If your computer is running slow, one of the first things that you should take a look at is your PC's memory usage. Also, you will need to take into consideration how much memory you currently have. If you have less than 1 GB of memory, a memory upgrade would help you. Also, if you are trying to run a lot of programs at the same time, even if you have over 1 GB of memory, a memory upgrade would help system performance.
Many users start thinking of buying a new PC when it starts to slow down. However, it is always worth trying out a memory upgrade before spending hundreds of dollars on a new computer. Generally, I would even say it is worth maxing out your memory before buying a new PC, assuming that the max capacity is 4 GB or less. Also, keep in mind that Windows XP 32-bit version is maxed out at 3GB of memory. So, there is no point in going above 3GB for XP 32-bit.
Another great thing about a memory upgrade is that it is usually pretty cheap. I was able to go from 1.5 GB to 4GB for under a $100 pretty recently. This is a lot cheaper than the $500 I would have spent on a new PC. Also, I noticed a huge increase in speed when I executed this upgrade.
One thing you will want to keep in mind is that you will need to buy the correct memory for your particular computer. If you are a novice, I would recommend trying the crucial memory scanner: Memory Scanner. This tool can help you to find the exact memory for your PC. You don't have to buy the memory from crucial after you use the tool to detect what type of memory you have. However, they do have solid memory.
Installing the new memory is also quite easy as well. Generally, you just need to unplug the computer, open up the computer, and snap in the new memory into the memory slots of the motherboard. You can find a more detailed guide at Kingston.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
How to Backup Your Files and Why It is Important
Backing up files on a device is a good habit. Many times, we don't loss data to theft or because of damage to our machines but because we didn't take time out and backup the important data on our devices. Whenever there is system failure that leads to data loss, there is a chance that the computer needs a fresh copy of the OS. So, backing up data is important and can save you a lot of time and hassle.
There are few things to consider so that you can properly plan on when and how to backup data. First, the type of file matters. Simple plain files are easy to backup and require fewer resources when compared to media files such as pictures, presentation materials, and videos. Second, you will have to determine when you will be making the backup. Last but not the least is the backup solution you decide to go with.
Let's look at the various solutions available:
This might sound strange but it offers a very quick and reliable way to store data. This backup solution is ideal for small or individual files only. Many free web-based email services offer free storage space and you can use that to make a quick backup.
Cloning is one thing we do often but just don't realize it. It is simply copying all data files from one source to another. For example, we may want to copy an entire hard drive to a DVD or a second hard drive.
This is one of the most common ways to backup data. Many external drives are plug-and-play and they come in various sizes to fit your needs. This can be anything from a small external thumb drive to a full-fledged large external hard drive.
Using an external server is another reliable way to backup data. Most free services, as well as paid cloud-based servers let people store data online. The main advantage is that you can access your data anytime and anywhere in the world. Another advantage of this backup solution is that you don't control the storage device, so you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging the backup. All you need to access your data is the login credentials and website address.
You can also backup your data to a CD or DVD, Zip disk, or a floppy disk. The floppy and Zip disk solutions are starting to become outdated though. The disadvantage to this backup solution is that you have to keep the CD/DVD/etc in a safe place to keep it from being lost or damaged.
Check to see which backup solution is most convenient for you. The external server backup solution, emailing yourself, and disk cloning are powerful ways to backup your data. Start backing up today and you won’t regret you did.
There are few things to consider so that you can properly plan on when and how to backup data. First, the type of file matters. Simple plain files are easy to backup and require fewer resources when compared to media files such as pictures, presentation materials, and videos. Second, you will have to determine when you will be making the backup. Last but not the least is the backup solution you decide to go with.
Let's look at the various solutions available:
Email a File to you
This might sound strange but it offers a very quick and reliable way to store data. This backup solution is ideal for small or individual files only. Many free web-based email services offer free storage space and you can use that to make a quick backup.
Disk Cloning
Cloning is one thing we do often but just don't realize it. It is simply copying all data files from one source to another. For example, we may want to copy an entire hard drive to a DVD or a second hard drive.
External Drives
This is one of the most common ways to backup data. Many external drives are plug-and-play and they come in various sizes to fit your needs. This can be anything from a small external thumb drive to a full-fledged large external hard drive.
External Server
Using an external server is another reliable way to backup data. Most free services, as well as paid cloud-based servers let people store data online. The main advantage is that you can access your data anytime and anywhere in the world. Another advantage of this backup solution is that you don't control the storage device, so you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging the backup. All you need to access your data is the login credentials and website address.
DVD, CD, or Zip drive
You can also backup your data to a CD or DVD, Zip disk, or a floppy disk. The floppy and Zip disk solutions are starting to become outdated though. The disadvantage to this backup solution is that you have to keep the CD/DVD/etc in a safe place to keep it from being lost or damaged.
Check to see which backup solution is most convenient for you. The external server backup solution, emailing yourself, and disk cloning are powerful ways to backup your data. Start backing up today and you won’t regret you did.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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