Mac Vs PC

By John Eckenroth

When it comes to choosing a computer for yourself, your family or a child going away to college for the first time you want to make sure your making a sound investment. For most of us this means getting the best quality and reliable assistance for a reasonable price. In order to do this one must to sufficient research before making their purchase. Whether your reasons for buying a computer are for work, graphics or simply to write papers there are many options out there. An important question that arises for many people today is whether they should get a Mac or a PC.

The following chart contains 15.4 inch PC's that have been chosen and customized (with the exception of Acer) to best compare with the Macbook Pro. All 3-year warranties are basic and anti-virus software is based on a 15 month price.

(Sources: Apple.com, Amazon.com, Dell.com, HP.com, Sony.com)
Price Comparison of 15.4 Inch Laptops
Brand Model Processor Graphics Card RAM Hard Drive Weight Price 3-Year Warranty Anti-Virus Software Total Price
Apple Macbook Pro 2.4 GHz NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB 2 GB 200 GB
5.4 lbs $1,999.00 $349.00 $0 $2,348.00
Acer Aspire 5920-6329 2.5 GHz NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB 2 GB 320 GB 6.6 lbs $1,799.00 $199.99 $60 $2,058.98
Dell XPS M1530 2.4 GHz NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB 2 GB 250 GB 5.8 lbs $1,763.00 $299.00 Included $2,062.00
HP dv6700t 2.4 GHz NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS with 256MB 2 GB 250 GB 6.14 lbs $1,220.99 $269.99 $59.99 $1,550.97
Sony VGN-FZ24000 2.4 GHz NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT with 256MB 2 GB 200 GB 5.9 lbs $1,258.99 $199.99 $59.99 $1,518.97

When it comes to making sure you are getting the assistance you need the first thing you want to look at is the warranty. If you choose to purchase a dell you may want to look into the XPS M1530. At a price of $2,062 you can get a 15.4 inch notebook with a 2 GB RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, virus software included and a three year warranty. Dell warranty includes in-home service parts labor and 24x7 phone service.

HP is a popular choice for a notebook, dv6700t is one of HP's most comparable notebook to a Mac. The dv6700t comes with a 2 GB RAM, 250 GB hard drive, anti-virus software, and a 3-year warranty for $1,550. HP's warranty includes a pick-up and return service where your notebook would be diagnosed, repaired and returned to you as fast as possible. They also have a 24x7 phone support service. Within the warranty you would also get assistance with virus and spyware issues.

Apple's Macbook Pro comes standard with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 2 GB RAM, and a 200 GB hard drive. Apple's 3-year protection plan includes service and support for the Mac operation system, iLife, and iWork. This accesses you to Apple's technical support group when calling and ensures Apple-authorized technicians will perform repairs using genuine Apple parts (apple.com/support). The Macbook Pro also comes already installed with iLife, which is comprised of such programs like GarageBand, iMovie, iChat, and iPhoto. These programs alone are equivalent to $400 in PC programs ("Mac Vs. PC").

When choosing your selection consider that Mac users have a 98 percent satisfaction rate as opposed to Windows users who have a 83 percent rate. Mac's also have a higher resale value. During a study, James Stoup found that Mac's sell for 40 percent of their retail cost after three years (Stoup). Most Windows users find it cheaper to just invest a brand new laptop.
Small businesses have also reconsidered switching from PC to Mac. It is less costly in the long run making up for its higher retail cost with lesser IT and electrical costs (Schwartau). On average there is one IT person per 150-250 Macs compared to one IT person for every 50-60 PC's (Van Dyke).

In closing, when looking at your options to buy a notebook; make sure you do all the research. Whether you decide to pick a PC or a Mac there are plenty of alternatives out there. So regardless if you need a computer for the office, for your house or for a dorm, there are many things to look at before you make your purchase. Not everyone needs all the luxuries of iLife although some may prefer it. So you decide what will best fit you; PC or Mac?

"Mac - PC PriceWatch 2008." Apr 2008. April 2008.
Schwartau, Winn. "Going Above and Beyond." Network World 27 02 2006 April 2008.
Stoup, James R.. "The Amazing Resale Value of Your Mac." Apple Matters 13 Feb 2007 1. April 2008.
Van Dyke, Jeff. "PC's are Cheaper Than Mac's..." Mac Vs. PC. 02 Feb 2004. Apr 2008.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Eckenroth

Benefits of Adding More RAM to Your PC

By Raymond Chase

RAM or Random Access Memory is a critical component for a computer to run properly. Having not enough RAM can render a computer useless over time due to too many programs or applications being used at the same time. The more applications a person opens, the more RAM is needed to run those applications.

Today, most computer manufacturers sell new computers with at least 512MB of RAM. Compared to a few years ago, the minimum amount was 256MB. And before that, the minimum amount was 128MB or even 64MB. The increase is due to the complexity of the software and Operating systems that are being installed on the computer. For example, Windows XP has a bare minimum RAM requirement of 64MB to operate.

But according to Microsoft, it is recommended to have 128MB to "increase performance". As for myself currently working in the PC support industry, you really need at least 256-512MB of RAM to get any type of performance out of Windows XP. If not, as soon as you start installing any type of games or database intensive software, the computer will slow down dramatically. Of the people that I support either at work or my personal clients, one of the main issues is not having enough RAM installed.

As another example, if an application uses 128MB of RAM, and the PC only has 128MB installed, that application will do one of two things:

1) Not even launch

2) Will launch, but then the PC will become unstable and eventually lock up.
When a PC runs of out RAM (or its all being used) then the PC will have to find RAM from somewhere else. Usually this means it converts some hard drive space into a term called Virtual RAM. This slows the computer down even more since its using "fake" RAM to try to help the computer run. Then the issue of available hard drive space becomes a factor. If you are low on hard drive space and the PC is attempting to convert some of the space into Virtual RAM, the PC will become even more unstable. You do not want to get to this point because again, the PC will eventually crash or lock up.

Bottom line, you can never have too much RAM installed in your PC. If you can afford it, I recommend purchasing the most amount of RAM that will fit on your PC. Usually these days, most newer PCs will hold 4GB of RAM. And of course, most PCs now come with Windows Vista pre-installed. Windows Vista will not even run with less than 1GB of RAM! So if you plan on upgrading your PC, spend some extra money to increase RAM as far as it will go.
RChase Computer Consulting
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Chase

High Speed Processing

By Anthony F Francis

Computer processing has come a long way over the years, whereas you had to stop one application in order to run another, or running different applications at the same time slowed down performance, now seems a very distant past.

However if you're like me you will want your computer to be able to multitask as efficiently as you do, and yes that means at the same time as doing my studies and playing the latest game.
Well, l've recently noticed that AMD have brought out a new 9000 series processor called Phenom that appears to do just that. The new series has been designed to ensure that previous slow response has been replaced with the ability to be run several applications to their full capabilities without a loss in performance.

This means that even if you're running processor hungry games, and you don't want to stop to carry out other important work, you will still be able to have all your business applications such as word, excel and the internet running at the same time in the back ground with no jitter or loss in performance.

In addition to very fast processing speeds, the new AMD 9000 series also comes with a feature called cool 'n' quiet which it meant to reduce noise and heat, thereby avoiding any unnecessary background fan noises, while you concentrate on that all important game.
Now that you know what processor to be looking for, you will need all the other necessary equipment to complete your home multimedia or computer system. We know that spending time going from one site to another can be time consuming, so we have done it for you.
Simply check out some of the amazing deals at http://www.gadget2get.co.uk/ for more information.
Enjoy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_F_Francis

Some Tips To Prevent Laptop Theft

By Ruddy Gunawan

The world keeps growing but criminality is growing as well. Now most of us already get used with criminal stories on the television. Laptop theft, sadly, is one of these usual criminal stories. There are some tips and suggestions to help you prevent these thieves to steal your data and your laptop. I hope after you read this, you will understand how important to keep the data inside your laptop is.

First, keep your laptop in the safest place with you. Maybe you prefer to put your laptop in a place where people can see it because you want they see your new and expensive laptop. But believe me, it's better to keep your laptop in a place where people can't see it. Put your laptop inside your trunk when you drive your car or buy a lockable bag instead of a usual laptop bag.
With these small steps, you can make a big difference. When thieves can't see your laptop or at least they do not notice it, they won't be able to steal your laptop easily. Don't ever forget to put a password in your operation system and encrypt the most important data. By doing this, the thieves can't steal or at least read any valuable data.

If you are afraid that one day you will forget the passwords, you can try to write the passwords on your personal book or your PC. But remember to never bring any of these password reminders in the same time with your laptop. If you want to reduce the risks of becoming a victim to laptop theft, try to do these tips and you'll be fine.
Read more in: best laptop or laptop guide or new dell laptops
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruddy_Gunawan

How To Build A PC

By Dyfed Lloyd Evans

Are you afraid of your PC? Do you think it's too intricate, too complex to even think about taking it apart. In this article I'm going to get you over your fear of the PC so that you will feel confident enough to be able to build or upgrade your own PC.

Despite it's complexity (and it is a complex mass of circuitry and electronics) the basic design of the PC is very simple. You have a single main board (normally called a motherboard) into which every other component plugs. This motherboard mediates the connections between all the various components that go together to form a PC and it allows your main chip (that actually performs the computing) to access the memory (where all the temporary operations of the PC are performed) and the hard drive (the permanent storage).

Basically that's all a motherboard is, a way of connecting the main computational workhorse of the PC (called the CPU or central processing unit  what most people think of when they mention a PC's 'chip') to access the memory it needs to perform its tasks whilst allowing it to also access the permanent storage system (the hard disk drive) where instructions and results are stored.

Of course, you need power to achieve this and most of the spaghetti tangle of cables you see inside PCs are there to provide power. A few connect the motherboard to the hard disk and the DVD drive and floppy drive, but they're in the minority.

You now have your basic PC (at least in terms of understanding the components). But you need to be able to communicate with the machine. So you add a keyboard and mouse. you also need to see what the machine is doing so you need output of some kind. These days this is typically to a monitor or screen of some description. Typically you will have a special card (called a graphics card) that plugs into the motherboard and creates video signals that can be seen on a display.
As well as the graphics card you may also have a sound card and some kind of interface card that allows you to plug into a network (though some or all these jobs can also be done by the motherboard).

Rather than being a scary tangle of meaningless electronics, a PC is actually just a motherboard with a collection of cards stuck into it. These cards all perform a single task and once you know what these cards are for you're 3/4 of the way to understanding your PC.
In actual fact PCs are designed to be easily put together, to be easily taken apart and to be easily upgraded. They are modular and there are only a limited number of modules. Once you know what these modules are then you understand how your PC works and you can replace or upgrade any of these modules yourself.

It's not scary at all, it's logical! Did you know that you only need to undo 2 cables and unscrew 4 screws to replace a hard drive and add a new one. The same goes for upgrading a DVD drive or a CD drive. It's even simpler if you want to plug in a new hard drive into your PC!
Learn all the basics (and there's really not that much to learn) and you could build your own PC in less than a weekend. The process really is that simple.

Next time you think of calling out a PC engineer, why not get a guide to your PC instead and learn how to upgrade or repair it yourself. After all, upgrading your PC is much, much, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than throwing it away and buying another one. And you could be saving yourself $100 into the bargain.

Dyfed Lloyd Evans has been building and upgrading PCs for the past 20 years. He is the author of the Guide to Building and Upgrading your PC which is now available as a fully-illustrated Guide to Upgrading your PC eBook, proceeds from which go to charity. He also runs the Celtnet Articles repository where you can find even more useful PC tips and tricks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dyfed_Lloyd_Evans

Tips When Doing A Memory Upgrade

By Mike Selvon

A slow running computer can be a huge pain when you are trying to get a job done. The software runs slow, the load times are unbearably long and forget about playing any computers video games.

If this is happening to you and you want your computer to operate at a faster speed, then you need a memory upgrade to make your computer zip along at lightening fast speeds. You will be able to run several applications at once, listen to your MP3 players music and get to play those computer games you just cannot live without!

Upgrading your computer's memory is a great way to run programs faster and speed up the overall use of your computer. A memory upgrade is relatively inexpensive and real easy to install. The hardest part is finding out what kind of memory you need and selecting the right type of storage for the speed you wish. There are four types of memory which are: RDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and SDR SDRAM.

Step number two is to go to a discount computer hardware store to purchase your new storage card. You want to upgrade to the highest capacity you can afford. Remember that more storage means more speed and efficiency for your pc. You do not want to have to purchase a new card every few months. Go ahead and splurge a little. This is the cheapest way to improve your computer's speed.

Most computers allow you to use generic memory cards. Once you have your new memory card it is then time to open that baby up. Remove the cover to your pc. If you have an available slot, then all you have to do is plug in the new desktop storage card you purchased. If there are no open slots left, then you will need to remove the old one and replace it with the generic one card or a pc specific storage card.

So now you see how easy a memory upgrade can actually be. Before you consider getting rid of your computer for a faster model, do an upgrade and you will see a noticeable difference in how fast your processing speed is. It is a simple plug in and go swap of the old storage module and the new version. Just make sure to get as much storage as you can possibly afford so you do not have to replace the memory again any time soon.

Enrich your knowledge further about the memory upgrade from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our discount computer memory blog where a free gift awaits you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon

The Misery of Bad Laptop Batteries - Can You Fix Them?

By Aazdak Alisimo

Laptop owners are often told that they can easily repair laptop batteries to avoid the cost of buying new ones. This is a bit of a fallacy and is usually not the best idea.

Is it possible to repair the batteries in your laptop? Well, yes, it is to the extent that pretty much anything can be repaired if enough money and effort is expended to do it. The idea of repairing batteries comes from the knowledge that the laptop battery actually consists, in most models, of several small batteries inside a plastic case. Inside the case is also thermo coupling device and a circuit board.

The thermo coupling device is to protect against high temperature and the circuit board connects the batteries to the D.C. power supply, but also has connections for various data reading that indicate battery life and charging condition. The first thing you will notice when you are attempting to repair a normal battery is that it was not designed to be easily repaired by replacing the internal battery cells. The plastic case is glued together and needs to be pried open.

This is often a hint that replacement of the cells is not the intended approach by the maker.
Of course, the do it yourself type might ignore the intentions of the manufacturer in many cases. After all, they are in the business of selling replacement batteries also. So, once you pry the case open, you are faced with a couple of problems. Telling the condition of the cells inside in dependent on the readings of the data circuits, but if they are the problem, replacement of the cells will not work anyway. Many of the battery cells require soldering to the circuits, so you must be prepared for this as well.

Finally, for most models, the cost of the replacement cells is high anyway. By the time you have purchased replacements, you might as well have just purchased the whole new replacement battery. The price savings does not seem to justify either the time or the risk of trying to replace individual cells. The internet does have some sites devoted to this procedure, but like laptop repairs in general, the sites are mostly geared toward trained repairmen and are very model specific.

Americans are used to tinkering and many of us are proud of our mechanical skills, but it is just possible that the laptop computer is one of those things that have progressed to the point where its size, the delicate nature of its circuitry, and even the intentions of its makers leave us little choice when there is a problem. The best advice available for repairs, even of the battery pack, is to establish a good relationship with a very qualified repairman.
Aazdak Alisimo writes about laptop computer repair for LaptopComputerRepairServices.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aazdak_Alisimo

Blessed With Smart Technology

By Raisa Raima

The laptops being high in terms of flexibility, features, portability and value for money are easily one of the obvious choices for the modern day users. The users can easily attain high-end solutions with the laptops even while remaining on the move. Since it weighs approximately just 1-8 Kgs, the users can easily share, access and organise any information, files and applications to survive in this highly competitive world.

Let us have some knowledge about laptops before moving to some of the most eminent names in this field. A laptop normally operates on a single main battery or through an external AC/DC adapter and is somehow close to the functionality of its desktop counterparts. It has miniaturised components that are optimised for portable usage as well as for efficient power consumption. It usually makes use of the LCD (liquid crystal display) technology and the users can access any application or menu as well as for making inputs through a touchpad or pointing stick. The laptops offer highly advanced features and functionalities such as USB support, Wi-Fi, internal modem, network adapter, compatibility with the high-capacity hard disk drives and operating systems to name a few.

Now that quite a lot has been learned, let us now move to some of the biggest names in the world of laptop technology before continuing our journey by including some highly acclaimed laptop models and points to consider before making a laptop purchase.
HCL, Hewlett Packard and Sony are some of the biggest contenders in the race for the top slot. HCL has however continued its dominance over the remaining competitors on the basis of its high-quality laptops built on some of the world's best and latest technologies till date. The brand name of HCL has been easily sustained by the introduction of the latest laptops in the form of the MiLeap series. The MiLeap series of HCL includes HCL MiLeap X, HCL MiLeap L, HCL MiLeap S, HCL MiLeap Y and HCL MiLeap V. These user-friendly and cost-effective HCL laptops are immensely advanced when it comes to the delivery of world class laptop solutions.

If you are looking for a good laptop then make sure that you make a complete market survey to get the best and cheapest deal, high on quality. Look for critical features such as image and sound quality, compatibility with operating systems, resolution, brand name, market awareness, customer service and availability of spare parts etc.

The market of today is flooded with cheap laptops. India, considered to be one of the most advanced nations of the world, stands high in the number of laptop users in the last few years. With the favourable government policies, emergence of new market players, high competition and changing preferences of the users, the growth of laptops is surely getting the positive vibes. When in doubt, choose among the high quality HCL laptops and this will be one decision of your life that you can never regret.

The author is a specialist in retail writing. Her writing skills reflect the outcome of years of exposure to the retail industry. Working with retail giants as a consultant has enriched her knowledge base and her passion for writing got fire. She can be read regularly on RetailsDirect.com. For details please visit: - Philips DVD Players
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raisa_Raima

Digital Generation Gap - Back to the Basics

By Allison Merlino

The digital generation gap is defined as the occurrence of a child who is much more computer savvy than their parent! The gap is slowly closing as those who were school age before computers became commonplace get older. However, the digital generation gap can lead to problems such as online predators, exposure to inappropriate material and identity theft. I say the best approach is the two pronged common sense combined with a quick overview of parental control settings and computer monitoring software!

When researching this article I was surprised to discover that the most basic form of prevention seems to be being overlooked! Simply being present and communicating with the younger computer savvy household member goes a long way. Never discount your presence whether you are actually engaged in the situation or not I fully suggest faking it! It stands to reason then, that computers be kept in an area of the house that is occupied and busy. For example the living room or family room verses a bedroom or basement. Intentionally walk by in a manner that you would potentially be able to see what is on the screen. I have learned from experience that peering over the youngsters shoulder might cause a less than favorable reaction. However, meandering around innocently gets the message of your potential intrusion across!

The second painfully simple and overlooked form of prevention is communication. Simply speak with your child about how they are spending their time on the computer. And be open with your child about the potential dangers of internet use. Here is where you interject your annoying suggestions and misuse of cool sayings. You may even ask for a lesson or two although, depending on the cunningness of your youngster you may not want to expose your level of technical ignorance.

This two pronged approach is intended to be run simultaneously. Therefore, while implying that you can and will snoop at any given moment you should also truly do a little research and familiarize yourself with your computer.

In all seriousness it is your responsibility to protect against online predators. This unfortunately is an all too common problem that is the downfall of the incredible information and communication system. Type in keywords such as computer monitoring software, internet monitoring software and parental controls to do some comparison shopping and purchase a reasonably priced software. Roll your sleeves up and get started! The irony here is that all the knowledge you need, in any learning style you prefer is there, waiting to be accessed. Hint: Getnetwise.org is a website with extensive safety information for kids and teens. Ask your house techi for some assistance and familiarize yourself. You will be thrilled at the feeling of empowerment you have at being able to answer any question with a few keystrokes and clicks.

The amount of knowledge and speed of communication is priceless!
Although the digital generation gap is getting smaller, children are still overall more computer savvy than their parents. To avoid the potential problems of online predators, exposure to inappropriate material and identity theft it is time to brush up your communication and computer skills!
Computer Learning Software for Kids
Please visit us at The Software Spot!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Merlino

There May Be A Way To Save Your Wet Laptop

By Jim Corkern

One of the grandest inventions of all time after the personal home computer has got to be the laptop computer. So many people today own them and many find it very difficult to function in there day to day life without them. It is not just people in the business world that treasure them.

There are so many individuals out there that use laptops on a daily basis. School students and mothers that work at home need the easy maneuverability of the laptop. A mom with a hectic life can move them from room to room when she is on the go and students like to make use of them at school as well as wherever else they go. You are subject to find a need for them anywhere you might end up. Wireless internet connections have become more commonplace and the amount of places that they might be carried to is becoming more widespread.

With all the flexible capabilities that you can enjoy with a laptop, there can be the chance of losing it, someone taking it, or having damage done to it. Laptops are like cell phones, theft, loss, or damage through your own fault will not likely be covered under your warranty. Water accidents are a major thing that gets done to a laptop more commonly than you may think. The odds of some liquid being spilled onto your keypad and seeping inside it to the circuit board, is less avoidable than to the tower of a desk top computer.

If this incident happens and the laptop becomes harmed by water or some other solution, do not get excited yet. It is reasonable that you may because of the horror of destroying the laptop itself, but losing all the stored information it holds inside that may be impossible to recover. The first thing to do is to get the laptop off immediately. Unplug it carefully. Place it upside down to let out as much liquid as will come out. Take the battery out and dry it thoroughly with a cloth.
Next, carefully disengage the screw that holds the unit together. With an absorbent, lint free cloth, easily tap away the dampness. Then do not attempt to turn it on for a full 24 hours or more. Be positive it is thoroughly dry before you reassemble the device and try it out. When you replace the screws make sure you do not miss any.

Remember, this procedure is just if your laptop is wet by water. If it was soda or any kind of sticky or acidic liquid, you should still dislodge and get out the battery pack. Even though you might clean the circuitry with alcohol, you could damage the laptop further and it might be better repaired by a skilled computer specialist.

Jim Corkern is a writer and promoter of Fort Lauderdale Water Damage Restoration and Miami Water Damage Restoration Which are Certified IICRC Water damage and mold remediation contractors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Corkern

How to Create a Wireless Network

By Olly Fallon

Wireless networking allows you to easily share your Internet access as well as printers, and media, very easily without wires. Setting up a wireless network is generally very easy and it is becoming more and more commonplace to do this in your home or small office. The great thing about wireless networking is the fact you can add wireless functionality to your existing network.

If you intend to use wireless networking it is advisable to have windows XP service pack 2 as a minimum. Whilst this is not absolutely essential it can make things much easier when connecting to wireless networks and also a few security issues have been fixed with this service pack

The first stage to setting up a wireless network is to obtain the correct equipment. There are several different options, depending on your current setup. If you currently use a cable based provided then you just need a broadband router, however, if you currently use the more common ADSL style broadband suppliers (common here in the UK) then you will need to ensure you purchase the router with the ADSL modem built in. The router will now connect to the Internet for you and allow other devices to connect to it wirelessly. If you were previously used to having to go to a dial up connection - you now no longer need to do this as as soon as your computer connects to the router - you will automatically be connected to the Internet.

To connect your wireless router should be straight forward enough. If you use the CD that comes with the router it will quickly guide you through the setup. The basics are to plug your existing modem into the router if you are on a cable system, or disconnected your previous broadband modem and input your settings into the new router. You should have indicator lights advising you of the routers status. These vary from router to router so refer to your instructions provided.

As previously mentioned, the CD that comes with the router is often the best way to quickly create a secure active wireless network. However, if you are like me, you may want to explore the settings of the router to configure it yourself. Here are some common terms you may come up againt.

- SSID - this is your networks name. Choose something unique, as generally it will come up with the manufacturer of the router name. When you try and search for the router with your computer you will want to identify which name represents you own router.

- WEP or WPA is the type of security encryption to prevent other people accessing your Internet connection. WPA will generally allow you to use a memorable word to user a password whilst WEP is more a randomly generated bunch of numbers and letter.

- Administrator Password - this is just the password to actually access the administration of your router. Unless someone has already got a connection to your router they will be unable to change settings. If you do use a password here, make sure it is something memorable as it is quite possible that you will not have to access the admin, once setup, for a very long time.

Now your router is all set up we need to understand how to connect a computer to the network. This is very easy to do. If you have wireless technology built into your computer then ensure it is switched on. If you haven't, insert your wireless device into the relevant port.

You should have a wireless icon in the bottom left hand corner by the clock. Right click here and search for wireless networks in range.
In the box that comes up you should see a list of the networks in your area that your computer has detected. Being wireless technology is so popular these days it is common to see several different routers in here from neighbours.

Within this list you should see the name that you previously inputted as you SSID. Double click this. You should now be prompted for either your WEP or WPA key - enter this.

You should now be connected. Go ahead and load your preferred Internet browser. You should be able to surf to any given page. - Congratulations - You have successfully configured your wireless network!

JBO Solutions supplies the UK with Computer Parts, Computer Components and accessories such as Computer Monitors
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Olly_Fallon

How To Take Care Of Your Hard Disk Drive

By Harry Arbasa

Learn how to take care of your hard drive easily and effectively.
Hard drive is the sturdy rectangular-shaped hardware component found inside your CPU casing. It is where all of your important data are permanently stored - at least only until you delete them or until your hard drive crashes, and the latter isn't exactly inevitable. With proper care, you can add a few months or even years of file storage on top of your hard disk's expected lifespan.

There are a lot of ways you can take good care of your hard drive. The methods ranges from installing other hardware components, to using hard disk maintenance applications, to wiping-off dusts.

Here are some of the easiest yet most efficacious ways you must know and you should do to take care of your hard disk:

1. Install exhaust fans - exhaust fans have been proven-effective in keeping the temperature inside your CPU casing cool. Inside that casing, you will find all of the most hardworking hardware components of your computer - processor, motherboard, hard disk, etc. These components function for as long as your PC is on, making them susceptible to overheating. And what exhaust fans can do is they vent out the heated air inside your CPU to keep the temp down, thus eliminating one of the most common causes of hard drive crashes - overheating.

2. Install anti-virus software - when my knowledge about computers was still on its infancy, i thought that viruses, since it's just a software, can only do harm to other software applications. Unfortunately, I thought wrong; fortunately, I realized this before I had to learn it the hard way. Countless studies and actual experiences have proven that viruses, trojans, spyware, and the likes doesn't only slows your hard disk's performance but also shorten its lifespan. One effective way of safeguarding your hard disk from unwanted viruses is by installing an anti-virus application. There are a lot of potent anti-virus software out there that you can download - you can even get some for free. Check out this site to know how to get a free anti-virus http://sites4free.blogspot.com/

3. Installing software monitoring tools - a software monitoring tool is a freeware that you can use to monitor the temperature of your hard disk. This is another free and effective way to prevent your hard drive from overheating. To learn how and where to download this software go to http://sites4free.blogspot.com/

4. Regularly perform "scan disk" and "defragmentation" - if your computer has never ever tasted what its like to be scanned and fixed for errors and defragged for fragmented hard drive clusters, I'd definitely say "Man, you're not a good master". If the reason why you haven't done them yet is you don't know how to perform those maintenance, please read my other blog about How To Defrag Your Hard Disk for "defragmentation" and How to Perform Scan Disk For Your Hard Drive for "scan disk".

5. Regularly wipe off dusts and cobwebs in your CPU - this is another overheating measures. Exhaust fans are effective medium of venting out heated air, however if dusts and cobwebs have already clouded your CPU casing, your fans will become less effective. By simply using a clean paint brush or a blower, you can get rid of those heat-trapping dusts and cobwebs.

6. Leave at least 200 MB of hard drive space - Even if you have a decent RAM, there will come a point in time in which your processor will be needing an extra memory from your hard drive for processing purposes. So be kind to your hard disk, leave at least 200 MB worth of free space.

To read other PC How-To resources, you can visit http://pc-logy.blogspot.com/
Also, visit http://sites4free.blogspot.com/ for tips on how and where to get free software online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Arbasa

Free Ways to Protect Your Home Computer

By Aaron Siegel

I remember the day when computers were first in my classroom. I laugh sometimes just remembering the green front Apple and Orange font IBM computers. When using them little did I know one day there would be graphic rich multimedia with unlimited connectivity to the world and information.

I also remember my friend as a child who had a computer science father. As a birthday gift he gave his son two little boxes with 8 numerical buttons and one little red LCD display on each box. These little boxes were a way for me and my friend to send codes back and forth from each other from our phone lines when at home. We created our own code talk to decipher messages. We felt like spies and had a great time messaging nonsense for hours.

Little did I know as a child that these seemingly simple things would grow into the powerful and world dominating PC and Internet. Even less did I know the impact it would have on all the lives of the world and how easy and fun it would become. As a naive child, I would never imagine the evil that would lurk to destroy such great technological advances.

With the birth of the Internet came the birth of viruses, spyware, and spam. The Internet world could now virally be infected with computer destroying codes almost instantly worldwide along with pop-up ads all over your computer screen and your inbox bombarded with propositions of the unthinkable and bizarre.

Once introduced, the world forever would be on their toes watching their backs for this malicious onslaught of computer created menaces and dangers . The industry created to thwart the destructive codings has boomed and never looked back and it is doubtful that it will ever be out of demand as more lives rely on the Internet and the computers used to access it.

Hundreds of different anti-virus, ant-spam, and anti-spyware software exists today and some can come at a bargain while others can cost you an arm and leg. Some are excellent while others are mediocre, but for today we will discuss good and honest protection that is free.

Spam as we all know can ruin a good visit to the inbox. For protection against spam you must be responsible with your email address and be careful who gets it. Applying for bogus free offers and money making schemes can open up your whole account to the dreaded inbox disease.
If you are needing spam protection you can open up a free email account with Yahoo Mail or HotMail and receive free spam protection with the service without any additional software or setup. Yahoo offers a yearly paid account with additional spam protection if the free version is not enough for you. Yahoo charges about $20.00 a year, which I myself subscribe to.

With spyware you can expect unexpected pop-ups, search intrusions, as well as the possibility of identity theft. This makes spyware no laughing matter and lucky for you you don't have to pay to be protected. Lavasoft and AVG are just two companies that offer outstanding free anti-spyware software for your computer. Even Yahoo has gotten into the act and have given their toolbar users free spyware software that can be launched from their toolbar. I recommend running it once a day.

Viruses can literally destroy your operating system and even your whole computer which makes this last threat one of the most dangerous when it comes to your PC. You would expect to pay hundreds of dollars perhaps to protect your computer or maybe an annual subscription which is common too. Why even pay when you can get it for free?

There are two great anti-virus programs out there that you can use free for your home computer without any catch other than maybe a registration. I highly recommend these two products and use them for my own computers completely free.

Anti-virus #1: AVG has an anti-virus download that takes care of all the virus updates daily and scans your computer everyday at a specified time which is convenient for those who forget to protect their PCs.

Anti-Virus #2: Avast is an excellent program for keeping both spyware and viruses off of your computer and in the gutter where they belong. They have a more complex registration which requires email authentication and online registration, but only takes about 10 minutes of your time, a lot less time than the hours you have to work to buy a new computer or OS.
Don't let the word free deter you from these great resources. It is amazing what these companies are offering the general PC population and you should take full advantage of their offer. I use all the mentioned software myself and it just goes to show, some of the best things in life really are free.

TopSavings.Net - High Speed Broadband Internet Providers are easy to compare online for your area online. Just use your email and phone number to find the best rates in Cable, Satellite, and DSL Internet. No sales calls, just great rates. NOTE: This article may not be reproduced without this information intact with working links.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_Siegel

Top Ten Things To Consider When Buying A Computer

By John Dowling

When entering into the world of computers it can get very easy to get confused and loose sight of your goals and sometimes your budget. Hopefully I can help you set some realistic goals and make sure you get the computer you really want and need.

1. The first thing that most of us are constrained to is budget so this is the first thing you should consider. We always want the best but we need to be grounded on what we can afford. So Get a budget and stick to it.

2. The next thing you should be looking at is your requirements. Do you need a laptop or desktop? What is the machine going to be used for? Once you have done this go back to number one and see if these are compatible often they are not first time round. You either need to adjust your budget or adjust your goals to make them more compatible with each other.

3. Once you have ironed out the bugs it's time to move onto the computer itself. There are many things to consider when actually buying the computer, here I will list the most important so you can choose wisely.

4. The Processor is the most important factor when choosing a computer nowadays and there are many factors in processor choice the main thing is that in my opinion Intel are at the moment making the best chips and their core 2 duo range is the best so go for one in this family and you will be ok.

5. Next it is on to RAM, now this is simple for most just go for as much as possible and remember if you go above 2 GB then you must make sure you get windows vista 64bit as your operating system.

6. Hard drive is the next piece you should tackle. Again for the ordinary person it should be just a case of bigger is better.

7. Graphics, now all computers come with some form of graphics built in. But my recommendation is to go with something a little better possibly from NVIDIA.

8. Now that should be your main considerations when thinking of the hardware. The next thing to think about is software now many computers come with windows vista as standard, this should be premium at least I wouldn't even think about basic.

9. The last thing to do with the actual computer is a good virus and spy ware package. Don't be under any illusion this is possibly the most important part of protecting your computer. It will get attacked at some point be prepared when it does.

10. Finally the internet, get a good internet provider broadband at least, no computer I complete without this basic of add-ons.

I hope this list is helpful in helping you make vital decisions when buying your new computer. Please visit me and maybe we can help you in your building you a custom computer.
I own a website selling custom build computers and believe that people shouldn't be in the dark when making purchases. I hope this helps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Dowling

Do You Have Spyware Problems?

By Cristian Ignat

If you find yourself wondering how to remove spyware from your PC, it means that you've noticed that your computer is malfunctioning. What spyware and adware programs usually do is slowing down your computer speed by cluttering your hard drive with unnecessary and disturbing programs. Taking actions to remove spyware and adware will noticeably increase your drive speed and help you use your computer properly.
The main concern with all adware and spyware is that they pose serious security issues. You need to remove adware as soon as possible if you suspect its presence, because your personal information may be at risk. Whoever created the adware that has infected your PC can get access to the data you have stored in it, even if you are not online.
Other annoying effect of spyware programs is creating pop-ups. They can make the whole Internet surfing experience really annoying. Also, adware can modify your home page and infect some pages in order to display their own messages that are, most of the times, obscene.
Removing spyware is possible and one of the most efficient ways to stop its effects is using computer firewall protection. These firewalls prevent any adware or spyware from being installed in your computer as legitimate data is being downloaded when you surf the Internet.
It is of utmost importance to detect and delete spyware since their danger level has surpassed that of viruses. Spyware is now considered number one danger threatening our computers in the present.
In order to remove adware you need to research different methods. You can manually remove spyware or you can take the automatic route. Choosing to remove adware manually can prove to be difficult as each spyware may require different removal procedures.
Although most of us don't perceive what threat adware can be, it is imperative to show interest to what adware protection is concerned. If you are one of those people who has never checked his PC for spyware, adware and other harmful viruses, you're in for a real surprise. Scan your computer right away and start searching for the best way to remove spyware.
If you have spyware problems and want to find out more about how to remove spyware visit http://www.adalert.co.uk/ for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cristian_Ignat

Download Free PSP Games - The Secrets

By T Godfrey

Although the PSP has been around for a couple of years now, one of the most common questions I still see when contributing to gaming forums is "where's the best place to download free games".
I'm going to attempt to set the record straight on this one because many people, especially in the past few months, have been the victim not only of fraud but also of viruses and spyware that have infected their computer in the download process.
I personally know three people who as a result of downloading files off a certain website have been forced to pay to get their computers 're-formatted' - which happens to be the same cost as buying a brand new device; sometimes more!
The fact remains, wherever there is popularity, there are scammers; and the online world of the PSP is no different!
Even so, you shouldn't be put off by these stories because with the correct guidance you'll save a huge amount of money if you know how to find reputable websites that offer this service. In fact, you'll never have to pay for another game ever again if you follow the few simple steps I'm about to lay out.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been carrying out some in-depth research on this topic and have discovered a few things to watch out for when looking to download free PSP games.

1. To begin with, it is crucial to be able to recognize a rogue PSP site if you want to keep you computer from being infected. As with anything online, the general rule is, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is!

If you visit a website that immediately bombards you with pop-overs, pop-ups, pop-unders and those flashy banners which say 'You're the 1,000,000 visitor - click here to claim your free laptop' it's a pretty good indication that you should look elsewhere.
I even came across a number of sites that claimed that the only action you had to take to access the downloads was to enter your name, phone number and email address into a subscription form. Well, no prizes what's going to happen after you do that. Spam anyone!?

The other the thing you should check is the contact page of the website to see if there's a company name and address. To obtain a license to give away this variety of material, you obviously need to be a well-established company. If there's nothing there, continue your search.

2. Overall, choosing a provider that offers free PSP games can be rather overwhelming. There are literally hundreds of them on the internet and trying to evaluate which site will be the most beneficial for you can be difficult.
At first glance, most of these websites look the same although if you delve a little deeper you'll discover that some have far more to offer than others. As well as PSP games, some of the better sites also offer, and for no additional cost, the following benefits:
Movie Downloads
TV Series Downloads
Music Downloads
Wall Paper
PSP Game reviews
Of course, you may assume they all provide these and you're correct in thinking that most try to put across the impression that they do. However, once you get your membership and gain access to the site you'll soon discover that there's an extra fee to pay - and sometimes it's substantial.

3. In conclusion then, you should expect an initial one-time fee of around $50 for a lifetime access to unlimited PSP game, movie and TV downloads.
Again, there is variation but the findings in my research into the best PSP websites will certainly point you in the right direction.

Tim Godfrey is the founder of Bizazi.com and after reviewing more than 30 PSP download sites reveals exactly where to download free PSP games without risk to your computer or wallet.
Discover where how to download PSP games in simple steps by visiting the website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T_Godfrey

How To Download Music To Your PSP

By John Stason More and more people want to download music to their PSP game console.
The Sony PSP was not originally made to play music. It was designed to be a mobile 3D-game engine - just like the game boy was before for the 2D-game world.

However, very often it occurs that those little technical gadgets get used for other things than what they were originally designed for. Actually the PSP is very capable of playing movies and music as well. The sound quality is fantastic.

While it is not common that songs are being sold on UMD (the PSP media format) you can easily take MP3-songs that you already have on your hard drive and copy them to the PSP. In case you want to transfer audio CDs to the PSP you first need to convert the music from the CD to files on your computer and then transfer these to the PSP.

Here is what you need: a PSP-memory card large enough to store the music files, a USB cable to connect the PSP to your computer and a CD ripping software in case you want to convetr your existing audio CD collection to the PSP.

There is also software available to will do everything all at once: This means extracting the music from your CDs, converting them into the PSP format and then transfer them to the PSP. Some of these programs are also capable of compiling a music library on your PC and remember which songs have been transferred to your PSP so you won't store anything twice.

In case you use one of these pieces of software you only have to make sure that your PSP is connected to the PC and then fire up the program and hit the 'synchronize'-button.
The advantage when your download music to the PSP is that the PSP does not use a proprietary format like the iTunes software does when connecting to the iPod. So while the PSP is certainly not a full-blown music player it is definitely a game console that got into the groove of MP3 tunes.

If you want to know step by step how to get the get the best music for your PSP then come to my website on PSP music download secrets: http://www.squidoo.com/psp-music-downloads-secrets
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Stason

4 Types of iPods

By Beckey Berry

Building your collection of music for your ipod is a quick and easy process. There are membership websites that offer unlimited downloads for nominal fees.
Many of the new phones, such as the iPhone, has iPod capabilities. iPods are so small and sleek that it makes it convenient for everyone to have and carry their music with them wherever they go. They are packed will all kinds of features and there is one that fits right with your way of life and schedule. Do a review on the different kinds and pick the one that will work best for you and that you will get the most enjoyment from.

The iPod is very easy to use, can integrate with car stereos and other components and has a large array of accessories. There are 4 basic iPods:
1. iPod Classic - which lets you take your whole music collection with you wherever you go.
2. iPod Touch - which is an iPhone without the ability to make and receive calls.
3. iPod Nano - which has video and games built in.
4. iPod Shuffle - which is a simple, small way to play back your music.

Downloading music to your ipod is not a hard process. You need to make sure it is a safe website. You can learn more about safe downloading by clicking on the link below. Remember when downloading that there are copyright laws so don't infringe on them. There are hefty fines and penalties to pay for disobeying them.

Please feel free to reprint or distribute this entire article as long as you make sure the author's name, bio and website links are included in every instance.
BBerry writes on various download reviews and home business. To find out more information on iPod music go to http://downloading-ipod-music.blogspot.com/ to see for yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beckey_Berry

How To Save Time Online

By Jim Edwards
One of the biggest problems anyone faces online involves too much to do and not enough time to get it done! I'm not talking about the casual Internet user who jumps online as a form of entertainment to check email, use Skype, or watch YouTube videos. I'm referring to the ever-growing number of people who use the Internet for much of their business activities. If you fall into that category, the following tips will easily help you save considerable time online.
Filter Email - Filtering email rates #1 on your time-saving list. In virtually every survey ever done on the subject, email wins hands-down as the #1 most time-consuming activity. To save time, you should separate your personal and business email with separate accounts and check the personal account once a day (saves 10 minutes per day). You should also use a commercial spam filter such as Spamarrest.com to cut down on the spam you must wade through to find messages that do need your attention (saves 15 to 30 minutes per day).
Password Organizers - Using a password manager like Roboform.com or KeePass.info (free) cuts down on time spent searching your desk or email program looking for usernames and passwords for accounts you don't use very often. Secure and immediate access to all your passwords will save you at least 10 to 15 minutes per day.
Unsubscribe - Get off the lists of publications you either don't read or don't get maximum value for time spent. Casual skimming of even one email newsletter or ezine eats up several minutes of your day each time you do it. Drop off 3 email lists and you'll save yourself at least 15 minutes per day.
Track Your Time - Flitting from task to task like a rabbit with ADD robs you of any real chance to get things done. Increase your focus on specific tasks by using an egg timer to get yourself 100% focused for a specific chunk of time. Google the phrase "free egg timer software" to find a timer that runs on your desktop. While the egg timer ticks, nothing else but the current task at hand matters. This technique will net you at least 30 extra minutes of wasted time saved each day.
Pen and Paper - Always operate with a list of prioritized tasks so you know what you should work on at any given moment. A simple, prioritized list on a piece of "real" paper will reclaim at least 10 minutes per day in wasted time.
Just Say "No" - Distractions abound on the Internet. New products, new services, new videos, new jokes, new distractions come at us on a minute-by-minute basis. Yet those distractions rob us of the precious time we desperately need to accomplish our own objectives. If something new comes along, let it sit for a day, or even just an hour, and then make a decision whether or not to give it your time. This will easily save you at least 15 to 20 minutes a day in lost time.
My best advice involves operating with a strong purpose when doing anything online. I've shown you simple strategies here to save massive amounts of time every day. If you operate with a strong purpose, you'll save even more. Why? Because a strong purpose helps you filter out any time-wasting activities that won't get you where you want to go.
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use fr^e articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website, affiliate links, or blogs... Need MORE TRAFFIC to your website or affiliate links? "Turn Words Into Traffic" reveals the secrets for driving Thousands of NEW visitors to your website or affiliate links... without spending a dime on advertising! Click Here> http://www.turnwordsintotraffic.com
Copyright (c) 2008 Jim Edwards
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Edwards

Best Place To Get MP4 Music Video Downloads

By George Tho

How do you find the best location for mp4 music video downloads? One has to look at a few factors in order to decide whether those websites listed on the search engines when searching for "mp4 music video downloads" are good and legitimate ones or scam sites run by hackers.
There is no such thing as free lunch.
Free sites are always great for downloading but for contents like mp4 music video downloads, users have to be very careful when using sites claiming to provide free downloading service. Think about it. It takes money and effort to maintain sites containing large media files, why would anyone host it for free? There are 2 possible explanations, either the site owner is trying to attract lots of traffic and in that earn some advertising dollar or the media files are more than just normal media files. Some of these sites contain files that are either corrupted or infected with viruses, Trojans, spywares or malwares. These content pose a danger to the operating system of computers and mobile devices. Also, personal data could be at risk as a result of playing these media files.
There are of course genuine sites that provide free downloads but the selections are limited and speed of download is slow.
P2P.
P2P stands for peer-to-peer and is a file sharing technology that has been around for a long time. The unique thing of this system is that the download speed of a particular file is directly proportionate to the number of users downloading the file at the same time. That means the more people are downloading it, the higher the download speed. Look for mp4 music video downloads from portals that feature this kind of download system to get the best performance.
Size of Media Database.
No matter how professionally designed or how fast the download is from a site, it is pointless if the site does not have a good selection of media files to choose from. A quality site will be one that caters to all kinds of audiences; from those looking for old movies to youngsters looking for the latest mp4 music video downloads. Go for a download portal with large media bank.
George Tho is a webmaster and movie lover. Read his review on a download portal that charges a one-time fee and features a huge collection of mp4 music video downloads compatible with all mobile devices with a large user base of 20 million here.
Author's review website on clickbank products: http://www.clickbankproductreview.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Tho

Powerful Secrets To Getting More Gold In World Of Warcraft

By Reuben Rock

You have been playing Warcraft for a while now, and you are well aware that gold is essential to moving ahead in the game. Without any gold you cannot gain better skills or buy better weapons or armor. And without these things, you will fail. So avoid that failure and learn how to make more gold right now. In this article I will share with you some of the best gold making strategies in Warcraft.
It is an excellent idea to find a guide for getting gold in Warcraft. Some of these guides contain excellent and powerful information about getting more gold and can leave you richer than god. So invest in a good guide now. It will pay off later.
Work on your profession and start early. Just like real life, you need to get a job to make any money. In Warcraft, get a job early and perfect your trade. You will make much more gold if you can become good at your profession.
Fishing is always a great way to make gold although it can be boring. If you can catch the rare fish that are worth more gold you will never have to worry about having enough gold So spend some time fishing.
Buy low and sell high. Make use of the auction house to determine which items sell for a higher price, then find those items for a good price. Then you can resell them for a better price and keep the profit.
Keep these tips in mind and you will be rolling in gold soon enough. Keep these tips in mind and you will be rolling in gold soon enough.
Want to get the real secrets to getting more gold any anybody else in Warcraft? Check out http://www.squidoo.com/warcraft3gold for the best insiders tips...
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reuben_Rock

Trace Cell Phone Numbers To Track Down Anyone

By Julie LandryTrying to find a reverse cell phone directory is much easier then most people think. As time goes on, more and more people are switching to cell phones. But with that increase in usage comes an increase in unwanted or annoying calls. It use to be that only at home would you get harassing callers, mysterious hang ups, or midnight prank callers, but now even cell phone users are under threat. Using a reverse number lookup can be very useful when trying to track down who's behind an unwanted number.

Phone numbers are published online for a variety of reasons. People fill out classified ads, profile pages or other web pages on the Internet. They might also want to include a phone number. If the phone number appears online, the search engines will find it. And this is really the only way you will ever be able to find the contact details of an unknown number for free -- if the person willingly put his or her information online for the world to see.
Which won't happen very often...

If indeed your search comes up blank and you can't get any worthwhile results, you can still uncover the person's full details by using a paid reverse cell phone directory service. The lifespan of a cell phone number is too short to make a public and free directory possible. It takes a concerted effort to gather these records from all the different cellular companies and make sure they are up-to-date and current; and that's why you will have to make a small investment if you want to find out who is calling.

Fortunately, this is not expensive at all. You can have instant access and unlimited lookups once you are a member, which only requires a one-time fee. And you can get complete details such as the person's name, address, location details and other background information.

Do you want to trace cell phone numbers? Perform a FREE preliminary reverse phone number search by visiting http://www.reversecellphonetrace.com/ to find the information you seek.
Or visit this trace cell phone numbers overview for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Landry