Computer Components for Idiots by Ron King
There are many fancy add-ons for computers, but the basic components of the computer are simple and universal. If 1 of these main components is missing, it’s not a computer. The 4 essentials of every computer system are: a motherboard, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, and a hard drive. ... Computer Memory RAM (Random Access Memory) is the part of the computer that stores information the computer needs while it is operating. ... Hard Drive All the data contained in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off, so there has to be a place to store it permanently.

10 Things To Do For A Healthy & Secure PC by Darren Miller
Many who read this article may find these recommendations to be old news. However, think about the number family, friends, and associates that ask you for help fixing their PC and I believe you will understand why I chose to write this article.. This list of recommendations for a healthy &... Hard Drive Fragmentation --------------------- Believe it or not, many people have never even heard of hard drive fragmentation, or the process of Defragmentation. ... In a nutshell, when you install software or create files and data, the Operating System stores this data on your hard disk...

Is DVD Storage An Attractive Alternative For Your Computer Backup? by Per Strandberg
If you have a computer for home use or for your business and don't take comprehensive backup for full protection then you are in the danger-zone. Maybe you do not take any backup at all. You can find in Windows a basic backup utility which are installed during the installation. ... But, if you consider not only hard disk crashes, but also virus infection, theft plus other treats, then you realize the importance of implementing a full-proof backup strategy for your computer. ... But, first I have to install and setup a new hard disk that is working.

How to Back Up Your Files Using XP's backup utility - Step by Step by Carlos Cabezas
To determine how important it is for you to back up your files, you can simply ask yourself the following question: “How bad would it be if I turned on my computer tomorrow and all my files were gone?” If the answer is “It wouldn’t be that bad, there’s really nothing important on my computer... Before plugging in the new external hard drive go to “My Computer” (Start, My Computer) and take a look at what is under “Hard Disk Drives”. ... Use the drop down menu to find the external hard drive you just plugged in (remember you took note of what drive letter it was) Click on the drive letter.

Spyware Versus Adware by Mindy Matter
Have you ever had pop up after pop up on your computer screen? Or have you ever seen it happen on someone else's? This is something that is happening every day. What is it? It is either Adware or Spyware. What is Spyware? Spyware is a program that monitors or spies on what computer users do on... Every move you make on your computer is watched, and then based on your computer activity, you receive pop-up ads. ... They then automatically install advertisements onto the computer. ... The software causes bogs up the computer memory and eventually causes the computer to crash.

How To Remove One Operating System from a Dual Boot Windows XP Computer by George Chamoun
In Windows Xp, you can install two operating systems on the same hard disk of one computer. Whether you have two copies of Windows Xp, or two different operating systems, then you end up with dual boot machine when you restart your Windows Xp computer. ... Once the startup process is done, and your computer is ready to accept tasks to perform certain functions, you click on the "My Computer" icon and locate the hard disks, removable storage devices, and more. ... In the hard disk box you should see two drive icons, like "C", "D".

One Method of Data Recovery from a Dead Hard Drive by Gary Higbee
Here is the situation. A laptop comes to us with a dead hard drive. Unfortunately, the user needs some files off the dead drive. After much research on the internet and a couple of data recovery quotes we decide to try and recover the information ourselves. ... We then used a T-5 Torx drive to remove the screws securing the circuit board to the hard drive. ... After waiting another 20 minutes we had a drive image of the bad hard drive and our data was recovered. ... We put the circuit board from the good drive onto the dead hard drive and placed it back in the laptop.

Spyware & Business Computers by Glen Littlejohn
I. BACKGROUND Spyware is typically not a virus, so many anti-virus programs are not equipped to block, detect, or eliminate it. Spyware is not typically a cookie that you can simply delete through your browser tools. Often installed on your computer without your consent, spyware will: A. ... If you do, you may install spyware on your computer. ... Install a personal firewall to stop uninvited users from accessing your computer. ... A firewall blocks unauthorized access to your computer and will alert you if spyware already on your computer is sending information out.

Guide to Buying Hard Drives by Andrew Gates
Apart from being one of the most essential parts of your computer, hard drive storage is constantly updating, in terms of both capacity of disk space and in physical size. When it comes time to upgrade your disk storage, there are a number of factors for you to take into account. ... However, before you buy a hard drive for your portable computer, check that the hard drive's specifications will meet the standards of your computer, as many laptop hard drives are proprietary, and are not compatible with other brands and models.

How to Reduce Computer Problems? by Uthkusa Gamanayake
How can I prevent Computer problems? This is a question that people have asked me many times. The entire process of reducing Computer problems can be bundled under the banner of Computer Preventive Maintenance. It is not rocket science and you don’t have to be an IT professional to keep your PC... Perform Scandisk periodically to check the Hard Drive. ... These patches can reduce many unknown computer problems. ... Set-up your PC to Download and install “Windows Updates” automatically. ... Do not download and install unknown software from Internet.