Computers and Technology

Today's era is witnessing a tremendous technological as well as economic growth as the computer industry is booming. Computers have become a necessity of every person, as this is regarded as a computer age. This has lead to a requirement of computers in large quantities and buying all of them is quite a cumbersome task. Therefore, in such case computer financing is a viable option.

Computers come in different brands, different configuration and different formats. In addition, because of fast shift in technology, there is big risk of buying computers in mass quantity. Computer technology changes in every quarter of year. These changes are either mostly in computer peripherals and because of which whole computers become outdated. Therefore, investing big capital is not good choice. Then offices require complete updating of their entire system. Here in, one must opt for different computer financing programs available. You can get finance for single computer to as much number of computers as you want. Different types of financing options like lease, fix purchase, discount and soft loan are available.

Different types of computer financing companies provide best of financial schemes for vendors as well as computer buyers. Specially designed finance schemes provide flexibility for computer buyers and vendors. For vendors, companies offer special finance program to maximize their sales and bind customers for longer duration. In addition, they offer mass purchasing of computers for vendors so that they can earn some profit on them.

For computer buyers like corporate offices and other private organizations, lease operating is one of the best options for financing there purchase. Here in, full finance can cover your all expenses fright, installation, sales tax, installation and other secondary investment. This decreases the initial cash outlay. With lease financing one acquire the use of computers at preset cost, but your payment of installments is made with tomorrow's overblown price. That is why people opt for such computers and equipment financing. In addition, you get finances for the latest upgrades due to constant advancement in technology. Thus, you do not have to worry about future investments. In addition, computer financing can be beneficial in tax returns and can be written of 100 % as operation expenditure. It lowers the cost on current value and reduces tax liabilities. Leasing provides excellent flexibility to overall financial planning by off balance sheet financing.

I addition, soft loan is also beneficial in computer financing. You pay fixed or variable interest rates and at the end of term, you get the ownership of assets you purchase. In addition, you get rental rebate from the reselling of those assets, however, it is not that profitable in case of computer business. Moreover, the loan scheme includes maintenance cost for your machines. Thus, you can keep abreast yourself with latest technology.

Companies offering computer financing for your business purchase provide fast application process, quick sanctions, various mode of payments, and quality services; and all these aspects are very important for computer financing services that includes computer peripherals and other related components.

Online computer games take advantage of the Internet to offer an exquisite gaming experience. Online computer games are of four types. You can play some online computer games with a browser window. For that you need to log on to a specific web site. Some online computer games are text-based. You can play those games in a web-based forum. If the games are loaded with lots of graphics, you will require stand-alone software packages. Players challenge each other over the Internet. Some online computer games can be played with e-mail. E-mail computer games were the first stage of the online computer games revolution. MUDs, or Multi-User Dungeons, were extremely popular during the age of e-mail computer games.

Let's now discuss what you need to play those games. If you want to play computer games online, you need to have a high-quality Internet connection. You also need to ensure you have the hardware support to play the game. Not only that, you need to have the software installed on your computer to run the game. It's always useful to have software capable of locating active game servers. This will make your job easier. As we have mentioned earlier, you can play online computer games in a web browser. The best thing about online computer games is that these games have successfully overcome the geographical barrier among the players. Players from far-off physical locations now can take part in online computer games. That's the secret of their popularity.

Lineage, Counter-Strike, EverQuest, Quake and Half-Life are some popular online computer game titles. Internet users have especially found the online computer games quite interesting. If you want to enjoy gambling, card games or arcade games online, you need to check out what online computer games have in store for you. You can't deny the fact that online games are here to stay.

Before you purchase any computer parts, whether you are building your own computer or fix the one you have, be sure that you know what you are purchasing. You need to do some research in order to make the right choices in selecting the correct computer parts, installing them correctly, properly maintaining them, connecting peripherals and troubleshooting when necessary. Be sure to inspect all parts you buy before installing them into your computer; a faulty part can damage the system in its entirety.

If you are building your own computer, you will need the following parts:

* Computer Case - Function

* Computer Case - Selecting

* Power Supply

* Processor(CPU) along with the Heatsink/Fan

* Motherboard

* Hard Drive

* Memory

* Keyboard and Mouse

* CD Drive

* Floppy drive

* PCI Cards

* USB Port

* Monitor

* Operating System

* IDE Cables

* Graphics Card/Video Card

* Sound Card/Audio Card

* Modem

You will probably also want to purchase a good security software program. It is important to protect your computer from viruses and hackers. And, you should also be prepared with a UPS backup system in case you lose power. Internet security software includes: Antivirus software, firewall, surge suppressor or UPS backup and a computer Internet security.

There are also accessories that you can add to make your computer fun to use. These include speakers, headphones, DVD drives, scanners, digital cameras and Webcam. There are many online computer stores who have excellent quality systems and computer parts at great prices.

When your computer stops working it can feel like the end of the world. Your work, your pictures, your essays, your saved games are all on it. Often your only solution is to take your computer into the shop and hope it doesn't cost too much.

Here are a few solutions you can try at home before you bring your computer in.

First and foremost, it's important to degrade your computer and make it feel bad about itself. If you do not break its spirit, it will not conform to your wishes. I recommend playing Beethoven to it, as Beethoven is very emotional music, which will break the computers spirit as it knows it can never be one of us. Do not play the computer Death Metal. The term Death Metal makes the computer combative and uncooperative as a computer is made out of mostly metal.

Sometimes your computer will not turn on at all. You push the power button, all the lights and fans turn on, but you see nothing but a blank screen. In these cases a potential simple fix is to clear the capacitors. If you unplug the computer and push the power button around 10 times that clears any extra electricity from the computer that may have been causing issues. Plug the computer back in and try to power it on again. You would be amazed how often this fixes your issue. You'd also be amazed at how often computer technicians use this technique in the shop. If it doesn't you might have some bad hardware that will need to be replaced such as your power supply or ram.

In other situations where the fans and lights turn on, but the computer does not, the BIOS has become corrupted. The BIOS is responsible for many tasks, but in this case it helps turn on and initialize all the hardware on the computer and if corrupted can cause issues during power on. If you were wondering, yes the BIOS would be the most dangerous part of the computer if it were to become self-aware.

For this fix we need to open up the case. First unplug the computer. Every case is a little different, but often there are screws on the back of the computer on the left hand side that hold the left side panel in place. Remove those screws and see if you can slide the side panel away. Others have a lever or large button that needs to be slid or pushed to one side. Once you can see inside the computer look for a small watch battery that should be on the opposite wall, attached to the motherboard. If you are not sure what I am talking about it may be best to take the computer into a shop, but if you can see the battery use a small screwdriver to release the latch holding it so you can remove the battery. Leave the computer unplugged for ten minutes, press the power button 10 times, and then place the battery back onto the motherboard. Close your case, plug the system back in, press the power button and see if anything has changed.

If your computer crashes when trying to load windows you can use a few of the built-in auto repair options to try and get the computer limping. When the computer is starting up press the F8 Key repeatedly and by repeatedly, I mean really press it several times over and over. If that doesn't work the first time, restart the computer and try again. This will bring you to the windows startup recovery page. Once on this menu you can try the option "Boot my computer using last known good configuration". This will load the computer back to known good settings and try to start the system. This is the best option if you are aware of a change. If you attempted to update a driver or you installed a new program and the next time you turned the computer on you had startup errors this option should undo all those changes and allow the system to start. Do not worry about modifications you made to any files however. Any documents, saved games, e-mails, or other user generated content will be unaffected by this step. Only computer operating system files will be restored.

Now if that does not work on that same F8 menu you can also try an option called "Safe Mode With Networking". This is designed to start a limited version of windows without any additional devices configured allowing you to back up your files, run repair programs, re-install drivers, or even use windows system restore to return your computer to an earlier point where it worked. Repairs in safe mode can be complicated, so if you are not comfortable with the steps listed here you may need to take the computer into a shop. In some cases even starting the computer in safe mode can resolve issues, so after safe mode has started try re-starting the computer normally to see if anything has changed.

If you do end up needing to find a shop to fix your computer, a great way to find a good one is Google. On another computer either at work, a library, or at a friend's house go to Google and search for a repair shop in your city. For example, I live in Calgary Alberta Canada, so I would look for "Calgary Computer Repair". This type of search will bring up hundreds of results, but keep an eye at the top few and see how the website feels. Often you will find a smaller shop that is local to the community, rather than a large chain store. You will often receive better service from the small local well established shops as they will be focused on return customers, and will have higher skilled technicians.

These are only a few of the tools that Calgary Computer Repair shops use to fight the evils of viruses and computer corruption. Sometimes hardware or software failures make it impossible to repair the computer yourself without parts or help from outside sources, but by following the few tricks listed above you can potentially save yourself, and your friends valuable time and money.

Many companies endeavor to move ahead consistently, with their competitive contemporaries. They consider investing in computer training as one of the fastest ways to make their workforce more effective and economical. The development in technology, over the past decade, has made computer training a necessity for most companies.

There are colleges and institutes that offer corporate computer training courses.

They recognize the growing needs of quality computer training, critical to the productivity of business. They design courses, acknowledging the fact that each organization is unique and therefore has unique training needs.

Many organizational heads, consultants, board members and volunteers, state categorically, that their organizations could be more effective with a computer-trained staff back up. It is necessary for employees to know at least the basics of computer operation and word processing, to carry on routine operations.

The most effective corporate computer training is customized for different operations, conducted in various enterprises. There are many corporate companies that encourage their employees to indulge in the latest training in computer software. They need to analyze the kind of training that their personnel need, to eventually contribute to the company's growth.

The custom designed program of computer training is suitable to train employees of different organizations. There is computer software training provided in basic Microsoft Office applications, like MS Project 2000, introductory Windows computer education and contact management software such as Act 2000.

While most workers have commendable computer skills, there are many who do not even know the basics. There is low-cost, highly effective basic computer corporate training that makes them suitable for the corporate world. They are taught to use e-mail, spreadsheets and word processors and operate programs, specific to the company. A practical approach is an effective way of meeting training needs and ensures a comprehensive training and development program.

A computer is perhaps the most important part of our daily lives. We see it everywhere from our homes to the places we work. Since it is used so much in our lives, we want to make sure that a PC we purchase is a good computer that will be able to do everything we want it to, and last a long time.

But purchasing a new computer is not as easy as you might think it is. Sure you could shell out lots of money and buy a brand PC, but sometimes you are spending money on speed and features you don't even need. They also come with offers and built in software that they dangle in front of you to stay ahead in the business. You can also custom build your own computer, but is it really going to be cheaper then if you bought a brand PC with the same features? Since I have been using, and buying computers, for the past 12 years I know exactly what you need to look for when buying a fully assembled desktop computer. Use my tips below and you will save time and money.

- You need to know what hardware you will need. If you don't know, talk to someone who has knowledge of computers, and tell them what you will be using the PC for. They should know what you will need. Once you know what you should get, then look for a computer that meets those needs.

- Make sure the store you buy your new computer from has great service and are willing to stick by their computer.

- If you will be using the computer for video games or other graphic related applications, you need to have a good graphics card. Most motherboards come with a built in graphics card, but usually that is not suitable for high end graphic demands. Purchasing a nice ATI or NVIDIA graphics card would be a good idea if you plan on using the PC for graphic related applications. There is a slot available to slide your new graphics card in if you choose to buy a separate one.

- The computer and hardware parts should have a warranty. Most hardware comes with long and good warranties, but just to make sure you might want to purchase a warranty from the store that you are buying the PC from. This way if something goes wrong a few years down the road, they still have to fix it or replace it!

- The next thing you need to consider is the computers case. A good computer case should have USB slots available on the front of it, for easy access, and in the back. It should also have a powerful power supply (for additional parts) and at least 1 fan in front of the motherboard to keep the computer cool. Flash drives can also be found sometimes built into the front of the PC, for instant access to your flash media. These are very handy and should be considered especially if you have a digital camera.

- Another very important aspect of your PC is CD/DVD drives and burners. A DVD burner is what I recommend for everyone, since the price is basically the same as a CD burner, but it will also play DVD's and regular CD's, plus be able to burn DVD's and regular CD's! Two types of burners for the price of one!

- Your computer's mouse is how you interact with your PC. The latest mouse technology available is the optical mouse, which uses a laser light instead of a mouse "ball". Old fashioned mouse balls got stuck and were hard to use sometimes, with an optical mouse that problem is no more.

- Perhaps the most important aspect of a computer is the monitor. No longer are we in the realm of old fashioned CRT monitors. The LCD monitor is now readily available when you purchase your new computer, and in my opinion should be required. LCD monitors are so vivid and crystal clear that you will never want to go back to an old CRT monitor. LCD monitor's also consume less power and take up less space, plus they come on much faster.

- Almost as important as the monitor, is the sound system and speakers. Good sound on your computer can really make a difference, especially if you play a lot of games and listen to a lot of music and watch movies. Desktop speakers have gone down significantly in price and in combination with a good sound card your experience will be complete. I recommend a sound card from "Creative" called Sound blaster Audigy.

- Your operating system is a very important factor of how well you will love or hate your new PC. I have always used Windows, so I recommend Windows XP, or in the future, Windows Long Horn. There are of course other choices like Linux, and you could go for a Mac too. Just make sure you have experience with the operating system that you choose.

- Last but not least is your printer. If you are a photo hound, and use a digital camera a lot, then you definitely want a high quality printer that can print out all of your photos. Another good idea to consider is an all in one printer that can scan, copy, and print with just one machine.

That is all of my advice for you when buying a new desktop computer. Follow those steps and maintain your computer properly, and it will last longer and function better.

Copyright 2006 Michael Cottier

A complete guide to buying a computer...

Note: This is guide targeted at beginners and intermediate computer users and buyers. These are my views and opinions only. Please use the information as reference only.

Many people may wonder when the best time to build a computer is. There are usually mixed answers depending on factors like, when you need the computer by and what you need the computer for.

I have decided to write a short guide for anyone who is planning on purchasing a computer this year.

Do you need a new computer:

Do you actually need a new computer? If you want a new computer because your current computer has problems and is filled with errors.etc, then chances are, you actually don't "need" a new computer. Re-installing windows usually fixes all performance issues and all errors you may have with your computer. If you have hardware problems, then chances are, it's a single part that is causing you grief and a replacement is usually the better option. Replacing faulty parts is a good way to save money if you don't actually "need" a new computer. If you think your current computer is lacking performance due to new software and games or your computer isn't compatible with software and games, then you should be considering a purchase. Always look in to why you actually need a new computer before you decide to buy.

Upgrading your current computer:

There is a rule I refer to when upgrading a computer. Never do a replacement upgrade where you pull out a part and replace it. Because then you are wasting money seeing you just pulled out a perfectly good piece of hardware and thrown it into storage. If you try and sell the part, then you probably won't get close to 50% of what you paid for it. So, don't do replacement upgrades. There is another form of upgrading which is fine and which I like to call "Adding Upgrade". This is where you add a piece of hardware without taking anything out. So, things like, adding RAM, Hard drives, Optical Drives, Add-on cards.etc, these are all fine. There is a time where you should never upgrade, this is when your computer is old and starting to lag behind in the latest applications. In this case, save your money on an upgrade and invest in a new computer.

What you need a new computer for:

When buying a computer, it is important to think about what you actually need the new computer for. Depending on what you use the computer for, depends on what your "primary" part will be. Your "Primary" part is the piece of hardware which will most effect performance in applications you are planing to use. For example, if you're a gamer, your graphics card will be the primary piece of hardware in your system, so it's smart to invest extra in to that. Where, if you want your new computer to act as a media centre for playing movies, captured video.etc then RAM will be your primary part followed by CPU. Large video files require a lot of RAM to be able to access different parts of the video faster. You also need a decent CPU seeing you need something which can make use of the RAM properly so it can decompress video at the rate the RAM can output data.

Where to buy:

Where to buy is the biggest decision in buying a computer. Also, depending on whether you will build yourself or get a retailer to build one for you. You should only build a computer if you can repair a computer. Seeing if you build yourself, you get no labour warranty. Although your parts will come with warranty, you need to diagnose the problem before you can get a replacement on the part. That rule then loops around to the other side, where you should buy from a system retailer as long as they offer labour warranty.

Another factor on where to buy is pricing. Some people look for the cheapest places where others look for the most reliable places or the ones with the best after sale service & support. If you're planning on building yourself, then you would want a cheap part retailer. Be careful though, seeing some cheap places are dodgy. I once spent 1 month waiting for parts only to receive the wrong graphics card which was also faulty. I finally had a working system 2 and a half months after I paid for the parts. If you don't want to build yourself, then price will be a factor, but what could be a bigger factor is after sale service & support. Many places will forget about you once you walk out the door leaving your cash on the counter. Where some places may offer you excellent after sale support and extra "bonus" services. Although bonus services are rare, if a place provides them, then they're usually the right choice. Bonus services include things like, free web space or a special website for clients only which offers free software and updates.

When to buy:

This factor falls right behind "where to buy" and just in front of "what to buy". Depending on what your computer will be used for, depends on what parts are most important. To make your computer hold up in the future, you need to future proof it. Future proofing is something I strongly believe in. So, if you were to consider purchasing a CPU, then make sure it has things like 64bit technology and make sure it has a dual-core CPU for when applications start to take advantage of dual-core processing.

So, when to buy can sometimes not be an option depending on how urgently you need your new computer. But if you have no urgency, then you should wait for the right time to buy. Below is a list of things to remember to select when the best time to buy is...

We will use Graphics Cards (GPU's) as reference...

* If the current line up of graphics cards have been around for a while, then wait till next gen arrives. That way your graphics card will have the latest technologies, best performance and better future proofing.
* If you're waiting on the next generation of graphics cards, then don't buy a next gen GPU as soon as it comes out seeing stock will be in short supply most likely so you will be paying top dollar. Instead, wait a few weeks after the initial release so you get more competitive pricing.
* If there is (for example) a new high-end Nvidia graphics card coming out and you want a high-end ATI graphics card for example, then wait till the Nvidia card comes out because then ATI will most likely be forced to drop the prices of there high-end card.

Other Info:

The same or similar applies for all parts. You'll find parts like hard drives move along at the slowest pace in terms of technology. But usually things like that move along fast in terms of price. So be aware of that.

There are computer parts which focus on luxury rather than performance. These things include Monitor Size and Speakers. Although these two things don't effect computer performance, they can effect computer experience. I usually consider things like these last seeing what good is a high-res screen if your graphics card can't support high-res video or games. you get the drift anyway.

Then, there are things like cases where although they don't directly effect performance (they sometimes can) or experience, that is what someone sees when they view your computer and your case can be important to show what you're personality is like. Cases also offer functionality for ease of use and layout. The one time where they can increase performance, is there cooling ability. If your case has excellent ventilation. Then you yourself can increase performance by overclocking or increase stability by just keeping all components cool.

Anyway, that wraps up the guide for now, hope you learnt something and found it useful. Remember it pays to do your market research when purchasing computers so you know what is already out and what's coming out.

Cheers!

Online computer game providers often promise free computer games. But not many game providers offer free computer games. Game manufacturers often use the term free computer games to attract the attention of the buyers. Here we discuss some methods to download free computer games. The simplest way to get free computer games is to download the free game demos. Almost all computer game sites offer demos of their computer games. The demos are quite similar to the original computer games. The computer games now cost you more than $40 per title. So, from the buyers' perspective, it's always beneficial to download the demos first to get a feel for the games. Keeping the buyers' viewpoint in mind, the computer game manufacturers offer free game downloads. Thanks to free computer games, buyers can check out the games.

The demand for free computer games are always on the rise. That's why leading web portals such as MSN and Yahoo have started offering an extensive range of free computer games. Free computer games offer the opportunity to try the games before you ultimately decide to buy. The free computer games are mostly time-bound. The games expire on a certain date. During the trial period, the buyers can get a fair idea of the full game version. That's why people prefer to check out the free computer games before they buy.

However, while downloading free computer games, you should keep some facts in mind. You must download free computer games only from those sites that are authentic. The game development companies you are targeting must be certified. This way, you can ensure that the free game downloads are free from bugs and viruses. As a buyer, you should not compromise with the quality of free computer games.

Upgrading the memory in your computer or laptop is one of the
easiest and most cost-effective ways of improving your computer's
performance. Still many computer owners shy away from any memory
upgrade for a number of reasons: lack of knowledge, warranty issues,
fear of ruining their computers, compatibility concerns, or just an
innate feeling that the inside of their computer is just some alien
territory they must never venture.

Like a lot of things in life, a computer memory upgrade seems
more complicated than it actually is. Most of the apprehension
comes from a lack of knowledge. Let's face it, the average computer
user may only have a vague idea about RAM, Motherboards, Graphics
Cards and the like.

They know their computer works when they turn it on and that's all
that really matters to them. However, what most people don't realize is
that with a little investment of time and a few dollars, they can make
their computer work better and faster. It's an investment that will
quickly pay for itself; not only will you save time when doing your
daily computer chores, but the overall enjoyment of your computer or
laptop will greatly increase.

It's best to tackle this problem or task with some good information
concerning all the factors involved in the upgrading of your computer's
memory. Let's start with the basics and work from there.

Get Out Of Jail Free Card!

(*Shortcut! Don't have the time or desire to read all the 'ins and
outs' of a RAM or memory upgrade but still want to upgrade your
system. Go to the author's resource box below and click the link.
It will take you to a page where you can find a Memory Advisor tool
which can scan your system and tell you which memory upgrades are
possible with your particular computer or laptop.)

First Step: Know Your RAM

RAM or random access memory. This is what the computer uses to run
applications and data on your computer. You need it to run your
computer's OS operating system, your need it for handling graphics,
files, web-browsing, e-mail and multi-tasking. RAM is vital to the
operation of your computer. As a general rule, the higher the amount
of RAM you have, the faster your computer will work or run.

To complicate things somewhat, there are many types of RAM. The type
of RAM in your computer or laptop may depend on the year it was
made.

From mid-2004 a lot of the computers have DDR2 (double data rate,
second generation) SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM). Before that time
many computers had DDR (double data rate, first generation) SDRAM.
Most older systems use SDR (single data rate) SDRAM, fast page mode
(FPM), or extended data out (EDO).

To complicate things even further, most of the types of RAM comes
in different speeds!

DDR2 SDRAM is a new standard that can boost conventional SDRAM
memory up to speeds well over 200MHz and beyond. For example, the
new IBM ThinkPad T43, thanks to the Sonoma Chipset or platform has
533MHz DDR 2 SDRAM.

This is much better than standard SDRAM which tops out around 150-166MHz
and DDR SDRAM which starts at 200MHz and goes up to around 400MHz.

Keep in mind, DRAM means Dynamic Random Access Memory and SDRAM means
Synchronous Dynamic RAM.

And to really confuse you, having a faster RAM speed does not (by itself)
make your computer go faster, you must upgrade or increase the AMOUNT of
RAM in your computer system to increase performance. Also keep in mind
your computer was made to accept a specific memory speed and there's no
benefit from going beyond that limit.

It's usually recommended that you get the fastest speeds for your
system, this will permit for better compatibility and make it easier
for future upgrades.

Second Step: Know Your Machine

Without a doubt, compatibility is the most important factor in
buying a memory upgrade for your laptop or computer. It's essential
that any upgrade be compatible with your computer or machine, i.e.
otherwise it just won't work.

Therefore, you have to know the amount and kind of RAM you have
in your computer or laptop. The best way to find this is to check
your owner's manual. It should tell you the type of RAM your system
is using, it should also tell you the maximum amount of RAM your
system can take.

Obviously, an easy way to make sure you don't exceed the maximum
memory on your computer, just subtract your current memory from
the allowed limit listed in your system specifications. For instance,
if your computer takes a maximum of 512MB of RAM and you have 256MB
installed, then you can upgrade to an additional 256MB of RAM
(512MB - 256MB = 256MB).

You should also be aware that DDR is not backward/forward-compatible,
which means that if you're upgrading a computer that doesn't have
DDR technology, it won't take a DDR upgrade.

Likewise, DDR2 is not backward-compatible, which means if your system
doesn't have DDR2 technology, it won't accept a DDR2 upgrade.

So check your system very carefully and see what kind of RAM it has and
the maximum amount of RAM it will take. You must also check to see if
your computer's warranty will be null and void if you install the RAM
yourself! Some manufacturers actually seal your computer case and you
must have an authorized technician to install your RAM.

Third Step: How Much RAM Do You Need?

It's generally agreed that you need at least 256MB for Windows XP and
Mac OS X. You will only need 128MB for other operating systems in Windows
or Mac. Most general office work and heavy multi-tasking may need 512MB of
RAM. Gamers or Professional Graphic workers usually need the most RAM -
up to 2GB or more of RAM.

Please note, installing a faster speed RAM (as noted earlier) will not
increase the speed of your computer or laptop. The only way to increase
the speed of your computer is to increase the AMOUNT of RAM you have
in your system. Going from 256MB of RAM to 512MB of RAM will speed up
your computer. Going to 2GB of RAM will make it go even faster. Benchmark
testing has shown that you can get from 28% up to 43% increase in
performance, depending on the amount of RAM increase.

However, there's always a spoiler, other parts of your computer must be
able to handle this increase. Your computer will only go as fast as your
slowest link. In other words, you may have to upgrade other elements in
your computer to receive the benefits of a memory upgrade. Make sure you
check this factor first before your make your memory upgrade. Otherwise,
you may just be wasting your time and money.

Another consideration is the Memory of your Video or Graphics Card
in your system. The amount of VRAM is the major factor in your display's
resolution and color depth. A faster and more powerful upgrade in your
Graphics Card will give you increased performance especially for handling
graphics and videos, as in 3D Gaming.

Fourth Step; Ordering Your RAM

There are over 110,000 different memory upgrades you can choose from!

There are many places to order your RAM, from your local computer store
to online sites. If you're ordering online, one the most highly rated
sites is Crucial.com - these people are memory experts and know their
memory! They are a part of Micron, one of the largest DRAM makers
in the world.

Perhaps, what's more important, Crucial has very high consumer
satisfaction ratings from other third party rating sites. This gives
you an unbiased recommendation or indication that the service and
product is top-notch. Even more important, they have the
Crucial Memory Advisor(TM) tool which will scan your computer system
and tell you what memory upgrades are available. They also back
up their products with a lifetime warranty.

Some other thing to keep in mind when ordering your RAM. Many desktop
systems or computers use what's called "non-parity" memory which
means it does not need ECC (error correction code) or "parity"
modules.

Registered, buffered, and unbuffered are other terms that
will come up -- they refer to how a certain memory module
processes signals. Usually, most PC systems take unbuffered
RAM and rely on the motherboard controller to help process
memory. Registered RAM is used mostly in servers.

Fifth Step: Installing Your New Memory or RAM

If you order your RAM online, you will receive your RAM module in
an anti-static bag, along with detailed instructions on how to install
your RAM. On modern system boards, RAM is installed on SIMM or DIMM
modules (SODIMM in notebooks).

One of the most important things to do when installing RAM or working
with your Computer is to 'Ground Yourself' to make sure you
don't 'Shock' your computer with static electricity. You can take
some simple precautions to prevent this from happening. If you have
wrist straps designed to prevent shocks, you need to wear them.

If you don't have wrist straps, here's a simple way to
ground yourself:

You should turn off your computer, monitor, plus all accessories
(speakers, printer, scanner). Unplug your computer and any
accessories. Then quickly touch an unpainted part of your computer
case and keep your feet planted in one position while installing
your RAM. If you walk around, repeat the process above before you
touch any internal parts of your laptop or computer.

Open up the back of your computer or laptop. Depending on your model,
you may need a screwdriver. If you have a laptop or notebook, the memory
slots are sometimes located under the keyboards. Most times, it's in the
back of your laptop; check your manual for the location of your laptop's
memory.

Depending on your upgrade, you may have to replace your RAM module with
the New one, in other cases, you will be adding any extra module or
two. Follow the specific directions that come with your RAM upgrade; installing the RAM is only a matter of a Push and a snap! Your RAM
upgrade will snap into their memory slots without too much difficulty.

Before you close the case, turn your computer or laptop on to see if
your new RAM is installed. You will see it on the startup screens or
you can easily check it by going into 'My Computer' under properties, if you're using Windows.

Basically, this is how to do your own computer or laptop memory
upgrade. There may be other elements or aspects you might want
to check out before installing your new RAM but follow the guidelines
above and the detailed instructions that come with your RAM module or
modules and you should be OK.

If you have any trouble, click the link in the resource box below. They
have extensive detailed guides that you can follow. If may be a good
idea to check out these guides first, before you order your memory, to
see the kind of procedure you will have to do to install your RAM.
Realizing how simple this procedure is may relieve some of your initial
fears concerning a memory upgrade for your system.

This site also has 'live' help where you can chat to Expert Memory
Technicians if you are still having problems.

If you are an individual that suffers from severe computer neck pain due to the type of glasses that you wear, you should continue reading this helpful guide. Now, you can successfully eliminate that pain in the neck with computer glasses! Most individuals that wear no-line progressive lenses in their glasses, trifocals, and even bifocals suffer from some degree of pain due to the way that the head must be adjusted in order to appropriately see the information that is on the computer screen. Here, you will receive information specific to this type of pain, as well as an effective resolution that can be of benefit to you!

The Problem

Many individuals now spend more time on a computer than ever before. Many implement the use of computers for their work, while others perform certain tasks on the computer for personal reasons such as paying bills and entertainment purposes. While technology has now advanced to the point where we can do just about anything with a desktop PC or laptop, our bodies have not changed. Spending any length of time sitting in front of a computer can be detrimental to our bodies. In many instances, our back and neck area may start to tense up due to our method of sitting, as well as the adjustments that we have to make in order to see the screen, and the contents thereof. Luckily, there have been extensive studies that conclude that if one has the right computer glasses, they can not only see better, but they can feel better overall! The problem occurs if the individual sitting in front of the computer does not have the appropriate occupational computer bifocals. This is when the issue of Computer Vision Syndrome may occur.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer Vision Syndrome is a complication that occurs as a natural result of the strain that occurs in the eyes when viewing the screen of your system. It is most common to those who fail to wear appropriate glasses for computer use. It has been found after conclusive studies that those who spend an average of two or more hours working and/or entertaining themselves on a computer experience this eye condition to some level. In addition to this, it has been found that adults and children alike are capable of experiencing this condition. It occurs due to the fact that the eyes have difficulty setting their focus to the words and symbols on a screen due to the method of creation. Pixels create the words that we see on our computers, and lack the same contrast as words that are written on paper.

What are the Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?

There are many symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to consider investing in a good pair of computer glasses. The symptoms are as follows:

o Many will experience a burning sensation in the eyes.

o Most individuals experience pain and strain in the area of the neck and shoulders that is highly bothersome.

o The vision may become blurred, and the individual may even notice that they start to see "double".

o Headaches of varying degrees are a common complaint among those who suffer from eye strain due to the wrong type of glasses.

o Many may start to notice that they are unable to focus as well on their computer screens as they once were able to do.

o Experiencing eyes that feel tired may be common.

If you wear glasses while sitting in front of the computer, and you have noticed that you experience these symptoms, you may suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome. If so, it is a good idea to consider obtaining a pair of occupational computer glasses.

The Solution

The solution for Computer Vision Syndrome is actually quite simple. All it takes is an effective pair of computer glasses! Now, you can visit a doctor and actually receive a prescription for this type of glasses or you can convert your everyday prescription glasses into computer glasses. If you are looking to eliminate the symptoms of computer neck pain, eye strain, and sore eyes, a slip-behind computer lens may be the most effective solution for your issue. There will no longer be a need to tilt your head forward, or back to see through the lenses that you now use on your prescription eye glasses. All you have to do is simply consider computer glasses that can help eliminate that pain in the neck, and all the other symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome!

Computer security schools help to develop computer security skills with the help of theoretical, as well as practical preparation. It helps students become aware of security aspects involving single computers or a network of computers connected to a central main server. Students who want to make a career in computer security can participate in standard security courses offered by schools or online computer security courses offered by different institutes.

Elementary knowledge of computers is essential to join in on any computer security course. Computer security lessons are imparted at a DOS (disk operating system) level. Students are given a DOS primer that can be studied before starting the course.

Students who enroll for computer security courses need to have a Pentium 300 MHz PC, with operating systems configured with Windows 95 or newer versions of an operating system to receive online study material and to complete practical tests. It is also important to have a spare hard drive that holds eight hundred megabytes to two gigabyte, a supply of HD 3½-inch diskettes, a printer and a modem with an Internet connection. Minimum software requirements include computer security utilities (provided with enrolment), a data sniffer (provided with enrolment), quick view plus, Norton utilities and Norton Ghost.

Enrolled students are provided with study modules on a variety of computer security topics. Some of the topics include operating systems, formal methods for information security, cyberspace laws, software engineering, network security, database systems, algorithms & applications (cryptology), information security audit controls and distributed computing security.

Advanced computer security tools are costly and used by most organizations to protect critical data, such as credit card numbers, login passwords, transaction passwords and others. If they are not protected, distortion may occur and lead to financial losses running into thousands of dollars. It also reflects upon the reputation of the organization with respect to providing security to customers.

Computer schools provide all necessary skills for becoming a trained computer security expert. However, it is always advisable to remember that certification alone is not enough to be accepted as a computer security expert. A combination of knowledge and experience is also necessary to get recognition as a computer security expert.

You may have noticed that there are fewer online companies that offer guaranteed or bad credit computer financing programs.

About 3 years ago there were a number of lenders that were trying to make money by offering individuals with less than good credit, computer loans.

As time when on, the lenders started to see that most of there clients wasn't paying off their loans.

A lot of online marketing companies believed that they could make a good income by finding the right lenders that would approve computer loans for people with poor credit.

This idea of offering computer loans to individuals that had poor credit worked for a few years.

Over time, more and more computer clients had stopped making payments on their computer systems.

Finally the computer financing companies decided to end all 100% financing programs for individuals that had no credit, poor credit or have filed for bankruptcy.

Over 90% of the companies that claim to offer bad credit computer financing are lying to the public. They cannot finance an individual with bad credit because there financing company will not approved that type of loan.

The reason why online computer financing websites are still taking applications is because they know that there is a chance that some of the individuals that are applying could have good credit.

They know that they can get the good credit individuals approved by there financing company.

YOU CAN STILL GET APPROVED TO FINANCE A COMPUTER WITH BAD CREDIT!

There are programs that still offer computer loans to individuals that have no credit, bad credit or have filed for bankruptcy.

These types of programs would normally require there client to have a checking or savings account and they may require the client to send in a down payment before they would deliver the computer system.

This type of program is one of the best methods for a person with bad credit to receive a new desktop or laptop computer system.

There are other programs that require the client to make a down payment and make a few weekly or monthly payments before they would deliver their computer system.

These programs are a little like the lay-a-way programs that were used by retail stores years ago. Many stores still use this type of financing options.

BAD CREDIT GUARANTEED COMPUTER FINANCING PROGRAMS

If you have any source of income, you can get approved to finance a new up-to-date desktop or laptop computer system.

You must have a checking or savings account and be willing to make a reasonable down payment.

This works for the lender because they are able to offset there lost a little if you decide to keep the computer without making your payments.

These types of computer financing programs will allow you to receive most of the new high speed desktop or laptop computer systems, even if you have no credit, bad credit, unemployed or have filed for bankruptcy.

What type of computer system should you purchase?

A lot of people are always asking the question, what type of computer system should I purchase?

It does not matter in today's market because most computers have more than enough speed and power to handle just about anything that you would want to do with your computer system. This may not apply if you purchase an old or out-dated computer system.

You shouldn't have any problems as long as the computer you are purchasing is not more than 3 years old.

Which is better - Desktop or Laptop

There is no difference between a desktop or a laptop computer other than the fact that laptops always cost more than the desktop and they are harder to upgrade. With most desktop computers you can increase the RAM and upgrade other parts of the computer.

But if you need to move around and use your computer in different locations, you will need to purchase a laptop computer.

Is it possible for regular Joe's to fix their own computer without needing to call a specialist in to do the computer repair? Yes! You can do it easy, and you can learn these computer repair techniques easy in the article I have written. You will be told exactly what you need to do and know, in order to get your computer repaired and working how you want it!

There is always the option of calling upon a company like Geek Squad, from Best Buy, if you have the extra $350 to repair your computer. Let's also state here their idea of computer repair is not what you need at all, unless you are looking for someone to come to your home with the intention of selling you software you don't need, instead of repairing your computer. Later I will indulge all of you reading, my experience with this company, and how it brought amusement into my world

Going through only the computer repairing techniques we need to know, I will not waste your time with confusing nonsense about how a computer works, or how did the computer get broken in the first place where it is in need of computer repair? Who cares right? What's done is done, lets just fix the darn thing.

I will show you how to do computer repair the easiest, most simplest way possible. We care about making our current computer situation better as it exists at this exact moment, ridding it of needing computer repair.

The computer repair basics presented here and the articles that follow will be more than enough to eradicate 90% of your home computer repair problems, completely resolving them all so you don't have to search the internet anymore for "computer repair" and how to fix your computer problems.

You could be thinking, as I at one time did when I knew very little about computers or repairing them, that it will be near impossible to understand these square mysterious beeping towers or how they work none the less. It is a lot easier then you might think! You just need to know the what information is important about computer repair, discarding all the unnecessary stuff that most computer repair companies say in order to confuse you so you hire them. We do not need them! We have ourselves and by gosh darn it, we have this helpful article to guide you thought basic computer repair.

Computer repair steps are all the same.

Let's repeat, computer repairing steps are all the same, no matter if it is you doing it or a computer engineer doing it. The computer engineer goes though the basic steps while repairing a computer system, the same steps we are going to go over in this article. He might know what to do in that chance of 10% when a computer is more damaged then normal, but we are not going to worry ourselves with that odd chance.

There are not hundreds of computer gurus that develop new and innovative ways to repair computers. Computer repair techniques have already been mapped out for us, and proven, so lets just utilize other peoples work and findings about computer repair, after all its free and legal!. Think of the same situation where you look up a recipe online to cook a fancy meal, it is the same idea!

Now, I have been prepping you for too long telling you why I think you can do it. You know you can do it, you just need to believe in yourself and take computer repair one step at a time. I cannot stress that enough. Computer repair has to be done in steps...1) before 2). Yes it sounds obvious but be strict on yourself about his, especially while learning how to do computer repair, you will make it easy on yourself.

Usually when we fix something in life we have identify the problem.. blah blah. Skip identifying the problem! (not how you learned it in school huh?) Lets not even try to pinpoint a problem that needs repairing with our computer yet!

We are going to first do a few very easy computer repair basics that will solve almost all computer issues (shhh overpriced Geek Squad doesn't want you or anyone to know this).

First Guide in Computer Repair

1) Click the Start Menu, a button that is visible while hovering over the start menu is the "run" button. Click the run button and a small window in the bottom left of your screen comes up.

2) Type "msconfig" (with no quotation marks) in the box that is within the window.

3) Another window comes up, now go to the tab to the right called "start up"

4) Near the bottom of the window is a button called "disable all" click that button

5) Then click the "apply" button just below the "disable all" button.

6) X out of the window (close the window) and another window pops up. Click the "restart now" option.

And there you have it! You just taught yourself how to do a very easy computer repair technique which will solve a lot of your computer repair issues.

Here are a few quick tips and instructions on how to speed up your computer.

Disk Cleanup

Clear up your system's disk space by removing temporary, unnecessary and old files on your computer. By performing the disk cleanup your computer will run faster and have more disk space.

To speed up your computer by running a disk cleanup go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.

Remove Autostart Programs

Does it take a long time for your computer to load? By removing auto start programs your computer will boot up faster and its performance will improve. The next step in restoring your computer's performance is to identify any unnecessary programs that start automatically.

To speed up your computer by removing autostart programs go to Start > Run > Type in the box "Msconfig" > Startup > On the Startup tab, you will see a list of all programs that are set to run when your computer loads > Speed up your overall start time by clearing the check box next to any item you think you don't need on start up > click Apply > restart your computer.

Scan Windows for Errors

Over time your system files change or become corrupt. You can help the performance of your computer by making sure that your hard disk has no errors.

To speed up your computer by scanning windows for errors go to Start > My Computer > Right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check, and then click Properties > Tools > "Error Checking" Check Now > select "Automatically fix file system errors". > select attempt recovery of bad sectors> Start.

Defragment Hard drive

By running a defragment on your hard drive your systems performance will improve and generate faster file access. When a defragment is completed the scattered data within the computer's hard drive is arranged, reducing the amount of fragmentation in file systems.

To speed up your computer by defragmenting your hard drive go to Start > My Computer > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter > select Drive > Defragment.

Empty Recycle Bin

By emptying the recycle bin, your computers storage space will increase. Emptying the recycle bin results to removing the unnecessary files that have already been deleted by the user.

To speed up your computer by emptying the recycle bin go to Desktop > Recycle Bin > File > Empty Recycle Bin > Yes.

Uninstall Unused Programs

Delete the programs you no longer need to free up space on your hard disk. Unused programs can even slow down your system.

To speed up your computer by uninstalling programs go to Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > select a program > Uninstall > follow prompts.

Virus Spyware Removal

Spyware, adware and virus's may be the cause to an unresponsive or slow computer. If this is the case, to speed up your computer, run a thorough virus scan and remove any threats if found. It is recommended to purchase reliable anti-virus software to protect your computer.

If you have done all of the above and your computer is still slow and unresponsive. Computer technicians are able to diagnose the cause of unresponsive and slow computers, whether the computer is in need of an RAM and memory upgrade to a virus removal or replacement part. It is recommended to take your pc down to your local computer repairs shop for either a computer upgrade or thorough virus scan. Ensuring your pc is back up to speed, saving costs on buying a new computer.

How Does Spyware & Adware Usually Attack?

This fairly new form of virus has one thing in mind, to take control over your online browsing experience and to give you another alternative without ever asking.

For example these virus types will:

• Take control of your browser search functions.
• Display annoying popup ads when you launch your browser.
• Take control of your "home page" in order to give you another home page instead.
• Disable all search functions within your browser.
• Write cookies onto your computer for data mining purposes without you knowing.
• Add tracking cookies watching your every move online.
• Slow down your computers performance.

Without proper protection against these threats, most people will never know how to find, or remove these malicious programs. The worst part is, many of these malicious programs out there are built to elude detection programs. In reality, they are built to hide from the user, and the protector. This is what makes these malicious programs so annoyingly deadly.

Here Are Some Ways Spyware Avoid Detection:

Code Insertion:

When spy ware inserts a piece of its code into an already running program within your computer, in order to avoid detection from spyware protection software's.

Reload Script:

When you scan your computer for spy ware and remove all malicious files found, this reload script detects that you've just deleted the files associated with its programming, so it then takes a backup file and reloads the previously deleted spyware program without you knowing it.

Program Lock:

Many bigger legitimate software programs have this feature so that you don't accidentally delete the files necessary to run the program. Some s.p.y.w.a.r.e use this same method to protect itself from getting deleted by the user.

Automatic Updates:

Like many programs have the ability to auto-update itself as soon as you log online in order to change the mechanics of its own programming to again, further avoid detection, and ultimately deletion.

These are just some of the techniques these virus type programs use to make it incredibly hard to remove from your desktop. Prevention and awareness is the key to fighting off these infectious programs from getting into your computer and make a muck of things inside.

Prevention Tools:

• Spybot Search & Destroy
• Lavasoft Ad-Aware
• Microsoft Windows Defender
• STOPzilla Spyware Remover

Corrupt Anti-Spyware Tools:

There is a whole list of removal tools that are actually corrupt, and their sole purpose is to do the opposite by installing spyware onto your computer, instead of actually removing them from your computer.

Here's the list of corrupt anti-spyware tools:

http://www.2-spyware.com/corrupt-anti-spyware

Prevention Techniques: There is no technique out there that is 100%. At one point in time, you will get some form of malicious viruses that are installed onto your computer. These prevention techniques will help to minimize your chances of getting them on a regular basis.

1) Make sure to have multiple anti-spyware removal tools installed on your computer.

Each anti-spyware removal tool is different, and they each look for different scripts/programs within your desktop Some software's look at the surface, while others look deeper. In the past I found that by running Spybot & Ad-Aware back-to-back, I would get different results every time which helped to detect unwated scripts on many different levels. Spybot gave me a set of potential files, while Ad-Aware gave me another set of lethal files. Both scans together helped me to find spyware on the surface, and spyware deep within my hard drive.

2) Make sure your anti-spyware removal software is up-to-date.

Just like I mentioned in part 1, you need to make sure that your spyware removal software is ALWAYS up-to-date with the most recent spyware definitions. This helps to detect newer, more powerful spyware scripts that haven't been detected in the past. Newer definitions can be releases as often as once a week, so make sure to check often.

How Do I Update My Definitions?

9/10 Times you can find a button that says "Update Definitions", "Check For Newer Updates", etc. This button is usually right on the main interface when you launch the program. Make sure you update your definitions before you perform any scans.

3) Run your anti-spyware removal tools ATLEAST once a week.

I find that a great deal of people who browse online actually have an anti-software removal tool installed onto their computer, but they haven't run any scans for quite some time now. Make sure to run a scan of your entire computer at least once a week. You might pickup spyware today, or tomorrow, you never know.

4) If a spyware program persists, try scanning via "SAFE MODE".

When in doubt, run a spyware scan with your anti-virus removal tool while being in "SAFE MODE". SAFE MODE allows your computer to run the most essential programs only. SAFE MODE will disable persistent spyware that is harder to remove. This allows you to detect and remove persistent spyware effectively while it remains dormant, and inactive. In my experience, I've been able to remove a great deal of spyware programs from SAFE MODE only.

How Do I Scan In SAFE MODE?

If you've exhausted every alternative, and still the spyware you're trying to remove keeps coming back, try this...

Works for Windows 95, 98/ME, 2000, XP, Vista

A) Shut down your computer, wait 30 seconds, and reboot.

B) When you see the diagnostic info page, and memory count...

C) Start tapping F8.

D) Select the "SAFE MODE" option (Default).

Note: If when you start tapping F8 and you get an error message, reboot again and don't start tapping F8 so soon. Also, if your computer loads up normally, reboot again and don't tap F8 too late. The key is to hit F8 when your 1st initial black/start up screen appears.

Once in safe mode, start your anti-spyware software removal tool and run a full system scan. You may get a shock when your software actually finds spyware which wasn't detected from previous system scans.

Once complete, reboot your computer normally.

5) Make sure to install your operating system updates.

Every operating system needs periodic updates from the software provider. For example, Microsoft Windows sends a small popup to your computer asking you to install some new security updates. Many people I know either ignore these messages all together, or think they should only update once a year. This is a terrible practice for your computers maintenance. Installing security updates ensures that your computer has no known loopholes for spyware, adware, viruses, worms, or Trojans to exploit. Security updates help to prevent spyware from finding "back alleys" to play in.

Make sure to select "Automatic Updates":

HIT: START > CONTROL PANEL > AUTOMATIC UPDATES > Select "Automatic Updates".

This ensures that you don't neglect your duty to update your computer on a regular basis. Prevention is the key here!

6) Don't Install Software You Don't Recognize:

Most evil programs are installed by YOU! They typically get into your computer from "FREE Shareware" software that you install directly from online sources. A great deal of shareware software come with a little surprise package attached to it. For the most part, all you need to do is read the "end user agreement" carefully before installing the software. Most agreements tell you that this software will install secondary ad programs, ad popup's, etc. Don't install anything that has unwanted add-ons that don't give you the ability to "not install" them. When downloading shareware, make sure to download the software from trusted sources like "http://www.download.com".

7) Don't Visit Porn, Hare, or Warrez Websites:

A great deal of spyware install themselves directly from a compromised website that you visit online. They generally exploit your "ActiveX" controls within your browser in order to install their spyware files silently without your knowledge. Many of the porn website's have silent spyware downloads to get "back at people" who look for porn. This is a way for the webmasters to say, "Stop looking at porn". These same principles apply to hacker websites, and hate related websites. Anything with a negative touch online has the potential to give you unwanted spyware scripts.

If you feel a need to visit these types of websites, make sure to run your anti-spyware software removal tool after each time that you visit these widely exploited websites. Again, prevention is the key!

8) Make sure to activate your Firewall!

Like I mentioned in part 1, a firewall can prevent hackers from getting into your computer through the back-alleys and hidden holes within your computer system. Make sure to activate your system's firewall in order to prevent such attacks.

Activating your firewall:

Windows systems: START > CONTROL PANNEL > INTERNET CONNECTIONS > WINDOWS FIREWALL > "On (Recommended)".

Mac Users: APPLE MENU > SYSTEM PREFERENCES > SHARING PANE > FIREWALL > START

There you go; your firewall is now active!

=====================

In Conclusion:

Getting spyware onto your computer is very annoying. Spyware can change your browser settings, install browser toolbars, and give you unwanted popup ads. Prevention is the key to beating spyware. Make sure to scan your computer with an anti-spyware software removal tool. Scan your computer on a regular basis. Update your software's spyware definitions, and security patches. Scan your computer within SAFE MODE to find very tricky spyware. Don't visit porn, or hacker websites, and make sure that you have a firewall in place.

All of these prevention techniques are the key to beating most spyware out there. Failure to use these prevention techniques might mean a complete format of your hard drive, or a visit to your local computer shop.

This brings us to yet another computer maintenance tutorial:

Part 3 - Cleaning your computer registry