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Easy Tips to Boost Computer Performance

 

External hard drive from Iomega 

Image via Wikipedia

As you use your computer, you add more files to it; you store pictures in photo books; download your favorite songs; and perhaps even keep copies of your favorite movies. All of this can start to slow down your computer’s performance. You don’t have to delete your files to help your computer operate more efficiently, though. You just need to find a new place to save large pieces of information so that they will not interfere with your operating system.

External Hard Drives

Buying an external hard drive makes it much easier for you to keep all of the files that you want. As long as you purchase a fairly large drive, you can feel free to add HD movies, family pictures, and songs. When you keep your personal entertainment on an external hard drive, you free up resources within the computer. This makes it possible for the operating system to do its job better. Instead of feeling frustrated while you sit at the machine, you will be impressed by its speed.

Eliminate Old Files

Perhaps you don’t want to spend money on an external hard drive, but you still want your operating system to work more efficiently and quickly. You can start by deleting the old files that you never use anymore. You might have listened to that Justin Timberlake album over and over again for a few weeks, but that was five years ago. Maybe it’s time to let it and the other music, movies, and pictures go.

What are some of the old files that simply don’t have any business taken up space on your computer?

Filed Under: Computers, Internet Tagged With: , ,

Update Your Software

It may surprise some people how many software programs they have on their computer. For a computer to function and do all the things we want them to do, it takes more than just an operating system, like Windows. For the computer to function one must install a multitude of programs. some of these program come installed on the computer and some of them are embedded in the operating system. Even those programs will have to be regularly updated.

Often, the software that comes installed on your computer already needs to receive updates by the time you receive the computer at your home. The speed and change of computer systems requires that one keeps up with these changes if you intend to stay compatible. Compatibility refers to the software being able to function with the files that are being used today.

You may be happy using Microsoft Office 2000, and that may be working for you. It is important to remember that updating your software is not the same as switching to a new version. Updating software refers to making sure you have the most up to date code in the software you are using. Do you want your older program to work with files produced on newer programs. Sometimes making sure you have the updates will allow them to function.

One of the most important reasons to update your software is security. In order to keep your documents and other files safe it is important to have the most current security information in your system. This is very true for your operating system, web browser and your email program if you use one.

Checking for updates is usually fairly simple and many programs come with an automatic update option. To check for updates in many programs it is done by using the help menu. Keep your programs updated regularly.

Filed Under: Operating Systems, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Top Ten Most Downloaded Windows Utilities

By now we’d expect an OS to be all-encompassing, but there’s just too much available now for it all to be put into any one OS. And, sticking to an OS alone would be like eating only vanilla ice cream all the time, when there’s so many toppings available. There are little programs that can help enhance the user familiarity.
Windows calls them utilities and there are a number of things that can be downloaded to make the user experience more valuable. Some people prefer screen savers and some prefer programs that can do things, but there’s a lot out there to choose from. A user can do anything from tweaking the OS to un-deleting lost files.
A website called tips29.com tells us what the top ten (most downloaded) utilities for Windows are.
Windows Desktop Search 3.01 for Windows XP. It’s a search function that sits on the desktop where it’s handy. It searches the computer for files and photos the user wants.
Windows Theme Nunavut. It gives the desktop a Nunavut theme, or it makes everything look really cold and scenic.
Also popular is the Microsoft Egypt Nile Theme; it gives the desktop an Egyptian themed wallpaper, animated cursors and new icons.
Windows Autoplay Repair Wizard. This utility scans the pc and devices to find and fix defective AutoPlay settings.
3D American Flag Screen Saver; give the desktop a patriotic look with the American flag.
SyncToy v1.4 With this utility users can copy, rename, delete and move files between folders and computers.
Winter Fun Screensavers for Windows XP. Cool (cold) screen saver 3-D pictures with interactive sound effects.
Dancer LE. This one lets the user experience music with life-like 3-D animated dancers that have lots of groovy and funny dance moves.
NZ Bliss Desktop Backgrounds for Windows. Set the desktop to show scenes that are New Zealand backdrops for wallpaper.
Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar. This one’s very popular for IE users, but it might have a little problem with IE8 or 9. It gives the user a variety of tools for the Internet experience.
Filed Under: Computers, Operating Systems Tagged With: , , , , ,

Desktop Computers: Tips for buying a computer

Purchasing a computer is a big and costly decision that requires a bit of research. The following is a guideline of tips and requirements to keep in mind when making your purchase:

New or Used

Analyze the pros and cons of purchasing a new computer system versus one that has been refurbished. Traditionally a refurbished computer is one that has been previously owned and examined by the manufacturer for defects or other issues before reselling to a consumer. When buying a refurbished computer do the following:

  • Inspect the system for any signs of damage by examining ports and running the operating system
  • Make sure the operating system and all programs installed on the system come with CDs and manuals
  • Obtain a warranty for the system to guarantee maintenance or replacement

Operating System

Most people purchase a system with an operating system they are already familiar with using. Unsure which one is right for you? Then consider reading reviews on the advantages and disadvantages of different operating systems including Windows and MAC.

Components

To configure a system, you need components. Take into consideration your system requirements when deciding on the following:

  • What type of case do you want; tower or desktop? Consider desk configuration, space, and later upgrades to system.
  • Do you require additional CD media to burn CDs or DVDs?
  • Does the hard drive have enough space and the correct amount of speed? Will you need additional external or internal hard drives?
  • What type of memory does the system come with? Can it be upgraded easily and what are the costs?
  • What type of processor does it have? Check out all the options available.
  • Are you using the computer for gaming or high graphics? Does the video card GPU and memory meet your specific requirements?
  • Plan on editing or mixing sound? Are the sound card capabilities sufficient?

Considerations

It is impossible to say which brand of computer is better than another as everyone has an opinion. Instead, take a look at the extra options offered by the manufacturers:

  • What add-on accessories are available, the costs, and are other accessories compatible?
  • Check out the return policy and other warranties that come with your system
  • What kind of service and support is available to the consumer? Are there costs involved and are they available 24/7?

Buying a computer requires quite a bit of research and consideration, but taking the time now will save you both time and money later on.

Filed Under: Computers, Operating Systems Tagged With: ,

Computers: Operating Systems

An operating system is a software application that facilitates the communication and operation between the computer’s hardware and software. A computer is unable to function without an operating system.

Common Operating Systems

  • Microsoft Windows

With more than 85% of the market share, Microsoft Windows is the most widely used operating system for personal computers.

  • UNIX

This operating system is used heavily for academic and engineering environment workstations and for servers for businesses.

  • Linux

Linux is a widely adoptable system for use with embedded systems and servers. It is used in a wide variety of devices including wristwatches and supercomputers.

Operating systems perform tasks in order to recognize keyboard input, send output to display, keep track of directories and files, and control peripheral devices including printers and disk drives.

For larger systems and networks, the responsibilities of an operating system include making sure that the different users and programs running simultaneously do not interfere with one another and ensuring the security against unauthorized users from accessing the system.

Computer operating system applications often times fall into more than one of the below types:

  • GUI

Also known as Graphical User Interface, GUI uses keyboard shortcuts and arrow keys, windows, menus, and icons to open, move, delete, etc. files. Examples include Windows 98 and System 7.x

  • Multi-user

The operating system does exactly what the name implies; multi-users utilizing the same computer programs at the same or differing times. Examples include Linux, UNIX, and Windows 2000.

  • Multiprocessing

This operating system supports and utilizes multiple computer processors. Examples include Linux, UNIX, and Windows 2000.

  • Multitasking

Multitasking is an operating system that permits more than one program to run at the same time. Examples include UNIX and Windows 2000.

  • Multithreading

This operating system allows different parts of a single software program to run in tandem. Examples include Linux, UNIX, and Windows 2000.

An operating system provides a platform for which other applications can run and these applications must be written to run on top of the selected operating system. Therefore, the choice of operating system is determined by the applications the user plans on running on his system.

Filed Under: Computers, Operating Systems Tagged With: ,