Computers and Technology

Computers can catch virus, just like we do. When the computer gets sick, it needs anti virus software as a medicine. When it is strong and fit, it needs antivirus software as an added defense against any virus attack.
Computer virus can spread around just like human virus. It spreads around through email to your friend with virus infected files, or copy to your friends in a virus infected file.
When the computer catches a virus, it can have one or more of the following syndromes.

- Computer does not start properly. Error massages came out during startup.

- Application does not work properly.

- Disk or USB drives cannot be read.

- Printer does not print.

- Pulldown menus are not the same as before.

- Disk drive runs suddenly for no reason.

- Unusual error messages appears.

- Computer slows down or freezes.

- Computer crashes.

- Files LOST !

- Files CORRUPTED and cannot be read.

In the your computer files, you observed :

- File size changes for no reason.

- Date Modified does not match with date of last use.

- An increase in number of files when nothing has been added.
To prevent any of these catastrophic events happen to your computer. It is absolutely necessary to protect your computer.

An anti virus software maybe your answer to most of these problems.
Why do I say anti virus software maybe the answer to most of these questions?
Because, some of the problems listed above may not be the cause of a virus.

Some of it may be caused by :

- Software loaded into your computer without your knowledge. The purpose of these software is to monitor your computer activities or even to get some information from your computer without you knowing it! These kind of software are commonly known as spyware. (You can get anti spyware software from here.)

- Computer hard disk is running out of space. This will cause the computer to slow down.

- Too many programs are running in the computer. Background programs that loads to your computer every time you starts your computer. If the computer do not have enough memory to process all these programs, it will cause the computer to slow down.

- The computer may be running a schedule program that you may not have notice. Some time such programs are loaded to the computer when it is installed. The manufacturer thinks that it is absolutely necessary that the computer runs the program periodically. Example of these software are: Windows Updater, Anti Virus software (It is important to keep you anti virus software up-to-date.), Backup program etc.

- Too many programs are running in the computer at the same time.

Nevertheless, it is still very important to have an anti virus software loaded, updated and running in your computer.
However, no antivirus software can help you to remove or clean up all viruses completely. Therefore, it is important to prevent virus from attacking your computer. So an anti virus software should be the first software program to be loaded and running in your computer. You have to update the anti virus software right after you have successfully loaded into your computer.

It is very very important to update your anti virus software regularly. New viruses are discovered frequently, not updating your anti virus software will make these new virus to attack your computer easily.

What if you are already using your computer with all your important information loaded and you have no anti virus software in your computer?
Then, you cannot delay and must get an antivirus software loaded, updated and scanned immediately.
After the anti virus software is updated, restart your computer. Start scanning your computer before you run any program. If there are no virus detected, you are a lucky one. If there are, choose a solution that the anti virus software recommend.

What if, after your computer is scanned and virus is found. And you have chosen the solution that the anti virus software recommend but the software says that it cannot be cleaned. You can either delete or quarantine. Then, you may have a problem. If you are absolutely sure that you and the computer does not need the file, than delete it or quarantine it. If the file is critical to your computer, then you have to find a same file that is not virus infected to replace the infected file, if you can find. If it is your file, you might have to do the same.

You also need to restart the computer and runs the anti virus software again to confirm that the computer is free from virus. If it is infected with too many viruses or too many viruses cannot be cleaned, a total software rebuild of your computer is needed. If you have backup your computer periodically, then you can restore your last backup. Provided the last backup is virus free. That means you have to do anti virus scan for your computer again after you have restore your computer from the backup files.

You do not need to have two antivirus software. However, it is good to keep at least two antivirus software in your computer. One will constantly monitor your computer for virus activities and the other will scan your computer for virus only when you want to.
However, you should have at least one anti virus software installed if your computer slows down significantly after two anti virus software are installed.

It is most important.
You must update your antivirus software regularly and scans it regularly. It is good to follow the antivirus software company recommendation.

Do you really need a new computer? You keep seeing commercials that say that the newest computer is incredible and that many things have changed. Have things changed that much with personal computer technology?

Yes and no. The popular computer manufacturers are always pushing their newest computers and technology. After all, without new sales, their businesses would be in serious trouble. Do you really need the newest computer sitting on your desk at home? The computer manufactures will tell you that you should constantly update your hardware. Is it really necessary to stay on the cutting edge?

Let me give you a resounding NO. If your computer is operating well and is able to complete the tasks that you desire you probably do not need to upgrade your equipment.

Back in the early days of home computers, technology was evolving at an incredible pace. I remember my first IBM XT desktop computer. At the time it was an incredible joy to have a computer at home to call my own. My first computer had a whopping 20 meg hard drive and two 5 and 1/4 inch floppy drives. It was a dream come true back in 1989.

My next computer was a big leap forward to a 486. The increase in speed and functionality was incredible. You see, my first computer (the XT) was not able to keep up with my 90 words per minute typing speed. I would type a sentence or two and then I would have to wait for computer screen to catch up. With the 486, the computer was finally able to process the keystrokes faster than I could type. It was incredible.

As the 1990's progressed, the technology kept growing by leaps and bounds. Then came the 2000's and still the technology was improving. However, even though the technology kept improving, the changes in performance as far as the user was concerned became less noticeable.

That's where we are today. Yes, the technology is still improving but the average computer user will not notice much difference between a new computer and a computer that is a year or two older.

Do you think that a newer, faster computer will speed up the Internet? It won't and here's why. Assuming that your computer is not infected with hundreds if not thousands of ad-ware and spy-ware programs, your computer has nothing to do with your Internet speed.

The speed of your Internet connection is controlled by your Internet provider. If you want a faster Internet connection, you need to upgrade your connection speed with your carrier.

If you have dial-up, go to cable or DSL. If you have cable or DSL and your provider has faster speed packages (more bandwidth) available, take an upgraded package instead. Going from a 768k package to 5 meg package will definitely be noticeable while you are surfing.

Today, most people can improve the performance of their existing computer by simply cleaning it. No, this does not involve a bottle of Windex and a rag. It does require a thorough scanning of the hard drive and the files that make up your computer's configuration.

This is not always an easy task though. You really need to be somewhat of a techie if you are going to try to clean your computer yourself.

You see, every time that you remove a program, there is a potential that not all of the files were removed correctly. These abandoned files can go a long way towards fouling up your system. Additionally, just about every web site that you visit, leaves a small file on your computer as well.

Not all of these files are dangerous though. Some of these files, also known as 'cookies', are left to help you log in the next time you visit the same site. However, there are a vast array of sites that leave nasty little files on you computer that slow you down and make your computer seem like it's dying.

To give your computer a pick-me-up, there are many cleaning programs and services available that anyone can use to successfully clean their computer. Most of these programs or services are referred to as 'registry cleaners' or services that promise to 'speed up your PC'.

If your computer is running slow, take a look at some type of cleaning program or service before you run out to the store to purchase a new computer. Sometimes a good cleaning will bring your current computer back to a blazing fast speed. If your computer is older than 3 or 4 years, maybe it is time for an upgrade to some new hardware.

Bottom line, does your computer do everything that you need it to do? If so, then save your money and ignore those fancy new commercials. If not, then feel free to jump on the cutting edge and bring home a shiny new computer to your home office.

Over the past 10 to 15 years, we have seen tremendous growth in the world of technology.  Along with advancements specific to things like security systems and cell phones, one of the most impressive changes has been with PC laptop computers.  Computers are found in millions of homes around the world, used to conduct online research, writing reports, working, and even playing games.  While the standard size laptop is very popular, the newer notebook is also a great buy.  The notebook is smaller and generally less expensive, making it more portable and lighter weight.  However, many people still prefer the full-size laptop.

Laptop computers are more powerful, robust, and even affordable than ever before.  In fact, people can now choose monitors measuring 17 inches in size or more, making viewing easier.  Some of the new features associated with today's laptop computers include web cams, built-in keyboards and mouse, longer lasting batteries, DVD playing and burning, and more.

While a desktop computer is another great option, laptops provide portability you would not get with a desktop.  People that travel on business, enjoy taking vacations, or attend college will benefit most from a pc laptop computer.  With wireless capability, you simply turn the computer on and in seconds, you would have Internet capability, plugged in or running on battery.

When shopping for laptop computers, you will find thicknesses of 0.7 to 1.5 inches.  Being so slim makes it possible to carry the computer in a computer bag with ease.  Computers are also designed in a wide range of computer and monitor sizes, between 10x8 inches and 13-inch, and 15x11 inch and 17-inch respectively.  As mentioned, choosing a computer with a 17-inch monitor makes it easier to see things on the screen, which means less eyestrain.  

Laptop computers are also designed with a flip top that opens and shuts, which works to protect the keyboard and other components.  Since the newer laptops on the market are so lightweight, carrying them is much easier.  Interestingly, some of the new models of laptop computers now sold weight 12 pounds or less, which is far less than computers even two to four years ago.

PC laptop computers, with the PC standing for "personal computer" were actually created during the 1970s but at that time, they were heavy, cumbersome, limited, and expensive.  The first real "portable" concept did not come until 1972 when Alan Kay, a Xerox PARC worker, created the Dynabook.  Initially, laptop computers were used for a very limited group of people but then nine years later, PC laptop computers were introduced to the public.  The only two models being offered included the Epson HX-20 and the Osborne 1 and while portable, the computers were very expensive and they weighed a lot, making them unappealing.

People look for laptop computers that are powerful, have long-lasting batteries, large screens, a high level of memory, built-in features, and portability.  Today, hundreds of different options are available, computers that are lightweight, affordable and loaded with tons of benefits.  While the initial computers were $6,000 and more, today, you can purchase a nice cheap laptop computer for less than $700 and a notebook for even less.

Obviously, the low price of  laptops makes this an option that most everyone can afford.  Just remember, while laptops on the market today are incredible thanks to technology, purchasing one is still an investment that you need to take seriously.  Once you find a computer that you are interested in buy, take time to research the pros and cons.  Additionally, compatibility is an important issue to understand.  For instance, if you live in the United States but travel overseas, you want to be certain that the laptop of interest offers interchangeable peripherals such as hard drive, PC cards, processor, etc.  With your new laptop computer, life will be so much easier, making this an outstanding investment.

Computer security is an essential part of protection for your PC from the dangers lurking on the Internet, in fact, surfing the net without Malware Security is like walking through a hospital without an Immune System. There are zillions of threats, from minimal nuisances to severe Malware that can completely and permanently disable vital functions to where the entire operating system needs to be reinstalled and all programs and data lost.

What is Malware: Malware is short for malicious code software (mal-ware), which includes any and all forms of code designed with malicious intent. Malware is the umbrella under which all security dangers exist, such as viruses, worms, spyware, phishing, adware, tracking cookies and rootkits.

What is a computer Virus: Threat Level - Intermediate to Severe. A computer virus is a malicious code that adds itself to other programs that exist on the computer (host), including operating systems. Many computer viruses spread quickly and wreck havoc on the system host, including potential destruction of operating systems and data.

There are different types of viruses and they range from being a nuisance that constantly displays pop-ups to severe dangers that delete system files, attach to registries, destroy the user's ability to log into the Internet and even destroying the computer's operating system along with all the data that is on it. Unless you have completely backed-up the data on your PC, recovering that data will be impossible if you have to re-install the operating system after a virus infection.

While there are many different viruses, the Trojan Horse is one of the most severe and all though threat severity levels vary within the different types of Trojans, basically they are all dangerous and should always be protected against. Unfortunately some Trojans infect computers and cause such damage that it becomes irreversible and a reinstall of the entire operating system becomes necessary.

The best protection against computer viruses is prevention, early detection and removal. A good anti-virus/ Malware security software can protect your computers and provide peace of mind when surfing the net.

P2P File Sharing and Virus Dangers: One of the easiest ways to get a virus is by downloading unsafe freeware, shareware or person 2 person (P2P) from file sharing sites. Specifically those sites that provide P2P free music downloads. Some of these sites are Limewire, Bearshare and Morpheus. Users create a free account on these sites, download the software (which is sometimes full of Spyware/Adware on its own) and get access to millions of other peoples files through what is called the Gnutella Network. Users can search for MP3 music files and download them from other people's computers through this Network.

First, this is illegal, but that's a whole other topic. With these types of downloads there is no way of knowing what is actually on these files and it is easy to download a serious viruses and especially a Trojan. These P2P sites should be avoided to ensure computer security. For a few bucks you can get legal and safe music downloads at sites like Napster and Rhapsody. Play it safe, paying the few bucks is well worth it, as it can save lots of money, not to mention the hassle of having to fix a damaged computer.

Worms: Threat Level - Severe. A computer Worm is a a type of especially nasty Malware that is a self-replicating computer program, which at one point almost brought the entire Internet to its knees. Unlike a virus, it doesn't attach itself to an existing program and does not infect computer files, instead it wrecks havoc on systems as it creates endless copies of itself, with the goal of taking up as much space as possible on the PC and creating program problems.

Worms almost always cause harm to the network, if only by consuming bandwidth, whereas viruses almost always corrupt or modify files on a targeted computer. Internet worms are most prevalent today in the form of email attachments. Two of the worst worms ever were Mydoom and Morris.

Worms are usually sent via email by attachments, you should never open an attachment in your email from an unknown source. Also, when deciding on an anti virus security program it is important to make sure that the email scanner is activated and that the software covers protection, detection and removal features for worms.

Spyware: Threat Level - Low to Severe. Spyware is one of the most common types of Malware and often slows computer performance. Spyware spies on your web browsing activities and comes in forms of keyloggers (where your keystrokes are monitored), recording/sending your web browsing habits to a third party, causing unwanted pop-up adds, hijacking home/search pages and making changes to them, as well as, redirecting browsing results.

A Spyware infection can be caught in several ways. One way is by clicking on a bad link from a bad site. Two, through small windows of advertising that pop up during web browsing (pop-ups). Third, there is what is called a drive-by type download and that is where Spyware infects computers without the user noticing, just by visiting a bad web page. Tip: All web browsers allow you to check a "block pop-ups" selection which can be accessed from the browser toolbar under options.

Adware: Threat Level: Low to Intermediate. Adware is Advertising Display Software that delivers ads in a manner or context that is unexpected, unsolicited and automatically loaded. Many adware applications also perform tracking functions, and therefore may also be categorized as Tracking Technologies. Adware causes pop-up windows with advertisements in the browser based on the information it collects from the user's browsing patterns. Sometimes adware may be installed in conjunction with a companion Spyware program.

Phishing: Threat Level - Severe. Phishing is a form of Internet fraud that aims at identity theft. It's purpose is to steal valuable information such as credit cards, social security numbers, user IDs and passwords.

A phishing site is a duplicate of a legitimate site and it is created to dupe users into logging in and therefore stealing private information. Many phishing scams are perpetrated via mass emails which alert the customer to some problem with your customer account or some other hook, usually from a bank, or Paypal or some other institution and it lures people into entering their private data by following a link to the phishing site of a real site.

The recent IRS rebates spawned a phishing scam, where mass emails were sent with IRS logos informing taxpayers that they are due a rebate check but they must first follow the IRS link and input their information to receive the rebate. The link, of course, leads to a phishing site where unsuspecting people enter personal information, like social security numbers which are then hijacked by identity thieves.

It is important to realize that most reputable companies do not usually send emails soliciting private data. In fact, Paypal explicitly lets its users know that they never solicit customers via email in any way. The IRS has a fraud alert on their homepage advising taxpayers of such phishing scams. If you get emails like this just hit the SPAM button and run for your life or at the very least check with the institution that sent the email in some other way.

There is also the danger of running into a phishing site while web browsing, it is important to have computer security software that will alert to phishing sites with real-time protection. Phishing security is NOT standard on all anti virus software and Malware removal programs. When considering a security program make sure to look for phishing protection.

Drive-By Downloads: Threat Level - Low to Severe

Drive-By download is where all types of Malware can infect your computer via a visit to a web page. The Malware codes are embedded in these bad sites and looks for users computers to become hosts to attach itself to. It is important to look for drive-by or real time protection when considering security software. Drive-by or real time protection should be included on the anti virus software that is on the computer.

Rootkits: Threat Level - Severe. Rootkits are really bad because they can hide their existence from operating systems and users and cause major destruction. Because Rootkits create stealth program codes that run at a lower level than can be detected with all normal anti virus software and Malware removal programs, it is crucial to make sure that the security software explicitly protects against rootkits.

Cookies: Threat Level - Low. Some cookies are positive and really do not harm to your system in anyway, they simply temporarily store your log-in information so that you do not have to enter it again when you return to that site. Plus, many sites will not run properly without cookies enabled and so they are a necessary element. And these temporary cookies can be cleared from within your browser at any time you.

On the other hand Tracking Cookies are a form of Tracking Technology. Tracking Cookies are used to track the surfing habits of users in order to manage, analyze advertising data, and they may be used with the more malicious intent of monitoring user activity more closely. Tracking cookies are usually easily detected and protection from them comes standard on most anti virus and Malware security software.

It can be more difficult to remove Malware if infection occurs than to protect against it and some Malware causes such damage that a complete operating system reinstall is required. There are many Malware security softwares, including some great free ones, and firewalls, that offer various levels of protection.

Computer

Some owners of badly infected computers resort to contacting technical support experts, or even buying a new computer because the existing system "has become too slow". The cumulative effect, and the interactions between spyware components, cause the symptoms commonly reported by users: a computer which slows to a crawl, overwhelmed by the many parasitic processes running on it. As with computer viruses, researchers give names to spyware programs which may not be used by their creators.

Law

Unauthorized access to a computer is illegal under computer crime laws. Since the owners of computers infected with spyware generally claim that they never authorized the installation, Then this would suggest that the promulgation of spyware would count as a criminal act. Such laws make it illegal for anyone other than the owner or operator of a computer to install software that alters Web-browser settings, monitors keystrokes, or disables computer-security software. Beware, much of the programs present the user with an end-user license agreement which protects the creator from prosecution under computer contaminant laws.

Detection

Malicious websites attempt to install spyware on readers' computers. To detect spyware, computer users have found several practices useful in addition to installing anti-spyware programs. Some users install a large hosts file which prevents the user's computer from connecting to known spyware related web addresses. Many normal computer users are however still unfamiliar with the term, and most never use it. Instead, virus is commonly used in the general media to describe all kinds of malware. It includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, dishonest adware, and other malicious and unwanted software.

For instance, since 2003, the majority of widespread viruses and worms have been designed to take control of users' computers for black-market exploitation. For a malicious program to accomplish its goals, it must be able to do so without being shut down, or deleted by the user or administrator of the computer it's running on. Crackers typically use backdoors to secure remote access to a computer, while attempting to remain hidden from casual inspection. Spyware programs are commercially produced for the purpose of gathering information about computer users, showing them pop-up ads, or altering web-browser behavior for the financial benefit of the spyware creator.

The infected computers are used as proxies to send out spam messages. The advantage to spammers of using infected computers is that they are available in large supply and they provide protects to the spammer from prosecution. In order to coordinate the activity of many infected computers, attackers have used coordinating systems. Lastly, it is possible for a malware creator to profit by simply stealing from the person whose computer is infected.

Do it yourself computer repair allows you to do perform immediate repairs for your usual computer problems. However, this task requires you to have a thorough understanding of the details of your computer hardware and software. If your confidence at doing this task lies on a few pages of how-to and repair manuals, there is a good chance that you might do more harm than good in correcting the problem. Although performing do it yourself repair gives you the power to make the final decision in your every move, it may not be the best decision to make.

The Do-It-Yourself Type of Computer Owners

It is understandable for self-reliant people to perform a do it yourself repair. While it dictates the speed as well as the efficiency at which the adjustments, updates and all necessary troubleshooting tasks will be done, it also helps yield huge savings in doing simple to complicated computer repair jobs. However, just like any form of repair, you need to first understand all the nitty-gritty stuff about your computer. You need to be knowledgeable about computers.

Simple Computer Repairs Made Easy

Simple computer problems like virus and worm attacks and slow operations can be remedied with routine maintenance tasks. To restore smooth and quick responding computing operations, you need to maintain regular schedules of defragmenting your hard drive, running disk cleanup, installing or updating anti-virus software and data backup and recovery applications. These maintenance measures are helpful in preventing your computer from crashing. They are also crucial in keeping all your files and programs protected against the usual attacks of annoying spyware, malware and computer worms and viruses.

How to handle more complicated Computer Troubleshooting

You need to have the correct tools to do computer repairs. In addition to hand tools like screw drivers, solder irons and others, software like anti-virus and registry mechanic programs are also considered computer repair tools. These tools can be used to perform minor repairs to simple and common computer problems like installing updates and upgrades to existing programs, correcting registry problems, installation of hardware and software accessories and more. However, when it comes to dealing with more complicated problems, which mostly involve software and file problems like system recovery, corrupted files, automatic shut down and more, you really need to consult with an experienced computer repair technician to avoid further damage or loss of data.

Once your computer crashes, you need to have an idea of what could have happened before you perform a do it yourself repair. Never attempt to fix and correct any problem that you know nothing about. Try studying, reading and understanding various repair manuals. But if you want to confidently restore your computer to its smooth humming condition, consider finding an on-site computer repair technician.

Why Professional Computer Repair Services

Having well-trained professional computer technicians fix your computer eliminates the guess work on computer repairs and instantly restores your personal productivity. Instead of becoming a slave to the ever changing study of basic computer repairs, online computer repair services provide you with an affordable and practical option to troubleshooting your computer problems regardless of the extent of its difficulty.

Professional Repair Services for your Convenience

It is nice to have the right skill and knowledge to perform a do it yourself computer repair. However, you need to consider that allowing a pro to do these repairs can help you save time and money as they are fully trained in handling all types of computer problems. More importantly, it will save you from the confusion and frustration of possibly doing improper or unnecessary repairs. Thus, you get all these solutions at affordable costs.

The universal acceptance of computers into our daily lives, both at work and at home, has decreased the image of computer users as being "geeks." The word geek itself has evolved a bit - going from meaning a socially inept person who gets along better with computers than people, to someone who is an expert with computers, a guru even. In fact, many computer service companies utilize the name geek in their nomenclature because of this new meaning.

Not everyone who is proficient in using a computer is a geek, but there are people out there who are so interested in computers and so well versed in them, they wear the title geek with pride. Many of these people may not have had formal training. They've been playing with computer hardware, or software since they were ten years old. So what should you do if you have this kind of computer knowledge? A few years ago, it was very easy to get a well paying computer job, without any post secondary education. Advances in technology, the dot-com implosion and wider acceptance of technology doesn't make it so easy any more. The good news is, you don't need a four year degree to secure a well paying job in the computer field. Even if you're not a self professed computer geek, if you have an interest in a computer career, here are some good fields to study.

Computer Networking

Computer networking jobs entail designing, repairing and maintaining PC networks, usually in a business setting. There is no industry standard for software, but Microsoft dominates, with Novell taking a distant second place. Cisco dominates the category in hardware routers. Courses of study available include A+ (basic computer hardware), MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator), Novell Netware and Cisco Certification.

Career positions in this category include network design, network administration and network security. Depending on the employer, a computer networking professional may do all, or some of these duties.

Computer Security

Computer security is another growing field. Many businesses have created networks, websites and become reliant on computer technology, without employing safeguards to protect their data. There are many malevolent computer geeks out there who attack systems, or software for fun, curiosity or profit. Data extortion is now a common organized crime method for the Russian mafia!

Security violations have created new careers in network security and software development. Courses of study are mainly in Microsoft products and software development languages like Visual Basic, C++, .net, compiler and assembly languages.

Career positions in this category include network security, software programming, web design, web development and website administration (server side).

Databases

The acceptance of computers into business has created a great demand for databases. Almost every industry has a need for databases for marketing, client retention and daily operations. Industries such as banking, insurance, hospitals and utilities absolutely rely on them. Terrorism threats have created new laws, like the Patriot Act, that require a database of all foreign nationals who enter the country.

Creation of these databases relies on software, mainly developed by Oracle for large scale databases, Microsoft SQL for web based applications and Microsoft Access for smaller scale and custom applications.

Jobs in the database category include data architects, database administrators and information systems managers.

The information age has created a wealth of career opportunities for computer geeks, elevating their status as knowledgeable professionals and compensating them well financially. If you're a computer geek, or would like to become one, a career in any of these professions can be obtained in less than two years of study. www.top-colleges.com.

Buying a new PC can be a daunting task for some people, the average home user will not know what the different options mean and when faced with these decisions might end up making the wrong choice and end up with a computer that won't do everything they need it to do. This guide will help you understand the different options so you can choose the correct PC that meets your needs to ensure you are getting the best value for your hard earned money.

Before you start shopping for a new computer you need to make a few decisions to help you find the right computer suitable for your needs.

1. Determine if you want a laptop or desktop computer. See Laptops vs Desktops further down for more information.
2. Create a list all the different things you want to be able to do with your new computer - for example, browsing the internet, sending/receiving emails, word processing and storing photos, videos and music. Without this list you will find it very hard to determine which computer will be suitable for you.
3. Determine the minimum hardware specifications for your new computer, see Hardware Specifications further down for more information.
4. Determine how you are going to buy your new computer. See Where To Buy A Personal Computer further down for more information.
5. Buy your new computer. Keep an eye out for my up coming guide "Setting Up A Personal Computer", which will cover the basics of setting up your computer and maintenance tasks you should do on a regular basis to keep your computer running fast and secure.

Laptops vs Desktops
A laptop computer has a major benefit over a desktop computer, portability - you can take your laptop with you almost anywhere meaning you will have instant access to the information stored on your laptop, however this also makes it easier for someone to walk off with your laptop and your information. Desktops are not portable, but are also a lot less likely to be stolen.

A laptop is generally much more expensive than a desktop computer, and, for the same cost of a laptop, a faster desktop could be purchased.

Laptops are generally not upgradeable and are made using proprietary parts, this means that if your laptops breaks only the manufacturer of your laptop can supply parts to fix it - when your warranty runs out this can become very expensive. Desktops are fully upgradeable and do not use proprietary parts, meaning that the replacement parts are normally inexpensive and can be found in practically any computer store.

Hardware Specifications
There are a lot of different options when it comes to the hardware specifications of a computer, once you have made your list of things you want to do with your computer you will be able to determine the minimum hardware specifications of your new computer, normally the best way to do this is to talk to a specialist and give them your list of things you want to do with your computer. The main hardware components you need to look at are the CPU (processor), RAM (memory) and HDD (hard drive).

Processor - Determines how fast your computer can process information.

RAM - This is the temporary space the computer uses when accessing your programs and information stored on your computer. This can be thought of as a desk, the information you are currently working on is put on the desk and is removed when you are finished. The more RAM your computer has, the more information you can access quickly at the same time.

HDD - Determines how much information you can store on your computer.

For basic tasks, such as browsing the internet, sending/receiving emails, word processing and storing photos, videos and music, a computer with at least a dual-core processor, 2GB memory and an 80GB hard drive would be suitable, depending on how many photos, videos and music files you have - the hard drive capacity might need to be increased.

For more advanced tasks such as gaming you will need to look at a fast processor, more memory and a separate graphics card - refer to the minimum specifications for some of the games you would like to play to get an idea on the sort of hardware specifications you will need.

Where to Buy a Personal Computer
There are a few different ways to buy a new computer, below is a list of the most common ways people buy computers.

1. Buying a computer form an electronics store or department store (such as Dick Smiths or Big W in Australia). This is possibly the most common way the average user will buy a PC and is also the worst way to purchase a computer. These types of stores generally do not have staff with a good knowledge of computers, therefore they cannot really help you make the right choice and cannot offer good after purchase support. Avoid this option where possible.
2. Buying a brand name computer from a manufacturer over the internet (such as Dell or HP). This is a relatively good option however you cannot look at, apart from pictures, or test drive the computer before buying it. You can normally get good advice when buying online by calling the sales team or searching for reviews on the internet. After market support is reasonably good with this option, they will have a dedicated technical enquiry team and will normally have a local service representative who will normally do house calls.
3. Buying a custom built computer from a computer store (such as Principal Computers in Australia). This is a good option and will allow you to get great advice and buy a computer that fits your needs. You can sit down with a specialist and discuss exactly what you need your computer to do, it is also generally cheaper than buying a brand name computer and they will provide great after purchase support.
4. Buying the individual hardware components and building the computer yourself, this is only a good option for those who already have good knowledge of computers. If this option interests you please look out for my up coming guide "Building Your Own Personal Computer".

Conclusion
With the right information, choosing and buying a personal computer does not have to be a daunting task. Hopefully this guide will help you in the right direction of choosing a computer that will be suitable for your needs. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions you may have.

Computer training for programmers can be quite the difficult hurdle to overcome. With such extensive computer training courses and years of studying, it is no wonder that they get paid so well! Although it is difficult coursework, it is extremely rewarding, especially when you are certified and can start earning a good amount of money.

If you are unsure if computer programming is for you, you should take a look at the coursework involved. Many computer students already have a basic grasp on some of the concepts, thus making it easier to understand the rest. The majority of computer training courses focus on skill. After all, computer programmers need to know everything about the machine. For that reason, students are expected to get inside the computer's head and act as if they know what the machine will do at every moment. Without fully knowing a computer's behavior, they will never be able to master harder concepts.

Although this may sound difficult, computer training classes do not stop there. Students are also expected to map out on graphs what the particular program is supposed to do. After accomplishing this task, they begin to learn BASIC; a common computer language between all computer programmers. From there, students can break down what they would like to do. Many students want to go into C++ or windows programming. On the other hand, there are also those who would rather study programming script and focus on analyzing information. Either path is a great industry with an abundance of jobs. However, both require a lot of language coding and they will need to prove that they know how to work the programs.

No matter what a student decides to do, computer training is a must. It is also quite easy to find a computer training program in your area. By searching for a certified one through the internet, you can easily take courses on your own time. Although it may take years, you will finally be able to become certified. It is a great opportunity for someone who works, yet still wants to become a computer programmer down the road.

One must know that computer programmers are expected to know a lot of information. For some, this amount of information is almost impossible, but with hard work is can be attained. This is why computer programmers excel in almost anything that they are presented with. They develop computer skills above the rest, thus allowing them to think with the computer. One could even say that they become the machine. With such extensive knowledge, the opportunities are endless for a computer programmer. Computer training classes are wonderful for anyone who wants to succeed in the computer industry. It is quite the difficult hurdle to overcome, but once you accomplish it, there will be no going back. Therefore, no matter what you choose, computer programming will allow you to financially be comfortable and enjoy your job.

The use of computers is in high demand nowadays, what with the surge of technology and the popularity of anything related to the internet and computers. Almost anyone you ask probably has a computer at home; however, with the trend moving towards portability and mobility, the demand for another type of computer has also increased over the recent years - the notebook computer.

Laptop computers, also known as laptops, notebook computers, or notebooks, are small, compact, mobile computers that weigh between two to eighteen pounds depending on the size, the materials used in fabrication, and other factors. Laptops run on a single battery or from an externally connected adapter. Most notebook battery packs may be used for a few hours before having to recharge. The external AC/DC adapter may be used to charge the battery whilst providing power to the laptop itself.

Notebook computers are an extremely lightweight personal computer. This type of computers generally weighs in below six pounds and is built to be small enough to fit easily in a standard sized briefcase. Apart from the size, weight, and portability, another major difference between the personal computer and notebook computer is the display. All notebook computers use a wide array of technologies and techniques to produce display screens that are not bulky and very lightweight.

These mobile computers come with a built in keyboard and a touchpad, also known as a trackpad, for input. An external keyboard or mouse may also be used in place of the built in components. Notebook computers normally have a liquid crystal display and use a different memory module from that of a desktop computer. The quality of the screens varies from notebook to notebook. Most display screens for notebook computers have a VGA resolution.

As a type of personal computer, notebook computers or laptops are designed to be capable of performing the same tasks as those of a typical desktop computer. Notebook computers have the same components that are found in desktop computers; however, these components are smaller and optimized for mobility and efficient use of power.

As for computing power, notebook computers may be able to produce the same power as those of desktop computers and may have the same CPU, memory capacity, and hard disk space; however, getting a notebook computer with very powerful specifications may cost a lot. Generally, notebook computers are less powerful than desktop computers of the same price.

Beating all odds stacked against them, computer degrees seem to have regained favor with students. At least that's what the data released by the Computing Research Association (CRA) suggests.

According to the CRA Taulbee Survey report, Computing Degree and Enrollment Trends, 2010-11, enrollments in undergraduate computer science degree programs rose 9.6 percent in the 2011-12 school year. This was the fourth straight year of increased enrollments in computer science degree programs*.

The increase in demand for computer degrees among students indicates a corresponding growth in computer-related careers that can be monetarily rewarding, personally fulfilling, and intellectually stimulating. Here's a selection of some computer degree programs and the careers they can lead to:

1. Computer Science Degree: The computer science degree has been ranked among the top ten undergrad college programs by salary in a 2011-12 college salary report published by payscale.com. According to the report, computer science graduates earn a starting median pay of $56,600, and by mid-career, it can go up to $97,900, depending on location, education, and experience**.

And what kinds of career can you pursue once you graduate from this program? Computer science graduates have the option of choosing from a variety of exciting careers.

For instance, software engineers are responsible for designing and developing software applications that allow people to complete specific tasks on the computer, while an information systems manager or information technology manager plans, coordinates and directs computer-related activities in an organization.

2. Computer Programming Degree: Like the name suggests, a computer programming degree is focused on training graduates in various programming languages and providing them the skills to keep learning new languages as and when they are developed. This degree program can be pursued at both the associate's and bachelor's levels, depending on your personal and professional aspirations.

A computer programming degree prepares graduates for the role of a programmer, who writes the code needed to convert the designs developed by software engineers into actual software applications. They do this by writing a series of instructions using a programming language such as Java or C++ that the computer can follow.

Computer programmers work with some of the latest technological developments that have taken the world by storm, including apps for mobile phones and tablets. Computer programmers also develop video games; web applications; financial, business process, medical, or educational software; and more.

A fascinating job, a well-defined career path, and the possibility of a paycheck of $71,380 per year, depending on location, education, and experience: a computer programming degree can help you pursue all this and more***!

3. Computer Technology Degree: A computer technology degree is designed to train graduates in the nuts and bolts of computer repair and networking. This computer degree is ideally suited for individuals interested in IT support roles such as helpdesk technician, user support technician, technical support specialist, etc.

Depending on their role, computer support specialists help IT and non-IT staff of an organization with the proper use of computers and equipment. They install software programs and equipment; fix hardware and software breakdowns; maintain computer networks; install security software; and educate and train users.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay of computer support specialists in May 2010 was $46,260 per year, depending on education, location, and experience****.

Now that you know at least three IT programs that can lead to very promising careers, it's time to find out which one is the right fit for you. Once you do that, shortlist some IT schools that offer these computer degrees and request college information from them, so you can start the most thrilling ride of your life!

Sources:
*cra.org/govaffairs/blog/2012/04/undergrad-computer-science-enrollments-rise-for-fourth-straight-year-cra-taulbee-report/
**payscale.com/best-colleges/degrees.asp
***bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm
****bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm

A computer by definition is an electronic device that is capable of accepting data, processing this data using a set of instructions to produce visible out put such that could be printed out. Not quite long ago, experts discovered how this phenomenal device can be used effectively in solving financial, practical, mathematical, economical, scientific and social problems among many other complex problems confronting the world today. Because of the wild-range of computer application and usage in this fast growing and highly civilized world, there is a great need to not only know how computers work but to become the grand Master of computers.

The future of computer experts all over the world is quite bright and promising thereby making computer knowledge highly necessary for almost everyone. Many Companies are no longer willing to employ just any body. Even security men today must not lack computer knowledge as they may not be able to manage modern security gadgets that are computerized for proper security of the personnel, products and assets of the companies in question.

It is interesting to know that governments of many countries are fighting computer illiteracy with their every fleeting breathe by ensuring that all their citizens are 'computer masters' through the introduction of various computer training schemes. This is because computer revolution has brought great transformation to the entire world especially technologically. For instance, when you want to know what is happening in India, America, china, Japan or any part of the world, simply hit your web browser and engage the search engines like Google and wait for results. Sooner than you expect, you are connected to the entire world with your first hand information readily displayed in your web browser.

Have you ever imagined what the entire world will become technologically in the next ten years if what we presently have constitutes just about 4.9% of the total expectation of what is to come? What will be your answer to this humble question following? Where will you be, what will you be doing when this world finally depends on computers to eat, pay bills, travel, make friends, do business, make payments, pass judgments, secure property, control events, preach the gospel, broad cast news, drive home from the town, diagnose and treat the sick or diseased?

This is not a condition for a 'peace treaty' or dialogue but a wake up call to a total surrender and submission to learning and mastering computer operation. Listen to me friend, you will be obsolete, outdated, antiquated and washed out if you dare to remain a computer illiterate as you are right now. Are you already unaware of how to become a computer Master? Who looks up to for solutions to their computer problems and how do you handle them? You don't even know how to boot your computer, or may be able to boot a system but can't differentiate between warm and cold booting. Friend; you need to do something now!

I want to let you know that you can not Master your computer without first observing to have and do the following:

You must have a computer or at least have access to one as this will give you the freedom of practice any time you wish to do so. Learn one application at a time instead of combining many applications like Corel-Draw with Microsoft Word as doing so may leave you more frustrated and confused. Let me candidly advice you today please, enroll into a very good computer training program to save your self from the shackles of feeling lonely and dissatisfied having a computer but without the relevant operation skills. Read relevant e-Books and other relevant materials on computer training as often as you can. Practice any newly acquired operational skills till they permanently become a part of you. Seek for mentor-ship and ask questions where you do not understand. Finally, know that you are a potential computer master, so spend quality time with your computer daily.

Popular belief among IT professionals is that people should tune-up their computers every 90 days like they would change the oil in their cars. Although most computer companies would like everyone to believe that they need a new computer 90% of computer users only need to have their system tuned up and their computer will be running like new, if not better. For example, when your car starts acting up do you just get rid of it, or do you take it to the local mechanic? After the mechanic tunes it up it runs smoothly again. Well you can think of the technicians who do computer repair as the mechanics. Once a tech diagnoses and repairs the problem your computer can run smoothly again.

Concentration on managing systems by preventing problems instead of reacting to problems after they have done possible damage is a new way of thinking. Since computers are not just for business anymore it is even more important that problems are prevented as often as possible. More and more people use their computers everyday for everything ranging from preschool learning activities to seniors ordering their prescriptions online. Not to mention how much time so many of us save by paying our bills and doing our shopping online. Wouldn't it be nice if a computer repair service would provide you with 150 gb free backup space to safeguard your invaluable documents and engineers would install and configure backup software for you to ensure your computers always have a backup. If your hard drive crashes or you delete a file, there would be no need to worry they could help you restore any files you need. Almost every PC user has encountered the nightmare of computer problems.

Often they start gradually: The computer starts running slower, or develops a minor problem that can easily be ignored. Before you know it, that minor problem has escalated to an in-your-face sort of thing. And then the real fun starts: You get to decide whether you would prefer to haul your computer in to a service center, where it may disappear for weeks on end, or deal with a service person's intrusion into your home. The only thing more frustrating than computer problems is talking to someone who only speaks in jargon or "computer-ese." Computer support specialists that explain technical issues clearly in plain English and are as patient, friendly and helpful as they are skilled at fixing your computer are very hard to find. We also understand that computer problems don't keep regular hours, so shouldn't computer repair services be available at all hours and have REAL LIVE PEOPLE available 24/7 to help you with all your computer needs. There is no longer any need to wait around for hours for a tech to make a costly house call when so many companies out there can connect remotely to your computer and basically offer you an instant solution as long as you can still connect to the internet through a high speed connection. Family owned and operated companies who are focused on treating customers the way they want to be treated and know how valuable your time is are few and farther between.

The revolutionary new way is to make services available all hours of the day or night from the convenience of your own home through Remote Support. It's hard enough to find quality time to spend with our families without adding the hassle of unplugging all those cords that we had so carefully childproofed just to haul the computer to someone so they can tell you to drop a chunk of your savings into a new one. Computer Life Support is one of these new computer repair companies and was started by two brothers in the IT field. They grew tired of the horror stories of people who have received computer support from some geek. Only to be ripped off in the end and still having computer problems. Wouldn't it be nice to put an end to these horror stories. There are other companies out there that provide a similar service such as 3geeksandamouse, gurus2go, hiwired just to name a few. So go out and compare services and see what's out there to keep your computer running at it's highest capacity.

Your laptop or desktop computer and its systems, however sophisticated and complex they may appear to be (and actually are) at face value, are also susceptible to freezes, crashes, the BSD (the feared Blue Screen of Death) or at worst a complete and total breakdown of your system.

How this affects you will depend considerably upon the nature of the failure and what you were doing at the time of the failure. For instance, if you do not store important data on your computer and it has a complete breakdown whilst you were engaged in nothing particularly important, this will not be a particularly big deal for you.

However, if you do store data on your desktop or laptop computer and you have not backed up that data, a total system breakdown could have the most disastrous of consequences, not only for your personal convenience, but also for your commercial situation.

When you relate the latter hypothesis to the fact that a personal computer, whether it is a laptop or desktop, has become almost an essential for the vast majority of people in the world, either in the personal field or in their business and financial lives, the importance of doing everything possible to avoid a computer failure becomes all the more palpable.

But how do you minimize the chances of this happening?

The first and absolute rule is to make sure that your computer is not vulnerable to attack from outside parties. There are literally millions of infections that can invade your operating system and your hard drives that can, quite literally, disable your computers. All kinds of virus, malware and spyware is out there waiting to slip inside the computer's defences, if there is even a small trace of vulnerability. Trojan horse, keyloggers and a variety of other infections can not only make your computer stop operating as it should do, or altogether, in some cases. They can also steal valuable files and dishonestly obtain sensitive stored There are numerous types of infections out there. An up to date protection system is therefore vital if you want to preserve the safety of your computer and the information stored on it. Antivirus protection and anti-malware and anti-spyware programmes are all available, often at no cost. These can ensure that your laptop or desktop continues to work and safely store your information. The best way of accessing these protection programmes is by checking out computer review sites on the internet. There you will be able to share advice from other computer enthusiasts about the best deals available to you. Whatever you do, and however you do it, make sure that you get your computer protected. It is the single most important thing to do.

Of course, it is possible that you will become infected with a virus, even with the best of protection. In that case there are tools that can be employed to eradicate the infection or you can get online advice about how to eliminate the threat manually. Modern operating systems such as Windows also provides a system restore programme, which will put your system back into the shape it was in before the computer was infected.

However, not all viruses will be eliminated by using system restore in this way, so a total clean up is usually necessary. Sadly, some viruses are so stubborn or so skilful in hiding themselves within your computer that the only way that you can be sure to get rid of them is by formatting your hard and reloading your operating system and your files and programmes from the manufacturer's CD. It is vital therefore, that you back up all your files on a regular basis so that they can be reloaded onto your computer if you do indeed need to carry out a format. If you are storing important information it probably makes sense to back this information up - meaning copying it onto some portable storage medium such as a CD or a USB drive or an external hard drive - at least once every week. That way your files will be protected and capable of being restored to your computer if you are unlucky enough to have to carry out a complete re-writing of your hard drive. The vast majority of computers have a large amount of random access memory (commonly referred to as RAM) The amount of RAM will affect how quickly your processes run. If you have an older desktop or laptop computer and it is running more slowly than you would like you may consider upgrading the amount of RAM. Memory cards can be purchased easily on the internet and you might be pleasantly surprised at the increased efficiency of your computer after carrying out an upgrade.

The same can also be said about reducing the amount of data held on your hard disk. The fuller this hard disk is the slower your computer is likely to run. There are two basic ways to free up space on your hard drive. The first of these is simply to uninstall any unnecessary or unused programmes that you have stored there. This can free up lots of hard disk space, particularly if you are uninstalling large programmes. The second way is to defragment your hard drive. This process collects the files on your computer that have become fragmented and re-organises then tidily, thus saving space and also causing the programmes to run more efficiently. If you find that you still have simply too much stored on your computer you might try to move photographs and other heavy space using files, such as media files onto an external hard drive. This can also free up lots of space.

The final option is to buy a new hard drive and install this in place of your old one. This is an option, which, unlike the upgrading of your RAM, is likely to require the help of a computer engineer. You might also want to look at the number of programmes that automatically start up when you turn on your computer. When you download or add certain programmes they write themselves to start up every time your computer switches on. This can cause a long wait for all of these programmes to load.

The more of these you remove at start up the quicker your computer will be in loading.

Finally, you might with to consider cleaning up your registry entries so that unnecessary entries are removed. It is advisable to be very careful when doing this and it is probably best not to try it at all unless you know what you are doing because you may disable your computer altogether. However, if you do know what you are doing, tidying up the registry can have a very positive impact on the performance of your computer.

Conclusion

In summary, there are several ways that you can enhance the performance of your computer. There are also ways of cleaning up your computer if it becomes affected by an infection. However the best advice that anyone could give is that it better to be safe than sorry. So protect your computer from these threats at all times.

How many times did your computer crash on you when you were working on a very important project? No matter how many times you are told to backup your data you are still at risk of computer hardware problems which will delay your project so what will you do? Bring your computer to the store and have it fixed for a longer delay or follow a computer hardware course so you can actually troubleshoot the problem yourself and have it fixed within minutes? The truth is you don't have to be a technician or an engineer to be able to do this and you'll see that if you do want to become one, fine there are very good careers for these types of studies.

Like I mentioned you don't need to have a degree in IT to be able to fix your computer. A simple computer hardware course where they teach the basics of hardware functionality is far more than enough for you to be able to troubleshoot your own computer. By investing some after hours to learn this will of course save you a lot of time when your computer decides to break down on you. Although you learn how to fix your computer more easily that's not the only reason why following a computer course is a good idea.

If you can fix your own computer, you can certainly create a new one. Thanks to a computer hardware course you'll be able to build a customized computer from scratch that will fit your needs and your needs only. It's like finding the perfect computer but at a very reasonable price. Custom built computers are usually cheaper since they include less labor from the company of course. If you can fix your own computer or build your own computer, you basically have no more need for a technician and this will save you a lot of time.

Wondering how a career in IT would sound? Well a degree in any field related to computers is in very high demand now because there's not a single company that doesn't depend on computers whether it's hardware or software. So you can easily find job openings to start your new career. The truth is computer are becoming more and more important in a company so that is why companies need many competent specialists to take care of their infrastructure.

As you can see, if you have the extra time learning something new can definitely be rewarding but if you're learning anything related to computer hardware or software, it's going to be even more beneficial to you. Can't find the time? That's OK with all the latest technology, you can practically follow your computer hardware course at home with your own schedule so that you don't have to worry about putting your main income on hold. Be sure to get more information regarding which courses you want to follow because this is a field that is very vast and learning everything would take a life time with all the progress that technology is going through.

Have you ever thought about building your own computer system? Maybe you've heard friends talking about doing this sort of thing, but you were never sure what was involved. This article attempts to answer two questions. First, why would you want to build your own computer system? Secondly, how hard is it to do this?

Why Build a Computer System

First we will look at why you would want to build a computer system. There are three main reasons often cited for building a computer system. The first is that it will save you a great deal of money. The second is that you will get exactly the computer system that you want. And finally, the third reason is that you can easily repair the system if anything goes wrong.

Building a computer to save money is most likely not a realistic goal. These days you can get some really inexpensive computer systems. With complete systems selling for under $500, it would be hard to build a computer system yourself that is going to beat that price by much.

However, there are some cost cutting options available. You might use many of the parts from your old computer system. This would save money, as there is probably no reason to replace such devices as the CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, or even case of the old computer system.

Additionally, once you have built your computer system, you can easily upgrade it. A computer system you built yourself can always be upgraded more easily than a "mass market PC". For example, if you need a faster processor just upgrade the processor and/or motherboard.

I think the biggest reason for building your own computer system is the second reason that I previously mentioned. You are able to get exactly the computer system that you want. If you want a certain type of graphics card, you can select it. You can pick the RAM that has the best access time for the money, and not what some large computer manufacturer got the best deal on that week. For the true computer enthusiast, this is the only way to go! For me, just being able to pick the exact case I want makes the process worthwhile.

Finally, computer systems that you built yourself are much easier to repair than "mass market PC's". For one thing, this is a computer system that you built. You know where everything is at, and what it is for. Secondly, the computer system was built from common parts, so finding replacements will be easy. Very often large computer manufacturers will build computer systems with proprietary parts, which you can only obtain from the computer manufacturer.

How Complex is it to Build a Computer

Building a computer system is not as complex as you might think. The only tools that you will need are screwdrivers. If you have ever added an expansion card to your computer, you are almost half-way to building your own system.

The most complex part is making sure that everything is compatible with everything else that you buy. You need to line up the specs exactly between your parts. For example, if you buy a motherboard with DDR2 RAM memory, you need to make sure your RAM is DDR2.

Once you get all of the required components together you have only to assemble your new computer. You will have purchased a case, motherboard, RAM, hard drive, CD-ROM drives, floppy drive, video card and audio card. Now you have only to assemble them. This usually takes only a few hours and no tools other than the screwdrivers you likely already own. Plus, it is very hard to damage anything. Most cables are keyed so that you are not able to plug them in backwards.

When we talk of computers, topics usually range from desktops, laptops and notebooks. Sometimes, our ideas and discussions about computers seem to go on forever. However, we seldom hear talk about single board computers. We may not be familiar with the term, though many of us have used single board computer at one time or another.

A single board computer is a complete computer that stands on a single circuit board. It is a circuit board that contains all the components to make a complete computer, such as the processor, memory (RAM), I/O, processor clock and audio and video interfaces. Single board computers may be used as stand-alone units, embedded units or backplane units.

Today, single board computers have found wide use in industrial processes. These small-form factor computers are often used in industrial machines in a rack-mount format that performs complex processes.

Single board computers can also be found in other applications. Cell phones, fax machines, scanners and other electronic products that make use of computer technology are equipped with embedded single board computers. Notebook computers, especially the older ones, are basically single board computers.

Many new home electronic products, especially those that are designed to communicate with a computer or other electronic products, make use of embedded single board computers. Despite this emerging trend in home electronics, single board computers fail to fully dominate the computer world because of some disadvantages.

However, single board computers do have advantages over other types of computers. With all the components built on a single board, the manufacturing cost of single board computers is less compared to multiboard computers. The single board design makes it more reliable because the need for problematic connectors is eliminated. With new technologies, the capabilities of single board computers can further be improved, while its size is further reduced.

On the downside, single board computers are less flexible than other types of computers. With all the components soldered in a single board, there is no way the computer can be upgraded whenever new developments appear on the market. Simply said, the technological capabilities of single board computers are fixed, and they have no ability to take advantage of new technological developments.

At some point in time, you are going to be in the market for a new computer. When this time comes, you should definitely check out your options with custom built computers.

First off, let me develop a bit of credibility. I have been working on the net, and thus computers, for nine years. Between my partner and I, we have over 200 total sites. We also handle internet marketing for a wide variety of clients through MarketingTitan.com. All of this means I am on a computer roughly 15 hours a day during the week and at least four hours a day on the weekends. I love the work, so it isn't a problem. Regardless, I have gone through at least 15 computers and developed a feel for what works best.

If you work on the computer frequently, you need one thing more than anything else. You need speed. Most computers are built to minimum levels in one area or another. Like the weak link in a chain, one slow area kills the speed of the computer. So, you need a computer that flies on all fronts. So, who sells them. Sadly, the answer is nobody. Instead, you need to have one built for you.

The best recommendation I can give you is to go to a computer supply store by you. Avoid the big megamarts. Do a search for computer supply in your area and you should get plenty of selections. At the store, tell them you want a computer built specifically for you and can they make a recommendation? They may be willing to do it themselves or they may refer you to someone.

Whoever you finally end up should be told some things. You should tell them the type of work you do, what you want the computer to do and what you don't care about. If you use the computer for business purposes, you probably need excel. If you don't, you probably don't. Also emphasize that you want to the computer to be blinding fast. The computer I am working on now is custom built. The pages load so fast on the web that I can't actually see them loading. They are just there. This is what you want. Make sure you tell them this clearly.

You are probably skeptical about two things - price and quality. On price, you should expect to pay about the same amount you would for an off the shelf computer. I paid $800 for this one and it is better than anything you can get off the shelf. As to quality, I hate to break the news to you, but name brand computers are made from the same parts your professional will be building. Dell does not make hard drives. IBM does not make video cards. They all are using parts from Intel, Selectron and the basic suppliers. Your computer will be built with the same thing and you won't have to pay for the "brand name".

What if you have a problem with the computer? Well, you can call the person that built it. They are like car mechanics. They are always around and they take pride in their work. If there is a problem, they will fix it for free. Now, contrast that with a name brand computer. Let's say we buy a Dell computer, one of the worst brands on the market. If you have a problem, you call "customer service" This person, of course, is in India, the Philippines or some other location. They are reading a script of solutions to complaints. If your problem isn't on that script, you are out of luck. Now, which situation sounds better to you?

At the end of the day, name brand computers are a scam. For the same price, you can get a custom built computer that blows away anything off the shelf. Try it just once and you will be amazed how much better buying a computer will end up. Hey, that's my recommendation after years of using them.

When you use an auto garage, you can look at paying in upwards of $70 to $80 dollars for an oil change, depending on where you live of course. You could also go to your local retail store, buy the same oil for about $2.00 a quart, buy an oil filter for $3.00 to $5.00, drive YOUR car up on the curb and change YOUR own oil. Of course you'll need other supplies like an oil pan, wrench or socket set, some old clothes, but you can save yourself around $65 an oil change. Multiply that by every 3000 miles and you can see the savings that can accumulate.

You can apply this same logic when considering purchasing your next home computer. You can have someone else build a computer for you and sell it at an inflated price or you can build YOUR own computer and save tons of money. You could also, of course, have someone buy a computer and give it to you (wouldn't that be great), but how often does this happen (after you've moved out of mommy and daddy's house)?

The first thing you must do is make a decision. Do you want to purchase a pre-assembled computer at an inflated price or do you build YOUR own computer and save? Below, I've listed some pros and cons to help you make an informative decision.

Pros to buying preassembled:

1. The obvious reason is it's pre-assembled. Someone else or something will build a computer for you. You are able to use the computer right out of the box.

2. There is usually some of customer support for the computer.

3. If something goes wrong with the computer, you can turn the computer in for a replacement or refund.

Cons to buying preassembled:

1. The customer support you receive may be for a limited time, especially if you contact them by telephone.

2. If something goes wrong with any part of the computer, you turn in the computer for a replacement or refund. The problem with that is, you are out of a computer for about a month. If the CD ROM is malfunctioning, you can still access the internet or use other functions of your computer that does not require a CD ROM.

3. Pre-assembled computers are pricey

4. Pre-assembled computers typically offer a lot of extras that you will never use. Dell has tried to address that problem.

Pros of building YOUR computer:

1. You get what you want in YOUR computer

2. You will have customer support for each component of YOUR computer

3. If something goes wrong with a certain component of YOUR computer, you return that component for repair or replacement or refund.

4. YOUR computer can be substantially cheaper than a pre-assembled computer

5. You gain a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of YOUR computer

Cons of building YOUR computer

1. You have to build YOUR computer. It's not packaged and gift wrapped for you.

2. You will have to do some research. The research is essential to ensure components are compatible. Before I built my first computer, I did not realize a motherboard came in multiple forms factors. ATX and ATX micro are the norm for PC's, but not exclusively.

3. You have to be a keen shopper. Many online stores offer great prices for computer parts.

So, there you have it. There, of course, there are other factors to consider, like how soon YOUR computer needs to be operational and if you have the patience to build YOUR own computer. All in all, if you want to save money, get what you want and get the best bang for your buck, building YOUR computer is the way to go.

At its most basic form, a computer diagnostic tool outputs a message indicating an error with a computer program, system or device. Error reporting in Windows is a built in computer diagnostic tool that runs automatically whenever there is a problem with an application. Computer diagnostic tools benefit computer users because it helps to pinpoint problems with your computer.

Many times, computers will get slow for seemingly no reason at all. Devices often malfunction and system problems can arise out of nowhere. For people who rely on their computer for business or personal use, these computer errors can be frustrating and problematic. So often with computers, people try to cure the problem by focusing on the symptoms. This is poor treatment for any kind of problem, whether computer or medical. The right computer diagnostic tool can help identify the source of the problem rather than focusing on the symptoms.

Using a computer diagnostic tool to find the root cause of a computer error or dysfunction will save you time, money and stress. When you focus on getting rid of the symptoms, the problem will eventually return. This causes unnecessary stress and takes up your valuable time to take care of the same problem repeatedly. When you go straight to the root cause of the problem, you can quickly replace or repair that component and be rid of the problem for good.

Computer diagnostic tools come in a couple of different forms. Software is one of the forms. Computer diagnostic software scans the registry of your computer to find incomplete, inactive and incorrect registry entries. Many computer diagnostic software programs can also repair or remove problematic registry entries. This helps to increase the speed of your computer and can help take care of system errors, as well.

If you are having problems with hardware components on your computer, diagnostic software may not be able to identify the problem. Some software is more versatile and geared towards detecting hardware problems, while others focus more on internal system and application issues. To solve hardware problems, you can invest in computer diagnostic tools that hook up to your computer hardware. You can find out more about using diagnostic tools for pc protection and performance at http://www.pctestingsoftware.com

Computer diagnostic tools for hardware components hook up to the different components and test them for proper functioning capabilities and activities. These tools can be more of an investment than their software counterparts, but they provide a quick and effective method for locating faulty hardware or hardware running at a limited capacity. This allows you to easily repair or replace the disabled hardware component, saving you the time and money it would cost to send your computer to a professional computer technician.

Investing in one or more computer diagnostic tools is a great way to protect the investment you put into your computer. The proper diagnostic tools can help keep your computer running quickly and efficiently for many years without having to pay for costly computer repairs and overhauls. Computer diagnostic tools are also the perfect solution for a computer do-it-yourself individual.

Is your Computer running slow; it might be time to start fresh.

Here are some helpful tips on how to fix that sluggish computer that's running slow.

This can be one of your problems, fragmentation of your hard disk is another cause for your computer running slow. If your computer has these symptoms, then there is help at hand.

Could Be Files Making Your Computer Running Slower Than Usual

You see there are some dll files that are shared between programs. These can also make your computer run at a snails pace, what you could do is have an Optimizer to get rid of old and unwanted files in your register and on the computer, do a search on Google for PC cleaner.

You might have corrupted files, your computer could have faulty memory, corrupt windows files, your power supply could be on its way out, however my best guess would be your RAM.

Might Be A Program Problem

You might find that programs will often set the Load on start-up feature automatically when installing so deselect this option during the installation to take control. When on the net and you go to certain web sites, little programs or tracking cookies are put on your computer. Another big no no is, if you open attachments in emails, little programs can be installed on your computer.

In Windows There Is Some Help

Did you know that within Windows includes a Disk Defragmenter program to piece all your files back together again and make them quicker to open.

This is what happens, Windows lets closed programs stay in memory; that's why you have to reboot your computer to keep the performance up., Windows XP runs very well with 512M, and OK with 256M, but a PC runs slow with less.

Can Your Computer Be Fixed?

If your computer runs slower than when it was new, then there is a problem and it is very possible to fix this problem.

There can be files, using resources on YOUR computer, which you never asked for. These can get there by what's called spyware or adaware.

You Should Run A Virus Scan And Spyware Scan

By running one of these free scans will mean you can decide if you need to obtain this type of software to maintain your Registry.

You'll find that most computers that are running slow, are targets of malicious software infections.

Why Is Your Computer So Sluggisn

Be aware that there are many possible causes for a slow computer, not all are Spyware or Adware related although the majority of cases tend to be.

Another reason for slow performance issues can often be due to overheating, so if the system is faster after it has been shutdown for a while and then restarted -- that would be especially suspect.

By adding memory can be the least expensive and yet one of the most significant ways to fix slow system.

By Running Too Many Programs

This will help too, if you can reduce a few programs running in the background. What you do is click to highlight any program you don? want, (but leave ones like Systray running) Click End Task.

One good thing is if you are running Windows there are several tools you may wish to try, like Scan disk, Disk Defragmentor, and Disk Cleanup.

What Can Affect Your System

One thing that can happen is when a computer go slows it has probably been infected by several types of malicious software, and every single one of them are competing with the others for the available system resources.

Be very mindful that there are also highly destructive viruses out there that will physically destroy your system.

Next we want to cleanup any errors on the drive using Scan disk, so go to Start-My Computer-right click on the C: drive and choose Properties-Tools Tab-Error checking-click the Check Now button-check the Automatically fix system errors-click Start.

Have you or your family complained about your computer running slower than ever. Computers Software Internet Is your computer running slow, your Computer Registry may be part of the problem.

You can use this article on your site so long as you include the full resource box

What are Single Board Computers

When most people think of computers, the image of a PC or laptop comes to mind. Some may even recall the football field size computers of the 1960's and 70's before the emergence of the PC. Very few people would picture single board computers , even if there was one sitting right in front of them! A single board computer is the terminology used for a printed circuit board that contains a processor, memory, I/O (input/output) and a clock. Single board computers (aka SBC's) resemble the motherboard contained in a typical PC, but include all the elements of a basic computer within it's small design. Since the early 1980's, the technology behind this type of computers has been used in industrial manufacturing and computerized product design to apply basic processing functions for high-tech product features.

Usage of Single Board Computers

Also commonly referred to as embedded computers, single board computers are used in products from airplanes and rocket ships, to toys and high performance athletic shoes. Almost everyone uses single board computers without being aware of their existence. Most products that utilize computer technology (such as fax machines, cameras, cell phones, etc) contain embedded single board computers. While these tiny computers can host a full size operating system such as Windows XP, most SBC's have internal operating systems that take up much less space. Simpler operating systems equal a lower cost per computer. Software for single board computers is generally contained on a flash memory system or ROM chip. Quality indictors for single board systems include processor performance, I/O compatibility, SSD storage and wireless capabilities.

Pros and Cons of Single Board Computers

There are both advantages and disadvantages to using SBC's for industrial and product enhancement. Deciding whether or not to implement single board computer technology is largely a matter of application necessity and cost. Some of the deciding factors on using them include:

+ Pro : Current technologies have increased the capability of the single board computer, while reducing its size and cost.

+ Pro : Wireless technology has made it possible for easy internet access via SBC.

+ Pro : The competitive market has greatly expanding the options and functionalities available for SBC's.

+ Pro : Advanced computer technology offers reliability for industrial manufacturers and quality products for vendors using SBC's.

- Con : Incorporation can be costly for high volume products and applications.

- Con : Some applications require customized sizes or I/O functions that are not compatible with standard SBC's.

Single Board Computer Technologies

While all SBC's are built using similar standards, different technologies can be included with individual SBC's. Video capability, Ethernet access functionality and digital computer technologies are just some of the features that can be incorporated into a single board computer. In general, SBC's can be as simple or as complex as an application demands. Additionally, supplemental hardware such as backplanes and mezzanine structures can significantly increase the functionality of a single board computer.

Are you planning to buy a computer to take care of your day to day work? But worried whether you will be able to afford it? The best option in that case would be to buy a second hand computer. Second hand computers are available at quite an affordable rate, which anyone can afford easily.

The basic reason why people go for second hand computers is to save money on their purchase. The people who are new with computers, or are learning to use computer at present prefer to go for second hand computers for themselves. This is because they are scared that they might harm or damage the computer in some way or the other. So they prefer to first become proficient on a second hand computer and then go for a new computer, that too, if required. Sometimes the second hand computer proves to be good enough and then those people do not consider buying a new one.

Technology, these days, is progressing and developing at a rapid pace. With each passing day, there is some or the new innovation in the field of computers which hit the market. A technology which is new today becomes history tomorrow. In such a situation, buying a second hand computer is considered to be a better option as you will not regret spending a huge amount on a brand new PC. This is because with every new innovation hitting the market, you would wish you had waited some more time before buying a brand new PC.

With all these advantages, buying a second hand computer sounds like a great deal which no one can afford to ignore. However, one must consider all the important factors before getting home a second hand computer. It is essential to physically examine the computer properly to detect any kinds of glitches or damage. If you are not thorough with the various parts and functioning of the computer, then you can take along someone who is knowledgeable in this context.

A large part of the value of a second hand computer lies in the software that is installed in it. Always make to sure that you are given the original operating system CDs or DVDs and the manuals when you buy a used computer. Always make sure to have manuals and licenses for all the software and fonts that are installed on your PC. Another very important point to take care off is to ensure that what you are buying is legal, since there are a large number of stolen computers available in the market.

The value of a computer depreciates very swiftly. So one must find the current value of the computer and not when it was fresh, to make sure you are paying the right price for your second hand computer. Internet is a good source to cross check these prices. There you can know what other people are paying for the same.

Be cautious while buying a second hand computer. But when purchased carefully, it would prove to be the best deal that you could have hoped to have.

Have you ever wanted to buy your dream computer? You had saved your monthly income to buy it but you did not know what specification you should choose since there are lot of choices in the market today.

Beside budget, below are the important factors that you should look into when buying a computer. They are the operating system, processor speed, graphic card capability, power supply, hard disk, and the monitor. Take a look at this simple guide and I hope that you will have a nice computer buying experience later.

Build it yourself or ask somebody else? Firstly before stepping into choosing the suitable hardware, a question that you should ask to yourself is whether do you want to build your own computer or ask somebody to build it for you?

From my experience, it is better to ask somebody else to build it for you if this is the first time you want to buy your own computer. You can always learn to know about your computer hardware and software later. But, do not forget to assist the salesperson and ask him or her anything that you did not know about your computer. He might give you some tips of what should do and shouldn’t do with your computer during the building process.

Choosing the hardware Now, we will look into buying hardware for your computer. Your computer hardware determines your computer speed. There are lots of factors that affect how well your computer will perform as well.

The Processor Nowadays, two big companies are in the race of getting the fastest processor for mainstream are the Intel Corporation and Advanced Micro Device (AMD). What I’m going to tell you is not which one of them are the best, but some aspect of processor that you should know.

The greater the processor clock your processor have, the better performance it will be. As example, a 3.0 gigahertz Intel Pentium Processor will beat the 2.0 gigahertz version of the same processor. But there are bottlenecks that limit performance in other places such as the cache’s size and latency, power consumption, and temperature.

So, for conclusion it always better to choose a processor that have least power consumption, large cache size with low latency, and capable of running fast in well-accepted temperature such as 34 Celsius, and have the latest feature such as support for dual-core and 64-bit computing.

Remember, don’t compare different type of processor performance with clock speed since it’s proven by AMD that clock speed did not influences the performance of the processor very much unlike the 1998 era. The Monitor

Prefer choosing a LCD monitor over CRT Monitor. No heavy lifting required with a LCD monitor since they weigh less than half the average CRT monitor. LCD monitors require half the power of CRTs and emit much less electromagnetic radiation which can interfere with other electronic devices.

Talking about the LCD size, 17-inch is enough already since it give the best support to resolution that operating system widely use nowadays (1024 by 786 pixels). But, if you want to keep your computer for a long time or want to use to make it as part of your Digital Media Centre, LCD Monitor with larger than 19 inch size is recommended.

The Graphic Card A graphic card is a must have for modern computer today. Never intend to use integrated graphic since it will greatly slow down your computer. PC graphic such as photos and videos will require a lot of processing power. Without the help from graphic card, the CPU needs to handle all the system and graphic processing.

Choosing a graphic card is easy depends with how you use your computer. If you did not run any games, graphic card without latest features is acceptable. Just make sure that the graphic card supports the incoming operating system from Microsoft, Windows Vista. Since a high-end graphic card will require high power for SLI or crossfire function, if you want to save your electric bills, consider mid-range graphic card which usually sold at 150-250 dollar.

Power supply

The higher the wattage that a power supply support, the better it is. If you want to purchase additional hardware for your computer later such as USB optical mouse there won’t be a problem for you since a decent power supply will supports your need. A good power supply is the power supply that can give out as much 500 watt of power or higher than that.

Hard Disk

An internal hard disk with latest Sata 2.0 (serial ATA) support will serve you perfectly. Other than that, the size of the hard disk should be big since you might want to store a lot of pictures, music, and movies later. 200GB hard disk is the regular specification nowadays. If you want to keep your hard disk for a long time, 500 GB would be enough.

How many hard disks should you buy? The minimum is one but I recommend you to get two hard disks for your computer. One will be for main operating system and the other one for storing your personal data. This is essential to avoid those data from clutter together. Moreover, your computer performance might increase if you use two hard disks. This is because the computer can access the operating system files directly from its own drive.

The Operating System For the best user experience, operating system from Microsoft such as Windows XP still dominates the market nowadays. Since lots of people using it, getting support would not be hard. Just go to a tech support forum and your software-related computer problem will be solved there. Although you can use Linux operating system for free, it is not recommended because not all hardware supports Linux.

Well, that’s all for now. Your journey to get your dream computer should not end here. Ask your friends for some advices such as a good computer hardware shop in the town or their past experiences in buying their computer. Thus, you will not feel regretted with what you’re going to buy.

Author website can be found here: Tech-scope.com [http://www.tech-scope.com/] –"We explore the fast pace digital world and share the information with you."