Saturday, June 7, 2008

Save Your Life With Computer Spyware Removal

The computer has become an essential part of almost everyone's life. In this hi-tech world we live in today, most of our significant activities are dependent on our use of the computer. We have relied on this connection of keypads, monitors, and CPU's to get us through the day with convenience.

Our dependence on the computer is threatened by viruses that infect its system. We can lose the variety of things we store in it, from photos we take for a hobby to articles or programs we make for a living. Indeed, just imagining such an occurrence - our trusty computer suddenly breaking down - can cause us stress. That's how much the computer means to us - that's how the computer has become not just a home or office fixture, but our very life.

In order to avoid such a scenario, it is imperative that we take care of our computer and protect it from all sorts of virus, especially the most dangerous and fatal ones. Just like how we look after our health to prolong or save our life, we should also look after our computer.

One of this kind of virus is spyware. Spyware basically works as a privacy-invading virus. It enters your computer and collects information about you and your online activities. It does not end there. The real danger that spyware poses is that it gives away the information it has gathered to a third party. Your usernames, passwords, and credit card details can and will be made known to a complete stranger. Before this happens, you must perform a computer spyware removal.

Computer spyware removal is not as difficult a task as it sounds. With the number of tools and programs that you can use, it is actually not as mind-boggling as you think. Through this, you can ensure your computer's safety and longevity.

There are a number of computer spyware removal utilities available in the market today. If you search online, a variation in the word you type on the search engine will still lead you to almost the same sites trusted in computer spyware removal. From these sites you can find out the numerous programs you can readily download - most of these are for free - and use to keep your computer system protected.

Some of these utilities or programs are Spyware Doctor, Scan Spyware, AntiSpy, Spy Eraser, Spyware Stopper, and Omniquad AntiSpy. There are many more accessible programs you can use for computer spyware removal. However, before you decide to download any of the ones you come across with, it is best if you have an expert with you to help you choose the best option. Beware that there are marketed spyware removal programs that are actually invested with the virus.

Our computer is not the only one that can benefit from the precaution that we take to ensure it remains virus-free. We, ourselves, are the main recipients of the rewards of a well-protected computer. With computer spyware removal, we can continue to do work and pleasure, save important files, and browse through the internet risk-free.

By Jason Hobbs

If you would like more information on Spyware & A FREE Scan then visit the authors site here http://anti-spywarereviews.com.Don't Risk Being Infected Get A Free Scan Today

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

Read More..

Overclocking Software

There are numerous softwares which one can use and download for the purpose of overclocking. It depends on what type of overclocking system the person is looking for. If he wants certain software for his graphics card or his video then he has to download different software for each of them. This software is available on the web for him to search and download. Once he chooses particular software, he can go through the provided steps to download the software in his PC. Further, the person should keep it in mind that overclocking and fan speed modifications can cause harm to his system.

Overclock - coolbits

In order to update the overclocking of the system, one can opt for the overclocking portion. To overclock, the person can opt for coolbits software which he can download from the provided website. For the same, he has to extract and open the contained folder and run the coolbits software registered file. The software will ask the person a message about the process and one has to click on the yes button when the procedure gets over.

After this step, the person has to go to his Nvidia display properties and right click on his desktop. Then as per the instructions, he has to go through properties- settings tab and advance with Nvidia 6800 tab. When he clicks on the 6800 tab, the side window pops up in which the person has to click the clock frequency choice.

Now, the person will be shown a side window which will come up and he should click on the provided frequency choices. This requires him to click the manual overclocking and click yes to the message. In the settings bar, the system asks the person to change it from 2nd change to 3rd performance. After this, he has to press the detect optimal frequent button and when the testing is done, he has to click the apply button to apply it to the startup. After all this is done he can press the ok button. The message prompt of yes goes back and checks that the settings are stuck. Lastly, the person has to reboot the last time and check the power speed up from 55k to 63.5k.

In this manner there are a lot of software meant for different usages of certain packages. This software is available on online websites for free.

By Billy Zype

Billy Zype is an overclocking expert. You can check out his website at http://www.hotoverclocking.com

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

Read More..

5 Tips For Getting Started With it Asset Management

  1. Set goals - what is it that you are looking to achieve with your new IT Asset Management program? This can be an effort to improve support resolution, respond to an audit request, or simply a need to know which assets you have across your networks. Set the goals and targets for your program so you could measure how your ITAM efforts are progressing.

  2. Get buy-in from the business side - ITAM is a business process, so get a buy-in from the business side of the house. Communicate your plan with senior management and get their support for the process and the investment, and make sure they are actively involved with exploring the improvement opportunities (for example, renegotiate your maintenance contracts, reassign assets or modify your IT usage policies). An ITAM program is probably not going to help improve your company's income, but it will most likely drive significant cost saving and help improve your IT efficiency - set your management expectation accordingly.

  3. Prepare for the long term - ITAM is an ongoing process and not a onetime event. Your business and your IT systems are constantly changing and keeping them aligned is an ongoing effort. An effective ITAM program requires ongoing review to allow you to maximize the value of the program. On the bright side, the ongoing nature of an ITAM program is a source for a constant flow of improvement opportunities (cost saving or procedure wise) which you could adopt to extract even more value from your assets. Examples includes reassigning licenses, reducing help-desk resolution time, and detecting risks to your IT asset such as missing security patches or illegal software, as well as risks to your business such as insufficient software licenses.

  4. Pick a tool and automate what you can. Once you define the goals and requirements for your ITAM program, pick a tool that would support your requirements and fit your environment. If your company has many branches and remote employees, or your network architecture is very complex, you need to consider a tool that can easily adjust to it. Look for a tool that will support your ongoing efforts, help detect improvement opportunities, and will not create a significant administrative overhead (we want to manage assets, not manage more-tools-to-manage-assets). Lastly, make sure you try the tool in your own environment before you commit to it.

  5. Establish a baseline - an accurate baseline of your assets is the foundation of a successful ITAM program. Your baseline should include an accurate inventory of your PC's (including physical locations and users), installed software, printers and financial records such as contracts and software licenses that your company owns. Once you have established a baseline, a proper tool and the right mindset will help you keep your inventory accurate so you could gain long-term value from your newly deployed ITAM program.

By Doron Gordon

SAManage (http://www.SAManage.com), a leading provider of on-demand IT Asset Management services.

SAManage ("Simple Asset Management") helps organizations effectively manage IT Assets such as PC and software inventory, contracts and software licenses, and detect potential IT risks or license compliance gaps. Our on-demand service can be easily deployed across multiple locations within minutes and provide visibility into complex IT infrastructures to ensure optimized IT asset utilization.

Visit http://www.samanage.com and sign up for a free 30-days trial today.

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

Read More..

Cybercops for Cybercrime

In an effort to regulate the investigation of digital crime in the US, some states are looking at limiting the practice to Private Investigators. North and South Carolina, Georgia, New York, Nevada, Texas, Virginia and Washington are just some of the states that are enacting mandatory licensing of all forensic investigators.

One of the main problems around the investigation of digital crime is the issue of jurisdiction. Digital crime is borderless. Someone in New York can perpetrate criminal activities in Los Angeles without moving from his of her desk. According to the new laws anyone investigating this crime would have to be licensed in both New York and LA for his or her findings to be admissible in a court of law. Should supporting digital evidence be found in any other states, the investigator would need valid PI licenses for them too. Evidence from unlicensed investigators will be excluded from court and could result in the criminal prosecution of the offenders.

IT professionals by and large don't have any problems with attempts to regulate their field. Their primary concern is that they are being forced into an existing and ill-fitting category rather than being given one of their own. They fear that by allowing anyone with a PI license to claim forensic investigative credibility, evidence will be unnecessarily compromised and the field's image will be irreparably tarnished. Their argument is that if they have to be licensed, then regular PIs should also be licensed to carry out the delicate and specialised work of data collection and recovery.

What is in fact needed is more education on all sides. Forensic investigators need to learn more about court procedures and what constitutes admissible evidence, for example, maintaining the chain of custody of evidence and the proper documentation of findings. Prosecutors should know more about what is and is not possible so that they'll recognise outlandish claims and know when to challenge the credibility of evidence.

If PIs want to engage in digital investigations they should be able to prove their competency in the field. There should be a standard exam that all aspirant digital investigators need to pass in order to qualify for a forensic investigator PI license. Standardised practices will make it easier for investigators to work across state boundaries. Standardisation will also contribute to transparency in a field whose specialised nature places it at risk of obfuscation.

Regulations are necessary in all industries. They help those within the industries work to the best of their abilities and create a sense of accountability and responsibility. It's undeniable that the field of digital investigation needs regulating, as without it evidence is open to compromise. But legislators should take care that the regulations serve the industries that they are designed to protect, and don't detract from their credibility. Stan King, from the Forensics and Investigative Response Practice of Verizon Business Services said, "Like a doctor who's gone to medical school, works in his field, takes continuing education and maintains his medical licenses-that's the level of accountability we need for digital forensics". I don't think that the courts of South Carolina would argue.

Recommended site:

http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Projects-Security/Computer-Forensics-Faces-Private-Eye-Competition/



By Sandy Cosser



Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers MVI Data Recovery data recovery one of the most successful data recovery companies in the UK today.

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

Read More..

Cisco CCNA, CCENT, and CCNP Exam Practice Questions - Hex Conversions, HDLC, PPP, and More!

Let's test your knowledge of hexadecimal conversions, router defaults, IPv6, and more with these Cisco certification exam practice questions!

CCENT Certification:

Short answer: What is the decimal equivalent of the hex value Fa8?

Answer: We have 15 ("F") units of 256, 10 ("a") units of 16, and 8 units of 1.
3840 + 160 + 8 = 4008

CCNA Certification:

What is the default encapsulation type of a Cisco Serial interface?

A. HDLC

B. PPP

C. ISDN

D. Frame Relay

E. ATM

F. There is no default encap type - when you open a Cisco router's Serial interface, there is no encapsulation present.

Answer: A. The default encapsulation type on a Cisco serial interface is High Data-Link Control (HDLC), as verified here by the output of show interface serial0. This particular interface is shut down, but you can still see the default encap type!

R1#show interface s0

Serial0 is administratively down, line protocol is down

Hardware is HD64570

MTU 1500 bytes, BW 1544 Kbit, DLY 20000 usec, reliability 255/255, txload 1/255, rxload 1/255
Encapsulation HDLC, loopback not set

CCNP Certification / BSCI Exam:

Which of the following statements are true regarding the expression of a single IPv6 address?

A. There is no limit on zero compression.

B. There is no limit on leading zero compression.

C. There is a limit on how many times you can use zero compression.

D. There is a limit on how many times you can use leading zero compression.

Answer: B, C. Zero compression is the act of replacing blocks of zeroes with double-colons and can only be used once in a single address. Leading zero compression is the act of dropping leading zeroes in a single block, and there is no limit in how many times you can do this in an IPv6 address. Just remember to leave at least one number in such a block!

CCNP Certification / BCMSN Exam:

Short answer: What command is used to place individual switch ports into an Etherchannel?

Extra credit: How many physical channels can be placed into an Etherchannel?

Answer(s): Use the channel-group command to place ports into an Etherchannel. To get the extra credit ;), you should know that you can place up to eight physical channels into an EC.

CCNP Certification / ISCW Exam:

Identify the true statements regarding Authentication Header.

A. AH uses IP protocol number 50.

B. AH uses IP protocol number 51.

C. AH authenticates the header.

D. AH does not authenticate the header.

E. AH encrypts the packet's payload.

F. AH does not encrypt the packet's payload.

Answers: B, C, F. AH uses protocol number 51, and it does authenticate the header - after all, it's Authentication Header! AH does not encrypt the payload itself, though.

CCNP Certification / ONT Exam:

What type of delay is defined as the amount of time it takes a packet to be transferred from the input interface of a router to the output interface?

A. Queueing delay

B. Propagation delay

C. Processing delay

D. Serialization delay

Answer: C. That might sound like queueing delay, but it's actually the description of a processing delay.

By Chris Bryant

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of free CCNA certification and Cisco CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages.

Visit his blog, which is updated several times daily with new Cisco certification articles, free tutorials, and daily CCNA / CCNP exam questions!

A free 7-part course, "How To Pass The CCNA", is also available.

Attend a Network+ Boot Camp without leaving home with this special from The Bryant Advantage!

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

Read More..

When Your Laptop Drive Is Damaged - 7 Mistakes to Avoid

Below numbering of the seven disastrous faults not to do while your hard disc is damaged.

1- Encase of fire harm don't try to clean, or to put in refrigerator or deep freezer on fire damaged media.

2- Encase of physical harm don't attempt to remove disc drive, don't shake, dismantle any hard disk or notebook that has been damaged, since wrong handling can do retrieval more serious or impractical.

3- After physical harm immediately switch off PC, never try to operate whatsoever visible damaged devices as additional operation may harm data irremediably.

4- Water harm case : Never ever try to make clean or dry out water damaged hard drive by opening it or disclosing it to heat (the high temperature of a hair drier for instance).

5- Once a user check messages such as "Operating System not found", "Corrupt Volume" or once he may merely be missing files and folders he had better at once shut down the computer. (Since the more durable a damaged hard disk is left working, the many more data that can be entirely dropped off).

6- Encase of mechanical harm if you pick up strange makes noise or grinding, don't carry a check disk software package (CHKDSK or some another software like that).

7- And at last if you're a newcomer, never set about to try the retrieval alone whenever you have some valuable data.

In this seven sort of case you'll have to get through narrowed down company, and that can/will cost you in all probability a good deal of money.

As a matter of fact the biggest erroneous belief to stave off is the absence of backup, I'll never say it sufficient, backup your files, backup your files... Backup...

Or get fix to confront a catastrophe.

Visit http://www.laptop-support.net to learn more about Backup and Laptop.

By Alan Mod

I'm moderator for http://www.laptop-support.net, and I'm hoping contribute to make grow our community by sharing my knowledge and helping people

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

Read More..

What Type of Data Backup is Best For Your Business?

Keeping a copy of critical data is important for both home and business computer users. Whether it's your personal checking account or a corporate customer database, a backup copy can save you from disaster in the event the original file is lost.

There are several levels of backup from local copies to online file storage. Each is successively more secure and more likely to keep your data safe.

Backups on the Same Computer

Some data can be satisfactorily backed up on the same computer. A common example would be a spreadsheet that is about to undergo significant changes. By saving another copy the user can always revert back to the original if the changes aren't implemented correctly.

Keeping old versions for easy reference or reversion of changes is fine, but these types of backup are almost useless for data security. Anything that endangers the original file will endanger the backup as well. A failed hard drive means both are lost.

A slightly higher level of security is realized by saving to a different hard drive on the same computer. If the main hard drive fails the data is still safe on a backup drive. However disasters such as fires or floods could destroy the entire computer system and again both copies are lost.

External Backup Media

Tape backups are still an inexpensive and effective choice of external media, although CDs, DVDs or external hard drives are good options as well. Media kept onsite can be stored in a fireproof safe or other secure environment, protecting the data against larger disasters. Yet another level of security can be achieved by storing the media offsite.

Onsite media, even if stored securely, is still in danger from any threat to the main data. Offsite media is better protected but is hard to get to. When you need to restore from offsite media you have to wait hours or days for the media to be delivered to you first.

Online File Storage

A backup option that combines security, safety, and convenience is online file storage. Keeping copies online takes offsite data backup to a new level. Your data is stored in servers that may not even be in the same state much less the same city. Even widespread natural disasters won't threaten both your originals and your backups at the same time.

Despite the remote storage, your data is still easy to get to. Log on to the online file storage site and your files are immediately available. Unattended backups are easy because there are no tapes to swap out.

Online solutions are completely secure. Connections are encrypted so that hackers can't intercept your data or pull it off the storage servers. In fact online backup is more secure than offsite tapes, which are unencrypted and could be examined by anyone.

By Christine Harrell

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Online File Storage, visit http://www.offsitebackupsolutions.com.

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

Read More..

Preparation Steps Before Reformatting Your Computer's Hard Drive

If you are like most people, your computer is one of the most valuable possessions in your home. This is not simply because of what it is capable of doing, but also for all the information it holds. For most people, computers are practically a family member.

Few use date books or traditional calendars anymore because most of what they need is in one place ready to access at any time. For either personal or professional use, a computer is one piece of technology that most of us can no longer live without.

That is why it is so important to know how to prepare to reformat your computer's hard drive in case it takes a severe crash or doesn't boot up. The delicate nature of this exercise is reformatting in a way that salvages your data. You should never reformat your computer without knowing the step-by-step directions you need to follow.

In fact, you should have very good reasons to justify your decision to reformat at all before doing so. Computer experts agree that reformatting a drive should be the last option you take considering it is such a major change to your computer.

First, long before your computer experiences any significant damage, make a backup of all the information and programs stored on your computer. Without a backup copy of your computer's vital information, you will lose any important documents, passwords, music files, and other desirable data you currently have stored. Backups should be made on regular intervals (weekly or even daily), and done at least monthly.

Additionally, you need a copy of your installation software that usually comes with your computer when you first buy it. It may also be called a backup CD. This includes the operating system that you are using as well as any other software for programs you use that comes standard with your computer.

At the same time, you want to make a boot CD which can be created through the control panel on your computer. This will enable you to boot up your computer with that CD.

Finally, you will then take the steps to reformat and install your operating system, such as Windows XP. Follow the instructions completely by installing the system to the hard drive, which is usually drive C. If you are not confident in what you are doing, then by all means take your computer to someone who does, because you do not want to be left with a useless box after completion.

By Darrin Johnson

For practical PC security software information, please visit pc-security-keys.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning issues that help you to combat viruses, spyware, adware, and more!

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

Read More..

What To Do When Your Computer Runs Slow?

Do you ever face the problem where you computer starts to become sluggish or slow in its processing? Computers are supposed to be machines and should be able to do what man cannot possible do, maintaining a peak performance everyday. If not, what is the point of having one then? What we need is a machine, a computer that can help us store our data, our plans and work and can churn out whatever we need at the snap of a finger. But as the years go by, it seems as though the snap of the finger now has changed to become two snaps, and with time, more snaps are needed.

What do we do then, when we can no longer have our information that we need instantly? There are a couple of methods or ways that one can implement to improve the speed of their computers.

Upgrading your RAM

Our computer's RAM determines the amount of memory that it has and ultimately the speed it can process at. Upgrading your RAM is as good as saying you want to improve the speed of your computer. However, it is not free of charge and comes with a cost. Given that upgrading your RAM is becoming more and more affordable these days, you may feel that it is a good idea to upgrade yours right now; however remember that it would be useless if you upgraded your RAM only to find that your computer is still slow due to other reasons. Thus think twice and be sure before you purchase a new RAM.

Clear the Registry

Each computer comes with something called the registry that not many people know of. The registry is an important part of your computer as it stores crucial information that has to do with the login users and also which applications are allowed to access the computer. With time, the registry gets clogged with unnecessary garbage and loaded with numerous false entries that only serve to slow the speed of the computer. As such, it is a good practice to regularly clean out your registry. How to get one is simple! Go to the Web and search for one, each will cost about 30 dollars, cheap and effective. A good buy indeed!

De-Fragmentation

Search for de-fragmentation in your computer system through the search function and carry out de-fragmentizing. This may sound too technical for some of us, but it simply means to arrange the data in your computer in a much more organized and efficient fashion as to speed up it's processing. Think of it as messy room compared to a tidy room. It would definitely be easier to walk through the room that is neater than the other. With the same analogy, a neater computer would process better than one that has yet to be sorted out.

There are many other ways to help solve the problem of slow computers, but those mentioned above are cheap and hassle-free. Also, they only take a short amount of time to be completed. But do take note that if all else fails; it is wiser to seek council from a technician who will certainly be able to help you out even more.

By Logan Albright

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

Read More..

Top 10 Tips and Ideas For How to Make an Ink Cartridge Last Longer

Do you want to save money on expensive ink cartridges for your printer?

Then you need to follow some smart tips that can help your ink cartridge last longer.

Ink cartridges can be expensive

If you have been buying lot of office equipment and printer accessories, you may have noticed that inkjet printer cartridges cost you a good deal of money.

There cannot be any compromise on ink cartridge refill or replacing ink cartridges itself owing to the large amount of printing work that needs to be done constantly at your office.

To make it more economical and affordable, you need to follow a few strategies that can help you curb your monthly expenditure on buying ink cartridges for regular use.

Top 10 tips to effectively utilize your printer cartridge to last longer

1. Determine your printing purpose

Before you start printing any particular portion of text or graphics, decide its relevance and usefulness so that you do not unnecessarily spend time in printing things that may not be of much use.

2. Avoid extreme temperatures

High variations in temperature can easily affect printer ink cartridges. Hence, make sure that they are not exposed to extreme heat or cold conditions to ensure a lasting performance.

3. Use color printing as and when needed

If you want your refilled ink to run longer, then make use of color printing only when required. Otherwise, for general and regular use, it is wiser to use black and white printing that helps in saving your money on buying additional refills.

4. Choose the correct printer settings

In case you have documents that are not been used for presentation purpose, then a draft printer setting should serve the purpose for all general documents.

5. Regular use of the printer

It is necessary that you use the printer on a regular basis so that there is lesser chance of the printer ink drying up easily. Just try printing some small portion of text every time.

6. Printing text over graphics

If you are printing documents only for the sake of plain reference, you can print only the essential text and the matter that is required. Avoid printing images or colorful graphics if it does not serve the purpose.

7. Use Print preview more often

Print preview function is a useful feature that can help you in giving a preview of how the document will look like after been printed. It can help you adjust spaces and organizing things together before getting the final output.

8. Stopping the printer in working mode

Never stop the printer in between until it has completed the task, as the cartridge could be still moving. This will force the printer head to stop at a particular place where you stopped the process and may cause ink leakage too.

9. Installing a good software

Lot of ink saving software is available online which can be used for reducing the consumption of printer ink. Some of them consume less ink even when used for high resolution printing purposes.

10. Do not shut off the printer every time

If you are using the printer frequently, avoid shutting it fully until you have completed your work. Otherwise, it may unnecessarily cause your printer ink to dry up in the process as everytime you turn it on, a small amount of ink is utilized.

By following such small yet effective tips, you can ensure that your refilled ink cartridge lasts longer.



By James Kara Murat



James Kara Murat from PrintCountry.com, the contributor of Printer Ink Cartridges Articles. More information on the subject is at How to Make an Ink Cartridge Last Longer, and related resources can be found at HP Printer Cartridges

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

Read More..

The Basic Laptop

The laptop computer sometimes called a notebook is the mobile and smaller version of a regular desk top type computer today innovations in computer technology have made it possible to get the full performance of the desk tops packaged into a small and very portable unit which can weigh any where from 2 ½ to 7 lbs making it possible to now take the power and performance of the computer where every you may need to go.

These small and portable units are capable of performing many of the same if not all of the task as the larger desktop units. While it is true the do not have all the power of the larger Desktop models for many of us they have everything you will need to perform a large array of you computing task in this portable platform. The power and performance like anything you buy today depends greatly on the amount you are willing to spend.

For the most part laptops are affordable options for many consumers looking to purchase a portable unit that is vary capable of performing and accomplishing our daily task. The components of the laptop have been optimized and made as small as possible, while keeping in mind their power consumption rates to improve the or extent the life of their batteries.

Laptops on a Budget

If you are looking for a laptop to perform a task such as word processing, searching the internet, staying in contact through emails, your in luck today you can find a number of affordable laptops vary capable of handling these task with out having to spend too much money. One of the best places to find a good used or refurbished laptop is on eBay or similar auction sites. To have a laptop capable of handling these tasks look for one which has the following minimum features a 14.1 to 15 inch screen, 30 GB hard drive, at least 256 RAM, an Ethernet network Card and a modem for connecting to the internet.

If you are looking for a laptop for video gaming or performing more complicated tasks you should plan on tripling the size of your Hard Drive and having at a minimum of 1GZ RAM you should also think about some form of a graphic accelerator.

The following are some very good performing and reliable laptops IBM ThinkPad T23, Dell Latitude D505, Sony Vaio FR415B, and Toshiba Satellite. While these are good choices if you are truly on a budget don't forget to look at Acer, and Averatec, as these to manufacturers strive to provide the consumer with vary good and reliable laptop at some of the best prices you will find. Shop around and I'm sure you will find a laptop which is right for your needs and at an affordable price.



By Robert R Smith



By: RR Smith

If you are looking for used laptops or refurbished laptops follow this link we have access to all makes and models with some tremendous saving available to you!


Used Laptop Deals.Com http://www.used-laptop-deals.com

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

Read More..

How to Downgrade Your Laptop From Vista to XP

Now the first question you might be asking when you read this article is 'Why would anyone want to downgrade their laptop from Vista to XP?' There are many reasons, but the most common one is speed and stability. Windows Vista is noticeably faster than Vista on the same hardware. Also, Windows Explorer crashes more often in Vista than in XP.

In this article we will take a look at how we can downgrade Vista to XP in the simplest way. There are actually a few options for doing it, so we will run through three of them here.

Option 1: Perform A Windows Recovery

One way to downgrade to XP is to perform a Windows Recovery. Now, this approach is more convenient because you don't need to wipe out your hard drive.

The flip side is that it is generally not as 'clean' as the other option (the Start from Scratch option below).

Let's look at what you need to do:

Back up your entire hard drive.

The first and most important thing to do is to back up your entire hard drive in case anything goes wrong with this process. If you have Windows Vista Business or Ultimate, there is a Complete PC Backup and Restore tool you can use. Also, make sure you leave Several free GB of hard disk space on the boot drive after performing the backup.

A safer (and my preferred) way is to copy your data onto an external hard disk. You can easily copy it all back once XP is up and running. Ensure that you back up the entire C:Users folder, which will include your Documents directory, your desktop files, plus application data such as e-mail.

Back up your entire hard drive.

The first and most important thing to do is to back up your entire hard drive in case anything goes wrong with this process.

If you have Windows Vista Business or Ultimate, there is a Complete PC Backup and Restore tool you can use.

Boot up using your Windows XP disc.

Insert your Wnidows XP disc into your optical drive and turn on the laptop. You can then press the spacebar when you see the message Press any key to boot from CD .... Now, if you don't see this message, you need to go into the laptop's BIOS setup screen and change the boot options. Your CD drive should appear before your hard drive in the boot sequence list.

Open the Recovery Console.

Once Windows XP Setup starts, you should press R on the first page and open the Recovery Console. When asked to choose a Windows installation, type 1 and press Enter.

At this point, you might be asked for the Administrator password. This is where it gets a bit tricky. If you don't know the Administrator password, you can get it this way:


    * Boot back into Windows Vista

    * Open the Start menu, type lusrmgr.msc and press Enter

    * Open the C:Users folder

    * Double-click on the Administrator account and turn off the Account is disabled option

    * Open the Start menu again, type Control userpasswords2 into the Search box, then press enter

    * Click the Reset Password button, choose a new password, and start over

That gives you the Administrator password and you should be able to proceed with the downgrade.

Prep your hard disk for XP. Next, we go back to the Recovery Console command prompt, and type the following commands.

fixboot

fixmbr
cd
ren windows winvista

exit

Allow your laptop to restart, and boot using your Windows XP CD again. The Windows XP setup will start normally.

Move your documents. Once the Windows XP setup completes, you will have a working Windows XP operating system. However, you will need to move some files manually. Most importantly, these would be your documents, the your desktop contents, as well as any other data in Vista's redundant C:Users folder into XP's C:Documents and Settings folder. You'll also need to reinstall all your applications and device drivers, and eventually delete the abandoned C:Winvista folder.

And that's it ... if you've followed through this far, you will have downgraded Windows Vista to Windows XP successfully, without re-formatting your hard drive.

Option 2: Start From Scratch

The second way to downgrade to XP is to start from scratch. This method has the advantage of being a very 'clean' install. That is, your laptop won't be loaded with remnants of Vista, mixed up with XP. Everything in there will be pure Windows XP.

Here's how we do it:

Back up your entire hard drive.

As before, the first step to do is to back up your entire hard drive in case anything goes wrong with this process.
Just copy your data onto an external hard disk - you can copy it back once XP is up and running.

Perform a Clean Windows XP install.

The procedure here varies widely, depending on your laptop. You should consult your laptop's manual for details.
Typically, the laptop software will wipe out the hard drive and put in a preinstalled copy of Windows XP onto the drive.

This image should come with all the drivers and demo software that you got with your laptop when it was first purchase.

When the install is done, simply hook up your backup drive and copy your files back.

Option 3: Dual-Boot Configuration

Now, consider a third option. What if you have some essential application or device that simply won't work with Vista. You also don't want to downgrade to XP.

What do you do in this case? One option is to perform a dual-boot. Be warned, however, this option is an advanced option, so you should have some idea of dual-booting before you try it out.

You will be installing XP alongside Vista, so you'll need a second hard drive, or a second partition on your primary drive.

You should start off booting from a Windows XP Setup disc, then install the operating system on that second drive.

Once you have done that - DO NOT panic when Vista won't start. Just simply reinstall Vista's boot manager.
Boot off your Vista Setup disc, and click Next on the first page.

On the Install Windows page, click Repair your computer.

You'll be prompted to choose between Windows XP and Vista each time you turn on your laptop.

Conclusion
Right! I hope this article has given you some idea of how to downgrade from Windows Vista to Windows XP. The downgrade does indeed make good sense if you're having problems adjusting to Vista. However, you should also take into account that new software is being tuned for Vista. And legacy Windows XP support will disappear very soon. In any case, if you feel the downgrade is still needed, try one of the above options. I hope they work for you!

By Gary Hendricks

Gary Hendricks runs a website about laptops. Visit his website at Best-Laptop-Guide.com to learn more about selecting the best laptops and accessories to suit your needs.

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

Read More..

What is a UMPC?

What is the UMPC?

Has the thought of having a small mobile PC that doesn't weigh a ton, and can handle as much processing power as a computer ever appealed to you, well you and many other consumers certainly voiced strong opinions on this matter. The UMPC is the size of a paperback book, and is small and light enough to carry round with you all the time. The thing that really set the UMPC apart was the large clear screen which comes in sizes to 4-7 inches and is 100% touch screen, which means no more QWERTY Keyboards or other external keyboards needed to type onto the device. With the full screen on the UMPC you can enjoy media from your Windows Vista Desktop PC like it was meant to be enjoyed, you can create slide shows of your family holiday, and then play them back to anyone you meet when you are out and about. This can even be accompanied by music of your choosing, which really brings so much more to the viewing experience.

All UMPC devices come preloaded with a mobile version of Windows Vista, which means a user is going to enjoy a good experience and will be able to do so much more whilst on the move

They will be able to:

  • Stay in Touch at any location- Wherever you are connected to the internet, you are connected to the Ultra Mobile experience from the UMPC, you can browse the internet in full screen, browse RSS Feeds or send and receive email messages

  • Do More on the Go- With the great Windows Vista Experience being bought to the mobile environment you can use the Windows Vista programs such as Microsoft Office, Street Maps Games for Windows. It will seem like you have never been parted for your Windows Vista Desktop. With the touch functionality inbuilt to the UMPC, you can easily manipulate the programs without having to do a lot of work!


Related Links

Check out what industry analyst Rob Enderle had to say about the UMPC:

http://www.umpc.tv/rob-enderle-video-1.html

So what is the software behind the UMPC?

To really understand the key functionality behind the UMPC, you need to see this short demo at the link below to see how this fantastic technology works:

http://www.shortenurl.com/5slcf

By Josh Chandler

If you enjoyed this article then be sure to check out the many resources Josh Chandler maintains on the internet.

You can visit his Windows Media Player Support Site at:

http://www.windows-media-player-updates.com

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

Read More..

Watch TV Series Online for Free

Where do I get to Watch Free TV Series Online

The internet has two main ways that you can watch TV from your computer. You will need to be connected to the internet to view most of these shows. One of the free ways to watch TV on the net is by login into the television websites available online.

There are hundreds of websites that offer absolutely free channels online. These act as portals with links to thousands on world stations. The websites have grouped the stations into several sections depending on the country of origin. When you open the home page, the website will have countries listed from where the site has stations from. Others go a step further and group the stations into the various languages that are used in broadcasting these channels.

Once you choose your country or language of choice you will be directed to a page which lists the stations available in that country or language. You can then click and watch shows from your selected area or language directly from the internet. The only biggest hurdle with free web service sites is that they get a lot of traffic demanding free services.

The result is that they are either too slow to log onto or they just keep on being interrupted midway a show due to the heavy traffic. In most cases you can't even be able to open any station in the first instance due to clogging. You will get an error message every time you try to access them.

The other way of getting to watch series, episodes and shows online is through downloading special software. The software is a combination of thousands of world channels into one easy to use package. These are mainly retailed online and upon payment of a start up membership, you are directed to a download page. You will download the software into your computer just like you would any operating software.

Once downloaded, you will need to click on the exec files to be able to have it installed into your computer. Upon installation, you can then open the software and watch global channels. The whole process takes anywhere from 2-5 minutes depending on your internet connection speeds.

In a similar way, the stations are grouped according to which country they are aired from. You can choose the country and you will get a list of hundreds of channels available. You can then proceed to open the station and watch your choice programs.

I'm currently using one of the most popular softwares that I bought for less than $50 for a lifetime membership. It came with over 3000 channels and 1000 radio stations.

It's a nice way to watch in privacy and catch on to some off the x rated TV series and shows without worrying about interruptions.



By Robert Kamau



You can use the same service I use to watch all TV Shows, TV Sports, News & Movies, Right Here!!or even better- join this membership to share files and download absolutely free movies, online TV shows, OVER HERE!!

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

Read More..

Best Registry Cleaner For Windows

The registry is a very sensitive and important component of the windows operating system which stores information related to the software,hardware and preferences on your pc. All computers will reach a point when they will become problematic and it is mostly the registry which is responsible for this.The reason being that it continuously changes when you remove, add or change the different software and hardware on your system and can only be safely repaired with a free registry cleaner tool due to its complex structures.I think most people are not aware of the importance of this information storage unit within their windows systems so lets discuss it in more depth.

As explained briefly above the registry stores data which changes every time you change settings or software on your computer.If this is done frequently it will result in a large build up of unwanted and outdated configuration keys from partially uninstalled programs and hardware which will basically cause windows to function poorly.The reason this happens is because windows needs to read the information in the registry to process startup applications and other drivers so if it contains errors then it will cause your system to crash, experience error messages and possibly even reboot on frequent occasions.Other symptoms include unused start menu items, internet explorer crashes and deleted shortcuts.

If you are experienced with computers then it is possible to edit the registry manually via the "regedit" command which can be executed from the start menu.It will allow you to modify,delete,rename and change permissions on selected keys in the right hand pane.So if you know where the problem is located then you can fix it but if you delete or change the incorrect entry you can crash your entire system.This is why using free registry cleaner software is advised in which it cleans and optimizes this database without hassles.

Reg Cure is my recommendation as the best free registry cleaner program which has continued to gain popularity as the number one pc repair tool on the internet today.If you would like to download a free version please visit the website below.



By Michael Sparks



Reg Cure Download

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

Read More..