Computer Terminology Is An Alien Language
I have been working in and on computers for over 50 years, and yes, I am a Geek. When I lapse into computer terminology, my wife's eyes glaze over, and I hear "borrrrrrrrrrrring" from her. Suspecting she is not the only person that is illiterate when it comes to computers, I have developed a simple terminology to use when speaking to a non-geek.
First, an analogy: A computer is made of many components. They fall into 3 groups:
Memory or RAM:
Memory or RAM is your work bench. It is where the work gets done. The more memory you have, the more things you can do at the same time. Ram is measured in mega (mega= million) bytes.
CPU or Processor
Your CPU or Processor is your motor. The more powerful your motor, the faster you can get things done. Processor speed is measured in GHZ or giga (Giga= A million million) hertz.
Hard Drive
The Hard Drive is your file cabinet, the more data you can save for future use. Hard Drive space is measured in mb or mega (millions of) bytes.
See? Nothing mystical about those terms is there?
Now on to the Definitions.
Definitions
Adware Those unwanted ads that appear on your browser.
Bit A Single piece of data.
Byte A block of bits, usually 8 bits. An example of a byte would be a single letter as "A".
Browser The software that helps find what you are looking when you surf the internet.
Computer A high speed moron. It does exactly what it is told. This is not necessarily what you want it to do.
CPU Central Processing Unit. This is the heart, engine, motor of your computer.
DVD+R A format used to burn a DVD. Usually not compatible with a DVD-R drive.
DVD-R A format used to burn a DVD. Usually not compatible with a DVD+R drive.
Firewall A vital device that can be either software or hardware that hides your computer from the outside world. Windows has a built in firewall.
Firewire A type of connection to a computer. Used for connecting a device such as a camcorder to a PC. It is also known as IEEE1394. Sony calls their version "I-link".
Floppy disk A type of storage media. Floppies are no longer popular due to the limited capacity and slow speed.
Gamer A person that uses a PC primarily for playing video games. It requires a fast PC and a high level graphics card.
GHZ Giga hertz. Abbreviated as ghz. This is the speed of a processor. A hertz is a cycle.
Gigabyte A billion (thousand million) bytes of data.
Graphics Processor The component that processes and sends images to the monitor. Many demanding programs use the graphics processor as an additional processor to help the main CPU.
Hard Drive A storage unit. The hard drive is where data or applications are stored until needed again. It has non destructive readout meaning reading it does not destroy the data as in RAM.
Hi-Def High Definition as in TV. It is a very high resolution device and requires a lot of storage space.
IEEE1394 A type of connection to a computer. It is usually used by digital camcorders or external hard drives. Also known as "Firewire".
Internet The internet is a superhighway with information at waypoints scattered everywhere. In order to find where you are going, you need a browser, a url or a search engine such as Google or Yahoo.
LAN Local area network. The connection of several PCs together. They can also share an internet connection. An example of a LAN would be the 3 PCs in my house connected together. Data can be shared between the PCs.
Megabyte A million bytes of data.
Memory Also known as RAM. It is where data and programs are kept whle working or being worked upon. It is a destructive readout deivce, meaning that if you want to keep it, you must restore it. This is a concern only for programmers not users.
OS OS stands for operating system. Windows and Linux are examples of operating systems.
Processor The unit that does the work in a computer. Also known as CPU.
RAM Ram stands for random access memory. Random because you can pull data from any address, not wait flr sequential as in a hard drive.
Ram Drive A very fast retrieval device for storage. It uses memory as its media, where as a disk uses a metallic storage.
Router A device for connecting to the network. It allows several PCs to share a single network connection.
Scanner A peripheral device for reading a document, converting to a digital data stream and sending it to the computer.
Software A compilation of instructions to the processor telling it what to do in order to complete its taks. Remember, the high speed moron does only what it is told.
Spyware A snippet of instructions that is stored on your hardware without your knowledge. It then reports back to its originator what you are doing. Anti-spyware software can prevent this.
Switch A device used in a network. It usually has a router integrated into it. It also is an excellent firewall.
Terabyte Terabyte is a million million. That is a "1" followed by 12 "0"s.
Trojan Horse A snippet of software (usually malicious) that gets into your computer as a part of a legitimate message, such as email. Once activated, it can wreak havoc, even ruining a hard drive. Most anti-virus software also blocks trojans.
USB Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a type of connection to your PC. It is used to connect devices to your PC.
Virus A virus is a piece of malicious that enters your computer, usually against your knowledge that can corrupt your hard drive and thus your data.
Virus Checker Software that blocks viruses from entering your PC. Also known as anti-virus software.
Vista Vista is the latest operating system (OS) from Microsoft.
WAN Wide area network. Usually a connection of systems in several locations off the main premise or campus. For example, if you work at a company that has several locations in various cities that are connected via high speed lines, this is a WAN.
Web cam A small camera that is connected to your PC via USB or firewire can record what is going on within its view and send to your PC. From there, you can allow relatives in another location to view what is going on at your home.
Wireless In computerese, a method of connecting several PC's together. Each computer would require a wireless adapter. Routers and switches can offer a wireless connections. This eliminates the need to run cables between the various units.
Worm A snippet of programming language that is covertly slipped into your computer. When activated, it can corrupt your files, take over your browser, etc. Generally, anti virus software blocks worms.
WYSIWYG What you see is what you get. In other words, this is how your output will look.
XP Microsoft Windows operating system. XP is the predecessor to Vista.
computersprintersandmonitors.com is my computer website. Visit it for other articles on computers.
My name is Rick and I call myself The Elderly Geek. Elderly, because I am 74 years old. Geek, because I have worked with or on computers since July 15, 1957. I retired from IBM and one of my passions is computers. I really enjoy helping people with their computer problems. I have always been tech support for my family. Another is playing with video. I have just begun to become interested in internet marketing. My PC desktop is so crowded with icons, it amazes my family that I can find anything.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Blackmon
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Showing posts with label operating system. Show all posts
Showing posts with label operating system. Show all posts
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Computer Problem Tips - Can't Get on the Internet? Your ZoneAlarm Firewall May Be the Cause by Chancer Reese
I started getting the emails and calls from friends and clients last week. "Yipes, I can't get on the Internet! I have wasted all day (night) trying but nothing works. What's the problem?"
To be honest I didn't have a clue myself, until one friend called and said that of her 3 computers that had web access (all have ZoneAlarm installed) the one that missing a Windows update still worked. After some research we confirmed that the newest Windows update had "broken" the current version of ZoneAlarm. ZoneAlarm Free (ZA) is arguably one of the most downloaded personal firewall programs on the planet. I use it and personally recommend it to just about everyone I know. So this "glitch" was a huge pain in the tuckus.
Later in the week, the boys at ZoneLabs (the makers of ZA) released a press statement, detailing their workarounds. Seems the update killed all of ZoneLabs product line from their ever popular firewall to their premium security suite.
The press release states, "Microsoft Update KB951748 is known to cause sudden loss of internet access for ZoneAlarm users on Windows XP/2000. Windows Vista users are not affected. Platforms Affected: ZoneAlarm Free, ZoneAlarm Pro, ZoneAlarm AntiVirus, ZoneAlarm Anti-Spyware, and ZoneAlarm Security Suite".
What you need to do now...
As a temporary workaround:
1. Double-click on the "Z" ZoneAlarm icon in the lower right of your screen.
2. After the program opens, click "Firewall" on the menu bar on the left side.
3. You should see the "Internet Zone Security" section. Move the slider from "High" to "Med." (medium)
4.Click on the "X" in the upper right corner to minimize ZoneAlarm.
This will work until you get the time to download and install the newest version of your ZoneAlarm product.
Now when you install the new update make sure you check "Upgrade" not "Clean Install" or you will have to go through the slow process of ZoneAlarm "learning" which programs to let through all over again.
So how did this happen? Is ZoneLabs going belly up? Nah...what went on behind the scenes is that several months ago a computer security researcher accidentally discovered a major, major error in the actual structure of the Internet. Seems he found a way that someone could trick every computer into going to a bogus website, even if you go to a browser and type in the "correct" URL or web address.
This meant that if you opened your web browser and typed in "www.eBay.com", your computer and everyone else's could have been redirected to a fake eBay site.
That's right ALL the computers in the world! Ain't that a kick in the teeth? So the top über-geeks in the world have been working in secret to correct the problem. Most of the major players were involved and released updates this month.
If by chance, you have not installed the latest operating system update, you should. Because now that the "cat is out of the bag" there is no doubt some enterprising young hacker will try and make use this "flaw in the fabric of the web" to lead you to a fake and dangerous website.
Tired of losing money on unnecessary downtime and want to reduce your computer headaches? Click here http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com for free tips. Sick of a S-L-O-W computer? Click here to Blast Spyware Away! From Chancer Reese, your Small Office Tech Diva.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chancer_Reese
To be honest I didn't have a clue myself, until one friend called and said that of her 3 computers that had web access (all have ZoneAlarm installed) the one that missing a Windows update still worked. After some research we confirmed that the newest Windows update had "broken" the current version of ZoneAlarm. ZoneAlarm Free (ZA) is arguably one of the most downloaded personal firewall programs on the planet. I use it and personally recommend it to just about everyone I know. So this "glitch" was a huge pain in the tuckus.
Later in the week, the boys at ZoneLabs (the makers of ZA) released a press statement, detailing their workarounds. Seems the update killed all of ZoneLabs product line from their ever popular firewall to their premium security suite.
The press release states, "Microsoft Update KB951748 is known to cause sudden loss of internet access for ZoneAlarm users on Windows XP/2000. Windows Vista users are not affected. Platforms Affected: ZoneAlarm Free, ZoneAlarm Pro, ZoneAlarm AntiVirus, ZoneAlarm Anti-Spyware, and ZoneAlarm Security Suite".
What you need to do now...
As a temporary workaround:
1. Double-click on the "Z" ZoneAlarm icon in the lower right of your screen.
2. After the program opens, click "Firewall" on the menu bar on the left side.
3. You should see the "Internet Zone Security" section. Move the slider from "High" to "Med." (medium)
4.Click on the "X" in the upper right corner to minimize ZoneAlarm.
This will work until you get the time to download and install the newest version of your ZoneAlarm product.
Now when you install the new update make sure you check "Upgrade" not "Clean Install" or you will have to go through the slow process of ZoneAlarm "learning" which programs to let through all over again.
So how did this happen? Is ZoneLabs going belly up? Nah...what went on behind the scenes is that several months ago a computer security researcher accidentally discovered a major, major error in the actual structure of the Internet. Seems he found a way that someone could trick every computer into going to a bogus website, even if you go to a browser and type in the "correct" URL or web address.
This meant that if you opened your web browser and typed in "www.eBay.com", your computer and everyone else's could have been redirected to a fake eBay site.
That's right ALL the computers in the world! Ain't that a kick in the teeth? So the top über-geeks in the world have been working in secret to correct the problem. Most of the major players were involved and released updates this month.
If by chance, you have not installed the latest operating system update, you should. Because now that the "cat is out of the bag" there is no doubt some enterprising young hacker will try and make use this "flaw in the fabric of the web" to lead you to a fake and dangerous website.
Tired of losing money on unnecessary downtime and want to reduce your computer headaches? Click here http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com for free tips. Sick of a S-L-O-W computer? Click here to Blast Spyware Away! From Chancer Reese, your Small Office Tech Diva.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chancer_Reese
Bring your computer to its full potential with these easy steps! by Sean Carrol
Ok, so your computer has been running at less than optimal performance for the past few months and you have no idea where to start. You could pay a technician upwards of $200 to come take a look, fiddle with a few things, and not really make any difference OR you could read my article which is free, will take 20 minutes of your time, and have drastically increase the performance of your system. So here goes...
The first thing
When your computer starts there are programs that automatically start. Some of these are necessary for Windows to run, but a lot are not. Most of these programs lurk in the background eating away at your system resources and noticeably slowing your computer down. Lucky for you you can have full control over what starts up when your computer starts. First off, to take a look at the programs that start when your computer boots follow the steps below:
1. Open your Start menu and click on Run.
2. Type in msconfig and click Open
The Microsoft System Configuration utlity opens. Most of the options in here we will have absoltuely no use for at this time. On the main page, in about the middle you'll see an option for Selective Startup, click on it and then click the Startup tab.
In this window we will see a full listing of all programs that start when the computer boots. Like I said before most of these are unnecessary so we can remove a lot of them.
We have to look each item up individually to see if it is necessary for the computer to run. Once we decide it is uneccessary we can simply uncheck it. To help us determine if it is necessary or not there is an online list here to tell us what the program is and whether or not we need it. If you don't need it, just uncheck it. Go through the whole list removing items until you finish. Click the Apply button and then click OK.
Once we have that done it will prompt you as to whether or not you want to restart. Restart your computer and you will notice a huge difference even in the loading time.
Seconds
The second thing you probably want to if you are experiencing a slow computer is to free up some hard drive space. Windows sets aside a portion of your harddrive to be used a RAM and depending on how quickly it can access this can affect the speed of your computer. To free up some harddrive space we are going to use two fairly simple tools.
The first is Add Or Remove Programs. This is a centralized location where Windows lets you remove applications from your system. To access Add or Remove Programs click Start , Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs.
Take a look through the list, select any programs you do not recognize or need, highlight them and click the Change/Remove button on the right-hand side. After you click Change/Remove, it will prompt you to remove the application, follow the wizard through the steps of removing it.
Disk Cleanup is another neat little tool to help you free up some harddrive space. It will take a look at your system and let you know how much space Windows has calculated it can get rid of. Typically, it will delete your Recycle Bin, Temporary Files, log files, and a few other areas not deemed as particularly important.
To open and use Disk Cleanup follow the steps listed below:
1. Click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup
2. It will calculate how much space it is able to free up when it opens. It will then open a window showing where these files will be deleted from. Select All of the checkboxes in this window and click OK.
3. Now it will go through and delete all of the unnecessary data from your harddrive.
Third
Now that we've managed to free up some space on your hard drive we are now going to use to Disk Defragmenter to clean it up a bit. Defragmenting your hard drive puts the data in a more sequential order on the disk so it is quicker and easier to access it. The tool is also fairly simple to run. Follow the steps below to defragment your harddrive:
1. Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmenter
2. When it opens, press the Defragment button and off you go!
Defragmenting your hard drive can take upwards of 5 hours so it is usually best to run it before bed or at a time when is using the computer for a few hours. This is part one of this article. Part two will be up this evening and cover cleaning your registry, removing spyware, and optimizing internet surfing. Thanks for reading and stay tuned!
Author Info:
Sean Carroll Tech Goldmine Blog Your #1 Source for Technology news and tips! http://www.techgoldmine.com/
Terms:
Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live
Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles
The first thing
When your computer starts there are programs that automatically start. Some of these are necessary for Windows to run, but a lot are not. Most of these programs lurk in the background eating away at your system resources and noticeably slowing your computer down. Lucky for you you can have full control over what starts up when your computer starts. First off, to take a look at the programs that start when your computer boots follow the steps below:
1. Open your Start menu and click on Run.
2. Type in msconfig and click Open
The Microsoft System Configuration utlity opens. Most of the options in here we will have absoltuely no use for at this time. On the main page, in about the middle you'll see an option for Selective Startup, click on it and then click the Startup tab.
In this window we will see a full listing of all programs that start when the computer boots. Like I said before most of these are unnecessary so we can remove a lot of them.
We have to look each item up individually to see if it is necessary for the computer to run. Once we decide it is uneccessary we can simply uncheck it. To help us determine if it is necessary or not there is an online list here to tell us what the program is and whether or not we need it. If you don't need it, just uncheck it. Go through the whole list removing items until you finish. Click the Apply button and then click OK.
Once we have that done it will prompt you as to whether or not you want to restart. Restart your computer and you will notice a huge difference even in the loading time.
Seconds
The second thing you probably want to if you are experiencing a slow computer is to free up some hard drive space. Windows sets aside a portion of your harddrive to be used a RAM and depending on how quickly it can access this can affect the speed of your computer. To free up some harddrive space we are going to use two fairly simple tools.
The first is Add Or Remove Programs. This is a centralized location where Windows lets you remove applications from your system. To access Add or Remove Programs click Start , Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs.
Take a look through the list, select any programs you do not recognize or need, highlight them and click the Change/Remove button on the right-hand side. After you click Change/Remove, it will prompt you to remove the application, follow the wizard through the steps of removing it.
Disk Cleanup is another neat little tool to help you free up some harddrive space. It will take a look at your system and let you know how much space Windows has calculated it can get rid of. Typically, it will delete your Recycle Bin, Temporary Files, log files, and a few other areas not deemed as particularly important.
To open and use Disk Cleanup follow the steps listed below:
1. Click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup
2. It will calculate how much space it is able to free up when it opens. It will then open a window showing where these files will be deleted from. Select All of the checkboxes in this window and click OK.
3. Now it will go through and delete all of the unnecessary data from your harddrive.
Third
Now that we've managed to free up some space on your hard drive we are now going to use to Disk Defragmenter to clean it up a bit. Defragmenting your hard drive puts the data in a more sequential order on the disk so it is quicker and easier to access it. The tool is also fairly simple to run. Follow the steps below to defragment your harddrive:
1. Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmenter
2. When it opens, press the Defragment button and off you go!
Defragmenting your hard drive can take upwards of 5 hours so it is usually best to run it before bed or at a time when is using the computer for a few hours. This is part one of this article. Part two will be up this evening and cover cleaning your registry, removing spyware, and optimizing internet surfing. Thanks for reading and stay tuned!
Author Info:
Sean Carroll Tech Goldmine Blog Your #1 Source for Technology news and tips! http://www.techgoldmine.com/
Terms:
Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live
Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Tips on How to Buy Antivirus Software by Bei M
A computer is a necessary and important tool and equipment for getting things done these days. Because the popularity and functionality of the machines are phenomenal, it is not surprising that there are also as numerous viruses, threats and spasm that threaten to destroy and alter the computer systems. Thus, there is a need for appropriate and really effective protection. There is a need to buy antivirus software.
While in the past, it has been considered a luxury to buy antivirus software, these days, the activity can be seen as more than just necessity. To buy antivirus software is actually to secure the computer system and make sure it will be free from harm and programming disruptions. Because viruses are evolving and they come in strategic forms and tactics, there is a need for you to buy antivirus software that is proven effective and functional.
Because there are too many makers and developers of such computer programs, there is a massive confusion in the market. Here is a set of simple guidelines that would help and assist you to buy antivirus software.
1. Choose and buy antivirus software that is compatible with your computer's operating system. Be informed and always remember that no matter how popular and effective an antivirus is, if it will not work due to incompatibility, you will not gain from the purchase. Before you buy antivirus software, be sure to check the software first for any specifications and requirements for system compatibility.
2. As you choose and buy antivirus software, opt for products with excellent background protection. When you say excellent background protection, the antivirus product must be able to scan the PC for viruses even without the required manual intervention. Also favor to buy antivirus software that can neutralize viruses the moment they emerge.
3. Buy antivirus software that is able to facilitate disaster recovery. You may not know it fully, but there are specific antivirus programs in the market that can work wonders like this. The antivirus should have a disaster recovery feature so that data and files would not be lost if ever a notorious virus attacks your computer system.
4. You should strive to buy antivirus software that is able to prompt and initiate automatic updates. Every now and then, there are always new and more sophisticated threats and viruses that are rolled out in cyberspace. It is important that you make sure you would buy antivirus software that is up-to-date and boasts of the newest computer security features.
5. As a resourceful consumer, make sure you buy antivirus software that is certified by the most reliable standards setting and certification bodies. These groups include the popular Virus Bulletin 100% Awards, the West Coast Checkmark and the International Computer Security Association or ICSA.
6. Buy antivirus software that has a firewall protection. Firewalls help shield your PC from active threats, most especially when you are connected to the Internet. Usually, firewalls are offered and sold as a separate product from the antivirus, although there are some protection programs that offer both in a single package.
7. Make sure you prefer to buy antivirus software that is configured to monitor your PC automatically. It is right that you buy antivirus software that detects and cleans viruses. It would be better if you would secure products that could initiate automatic checkups. This way, no matter what, no virus can be unforeseen and undetected.
8. Buy antivirus software that is proven to be easier to use, install and even configure. The best products are always those that are user-friendly. Otherwise, you may not be able to fully make use of them.
Author Info:
Bei M. with buybusinesssoftware.com an online business software store is dedicated to providing you large collection of business software's. Here you can buy antivirus software at lowest prices. Visit our online store now!
Terms:
Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live
Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles
While in the past, it has been considered a luxury to buy antivirus software, these days, the activity can be seen as more than just necessity. To buy antivirus software is actually to secure the computer system and make sure it will be free from harm and programming disruptions. Because viruses are evolving and they come in strategic forms and tactics, there is a need for you to buy antivirus software that is proven effective and functional.
Because there are too many makers and developers of such computer programs, there is a massive confusion in the market. Here is a set of simple guidelines that would help and assist you to buy antivirus software.
1. Choose and buy antivirus software that is compatible with your computer's operating system. Be informed and always remember that no matter how popular and effective an antivirus is, if it will not work due to incompatibility, you will not gain from the purchase. Before you buy antivirus software, be sure to check the software first for any specifications and requirements for system compatibility.
2. As you choose and buy antivirus software, opt for products with excellent background protection. When you say excellent background protection, the antivirus product must be able to scan the PC for viruses even without the required manual intervention. Also favor to buy antivirus software that can neutralize viruses the moment they emerge.
3. Buy antivirus software that is able to facilitate disaster recovery. You may not know it fully, but there are specific antivirus programs in the market that can work wonders like this. The antivirus should have a disaster recovery feature so that data and files would not be lost if ever a notorious virus attacks your computer system.
4. You should strive to buy antivirus software that is able to prompt and initiate automatic updates. Every now and then, there are always new and more sophisticated threats and viruses that are rolled out in cyberspace. It is important that you make sure you would buy antivirus software that is up-to-date and boasts of the newest computer security features.
5. As a resourceful consumer, make sure you buy antivirus software that is certified by the most reliable standards setting and certification bodies. These groups include the popular Virus Bulletin 100% Awards, the West Coast Checkmark and the International Computer Security Association or ICSA.
6. Buy antivirus software that has a firewall protection. Firewalls help shield your PC from active threats, most especially when you are connected to the Internet. Usually, firewalls are offered and sold as a separate product from the antivirus, although there are some protection programs that offer both in a single package.
7. Make sure you prefer to buy antivirus software that is configured to monitor your PC automatically. It is right that you buy antivirus software that detects and cleans viruses. It would be better if you would secure products that could initiate automatic checkups. This way, no matter what, no virus can be unforeseen and undetected.
8. Buy antivirus software that is proven to be easier to use, install and even configure. The best products are always those that are user-friendly. Otherwise, you may not be able to fully make use of them.
Author Info:
Bei M. with buybusinesssoftware.com an online business software store is dedicated to providing you large collection of business software's. Here you can buy antivirus software at lowest prices. Visit our online store now!
Terms:
Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live
Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles
4 Ways To Hang On To XP After The Cut-off Date by Kay Brenner
One of the most successful operating systems of all time is retiring at the end of the month. Microsoft will stop selling and licensing Windows XP to PC manufacturers.
Since its release, Windows XP has become the widest used system to connect a lot of us to the Internet for the first time with the average PC user having spent 8000 hours using. Now that is something to tell our kids!
So if are convinced that Windows Vista is not worth the hassle despite its appeal of slick 3D aero interface graphics, what are options after the cut-off date?
Assistance for Windows XP Issues
In terms of getting support for the numerous technical issues that XP users come across everyday, some form of support from Microsoft will exist until at least 2014, so that gives you another six years, although the support may be more difficult to get hold of.
You may want to purchase a premium tech support service to get around this problem or purchase software to keep your registry in tact. Or you can search on tech forums as there is a good chance if you have a problem that other users will also have the same problem, far easier than asking Microsoft for support.
Acquiring XP on New PC
As for buying XP on a new PC , despite the bosses at Microsoft quite categorically stating that you won't be able to do so after 30th June , in reality you will. So they lied , but it's actually done us XP lovers a favor , so we're not going to complain. You'll still be able to get XP for quite a while on most machines made by companies who have outstanding XP licenses that they need to get rid of , and the same goes for retailers who have a backlog of operating systems that they need to shift.
Switching Operating Systems
Downgrade rights are the second way for you to get your hands on a new computer with XP. If a manufacturer has downgrade rights from Microsoft, they'll be able to sell you a PC that started on Vista, but which they downgraded to XP before they sold it to you.
If this is the case, you'll be supplied with the discs for XP and it's drivers, as well as the same discs for Vista, so you can re-upgrade at a later date if you decide to. Dell have confirmed that they will make this option open to customers, but it only lasts out until January 31st next year.
'Limited Hardware Capabilities'
The final way you're going to be able to get XP is by purchasing a computer with what Microsoft refers to as having 'limited hardware capabilities,' a solution which is open until June 2010. This is basically a machine that can't handle the enormous demands of Vista, so has to run XP instead, and includes laptops with low power CPUs, and low cost desktop PCs which have slow processors, not much RAM, and no separate processor for graphics.
XP is Still Hanging On
Windows XP still has many more years ahead of it, even if Microsoft wants everyone to upgrade to Vista or its successor. XP support is likely to extend well into the next decade allowing us enough time to get used to the idea.
About the Author
Kay Brenner is a PC Doctor and has been involved with designing and building computer systems for all shapes and sizes for some of America’s largest corporations for over twenty-three years. To learn about how to optimize your slow computer and download a free Health Check, and reclaim the dream machine your first bought, saving you time & money wrestling with a sick computer, go to: http://www.pcdocpro.com
Since its release, Windows XP has become the widest used system to connect a lot of us to the Internet for the first time with the average PC user having spent 8000 hours using. Now that is something to tell our kids!
So if are convinced that Windows Vista is not worth the hassle despite its appeal of slick 3D aero interface graphics, what are options after the cut-off date?
Assistance for Windows XP Issues
In terms of getting support for the numerous technical issues that XP users come across everyday, some form of support from Microsoft will exist until at least 2014, so that gives you another six years, although the support may be more difficult to get hold of.
You may want to purchase a premium tech support service to get around this problem or purchase software to keep your registry in tact. Or you can search on tech forums as there is a good chance if you have a problem that other users will also have the same problem, far easier than asking Microsoft for support.
Acquiring XP on New PC
As for buying XP on a new PC , despite the bosses at Microsoft quite categorically stating that you won't be able to do so after 30th June , in reality you will. So they lied , but it's actually done us XP lovers a favor , so we're not going to complain. You'll still be able to get XP for quite a while on most machines made by companies who have outstanding XP licenses that they need to get rid of , and the same goes for retailers who have a backlog of operating systems that they need to shift.
Switching Operating Systems
Downgrade rights are the second way for you to get your hands on a new computer with XP. If a manufacturer has downgrade rights from Microsoft, they'll be able to sell you a PC that started on Vista, but which they downgraded to XP before they sold it to you.
If this is the case, you'll be supplied with the discs for XP and it's drivers, as well as the same discs for Vista, so you can re-upgrade at a later date if you decide to. Dell have confirmed that they will make this option open to customers, but it only lasts out until January 31st next year.
'Limited Hardware Capabilities'
The final way you're going to be able to get XP is by purchasing a computer with what Microsoft refers to as having 'limited hardware capabilities,' a solution which is open until June 2010. This is basically a machine that can't handle the enormous demands of Vista, so has to run XP instead, and includes laptops with low power CPUs, and low cost desktop PCs which have slow processors, not much RAM, and no separate processor for graphics.
XP is Still Hanging On
Windows XP still has many more years ahead of it, even if Microsoft wants everyone to upgrade to Vista or its successor. XP support is likely to extend well into the next decade allowing us enough time to get used to the idea.
About the Author
Kay Brenner is a PC Doctor and has been involved with designing and building computer systems for all shapes and sizes for some of America’s largest corporations for over twenty-three years. To learn about how to optimize your slow computer and download a free Health Check, and reclaim the dream machine your first bought, saving you time & money wrestling with a sick computer, go to: http://www.pcdocpro.com
An Earth Day Resolution That's Good for Your Pocketbook by Jeri Bleeker
If you're like most people, you make resolutions only at New Year's, a time known for well-intentioned but short-lived changes.
But why not make an Earth Day resolution -- a resolution that may actually stick?
Anyone who marvels at the perfection of life regenerating on a bright spring day is aware at some level of the tremendous damage modern lifestyles have done, creating a toxic burden that Mother Earth can no longer carry. A few small personal changes can go a long way towards keeping our troubled planet a little cleaner and more toxin-free.
While it's common to think of eco-friendly lifestyle changes in terms of old standbys like switching out incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents, or buying products packaged in post-consumer recycled paper, often living a greener lifestyle has more to do with what we don't buy, and what we don't add to our neighborhood landfills. Going genuinely green ultimately means considering every purchase and asking ourselves if we can't make what we have last longer before we toss it aside. This is particularly true when what we're thinking of throwing out has a significant impact on the land it decays in.
For example, most of us would be surprised to learn that one of the major sources of landfill toxicity is that harmless-looking PC sitting on your desk.
In a 2002 article entitled "Where Computers Go to Die" Karl Shoenberger details the toxins that lurk in the average PC. From hexavalent chromium in the steel plates of the chassis, to PVC in the cables and shell, to lead solder, not to mention beryllium, mercury and cadmium; we're talking about a grouping of toxic metals and compounds that you really don't want decomposing into the ground at your local landfill.
Of course you could find an electronics recycler for your old computer, then go ahead and buy that shiny new one. But if you really want to shrink your trash footprint and lighten your earth-impact, here are some easy steps you can take to keep the PC you already have performing like new for years. Remember, putting off replacing your PC for even a year decreases the burden on landfills and may increase the chances that researchers will find new, even more earth-friendly options for recycling it next year, or the year after that.
So, if you're thinking about keeping your PC longer, what are your key strategies for extending its life?
KEEP IT CLEAN
Keeping your PC's insides free of component-clogging dust buildup can help prolong processor life, as well as eliminating a major household allergen and the number one cause of PC fires.
You'll need a handheld vacuum and a can of compressed air, available at any office supply store.
Back up your data, then turn off the power to your PC. Disconnect the power cord, mouse, speakers, and other peripherals. If possible, take your laptop or PC tower outside, or at least to a well-lit, ventilated area.
Open your PC case according to the manufacturer's instructions. VERY IMPORTANT: Touch the edge of the metal chassis to disperse static electricity before you touch internal PC components.
Run the vacuum along, but not actually touching PC's internal surfaces. Hold fan blades still when dusting or vacuuming them, as high-speed air may make them spin faster than they're meant to. Use the canned compressed air to blow out the remaining dust. Be certain to clear any dust on the grill at the back of the PC. Close the case and you're done!
KEEP IT FAST
People being what we are, the extent to which we actively participate in recycling and thinking green has a lot to do with how satisfying the results are. In other words, it's a lot easier to practice the three Rs: Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle, when we don't feel like we're losing out by making the trade-off from our former, wasteful ways.
When it comes to your PC, one of the most important factors is how fast and responsive it is. Suggesting to someone that he hold on to his current PC for another year after he's waited an hour for one song to download is going to be a losing battle. So what are the green options for boosting PC performance?
LIKE A CAR, A PC NEEDS TUNEUPS
A PC running Windows has characteristic operating patterns that inevitably cause junk files, errors and more to accumulate in its system. A 2007 - 2008 sample of over 500,000 computers worldwide shows the most common issues:
REGISTRY AND HARD DRIVE ERRORS, CLUTTER, AND FRAGMENTATION
Your PC's Registry contains all the information used by your Windows operating system, including user profiles and settings for software and hardware. With daily use, clutter, errors, and fragmentation build up, creating needless performance obstacles.
In addition, over 26% of PCs surveyed had hard drive problems, which can prevent you from saving and retrieving data efficiently.
TOO MANY PLAYERS AT STARTUP
During installation many programs position themselves to load every time you start your PC. With multiple programs all trying to initiate at once, what happens is a bottleneck that drastically slows your startup.
INEFFICIENT INTERNET SETTINGS
Over 90% of PCs surveyed had default Windows settings that didn't work optimally for their particular internet connection. The result? Downloads that take forever, and super-slow page loading times when surfing the net.
SO HOW DO YOU TUNE UP A PC?
The most effective way to bring back peak performance is to correct these routine problems that are an inevitable part of PC functioning, then optimize settings and functions so the same problems don't recur every few weeks or months.
This can be achieved quickly and amazingly easily by purchasing a comparatively inexpensive type of software called a PC tuneup utility. It's a lot less expensive than buying a new PC – and the most green-friendly part? Often you can skip the whole "get in the car, waste gas, and add smog to the air" portion of buying software and simply purchase it in downloadable form over the internet. No packaging, no tree-demolishing paper manuals, just a couple of clicks and you and your PC can live in green harmony for years to come.
See? Thanks to you, Earth Day resolutions may be the next big thing!
Author Info:
Jeri Bleeker is a writer and editor for iolo technologies, maker of System Mechanic PC tuneup utility. Ms. Bleeker has over 15 years of experience in advertising and marketing, and for the past 10 years has worked exclusively in the software and technology sector.
Terms:
Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live
Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles
But why not make an Earth Day resolution -- a resolution that may actually stick?
Anyone who marvels at the perfection of life regenerating on a bright spring day is aware at some level of the tremendous damage modern lifestyles have done, creating a toxic burden that Mother Earth can no longer carry. A few small personal changes can go a long way towards keeping our troubled planet a little cleaner and more toxin-free.
While it's common to think of eco-friendly lifestyle changes in terms of old standbys like switching out incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents, or buying products packaged in post-consumer recycled paper, often living a greener lifestyle has more to do with what we don't buy, and what we don't add to our neighborhood landfills. Going genuinely green ultimately means considering every purchase and asking ourselves if we can't make what we have last longer before we toss it aside. This is particularly true when what we're thinking of throwing out has a significant impact on the land it decays in.
For example, most of us would be surprised to learn that one of the major sources of landfill toxicity is that harmless-looking PC sitting on your desk.
In a 2002 article entitled "Where Computers Go to Die" Karl Shoenberger details the toxins that lurk in the average PC. From hexavalent chromium in the steel plates of the chassis, to PVC in the cables and shell, to lead solder, not to mention beryllium, mercury and cadmium; we're talking about a grouping of toxic metals and compounds that you really don't want decomposing into the ground at your local landfill.
Of course you could find an electronics recycler for your old computer, then go ahead and buy that shiny new one. But if you really want to shrink your trash footprint and lighten your earth-impact, here are some easy steps you can take to keep the PC you already have performing like new for years. Remember, putting off replacing your PC for even a year decreases the burden on landfills and may increase the chances that researchers will find new, even more earth-friendly options for recycling it next year, or the year after that.
So, if you're thinking about keeping your PC longer, what are your key strategies for extending its life?
KEEP IT CLEAN
Keeping your PC's insides free of component-clogging dust buildup can help prolong processor life, as well as eliminating a major household allergen and the number one cause of PC fires.
You'll need a handheld vacuum and a can of compressed air, available at any office supply store.
Back up your data, then turn off the power to your PC. Disconnect the power cord, mouse, speakers, and other peripherals. If possible, take your laptop or PC tower outside, or at least to a well-lit, ventilated area.
Open your PC case according to the manufacturer's instructions. VERY IMPORTANT: Touch the edge of the metal chassis to disperse static electricity before you touch internal PC components.
Run the vacuum along, but not actually touching PC's internal surfaces. Hold fan blades still when dusting or vacuuming them, as high-speed air may make them spin faster than they're meant to. Use the canned compressed air to blow out the remaining dust. Be certain to clear any dust on the grill at the back of the PC. Close the case and you're done!
KEEP IT FAST
People being what we are, the extent to which we actively participate in recycling and thinking green has a lot to do with how satisfying the results are. In other words, it's a lot easier to practice the three Rs: Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle, when we don't feel like we're losing out by making the trade-off from our former, wasteful ways.
When it comes to your PC, one of the most important factors is how fast and responsive it is. Suggesting to someone that he hold on to his current PC for another year after he's waited an hour for one song to download is going to be a losing battle. So what are the green options for boosting PC performance?
LIKE A CAR, A PC NEEDS TUNEUPS
A PC running Windows has characteristic operating patterns that inevitably cause junk files, errors and more to accumulate in its system. A 2007 - 2008 sample of over 500,000 computers worldwide shows the most common issues:
REGISTRY AND HARD DRIVE ERRORS, CLUTTER, AND FRAGMENTATION
Your PC's Registry contains all the information used by your Windows operating system, including user profiles and settings for software and hardware. With daily use, clutter, errors, and fragmentation build up, creating needless performance obstacles.
In addition, over 26% of PCs surveyed had hard drive problems, which can prevent you from saving and retrieving data efficiently.
TOO MANY PLAYERS AT STARTUP
During installation many programs position themselves to load every time you start your PC. With multiple programs all trying to initiate at once, what happens is a bottleneck that drastically slows your startup.
INEFFICIENT INTERNET SETTINGS
Over 90% of PCs surveyed had default Windows settings that didn't work optimally for their particular internet connection. The result? Downloads that take forever, and super-slow page loading times when surfing the net.
SO HOW DO YOU TUNE UP A PC?
The most effective way to bring back peak performance is to correct these routine problems that are an inevitable part of PC functioning, then optimize settings and functions so the same problems don't recur every few weeks or months.
This can be achieved quickly and amazingly easily by purchasing a comparatively inexpensive type of software called a PC tuneup utility. It's a lot less expensive than buying a new PC – and the most green-friendly part? Often you can skip the whole "get in the car, waste gas, and add smog to the air" portion of buying software and simply purchase it in downloadable form over the internet. No packaging, no tree-demolishing paper manuals, just a couple of clicks and you and your PC can live in green harmony for years to come.
See? Thanks to you, Earth Day resolutions may be the next big thing!
Author Info:
Jeri Bleeker is a writer and editor for iolo technologies, maker of System Mechanic PC tuneup utility. Ms. Bleeker has over 15 years of experience in advertising and marketing, and for the past 10 years has worked exclusively in the software and technology sector.
Terms:
Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live
Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles
The information security management system by StefanD
Information security is now too important to be left to the IT department. This is because information security is now a business-level issue:
Information is the lifeblood of any business today. Anything that is of value inside the organization will be of value to someone outside it. The board is responsible for ensuring that critical information, and the technology that houses and process it, are secure.
Legislation and regulation is a governance issue. In the UK, the Turn Bull Report clearly identifies the need for boards to control risk to information and information systems. Data protection, privacy, computer misuse and other regulations, different in different jurisdictions, are a boardroom issue. Banks and financial sector organizations are subject to the requirements of the Bank of International Settlements ( BIS ) and the Basle 2 framework, which includes information and IT risk.
As the intellectual capital value of “information economy” organizations increases, their commercial viability and profitability, as well as their share, increasingly depend on the security, confidentiality and integrity of their information and information assets.
Threats and Consequences
The one area in which businesses of all sizes today enjoy a level playing field is in information security: all businesses are subject to the world-class threats, all of them are potentially betrayed by world-class software vulnerabilities and all of them are subject to an increasingly complex set of computer and privacy related regulations around the world.
While most organizations believe that their information systems are safe, the brutal reality is that they are not. Individual hardware, software, and vendor driven solutions are not information security systems. Not only is it extremely dangerous for an organization to operate in today’s world without a systematic, strategic approach to information security, such organizations have become threats to their more responsible brethren.
The extent and value of electronic data are continuing to grow exponentially. The exposure of businesses and individuals to its misappropriation or destruction is growing equally quickly. The growth in computer and information related compliance and regulatory requirements reflects the threats associated with digital data. Directories have clear compliance responsibilities that cannot be met by saying “ The head of IT was supposed to have dealt with that”.
Ultimately, consumer confidence in dealing across the web depends on how secure people believe their personal data to be. Data security, for this reason, matters to any business with any form of web strategy, from simple business t consumer or business to business propositions through Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP ) systems to the use of extranets and e-mail. It matters, too any organization that depends on computers for its day-to-day existence or that may be subject to the provisions of Data Protection Act. Even the freedom of Information Act which ostensibly applies only to public sector organizations, raises confidentiality issue for any business that contracts with the public sector.
Newspapers and business magazines are full of stories about hackers, viruses and online fraud. These are just the public tip of the data insecurity iceberg. Little tends to be heard about businesses that suffer profit fluctuations through computer failure, or businesses that fail to survive a major interruption to their data and operating systems. Even less is heard about organizations whose core operations are compromised by the theft or loss of key business data; usually they just disappear quietly.
Information is the lifeblood of any business today. Anything that is of value inside the organization will be of value to someone outside it. The board is responsible for ensuring that critical information, and the technology that houses and process it, are secure.
Legislation and regulation is a governance issue. In the UK, the Turn Bull Report clearly identifies the need for boards to control risk to information and information systems. Data protection, privacy, computer misuse and other regulations, different in different jurisdictions, are a boardroom issue. Banks and financial sector organizations are subject to the requirements of the Bank of International Settlements ( BIS ) and the Basle 2 framework, which includes information and IT risk.
As the intellectual capital value of “information economy” organizations increases, their commercial viability and profitability, as well as their share, increasingly depend on the security, confidentiality and integrity of their information and information assets.
Threats and Consequences
The one area in which businesses of all sizes today enjoy a level playing field is in information security: all businesses are subject to the world-class threats, all of them are potentially betrayed by world-class software vulnerabilities and all of them are subject to an increasingly complex set of computer and privacy related regulations around the world.
While most organizations believe that their information systems are safe, the brutal reality is that they are not. Individual hardware, software, and vendor driven solutions are not information security systems. Not only is it extremely dangerous for an organization to operate in today’s world without a systematic, strategic approach to information security, such organizations have become threats to their more responsible brethren.
The extent and value of electronic data are continuing to grow exponentially. The exposure of businesses and individuals to its misappropriation or destruction is growing equally quickly. The growth in computer and information related compliance and regulatory requirements reflects the threats associated with digital data. Directories have clear compliance responsibilities that cannot be met by saying “ The head of IT was supposed to have dealt with that”.
Ultimately, consumer confidence in dealing across the web depends on how secure people believe their personal data to be. Data security, for this reason, matters to any business with any form of web strategy, from simple business t consumer or business to business propositions through Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP ) systems to the use of extranets and e-mail. It matters, too any organization that depends on computers for its day-to-day existence or that may be subject to the provisions of Data Protection Act. Even the freedom of Information Act which ostensibly applies only to public sector organizations, raises confidentiality issue for any business that contracts with the public sector.
Newspapers and business magazines are full of stories about hackers, viruses and online fraud. These are just the public tip of the data insecurity iceberg. Little tends to be heard about businesses that suffer profit fluctuations through computer failure, or businesses that fail to survive a major interruption to their data and operating systems. Even less is heard about organizations whose core operations are compromised by the theft or loss of key business data; usually they just disappear quietly.
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