Computers and Technology

This article will help users to perform a complete computer cleanup, which will improve the overall performance of their computers. It's not meant as a substitute for regular computer maintenance, performed by a professional computer technician.

Almost every computer user knows that, from time to time, your computer starts to run a little slower or you notice that you hard drive space is dwindling. So many people shrug this off and choose not to do anything about it. They think that it's normal to have these kinds of computer problems and that there isn't anything they can do about it. Your computer is trying to tell you something...it's time for a cleaning. It's time to clean up the junk and organize the files on your computer, just as you would clean and organize your office.

This step-by-step tutorial will put you on the path toward a cleaner, more efficient computer. You'll learn how to perform a complete computer cleanup and you just may save yourself some money, in the future, by maintaining your computer, instead of just taking it to a repair technician when it breaks.

In this tutorial, we'll only concern ourselves with Windows XP (I guess I'll have to re-write this article for Vista), for a couple of reasons.

Microsoft has ended support for Windows 98, 98SE and Millennium.

If you still have one of those earlier operating systems, your computer is just too old to become "efficient" by today's standards.

Follow these cleanup steps and you just may learn to love your computer, again.

Unused User Accounts If you have any User Accounts that are no longer active, logon as a computer administrator and remove them.

1.Click START, then CONTROL PANEL.
2.When the Control Panel opens, click USER ACCOUNTS.
3.Click CHANGE AN ACCOUNT.
4.Click on the name of the account you want to remove.
5.Click REMOVE THIS ACCOUNT.
6.When given the option to "delete files" or "keep files", choose to delete them.
7.After removing all unused User Accounts, restart the computer. Windows Updates Make sure you have all of the latest Windows Updates installed by visiting update.microsoft.com and following the instructions on the website.

It's critical that you keep your computer up-to-date. Microsoft releases new security updates all the time and it's easier just to set your computer to automatically download and install these updates. Here's how to do that:

1.Right-click on MY COMPUTER.
2.Click PROPERTIES.
3.Click the AUTOMATIC UPDATES tab (reference the illustration, below).
4.Choose "Automatic (recommended)".
5.Click APPLY and OK.

Remove Unused Programs This is pretty basic stuff. Most Windows users have already been through the steps of adding and removing programs, but we'll list the steps for those who haven't.

1.Click START, then CONTROL PANEL.

2.Double-click ADD OR REMOVE PROGRAMS.

3.When the window that opens has fully loaded, scroll through the list of programs and remove any that are unwanted or no longer used.

4.Just a piece of advice...any programs listed that mention anything about "bargain", "cash", "search", "web" or "fun", in the program name, should probably be removed.

Temporary File Cleanup Temporary files are one of the biggest wastes of hard drive space, hogs of computer resources and major causes of recurring spyware and virus infections. They need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Follow these steps to remove ALL temporary files from your computer:

1.Double-click MY COMPUTER.
2.Open the root drive (usually C:).
3.Open DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS.
4.Click TOOLS, then FOLDER OPTIONS.
5.Click the VIEW tab (reference the illustration, below).
6.Under "Hidden files and folders", click "SHOW HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS".
7.Uncheck "HIDE EXTENSIONS FOR KNOWN FILE TYPES".
8.Uncheck "HIDE PROTECTED OPERATING SYSTEM FILES (RECOMMENDED)".
9.When the warning message pops up, click YES. 10.Click APPLY, then OK.

***It's recommended that you change the file folder settings back to their default settings after you fully complete the computer cleanup.***

1.With the Documents And Settings folder opened, open a user account folder.
2.Open the LOCAL SETTINGS folder.
3.Open the TEMP folder.
4.Press CTRL+A to select all files.
5.Press SHIFT+DEL to permanently delete all selected files. *Note*: you may be unable to delete ALL of the files and folders because some of them may be "locked" by the operating system or another program. Select smaller groups of folders or files in order to remove as many as possible.
6.Navigate back to the LOCAL SETTINGS folder.
7.Open the TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES folder.
8.Repeat steps 4 and 5. See *Note*.
9.Repeat steps 1 through 8 for all user account folders.
10.Empty the RECYCLE BIN and restart the computer.

Virus And Spyware Scans If you don't already have an antivirus program and two or three antispyware programs installed and updated on your computer, then you're BEGGING for problems. I use Webroot Antivirus/Antispyware and Spybot Search & Destroy (free). If you're relying solely on "free" programs for your computer security, you're likely making a big mistake. I understand that you don't want to pay for software. Nobody does. You just have to look at the value in investing a little bit of money toward preventing the problems that might arise from choosing the "cheaper route". Ok...enough said on that subject.

The most efficient way for antivirus and antispyware products to complete their scans successfully is to run them while the computer is in Safe Mode. To restart Windows in Safe Mode, tap the F8 key about every half-second or so, at computer startup, once you see the manufacturer's logo. You'll then be brought to a screen where you will use the arrow keys to choose the boot mode. Use the arrow up or down key to choose SAFE MODE. Press enter and let Windows do it's thing. When the computer has fully booted, complete FULL SYSTEM scans with your antivirus and antispyware programs. When they are completed, reboot the computer, normally.

Defragment The Hard drive(s) This is the final step in your major computer cleaning. This will insure that the files on the disk are organized in such a way that makes them more quickly accessible, causing less "wait time" and less wear and tear on your drive.

1.Click START.
2.Navigate through ALL PROGRAMS to get to the ACCESSORIES folder.
3.Choose SYSTEM TOOLS.
4.Choose DISK DEFRAGMENTER.
5.Select the main disk (C:).
6.You shouldn't need to "analyze" the drive. At this point, it's better just to choose "DEFRAGMENT".
7.Let the program run through the process and reboot the computer, normally, when completed.

That's it! You should see a HUGE improvement in the performance of your computer.

To start the most significant fact that should be stated is that the computer is a tool, and as with any educational tool, from books to crayons, it can be used to enhance the curriculum and promote learning, but it can also be misused and abused. In this essay, I will discuss the disadvantages of having computers in the classrooms due to the misuse and the abuse of this tool.

I found it hard to find research that had been done on this topic because not only is the research on the effectiveness of computers in the classroom scarce but the research that is there is often done by software companies and therefore may be biased. (Emmans 2001). Even though there is no clear-cut answer to the question of a computer being a friend or foe in the classroom, having an unsolvable question of good or bad brings many issues to light.

For example, the fact that much of the software designed for children is appealing to them. If nothing else, it at least holds the children's attention. Though this may seem like a positive characteristic, consider this, just because a television show holds your attention, does it necessarily educate you? The answer to this is simple, maybe some do, but certainly not all do, mostly they are just simply entertaining. This causes me to raise an eyebrow at some, not all, software. As a teacher, one must not use time-fillers, cause a child can watch television or play on a computer at home, but as a teacher, we must educate, and if there is no educational value in the software, what good is it for a teacher?

On the defense for teachers, another reason for computers being a shortcoming is that sometimes the software is not obvious that it is non-educational. This can be a common mistake of any educator, being fooled that a product could be educational when it is merely entertainment software dressed up in an educational costume aimed at these gullible teachers.

According to Cindy C. Emmans (2001), a professor of Educational Technology at Central Washington University, on software in the classroom...

" Often feedback is the key to learning, and computers are appealing because this feedback can be immediate, which is of course a very effective learning tool. Unfortunately, this feedback is not often as effective as it might be, perhaps because it is not easy to return to the original question to try again, or the student must begin at the beginning to review the original content rather then backing up a step or two. In some cases, the feedback for the wrong answers is more appealing than that for the right answer, causing students to try and get the wrong answer simply for the entertainment value".

Gerald W. Bracey sums it up adequately in a journal article called Principal by basically saying that the bells and whistles are all there, but the education is not, because it was not produced by someone who understands how children learn. (1996, p.6).

More arguments in the research area continued in September of 2000, the Alliance for Childhood published a statement against the use of computers in schools. More than 85 experts in various fields including psychiatry, education, and philosophy signed the statement in which calls for a suspension on the promoting introduction of computers into the nation's elementary schools until there is a more careful assessment of their effect (Hafner, 2000). Another influence in opposition to computers in classrooms is that of Jane Healy, an educational psychologist and the author of "Failure to Connect," a book criticizing educational applications of computers. Thomas Crampton interviewed Mrs. Healy and she declared that computers "can hurt children's personal skills, work habits concentration, motivation, (and) the development of social skills" (IHT, October 2000, p. 19).

Another reason that computers in the classroom would prove to be a disadvantage is the availability of computers in the classroom to each individual student. It is rare to find a school that, in each classroom, has a computer supplied for each student. This then brings up the problem of scheduling and rotating the students to the computers available. (Tiene 2001) This begins a whole new ball game in which you are now consuming a lot of time in which could be used for more productive measures rather then scheduling computer time for each student. If this is the case, and only a specific amount of students can be on the computer at one time, then you are dividing your classroom, and not integrating it, as it should be. This causes many difficulties in teaching a whole group instruction, which leads to problems in skill development, since the attention of some students is lacking. (Tiene 2001).

On the Colorado state education web site (2003), I was able to find questions that were asked to teachers regarding computers in their classrooms. The teachers were asked, "What do you find unattractive about teaching in a computer based classroom?" The one teacher commented that, " Students have a tendency to come in a print out their papers at the beginning of class instead of coming into class with a hard copy..." Another teacher said, " Technological difficulty, your whole lesson could be shot for the day if the computer would go down". When the teachers were asked about the difficulties they faced themselves and with the students due to computers in the classroom, they answered, " It is hard to get the students attention when they are on the computers." Another teacher commented, " There are times that I send them to work and instead they are interacting with each other." Another teacher stated her fear of the computer classroom by saying that, " Students are at their own screens, they're in their own little world, and they are not talking to their classmates, sometimes I think that they don't even know half the names of all the people in their class." (Barnes 2003)

I feel that these teachers comments are very important when looking at the issue of computers in the classrooms, because these are the people that actually interact with the children in the classroom, they are not just some random research study by a software company, these people are the real thing, and they see how computers are effecting their classrooms.

Another issue of computers in the classrooms regards the child's health. If a child were to be functioning on a computer for a long interlude of time or with incorrect positioning they will inadvertently obstruct their own health, some problems caused from this include muscular-skeletal injuries and vision problems. (MacArthur & Shneiderman, 1986).

Another issue concerning computer use in classrooms is that a lot of teachers have not been trained to use a computer, and many do not know how. An enormous amount of time would have to be consumed for the teachers to learn both the hardware and the software of the computer. They also would need time to collaborate with other teachers. Time is something that many teachers spend planning lessons and the weekly events of their classroom. The other problem that was just mentioned was the training of the teachers. Some educators do not have local training options available to them. Some do not have the time or money to spend on it. Another issue is that even if a teacher does go through training, there are always unsuspected things that can go wrong with a computer. If a teacher were to base their whole lesson on a computer, and it were to crash, and the teacher just being minimally skilled in using computers, would not be able to fix the system so that they could continue their lesson. (Tiene 2001).Therefore an on-site technology expert would be needed on site at all times in case any of these incidences would happen, and quite frankly I do not think that there are too many school districts looking for another expense.

Another reason for computers being a disadvantage in the classroom is that if the computer is Internet accessible, if this is the case, then the children can be exposed to Internet content that is not appropriate for their age level. They can also be exposed to child predators, which is a huge concern in today's world.

Though this may seem far-fetched it truly is not in an article published on the gurdian angel websitein 2000 states,
"The facts are plain. Children are being targeted, solicited, and made victims by pedophiles. What do the ratios or statistics matter? Isn't even one too many? These predators range from the simple minded closet pedophile who has surfaced because they believe they are safely anonymous behind their account alias, to the highly organized and skilled child pornography rings that operate predominantly off of US soil, behind quick discard web sites, and anonymous re-mailers, pushing their hideous wares for big profits. Have you ever heard of a child being molested or kidnapped in your hometown? Don't you teach your kids to watch for certain things and, not to talk to, or go anywhere with, strangers for just that reason? This is our point. Just as there are real world lessons that you teach your children, there is a necessity to teach them cyber-world lessons. " (Hook, 2000).

To put this quite simply, are you sure that your child is being watched very closely when accessing the Internet at school? It sure would be hard for one teacher to keep a close eye on each individual student in the classroom when they are all accessing the Internet at the same time. Therefore are you, as a parent or a teacher, really quite sure that a computer is necessary to learn in school? I mean, didn't you, the parent or teacher, learn in school without the computer? I agree that learning the latest technology is a necessity, but I do not agree with using computers for classes like mathematics or reading.

To sum it all up, Computers in the classroom lacks research of it being an advantage in the classroom. Computers in the classroom may not provide the students with the proper education that they need if the software being used is not adequate. Computers may not be, depending on the school, made available to each student. The attention of the students is harder to get when they are on the computer. An inexperienced teacher in the technology area may cause many problems in the classroom, and consume valuable time that could be used to educate. Most schools do not provide an on site technician in case a difficulty may arise. The children's health may be affected by long-term use of the computers, and probably the most frightening one is that these children can be exposed to child predators and unfiltered inappropriate content through the web while they are in school and in their classrooms presumed to be receiving their education.

You don't have to be a computer professional to get more life out of your creeping, crawling PC. You will need a basic knowledge of computers though and be able to log in as an Administrator. You should be familiar with the My Computer (Windows Explorer) program. Other than that, if you can read, click on buttons and links and follow directions, then you can get your computer running faster and more efficient, without spending hundreds of dollars doing it. What you can do yourself, will save you the money of hiring a professional.

There is no one program that will solve all of your computers problems, so it will take a few different ones to get things working nicely. Before you get started, there are a couple of things that will prevent these procedures from working properly. First off, if your computer has a hardware problem, then you're better off replacing the hardware or just getting a new computer. Secondly, if your computer is loaded with Viruses and your Virus Protection programs can't get rid of them, then you are better off reformatting your hard drive and starting off from scratch. Both of those issues are beyond the scope of this article and you will need to seek professional help to resolve them.

Having the proper tools to help you with these steps will drastically effect how long it takes to complete the processes, but know that this is a time consuming endeavor. It will take a few hours to completely clean out your system, but the results with be most worth your time and effort. Now don't let the following steps intimidate you. It sounds more complicated than it really is. That is assuming that you have the proper software to do the job and we will recommend the best tools that we have found for each step.

1. Clean Out the Registry

2. Uninstall Software that is Not Needed or Used

3. Delete Temporary and Non-Essential Files

4. Run Virus/Adware/Malware/Trojan Removal Software

5. Clean out the Registry - Yes, Again

6. Defragment Your Hard Drive

Step 1: Clean Out the Registry - WARNING: The Registry is the place where Windows stores a list of all the hardware and software in your computer and the default settings for them. It actually does more than this, but that is the general idea. Messing around with the Registry is dangerous, if you don't know what you are doing. That is why choosing the RIGHT software for this is crucial. See the bottom of this Step for a link to a list of recommended programs.

It is actually not necessary to perform this step first, but I have found that this will immediately increase the performance enough to get things moving quicker than if we didn't do it. The software that you use for this step should automatically save the Registry in its current state before ever making any changes. That way, if something does go wrong, it can be reset to its former state. The program should be easy to use and be backed by a Customer Support team that can help you if something should go wrong. Go ahead and acquire one of the programs, in the recommended link above, if you don't already have a program that can do this and that you trust. Install it and follow the directions.

For a list of the top 5 Registry Cleaning programs that we have reviewed, check out my blog entry for this same article at the link at the bottom of this article.

Step 2: Uninstall Software that is Not Needed or Used - Over time, more and more software gets installed onto your computer. You may use those programs for a while and then they lose their appeal and just sit there unused and taking up space on your hard drive and your Registry. If you no longer use those programs, then they should be removed. By taking up space in your Registry, they actually cause it to run slower and slower as more programs cause it to bloat up. By uninstalling these programs, you will regain space and increase the responsiveness of your computer. To uninstall the unneeded programs, you will need to open up your computer's Control Panel. This can be found by opening the My Computer (Windows Explorer) program and selecting it from the Drive list on the left side of the screen. If you don't see the Drive list, which just lists your computers hard drive(s), CD/DVD drive(s) and other connected devices, then you can enable it by pressing on the Folders icon or by clicking the View menu, selecting Explorer bar and choosing the Folders option. Once you click on the Control Panel, you will be presented with many items in the right pane of the screen. You will want to select the "Add or Remove Programs" or the "Programs And Features" entry, depending on your Operating System. This will open another window that will list the programs that are installed on your computer.

WARNING: If a program listed here does not look familiar to you, then you may want to leave it alone as it might be a needed program for your particular system. Such as drivers for your graphics card or crucial Windows updates. Look only for programs that you know of and no longer need. Select the program you want to uninstall and click the Change/Remove button, then follow the default prompts.

Step 3: Delete Temporary and Non-Essential Files - Many programs, that you use every day, create additional files that help them to run faster and more efficient. That, in and of itself, is not a problem and is in fact desirable. The problem comes when these programs can't or just don't clean up after themselves. These additional files are only needed while the program that created them is running. After that, they can and should be removed from your system. Also, while you surf the Internet, your computer stores various information and images from them in a cache. This is also somewhat desirable, because if you frequent those pages often, it helps them to load up more quickly, since your computer only needs to look on its own hard drive to find the information rather than downloading it every time you visit the page. The Recycle Bin on your computer also holds wasteful files that need to be removed. So, with all of that said, how do we do it?

There are many programs that are far more reaching than what Windows provides, but we will use their built in abilities to do this job. Open up the My Computer program and locate the C: drive in the Folders panel on the left. Right-Click on the C: drive and choose the Properties option. There are several tabs on the window that pops up and depending on your Operating System, the button we need could be on a different tab. Look for the button that reads Disk Cleanup. Press that button and wait for Windows to finish scanning your computer for removable files. When completed, you can select which locations you want to clean up and then click the OK button to start. We are still working on a preferred list of programs that do a far better job than the above Windows option and will write another article when we've made our determinations.

Step 4: Run Virus/Adware/Malware/Trojan Removal Software - Viruses are programs written by malicious users designed to cause all sorts of problems for your computer. You should already have Virus software installed on your system to battle these little monsters. If you don't, then you need to get something fast. Most top of the line virus protection software programs are well known nowadays, so I don't really have a list of the best ones, although we will do an exhaustive study of some of the lesser known, less expensive programs out there. For now, you may want to take a look at AVG or Avast. A Google search will bring you to their respective web site. Adware and Malware programs are yet another species of little beasts that can be aggressive or passive, but definitely clog up your computer, slowing it down tremendously. For a list of the top 5 Adware/Malware/Trojan Removal programs that we have found, check out my blog link at the bottom of this article.

As stated before, go ahead and acquire one of the programs, in the recommended link on my blog, if you don't already have a program that can do this and that you trust. Install it and follow the directions.

Step 5: Clean out the Registry - Yes, Again - Why do this step again? Simply because, now that we have removed more programs from your system, via steps 2 through 4, there are more unneeded and wasteful entries in the Registry. You would think that when you uninstall programs, that they would clean out their Registry entries too and some of the better programs will do that, but not all of them do, which makes this step necessary. You might be surprised at just how much more waste the program finds this time around. See the link in Step 1 for a list of the top 5 Registry cleaning software products.

Step 6: Defragment Your Hard Drive - Your hard drive stores all of your computers programs and the Registry. OK, you knew that. What you may or may not know, is that the hard drive stores information in blocks of spaces that are a particular size. Depending on how it was formatted, these blocks could be in one of a few different sizes. Each block holds all or a portion of an installed program. For instance, lets say that it is setup to hold blocks in 4k chunks. One program may take up hundreds or thousands of these little blocks, depending on how big the program is. Logically, the programs should be installed sequentially in block 1, block 2, block 3, etc.

When your computer is new, that is pretty much how it happens. Over time, as programs are installed and uninstalled, programs will use up any available block, no matter where it might be, so if the program takes up more space than there is available sequential blocks, your computer will break up your program and install it anywhere it finds an available block. For example, lets say that you install a program that takes up 100 blocks of space. All is well until you uninstall that program and install another program of a different size. If the new program is smaller, then it takes what it needs and all is still well. If the program is bigger than the one it replaced, then the computer will use up the 100 blocks and install the rest of the program in the next set of available blocks which could be many blocks away. Now this new program is fragmented.

Meaning that some of it is installed here and the rest of it is installed on another section of the hard drive. Now we have two fragments, which still isn't bad, but can you see if the program had to be installed in several to hundreds of fragments all over the place? That's right, your computer has to look in all of those locations to get at your one program. The more fragmented programs you have on your computer, the more work your computer has to do to find it and get it up and running and the slower and slower it becomes. This last step reconfigures your hard drive in a way that moves these files around into the sequential order that is the most efficient and fastest for program retrieval. In this step, we will again use the Windows built in program. There are several alternatives to this, but the Windows version works just fine. To find it, click on your Start button and choose the All Programs option. Locate the Accessories folder and then look in the System Tools folder. The Disk Defragmenter program should be one of the available choices. Run this program and choose the Defragment button.

When this completes, which could take well over an hour depending on how bad the fragmentation is, you are done. It's probably not a bad idea to reboot your system at this point, just to get a fresh start, but once you do, you should notice quite a difference in performance, if you haven't already. If you don't, then it is quite possible that you have an impending hardware issue that may need to be addressed.

Thank you for reading and enjoy your rejuvenated computer.

The invention of computers has changed the world. In this, the computer age, almost everything we do involves computers and the Internet. Communication, business, entertainment, and other aspects of human life rely on computers and related technology. It's essential for people to adapt to the computer revolution by making themselves familiar with computer related knowledge. Computer information systems degree and similar courses can provide people with opportunities to benefit from the influence of computers.

Many parents these days are encouraging their children to consider a computer information systems degree for their future career. Parents can sense the trends of the present job market and they know that computer related degrees are a wonderful way of approaching college. A computer information systems degree provides a person with valuable knowledge that are in demand in most modern businesses. Knowledge about computers in today's world gives a person an edge over individuals who are computer illiterate.

I have a brother who was fond of computer games when he was a child. His interests influenced him to go after a computer systems information degree in college and these days he has got himself a lucrative business. It was amazing to see him progress through his schooling. He was very dedicated and interested in his course and earned his degree in a short period of time. My brother has certainly made a wise decision in pursuing a computer information systems degree.

The use of computers is still expanding. The present trends clearly show that computers will continue to play a major role in human life. If you want to be familiar with computers by taking up a computer systems information degree, you can hop on the Internet and discover the available opportunities. Start working your way towards a wonderful computer career via a computer information systems degree.

Do you know about the latest computers? Definitely it is a ridiculous question because computer is too familiar to be unknown. Even a kid knows what the importance and happening of computers are. But all of we know that learning has no boundary. You may think that you know everything about computers but still there may be a lot that you need to know. But still, it is not very easy to know about all the aspects of computer, whether technical, general or financial that are being introduced into every moment. Yes, the current and comparative accounts of the various aspects of the computer is something you are required to know to keep yourself abridged wit the developments in the field. So, you need to go through the various computer reviews and you will find what you are required to know. Computer reviews is the best way to enhance your knowledge. Let us see how?

Use computer reviews to unbind the limitation of your computer knowledge. Computer reviews can give you the information about various aspects. These computer reviews contain sharing of experience by different customers about their particular computer. Go through this and use computer reviews to make your buying or replacing decision. Let me give you an example how computer reviews can guide you all through your buying and replacing decision.

You need to use computer reviews in a way that is constructive for you. Computer reviews assist you in identifying the ratings of the different computers. It also rates the different manufacturers of computers. This will make you aware of the fact that which manufacturer will be reliable and thus the best choice for you.

Different models of computers have different features. One of these features is the memory. You need to know what the requirement of memory for your computer is. You come to know which computer monitor would be good and make the ideal selection. It can be the LCD or CRT. You come across the various resolutions of the computer screens and use computer reviews positive and negative feedback to take a wise decision.

Computer reviews not only deliver you the experience of users but also support you to identify your needs and desires. It brings you the picture of various manufacturers and their products. It can make you aware about the expensive and the cheap computers and their results.

What is the use of buying an expensive computer? What are the features that would delight you and what are the shortcomings that can irritate you? Are you getting the return for the price that you have paid for it? If it is the case of cheap computers, then what are its advantages and limitations? Even with these precincts can you compromise? Are you still getting the return for the price that you will pay? Use computer reviews to get answers to all these problems. You are also likely to get the best deals that are being offered on the various computers, both new and used computers.

I am sure that you have asked yourself this question many times. Many inept technicians may immediately point to memory, or processor speed. Both of these are definitely reasons your computer MAY be running slowly. However there are much more relevant reasons your computer may be running slow. In fact after reading this article and applying some of the techniques I describe, you may bring new life to your computer even an older, slower machine.

In our present day and age the software business is huge. There is a meaningless competition that many software companies like to use to ensure that their software is always on your mind. It seems like in this day, every software package you have loaded on your computer wants to load when your computer starts. This can cause even a newer computer to run slow.

This creates a complex problem for a consumer. The majority of computer users are not techno-geeks like me. In order to speed up your machines, normally you might hire a technician and pay a large amount of money to gain the speed you should have had when you bought the machine.

The worst part is that there are genuinely only a handful of startup programs that have to be there. Printer programs are usually picky and have to start when your computer starts. Anti-virus programs would have to start when your computer does. In addition you might add any security related program would need to start when your computer starts. (Although I do not recommend most of these) Lastly Adobe writer requires a program that starts when your computer starts.

Since most of you use Windows XP and possibly Vista, I will directly be referring to these operating systems. Both XP and Vista also start "Services" along with your computer. Many are Windows related however software designers also have found a way to add there own "Services " when your computer starts. These "Services" are in addition to your startup programs. What I think absolutely stinks is many software designers add both "Services" and Startup Programs. What this causes after many programs and a short time is a cluster.

Realistically your computer only has so much memory to start with. If 1/2 of it is used upon your computer starting how fast will your machine run?? Most of you will never believe me when I tell you this, in a normal computing environment of an everyday user 512 megabytes of memory is sufficient to run Windows XP. Save for maybe gaming activities, and higher computing functions. However most users I service to clean there computers that are running too slow are pushing over 1 gig of memory and there systems are taxed.

The reasons for this can be many below I will discuss several of these.

Since the dawn of internet security scares, and real problems, every anti-virus company seems to want to shove a system security packages down your throat. In fact most of the time you cannot even buy a computer with out Norton Internet Security Suite, MacAfee's Internet Security Suite, Trend Micros, or many others. Most of these programs are a serious resource hog, and then you add on top of them the double, I use this term loosely "protection" added by the Microsoft Firewall and security programs and your computer is going slow out of the gate.

Do not misunderstand me, every user should have a firewall, anti-virus, and spy ware cleaner. I just will never endorse Big Business companies using inflated programs that are somewhat costly, to do a job; when you can use a free or affordable program using minimal resources, that does the job better.

For a wonderful free or affordable anti-virus package I recommend using AVG Antivirus. By Grisoft. It uses minimal resources, has timely updates to its virus dictionary, and does an excellent job of cleaning your system. If you own a business for a very affordable price you can buy the business edition.

Another plague of today's world is spy-ware. An in a high tech day and age you need a high-tech solution. Another product by Safer Networking is Spybot Search and Destroy. This product is an excellent free spy-ware cleaner and it is extremely slow on system resources.

In the firewall game field you have two options. A software firewall and a hardware firewall. Hands down I will always recommend a hardware firewall in the form of a router. There are many reasons for this. Software firewalls are buggy and can be manipulated. Hardware firewalls are reliable and do a better job of restricting ports in my opinion. Routers also offer you the double benefit of potentially giving wireless access and offering many other built in services. A router normally allows you to take your single internet connection and hooking up 4 wired computers (standard) and many more wireless computers. Many manufacturers offer these D-link, Linksys, Airlink, Net gear and many others.

Using less resource intensive programs will improve your speed. In the last part of this article we will discuss how to disable startup programs, how to uninstall unused programs, and finally discuss how you go about disabling startup services. We will also touch just a little on what services are safe to disable and which ones are not.

In this the last and possibly most important part of the Why Is My Computer Running So Slow; we will be discussing how to disable start up programs, how to uninstall unused programs, and finally how you can disable certain services that you may not be using.

Do not take any of the three of these lightly; you have to be careful because you can cause many problems with your computer if you do not proceed with caution.

OK let's get started. All of you should be familiar with what the start menu is. When you click on the start button, on the right hand side of that menu is an option called run. Please click that and in the box type "msconfig". After you have typed this you can press the enter key. The last or second to last tab will be labeled"startup". Click on this tab and you will see a scrolling box that is listing all of your startup programs. Chances are, most of the programs that are listed here are un-needed.

With some time and care you can track what most of these programs are. To disable them, you will make sure there is no check mark in the box next to them. You can do this by highlighting and clicking with the mouse in the box. After you have enabled or disabled the services you wish to, you will press ok.

Occasionally your computer may be running so slow it makes the usual troubleshooting impossible. A remedy for this is called Safe Mode. It is basically a built in troubleshooting platform for the windows operating system. At the post or boot up of your computer wait about 3 seconds and then press F8. In most systems you will wait until you have heard the beep, on the screen it will ask you if you would like to enter the bios, right after this screen press F8. You will press it several seconds before it begins to boot Windows XP.

Once you have pressed F8, a menu will pop up asking several options. For inexperienced users you can choose the top option for regular safe mode. What safe mode does is load windows with many of your startup programs disabled, and just a the few drivers it needs to get by. From there you can run "msconfig" and begin to troubleshoot your computer.

Another option can be that you may want to uninstall unused programs; this can be done in safe mode or regular mode. You will choose Start-Control Panel, and then Add and Remove Programs. You will see a scroll through list of programs you may not even be using. You can uninstall most any of these programs by choosing the uninstall option. You may only uninstall one program at a time.

A common program that can cause huge slow down problems if left on your computer is the AOL dialup platform. I have seen systems that have 3 or 4 versions of AOL left on there system, and now they are a broadband customer. These versions can be un-installed and you will see a performance enhancement.

The last item we will cover in this article are services. If you go to Start-Run-type services.msc- press enter, you will see a list of your computer services. I will not tell you in this article every needed service and every service you can disable safely, however with a little research you can find out programs you disable. For example one that comes to mind is desktops that are wired with wireless internet management service on.

Once you have researched what services are safe to disable you can disable it permanently or stop it just during one computer session. You do this by highlighting the service right clicking and choosing properties. In the middle you will see a drop down box that says startup type. You can choose Automatic-Manual-or Disabled. Underneath there you can choose Start or Stop.

I hope you have enjoyed this article and feel free to ask any questions

If you've never been the victim of a computer virus, you may think that all of the uproar over these nasty little programs is making much ado out of nothing. You may even be thinking that computer security experts and anti-virus companies are using scare tactics to sell anti-virus software. After all, the bigger the problem, the more software people buy. Today, the anti-virus business is worth several billion dollars and it shows no sign of slowing down.

So, with all of this money at risk, you are certainly justified in wondering whether computer viruses really are as big a problem as the industry says they are.

Unfortunately, the answer is that they absolutely are. If you get a virus, you could actually lose your money, your identity and your computer's hard drive. With new viruses being developed constantly, the problem continues to grow. While many viruses are more annoying than destructive, even a "harmless" virus can use up valuable resources. The worst viruses can spread worldwide in a few days and wreak unbelievable havoc. The damage from one infamous virus can mean billions of dollars in lost business opportunities and damaged equipment.

With all of this bad news, is there any good news for computer users? Take this quick risk quiz:

1. Does your computer have antivirus software installed on it?

If you can say yes, you are much less a risk than people that don't have antivirus software. If you say no, than it is only a matter of time until you find out about viruses personally.

2. Does your computer have a firewall installed on it?
If your response is yes again, you can relax a bit. You're doing all you can do software wise to keep your computer safe from a deadly virus. If you say no again, you are leaving your computer wide open for an attack.

Despite all of the media attention paid to antivirus software, people still have the "It can't happen to me." mentality. They laugh off warnings to protect their computers and say that they are working just fine. They think that because they never actually initiate a file download or send and receive files with friends, they are safe. A few months go by and suddenly they can't get their computers to boot up forever and then when they finally do start, they plod along at a snail's pace.

To make things worse, quite a few of these computer users who leave their computers unprotected are actually taking classes for computer related careers. They are completely at sea when they have to try to repair the damage caused by a virus filled computer. Perhaps a basic class on computer care and repair is in order!

You are probably wondering how viruses develop anyway. Hackers are the people creating these nasty bugs, right? Actually, while some hackers may decide to create computer viruses, most of them spend all of their waking hours attempting to break in to the most secure and top secret systems they can find. People who write viruses are people with an ax to grind. They want to send a wake up message or show people that they are superior to them. Today, many people are concerned that computer viruses could be used as a terrorist weapon.

If you do get a computer virus, will you lose everything on your hard drive? It actually is rare for this type of virus to spread very fast or far. Annoying viruses that stop you from starting your computer or using windows or those that mail spoof emails to your entire email address book are much more common. The hard drive is usually recoverable when the computer has one of these viruses.

What about your financial and personal information? Are viruses really likely to swipe them from the computer. Absolutely. This is a common reason that viruses are created and spread.

Is there any way to keep your computer virus free? While no anti-virus software is foolproof, installing one of these programs can provide some protection. While there are anti-virus software programs that provide better protection, any of them will help somewhat. Even free anti-virus programs are actually able to ward off at least some viruses.

After reading this information on viruses and anti-virus software, you have probably resolved to get protection for your computer right away. If so, you won't be sorry. Dealing with viruses after you are infected is frustrating and time consuming. It is so much easier to keep a disaster from happening instead of trying to reconstruct a ton of missing data and worry about identity or financial thefts after the fact.

The internet has ushered in a new way for companies and customers to do business. Where it once was considered rare to order a product online, it has now become the norm. The computer industry is made up of many quality companies that all offer their products online. But if you are in the market for a desktop computer, how can you be sure that you are making the right decision? In this article, we'll simplify the process so that you know how to buy a desktop computer online.

The good news in buying desktop computers today is that you are able to get a lot of capabilities at a very affordable price. It wasn't too long ago that desktop computers would cost thousands of dollars, but that is no longer the case. Now, you are able to receive a high quality desktop computer for as low as $500, sometimes even lower. Now that you know price won't play too much of a factor, the first determination you have to make when buying a desktop computer online is what you intend to use the system for.

If you are planning on buying a computer for basic tasks such as word processing and surfing the internet, there is really no need to buy an expensive model. Most basic desktop computers offer 512MB RAM (memory), and this should be more than enough to serve your needs. With that being said, it is best to buy a desktop computer with atleast 1GB of RAM, because you may need it later on down the road. While you might pay a few extra dollars for the memory, it is well worth it.

However, if you plan on using the computer for optimized gaming and video, you will definitely need to boost the quality of your system. Most of these higher-end desktop computers still cost less than $1000, and these babies can fly. If you are the type of person who doesn't like to wait, then it is all about the processor. If you are ultra-serious about your gaming and video, you would be best served to buy a computer with a dual -core processor. Dual core processors allow for insanely fast multi-tasking, and are perfect for those people who have the need for speed. Intel makes several of these processors (4, D, and Extreme Edition being a few) as does Athlon (64 X2).

Frankly, the rest of the details regarding the desktop computer are of lesser importance, and they should be more than adequate depending upon your individual needs. One final note regarding your computer choice - it is recommended you buy an extra warranty. This could save you big money if something should go wrong with the computer down the line.

Now, let's turn our attention towards the actual purchasing of the computer. It is vital that you choose the company wisely, and the best way is by doing an adequate amount of research. Most high-end companies (Dell, Gateway, HP) have products that can be trusted, but that's not to say you should limit your thinking to only the major players. There are many quality computer companies out there that may be flying under the radar.

When placing an order online, it is important to protect your personal information at all times. It is best to only do business with companies that offer a secure server at the online checkout. There are several encryption services (VeriSign being one) that will make sure your personal information stays safe. Make sure the web site you order from has such a measure in place.

Hopefully, these tips on how to buy a desktop computer online will help you make the right choice based on your individual needs. Remember to get a desktop computer that has all the features you need, and do your homework before actually turning over your payment information. Good luck!

Computer games have become a popular childhood spare-time activity. But research indicates that kids' computer games adversely affect children's physical and mental health. The games featuring excessive violence are actually doing more harm to the kids. Even children have developed a definite liking for those games. A recent study published on the web has revealed that 32% prefer to play violent computer games. Not only that, but 29% of the kids like sports games with violent themes. Only 2% want to play games with educational content. The statistics are quite alarming.

The supporters of video games may reason that computer games are phenomenal in enhancing hand-eye coordination. But the staggering statistics suggest otherwise. They show that kids are fast becoming violent thanks to those brutal kids' computer games. Computer games have become an integral part of childhood. Most kids now play computer games on a daily basis. Kids' computer games have been instrumental in injecting violent behavior into children. They tend to react aggressively if something annoys them. The connection between playing kids' computer games and aggressive behavior has become so obvious that parents have started thinking about how to keep their kids away from those harmful computer games.

The theme of kids' computer games is the same - an anonymous person brutally fights an anonymous enemy. This type of kids' computer game infuses violent behavior into kids. Playing computer games has become the biggest addiction among kids. They even save money to buy the latest game titles. The kids' computer game developers are trying to hard to cash in on their increasing popularity. They post advertisements on the Internet and show ads on TV to catch their attention. However, kids still prefer the Internet to find out more on their favorite computer games.

We are now into 2012, and your old computer just quit. Do you fix it or buy a new computer? If the computer is 5 years old or older, then probably buying a new computer is the better strategy. Many computers manufactured 5 to 9 years ago have hardware components that fail mandating replacement of the computer. Please read on to understand how to buy the best computer for your needs.

The first decisions to make in buying a new computer are very basic. By answering these questions you determine your basic purchase strategy:

1. Please ask yourself "How much can I spend?" The computer prices range from $200 to $400, $450 to $800, and $900 and up.

2. Next determine the computer type (or style) that works best for you. The types of computers are desktop, laptop, and tablet. These types of computers differ in their size, portability, and functionality. Desktop computers are the least portable. They are good for using multiple displays and heavy workloads. Laptops vary in size and portability. The big ones have 17-inch display making them luggable for occasional trips. Big laptops have most of the capabilities of a desktop but the computing horsepower is lower than a desktop in order to conserve laptop battery power. Similarly, the display is smaller with lower resolution than displays used with desktop computers. Tablet computers are the most portable. They can do a lot, but with a much smaller display. The tablets are a powerful, portable information tool that is one step above a smartphone.

3. Finally, the timeless question is: Do I buy an Apple or another computer? The other computer main selections are Windows 7 operating system or Android operating system computers. There are also Linux computers. Linux is free General Public License software operating system. Linux computers are equivalent for everyday users to Windows and Apple computers. The single difference between Linux and Windows is that with a Linux computer you only pay for the computer hardware which is a huge savings over Apple and Windows computers.

The market for Apple computers is tightly controlled. This means that Apple computers work very well with few problems. They are seldom attacked by malicious software. Everything an enthusiastic Apple owner says about their Apple is true. They are also beautiful looking computers. The down side is that they are expensive. When an Apple does malfunction, you have a big problem. If the Apple computer is under warranty, then you schedule a visit to the Apple store and wait in line to get it fixed. Also, you pay a lot for the repair.

In contrast Windows 7 computers are like the Wild West. In the Wild West anything can and does happen. There are many competing hardware and software products for Windows 7 computers. Windows 7 computers are the most malware, spyware, and virus attacked computers. Because there are more Windows computers sold than any other computers, Windows computers are the biggest target to attack. Apple computers also get viruses, but much less often than Windows computers. Windows computers can be cheap computers but they are not cheaper than Linux computers.

4. The final question is: What computer manufacturer do you like? Each manufacturer has its approach to selling computers. My preference is manufacturers that do not add fancy frills beyond the basics that come with Windows or the computer operating system. Most of the frills try to sell you something, provide functions that a redundant with the operating system, they occupy screen space getting in the way of what you are doing, and they overload and slow down the computer. For example, HP computers are like Big MACs, they taste great but come with a lot of software fat. Lenovo computers are like a bank vault. They secure your data but are miserable to fix because of the security. It seems that all computers come with an annoying "dock" or application launcher. It takes up a lot of screen space and really adds little beyond what Windows itself provides. It is always cheaper to purchase a package than to build a custom computer. Purchasing custom computer parts is always more expensive than buying a packaged system from a manufacturer because the manufacturers purchase computer components in such high volume.

Once your basic strategy is determined, then it is time to find a computer. The approach here is to use the Internet to perform the initial shopping and then go to the store to make the final decision and purchase. Please go to the web site of a computer retailer near you such as Best Buy or Staples. Search their site based on the type (or style) of computer that works best for you. The site should produce a list of computers from which to choose. Sort them by "Best Selling" and check the "Customer Reviews". Please determine how the price compares to your budget. Most retail store sites permit comparing the features of three computers side by side. Carefully select three computers for comparison.

This approach was used to compare from one retailer three desktop computers moderately priced. They ranged from $429.99 to $699.99. The $429.99 computer used a 3.3 GHz Intel i3 CPU chip, had 6 GB RAM, and a 1 TB disk drive. The 549.99 computer used an AMD 2.4 GHz CPU chip, had 8 GB RAM, and had a slower 5,400 rpm 1.5 TB drive. The $699.99 computer used an Intel 3.0GHz i5 CPU chip, had 6 GB RAM and a 7,200 rpm 1 TB drive. The differences between these systems are not likely to make the most expensive system perform that noticeably better to a user than the least expensive system. As long as the hardware features are generally in the same range the performance seems to be the same for each computer.

All systems used the latest DDR3 RAM. The computer with 8 GB of RAM may perform better than those computers with 6 GB of RAM. One thing is certain; all these computers would be decidedly faster than a Windows XP system with 2 GB of RAM. While special performance test programs can measure the performance difference between a 2.4 GHz AMD CPU chip computer and a 3.3 GHz Intel i5 CPU chip computer, people barely notice the difference. What people do notice is that AMD chip computers usually are cheaper by $100 or more than Intel CPU chip computers.

The Windows Performance Index is a measure of the combined performance of all the components of a Windows Vista or a Windows 7 computer. The Windows Performance Index is a single number that varies between 1 and 7.9. Low end systems have Windows Performance Index numbers in the 3.4 to 4.5 range. A computer with a 3.4 score perform the same as a computer with a 4.5 score to a human. To see a performance difference the Windows Performance Index would need to go from a 4.5 to a 7.5.

The Windows Performance Index is not mentioned in any advertising to my knowledge. It is found on Windows 7 computers by opening START, clicking the right mouse button on the COMPUTER menu selection and then selecting PROPERTIES from the drop down menu that appears. To see Windows Performance Index you would need to have a store sales person fire up the computer and help you view it.

Apple computers usually have hardware operates at slower speeds and has smaller capacities than Windows computers. The Apple computers perform as well as or better than their Windows competitors because they use a different and tightly controlled operating system. The software interaction with the hardware makes up for the slower Apple hardware.

The final comparison area is in the display. Monitors today use Light Emitting Diode (LED) backlighting. The LEDs use little power and should last seemingly forever. Monitor physical size contributes to visibility. A character on a 14-inch monitor is smaller than the same character on a 24-inch monitor. The bigger monitor images are more easily viewed. Monitors resolution is expressed in horizontal by vertical dots or pixels. Typically they are something like 1600 by 900 dots. Monitors with a larger number of dots of vertical resolution have a better display. Often monitors will be advertised as 1080p. The 1080p resolution is 1080 dots of vertical resolution with each line refreshed on each scan cycle. On a 1600 by 1200 monitor you can see a full 8.5 by 11 inch page when it is viewed at full size or 100% zoom. Monitors with 900 dots vertical resolution often cut off the bottom of the page when it is viewed at full size.

The final bit of wisdom to consider in purchasing a new computer is not to purchase the most expensive computer. Here is why. A client asked me to get him a computer. At the Dell web site I configured a computer with what seemed to be modest features. This computer cost $3,000. At Costco they offered a computer package that had somewhat lower performance features for under $1,000. If the client purchased a new $1,000 computer every year for three years, at the end of three years he would have better computer than if he purchased the $3,000 Dell computer. Only purchase the most expensive computer if you must absolutely have the features and performance it provides. Otherwise stay with more moderately priced computers and purchase them more often. Buying two $400 computers is better than going for a single $800 computer in the long run.

There is not the "best computer" to buy. But using the strategy presented here anyone can find a great computer for themselves.

Pete the Nerd
"Your Friend on a Technically Challenged Planet"

P D Moulton

Computer Science is very broad field based on the studies of hardware and software design. Computer science covers different areas of designing, installation and maintenance of complex systems. Major subjects of the computer sciences include computer systems, maintenance of communication network and development of core digital technologies. Areas of specialties include artificial intelligence, computer vision and machine behavior. Basic aim of computer science studies is to investigate algorithms and use of computer systems to solve problems of business and government. Computer science professionals create and maintain most effective computer systems with latest technology. Computer science is one of the rapidly growing industries at present. Many universities offer associate, bachelor, masters and doctorate degrees in computer Sciences.

Major Areas of Specialization

In combination to general subjects universities offers specialization in different areas of computer sciences. These areas include software development, language development and modification, system development, algorithms, hardware maintenance, database systems, numerical analysis and information management.

Skills Earned

Online degrees in computer sciences develop number of specific skills in the students. Some important skills include the following:

o You will be able to create and apply new technology.
o Software design and analysis
o Identification of problems and solution
o Complete multitask with in defined time frame
o You will learn to work independently as well as in teams.
o Also learn how to identify errors and rectify these errors
o You will able to select the correct programming language and hardware systems to complete assigned project.
o You will effectively use operating systems, text editors and compilers in documenting of programs.

Online Degrees Available in Computer Sciences

In addition to degrees offered by traditional universities different top accredited online universities and colleges also offer online degrees in computer sciences. These degrees include Online Associate Degree in Computer Science, Online Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, Online Master Degree in Computer Science and Online PhD Degree in Computer Science. Online education has now become a good option for many people who are not able to join traditional institutes due to some personal and financial reasons. Online Education is also beneficial for working professionals who wants to gain progress in their fields and want to upgrade careers with latest knowledge. Online degrees prove more beneficial if you also join any internship program. You can join different careers after earning online degrees in computer sciences. You can join number of different careers in the field of computer science such as software designing, computer and software sales, programming, computer system development, networking manager, computer hardware professional, computer game development, graphics designer and system manager. These are some examples of opportunities available for computer science degree holders.

Career Path for Online Degrees in Computer Sciences

Computer science consists of theoretical programming and advanced computing solutions. Computer scientists can work in three different areas.

o Computer Scientist design and build software
o Also design useful methods to solve computing problems such as storage of data in databases, transmit data over networks and new methodologies to solve security problems.
o Formulation of new and improved approaches to use

Design and Application of Software

Computer science professionals design software for various purposes including web development, interface design, security issues and mobile computing. Majority of computer science graduates join this career path. Bachelors in computer science provides gateway to enter this field of software designing and its application. Graduates can also continue their education and gain masters degree in computer sciences. You can find jobs in large or small software houses, companies providing computer services and every kind of large organization such as industry, government, banking, healthcare etc.

Develop New Ways to Use Computers

Instead of designing software computer professionals also find new ways to modernize the use of computers. This can achieve by making advancement in computer technology. Computer graduates who are involved in advance graduate work in research university, industrial research and laboratory invent new and improved ways to use computers. The basic aim of such innovations is to simplify the use of computers and computer users can enjoy using computers with new and improved devices and methods. These devices include robotics, computer vision and digital forensics. Dot-com language is the example of such progress in computer sciences.

Discover Effective Ways to Solve Computing Problems

Computing problems can be solved by developing and applying computer science theories and algorithms. Computer science professionals make use of these two i.e. theories and algorithms to discover best possible solution of severe computing problem. To join this field as career students are required to have graduate degree to Ph.D. level with current working experience in a research university, industrial research and development laboratory.

The basic aim of computer science is to explore algorithms, design efficiency and application of computer systems to solve the problem of businesses and government organizations. Computer professionals maintain and formulate effective ways with latest technology. Computer science is rapidly growing industry. You will have lot of opportunities to work as computer professional. Number of computer users is increasing day by day and that's why development and maintenance of computer system has become important issue. More and more trained professionals are required to fulfill the needs of industry.

If you work on a computer, a computer disaster is just waiting for an opportunity to happen. Yes, that sounds dismal, but computers should not be trusted too much. Even techies and data backup fanatics like myself are not safe; we are just more aware of the dangers than most computer users, and we know they are a reality. You will have something bad happen, it's just a matter of time if you have not already had some kind of computer disaster experience.

My own computer disaster was just over a year ago, and ironically, I have been warning others about the dangers of computer disasters for years. I was working on projects just like any other normal day when it happened. Suddenly, the computer started acting weird, and then I received a cryptic error message that said something like this, "Your computer is totally screwed up. You will need to reinstall the operating system."

Since the computer was locked up, I had to no choice but to restart, hoping it wasn't really that bad. Upon the attempted restart, my computer was worse than the day it was made. As far as that computer knew, my hard drive was missing and the operating system did not exist either. Being a knowledgeable computer tech, I knew of several ways to access "lost" data. Every one of those techie methods failed.

So I proceeded to find a computer disaster recovery program just like any computer guru would do in this situation. I found a recovery program and then ran it. I was able to recover the drive, but, the most recent data, and the job I was working on when the computer failed, was unrecoverable. This recovery program was impressive. It recovered a drive that was completely inaccessible before. It recovered almost all of the data. That is an unusual level of success in this situation.

Guess what the recovery program was not able to recover. It effectively recovered all of the data I had already backed up, but almost none of the new (in progress) data was recovered. It was as if my computer selected everything that was not yet backed up and made only that data unrecoverable. It seemed like a conspiracy, but computer disasters are like that. The fact that any of the data was recovered is more than should be expected, but I wanted my new data, and I never did get it.

I can't help but think of all the data loss horror stories I have encountered. It's especially sad that four out of every five businesses that experience catastrophic data loss never recover. Eighty percent, and please read that again, 80% go out of business!

Data backups are your only defense if you lose your primary data. I was able to recover my data, but I had backups so I was not worried. I did learn to follow my own advice and back up more frequently, simply because I lost so much new data in this computer disaster experience. You will never be sorry when you have good computer backups, but you could very well be sorry if you don't.

The reality is, you cannot afford to gamble with data loss. I have dedicated a section of my web site to computer disaster prevention and computer data backup for quite some time. Now I can give personal testimony that taking the necessary precautions is extremely important. You can't stop all disasters from happening, but you can prepare for the worst so they don't wipe you out. It could very well save your business.

Computer market has been flooded with countless products. There are just too many choices. You can select as many accessories and as many programs for your computer as you wish. Certainly, choices are aplenty and sometimes it becomes difficult to decide what to choose and what not. However, one thing that largely decides our computer buying is - price.

Price is an essential factor for many computer buyers from across the globe and cheap computers are in great demand. In recent years, the world of personal computing has witnessed many great developments, still people look for the best price on the best computers. If you too are looking for cheap computers, searching in computer stores perhaps won't fulfill your purpose. However master you are in negotiating skills, these stores won't prove helpful in getting you a cheap computer.

So, before you begin hunting for cheap computers available in the market, here are few tips that will be helpful in your search:

1) Second hand purchase: If you know what your objective of buying a computer is, you may navigate the world of second hand computers with your desired computer specifications that can meet your objectives optimally. However, you need to be very careful, as second hand market is always filled with fraudulent dealers. If you don't have a fair knowledge of computer parts, chances of getting fooled is quite fair. You can take along some IT people with you helping you to identify a good product for you.

2) Self-assembling: If you are familiar with the computer parts, you can purchase these parts from the market and assemble them to build a computer for you. It takes less than an hour to assemble an entire computer and thereafter you need to install the Operating System and the desired applications and programs you want to run on your computer. By assembling your computer on your own, you cut the margin of the computer dealers and get it at an affordable price. Moreover, you know what components you have used to make your computer.

3) Lower versions: Most computer companies are willing to sell their upgraded and latest versions of computers which, of course, cost bit higher. You can choose smaller models that come cheaper. Later on, you can add on features and accessories to make your computer more powerful.

4) Promotional Offers: Today, there are lots many computer manufacturers in the world. All of them incorporate some strategy to attract buyers and promotional sales are one of the major components of their sales strategy. From time to time, they offer special deals with heavy discounts to lure new customers. There are several websites that update people on such deals. You need to be attentive to grab such lucrative deals.

Above all, the online world is the right place to buy cheap computers with so many online retailers selling computers at discount prices. With these dealers, getting a latest computer at affordable prices is very much possible. You can even buy different computer parts online and can build your computer on your own, in a cost-effective manner.

Unexpected computer problems and off-site computer repairs jeopardize business productivity by creating unnecessary and often costly down time. Although it is impossible to completely prevent computer malfunctions, there are steps one can take to keep computer repair to a minimum. By performing regular preventative maintenance, such as the suggestions that follow, computers will not only experience longer life, they will also show faster performance, be more secure, and provide maximized hard drive space.

One of the most important and often overlooked computer maintenance tasks is cleaning. Computer overheating leads to premature wearing, but it is so easy to avoid. Keeping computers clear of dirt, dust and grime will ensure the cooling fans are optimally functioning and will prevent metallic component corrosion. Start by cleaning the outside of the computer. It's best to use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the computer case exterior and the blades of the cooling fan. In addition to cleaning the computer case, clean and clear the surrounding space. Make sure there is nothing blocking airflow to the cooling fans or vents. If the computer is stored in a built-in desk cubby, make sure the cabinet door is left open while the machine is in use. When possible, keep machines out of direct sunlight and away from other heat sources. Don't forget to also clean other computer components! Monitors, especially older ones, have vents that should be kept clear of dust. Many people eat or drink at their workspace, so cleaning the keyboard and mouse will cut down on purchasing replacement parts.

Cleaning computer interiors is a more delicate procedure. If you aren't comfortable cleaning it yourself, many IT companies that specialize in preventative maintenance will provide this service. Before attempting to clean the interior, make sure the computer is off and unplugged. It is important to ground yourself before accessing the interior as static can destroy electronics. Carefully removing a side panel on the computer case will give access to the interior where you can wipe out any dust and dirt that has made its way into the machine. I also recommend using a can of compressed air to gently remove dust that has gathered on components. If you have a computer that is exceptionally dirty, you might consider having it professionally cleaned.

There are a few more simple external steps you can take to safeguard office computers and important files. The first is to make a habit of turning off computer monitors when not in use. The screen will last much longer and you will be conserving power if you do so. The next, which may seem like a no-brainer, is to use surge protectors. Electrical fluctuations, especially caused by faulty wiring in older buildings, can mean instant death for any computer. Never plug computers directly into a wall outlet. As I have mentioned, it isn't possible to prevent malfunctions; components break, hard drives crash, and files get corrupted. In this case, best defense is really a good offense. Invest in backup drives or even cloud storage and either weekly or bi-weekly, backup important data. When possible, keep backup files off-site, This will safeguard your business documents if the unthinkable happens - a robbery, fire or natural disaster for example.

Now that we have covered physical maintenance, it is time to focus on preventative maintenance for a computer's hardware and software - the inner workings. If you are working with older machines, it might be beneficial to update or upgrade hardware. This can range from adding or changing hard drives to prevent hard drive failure or add more storage space to adding more RAM to create more memory and decrease lag. Upgrading hardware can be done on your own, but hiring a computer support technician to evaluate and update your systems is probably a more efficient option when managing an office with multiple machines.

To keep computers running optimally, make sure the operating system is up to date. These periodic updates may seem minor, but they often contain bug fixes that make your computer more stable, meaning they will be less likely to crash unexpectedly. Installing anti virus and malware software is another way to keep computers healthy. Malware and viruses can not only slow your computer, they also compromise security. There are plenty of free options available that can protect your system without compromising processing speed.

My final advice relates specifically to the hard drive. The hard drive is the brain of the computer, if it is not running optimally, computer performance will slow dramatically. If it dies, you could lose all your stored data (hope you saved a backup!). Windows machines offer three important (and FREE) tools to help keep your hard drive at peak performance: disk defragmenter, disk cleanup and check disk. Disk defragmenter rearranges files being stored on your hard drive so that they are more easily and efficiently accessible. This not only helps speed up the computer, it also frees disk space on the drive. Disk cleanup deletes temporary files that can slow down your system and use up hard drive space. These temporary files largely come from web browsing and should be deleted on a regular basis. Check disk checks the physical structure of the drive and helps restore it by repairing errors. These errors can be caused by a number of things, including program crashes or power fluctuations and outages. Using Check Disk can also detect if a hard drive is close to failure; if it finds numerous bad sectors, it may be time to replace the drive.

Following these steps can greatly increase the longevity and performance of your computers, keeping your office operating at full capacity. If your business is in need of a professional to implement a preventative maintenance schedule, contact an IT support company.

Hardware is an aspect of your computer that doesn't require the need to be changed that often, unlike software. So if your hardware shouldn't need to be changed that often you want to make sure that when you purchase it you are buying a piece of hardware that will last.

A lot of people overlook the need and responsibility of PC hardware and instead concentrate primarily on software. Without the correct hardware your PC will fail to function correctly.

The term hardware can be fixed to many aspects of your computer, with the main aspect being your motherboard. The motherboard is classed as the heart of your computer; its main purpose is to provide electrical and logical connections. Without a motherboard your computer will not be able to function. Components such as external storage, controllers for video display and sound are attached to the motherboard via edge connectors and cables.

The central processing unit (CPU) is also found on the motherboard and acts as another important piece of computer hardware. The CPU performs most of the calculations which enables a computer to function. The CPU and the motherboard are found within the tower of your computer as is the computer fan, needed to keep your computer at a safe temperature and your power supply, which is obviously needed to ensure your computer has power to function. Along with all of these you will also find your computers sound card and graphics card within your computer tower. Your graphics card, also known as a video display controller, is important to your computer as it is what enables you to get a good resolution and without one you would not be able to watch videos, play games or even clearly see flash images on websites.

One last hardware feature of importance that is kept within your computer tower is the computers hard drive. The hard drive is the storage area of your computer system. All your programmes and applications as well as images, music, video and all forms of media that is on your computer are stored within your computers hard drive.

All of the previously mentioned hardware is stored in the tower of your computer but there are aspects of computer hardware that are visible on your computer such as removable media in the form of a CD drive, DVD drive, floppy disc and USB ports.

When it comes to buying these pieces of computer hardware most people head straight to the biggest brand store and pay over expensive prices for hardware that you could have got a lot cheaper from another avenue. If you are looking to buy computer hardware there are a number of options open to you rather than just buying new. For example there are computer fairs that are held, which sell all forms of computer hardware at very reasonable prices; if you know what you are looking for you will be able to find a great deal at a computer fair. However if you would prefer buying from a retailer have you considered buying used hardware? Please don't be put off by the term used what is meant by this is you would be buying new hardware that has been returned by customers and restored by the retailer. Dell is a prime example of a store that frequently sells hardware that has been returned and has been repaired to new standards.

All of the equipment is new and only has minor issues such as a slight dent. Retailers such as Dell sell restored equipment within their store and also do so over the Internet on sites such as eBay. All of this equipment comes at a discounted price with around 10-40% being taken off the original price depending on the level of interest. So next time you require to purchase computer equipment, shop around instead of just settling for a high price.

Ensure that the computer parts are compatible with one another! Also, if this is your first time building a computer or barebone kit, it may be wise to find someone who can guide you through the process so as to prevent damaging y our hardware components. Never force the components into their respective slots! If they don't fit relatively easily, then something is wrong, double check to ensure the functionality and integrity of the integrating hardware component mechanisms.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 1
Plan your budget for the computer kit you want to buy.

The very first variable you want to consider when building a computer is your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Basically if you build your computer you can save hundreds of dollars on parts. But how much do you have in mind? Also consider what additional hardware components you may need in addition to just a PC computer, such as printers, mice, keyboards, and monitors.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 2
Make a list of all of the essential components that you will require. Typically the essential computer hardware components you need when you build a computer are CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), hard drive, motherboard, powersupply, and computer case. Additionally, consider if you want to make utilization of the videocard on your motherboard, or if you want to get a separate videocard. If you intend on using video intensive applications such as developing programs, or games, then it would be best to get a separate videocard to handle the computations.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 3
Once you have purchased and obtained all of the necessary hardware components to build a computer, you want to plan and think how they will all connect to one another and verify you're ready to begin. Ensure that you have an anti static matt to work on and that the humidity in the room isn't too high. An anti static wristband can also be helpful, and the manuals that came with your motherboard and computer case can be helpful and often provide schematics explaining how to connect the components to the board and case.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 4
Get a clean working environment that's well lit and contains a flat surface. A kitchen table or a work bench often work the best. Remember you want to avoid static electricity at all times when building a computer, so try to avoid cotton clothing and wear rubber shoes!

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 5
Ensure that you have all the tools necessary to build a computer! I would suggest a flathead screwdriver, a phillips head screwdriver, and maybe a torx screwdriver. Please refer and analyze the hardware that is attached to your computer case, hard drive, and DVD roms to ensure you have the adequate tools to build a computer. Also, it's wise to have a flashlight, and a pair of tweezers to attach the jumpers for the front panel connectors on your hard drive if your hands aren't that nimble!

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 6
Now you can begin actually configuring your components. First, place the ram into the motherboard. If you've done your research accordingly, the ram should fit without problem. If there are color coded ram slots, ensure to abide by the color coordination! Some have a pattern of blue, black, blue, black, in this instance, if you install 2 ram cards, make sure to color coordinate! Install 2 blue, and 2 black. You know it's installed correctly if it snaps in snugly. After your ram is seated, install the processor, and heatsink fan. Ensure to place thermal compound between the CPU and the heat sink fan in order to ensure an equal distribution of heat!

With the ram, cpu, and heatsink installed the videocard should be installed, if you decided to obtain one. Ensure that it fits snug in its correct slot, and most PCI Express slots have a pin that "locks" so you know it's correctly placed.

Once the CPU, videocard and RAM are secure, the hard drive, and DVD rom should be plugged in. Next you need to screw the motherboard into the computer case, and ensure that you use risers! It's very important that you don't screw the motherboard directly to the case, this will cause a short out and a serious malfunction to your board, so don't forget the risers!

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 7
With the motherboard secured in the computer case, you should make sure that the back panels are aligned properly with the back of the case. Your monitor, mice, keyboards, and other external components will rely upon a clear access point for the back of the computer case. With the back panel established, it's time to connect the front panel case connectors to the motherboard. Doing this can be tricky as they are the smallest components in building a computer, so refer to the motherboard manual to learn the correct settings, and also you might want to use tweezers if your hands don't have much dexterity.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 8
With your hard drive, cpu, ram, videocard and motherboard installed, it's time to install the power supply! Ensure that the power supply fits snug, and then plug the power connector into the motherboard. Many modern motherboards require two separate power connections, so observe the motherboard manual to ensure both of them are snug. Once the powersupply is seated properly and plugged in, it's time to close the case, plug in your monitor, mice, keyboard, and power the machine up.

How To Build A Barebone Computer - Step 9
One of the most important steps in how to build a computer is setting up the operating system. Once you have installed all of the components you should make sure you have a operating system DVD. Windows 7 is one of the best Microsoft operating systems and is of recommendation. You may have to verify that you can boot from your DVD rom drive by going in your BIOS, if not already established, boot from your DVD rom first, and follow the on screen instructions to install Windows Vista.

How To Build A Barebone - Congratulations! Hopefully this guide offered a resolution that will save you hundreds of dollars. Remember, building your computer from scratch or from a barebone computer system can save you hundreds of dollars, offers you an element of customization impossible to obtain from most retailers, and most importantly educates you about system hardware components and computer science. If you ever require additional information, the best resource is the documentation that came with your motherboard, cpu, and other components, but please feel free to make wise utilization of this documentation! Happy computing.

Save Time and Money with Training: Computer, Projector, and Sound System Equipment Rentals

Even if you own all the equipment you need for a computer training session you will save money by using the installation services of a computer rental company. Computer rental companies coordinate everything technical so you can concentrate on the execution of your computer training program.

Trainers can become technicians very quickly when training computer equipment doesn't work properly.

Training directors know how difficult it can be to 'work out all the bugs' before, during and after each training program.

Execution is the key to training results and efficiencies. If 20% of the computers don't work, you can have a training disaster on your hands.

Add up all the costs and distractions from your computer training goals. Put a value on your time, say $100 per hour. Now multiply the time you and your staff spent on hardware setup, delivery, installation, maintenance and removal. Keep in mind that all computers need to have the same configuration to maximize productivity.

Here is a quick checklist of common tasks that need to be accomplished on every computer training session.

1. Install same versions of operating systems and training software

2. Install sound system, projectors, printers

3. Run network cables

4. Tape down all wires

5. Connect to network services

6. Test each computer

7. Troubleshoot installation problems

8. Diagnose and fix all problems

9. Service equipment during training sessions including having spare equipment available.

10. At the end of the computer training, disconnect, pickup and return all the equipment to various locations in your company.

How many man-hours would it take for you and your company's staff to accomplish the classroom training setup, service and teardown?

Here are some things to find out if you use a computer rental company for computer training sessions:

Find out if the computer rental company has any experience with the classroom training hardware and software you need. If they do often they can remember all the pieces and parts that easily get overlooked by a non-experienced rental company.

Some rental companies will install software or 'image load' all rental computers prior to delivery.

For example, you can have your training program software and the OS of your choice installed on all desktop or laptop computers!

Have the computer rental technicians test each application by following your testing directions. This ensures that your training software will work as planned.

Make sure delivery, setup is planned well in advance of computer training sessions.

Make sure you are covered with an on-site service program! Ask for extra, spare equipment can even be included for your computer training class! Often you can get a spare unit for free!

Focus on your core competency...your computer training session.
Don't be distracted by hardware and software problems. Let the experts focus on their core competency.. your computer training hardware installation and management!

About three out of five households in America have computers today, compared with almost no one having them just 25 years ago. And if you don't have a computer at home, you probably have access to one at work, at school, or at the public library. Computers are everywhere! And it's Dell Computers that has more places than anywhere else.

There is probably a Dell computer store near you; almost every electronics store that sells computers sells Dells. Finding a Dell computer for sale on the Internet is as easy as typing a few words. You can even find Dell computer coupons with a little bit of luck and know-how. (Not that you need them: Dell computers are among the most inexpensive on the market.)

The Dell computer corporation, headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, offers everything from servers to laptops, printers to workstations, all with round-the-clock customer service, too. Fortune magazine called Dell America's "most admired" company.

If you're in the market for a new computer, you can visit a retailer that sells Dell computers (or even Dell refurbished computers), or you can visit Dell directly on the Internet. The company's Web site will walk you through the process of choosing the Dell desktop computer or a notebook computer that will work best for you.

Businesses large and small can rely on Dell computers, too, with servers, storage and all the other necessary components. Most of their business services are scalable -- they can be made larger or smaller depending on the need of the particular business.

But it's not all work and no play at Dell. Dell computers are excellent for gaming, too, with a system called XPS, the latest in gaming technology. Dell sells all the accessories and components you'd need -- there's even a mouse and keyboard designed especially for game players!

You may wonder whether it's a desktop computer or laptop computer you need. Either way, Dell computers can help you, but which is right for you? Consider your needs. Do you travel a lot, either for business or personal reasons? Do you often have to take work home with you from the office? If so, a Dell notebook computer may be what you need. On the other hand, if most of your work is conducted at a desk (or at home), a regular desktop computer may do the job.

And what about printers? Dell makes those, too, in a variety of configurations to suit your needs, from as low as $74. Many businesses need highly advanced printers capable of color prints and collating; Dell has printers that also serve as fax machines and photocopiers. For home use (or home business use), there are less advanced, less expensive models that still offer premium quality in conjunction with your Dell computer.

The Dell computer corporation was founded by Michael Dell, who began selling IBM-compatible computers while still a student at the University of Texas at Austin in 1984. The next year, the company produced the first computer of its own design, and Michael Dell had to drop out of school to handle the business -- which made $6 million that year. By 1999, Dell had become the largest seller of personal computers in America. Dell computers [http://www.fairviewjournal.com/category/computing-tips] lost the title briefly in 2002, then regained it. It remains on top today.

Dell is building a new assembly plant in North Carolina. It has customer call centers in Edmonton, Canada, and Manila, Philippines, handling calls from the company's millions of computer customers. Wherever you are, and whatever you need, Dell can help you.