling them was Chuck Peddle, who had designed them. I recently heard Chuck give a talk (via internet) to the Vintage Computer Festival in New Jersey in which he stated that his company, MOS Technologies, had experienced many quality control problems and a lot of the chips did not work. He wanted to conceal the problems and make it look like he had produced the chips in abundance, so he filled a barrel with them, but only the ones on top actually worked! Good thing Woz got two that worked, because with those he built the first Apple.

Chuck Peddle sold out to Commodore, which began work on a microcomputer project. Wozniak says in his book that Peddle came to see the prototype Apple II in Steve Jobs' garage and was considering buying the rights to it, but Commodore decided to do their own design. The Commodore PET, released in 1977, had a keyboard for input and a tape cassette for storage; it was a complete system.

In 1976, another Steve - Steve Leininger - was working at National Semiconductor and moonlighting at Paul Terrell's Byte Shop, where Wozniak's Apple I models were for sale. Terrell launched Jobs and Wozniak into a real business with a $50,000 order for the hand-built computer, which had no keyboard or monitor; it was really just a board that hobbyists could make into a real computer with add-ons. Leininger found himself talking one day to some buyers from Tandy Corporation, parent of Radio Shack. He later received an offer of employment and was flown to Fort Worth Texas to meet with John Roach, company CEO, and the man who would be his partner in designing the TRS-80, Don French.

The TRS-80 Model I, introduced in August 1977, had some features that the others lacked. Unlike the annoying "chiclet" keyboard of the PET, the TRS-80 had a full size keyboard. The PET came with a monitor, but the TRS-80 had a larger one. Most importantly, the PET was an all-in-one case model, with no expandability, but the TRS-80 was designed for expansion; the tape cassette recorder (the storage device) and the monitor were separate and could be replaced with something else. Eventually, Radio Shack released an "expansion interface" that let users connect a disk drive and add more memory. The TRS-80, with the BASIC language built-in, could accomplish many useful tasks, and its popularity went well beyond the enthusiastic hobbyist market. Small business owners were among the most eager buyers.

The initial events that made the personal computer possible were about technical advances - better, faster microprocessors - and hardware innovations, such as the five-inch disk drive. But the next wave of innovation that made computers essential to modern life was software, all kinds of software that helped people do common tasks more efficiently. Word Processing. Accounting. Mail lists. Database. And the first "killer app" - spreadsheets, beginning with VisiCalc. At the same time, microcomputers were a new form of entertainment. Games were tremendously popular; some mimicked the arcade games of the day and others were analogies to board games like chess. Some broke new ground for gaming, like Scott Adams' Adventure games, and the popular Oregon Trail. Without all the programmers out there creating useful applications, the computer would never be personal. In our case, David created a word processor called Lazy Writer. It received rave reviews in the many computer magazines that reviewed popular software. We sold copies all over the US and the world, with many buyers in Australia (who used a TRS-80 clone machine called the Dick Smith System 80). We never got rich selling software, but we felt the excitement of being part of something that really was a revolution.

So who invented personal computing? Was it Steve Wozniak, with his amazing designs, or was it Ed Roberts, who believed people lusted after a kit that let them build a computer called Altair, was it Chuck Peddle who gave the world a cheap microprocessor, or was it Leininger and French who built the TRS-80, a machine that had so many fans? Notice that I have not even mentioned Bill Gates or the IBM PC. Gates was there from the beginning, and he too has a claim on inventing personal computing. It was Gates who created the version of the BASIC language that was in the Altair and who later supplied the operating system for the IBM PC, the machine that first gave us the term, "Personal Computer." But it seems clear to me that the vision of a personal computer was out there long before IBM got into the act. In fact, it seems unlikely that we can ever name one person who deserves the credit for "inventing" personal computing. A computer as a personal tool - an idea that was in the ether, as they say, and that had many inventors, both through breakthroughs in hardware and creativity in software.

The tremendous strides we've made in how we use our computers is exemplified for me in two remarks from family members. The first was something my daughter, born in 1985, said to me some years back. She said that when she first heard that computers were once huge machines that filled a room, she pictured in her mind a giant modern computer, with a gigantic screen filling a whole wall and a huge keyboard, with a person jumping from one enormous key to another. She couldn't see how else a computer could fill a room. The other remark was just recently made by my sister, who is relatively new to computer ownership. She had finished reading my book, which she said she enjoyed despite her lack of computer savvy, and I was pleased because we did not intend our book just for geeks. Then she said, "I always thought early computers would be kind of like modern ones only maybe slower, but now I see that they were completely different." My first reaction to this was wanting to say "No they weren't," but I didn't say that because I wanted to think about why she would make this remark. I realized that the way a user interacts with a PC today really is completely different from looking at a screen displaying a blinking cursor and the word "Ready." That's what we used to see on our TRS-80 when we turned it on. It was ready for us to give it a command and until we did, it would do nothing. And it could only do one thing at a time. Just look at the graphics, sound and interactivity of modern personal computers and, even though they are the descendants of the blank screen with a blinking cursor, the way we use computers and take their amazing abilities for granted is completely different from the era of microcomputers that dazzled us thirty years ago.

You can buy Priming the Pump from the book website at http://www.microcomputerpioneers.com or from amazon.com.

Computer racks that are commonly known as rack will be designed out of metal frame that holds quite several hardware devices including server, modems, hard disk drives, monitor and quite additional electronic setup. With the assistance of these computer racks, you can maintain and keep your computer and accessories with the perfect setup out of damage. Basically, they can be referred to LAN racks or network furniture, since they imitate shelving construction, where all the computer components could be infixed upright, heaped ahead of each other. On the other words the computer racks could also be said as open racks or relay racks.

As known well, the computer racks are designed with various shapes and style. It is ultimately your choice to pick the right one matching your demands. Generally, the price rate will vary depending upon the size, shape and style of the rack. The traditional computer rack will be designed 19'inch wider. While considering most of the racks are normally designed out of stainless steel or aluminum. The EIA (Electronics Industries Association) introduces the customary standard for the racks and cabinet specified for the manipulation with the computers and supplementary equipments.

Basically, people get confusion with the term cabinet and racks, which is completely interchangeable. Cabinet is a provision that could be set along with the side panes and doors, whereas the racks denote the frame, which offers a complete provision for mounting electronic support. Computer racks will be usually connected closer to the peripheral devices of your computer in order to provide a complete comfort to the users. Computer racks can be fixed in a single place to facilitate an easy computer access and operation. If your workplace is really little and small, these computer racks might occupy a large place to set-in closer. Computer racks are designed and developed to match the place to set with the monitor screens and other computer peripherals.

Most type of computer racks are designed out of metal plates bowed to an enviable contour that will never give an aesthetically pleasing outlook. As well, it is hardly difficult to use the complete structure that the computer racks provide. With the improved growth and objectives, the computer racks are designed in order to give a complete comfort with an intensified structural force.

When taking into the consideration, the latest designed computer racks are designed with the improved desk surface that will be closely linked with the computer devices to give the maximum comfort to the users.

Buying a new computer can become a tedious task these days as many of us tend to get confused or simply don't know how to choose the best computer from the wide range available. Here are 6 tips to best computer buy:

1. The first and logical thing to do is determine exactly where you will be using your computer from. Do you plan to use it at home, or do you travel with business often? After you answer this question you know if you want a desktop computer or a notebook.

2. The next thing to do is determine your budget. There is a wide range of both desktop and notebook computers to choose from so they can cover any budget. Desktop computers can cost anywhere between $500 and $2000 (Note that many sites don't list the monitor in the cost, so read carefully before clicking the checkout button), while notebooks between $800 - $2000+. Decide on how much money are you willing to spend and continue to the next step.

3. Now it's time to determine what will you be using the computer for. Are you buying it for your kid to play video games, watch movies or do you plan to use it for work or internet surfing? Of course you can buy a computer and use it for all of those things but for example if you plan to use it just for business then you needn't buy a computer with the best video card on the market.

4. Are you going to store photos, Microsoft Office documents, mp3 files, video files etc.? You need to think about this to determine what hard drive your computer needs. If you'll be using it to store photos and Office files then you need something in the range of 60GB but no more. If you plan to store many video and audio files then a 220GB hard drive would be more appropriate.

5. Another very important thing to consider, which many people overlook, is how often do you replace your computer? This is very important because most new computers come with a special OEM license for Microsoft software. As this license cannot be used on any other computers, if you change your computer often then it would be a waste of money to buy each end every one of them with the software and pay for it every time. If you change your computer often it would be wise to purchase a retail copy of the Microsoft software and save money.

6. Buy a ready made computer or create your new computer by selecting all the parts yourself? In my opinion, if you're a person who changes their computer often then buying a ready made one is the perfect choice for you. If you don't plan on changing the computer then it would be wise to create it yourself at a local store or even on some sites on the internet. This is because all the big computer companies use proprietary components and if you buy a ready made one it is usually harder to upgrade later.

Computer security is high on the list of priorities for most people today. Because computers have recently become very mobile, there is a very distinct danger that the personal data that a person keeps in their mobile computer can very well end up in the hands of the wrong kind of people.

There has been a lot of technology focused on providing the necessary security features in computers so that the data that is stored in them is kept safe. However, there is always one thing that typically undermines whatever security feature has been implemented on the computer. A personal computer or laptop is principally a private piece of property. As such, while the data that is stored in it is also very personal, the person using the computer is often prone to disregarding whatever security protocol is used to protect the data and computer. This is simply because he or she is assuming that the computer will remain personal and safe from other hands.

Unfortunately, time and again, that belief has been proven false, which is why computer security needs to be developed around the idea of security being second nature to the user. To organically merge security with the individual, a lot of people and organizations aim to increase computer security with biometrics.

Essentially, biometrics consists of a fingerprint scan that serves as a security barrier for the computer. Once installed in a computer, no potential computer user can access the computer unless he or she is specifically identified as a legitimate user of that computer.

As a device, the biometric reader scans the information from the fingerprints of a person. This acts as a key to opening up the computer. Unless the person has the right fingerprints to match those stored in the biometric device, the computer remains inaccessible. Thus, the computer is well protected from illegitimate users.

There are several advantages when people increase computer security with biometrics. For one thing, it is a very natural and quick way to register the person with the intended computer he or she is supposed to use. Accessing a laptop, for example, only takes putting a finger against the biometric scanner and having it check whether the scanned fingerprint matches with the fingerprint on file for the biometrics device. Once a match is confirmed, the computer becomes fully usable. Thus, security with biometrics is quick and easy.

What's more, the fingerprints of a person are unique to each individual. Fingerprints do not match between different people. Thus, there is no chance that two individuals can open a computer that is keyed only for one person's fingerprint.

Thus, for companies and individuals who are looking to ensure their data, one of the best things that they can do is to increase computer security with biometrics. Not only is biometrics one of the safest ways to secure a computer, it is also one of the most natural and convenient. Every personal computer that stores confidential and personal data -- and what personal computer does not -- should use biometrics to increase security.

When working properly, computers enable small businesses to make big business profits; however, get booted off your computer and you're suddenly starving. In most instances, computers usually act up due to lack of care by its owners. Here are four computer tips that'll keep you up and running smoothly.

Tip #1 -- Back up your computer's data no less than once a month.

Too often a small business is thrust back to infancy because it didn't take time to back up precious data; information that took hours upon hours to create. Information that's irreplaceable, such as customer databases or employment contracts. Keep in mind you'll want to back up your written data as well as check books such as Quicken and email address books. If your computer has a CD writer, it's simple and quick to back up your data. Simply select the files and folders you want to back up and copy them to the writer.

Or if you have an older computer, copy your most important files to a floppy disk. Either way, don't stop there; now take the CD or disk and store it in a fire-safe box! To expedite the process, organize your files within folders so you can quickly grab and copy one or two folders.

Tip #2 - Don't turn off your computer every evening.

Too frequently computer users turn their computers off every evening. This is unnecessary and not recommended. A computer's components are at their most vulnerable when turned on and off. When a computer has to heat up [turn on] or cool down [turn off] it's at this precise moment components fail. It's recommended you turn your computer off once or twice a week or only when necessary, such as from a power outage. However, don't do the opposite and never turn your computer off, since many anti-virus programs require a computer reboot be performed before new virus patches take effect.

Tip #3 -- Automate anti-virus software so it updates automatically no less than once a week.

Depending on your software, you may need to prompt it to update. Unfortunately, there are people with too much time on their hands who desire to attack and make your computer unusable. A computer user is not ultimately protected from viruses and spyware [pop-ups, cookies, etc.] unless you're using a combination of anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a firewall, a piece of hardware that protects computers from being hacked. You must have all three pieces in order to ward off viruses, lurkers and attacks. What's more, most of the attacks are very quiet. You don't know someone is on your computer. Instead, they secretly store information, such as child pornography or music MP3s on your computer, since it's illegal, and redirect child-porno or MP3 seekers to your computer instead of theirs.

Tip #4 -- Install a firewall if you keep your computer constantly on.

Using a broadband or DSL connection dramatically increases your exposure to being hacked. It only takes an average of 15 minutes being online before a home-based computer is attacked. The only true way to protect a computer from a hacker is to install a hardware firewall. It's a misconception that software-based firewalls ultimately defend computers. This is simply not true. Computers must have a hardware firewall for ultimate protection, such as a SonicWall or Netscreen firewall, a component installed between a home user's cable or DSL connection and their computer.

Sometimes, one of the reasons why our day gets ruined is when our computer stops running. And to increase the aggravation your machine hangs during those periods you badly need it to be the most stable, such as when you were just about to save and email your work (or when you were just about to complete a download).

Since your computer stops responding, all you can do is to turn the computer off by pressing on your computer's power button for a while. All the data you were not able to save before your PC hanging will be erased.

Do these things happen to you more frequently than it is possible to just ignore? You must be asking yourself and your computer proficient pals, "why does computer freeze up so much?" The good thing is you do not have to be inconvenienced by this problem any longer, because there are simple solutions to your problem, "Why does my computer freeze?"

A few obvious solutions to your current computer issue are not opening too many programs concurrently that makes considerable demands on your PC's resources; or purchasing additional RAM (or memory) in your CPU. These two are usually the reasons why most PCs freeze but there are other reasons that we will further explore.

High Computer Temperature

One of the other reasons why your computer may stop running is because of a defective computer fan. Thus, overheating results in your computer being frozen or unable to keep on operating. You will often find your computer vents and fan are covered with so much dust that air cannot properly circulate inside your machine, so you need to clean them. You should also think about adding a new fan for your PC.

But if you do not know how to install the fan by yourself, you should find a skilled computer professional or technician to do it for you. Also, have the wires or cables inside your computer taped together by a computer professional so that air can circulate better.

Taping is an affordable and easy remedy for overheating but doing it requires some hardware repair expertise. It is critical not to generate even the smallest quantity of electrostatic charge while working around the components of your computer because it will ruin your machine. We do not want you to make your computer worse from unknowingly generating electric static discharge, so if you must do it yourself, get an anti electrostatic wrist strap.

Not Enough RAM

One of the hardware components answerable to your question, "why computer freeze?" can be your RAM or computer's random access memory. Inadequate RAM will lead to slow computer performance and to your machine freezing whenever you open an application (or combination of applications simultaneously) that require a higher amount of RAM than you presently have. The clear and easy remedy is to get more RAM. You will find that your computer system will be more stable when you do this.

Putting in new RAM in your desktop or laptop is not complicated but if you are unsure about the process, you can simply have this work done by a computer technician.

'Insufficient system resources' or not having enough memory for your operating system is another PC issue that can lead to your PC crashing. You will find your PC hanging when you open large applications or play games with intense graphics which uses up a lot of memory.

So in response to your query, "Why does my computer freeze?"; the answer is you are using way too many software programs than your PCs system resources can handle. Or in short, you went over the limit of your PC's capacity.

Here are a some remedies you can do to stop your computer from freezing due to deficient RAM and insufficient system's resources problem. First step is to adjust your start-up settings to only run necessary programs to free up your comp's system resources.

Also make sure to close other apps before opening 'resource heavy' programs like games or graphic software applications. If you are attempting to download files while playing a game then this could also be the explanation to why does my computer freeze up so much?

Another way to have this problem resolved is to get a Windows registry cleaning application. The registry cleaner will guide you on how to prevent unnecessary programs from running automatically in the background when you switch on your computer; and by deleting unwanted entries that are causing errors.

All of these functions will free up computer's resources to allow your system to operate more smoothly. Using highly-rated registry cleaners also makes the work of freeing up your systems resources easier and safer because they have automated backup capabilities which enables you to go back to your old settings in case unwanted changes were made.

Lastly if you're worried that you don't have an expert knowledge about computers and you don't want have time to send it to a shop to get fixed, then obtaining a registry cleaner is your answer. Just use the registry application's automatic scan and clean program and let it do the hard work for you. Afterwards you can enjoy the advantages of a more efficient and healthy personal computer.

If you're reading this article, you have had or currently are in the need of computer repair service. With the prevalence of computers and our dependency to them, chances are most of you have had the unfortunate computer repair issues that required a professional computer repair technician's experience to fix.

Whether you are a end-consumer trying to get on the internet or having trouble receiving emails or a small business sorting your way out of an accounting software nightmare or needing to acquire a Microsoft small business server, professional help is only a few clicks away.

The biggest hurdle when sorting through the multitude of computer repair technicians who advertise through their website online or in your local yellow pages is to find a firm staffed with certified computer technicians. In addition, you want to make sure that the firm is staffed with professionals that have a few years of troubleshooting computer and networking issues under their belt. Often, the desire to cut in on experience and get "Joe from next door" to fix your personal computer can backfire and your recourses are limited, unless you're dealing with a certified, trained and established firm.

According to a recent article "the unfortunate situation that is prevalent in the computer repair industry is that the good service firms end up fixing the other firms bad work". It is really important to select a firm specializing in a broad range of small business computer networking services to make sure that you issues are adequately covered. And once the customer understands that she is dealing with a heavily certified, personal and reliable business, most customers will become happy.

Top notch businesses services such as described above are not unique yet it is the personal touch that becomes a critical factor in the customer's loaded list of requirements. Since every computer configuration is unique, customers are looking to someone that is going to dig beyond the surface and ensure long term results. Right there at the same level in that list and no less significant is cost.

Customers are jaded with spending hundreds of dollars and weeks of downtime with big box store computer repair support inexperienced geeks. If the Computer repair technician you are speaking to cannot give you an estimate of the costs, a reasonable hourly rate and more importantly, assurance that your system will be repaired promptly, run away. In addition, if your request embodies several computer or networking services which will last more than three or four hours, ask for a "project" discounted price. After all, everything is negotiable, even computer repair services.

The computer repair service market is primed for companies that put the customer first and techno-gobbledygook second.

Finding a reputable and affordable computer service is not brain surgery. You can go to Google and type: "computer repair services" with your town name and state. Check the website results and look for companies that provide certified (check for: Computer Technology Industry Industry A+, Microsoft Certified Professional or even better Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft Certified Trainer)online computer repair services, fair hourly market rates and give them a call. Often, a personal conversation can tell you much about who you will want to deal with.

It is almost impossible to think of any kind of job or career for which you do not need a computer training course or knowledge of computer programs. School children are now doing something that was unthinkable 20 years ago. Lessons and homework are completed over the Internet or on the computer at home. Papers and assignments cannot be done without the aid if the Internet and you need at least some level of computer skills to be able to work somewhere.

Programs such as Word, Outlook and PowerPoint are the most commonly used programs in an office environment nowadays. You can take a course in any computer training center near you to buff up your skills or to start working with computers for the first time. Some people feel embarrassed to admit that they feel intimidated by computers and this holds them back from taking the first steps to enhance their career with a computer course.

There are many websites now offering free computer training courses on the Internet. However these courses are only of use to those who have taking the first basic steps when it comes to using a computer. Use a search engine and look for free online computer courses, add the name of the computer program that you would like to be able to work with and you will end up with a list of options for free lessons.

Training software can be used for free online or can be purchased by employers to help employees to learn more about the programs that they are supposed to work with. There are training modules geared towards specific needs of employees to resolve the growing problem of computer illiteracy within companies. Most software has been developed to be of aid to those who are using a computer or a program for the first time and is also useful for those who have more experience in working with computers. There is a wide variety of courses available and usually there is a support center that can be contacted if there are problems with the software or if students need support.

In addition to regular computer training courses larger companies can also purchase so-called visual computer courses on video. These courses enable computer users to sit down in a large area in a company building, with their computers, and the video course will show clear step by step instructions on how to use a computer or a certain program. Employees are often allowed to take a copy of the video course home so that they can get to know a software program in their own time.

The value of computer education may be clear. People who want to expand their careers or change the direction of their career need to have a certain level of computer knowledge depending on their job of course. The value of keeping employers up to date about using computer programs saves a lot of time and money and video courses can even take the place of a tutor.

Is it stretching things to be speaking of computer use in terms of addiction? What if your job involves using a computer eight hours as day, are you addicted? It really comes down to a matter of intent and effect. With the ease of accessing computers, it is becoming increasingly easier to develop a computer addiction. Computer addiction affects people of all ages and of all social backgrounds.

Computer addiction is something that easily occurs in those who wish to hide their identity. A computer addiction allows the person to become whoever he wants to be, even if only for a short period of time. They can create a fantast world and get lost in it. This is quite different from just working on your computer at the job.

Those suffering from a computer addiction are also drawn by the fact that they can be less inhibited when communicating with people through the Internet. Therefore, people who have problems interacting socially with others are more susceptible to developing a computer addiction.

But not all people who abuse computer time are social misfits or recluses. With computer and internet access becoming increasingly simpler, many people suffering from computer addiction have found themselves sucked into a lifestyle where the world is only a mouse click away.

A person suffering from computer addiction will often show signs of irritability when removed from their computer. There are classic 'withdrawal symptoms' a person suffering from a computer addiction can exhibit. They spend an extraordinary amount of time on the computer. The result is that their relationships, their jobs, and their schooling will suffer. They may may unaware that these things are collapsing around them, and will continue to engage in this behavior despite neagatice consequences.

A person suffering from a computer addiction will also often feel empty when not on-line. To satisfy the computer addiction, the person will wake up early and stay up late just to use the computer. The time spent on the computer just seems to slip away for the person suffering from a computer addiction, as he slowly loses control over the amount of time he spends on his computer.

A computer addiction can also destroy relationships as the person with the computer addiction begins to believe that their on-line acquaintances are their best friends. Furthermore, the person with the computer addiction doesn't enjoy the time he spends with his loved ones because he is too preoccupied with thoughts of using his computer. A person suffering from a computer addiction will also begin to feel nervous if he has gone too long, sometimes just a mere hour, without checking his e-mail.

A computer addiction is a potentially devastating addiction. It should be taken seriously and professional help should be sought by a person suffering from a computer addiction. Though computer addiction is not yet widely accepted, the principles of addiction are similar and a professional therapist should be able to help.

Computers are available in different shapes, sizes and weights, due to these different shapes and sizes they perform different sorts of jobs from one another.

They can also be classified in different ways. All the computers are designed by the qualified computer architectures that design these machines as their requirements.

A computer that is used in a home differs in size and shape from the computer being used in a hospital. Computers act as a server in large buildings, while the computer also differs in size and shape performing its job as a weather forecaster.

A student carrying a laptop with him to his college is different in shape and size from all the computers mentioned above.

Here we are going to introduce different classifications of computers one by one. We will discuss what are in classifications and what job they perform.

Super computer

The biggest in size, the most expensive in price than any other is classified and known as super computer. It can process trillions of instructions in seconds. This computer is not used as a PC in a home neither by a student in a college.

Governments specially use this type of computer for their different calculations and heavy jobs. Different industries also use this huge computer for designing their products.

In most of the Hollywood's movies it is used for animation purposes. This kind of computer is also helpful for forecasting weather reports worldwide.

Mainframes

Another giant in computers after the super computer is Mainframe, which can also process millions of instruction per second and capable of accessing billions of data.

This computer is commonly used in big hospitals, air line reservations companies, and many other huge companies prefer mainframe because of its capability of retrieving data on a huge basis.

This is normally to expensive and out of reach from a salary-based person who wants a computer for his home.

This kind of computer can cost up to thousands of dollars.

Minicomputer

This computer is next in he line but less offers less than mainframe in work and performance. These are the computers, which are mostly preferred by the small type of business personals, colleges, etc.

Personal computers

Almost all the computer users are familiar with the personal computers. They normally know what the personal computer is and what are its functions.

This is the computer mostly preferred by the home users. These computers are lesser in cost than the computers given above and also, small in size; they are also called PCs in short for Personal computers.

This computer is small in size and you can easily arrange it to fit in your single bedroom with its all accommodation. Today this is thought to be the most popular computer in all.

Notebook computers

Having a small size and low weight the notebook is easy to carry to anywhere. A student can take it with him/her to his/her school in his/her bag with his/her book.

This is easy to carry around and preferred by students and business people to meet their assignments and other necessary tasks.

The approach of this computer is also the same as the Personal computer. It can store the same amount of data and having a memory of the same size as that of a personal computer. One can say that it is the replacement of personal desktop computer.

This is one of the unique articles posted weekly on http://www.computer-and-printer-reviews.com.

Your monitor is an important accessory to your computer. Computer monitors are available in different sizes and styles and some offer various functions, such as a built-in speaker system. You will obviously consider what type of monitor you can afford but may also want to consider how often you will be using your computer and how you will be using it.

How Computer Monitor Sizes are Measured

Monitors are available in 15, 17, 19 and 21 inch sizes. The size of a monitor is the viewable area of the screen, which is measured diagonally (i.e., from the upper right corner of the screen to the lower left corner of the screen and vice versa). These diagonal measurements are of the screen only and not the computer monitor's casing. Regardless of what type of monitor you decide to purchase, the larger the monitor, the more expensive the monitor will be. However, if you use your computer several hours a day, you will experience less eye strain with a larger monitor.

CRT Computer Monitors Deliver Usability and Bargain Prices

If you are looking for an extra monitor or just want something cheap for your home office or kids, the CRT monitor will probably be the most economical option.

Although they are big and bulky, CRT monitors will work just fine for basic home computing uses such as sending and receiving email, playing video games, or running a word processing program. These types of activities do not require an expensive or elaborate monitor.

A standard CRT (cathode ray tube) computer monitor works like a standard CRT television, accounting for its television-like appearance and bulk. Many people are switching to the less bulky flat screen monitors and as a result, the prices of CRT computer monitors are dropping. I have found refurbished CRT monitors at auction for just $12. Brand new CRTs might run anywhere from $40 to $100, which is just a fraction of the cost of the flashier LCD monitors.

LCD Monitors Are Less Expensive Than They Used to Be

They look sharp. They're elegant. And they don't take up a lot of space. For these and other reasons, many computer users these days are choosing the more advanced LCD (liquid crystal display) computer monitors for home and business use. Nowadays, the flat screen LCD monitors are often packaged with a new computer system. LCD monitors are lighter and flatter than CRT monitors, and can be more energy efficient and produce sharper pictures.

While the prices for LCD monitors are falling since their initial appearance in the market, they are still more expensive than CRT monitors. Generally speaking, an LCD monitor will cost around four times as much as a CRT monitor.

Considerations for Choosing Your Monitor

Whether you choose to buy a CRT or LCD computer monitor, you will want to choose the size that you will be most comfortable with. As mentioned above, the more time you sit in front of the computer, the more you will benefit from a larger view screen. Although larger monitor screens can be beneficial, you want to make sure that the monitor will fit in the area where you will be using it, and will fit your budget as well.

There are some fantastic deals for any type of computer monitor online. If you are looking for something reliable but have a tight budget, you can save quite a bit of money by purchasing a refurbished model. Before buying a new or refurbished computer monitor online, however, review the warranty. Check out the shipping costs, too. Because of their size and weight, shipping costs for CRT monitors can get pricey. Some online vendors offer free shipping.

Estate sales, garage sales and yard sales are excellent resources for used CRT or LCD monitors ... and of course, you avoid shipping fees if you shop locally. When buying from individuals, see if the seller can plug the monitor in and demonstrate that it is in good working order. You can find any type of monitor at your local computer shop.

Regardless of whether you are purchasing a new monitor online or offline, make sure that it is compatible with your computer.

Your home PC is a popular target for hackers. Why? Because intruders want what you've stored there. They look for credit card numbers, bank account information, and anything else they can find. By stealing that information, intruders can use your money to buy themselves anything they want.

But it's not just money-related information they're after. Intruders also want your computer's resources, meaning your hard disk space, your fast processor, and your Internet connection. They use these resources to attack other computers on the Internet. In fact, the more computers an intruder uses, the harder it is for law enforcement to figure out where the attack is really coming from. If intruders can't be found, they can't be stopped, and they can't be prosecuted.

Why are intruders paying attention to home computers? Home computers are typically not very secure and are easy to break into. When combined with high-speed Internet connections that are always turned on, intruders can quickly find and then attack home computers. While intruders also attack home computers connected to the Internet through dial-in connections, high-speed connections (cable modems and DSL modems) are a favorite target.

No matter how a home computer is connected to the Internet, intruders' attacks are often successful. Many home computer owners don't realize that they need to pay attention to computer security. In the same way that you are responsible for having insurance when you drive a car, you need to also be responsible for your home computer's security. The goal is to keep intruders and their programs off your computer.

How do intruders break into your computer? In some cases, they send you email with a virus. Reading that email activates the virus, creating an opening that intruders use to enter or access your computer. In other cases, they take advantage of a flaw or weakness in one of your computer's programs - a vulnerability - to gain access.

Once they're on your computer, they often install new programs that let them continue to use your computer - even after you plug the holes they used to get onto your computer in the first place. These backdoors are usually cleverly disguised so that they blend in with the other programs running on your computer.

There are multiple ways hackers use to get into your system, but how do you prevent them from doing it? Computer companies like Elite IT can help. We can perform a complete diagnostics and provide checklists you can use to record information about the steps you can take to secure your computer. Elite IT services both Business and Residential PCs in these areas of Wisconsin: Appleton Oshkosh Neenah Menasha Grand Chute Little Chute Kaukauna Green Bay Darboy Kimberly Buchanan Dale Black Creek WI and the Greater Fox Valley.

Whether your computer runs Microsoft Windows, Apple's Mac OS, LINUX, or something else, the issues are the same and will remain so as new versions of your system are released. The key is to understand the security-related problems that you need to think about and solve. Remember - no matter what you do, ask your Computer Consultant to lock down your Network and keep you safe from online Predators.

Technology advancements are often quantified and identified by the terminology "generation." Each year, the product development process improves, this is deemed a generation. With each new generation of computer, the motherboard and silicon footprint decreases and the speed, power and memory power increases.

Progression of Computers

Computers have come a long way since the first generation vacuum tubes for circuitry and memory magnetic drums. The first generation computer utilized assembly language programming or high level programming languages to execute instructions for the user. These early computers required a lot of electricity to operate and also generated a lot of heat that was difficult to displace.

The second generation replaced the vacuum tubes with transistors, which were a primary component of microprocessors today. Transistors were invented in 1947 in Bell Laboratories. These devices were preferable to vacuum tubes that emitted a significant amount of heat and slowed processing times.

Transistors opened the door to faster processing. The latest microprocessors contain tens of millions of microscopic transistors. Without the transistor, we would not have the same level of computing power that we have today.

The transistor was invented in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until the late 50s. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube. This allowed computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors.

The third generation computer involved integrated circuits. These circuits are often referred to as semiconductors, because of the substrate used to design the circuit. Semiconductors dramatically increased the speed and efficiency of the computer. Semiconductors also decreased the overall footprint of the computer. As the semiconductor packages become smaller, designers produced smaller laptops and desktop computers. Minimalist designers and chiropractors rejoiced with the weight and size reduction.

The fourth generation marked the production of computers as we know them today. Microprocessors were introduced in this generation of computers. The computer processing speeds increased exponentially, as the "brain" of the computer mastered complex computations. This generation of computer allowed manufacturers to lower the price to make computers available to the common household. Computers, however, were still not as cost effective as they are today.

The fifth generation of computer added artificial intelligence to the computer to improve the speed and efficiency of advanced computations and graphic displays. Game playing, expert systems, natural language, neural networks and robotics were all capabilities of the fifth generation computer.

Neural networks were particularly important in this generation of computer. The computer could mimic actual neuron synapses in the human body. These complex mathematical models were handled with ease through the fifth generation computer. However, scientists still needed more computing power to accomplish advanced robotics and other language computations.

The Sixth Generation of Computer

Not only does the technology improve, but the price decreases as the technology improves. The sixth generation of computer provided consumers with the opportunity to have more power on a smaller footprint. The sixth generation also introduced voice recognition. Improved technology allows the computer to take dictation and recognize words. Computers have the ability to learn via a variety of advanced algorithms.

The use of nanotechnology is a characteristic of sixth generation computers. This significantly increases the processing time of the computer and help consumers. Computers with multiple CPUs can perform sophisticated calculations and multitask. When a single CPU can perform multiple tasks at once, this is considered multi-tasking.

When qubits or quantum bits process calculations, it is typically faster than conventional computers. This technology works in conjunction with the computer's processor and memory. Complex languages such as English, Chinese, French and Spanish are easily processed with the use of qubits or quantum bits. Computers can now understand and interpret numerous languages with the new advanced technology available.

This new advancement will allow students and the disabled to speak commands into the computer without touching the physical device. Voice recognition is also helpful in laboratory clean rooms, surgical operating rooms or even use in customer service. Voice recognition will significantly enhance the scientist's ability to create new technology.

Voice controlled games and typing applications are easy with sixth generation applications. Avid gamers will view video games in incredible detail with life-like motion. Parallel processing enables faster speeds for video games. As the semiconductor footprint becomes smaller through the use of nanotechnology, the user has more flexibility in the use of the computer.

Conclusion

Sixth generation took advanced computing to a new level with voice recognition. Consumers can only imagine what the seventh generation of computer will bring. Consumers will look forward to these new advancements as they develop.

So you're thinking of buying a new computer...

Where do you start? There are so many brands and models of computers available, and it can all be a little overwhelming when you start to look around.

How do you decide what type of computer you need? And perhaps more importantly, how do you decide what the best value is?

I have sold computers professionally for almost 20 years, and there are certain "tricks of the trade" that most computer stores and salespeople use. Knowing these secrets can make your decision easier and will help you buy the right computer for your needs.

1. Buy What You Need, Maybe a Little More

One of the most important things you can do when buying a new computer is make a list of the things that you will be using it for. There are so many different models - with different capabilities - that you can easily buy more, or less, than you really need if you don't.

If this is your first computer, this can be a little tougher. Until you've used a computer, it's hard to know exactly what you might want to do with it beyond the obvious, like connecting to the internet.

Regardless, you should think about some of the things you might want to do. Some possibilities include:

• Connect to the internet
• Play games
• Digital photography
• Digital video
• Type documents
• Accounting
• Design websites
• Programming
• Digital scrapbooking
• Geneology

Some of these things need more power than others. For example, connecting to the internet really doesn't need a lot of power. Even the most basic computer available will probably work just fine.

Digital video and many games need a lot more power. If you don't get a fast enough computer with enough memory, you'll be disappointed with the performance.

Knowing what you're going to be using your computer for will help your salesperson, whether they're on the phone, the internet or standing in front of you, recommend the best system for your needs.

As a general rule you're always better off buying more power than you need rather than less, but buying too much can be a waste of money.

2. Warranty Considerations

Computer warranties are one of the most confusing and obscure parts of your purchase. Most manufacturers have cut back on their customer service to the point where poor service has become a given.

The three most common options are onsite, carry-in or manufacturer's depot service.

Onsite service can be helpful, but think about whether you want to have to be available for a technician to come and diagnose your computer, and possibly have to come back with parts at another time.

Carry in service is a good option, but find out whether the service center is factory authorized for warranty repairs, as well as whether the technicians are all certified.

Shipping your computer to a factory service center can take a long time - sometimes a number of weeks. It also creates risk that your computer will be damaged or even lost in shipping. In some cases, the manufacturer will even replace your computer with another unit and ship it back to you, rather than repairing it. This can result in your losing any information that was on your system and having to reload all your software.

Another aspect of the warranty to find out about is technical support. Find out if the computer manufacturer offers a toll-free phone number and what the quality of service is like.

The better computer salespeople will be honest about this and tell you if a company's service leaves something to be desired. You can also do some research on the internet - most of the computer magazines like PC Magazine and PC World have annual customer service comparisons that rate the larger computer companies.

Always find out how the warranty is handled before making your decision. Even if it doesn't influence your choice, knowing what to expect if something does go wrong will save some nasty surprises down the road.

3. Can You Negotiate the Price Down?

A computer is a relatively large investment - anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Many computer buyers expect that there is a significant amount of "wiggle room" on the price.

The reality is that most computer hardware - the physical pieces like the computer, monitor and printer - is sold at very low profit margins. Often, computer systems are even sold at or below the dealer cost. When you're buying a computer, it never hurts to ask for a better deal, but don't be surprised if you only get a few dollars off, if anything.

Over the close to 20 years I've sold computers, I watched the profit margins go from over 40% to less than 5%. It's almost embarrassing to offer a $20 discount on a $2500 computer system, but that could mean the difference between making and losing money on the sale.

What you can do to get the best price is to do some comparison shopping. Most computer stores offer price-matching guarantees, so if you find your computer for less at another store, most dealers will match or beat that price, even if it means they lose money.

4. How Do Computer Stores Make Any Money?

You might be wondering how these computer stores make any money if they're selling computer for so little profit.

Their money is made on add-on items. The highest profit areas in most computer stores are cables and "consumable" products such as printer ink and paper.

Printer ink is a huge money-maker for most computer stores (even more so for the printer manufacturers). Why is this? Once you've bought a printer, you're going to have to replace your ink at some point, and continue to replace it as it runs out.

Most chain computer stores and office supply stores that carry a large selection of ink cartridges make more from ink than they do from the computers themselves.

Cables also have huge markups. A cable that costs the store $2-3 will often sell for $20-30. That's ten times their cost!

If you're buying a new computer, you will likely need to buy some cables. Some items - printers, for example - don't often include the cables needed to hook them up.

Many printers also come with "starter" ink cartridges that are only half-full. You might also want to pick up some extra ink cartridges.

This is where you should be able to negotiate a better price. Don't expect the salesperson to throw them in for nothing, but they should be willing to offer you a better price. After all, if you're happy with their service, you'll probably continue to buy your ink, paper and other products from that store in the future.

5. What Software is Included?

The last secret of buying a new computer has to do with the software that is included. Most new computer systems include quite a few programs and sometimes the value of the software can be quite high.

Something to watch out for when looking at the included software is "trial versions" or "limited editions".

Many programs that are preloaded are either crippled versions that don't have all the features of the full program, or trial versions that will only run for a certain amount of time before they expire.

Computer are often sold with trial versions of the following types of software:

• antivirus
• firewall
• MS Office or other office suites
• Accounting - both business and personal

The computer manufacturers generally don't make it easy to tell whether the software on their systems are trial versions or limited versions. This is a question that you should specifically ask if you can't find the answer in their promotional information.

If you're buying a new computer with trial versions of the software, keep in mind that you will need to pay to continue using it after the trial period is over. This is an added cost that you need to consider as part of your overall budget.

These five "secrets" of buying a new computer are fairly common sense, but they are not always made clear up front. Knowing what to ask will help you in two ways. First, you can be sure you are getting the right computer for your needs.

Second, if the salesperson or company that you're dealing with explains these things to you without being asked, you'll know you're dealing with someone who is honest and upfront.

Knowing you can trust the people you're dealing with is an invaluable feature of your new computer system.

The objective behind the concept of computer security actually varies quite a bit depending on the use of the computer. Computer security may include the protection of specific information from corruption or theft, for example. In general this can impose specific requirements on computers in addition to most standard system requirements. There are a number of different typical approaches that can be taken when it comes to improving computer security, including the following:

- Physically limiting the access to a computer so that computer security will not be compromised by those who are granted access to use it.

- Utilizing hardware mechanisms that can create and impose rules for specific computer programs, allowing computer security to be imposed without requiring individual programs to implement it.

- Implementing operating system or OS mechanisms that are capable of creating and imposing rules that avoid having to trust programs on the computer.

- Implementing programming strategies that allow subversion to be resisted and make computer programs more dependable.

In most cases, the security devices that are put into place are dependent upon the application uses the computer is created for. Different computer systems require different levels of security, as the level of privacy or protection needed is going to vary significantly. Computer systems under government control, for example, require a much higher level of security than computers used by students in a university setting. The level of required computer security, then, along with what forms of security are implemented, are going to vary significantly as well.

Implementing it may include creating or utilizing secure operating systems, though much of the science associated with this form of security was developed several decades ago. Security architecture is another option, and involves describing how specific security countermeasures and controls are positioned to protect the information technology. Firewalls are an example of security meant to protect computers from threats that travel via the internet or peer to peer connections. Chain of trust techniques are techniques that are used to ensure that all software on a computer is certified as authentic directly from the designers of the system. Access control is used to ensure the separation of privileges, ensuring that only specified people have the right capabilities on a computer system.

There are also cryptographic techniques which transform information into something that is meant to be indecipherable by anyone but approved persons. Information can also be secured for computer security purposes using backup files which allow important files to be protected by creating copies should they ever become corrupted or destroyed.

Essentially, the primary focus of the computer security field of information technology is to protect the integrity of computers, the data contained within them, and any information that may require restricted access. Some level of computer security is needed by anyone who owns a computer, including student computers in a university setting, computers owned and operated by the government, and even the laptop that you use to check your e-mail at night.

Hi-tech computer furniture is quite popular, with the latest designs from manufacturers ensuring that bland, dull looking computer furniture is a thing of the distant past. Hi-tech computer furniture is designed to look attractive, besides being functional and ergonomic.

There are different styles and models of hi-tech computer furniture. They include single-tier computer workstations, dual tier computer workstations, corner computer desks, telescopic computer carts, computer racks, computer wall mounts, computer holders, computer monitor arms and keyboard arms. There are also hi-tech corner computer desks designed to fit into corners, with the aim of minimizing wasted space.

Dual tier computer workstations have two surfaces, each independently electronically height adjustable. This feature not only allows the user to adjust the height of the monitors, tit also allow adjusting of the height of the work surface from a sit-down to a stand-up position. This arrangement offers a great level of flexibility for multiple users, with the ergonomic seats providing optimum body comfort and proper positioning.

Telescopic computer carts are very stylish, durable, strong and importantly, customizable. Most are made out of cold rolled 11 gauge steel frame. Finishing is usually Epoxy powder coating, though finishing can be customized according to the customer's choice.

Another piece of hi-tech computer furniture is the wall mount with a "Z" arm. This piece is specially designed to take up as little space as possible and is meant for congested spaces with high traffic. It is also ideal for use by multiple users. Various components such as the keyboard tray, monitor arm and CPU holder can all be adjusted according to the user's desires. The Z-arm allows the user to adjust the depth position of the LCD. The monitor can also be made to tilt up and down.

The LCD flat panel wall mounted arm operates using a gas spring mechanism. One unique feature of this piece of hi-tech furniture is that it is capable of holding the screen in any position without the need for knobs and levers of any sort. Moreover, the arm can be made to move in any direction including pivoting and tilting motions.

Low Risk - High Return - Work Your Own Hours
The Ultimate Get Rich Quick Scheme

Wow! Can you imagine a help wanted ad like that in your local newspaper or pay-per-click ad in your favorite search engine?

Yet, organized cyber crime has become the most profitable - low risk - high return crime of our age. Hundreds of thousands of hackers are quietly using the Internet, hiding behind thousands of captured computers, stealing identities and money from innocent people like you and me. Sadly, there is little chance the hacker will ever get caught.

Organized cyber crime has become a big-time profession. Professional hackers make it their daily job to take advantage of current computer security trends and send out threats like Spam, phishing e-mails, Trojan horses containing key loggers, hijackers and more, all targeted to steal your identity and ultimately your money.

These cyber criminals can work alone or in groups. Either way, their first goal is to capture computers and turn them into zombies or bots. These are computers that the hacker controls without the owners knowledge.

As more and more computers are captured, the hacker develops an Army of computers or botnet that can be used for any number of criminal activities. The botnet may send out Spam e-mails, and Trojan horses. A botnet can cause denial-of-service attacks on web sites extorting money from the web site owners. This whole time the hacker is hiding behind a string of computers under his control. Tracing back to the hacker is nearly impossible.

Hacker Tools For Sale

Anyone can take advantage of the computer security trends and become a part of the organized cyber crime world. The tools of the trade are everywhere. You can find web sites that promote the use of these tools. What do you want? Here's a partial list of items you can find on the Internet:

· Remote Access Tools - known as RATs. These tools allow remote access to a computer. They were originally developed for white hat hackers to remotely repair computers. Now, this is a major tool in a cyber criminal's toolbox.

· Key logger Tools - Corporations and even parents find these tools necessary to keep everyone in line on the Internet. Unfortunately, hackers have learned how to use these tools to steal your private information.

· Video And Audio Systems - Hackers have tools that will penetrate your computer systems and watch your every move through the camera mounted on your computer or microphone that came with your computer.

· Voip And Broadband Phone Services - you can easily find tools such as web dialer worms to break into computers and listen to conversations or even dial and use the phone service. How hard is it for a criminal to place drug purchases or conduct terrorist activities with your computer?

· Computer Memory Storage - hackers can acquire tools to section off your computer and store anything they want like child pornography, criminal records and more.

· Spamming Tools - want to send e-mail out of someone else's computer? Just purchase this easy to use software and you can make that happen. Hackers send millions of Spam e-mails every day making up over 90 percent of all e-mail sent out worldwide.

· Create Your Own Virus - Yes, it's true. There are many web sites offering to mutate a current virus to your needs. Lately, virus attacks have been more targeted. That's why you haven't heard about massive virus attacks lately.

· Drive By Spyware - There are some web sites that promote that they will pay you to allow them to place a tool on your web site that puts spyware on every computer that visits the site. The more computers infected the more money you make.

· Computer Scrambling Devices - you can purchase tools that will scramble all or some of the information on a computer. Simply invade a computer, scramble important information, leave a message telling the victim to pay a few hundred dollars ransom to an overseas account and they will send the code to unscramble the information.

This list could go on and on. Organized cyber crime uses every tool they can find or devise to take advantage of the current computer trends and enhance their threats.

The headline reads: Computer Hackers Wanted For Organized Cyber Crime! The sub headline should say, "The general public is indifferent and isn't doing much to protect themselves. The Timing couldn't be better."

Organized cyber crime has moved, for the most part, from targeting large businesses to individuals and small business. Criminals know that this targeted group has little knowledge of computer security and a small amount of money to invest in their protection. They view this group as easy prey. So far, they are right on target.

The sad truth is that most people either don't seem to care or don't know what to do. Most of those that don't know what to do don't do anything about it, either. That's the current computer security trend. As a result, organized cyber crime and computer security threats continue to grow at an accelerating pace. Over $67 billion was stolen last year. Over eight million identities have been stolen every year for years and years back.

What Can We Do To Fight Organized Cyber Crime And Turn These Computer Security Trends Around?

For the most part, criminals are lazy. They are looking for the low road - not the high road. Making yourself a hard target to attack is your first defense against organized cyber crime and computer security threats.

The old saying, "knowledge is power," is most important. Make sure everyone in your home or business understands the threats and is careful not to allow these on a computer. However, even with the best knowledge there can be accidental leaks from opening Spam e-mail, drive-by-hacking from a web site, downloading infected cds and more.

Here are some tips to protect your home and business:

· Make sure you keep up with the latest most up-to-date Microsoft Windows patches
· Use an industrial grade bi-directional firewall. Most over-the-counter and products offered by Internet services don't offer this quality technology
· Make sure you have up-to-date antivirus protection
· Make sure you have best-of-breed anitspyware protection. Antispyware and antiviruses are different computer security threats and require different protection technologies.
· Avoid web sites that may have spyware including gambling and pornography.

The best protection is using the same computer security solutions used by major corporations around the world. A solution that uses overlapping technologies to prevent antiviruses, spyware and other computer security threats.

Early this year, a quiet turn of the calendar marked Year 6 for $1.8 million worth of desktop and server computers at a cutting-edge product development company where I was CIO. The strategy used to put this into place was simple - we based it on our cars.

The average automobile, if you follow the maintenance schedule, protect it from rust and drive reasonably, should last you six to 10 years. The maintenance schedule is based on your use of the car as a complex tool to get you from Point A to Point B. Your computer is also a complex tool and your usage will determine its maintenance and protection needs; how you follow through with those needs will determine how long you'll get to use your computer, and when you'll need to put monies toward its replacement.

This five-part routine is based on my experience since the early days of personal and "mobile" (Kaypro II) computers in the 1980's. It is equally applicable to both Windows®- and Macintosh®-based computers, although I use Windows® XP as an example throughout simply because of the Windows® prevalence. I am assuming an office / cubicle-based computer. If your computers are located in dusty warehouses or manufacturing floors, step up the physical annual maintenance routine to be quarterly.

1. VERIFY YOUR PHYSICAL SETUP

Just as it's hard to keep a car in top condition out in a pasture, it's hard to keep a computer functioning well if it's in a poor environment. There are three factors to consider: temperature, air quality and electricity.

For most computers, room temperature should be between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level between 50-75% (to minimize any static build-up). While most offices are kept at this level, check with your landlord to ensure when you leave at night that the HVAC does not change (or is cutoff) to be above or below these levels.

Air quality is important because computers require air circulation to prevent overheating. There are two rules of thumb: First, the vents on the case need a good 3-4 inches of clear space (no blocking cable tangles, etc.) to get good airflow; that's roughly the width of your hand from thumb to pinkie finger. Second, if you use air cleaners / ionizers, keep them at least 2 feet from the computer or any particles heading for the cleaner will be drawn into the computer first.

Electricity is a dominant factor in determining the longevity of your computer. It's akin to the oil, fuel and coolant in your car's engine. Poor or dirty engine liquids will take their toll on your car and shorten its life. So-called "dirty" electricity (brownouts, surges, sags, spikes, etc.) will damage your computer, and your files, far more effectively than any virus.

There are four steps to good electrical conditions:

1. Ask your local power company to provide you a power profile / graph with the range of electrical sags and spikes entering your building over a typical billing period (if you lease, you may need to ask your landlord to obtain this). This will show you your problem areas and times. I recommend you obtain this report once per season (or quarter). We discovered a spike in power that occurred at 8:32am every morning when the neighboring manufacturing plant started its production lines.

2. Get good surge protection with battery backup. Plug your computer case and your monitor into the battery-back up portion - and your docking station if you have a laptop; everything else (including printer) simply receives surge protection. There are three goals for the 5-10 minutes of battery backup: provide you time to save your work; assess if this is just a momentary flicker or a longer outage; and then, for an outage, to turn off your computer.

3. After an outage, wait five minutes before turning back on your computer. If the power grid has problems, they will usually show up within less than 3-4 minutes after power is first restored.

4. Power sag problems can be noticed when your local printer suddenly prints comic-book characters ("@#!l%^", etc.) in the midst of printing. Beyond brief battery backup, contact the power company or a company like APC to work with you on solution options.

2. VERIFY YOUR ELECTRONIC SETUP

Automation is the name of the game when it comes to preventive computer maintenance for the busy small business owner or nonprofit executive. This is one area where automobiles are playing catch-up. There are three items that you must automate : virus protection, critical software updates and computer firewalls that are either part of the operating systems (such as Windows® XP's firewall) or part of your anti-virus software.

I recommend getting virus protection software that combines virus and spyware protection at a minimum; add the firewall option if you do not use an operating system with a built-in firewall (such as Windows® XP). Critical updates are just that - software patches rated as "critical" by the vendor; all other patches, enhancements and updates can wait for the end of the year.

3. MONTHLY PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Once a month, perform two tasks: clean your temporary files and empty your trash/recycle bin (you can do this with the "Disk Cleanup" utility in Windows® XP); and then defragment your computer (run the "Disk Defragmenter" utility in Windows® XP). Think of this as checking your oil, tire pressure, window washer fluid, and cleaning out the kids' toys in your car.

4. ANNUAL COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

Just like a car needs a tune-up once a year, so too does a computer. There are two parts: electronic and physical.

The electronic tune-up consists of the monthly maintenance plus a scan disk of your hard drives and a manual check of all software for updates. In Windows® XP, utilize the "Check Disk" utility - check both boxes to fix file system errors and scan for bad sectors.

For each software package such as Adobe® Reader or Microsoft® Office, check for updates using their built-in method or via their support/downloads website sections. Although you may not be required to do so, I recommend restarting your computer after each different software package has been updated. This will allow the various bits of code to properly "register" with the computer and cause any error messages to be isolated to the last update you did (versus just "something").

The physical tune-up is short, yet can be intimidating. Don't let it be.

First, turn off and unplug your computer and your monitor. Second, unplug the rest of the cables from the computer case - the network cable, the printer cable, etc. Inspect the cabling for any broken or frayed bits. Third, unscrew the case (generally in the back) and lift it off (some computers, like Dell and HP, have flip-cases that you press down a plastic button to open).

Now, with the hose/bristle-sweep attachment of your vacuum, clean off the air vents on the outside of the computer case and the monitor. Then, gently vacuum out the dust from inside the case. This is not a detailed spring cleaning; go lightly and quickly - it should take you less than 30 seconds.

5. INDEPENDENT "HEALTH CHECK"

At least once every 18 months, if not yearly, ask someone you trust, or who comes recommended, to do a "health check" of your systems and processes. Think of this as your "10-point" check or other type of review you might subject your car to prior to a big trip. You want this done by an IT professional who is a generalist, not someone specialized in a particular aspect like back-up software or databases, or who has a solution in need of a problem. You want personalized advice focused on your technology, business and environment.

For recommendations, look on the web at generalist IT and consulting professional societies like ICCA.org, SPConsultants.org or IMCUSA.org. Educational institutes and nonprofits should also look at technology providers on NTEN.org or TechSoup.org.

If you or your organization cannot devote the time away from your business or mission, or are uncomfortable handling this maintenance, treat it no differently than your car - ask for help for an IT professional or service firm. Use the annual "health check" process to see their quality of work prior to any long-term commitment.

Following these simple guidelines will help you get the best benefit out of the technology you have for the least cost.

Copyright 2006 John Avellanet