Friday, July 29, 2011

Steps to Build a Computer

You have done your research and you are convinced as to what computer parts to use to build a computer. You have bought the parts; the next thing is to learn how to put them all together.

Tools Needed

-Motherboard manual
-Needle nose pliers (Not needed, but recommended)
-Philips head screwdriver
-Anti-static wrist strap or grounding mat
-flashlight

It is recommended to have a second computer so you can view look for further help online and possibly even download drivers.

Before you start putting all the parts together, you will need:

-A well lit room
-A space without carpet to help eliminate static energy.
-Put on your anti-static wrist trap
-Place all the parts on the anti-static bags they came in

As a safety precaution, do not plug in your computer until all the parts are in place and the case is closed up. Put your computer case on the work surface. Open up the case with the Philips screwdriver. Some cases come with a power supply. If you already bought a power supply, then you may want to remove the power supply that came with the case to retrofit the new one.

Next, screw the motherboard to the case. Now that the motherboard is in, you can now start to put other parts in place.

Plug in the CPU. Make sure you follow the manufacturer manual religiously. You can use the second computer to get tips on how your particular CPU is installed. Generally, you will need to place the CPU into the motherboard first. Then you will need to apply thermal paste, usually just a dab, to the top of the CPU. Last, you will need to install the heat sink on top of the CPU.

Now is time to add your RAM. The memory is pretty simple to install. It just snaps in. Check the motherboard manual for instructions on which DIMMs to install the memory into.

Next, if you purchased a video card, install your video card into position by placing the video card into the socket. This will either be a pci-express socket. However, older motherboards may still have an AGP slot. Most video cards will also need a connection from the power supply as well.

Next, install the hard drive and optical drive. These will both need a connection to both the motherboard and to the power supply.

It is time to add PCI cards. PCI cards are network cards, video cards, TV tuners, and sound cards. You may or may not have any of these to install.

Last, you will need to hook up your motherboard to the computer case power on, reset, etc buttons. You will need to consult your motherboard manual to see how these all connect to your particular motherboard.

Now, we can close up the computer case, plug it in, and boot up your computer. Listen for any beep sound; if there is any, turn off the computer, and check your motherboard manual for troubleshooting tips.

If everything starts up ok, you may want to configure your Computer's BIOS. You can do this by pressing the Del or F1 key almost immediately after you boot your computer. Check your motherboard documentation to learn how to configure computer BIOS. The default setting should be fine but you can configure using your motherboard manual as guide.

Finally, you can go ahead and install your operating system, Windows Office, drivers, and security software. Keep in mind that all hardware on your computer needs a driver to function.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Mike Nash Leaves Microsoft

First, it was Windows Senior Vice President Bill Veghte who left the stage and now the Corporate Vice President of Windows Platform Strategy, Mike Nash. He is the second top Microsoft Executive to leave the company in less than a month. Mike Nash is expected to join Amazon.com where his services will be highly useful.

While at Microsoft, Mike Nash was responsible for helping Microsoft make several important acquisitions in the security space. He was also a key player and Microsoft can't thank him enough for his role in ecosystem engagement, Internet Explorer, Windows business strategy, emerging markets, and consumer security.

Mike Nash has spent 19 years at Microsoft. He was also part of the first product manager on the original Windows NT marketing team. He was at one time the Corporate Vice President of the Security Technology Unit.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Three Common Causes of Slow PC Speed

If you use a new computer, even for a minute, you would instantly appreciate the excitement of using a fast machine. The feeling is always great with a fast computer: programs run at a very comfortable pace, websites open at the click of a mouse and so on. Sad enough, the speed of new computers diminishes with time.

Malicious malware and registry errors are two common causes of a slow computer. However, you can prevent these from taking a toll on the speed of your computer. You definitely do not need to be a techie to maintain your computer’s maximum speed at all times. All it needs you do is to show a little care.

Malicious Malware

Malicious malwares are dubious programs that penetrate and run on your computer. Even a brief stop at some unsafe website would automatically load and run threats such as Viruses, Trojans, Spyware, worms and a truckload of other threats. These threats gain entrance to your computer without your permission or knowledge.

To avoid the danger of malicious software running on your machine you need an up-to-date and good Anti-Virus. Secondly, avoid opening email messages with attachments except if you are sure of the source. Try to avoid downloading and running freeware unless you know the freeware is a trusted software. Almost all downloaded freeware comes with hidden vaults-of-threats that spread their tentacles on your system stealing information, corrupting files, studying your browsing behaviour and sending you targeted ads. For what it is worth, it is important to say your email address could be used to send spam messages too.

Registry Errors

Each time you install and run a program on your computer, the registry gets a new instruction about the program. This instruction is used to run the program. When these programs are later removed from the system and your computer is switched on, it tries to execute these instructions; the result is registry errors.

Good registry Cleaners could help you delete registry errors. If you do not want to get a registry cleaner right away, then you have to avoid installing unnecessary programs: Only install programs that are very important to you. Read reviews to see the good and bad sides of a program instead of installing and running a trial version that you will end up uninstalling later. One useful tool is tuneup utilities. You can find a tuneup utilities review here.

Hard Drive Fragmentation
Fragmentation occurs when the operating system cannot or will not allocate enough contiguous space to store a complete file as a unit, but instead puts parts of it in gaps between other files. This fragmentation causes your hard drive to run slower and fragmentation will build over time. You can use the windows defrag utility to help cut back on hard drive fragmentation.

Monday, January 18, 2010

T-Mobile Upgrades to 7.2Mbps

Due to growing interest in the 3G smart phones, T-Mobile has upgraded its nationwide 3G network from 3.6 to 7.2Mbps. The news of the upgrade was made public on January 5. This is a bold step by the U.S. carrier in preparedness for Google's next generation Nexus One Smartphone, which is to be available on the T-Mobile’s network before next week.

T-Mobile currently has, on its network, 3G-based handsets such as Samsung Behold II, Motorola CLIQ, and their very own T-Mobile my Touch 3G.

With the new upgrade from 3.6Mbps to 7.2Mbps HSPA, subscribers will be able to enjoy faster wireless download speed of up to 21 Mbps. T-Mobile aims at becoming the first U.S. network to have HSPA+ throughout its network before July 2010.

Friday, November 20, 2009

MyFaves: Going, Going, Gone!

T-Mobile has announced that it will put to an end the unlimited calling optiont o five selected people known as the MyFaves. Too bad, this option which was first launch in 2006 and has since found a side of grace with many families will have to end.

However, this change in policy does not affect already existing die-hard fans. Current subscribers using MyFaves will still be able to enjoy this service. This change in policy will, no doubt, change the phone bills of families.

Sorry Dwayne Wade and Charles Barkely!