Computers are very similar to people in that they have a finite lifespan and like us, there are a number of afflictions that can cause a computer’s digital existence to cease. Most of these problems stem from careless handling, neglect, unhealthy environments and old age, leaving the average computer system’s longevity no more than ten years.

However, careless handling, maintenance and badly trained users can shorten a computer’s lifespan just as a careless lifestyle can cut shorten ours. Here is a list of the ten most common causes of catastrophic computer failure.

10. User errors – From not powering down properly to skipping scan disks, a user can seriously damage a computer’s hardware, particularly drives and processors by not following correct guidance in using their machine.

9. Faulty manufacture – years ago there were only a handful of companies producing PCs now it seems there are an almost infinite number of manufacturers and assemblers, some have vast experience and resources, others are no more than two guys in a garage so it is not surprising that an increasing number of computer systems are faulty when bought new.

8. Bad upgrades. It is not just computers themselves that are victims of bad workmanship, upgrades by inexperienced computer fitters can cause horrendous problems and faulty add-ons such as RAM can kill a processor instantly. Also attempting to ‘overclock’ a processor can often lead to a fatal melt-down.

7. USB Device Mishaps. It seems everything can be plugged into a USB these days. However, it maybe that your USB device is not suited to the operating system you use or it may be faulty leading to a fatal short circuit.

6. Power surge/cut. Power surges or unexpected power cuts can not only cause instant loss of data but can also fry a processor rendering it useless. It is not just power from the grid that causes problems either, lightning can surge through cables (even phone wires) frazzling your system and a build up of static can cause similar results.

5. Dust. A dusty environment will clog a computer and block cooling vents causing a computer to overheat. Dust can also contain conductive material and particles can stick to circuit boards and cause a short circuit. Even home computers if not properly cleaned can succumb to problems caused by too much dust.

4. Water/fluids. Of course computers are electrical and with all electrical equipment, computers and water do not mix, just one spilt cup of coffee could see the end of your PC.

3. Heat. Processors can run exceptionally hot and if a computers cooling system is inadequate (because the machine has been upgraded, overclocked or just clogged up with dust and grime) it will only be a matter of time before it packs up for good.

2. Cold. Just as with heat, computers don’t enjoy the cold too much either. Processors will not operate at all if the operating temperature is too cold and Processors can permanently freeze up if the temperature drops too much.

1. Knocks/bangs. Computers are sensitive machines, simply moving a PC to another room can cause havoc, disrupting the delicate circuitry and hard drives. Dropping a computer or severe knocks and bangs will permanently damage the circuits and processors or dislodge wiring.

There are of course measures that can be taken to protect a PC such as always ensuring any computer has been assembled correctly and any upgrades are done carefully by a fully trained professional. Making sure a decent power supply with surge suppressor is fitted is also important (many computer experts will tell you that a power supply is the most important component in a PC, and I can’t argue with that) and that any peripherals are checked to be working correctly before you plug them in (ask to see them work in the shop) and will run correctly on your operating system.

Finally there is a low cost ways of adding extra protection to a PC, in the shape of a computer enclosure, particularly worthwhile if your PC has to operate in a dusty or moist environment, under varying temperatures and prone to knocks and bangs.

These industrial computer enclosures are relatively low cost and can house virtually any PC, monitor or printer. They often contain air conditioners and heaters to control temperature and can protect from extremely severe knocks and bangs (some even claim to be bomb proof). These enclosures also prevent dust and fluids from entering (some can even be hosed down in industrial environments without fear of damage) and allow a conventional PC to be used in the most hostile environments from ovens, freezers, dusty shop-floors and even explosive environments.

By: Richard N Williams

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Do you know if your computer has been infect with a common computer virus? Anyone who spends enough time on the internet and uses their computer on a regular basis should be familiar with how to check if your computer has been infected. Heck the internet makes it very easy and inexpensive to protect yourself and your PC. This article is going to discuss some of the common computer virus and how it can affect you and your PC.

No one likes to talk about viruses whether it is about a computer or a human; because encountering them is no fun. You have most likely heard the term “Trojan Horse” but what exactly is it and what does it man? A trojan horse is a common computer virus and it is a destructive program that masquerades as a harmless application. Unlike the normal viruses the trojan horse do not replicate themselves, but they are just as destructive as the viruses that do.

You may not even know if you are encountering one of these viruses because they have been known to come in a program that promises to get rid of any viruses on your computer; and instead of removing any viruses it then infects your PC with a virus. That is the main reason you will read all over the internet about staying clear from applications that promise to remove viruses from your computer for free.

Every time people are trying to get their registry clean they are constantly looking for a free way to do it; however beware any time you run into one of the free services. They may not be the safest way to clean out your PC.

A computer worm is also like a virus but it comes attached to a file. As soon as the person opens up the file then it infects your PC. Unlike a virus that is passed on from PC to PC. The worm only infects the person who is opening up the attached file; this is why you will hear people telling you do not open up emails if you do not know who the sender is. If you have ever experienced a worm; then you know how quickly it will bring down your system; it does this by consuming great amounts of bandwidth and memory.

Viruses on the other hand are like a human cold and can be spread from computer to computer. They come attached to a program or file. It infects the computer that it is installed on and then passed on to others via email, CD, other method. A virus is created by a human in order for it to be launched and delivered.

Yes it can be pretty dangerous when you are doing things online; however you can protect yourself and your computer by performing routine maintenance. Once a month you should scan your computer to make sure that you have not picked up any viruses and to clean it and remove any clutter. Doing this alone will ensure that it is running smoothly and will also help you stay clear of anything that you may or may not have picked up while being online.

If you found this article helpful; visit our site below. In just two minutes you can scan your PC to ensure that it is running smoothly and has not been infected by anything that can damage it.

By: Willie Stanford

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The operating system which helps the elements of your personal computer interact, but it can’t perform practical tasks such as letter writing and calculating your bills. For these jobs you need to use additional software called applications or programs which is designed to carry out specific tasks. Here are a few computer programs that will improve your skills:

- Microsoft Word. A powerful word processor that’s able to produce written documents of all kinds, including letters, memos, newsletters and posters. You can create documents from scratch yourself or, for many types of document, you can use one of the program’s Wizards or templates. The Wizards let you choose the content and how the document looks, while the templates have a preset layout.

- Excel. A spreadsheet program used for organizing and calculating numerical data. It is ideal for keeping track of all types of budgets and accounts. Like all spreadsheets, it takes the form of a grid containing cells into which you input figures and formulas to calculate the figures. Excel allows you to have several spreadsheets or worksheets within the same document, and to enter calculations using figures from each of the worksheets. This is particularly useful when organizing a major event that includes mini-projects.

- Outlook. A desktop information management program that contains an address book into which you can enter contact details for friends, family and business associates. Also has a diary and calendar that will help you to keep track of your current schedule and appointments. Outlook can also be used to send and receive email through the internet or through an internal company network.

- Powerpoint. This is most often used in business. It enables you to create presentations for conferences, company meetings and marketing projects. It helps your business to structure information efficiently and do graphics within your text. It even offers animation effects to maximize the impact of your presentations. You can also use powerpoint at home to make a computerized slide show for your friends and family.

It’s always a good ideal to learn different computer programs because knowing what each program, especially in your bundled software package can do will help you decide which will be the most appropriate for the tasks you want to perform.

By: Colon Bolden

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For nearly three decades, Toshiba, a Japanese company, has been ranked as one of the top computer manufacturers in the world. Although it has been involved in many aspects of manufacturing and industry since its creation in 1939 by the merger of two smaller firms, it is best known now for its computers and audio/video equipment.

Toshiba got its industry lead when it became the number two manufacturer of semi-conductor chips, and it is still in the top five today. That experience has seemingly given them an uncanny understanding of the market. Before other laptop manufacturers develop their prototypes, Toshiba is found introducing yet another breakthrough in technology, and very often, these new technologies find their way into their products.

But for many years, Toshiba has meant one thing and one thing only: the maker of some of the most sought after laptops and notebooks available. Toshiba has consistently pushed the edge of portability by manufacturing lighter weight and more powerful laptops than its nearest competitors. Unlike many of today’s laptop computer manufacturer’s, Toshiba uses much of its own semi-conductor technology in its computers – thus, giving them a serious competitive advantage.

The Toshiba Satellite series has been sold for over a decade and remains one of the most stellar lines in the laptop marketplace. It was the Satellite that was rumored to be responsible for IBM’s now-popular ThinkPad series. Today, the Satellite series of notebooks offers an affordable entry price with a host of options for demanding consumers. Reliable, lightweight notebooks aren’t particularly rare, but when they are accompanied by speed and affordability, they are powerful examples of what a company like Toshiba can accomplish with its engineering prowess.

Toshiba’s slightly newer line of notebooks, the Tecra, offers raw power, amazingly lightweight machines, small footprints, and a near cult-like status in the business world. It isn’t unusual for people to refer to it as “my Tecra” and assume that those in the know are aware of what they mean. Outside of IBM’s ThinkPad and Apple’s new MacBook laptops, Toshiba’s Tecra’s are the desire of every power-hungry computer user who needs a quality laptop.

Toshiba also began recently offering a multimedia model, geared toward high-school and college students, called Qosmio. Although the pricing of the Qosmio series is high, it is fully equipped with the latest graphics technology, and includes built-in television tuning, harmon/kardon speakers, and stunning display technology. They make perfect gaming computers, as well as a solid platform for audio and video editing.

Unlike many other notebook manufacturers, Toshiba has never really experienced a significant downturn in their market. Some credit their Japanese ingenuity, while some point to their wise decision to stay away from the more volatile desktop market. Regardless of the reason, a purchase of a new or used Toshiba computer is a sound decision. The company has always been on the forefront of technology in many fields, and every owner of their products can be assured that they will be there for them in the future.

By: Alan LeStourgeon

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Due to a requirement for different types of computer keyboards manufacturers have created a large variety of keyboards that range from simple text keyboards to complex multimedia keyboards. Each of these computer keyboards has different benefits and while some keyboards provide short cuts to applications like email, other keyboards allow a person to access applications like media players. This article is going to elaborate on the various types of keyboards in the market.

A basic computer keyboard that does not have any advanced features has 84 keys. The layout of a simple computer keyboard is similar to a type writer but extra keys features are provided to access applications like email and word processing documents.

The multimedia computer keyboard has 101 keys and these keys are often referred to as shortcuts or hot keys. Some multimedia keyboards have 104 keys and such devices provide more features as compared to a keyboard with 101 keys. Multimedia or advanced keyboards have added features like an independent number pad, caps lock key, shift lock keys and short cut keys to take you to in built multimedia applications. An option to enable the sticky key function is also provided on advanced keyboards.

An ergonomic computer keyboard has a special design that helps keep the hands at a natural position while using the keyboard. These keyboards are ideal for people who use the computer for more than 3 hours every day or for people who have wrist problems.

Many manufacturers are creating keyboards that come in different shapes, sizes and colors. Traditional keyboards would be bulky and they would come in fixed colors like black, grey and white but these new and improved keyboards come in colors such as pink, red, yellow and purple. Some manufacturers even provide keyboards that have an in built light and these keyboards are ideal to use at night when external lights are dim or switched off.

By: Jeffrey Frasco

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Computer forensics is a fast-growing career field, offering immense potential for jobs in law enforcement, military, intelligence agencies, corporations, and businesses. The job opportunities are skyrocketing, commensurate with the rapid spurt in computer crimes.

Computer crimes, in the beginning, had only a sporadic occurrence. Now, it has become a fact of life that has to be dealt with by law enforcement agencies. As computer applications and the Internet have become inseparable parts of life, the instances of wrong-doing with the help of computers are the order of the day.

For tackling crimes, the computers themselves have to be scanned thoroughly to determine whether they have been used for illegal or unauthorized activities or frauds.

This can be done only by computer forensic experts who gain the tools through on-the-job experience, certification programs, and other qualifications.

Computer forensic professionals are known by many titles, such as computer forensic investigators, digital media analysts, and digital forensics detectives. Each one describes the same career as it is concerned with the investigation of digital media.

A computer forensic specialist earns salaries ranging from $85,000 to $120,000 per year, depending upon one’s skills and experience and the company and organizations he works for. Private companies offer more lucrative salaries than law enforcement agencies.

A graduate degree in computer forensics can help advance the career, making one eligible for positions as forensic team leaders or bureau supervisors. Fifty percent of FBI jobs require computer forensic applications.

Consulting is an attractive field for computer forensic professionals, as they are independent and free agents. They take up assignments at will and charge hefty sums for their time spent on the job. They bill the client per hour. The hourly remuneration ranges from $375 to $600, depending upon the kind of job they complete.

There will be an ever-increasing demand for qualified security and computer forensic professionals. Computer and networking skills no longer suffice as security is of prime importance for the server, work station, or router.

By: Alison Cole

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As the name suggests, a desktop computer is a personal computer that is placed over the desk. Due to its three different parts that are comparatively big in size, the desktop computers are not portable. Both individuals and the corporates make use of desktop PCs. Desktop computers are high on its features. An added benefit of desktop computers is that it can be upgraded and updated very easily. Though its size gives rise to compactness issues, it serves the purpose of all round high configuration computer usage. The

motherboard is a key component of the desktop computer. It connects with other computer accessories like the display screen, keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer, DVD-ROM etc to increase its utility and perform variable duties.

The Desktop Computers can be broadly divided into three main types. They include: Desktop computer, Work Stations, and Gaming PCs. The general Desktop computer systems are those that are generally used at home or in the office. Workstations are those computers designed for self operation. They have a mirror hard disk for their back up. In order to run multi user operating systems, they are connected to a local area network (LAN). They are more like a server for many computers, tend to integrate multiple computers. As the name suggests, the gaming compu

ters are specifically built to play computer games. The games can be played at comparatively high resolutions than domestic computers. To give enhanced gaming satisfaction these computers feature extraordinary exteriors and technically advanced components.

When users opt to buy Desktop Computers, each person has a different set of demands. Therefore to deliver the best desktop computer that serves the users needs, mostly desktop computers are separately assembled. Such desktop computers are called the assembled ones. In this type of computers, the best components available in the market are put together to deliver the best desktop computer with the best combinations. However in such cases care should be taken, to ensure that all the added components are compatible with the motherboard configuration. In most cases, drivers are added into the system to support all kinds of accessories.

Desktops can be made use of for different purposes with minor changes in its settings. For eg: it can be attached to powerful speakers and can be switched into a home theater system. By adding an external hard disk, it can be made a huge storage device for all the documentation and entertainment files. Thus a desktop computer can be used as the user wants.The assembled ones are more popular in the local market than the branded ones.

But nevertheless, the branded ones offer more security and good after sales service. So it is upon the user to fix the price when he decides to buy a desktop computer, as an assembly of chic accessories and high configuration could cost a desktop far more than a laptop or a branded desktop computer.

By: Pooja Kumari Lapasia

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Small desktop computers are smaller than traditional desktop models. It is a good choice in rooms where space is a problem. With small computers, users get sufficient space to keep other items like extra drives and circuit boards.

Small desktop computers are available as slim line models. The computer case is long and wide, similar to ordinary desktop models. The difference is in the height and thickness of the cases. These computers are designed using the same techniques and principles as in a generic computer system. It makes use of both internal and external storages. The system disc can be an internal storage unit. Backup devices and data storage discs can be external devices.

Small desktop computers have advanced features and capabilities unlike the ordinary digital computers. There are small computers with megabytes of memory and large disks. Some computers come with integrated monitor and keyboard. Some computers have robust design and thermal efficiency that can benefit the computers in a wide range of applications. These computers facilitate users to operate more than one processor at the same time. These computers can even function as a server.

Small desktop computers make use of microprocessors and other discrete electronic components. There can be electrostatic discharges from users to these devices. This discharge gets coupled at the circuit board that holds the microprocessor and other components. This may cause damage or destruction to the devices. There are a number of methods used in small computers to solve this problem. One way is to have metallic shields at the connecters of key boards or display interfaces to circuit boards.

Small desktop computers can be used for personal and business needs. It finds usage in areas where large volumes of information are to be stored. With computers, it is possible to perform three dimensional calculations with less computational expenses and to produce sophisticated graphics. In the medical field, these computers can be used to diagnose diseases.

By: Marcus Peterson

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If your computer is acting up, chances are it may need a new power supply or motherboard.
In this article you’ll learn how to replace these parts.

Most computer cases come with a power supply; however, in some cases it is not included, it may be necessary to purchase one separately.

The power supply is a metal box and it supplies low voltage power to the various circuits inside the computer. It also has a fan inside to keep it cool.

The power supply has 4 to 7 connectors that will plug into the mother board and disk drives.
Orient the power supply with its fan so that the fan faces the back of the system case, and place into position.

Fasten it to the case with screws using a non-magnetic screwdriver only!

You are now ready to install the motherboard, also known as a main or system board.

There are 2 types, depending on what system you want to build.

The AT socket 7 and the ATX module slot 1 each using their own power supply and case.

If you are upgrading your present system you’ll want to make a diagram of all connections before you remove them.

Carefully remove each expansion card from it’s slot, it will be secured by a single screw.

It’s ok to seesaw the card end-to-end slightly to loosen it, but don’t bend the card sideways.

Set the cards on the power supply with paper separating them.

Leave all cables connected.

After making your diagram remove all cables to the motherboard.

Locate and remove all mounting screws.


Now you are ready to install the new motherboard.

Using the hardware that came with your computer case you will mount the motherboard.

Orient the board so that the power supply sockets are facing the back right corner.

Mount brass and plastic standoffs in the case to match the holes in the board.

Secure the motherboard with screws using non-magnetic screwdrivers only!

For an AT style board connect the two power supply cables to the motherboard.

The black wires go in the center next to each other.

Tilt the connectors away from the power supply and align the hooks on the connectors with the space on the sockets between the metal prongs and the back of the sockets.

Tilt connectors toward the power supply until they are vertical and slide them down over the prongs.

For an ATX style you will only have 1 connector.

Your new motherboard comes with disk drive cables; these are the flat Grey cables with a dotted colored edge, usually red. There are cables for a hard disk drive and a floppy disk drive.

The hard disk drive cable is wider than the floppy disk drive cable.

If you are replacing your current motherboard use your original cables.

If you look closely at your motherboard you will notice that all connectors are marked in white lettering.

Insert the wider hard drive cable in to the PRIMARY IDE socket, the colored edge will go near pin # 1.

Insert the floppy drive cable into the floppy disk drive socket, the colored edge will also go near pin # 1.

There are several wires coming from the computer case, these wires lead to the indicator lights and the speaker.

If you are using an ATX case power supply and motherboard you will have an additional wire that’s marked P S for power switch. This wire will plug directly in to the ATX motherboard.

If you’re working with an AT style, plug the lead for the power supply directly into the power switch in the computer case.

The remaining wires are marked on their connectors as follows:

TURBO LED

TURBO SWITCH

SPEAKER

RESET

KEYLOCK

And IDE or HD for HARD DRIVE

These wires connect to their associated sockets on your motherboard.

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By: Manuel Rose

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Learning how to get rid of A computer virus can be tricky with all of the possible solutions out on the market today. There are a few ways you can go about when it comes to getting rid of a virus and some may work while others may fail. It can be pretty darn hard to tell what will work and what will not without actually trying the method.

So your computer has a virus and you want to get rid of it right? Odds are you picked up the virus by downloading music or something like that. These can actually put spyware on your computer and even tamper with your registry. Either way you look at somethings wrong with your computer and you want it fixed!

The only way I can tell you is to actually reinstall your entire operating system, this might fix the problem. how to get rid of a computer virus can be tough without using some sort of software or reinstalling the operating system. There are also services at like Circuit City and other places where they do this for you but charge like $100 I believe. You can actually get your operating system reinstalled for free if you just call up your computer company. So if you have a Dell you would need to call Dell.

This process usually takes a few hours and you will lose all of the data on your computer. So make sure that you make a backup of everything on your computer because it will all be lost! Your basically restarting your system to a brand new state which is cool because has its pros and cons. Do not attempt this without the help of a technician though on the phone.

If you want a quick way that will fix your computer check out my bio box below. I wish you luck in fixing your computer and learning how to get rid of computer viruses.

By: John J Thompson

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