Benefits of Adding More RAM to Your PC

RAM or Random Access Memory is a critical component for a computer to run properly. Having not enough RAM can render a computer useless over time due to too many programs or applications being used at the same time. The more applications a person opens, the more RAM is needed to run those applications. Today, most computer manufacturers sell new computers with at least 512MB of RAM. Compared to a few years ago, the minimum amount was 256MB. And before that, the minimum amount was 128MB or even 64MB. The increase is due to the complexity of the software and Operating systems that are being installed on the computer. For example, Windows XP has a bare minimum RAM requirement of 64MB to operate. But according to Microsoft, it is recommended to have 128MB to "increase performance". As for myself currently working in the PC support industry, you really need at least 256-512MB of RAM to get any type of performance out of Windows XP. If not, as soon as you start installing any type of games or database intensive software, the computer will slow down dramatically. Of the people that I support either at work or my personal clients, one of the main issues is not having enough RAM installed.

As another example, if an application uses 128MB of RAM, and the PC only has 128MB installed, that application will do one of two things:

1) Not even launch

2) Will launch, but then the PC will become unstable and eventually lock up.

When a PC runs of out RAM (or its all being used) then the PC will have to find RAM from somewhere else. Usually this means it converts some hard drive space into a term called Virtual RAM. This slows the computer down even more since its using "fake" RAM to try to help the computer run. Then the issue of available hard drive space becomes a factor. If you are low on hard drive space and the PC is attempting to convert some of the space into Virtual RAM, the PC will become even more unstable. You do not want to get to this point because again, the PC will eventually crash or lock up.

Bottom line, you can never have too much RAM installed in your PC. If you can afford it, I recommend purchasing the most amount of RAM that will fit on your PC. Usually these days, most newer PCs will hold 4GB of RAM. And of course, most PCs now come with Windows Vista pre-installed. Windows Vista will not even run with less than 1GB of RAM! So if you plan on upgrading your PC, spend some extra money to increase RAM as far as it will go.

RChase Computer Consulting Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Chase

Smartly Speed Up Windows - Wisely Choose RAM to Speed Up Windows

In order to speed up Windows, Adding more RAM helps, but which type of RAM to choose? Is the most recent type the best to speed up Windows? Nope!

Normally the RAM that has the fastest transfer rate speeds up Windows the most, but it may not be an economical way to have a slow Windows speed up. As we know, the transfer rate of DDRII 800 is 6.4GB/s and that of DDRIII 1333 is 10.67GB/s. Transfer rate reflects the ability to transfer data, in another word it means the ability to speed Windows up. It is obvious some would say to have the speed of windows go up, DDRIII 1333 is a better option comparing to DDRII 800 which transfers 4.27GB less data per second and will slow the speed of Windows up, if the price is not in consideration.

However we actually can speed up Windows by using two or three pieces of DDRII 800 RAM to get a data transfer rate of 12.8GB or 19.2GB per second on a motherboard which supports dual-channel memory or triple-channel memory. As you understand right now, thanks to the multi-channel DDR technology, wisely choosing RAM and a motherboard helps to save money and speed up Windows!

In some cases, if you don't have any budget for a new piece of RAM, it is recommended to use a free memory cleaner applet to automatically optimize RAM usage in order to speed windows up! Looking for more professional ways to speed up Windows?

Tag : computer,windows,ram,computer rapair

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_R._Miller

Routers Explained - Memory Types

BootROM

BootROM is used for permanently the storage of the startup diagnostic code (ROM Monitor). The main task for the BootROM is to perform some hardware diagnostics during bootup on the router, Power On Self Test (POST), and to load the Cisco IOS software from the Flash to the Memory.

Flash

Flash memory is a non-volatile memory storage that doesn't loose the information by turning the power off. Flash memories exist in many forms in routers, internal flash, external flash card or even USB flash cards.

Flash is used for permanent storage of a full Cisco IOS software image in compressed form. In Juniper routers Flash stores the JUNOS image and the configuration files.

Juniper router also has an internal hard drive that stores a backup copy of the JUNOS image, log files and any other required files.

RAM

RAM is a volatile data storage type of memory in which stored information is lost with power off. RAM stands for random access memory where the word random refers that stored data can be accessed in any order. RAM can be SRAM or DRAM. DRAM is used in more applications for the simplicity of its structure and lower cost.

RAM is used at run time for executable operating system code, and its subsystems, routing tables, caches, running configuration, packets, and so forth.

NVRAM

NVRAM stands for non-volatile random access memory and is used to describe any type of RAM that stored data is not lost by power turned off. NVRAM is used for writable permanent storage of the startup configuration in CISCO routers.

Thanks for your time, hope this article was useful for all of you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wael_Osama

Computers - Motherboard, RAM And CPU

For those people looking to make their own computers, they might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options and combinations available to them. However, you can save a lot of money making your own computer rather than purchasing a ready-made personal computers. Computers are made up over certain key components which should be considered first above all else, as they are like jigsaw pieces; only certain pieces fit with other pieces. Here are some tips to purchasing components for your computers.

Motherboard, RAM, Processor

A computer is made up of three core parts, excluding the case, power supply and a hard drive. These core parts allow everything else to function and once provided with power, the computer will turn on (though it won't get far without further information from the hard drive). They all play their own part in the functioning of the PC. The motherboard serves as a hub for the other components, but provides no performance boost of its own. Therefore, when choosing a motherboard, look for compatibility with newer components.

The central processing unit (CPU) is much easier to decide on. With your motherboard in mind, you'll be restricted to a single series of CPUs, such as the new i3, i5 and i7 processors from Intel. Choose one to fit your budget and performance needs, keeping in mind that it's not only processing speed which matters, but also how many cores are provided.

With multiple cores, the processor can easily deal with multiple streams of information, meaning it beats other, similarly-powered processors that have lesser cores. For those who wish to multitask, a multi-core processor is a must. For overall increased performance, also consider purchasing high-quality RAM.

RAM (Random Access Memory) performs as temporary memory for the rest of the computer. Unlike the hard drive, which is designed for large storage over a long period of time with slow access speeds, RAM is designed for small storage over a short period of time with very fast access speeds. This makes it ideal for storing important or regularly used information that the CPU needs to access quickly. Obviously, the higher the speed and storage space, the better the RAM.

Power Supply

The power supply provides power to the entire computer, including every components within. When utilizing smaller power supply units (PSUs), even an additional hard drive or optical drive can make all the difference and may even result in your personal computer not switching on. For a larger computer using multiple hard drives and multiple graphics cards, consider at least a 700w+ power supply with the necessary power cables to juice up such components.

Tag : computer,computer repair,cheap computer,CPU

Choosing the Right PC

With so many desktop PC’s to choose from, how do you know which is the best choice for your business? In this guide, we’ll cover many of the basics so that you can make an informed decision. First and foremost, here’s what you should do when choosing a model that is right for you.

Decide on a CPU (Central Processing Unit)—The CPU is essentially the brain of the computer, and thus, a great place to start when choosing a computer. The faster the processor’s clock speed, which is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz), the faster it can execute instructions. As a result, CPUs are divided into three groups: traditional single-core processors; dual-core processors, which boost performance for demanding applications; and quad-core processors, which provide unmatched performance for power-hungry multimedia and software applications.

Make sure you have enough memory (RAM)—Random Access Memory (RAM) is temporary storage that provides the working space for your computer to operate. Adding more RAM can result in an immediate and dramatic improvement in performance. Essentially, the greater the RAM, the more applications you can run at one time. RAM is relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and requires no configuration.

Select your hard drive capacity— Your desktop’s hard drive is where all data is stored, so when it comes to storage capacity, too much is never enough. And since enormous hard drives are very affordable (for most users, a 250GB drive is a good starting point), this means more for you and greater functionality for your computer.

CD/DVD Drives—CD and DVD drives read data on discs in a variety of formats. Some drives can also record data, images, music, or video to CD and/or DVDs. But beware: many of these drives create DVDs in formats that other drives and DVD players cannot read.

Consider security—Security might not be in the forefront of your mind when you’re shopping for a computer, but it should play a part in your decision. For example, virus and spyware are far more likely to target Windows PCs than MACs. Regardless of which one you choose, you should always use antivirus, firewall, and antispyware programs.

Choose by Brand—Surveys consistently show notable differences in technical support among computer brands. Since some brands are generally more expensive than others, those factors could help you decide which of two similarly equipped computers is the better buy.

These are just some of the many factors that can help your machine run more smoothly and efficiently. In the end, buying a good desktop primarily depends on what you will be using it for. Are you looking for a computer to perform basic tasks or to meet special requirements? Do you need to stay within a specific budget? Once you answer these questions, you’ll get the best value for your money and, more importantly, a computer you’re happy with.

About the Author

Laptop Accessories, Printers, Canon Digital Cameras

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Computer Memory Controllers - How They Work

Would you like to familiarize yourself with all the aspects of the computer memory? Yes! Then, did you know that there is a chip that controls the flow of data to and from the memory system of the computer. It is known as the computer memory controller, and is fixed either on the motherboard of the computer or to the Central Processing Unit.

The main task of the memory controller chip is to read, write and refresh the Random Access Memory by sending the current through the whole system. If there were no system of refreshing the RAM, the application might lose the entire data it has stored. In this sense, the presence of a memory controller is utterly important.

The Memory controller reads and writes the RAM through multiplexers and demultiplexers. They choose the right row, column and memory location for the data. These controllers work according to the bus width. The bus width of a system is constituted by the number of parallel lanes that communicate with the memory cell of the RAM.

Computer memory controllers have developed into a number of categories. These are Double data rate memory, Dual channel memory and fully buffered memory. The Double data rate memory controller is used to control the RAM which is in the form of a built-in circuit used in the computer. Here, the information is transferred in the flow of highs and lows of the memory clock of the computer. They are a little more comprehensive than that of a single rate controller as they allow almost twice the data to be transferred.

On the other hand, Dual channel memory controllers are used in the systems in which RAM is divided into two different buses. This permits two controllers to work in parallel directions. Fully buffered memory means the placement of a buffer memory device on every module of memory that uses a serial link to the data in place of a parallel link. With the help of this computer memory controller, several memory devices can be connected to a single board.

You will find quality but a very limited variety in computer memory controllers. Mostly, these are fixed in all laptop and desktop computers. A user need not fix them on his own. If you are going to use a computer service, it is important to check out its functioning and status as well. In this respect, you can seek the help of online websites as well as many of the reliable computer stores. For online help, you just need to click onto the Internet and explore the computer memory controller websites. You are allowed to share your concerns and problems with their staff and they will help you to come up with the relevant solution.

In case of some serious problem, they may send their staff to your home to take a close look at the memory controller. So, we have told you about the working of the computer memory controllers, now it is you who has to check out whether it is working accurately in your computer or not?

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for computers, laptops and software. When shopping for used computers, used laptops and used software, we recommend you shop at only the best online stores for used computer memory, used laptop memory, used Computer Memory Controllers software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand

Computer Memory Options

When you first purchase a computer, it may possess limited memory. Nevertheless, if you so choose, you can upgrade your computer memory later on down the road. The reasons for upgrading your computer memory may vary, but with the purchase of additional hardware, you can easily upgrade your computer memory when it becomes necessary to do so. Upgrading your memory will help increase the efficiency of your machine and your computer will be able to handle more software applications with greater ease. How can you upgrade your computer memory? Where can you get more memory so that you can have it installed?

You can upgrade your computer memory by purchasing additional memory and then having it installed into your computer tower. You will need to know who manufactured your computer, the precise product line and the model so that you get the correct memory for your computer. There are system scanners available online that can advise you about what kind of model computer you have, who manufactured it and the product line so that you can order the correct memory from a dealer online. Moreover, such scanners can advise of the memory configuration of your computer so that you can easily purchase the correct amount of memory you need.

Once you have determined the type of memory you require you can order a small chip-like device that, once installed, will add more memory to your computer. For example, if you currently have 256 Megabytes of RAM (Random Access Memory) and you want your home computer to run more efficiently, you may want to purchase an additional 256 Megabytes of RAM, which will bring your computer up to 512 Megabytes of RAM. With that amount your computer will work a lot faster, you will be able to manipulate graphics quicker and all of your software applications will work with increased speed.

With an online computer scanner, you can receive recommendations pertaining to the best upgrade for your computer. You may not require the amount of memory you think you need and a scanner can advise you about what is on your system now, and what can be on your system in the future. Further, if you purchase your memory online, you will get a guide that advises you about the proper installation of your new memory.

So, if you can't immediately afford the computer with the amount of memory you may want in the future, there is no need to worry. You can purchase additional memory when you have the funds to do so and install it when you receive your new memory in the mail. Or, if you prefer, you can bring your computer to a knowledgeable professional and have them install the newly ordered memory for you. Computer technicians are skilled at performing computer upgrades, and if your computer doesn't have any existing problems and you have purchased the right type of memory, you should have your computer out of the shop in no time whatsoever.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Computer Memory Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

4 Tips on Computer Troubleshooting

Tip No. 1 of Optimizing your Computer

Computer users normally don't do clearing of unwanted stuff in computer eg. Cookies, Internet Temporary Files. Do have a habit of bookmarking your frequent visit site if you don't wish to remember the site name, so you can frequently clear your Cookies and Internet Temporary Files.

Tip No. 2 of Optimizing your Computer

Setting virtual memory correctly is also important. Setting it too high or too low will slow down your system. The minimum virtual memory size is your (RAM size X 2) and the maximum will be your (RAM size X 2) + (Half your Ram Size).

Tip No. 3 of Optimizing your Computer

Unwanted entry in the registry of your computer also takes up you system space. You can download free tools to clear your unwanted entry in the registry of your computer from Computer Troubleshooting Store.

Tip No. 4 of Optimizing your Computer

Don't place too much shortcuts or files on the desktop, try to reduce the shortcut at about less then 10 as these will increase the boot up time for you computer.

All these tips is base on my experience encounter when I am troubleshooting for my customer. There is a lot of way to optimize your computer. But please don't choose paying method, as these will not waste you time searching it. You will be wasting your money on certain software that you buy. And all these it might not guarantee that it will work, so why still waste you money and you time searching for it.

Derrick Seah is the owner of Computer Troubleshooting Store. Find out more on how you can optimize your computer the right way at Computer Troubleshooting Store

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derrick_Seah

Windows Vista Support and Help Services

Windows vista is an Operating system which was developed by Microsoft in year of 2006. The previous name of Windows vista was "longhorn". Windows vista has lots of inbuilt feature, it is more secure, more usable, more user friendly and more attractive for user point of view. These above feature was not present in windows earlier version in windows XP. If you want to get windows vista support, then you should remember some basis things about the Windows Vista like it's hardware requirement as:

• Vista support CPU P VI and higher
• Memory minimum 512 Mega Byte recommended 1 Giga Byte.

Some times people said that their Windows Vista run very slow, however they have minimum hardware requirement like 512 Mega Byte RAM. And they do not look after about recommended memory feature. Technically you should have 1 Giga Byte of RAM in your computer for smooth running Windows Vista. Because the graphics of Windows Vista is very high, which is consume more memory. It is good enough if you have an external graphics card.

Is normal user can troubleshoot and repair to Windows vista? Although generally normal user specially home users do not too enough technically sound, however they can troubleshoot Windows vista. Windows vista gives easy troubleshooting platform to user. It can diagnostics automatically and detect errors like hard disks error, faulty memory, any performance issue, loos network connection and shutting down problems. For more entertainment in Windows Vista there is inbuilt Windows Media Center, which is available in Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions, earlier it had to purchased separately.

Some important feature of Windows Vista are:

New User Experience, including Windows Aero: It makes Windows vista similar to like Mac OSX. The appearance of windows, its desktop, start button, menus, taskbar everything got a new look. You can applied here Aero themes, which support 3D modes.

Windows Sidebar: It is a long, vertical bar that is displayed on the side of desktop. It can contain mini programs, which is easy access just one click when you want to open.

Windows Defender: It is the inbuilt spyware protection . For security reason it is very important.

User Account Control: If you want to that no one user can access some particulate application or program which is important to you, then with the help of it you can set security policy.

There are lots of more feature like:

• Performance Center.
• The Instant Desktop Search
• Network Map
• Windows ReadyBoost
• Windows ReadyDrive
• Windows Media Center
• Wireless Networking

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/windows-vista-support-and-help-services-1007851.html

How Do I Make My Computer Faster Than Normal?

“How do I make my computers faster than normal?” This is a common question among PC users. Most computer users will encounter systems that are slow and unresponsive at some point of their computer using lives. If you think that owning a recently purchased computer exempts you from this problem, you are sadly mistaken. Even the latest computers will slow down eventually if preventive measures aren’t taken. Let’s examine several simple steps we can take to speed up our computer.

#1 Registry cleaner

Every computer has a registry. Information stored in registries can never be deleted nor removed. Instead, this information gets overwritten multiple times. As such, this increases the chances of corrupted and redundant files. Having too much irrelevant information stored in the registry can cause the computers slow down. This is because the computer now has to wade through a junkyard full of digital waste before reaching to the information it wants. To ensure that your registry stays junk-free, simply use a registry cleaner to clear out all redundant files. A registry cleaner will help you to sieve out corrupted files and ensure that only the right set of information is being stored in the registry. RegCure and Reg Mechanic two of the most popular registry cleaners that you can find off the shelves in any computer shop. But if you think that you are not ready to part with your money, then try using the all-free CCleaner. It works just as well as other paid registry cleaners too.

#2 Regular defragmentation

Don’t be a stranger to defragmentation. Defragmentation is a simple, yet effective tool that can be your computer’s best friend. Conducting regular defragmentation is encouraged as it helps to sort out files and folders that might have gone missing. The best thing about defragmentation is that is it free for all Windows users. Just be prepared to leave your PC overnight as defragmentation can take quite some time.

#3 Minimize the use of numerous applications at one go

Everyone is guilty of this; MSN Messenger, Microsoft Word, Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer all running simultaneously. Multi-tasking is always desirable, but what happens when too many tasks are being executed at the same time? If your RAM is big enough, then chances are you will not have to worry about programs freezing when you try opening them. If you have insufficient RAM, your computer could freeze or slow down. It is best when you try to minimize the number of applications running at all times.

These are just some of the examples that you can use to get your computer running at tiptop speed. These simple methods have been proven to be effective and have been used by computer experts all over the world for years. Best of all, is that you can follow these simple steps without having to pay for expensive software. Just remember to conduct regular computer checks to ensure that bugs, viruses and spywares are not infesting your monolithic trove of digital treasure.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=277849&ca=Computers+and+Technology

Computers – The Best Tool For Video Editing

Computers were designed to make things easier for us and a lot faster. That is also true with using computers for video editing. Computers are being used for video editing nowadays because it saves a lot of time. If you are familiar with computers it will be a lot easy and you can finish the job in about an hour. Using computers for video editing is known as Digital Video Editing. All you have to do is just take a video or a shot then connect your camcorder to the computer. After that you can start editing it and add whatever filters or titles you want to put.

The computer will play an important part in making you video a good one. You have to download or install video editing software first. Also, check your computer. You must have a CPU processor that is fast. The CPU processor is the life of the computer for this is where information is stored. As like what they say the muscle and the brains of a computer. If the CPU is fast, it will produce better edited videos and you could check or preview the video at present time.

Large Hard Drives is also a must in using computers for video editing. You will not only use software for editing but usually the files of the video are large therefore consuming a large space on your hard drive. This is essential in creating a high quality video. It is also recommended that you get an external hard drive so that you will still have enough space for your computers hard drive. It is a good way to store your videos if you use an external hard drive. A factor to consider is the RAM that you have in your computer. It is one of the factors that will give your computer a good performance as well as create a good quality video. You may use 1GB of RAM but if you can upgrade it to 2GB it will be better.

Hardware equipment for video editing has two kinds: analog and digital. We use video capture card for analog format. This will transfer analog picture from your computer to other sources like television, analog camcorder and VCR and will format it to digital video. Firewire is also available and in demand. This video editing hardware equipment allows us to transfer the video in digital format thus making us capture the video digitally and would not have to go to the process of transferring video from analog to digital format.

With digital video editing we can make simple videos like your summer vacation or a special occasion a quality video. Chances of making a documentary film is also big just by using digital video editing. It is less expensive. Also, the image quality will not diminish since we are using digital format. We can further enhance the video instead of making it poorer in quality. Computers will make your video editing faster, easier and would produce quality videos that you may benefit in the future.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=279605&ca=Computers+and+Technology

How to fix a slow computer and speed up computer performance

Computer is among one of those technological breakthroughs of all the time which has redefined the world, the way they were seen earlier. The Computer has taken the front seat whether it is at home, at work and at school. Given the significance of computers in our lives it will be appropriate to give high priority to computer performance. Without proper maintenance your computer might run slow; who would want to use a sluggish computer, right?

Like any of the other devices a standard computer will experience wear and tear. The prolonged existence of a computer's life will always depend on how the possessor takes care of his or her computer system. Computer clean-up is the simplest way of taking concern of the computer system. It is predictable that dust and dirt will build up inside that CPU tower so customary cleaning should be obligatory.

In today's world, everyone wants to get things done in a quicker and more efficient manner than before. Time is always of the essence and unreasonable deadlines are common occurrence for a lot of people. With that, everyone would always want their tools and equipment to be reliable and work at the highest level possible, especially when it comes to computers. It can be said that these complicated machines are the most important and most powerful tool at your disposal. A computer can do thousands of calculations for you, you can create wonderful presentations as well as document anything with a computer. Today almost any profession relies on this machine. So when it comes to a slow pc, people often get frustrated right off the bat.

A computer can slow down for a variety of reasons. One is that your computer can be overheating which means you need to purchase better ventilation for your hard drive. It could also mean that there is something wrong with your hardware such as crossed wires which can produce extreme amounts of heat. It is better of avail a computer support services before facing any major problem.

Another common reason for a computer to become slower is due to lack or Random Access Memory or RAM. To fix this problem, you can simply upgrade your RAM to higher specifications. Other common computer problems that can slow down your computer involve automatically running programs and too much programs in your computer tray, which is the bar at the lower right hand corner of the screen. To remove some of these programs you can use windows customize or if you're using another operating system, try to check the settings and stop automatic running programs that your computer doesn't need.

Lastly, a very common occurrence of computers slowing down is because of the computer's registry being full or unorganized. A registry is where your operating system saves information about certain details of your computer, hardware settings and other important files that keep your machine running. Overtime this can become a complete mess. At the same time, contracting spywares and malicious programs can also mess up your registry. In order to Speed up your computer, you can use software programs known as registry cleaners. These things are programmed to clean up your registry and remove any and all malicious software that is in your database or registry.

These issues are but some of the most common ones to affect your computer's speed. There are also other events that can reduce its performance which is why you should always be ready and take care of your computer.

Tag : computer,computer performance,computer hardware

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/how-to-fix-a-slow-computer-and-speed-up-computer-performance-1036701.html

Windows XP Computer Tune-up

Temp Files - How do those temp files get there in the first place, and what do you gain by deleting them? As applications process and manipulate data, many create temporary files. Often these are used as emergency backups and sometimes for temporary storage while the program does some other type of processing. This is especially true of applications that handle large files: word processors, image-manipulation programs, desktop publishing applications, or video-editing tools. The result is that the head of the hard drive, the part that seeks out the data, has to travel all over the drive to find what it's looking for. That's more work for the drive and, perhaps more important, more time it spends looking for data than actually reading it in.

Because some of those files, the temp files for instance, don't even need to be there, that slows down the system even more. To make things even worse, having these extra files around can contribute to a secondary problem that also results in a slower system. No matter how much memory you have, it's a finite resource. Sooner or later, some processing-related activity will use up all of your available memory. The less memory you have, the sooner and more often that will occur. And when it does occur, Windows has a clever way to deal with the memory shortage: it starts using chunks of hard-drive space as virtual memory. The system creates a swap file that it uses as if it were additional (but slow) memory; instead of holding data in real memory, it sends information to, and reads it back from, the hard drive instead of to and from memory. System Tune-up will remove all current *.tmp files.

Slow or Windows Startup Errors - Another important thing to help improve Windows performance is to disable all the unnecessary "start-up shortcuts" found in the System Tray. The icons seen near the digital clock in the Windows Taskbar are "shortcuts" which have told various programs to start running when your computer is booted (on the theory that you'll be able to get into them more quickly when you need them).

But what if you don't need them? Should they be running in the background and using system resources? Why not turn them off and just launch them when you need them (except for your AV program, as mentioned above)? System Tune-up will safely remove unnecessary programs from your startup programs.

Removing all *.dll Files - DLL (Dynamically Link Library) is an executable file that permits programs to share code to perform one or more predefined functions. A DLL file can be used by several programs at the same time. The benefit of having DLL files is that they don't get loaded into random access memory (RAM) along with the main program, which saves up space in RAM. So instead of all the coding being built into the program, it uses a particular DLL file that, with a simple call, can execute the operation for it. Virtually all Windows applications use a variety of control and configuration files. One of the most common types is DLL files, typically installed in the WindowsSystem subdirectory.

Few people are familiar with DLLs and their corresponding applications. And it's unlikely anyone could know them all. As you make changes to your software, especially by uninstalling or removing applications, DLL files are sometimes left behind. These are space hogging artifacts you no longer want or need. Want to clean out some of those pesky DLL files that get left over throughout your system when you uninstall programs? Aren't sure which ones are safe to delete and which ones need to be there? System Tune-up will safely remove all unneeded *.dll files from your computer.

Avast Install and Boot-Up Run Time Scan - Avast! v4.8 represents a multi-award winning solution to virus protection, with anti-spy ware and anti-root kit protection software built in for added security. Root kit can be defined as a collection of one or more tools designed to covertly maintain control of a computer. Root kits have more commonly been associated with tools used for hiding programs or processes from the users. Root kit uses functions in the operating system to hide itself, so as not to be detected, and is often used to hide other malicious programs such as keystroke loggers. The use of root kits is not necessarily malicious, but they have come to be increasingly associated with undesirable behavior and malicious software.

Spy ware attacks can collect various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habit, sites that have been visited, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful viruses, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. Spy ware can even change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and loss of Internet or other programs. System Tune-up recommends Avast for your virus, anti-spy ware and anti-rookit for your online protection. It FREE and I used it on all my systems. Avast is available free for non-commercial, home use and with its fast, automatic updates Avast! Antivirus is already being used by more than 50 million users worldwide to provide continuous protection against all forms of malicious software (malware).

Advantages of turning off System Restore - System Restore uses a lot of hard drive space. It similar to using the undo feature in Microsoft Word. System Restore is not a truly complete and foolproof form of backup. At best, System Restore can and will get the core operating system running again after a bad crash, but it doesn't return all files to the pre-trouble state, and it can't remove all traces of a program that went bad. As a result, System Restore's usefulness is limited. Turning System Restore off increase your hard drive space and will improve your Windows XP system performance. System Tune-up will safely turn off System Restore.

Defrag Files - Defragging is process done to a hard disk in order to improve performance and recover some lost disk space. Defragging is an essential part of a PC's upkeep as it keeps all the data on your hard disk in an easily readable order. If a hard disk is left without defragging, then over time the disk will begin to lose performance and also slowly reduce the available capacity to data. As you will be aware if your hard disk is running slowly then this will affect the rest of the system performance, in all applications and especially in games, where frame rate is important. How does Defragging improve performance?

When you defrag your hard disk you re-arrange the order in which the data is stored on the drive. The PC will arrange the data so that data that belongs together and needs to be read together is actually put in the same place on the drive. The obvious question here is why doesn't the PC store the data in the correct way in the first place? In an ideal situation (such as a blank disk) the PC would do these as a first option. However with the amount of data being deleted and wrote to the disk every second the PC is on it is no wonder that the data cannot be stored together. System Tune-up will defrag all hard drives.

Once System Tune Steps are complete it is recommend that you back up your vital files are a complete backup is done for your protection.

Ralph Walker http://www.adjustservices.com http://adjustservices.com/usphonesupport.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ralph_Walker

How To Make My Computer Go Faster

Computers are getting more and more common in this day and age, we have a strong reliance on these "household appliances" that it would be almost improbable to imagine living one day without these luxuries by our sides. However, the ever non-satisfied personality of humans pushes towards greater excellence and not just do we want convenience, but rather, we desire to have convenience in an instant. For example, the traditional way of brewing coffee has now been restricted to 3 in 1 sachets of coffee power or the way to fill our stomachs is either to order take out or drop by any fast food outlet and grab a quick bite.

Nonetheless, we too want our lives to not only be enhanced, but also to be accelerated, to do things fast and quick. It is no wonder that when we face with something trying to slow our hectic lifestyle, we feel uncomfortable and queasy. One of such "things" is especially when our computer begins to slow down in its functions and ability. As mentioned earlier, computers are as good as our daily companion, we do practically most of our work in it and for it to not function at its maximum capacity, it only irritates us as business deals worth millions can be just in that one click away.

In this article we will look into some of the ways by which you can increase the speed of your computer.

1. Upgrade your RAM

If you have reason to believe that your computer has been around for too long and its components are not up to date, you may want to consider upgrading your RAM to give your computer more available memory. Upgrading memory now is becoming much cheaper but you should only do this if you already know that a lack of memory is the cause of your PC speed problems.

2. Deal with your computer's registry

The registry section of our computers is not commonly familiar amongst users however it does play an important role that may be the reason for your computer slowing down. This section contains numerous files named registry keys that instruct your computer how it should run. However, if a computer has been used over a long period of time, there is a high chance whereby some of the files have become corrupted or missing resulting in a slowing down of the computer's performance. How you should handle such a problem is to download the cleaner software immediately. Followed by scanning through your computer to find our whether there are errors in our registry and fix your computer's registry if there are.

Another cause for registry problems is the presence of false entries. Your computer constantly makes and deletes entries from your registry and this causes the formation of false entries. Moreover, spyware and viruses also leave behind lots of false entries even after they have been removed successfully. Thus after running through a virus scan and eradicating them off, you also have to run a registry cleaner to ensure your computer is functioning at maximum capacity.

3. Stop having multiple programs

Some people love to multi-task everything they need to complete at the same time. For example, a person at work may be using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word together with a dozen pages of websites while researching and at the same time is chatting with friends or colleagues through the web messenger. No wonder the computer would be processing so slowly! Each computer has its limits and if you step beyond them, it would cause it to function below its peak potential.

Logan Albright is an authority on troubleshooting computer problems at http://www.pcaholic.com. Where he helps thousands how to optimize their computers through a proper computer check up. Click Here to speed up your pc for free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Logan_Albright

Computer Slow Processing Problems

This is not an uncommon problem these days when a computer got stuck up in performing some tasks or operations.

The basic reasons behind this problems as follows:

Tons of unwanted software installed in the computers. Try to remove unwanted software in the computer. Because they consume lot of computer hard disk and also requires a large chunk of your computer RAM (Random Access Memory). Sometime some crucial files required for running these programs or software may get deleted or corrupted, so it results in hanging up your PC.

Do not install too many games that require heavy graphics, this will cause the computer to slow down and sometimes cause hang ups. If you really want to enjoy all that heavy games, get good RAM like 528 MB and any top end processor. This will help you boosting the performance of your computer when you run high graphic games.

Remove all the temporary files in the computer, they also slows down computer.

Try to do the defragmentation of Hard Disk once a week, it will boost up the performance of your computer.

Try to prevent your computer from dust by covering it with dust covers, as dust is one of the top enemy of PCs. Keep your computer in a dry place as moist conditions are not good for the computer.

The points may help you improving and boosting the performance of your computer.

Take Care,

Happy Computing

The ideas above are own ideas of the author based on his 10 years experience on internet and networks. The author is not responsible in anyway for any damage or loss of data caused to the user directly or indirectly.

Website: http://www.cyberforce.info Author's Educational Achievements Masters of Business with Specialization in Marketing and Information Technology Bachelors in Electronic Science Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vinay_Rana

Mac Vs. Windows - A Personal Choice

Like many of you I started using windows a long long time ago, my parents bought me an IBM Aptiva which was top of the line back then. It ran the "new" Windows 3.1.1 and it had a 440mb hard drive and 64mb RAM.

I remember thinking to myself "Wow, what a machine this is", and I wasn't just saying that because of the powerhouse that I thought I had in front of my eyes, but also the sheer size of this thing was something to almost be afraid of.....I have grown up with Windows operating systems my whole life switching from 3.1.1 to Windows 95,98,Me,Xp and finally Vista. I have to say that I like the look of Vista but it just does not quite fit my style of how I think a system should be built as far as how programs should work together instead of independently, the endless worry of viruses, spyware, malware, spam etc.

But a funny thing happened while I was watching TV about a year ago, I noticed these cool little commercials popping up between shows I was watching and I found myself wanting to see more of them. They talked about the differences that a PC user would experience as oppose to a Mac one. Yes, I am talking about the now famous PC Vs. Mac advertisements.

Every time I saw a new ad show up on TV I would stop whatever I was doing and like a little kid watch intently like if I was a 6 year old watching Saturday morning cartoons. This in turn got we wondering what these Apple computers where all about, so I started researching them on the internet, watching YouTube videos about the Tiger OS while at the same time slowly thinking to myself 'Why had nobody told me about these cool machines before'.

After a few weeks of learning about them I took the plunge as they say and bought one, a Macbook with 1.83 ghz Intel Core Duo, 512MB RAM and 60GB HDD. I was afraid that I would not pick up the Tiger operating system as fast as I did with Windows but actually it was a lot easier for me and I was up and editing photos with iPhoto, playing around with PhotoBooth, absolutely loving Expose and wondering how I ever worked without it.

Move forward to 2008, now I am running Leopard which is a great upgrade to Tiger in so many ways but I want to say that I still have my other computer which is a PC. I still find myself using for some things more importantly because that one I built from the ground up and it includes my dual monitor setup which I love.

I think the MacPro's starting at $2799 are out of my budget by a long shot so I am just going to wait until maybe a cheaper version of a Mac Pro comes out or maybe an upgraded version of an iMac is available which has support for dual monitors.

Until then I will continue to use both systems, they both have its pluses and minuses but in my opinion the Apple operating systems just seem more stable and secure.

For more Mac related articles, visit http://maxthemac.com

Feel free to distribute this article in any form as long as you include this resource box.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Palma

Dell Inspiron 1525 Product Review

'One of the thinnest and lightest laptops available in the market, DELL Inspiron 1525 comes with a 15.4” inch screen and is considered to be the best bet for 'basic computing'. Yet it might not perform so well under heavy uni workload. The laptop comes with a much better battery life, better than even more powerful configurations available in the market. The range of processor configurations, are one of its unique features. Besides, it has the cool touch-sensitive media controls. Priced at 35,000 INR, the DELL Inspiron 1525 laptop model has its own set of unique features and pitfalls and as such is competing for its market share, amidst other laptop manufacturers in the same league. A quick overview of this DELL model is as enclosed:

The Feature Highlights:

Ease & Degree of Customization: The DELL Inspiron 1525 is a must have for those who believe in customizing almost everything, to better suit their need & tastes. The users have the flexibility of customizing the laptop, as per their likes if they are discontent with the default settings.

Good Performance: Inspiron 1525 comes bundled with solid performance and great features.

Design: The Inspiron 1525 scores high on its sleek keyboard design, the touchpad and the media buttons.

Pricing: In spite of added features, improved performance, elegant style and the ease of customization its offers, its very noiminally priced if we compare with the market Laptop Prices, for similar make, configuration and performance.

Product Pitfalls:

The Inspiron 1525 model scores less on dedicated graphics option. This very model can't handle 3D graphics. Instead it only supports 2D applications and simple games.

The laptop's glossy LCD lid works as a magnet for your finger prints, thus giving it an untidy look very frequently. We definitely don't seek that!

Limited display options as offered by this model, also add to the suite of product pitfalls.

Also, the wireless performnace has been reported as inconsistent.

Overall the product seems to score above average as compared to the other models, in the similar price band and competing for a pie of the laptop market. Dell Inspiron 1525 Laptop is undoubtedly a performance driven, compact, economical and stylish laptop and gives a fair competition to other laptop brands in the same price range. Now, this is what we call a 'Smart Deal' to grab, if you just need the laptop for basic computing, web surfing and the likes. It surely serves your purpose efficiently, without even costing you a fortune. The detailed product specifications are as enclosed:

Weight: 2.6 kg

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor @ 2.2 GHz

Memory: 160 GB Hard Drive with 2 GB DDR2 RAM and DVDnRW Optical Drive

Display: 15.4 inches with Intel Graphic Media Acceleratoir 3000 Graphics solution

Video: Shared Onboard Video Memory

Audio: Intel High Definition Audio with speakers

Peripherals: Integrated Webcam and Microphone

Connectivity: Wi-Fi/Firewire Port/ 3 USB 2.0 ports

Bundled Features: Windows Vista Home Basic with 1 year warranty

By: John Wells

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Laptop Or Desktop?

Hey my friend, I need a new computer, what do you think I should get?"

I hear that question....often. The answer may be simple for some, but most people do not realize how cheap they can get a decent computer or laptop...which brings me to another question I often hear: "Should I get a laptop or desktop?"

There are many websites out there that compare computers and most are just trying to get people to purchase their brand. In my opinion, all manufacturers are better than they were 5 yrs ago. I personally have 2 Dell desktop computers. One is about 4 months old, the other is 7 yrs old. I am not promoting Dell, but I never....not at all....had to call someone at Dell about my computers. They just "work".

In saying that....most people just need to find a computer that fits what they need to do with it. Now for the purposes of this post, I am going to stick with Dell because I use them at home so I can help someone choose the right model for what they need. There are basically 3 different types of people that need a computer:

1) The college student

2) The parents/grandparents or computer beginner

3) The gamer

I'll give a brief breakdown of what each group should purchase but of course, each group has its people that actually fall into more than one group.

1) The college student: Usually, a laptop is the best decision for a college student. Why? Because they will always be studying somewhere. Whether at work or the library, most places these days have wireless Internet access so they can connect to the Internet if need be. Besides that, laptops are portable and easy to carry anywhere. The college student generally does not need a high powered processor or extra RAM. Just the basics. Here is the laptop I would recommend to a college student:

Dell Inspirion 1525

2) The parents/grandparents or computer beginner: This group is also simple....although they probably need a desktop instead of a laptop. Again, unless the parents are into gaming or other graphic intensive things, a simple desktop will do. Here is my recommendation:

Dell Inspirion 530

3) The gamer: This group is a fun one. People in this group could range from kids to adults and vary from all different types of games including online gaming. To play a PC game, your computer should be maxed out in all areas as much as you can afford at the time. I recommend purchasing a desktop, not a laptop for gaming, even though there are some companies that sell "gaming laptops", its not the same. Video cards are still not the best in laptops. Most games are so memory and graphic intensive that a gaming computer will need to have the best available at the time of purchase. Of course, there comes a huge price for this...but hey, if you are willing to spend this much to play games and you love doing, why not? Splurge if you can. Here is what I would recommend to a PC gamer:

Dell XPS 720

Ok, well that sums it up for deciding to purchase a laptop or desktop. Like I said, the above list is just general. There are more questions I ask people before making a recommendation but at least whoever is reading this will have an idea of what to look for.

RChase Computer Consulting Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Chase

On Buying Cheap Computers

If my computing needs are modest and my budget is tight what do I do? Is it possible for me to find a choice from among cheap computers that will enable me to browse, email, do photo editing and spreadsheet tracking? Well, the answer is a big yes. The great news is, today you can get used and refurbished computers in good working condition at great bargain prices. There is no need for you to spend a fortune by buying a new one from among the highly hyped top of the line brands if a refurbished machine does the job good enough for you. But before you hop in to buy the first cheap computer that comes to your notice, take note of the following important pointers.

Evaluate the Processor

A processor is the heart of a computer. So when you are assessing cheap computers look for Dual-core processors, specifically the AMD Athlon X2 or Intel Pentium Dual Core Models. Though single core processors can throw up dirt cheap models, Dual-core types will stand you in good stead for multi-tasking jobs.

Get to know the operating system in the refurbished computer. The operating system also referred to as O/S, is the master brain of a computer that controls the hardware, controls the software and provides you with the means to control the computer.

Select a RAM of at least 2GB capacity. A lesser one will slow down your system considerably.

Assess Hard Disk Storage

Good news is you can get cheap computers at bargain prices having storage capacity of 250-400 GB. Anything less than that will be inadequate for tasks such as downloading photos, listening to music, and watching videos. Do not forget to look for a computer having the DVD burning feature.

Weigh In the Peripherals

You may need a monitor, a key board and a mouse unless you have all these from your previous set. You may get a budget set with all these items at bargain prices. Even if you do not, hardware accessories are always available at very reasonable prices, so keep a tag to budget for these items.

Choose the Right Software

When you are zeroing your choice from among the cheap computers, select the software applications you need carefully. Software applications are the basic guides of your computer. Ensure the software versions you buy are compliant with the operating system installed with the refurbished computer.

The computers market will usually display the following three ranges of computer systems.

* Standard computer

* Mid-range computer

* High-end computer

Cheap computers generally fall into the standard category. Yet, entrepreneurs for their business needs can spot refurbished mid-range and high end computers by bargain hunting. Create your own specification suited to your needs and then shop around a bit. Do not forget to look for the following.

* Money-Back Guarantee: Understand the return policy of your cheap computers seller because you may change your mind any time after you buy an item.

* Warranty: Do not buy one unless it has a warranty for the components and labor.

Discontinued Models

Manufacturers often have brand new laptop computers that did not sell. These are referred to as discontinued models. If you are not a stickler for latest brands, getting an inexpensive discontinued model is not a bad idea at all.

Whichever way, the cheap computers market is flooded with umpteen models and brands. You can be sure there is one for your needs.

Tag : computer,cheap computer,buying

Pointers For Choosing Your Laptop Computer

Pointers for buying a laptop.

If you're thinking of buying a laptop computer there are undoubtedly some great deals to be found, but what should you be looking for when you're in the market for a updated or even your first laptop computer.

Well, it's always worth sitting down with a pen and paper and thinking about exactly what you need your new laptop computer to do. If you're simply going to use it for word processing and the odd email here and there you don't need the super fast processor and hard drive that can hold thousands of files, so don't let a slick salesman tell you otherwise that’s just going to hurt your pocket.

If it's a family laptop computer you're in the market for you'll want a good all rounder. kidshave a great knack of loading games and other large applications onto a PC without you knowing. which can really effect performance for when you need it for more important things like business or your own games. So make sure you get a good-sized hard drive and a good amount of ram.

Regardless of the type of laptop computer you're in the market for make sure you explain to the salesman exactly what you need it for ( ie is it for the home or on the road). More often than not they'll be able to show you in the right direction, but make sure you only spend an amount you're happy with.

If you're an online shopper then there are some great deals to be found, so just make sure you conduct proper research before jumping in to make that purchase. You'll probably see a lot of adverts for the newest laptop computer on the market , Buying a laptop computer , its just like anything else , make sure you do a good amount of research, be clear about the amount you want to spend and weigh up your options.

Laptop computer http://www.discount-notebooks.net
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