Computer Motherboards
A motherboard is one of the most essential pieces of equipment needed for a computer to function. Motherboards are the central hubs through which every piece of hardware communicates. Components such as graphics cards, memory sticks, hard drives, and CPUs (short for central processing unit) all require the motherboard as a base of operations and would all be useless without one.
One main feature to look at when considering a motherboard is its bus speed. There are many different types of buses including the front side bus, back side bus, PCI bus, and memory bus. The front side bus is usually considered the most important as it connects the CPU to all the other components of the computer. The front side bus can range anywhere from 66 MHz to over 800 MHz–the higher the bus speed of a motherboard the faster the computer can transfer information between its multitude of parts.
Higher bus speeds thus equate to more powerful computers and faster processing. It is important to note that having high bus speeds in a motherboard will not make up for slow a slow CPU, they will only allow the computer to run as efficiently as possible given its network of elements.
Memory slots are another vital part of motherboards. The more memory, or RAM (short for random-access memory) a computer has, the higher the amount of information that can be processed at a single time. It is therefore desirable to have at least two or three memory slots in a motherboard to upgrade RAM as the user deems necessary. It is also important to note that there are different types of memory sticks such as SDRAM and DDR SDRAM. The physical composition of these types differ greatly and must be matched to the type of RAM the motherboard supports otherwise they will not fit into the memory slots.
PCI (short for peripheral component interconnect) slots and AGP (short for accelerated graphics port) slots are another major component of motherboards.
PCI slots allow a user to connect peripherals such as sound cards, network cards, and modems. AGP slots allow a user to connect graphics cards for higher image handling capability. If a user knows he or she will need many peripheral devices or will require higher video function, then it is important for that user to pick out a motherboard that will both support the necessary peripherals as well as keep them functioning at optimum levels.
Cooling motherboards and its components, especially the CPU, is also vital to a computer’s peak performance and sustainability. Cooling units such as fans and high-tech cooling devices are necessary to make sure a computer does not overheat. If a computer does overheat, it can cause irreversible damage to the computer’s components, which in turn will cost the user lots of money in repairs.
Choosing the right motherboard to suit the user’s needs is an important process when deciding on a computer. Without a proper motherboard a computer will never reach its full potential and may not even function at all.
Filed under Computer Store | Comment (0)Computer drivers
What are drivers?
Drivers are tiny software program that help control devices attached to your computer. They work as instruction manuals that provide software with the information with regard to controlling and communicating with different hardware devices.
Why do we need drivers?
Drivers help computers identify and run installed hardware. A device driver is a code that an operating system uses to control disk devices, spectacle adapters, input devices such as a mouse or trackball, modems, fax machines, printers, and other hardware. Without printer drivers, computers will not be able to distinguish between a printer and another device. Most computer devices and peripherals need drivers to run, which means that computer accessories, such as scanners and digital cameras also need drivers to gathering.
This is what all computer hardware and accessories that are bought come with drivers stored in either a floppy disk or a CD.
Driver issues
If your hardware seems to perform poorly or you are facing hardware failure, hardware conflicts and perfect system crashes, you may need to get the driver update to remove bugs and add extra functionality to increase the performance of the device.
Where to get drivers?
Drivers can be downloaded from the websites of hardware manufacturers, for example hp drivers from hp.com ,you can download the driver updates. You can do this by navigating owing to the manufacturer’s website and searching for the page that allows you to download drivers for their products.
A driver update software can also be a excellent choice to get the drivers you need correctly and easily.
The driver updater involuntarily scans your computer, looks for the drivers you need, and involuntarily installs them to your computer. These kinds of software are very simple to use and they can ensure that you will have the most up-to-date drivers for your devices. What’s matters is that the program can get drivers of nearly any brands like dell drivers, nvidia drivers and ati drivers and devices such as printer drivers etc.
How to reinstall and upgrade drivers
Reinstalling a device driver:
Log on to your computer as an administrator;
1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and click Manage;
2. Under System Tools, click Device Manager;
3. In the right pane, expand any of the categories to find the hardware you need to reinstall. Right-click the device, and then click Uninstall;
4. In the Confirm Device Removal dialog box, click the OK pin;
5. If you see a message asking if you want to restart your computer, click Yes. You can also manually restart your computer;
6. After the restart, Windows should involuntarily detect and reinstall the hardware.
Upgrading drivers for pre-existing devices
1. Open Windows Device Manager. In the Device Manager locate the device you wish to update the drivers for;
2. Right-click the device and click properties;
3. In the properties window click the driver tab;
4. Click the update drivers pin.;
5. In the Hardware Update Wizard point Windows to the location of the updated drivers on your hard disk drive;
6. Once drivers have been installed, reboot.
Computer Problems
Most every person who has a personal computer of some sort has already established corresponding personal computer problems. Depending on the type of machine used the problems may be minor or easily solved just by closing the browser. This kind of solves the majority of the problems Macintosh users have, assuming they may be exercising vigilance in the downloading and installing applications.
Things get a little bit trickier for any folks who make use of the Windows based operating system coming from Microsoft. Windows is still the head in the operating-system wars although the Apple Pc Macintosh operating-system and the free Linux operating system maintain a competitive base regarding users.
Because of the widely distributed nature associated with Windows operating system Computers the designers of infections, spyware, as well as other malware tend to concentrate more about overcoming the defenses and protections upon PCs compared to what they do to Mac and Linux machines.
After all, the more people means a wider galaxy of people who are probably not keeping up with the latest virus defense software.
It’s rather like how the neighborhood thieves might try to find the actual homeowner which keeps the automatic garage door wide open by mistake. Far easier to go into a home through a wide open garage door than it is the location where the homeowner remembers to use the automatic garage door opener to close the garage door as they drive off each morning. People considering creating harm to others, whether via using software to steal information or perhaps cause damage to some type of computer or people breaking into homes, are all about taking the path of least resistance or they wouldn’t do the bad items they are doing.
Just like the best way, needless to say, to keep individuals from jogging through the available garage front door is to close it, so is it the ultimate way to protect a person’s computer is to make sure the particular anti-virus as well as anti-spyware software is up to the latest versions. If however, an individual’s personal computer has been running slow and slow for a while, you’ll be able to have any bad software removed from the folks at the local pc maintenance store. Just as occasionally the automatic garage door must be serviced with a garage doorway repairman, therefore does the individual computer have to be serviced by the computer repair particular person.
A good storage area door repairman can help to lengthen the life of your garage front door by guaranteeing that the programmed garage door opener is actually working properly and the garage door continues to be on track and in much the same approach, a computer fix person can extend the life of the pc, just be checking and removing any adware and spyware that might have got snuck onto the machine all the while the user was not paying attention.
Filed under Computer Store | Comment (0)computer viruses
WHAT IS A COMPUTER VIRUS:
The term usually used to define a computer virus is:’ A computer virus is often malicious software which replicates itself’
- COMPUTER VIRUSES ARE BASICALLY PROGRAMS, LIKE A SPREADSHEET OR A WORD PROCESSOR.
- PROGRAMS WHICH CAN INSERT EXECUTABLE COPIES OF ITSELF INTO OTHER PROGRAMS.
- PROGRAMS THAT MANIPULATES PROGRAMS, MODIFIES OTHER PROGRAMS AND REPRODUCE ITSELF IN THE PROCESS.
Comparing Biological viruses & Computer viruses
*************************************************************
* Attack specific * Attack specific
* body cells * programs (*.COM *.EXE)
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* Modify the genetic information * Manipulate the program:
* of a cell other than previous * It performs tasks
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* New viruses grow in the * The infected program produces
* infected cell itself * virus programs
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* Infected cells aren’t infected * Program are infected only once
* more than once by the same cell* by most programs
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* An infected organism may not * The infected program can work
* exhibit symptoms for a while * without error for a long time
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* Not all cells with which the * Program can be made immune
* virus contact are infected * against certain viruses
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* Viruses can mutate and thus * Virus program can modify
* cannot be clearly told apart * themselves & possibly escape
* * detection this way
*************************************************************
However, ” computer virus ” is just another name for a class of programs. They can do anything that another program can.
The only distinguishing characteristic is the program has ability to reproduce and infect other programs.
WHAT KIND OF PROGRAM ARE CHARACTERIZED AS A VIRUS PROGRAM:
- PROGRAM WHICH HAS CAPABILITY TO EXECUTE THE MODIFICATION ON A NUMBER OF PROGRAMS.
- CAPABILITY TO RECOGNIZE A MODIFICATION PERFORMED ON A PROGRAM.(THE ABILITY TO PREVENT FURTHER MODIFICATION OF THE SAME PROGRAM UPON SUCH RECONDITION.)
- MODIFIED SOFTWARE ASSUME ATTRIBUTES 1 TO 4.
HOW DOES A VIRUS SPREAD:
A computer virus can only be put into your system either by yourself or someone else. One way in which a virus can be put into your computer is via a Trojan Horse.
-TROJAN HORSE IS USUALLY CONTAMINATED IN DISKS WHICH ARE PARTICULARY PIRATED COPIES OF SOFTWARE. IT IS SIMPLY A DAMAGING PROGRAM DISGUISED AS AN INNOCENT ONE. MANY VIRUSES MAYBE HIDDEN IN IT, BUT T.H.
THEMSELVES DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO REPLICATE.
Viruses also can be spread through a Wide Area network (WAN) or a Local Area Network (LAN) by telephone line.
For example down loading a file from a local BBS.
BBS(bulletin board system)-AN Electronic mailbox that user can access to send or receive massages.
However, there seems to be countless numbers of ways to become infected. Every-time you down loads a program from somewhere or borrowed a disk from a friend, you are taking a risk of getting infected.
DAMAGES AND SIGNS OF INFECTION:
a.> Fill Up your P.C. with Garbage:As a virus reproduces, it takes up space. This space cannot be used by the operator. As more copies of the virus are made, the memory space is lessened.
b.> Mess Up Files:Computer files have a fixed method of being stored. With this being the case, it is very easy for a computer virus to affect the system so some parts of the accessed files cannot be located.
c.> Mess Up FAT:FAT(the File Allocation Table) is the method used to contain the information required about the location of files stored on a disk. Any allocation to this information can cause endless trouble.
d.> Mess Up The Boot Sector:The boot sector is the special information found on a disk.Changing the boot sector could result in the inability of the computer to run.
e.> Format a Disk/ Diskette:A virus can simply format a disk as the operator would with the format or initialise command.
f.> Reset The Computer:To reset the computer, the operator or the user only has to press a few keys. The virus can do this by sending the codes to the operating system.
g.> Slowing Things Down: As the name implies, the object of the virus is to slow down the running line of the program.
h.> Redefine Keys: The computer has been program to recognize that certain codes/ signals symbolize a certain keystroke. The virus could change the definition of these keystrokes.
i.> Lock The Keyboard: redefining all keys into an empty key.
WHAT TO DO AFTER VIRUS ATTACKS:
When signs of a virus attack have been recognized,the virus has already reproduced itself several times.Thus, to get rid of the virus, the user has to hack down and destroy each one of these copies. The easier way is to:
1. Have the original write protected back-up copy of your operating system on a diskette.
2. Power down the machine.
3. Boot up the system from the original system diskette.
4. Format the hard disk.
5. Restore all back-ups and all executable program.
*If it’s not effective, power down and seek for professional help*
TYPE OF VIRUSES:
a.> OVER-WRITING VIRUSES
b.> NON-OVERWRITNG VIRUSES
c.> MEMORY RESENDENT VIRUSES
PRACTICE SAFE HEX:
Viruses are a day to day reality. Different activities leads to different exposure. To protect oneself from a virus, several things can be done:
1. Avoid them in the first place.
2. Discovering and getting rid of them.
3. Repairing the damage.
The simple thing that can cut down on exposure rate are to:avoid pirate software, checking programs that have been down loaded form the BBS before running them. Make sure that you have sufficient backups.
ANTIVIRUS PRODUCTS COMPANY:
The pace at which new antiviral products have been pouring onto the market has accelerated rapidly since the major infection of 1988. Indeed, by early 1989, there were over 60 proprietary products making varied claims for effectiveness in preventing or detecting virus attacks.
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Computer Software
Computer software, or software, is the term used to generally refer to the operating and roles those computer procedures, documentation, and programs have in a computer system. This includes application software like word processors, firmware, software programmed to digitally service memory on integrated hardware carriers. Software testing such as tests on functionality, appearance and performance, and Middleware, a program that regulates and controls coordinates distributed systems. All of these things and more are covered in the broad term of computer software.
However, that is not all-inclusive, as the term software includes many other subjects. Additional covered ideas of software include video games, programs, websites, and applications. The term “software” is also used to more broadly specify anything that is not hardware but that which is used with hardware.
Basically speaking, software is everything but hardware in a computer.
The term “hardware” is used to refer to the literal parts to the computer, the modem, the internal circuits, the chips; basically any aspect of the computer that is physically tangible, hence the name “hard-ware.” Software, in contrast, refers to everything inside of the computer, or non-tangible aspects of the computer that are used for its common functionality. A computer can be compared to a brain where the actual circuits and hard drives are the physical brain tissue, but what goes on within the brain is the software, or “thought processing.” This makes the definition of software very broad.
There are many different types of software; software that dictates the functioning of logistic programs, video programs, video game programs, online link programs, java, HTML, desktop applications, language programming, alternate scripting, and even microcode programs.
Because the term software is so broad, it is almost impossible to give it one single definition.
Though, basely translated, software is something associated with, yet contrasted to hardware as the entire roster of programs, procedures, and related documentation associated with the hardware it is employed by. Or, even more loosely, any material internally used for audiovisual programs.
Computers are not the only electronic apparatus that uses software. In the rising state of electronic use in society, software can pertain to any number of electrical appliances. Computers, video game systems, cars, remote controlled instruments, nautical vessels, and even more household items such as toasters or microwaves; in the newer models of these things, advanced software is being employed to make their usefulness top notch.
However, in all of these uses that software has today, it is still able to be broken down into three distinct categories that signify the broad range of uses of all software. These categories are: System Software, which helps run computer chip hardware to minimize the difficulty in the use of computer systems; Programming software, which provides the necessary tools needed for writing computer software; and application software, which allows computers or computer powered electronics to perform more specific features.
All of existing software on the market today can be broken down into one of these categories, though each category has a more specific set of designations, they are all inclusive of what software is and how it can be categorized.
Filed under Computer Store | Comment (0)Computer Security
What is Computer Security?
Computer Security is a branch of technology known as information security as applied to computers. Information security means protecting information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The objective of computer security varies and can include protection of information from theft or corruption, or the preservation of availability, as defined in the security policy.
Technological and managerial procedures applied to computer systems to ensure the availability, integrity and confidentiality of information managed by the computer system
Computer security imposes requirements on computers that are different from most system requirements because they often take the form of constraints on what computers are not supposed to do.
Typical approaches to improving computer security can include the following:
Physically limit access to computers to only those who will not compromise security.
Hardware mechanisms that impose rules on computer programs, thus avoiding depending on computer programs for computer security.
Operating system mechanisms that impose rules on programs to avoid trusting computer programs.
Programming strategies to make computer programs dependable and resist subversion.
Computer Security has three Layers:
o Hacking
o Cracking
o Phreaking
Hacking:
Unauthorized use or attempts to circumvent or bypass the security mechanisms of an information system or network.
Computer hacking always involves some degree of infringement on the privacy of others or damage to computer-based property such as files, web pages or software.
The impact of computer hacking varies from simply being simply invasive and annoying to illegal.
Cracking:
The act of breaking into a computer system.
Software Cracking is the modification of software to remove protection methods: copy prevention, trial/demo version, serial number, hardware key, CD check or software annoyances like nag screens and adware.
The most common software crack is the modification of an application’s binary to cause or prevent a specific key branch in the program’s execution.
Phreaking:
The art and science of cracking the phone network.
Security by design:
The technologies of computer security are based on logic. There is no universal standard notion of what secure behavior is. “Security” is a concept that is unique to each situation. Security is extraneous to the function of a computer application, rather than ancillary to it, thus security necessarily imposes restrictions on the application’s behavior.
There are several approaches to security in computing; sometimes a combination of approaches is valid:
Trust all the software to abide by a security policy but the software is not trustworthy (this is computer insecurity).
Trust all the software to abide by a security policy and the software is validated as trustworthy (by tedious branch and path analysis for example).
Trust no software but enforce a security policy with mechanisms that are not trustworthy (again this is computer insecurity).
Trust no software but enforce a security policy with trustworthy mechanisms.
12 tips for computer security:
Update / patch ALL your software every now and then!
Check / adjust ALL your settings so they are safe, since they ARENT by default!
Use firewall, like ZoneAlarm to control what goes in and out from your computer!
Use good passwords: at least 13marks long, containing both letters and numbers. Remember to change your password every few months atleast and dont ever use the same password in two places!
Get a good antivirus program: NOD32, F-Secure or Norton Antivirus and keep it updated!
Don’t open or execute files that you are not 100% sure are absolutely safe nomatter where or how you get them.
Wipe your historyfiles (like cookies, internet history and temporary files, etc.), logs and personal files, with specific wiping program (like Eraser) instead of just deleting them.
Use encryption to enhance your privacy! Use encrypted email (like Hushmail or Ziplip), www-surfing and encrypt sensitive files on your computer (PGP).
When you are finished using some internet-based service like email, sign out of it rather than just closing your browser! Also, when you leave your computer, make sure that none of such programs or connections are left open that someone could abuse. In WindowsNT/2k/XP, press Windowskey+L to lock the workstation.
Don’t use public computers for anything you need to type in your logins, they usually have Trojan horses that capture your passwords.
Make backups and store them in safe place! Easiest way to do a total-backup is to make an “Image” of your harddrive or partition and store it on safe location, but floppies will usually be just fine for storing documents, etc.
Install and Use a Hardware Firewall
Regards,
Kethy Wright
www.perceptionsystem.com
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Computer Repair
The new age of technology we now live in brings with it a great many benefits – we get things done more quickly, we are more organized, and we can order pizza from our computers! Along with that, however, comes the fact that we are much more reliant on those pieces of technology remaining in good working order – especially our computers. Thankfully, there are plenty of services available which are more than capable to fix up your PC to an almost new condition – even if you accidentally filled the keyboard with coffee.
When shopping around for computers Repair Services there are a great many options to choose from. There are plenty of local computer stores who will gladly repair your PC at a cost that suits you.
This is a good option for many people as they get a far more personal service, along with a quote tailored to their needs and budget. This is all well and good; however there may be occasions when your local computer repair store is unable to diagnose and repair the problem. In such cases, it may prove prudent to have a look at one of the more ‘mainstream’ computer repair services, or perhaps an internet based computer repair specialist.
Many online computer repair services will ask for a description of the problem and provide you with a quote based on what is wrong. This can be useful if the repair service is based far from your location. Of course, using internet computer repair services will mean that you may have to package up your PC and send it in the mail or via courier. It is always recommended to use a trustworthy courier and ensure that you have the PC insured during transit to the computer repair center.