Sunday, March 20, 2011

Wireless Router - The Best Choice To Get Connected

Routers have now become an indispensable element of modern home and business networks. There are two types of routers - wired and wireless. A wireless router allows your computer connect to the network and explore your favorite Websites, check e-mail, IM friends, or teleconference with colleagues. A wired router also performs the same task. But if you don't want to clutter your setup with Ethernet cables, then the best choice is to go for a wireless router.

Wireless router is now widely popular as they not only act as a wired router but they also transmit a wireless signal. This means, you may remain connected to a network without having to connect your computer to anything. As more and more people are now using laptops and connect a game console to the Internet, wireless routers are becoming more and more popular.

Wondering which type of router to purchase? Well, if there are a number of computers as well as laptops, then it is much better to get a wireless router. Nowadays, all the laptops come with built-in wireless network feature. So, you don't need to spend extra bucks for buying additional cards.

Since wireless routers also have additional ports for direct connection to local computers, the users can add computers directly to the router. Apart from this, if you have other wireless devices, you can easily communicate wirelessly to the same router.

When it comes to choosing a wireless, you need to consider the networking technology that a router works with. Standards Protocols may differ depending on your Network. Most of the times the users find difficulties to decipher the different protocols and wireless technologies. 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n are the three most common routers. It is recommended to choose 802.11g as it is most compatible with most wireless networking standards. For Internet & Network Support, you can consult a computer services company.

Computer Repair Easier than Fixing Your Hair

In the advancement of technology, it has become possible that more and more updates are able to lessen the parts and components found on the computer. Many functions have been compressed into a few devices and parts, making it simpler for people who are already into working on computer repair since they were younger. In the age of yore, when you mentioned about motherboard repair, it gives an impact to people that it is complicated to fix or only techie people are able to get their hands on it and have it working.

However, as this kind of ease and simplicity is becoming more known to people, technologies and components are also becoming more expensive than what they are supposed to be. An example of which, is the modem. In ages past, modems have just been created to operate on dial up systems, which is simple. However, since there are now more means for connections such as networks through intranets, Wi-Fi, Infrared, Bluetooth, DSL lines and others, modem repair also becomes more expensive because of the multiple functions and the necessity it reflects on the user.

How about the monitor? Are you still using the CRT or the big monitor or are you now using the LCD or the thin and bigger monitor? These devices are now capable of displaying images that are clearer than the older version and are also capable of using smart features that cannot be seen in order versions of it. As these are created better by the age, it also becomes less troublesome to fix. This will give one the impression that a monitor repair will only be necessary if there are complicated and hard cases that cannot be resolved by simple unplug and replug. You may need to call a technician to know more about the problem.

Though it is now easier to repair components because of the advancements being more developed and advanced, when you say the problems are complicated, they are fit into a situation where even techie people can no longer fix it. This is the time when professionals come into the picture. They are the ones that can work on sound card repair when unplugging and replugging the PC is no longer useful or uninstalling and installing drivers are now becoming a hassle. We have to give it up if we have no other choice.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Keyboards: Part of the Infrastructure of Communication

USB keyboards are those most common type computer keyboards which are a staple item in the infrastructure of modern communication. Computers have become increasingly more popular in modernized society as a multi-usage tool. Some of the more common uses for computers are business, social networking and blogging, and gaming; everyone uses their computer differently, but without a keyboard, it would be useless.
Some keyboards come with specific features designed to aid the operator of the computer in their endeavors. Light up keys, a generally universal keyboard set up, and varying key sizes are all examples of features which may make a user more comfortable operating the technology.
An illuminated keyboard is an especially hot commodity with gamers who may need to seek out command keys quickly while playing in the dark. Gamers are not the only users who would find lit keys to be useful because, while it may not be as urgent as a gamer searching for a command key, having light-up keys makes a keyboard easier for the operator to navigate.
Other comfort features such as key sizes and a universal set-up serve the purpose of making keyboards quicker to adjust to. While it may sound like there are no drawbacks to keyboards, there are always two sides to an argument. That being said, while keyboards are a positive thing, anyone gaining access to the keyboard of someone else may pose a potential danger to that person and their private information.
Key loggers, for example, are an obvious drawback to keyboards. This device has the ability to log keystrokes of the keyboard it is programmed to track. The most dangerous feature of key loggers is that there are two forms: software-based and hardware based. Software-based key loggers may be detected and sorted out by virus protection; however, hardware based key loggers can easily slip under the radar as virus protection cannot pick up on them and they cannot be seen. Anyone with access to the keystrokes made on a keyboard has access to that information held within the keystrokes and this may include bank information, personal information, and business information; key loggers do not censor anything, whether they are made to be shared or not.
Overall, keyboards are a necessary and useful piece of the infrastructure for modern communication. When used and guarded correctly, the keyboards can be a helpful tool to anyone while participating in the forum of modern communication.

Windows 7: Why You Should Upgrade

XP has been around for so long that a lot of people still equate an operating system with the word XP. Released back in 2001, XP was a resounding success. It still seems to dominate a plethora of desktops around the world, especially in China and India. More programs have been developed keeping this operating system in mind than any other Windows OS. For Windows support, consult a online computer repair company.
But what a lot of people do not know is that XP is not that secure, certainly not as secure as later Windows operating systems Vista and Windows 7. The firewall that XP has is not as powerful or configurable as the firewall in Windows 7. Over the decade that Windows 7 was released, thousands more people are on the Web today than they were back when XP was released. This makes the importance of a sturdy firewall even more significant. The Windows 7 firewall has been designed to be safer and stronger than the one in XP. A firewall protects the PC from hackers and from malware to make connections to the Web.
Another feature sorely missing in XP is UAC or User Account Control. User Account Control in Windows 7 is an advanced user permissions policy that has been crafted to make sure that users do not accidentally run malicious programs that may be detrimental to the system. UAC alerts the user with a conspicuous prompt before the user executes an application. Executing unknown applications can be dangerous because they can hide malicious code or a virus. With Windows 7, you get Microsoft Security Essentials or MSE. MSE is an advanced security suite from Microsoft that includes a powerful antivirus. This antivirus does a great job of protecting your PC from viruses and malware and does not cost anything at all. You get free definition updates which can also be manually downloaded and installed if your connection is poor. Removable devices like USB pen drives can carry hidden viruses unknown to users.
XP is not smart enough to identify or block these viruses - it is simply not so well-equipped. But Windows 7 automatically blocks malicious code on these thumb drives and with the built-in MSE, it alerts you if there is a virus lurking inside it. Windows 7 will keep getting security updates for many years to come but XP will get security updates for just a few more years from now. If you are sticking to XP because you have a business program that will run only on XP, you can get Windows 7 Professional which comes with the XP Mode. The XP Mode lets you run a licensed copy of Windows XP SP3 inside a virtual environment and it works seamlessly along with your Windows 7 installation. Should you run into problems during installation, you are entitled to get free Microsoft support.

The Power of Using Flash Drives

Flash Drives are designed to allow you to easily store and transport any files you like. This is especially good for digital photographs, documents, MP3s and even applications. Its quick and easy to get data from one computer to another with minimal effort.
Moving files around had always been a headache ever since the computers were common place. Floppy drives were never a reliable media and remained a problem. But techies were always on their toes to find a trusted and convenient way to replace the fragile floppy discs.
Thankfully along came a 4cm long compact, slim, plug and play small device that carried no lead wire for connectivity or for power and used the USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port to log in and do all the tricks in a flash. Owing to its size and convenience of carrying around, it got a name Flash Drive. This small 35g light device is popularly known as USB flash drive, Pen Drive, Thumb drive, USB Key etc. Earlier the Flash drives were of 16mb to 32mb capacity, that is many times over the capacity of 3.5 inch Floppy drive. But now one can find the Flash Drive that can accommodate upto 2GB data or even more for less than mere GBP 30 a piece, which makes them ultimate in carrying even larger files. Your computer will recognise it as a Removable Drive and assigns the next vacant name, say F: drive. Clicking on this will allow you to see your stored files.
You can simply plug in into a USB port, drag and drop files on to it to save your files on it the drive and carry it to wherever you want to. The prices are crashing and the capacity is increasing. That means hefty memories are now available at lower prices. It is bargains all the way.
There are score of different types and models around, they from basic to innovative features. These drives are rugged, shock-proof, need no power supply, with a glowing indicator when in use, password protected, need no wires, can be used as a key ring and looks great.

Motherboard Essentials

Motherboard is the foremost computer part that you should consider when assembling a PC. It is popularly called the heart of the computer since all components are connected to it. Basically, it relays information from and to all components. So when you assemble a PC, buy the motherboard first.
Buying a motherboard can be easy and convenient since they are already sold at a motherboard online store. All you have to do is list all your motherboard requirements and conveniently shop at a motherboard online store. If you’re unsure of your motherboard requirements, below is a rundown of the usual requirements.
1. Size. A motherboard is available in different sizes. If you are buying a motherboard to replace an old defective one, then be sure that you buy the same size as your old one; your motherboard may not fit inside your existing computer case. But if you are buying a motherboard for a new assembly, then the size factor will depend on the components that you wish to install.
2. Processor Type and Socket. The motherboard socket is where the processor is plugged-in. It used to be that processors such as Intel and AMD were able to share the same socket. But now, after a few years of improving processors, each brand of processor has its own socket type determined by the number of pins on it. Basically, you won’t be able to transfer from one brand of processor to another without replacing the motherboard as well. Even though replacing motherboard can be easy through a motherboard online store, the price tag can always cause a pinch. So if you want to avoid the unnecessary expenses of replacing a non-defective motherboard, carefully choose a processor that will match your CPU needs and use.
3. CPU components. The CPU components that should be specifically considered when buying a motherboard are: hard drive, memory and power supply. Memory cards are continually advancing and as they advance, their sockets advance drastically as well. The DDR for instance, the most commonly used memory card has 184 pins while the newly released DDR-2 has 240 pins. In the memory card market, the older version is usually phased out when a new version is released. So naturally, when your older version of memory card needs replacement, you may also need to replace the motherboard. This can be very frustrating especially if your motherboard does not have any defects. Therefore, to avoid being in this kind of situation, buy a motherboard that is compatible with the recent memory card versions.
The hard drive has more or less a similar story with memory cards. There are two types of hard drives available in the market: ATA and SATA, ATA being the older version and SATA the recent version. Recent versions of motherboards support both types but there are already quite a number that support only SATA. Manufacturers of the latter type may be anticipating an ATA phase out, so you may want to go with their anticipation. But just to be on the safe side, buy a motherboard that supports both HD types.

How To Keep Your Computer Running At Full Speed

Have you noticed your computer processing a little slower than normal? Maybe you can't get your e-mail as quickly as you used to. Or maybe you just want to put your foot through the monitor screen because it keeps freezing anyway and you're not getting anything done. Save your loafers. In actuality, you might need a little memory boost. Every computer relies on RAM, random access memory. RAM resides on your computer hard drive, so to boost your RAM, you first need to take a look at your hard drive and then get to work cleaning up your computer.

Routinely checking and cleaning your RAM will keep your system running more smoothly. Just a few different checks will maximize your computer's performance while you sit back in your ergonomic chair and think about your next project instead of the frozen screen in front of you.

To make your RAM bigger and improve the speed of your computer, just increase your memory. You can do this a couple of ways. Defrag your computer to rid it of unneeded files. Doing this will make everyday processes like a word processing program or your accounting program boot up and run faster. You won't find yourself chewing your nails in anticipation for the next window to pop up.

Maybe you need to purchase another hard drive. You can install it easily and with little extra cost, and doing so will maximize your computer's speed. You'll find yourself blown away by the lighting quick speed of programs on your computer. Those of us that use our computers regularly will greatly profit from more memory. Two hard drives really will make a difference.

The wimpiest hard drives usually come with the computer; so if you're still using your factory hard drive, buy another one. To install a new hard drive, you only need a screwdriver. You can find the right hard drive by asking a technician at your local computer hardware store. They should point you in the right direction. Then just follow the instructions in the package.

Another hard drive might not only save you the frustration that a slow computer causes, but it will save you the headache of lost files. It gives you another places to save your files, a virtual additional filing cabinet. This saves you stress in the end and allows you to sleep better at night and work better in the day.
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