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Just a few years ago, the idea of having a computer in ones home seemed farfetched for most Chinese. Nowadays, with the advent and popularity of the home computer, its advantages and disadvantages have been a subject of discussion.
There is no doubt that like TV, computers benefit people hugely. With the computer, the home will become a library, a school, an office and an entertainment center. All transactions, from banking to shopping, will be performed electronically and all information, from train schedules to discount-price goods, will be as close as the press of a key. In addition to providing us many of the facilities and services we now must travel to obtain, with the Internet, the computer will even let us communicate directly with other homes and with information sources world-wide. Despite the increase in efficiency and convenience generated by the computer, the changes it brings could very well lead to potentially adverse consequences. For example, as nearly all activities could be conducted in the comfort of our homes, we could all become hermitlike, never feeling any need to leave the house. This would be unfortunate because our children especially will become so addicted to computers that they might never be exposed to either peer pressure or social interaction. Unquestionably, the challenge of the home computer means we all should consider how we can control it, so that it wont control us.
It is widely accepted that advantages of home computers, the symbol of advantages of technology, provide many convenient ways to solve puzzles. However, others argue that PC, more often than not, is harmful to the people who frequently depend on computer for their work and life.

From my point of view, I suppose that home computer bring more disadvantages than advantages. Firstly, we spend more and more times in front of computer result in consequence that we dont have sufficient times to sport. Secondly, it is negative consequence that computers consume substantial energy of electric. Finally, we havent used it to do significant things as a matter of fact. For instance, we are engage in internet or PC game.

Save Your Hard Drive, Replace Your Computer Cooling Fan Save Your Hard Drive, Replace Your Computer Cooling Fan A computer cooling fan is an essential part of your computer’s hardware. Although often taken for granted, a cooling fan is one of the most important elements of your computer and can save you from serious damage to your computers components.

Just as automobiles require fans to cool their motors, computers need fans to cool down their central processing units, or CPUs. A computer cooling fan works to keep the temperature lower so that you avoid overheating, which can destroy certain components. Without a cooling fan, you can have a literal meltdown.

When most people think about cooling fans in a computer, the first thing that comes to mind is a fan for the CPU itself, but another crucial component that needs cooling is your computer’s hard drive. Depending on the speed, type, and usage, the heat generated by the friction of the moving parts within the hard drive can reach levels that could cause failure. Overheating of a hard drive can cause corrupted data, as well as physical failure.

Unlike a heat sink, which spreads the heat out over a larger area, a hard drive cooling fan blows air directly on the hard drive itself. This means that the need for proper ventilation is also a factor. As with any computer cooling fan, if the case of the computer is not adequately ventilated, the heat will simply build up and can lead to damage and failure of multiple components.

Another factor to consider is cooling fan maintenance. Environmental factors, such as dust, hair, and smoke can build up and clog a cooling fan. As a result, it is very important to clean your cooling fans often to keep them in top operating condition. This is also a safety issue, as a clogged fan could eventually cause a fire.

Most hard drive cooling fans are easy to install and are cost efficient, with prices that fall well within most computer owners’ budgets. A typical hard drive cooling fan will slip on to the hard drive itself and will take up minimal space. Other designs implement a system in which the hard drive is placed inside of a box that has a fan or other cooling components inside of it. The box is then connected to the computer as if it were the hard drive.

Another type of cooling fan to be aware of is for a graphics processor. As video technology has increased, so has the heat generated by graphics cards. The processing power it takes to deliver high definition video, as well as streaming content and 3D graphics, requires more and more from modern graphics cards. Computer users can purchase a variety of cooling fans for graphics cards and chips to keep the overall temperature down inside the computer’s case.

As mentioned, cooling fans are often overlooked when someone purchases a new computer. It’s very easy to get caught up in the more exciting components, but paying attention to the cooling technology inside can mean the difference between a functional computer with years of life left or a computer that doesn’t function at all. If you haven’t checked your cooling fans lately, take some time to ensure that they are functioning properly and are clean and clear of debris. If you find that you have inadequate cooling power, replace any cooling fans to keep your machine running smoothly and operating safely.

 

Online computer troubleshooting is rapidly becoming the most demanded online service on the World Wide Web. Its popularity clearly shows that many people are suffering the annoyance and trouble of unresponsive computer programs, software or virus corrupted files. The convenience of online computer services made professional and technical computer problem diagnosis and troubleshooting accessible to all.Common computer problemsDo you hear strange noises and vibrations coming from your desktop computer or laptop? Chances are you have a hardware issue. Overheating can damage the wires and other sensitive components of your computer. Hearing whining and squealing sounds is never a good sign. With regard to computer operations, waiting too long for your folders or computer applications to open is a sign of software problems. This can result from a lack of maintenance, a corrupted registry, spyware, or too many programs running on your computer at the same time. Locked up and unresponsive windows are also commonly experienced. Of course, there is always the blue screen of death. At the first sign of computer problems, you should get online computer troubleshooting services to quickly restore smooth operations.How does online computer troubleshooting work?With online computer services, websites usually require clients and potential customers to complete a list of their computer problems.

This way, they can recommend the type of computer troubleshooting service as well as provide clients with the estimated cost of that service. In some cases, online service providers may even recommend alternatives to the troubleshooting job so as to recommend the best course of action. Based on the information provided, online technicians can provide clients with educated alternatives for a preferred solution to the clients computer problems. This is particularly helpful when considering repairs over replacement of computer parts, thus giving clients more control over their repair and service expenses.Regardless of the type of computer problem you have, online computer troubleshooting services providers will provide you with professional on-site technicians that can perform all the necessary fixes, adjustments and configurations in restoring smooth and normal computing operations.Advantages of online computer troubleshootingOnline computer services basically cater to a wider range of client base. They make necessary computer repairs and tweaks accessible regardless of your location. Using their website, they can easily organize and file relevant information considering your computer operating problems. When needed, the on-site computer troubleshooting provided by these services eliminates the hassles of packing and carrying the bulk your computer cables and hardware to their shop. This sure saves time, money, and gas. In addition, since you are provided with a professional computer technician, his expertise can help protect your computer and prevent future operating problems. Aside from providing the services you require, they raise your confidence that your computers will become more reliable and efficient and deliver better performance.With the professional services provided by online computer troubleshooting technicians, you enjoy the benefits or having convenient, faster, cheaper, and more practical computer repair solutions that can bring your computer back to its top working condition in no time.

In this modern era, high tech devices that are very expensive like the computers can be replaced with cheaper ones. Such cheap computers mostly come in the form of used computers. Used computers can be found in abundance in the used computer warehouses in various places, even in the local area of the prospective buyer’s residence. However there is no guarantee of quality when buying a used computer. The buyer has to take his own personal risk in doing so. But, if the buyer is ready to spend some money in upgrading the level of the used computer and also some time checking the quality of the used computer before purchase, it will save him from loss. Used computers can save a lot of money for the buyer when compared to buying a new computer. There are many who cannot afford to buy a new computer like the students who do not have any source of income but definitely require computers. For such people, used computers come as a boon.

Also, used computers need not always be second hand computers. They can also be recertified or refurbished computers. Refurbished or recertified computers are those, which are checked for any faults, if any corrected and sold with a warranty ensuring the working condition of the computer to be perfect. Hence, such computers are considered to be the safest form of buying a used computer. Refurbished computers can be bought from many of the online stores at very less prices. Quality computer manufacturers also sell such kind of recertified or refurbished computers. However, certain measures need to be taken while buying such kind of computers.

The prime aspect to be considered while purchasing a used or refurbished computer is to look for a good branded one. There are various companies who sell used computers or refurbished computers. The main reasons for opting for a branded one is that it comes with a warranty and also the buyer can be sure that the parts used are of good quality.

While buying used or refurbished computers related software documents, licenses and paperwork have to be got from the seller as this will avoid stolen computers being passed off as used computers to the buyer. If possible working for some time on the used computer will determine its efficiency. Most of the reputed dealers would allow the purchaser to use the computer for a shorter period to check the quality before purchase.

While checking for the efficiency of the used computer, it is good to check if the booting process is smooth, as most of the problems occur during booting and also to check all the sound drivers, video, graphics, monitor, mouse, keyboard etc. CD drives and hard disks also need to be checked. Another aspect is the support system offered for the used computer whether technical or non-technical, support staff capabilities and the number of support staff which determine the quality of service offered. If the purchaser is not satisfied, he can very well think of another choice.

Computer viruses are mysterious and grab our attention. Every time a new virus hits, it makes the news as it spreads quickly.

Viruses can do anything from annoying the user to deleting your entire computer. With more computers are being connected to the Internet, viruses are very easy to be spread.

While computers will never be 100% secure, there are many steps that you can take to prevent your computer from being infected with viruses.

What is a Computer Virus?

A computer virus is basically a malicious computer code that either harms computer data by writing over reserved areas of the operating system or attaches itself to other programs.

Viruses can infect computer files, programs, and write over parts of files. Viruses are also able to delete files from removable disk media (e.g. floppy diskettes, zip disks) or the hard drive.

More recent viruses take advantage of vulnerabilities in e-mail programs. These new viruses are written to not only damage your computer, but (with certain software configurations) also send a copy of the virus-contaminated document to all entries in the e-mail program’s address book. Viruses can be transmitted through any platform – Macintosh, Windows, Linux, etc…

Viruses spread from computer system to computer system, usually by removable disk media, via e-mail and downloads.

Computers connected to a network are even more susceptible because newer viruses are written to spread through the network, infecting files on all connected computers.

While some viruses can be removed with antivirus programs, it is recommended that you keep two backup copies of your important files, thus increasing your chances to have a clean copy available in the event a virus infects a file.

Types of viruses

There are three basic types of ‘virus’ each with a different intended purpose.

True ‘viruses’ bear the closest resemblance to their biological namesakes. Their purpose in life is twofold. Firstly, they want to multiply around the internet. Most commonly this is achieved by the virus sending itself to all contacts in your e-mail address book. Secondly a virus wants you to know it is there, so it starts to change files on your computer. This can result in a whole range of outcomes – from minor repairable damage to complete system failure.

Worms are viruses, which seek only to proliferate around the internet with the intention of causing a system overload. This type of virus is typically used by groups of ‘hacktivists’ who seek to make a social or political point by targeting a particular organization.

Trojans are named after the Trojan Horse and are designed to reside on a host computer unseen, creating a security breach which another virus can exploit.

What is a Cookie?

You might have heard mention of ‘cookies’ as a possible security threat. Cookies are used by many websites to keep information significant to a user. They are not a type of virus. It is not possible to pick up a virus from a cookie.

Cookies are commonly used for holding username and password information so that a website can remember you when you return to it. This would be the case when you perform online banking. Cookies are normally programmed to expire after a period of time.

Nonetheless, the power of cookies as a way of being able to collect personal information has not been lost on some of the more dishonest marketing companies that practice their various trades across the internet. ‘Spy cookies’ as they have come to be known can reside on your system and collect data about you and your on-line buying habits.

Cookies are therefore a double edged sword. They are handy to save you having to remember passwords but can allow a lot more information to be gathered than you might want.

Your internet browser will have an option allowing you to decide whether to allow or disallow cookies. Some will even allow you to specify which sites you wish to allow and which to block. Always note never give away/out your personal particulars to a site or a person that you do not trust or are unsure of.

Antivirus Software

Most of the time, you will not know you have a virus until you scan for viruses. There are many options for scanning and curing viruses – free software, free online scans, downloadable trial versions of software, and software which you may purchase. (e.g. Norton Antivirus, AVG, McAfee etc…)

Virus software scans for viruses in real-time, which means that as your computer receives files, the software checks the files for viruses. The software will also constantly monitor the computer files to search for viruses.

It is vital when using a real-time virus scanner to updates frequently. By doing so, the software can detect all of the newly found viruses.

Below what to look out for in an Antivirus Software:

Platform (operation system) Relevance: Most software packages are platform specific, meaning that software for a Windows 95 / 98 machine will not run on a computer using MacOS or Linux as its operating system
ICSA Certification: The International Computer Sercurity Association has established accurate means for comparing antivirus detection rates. Only purchase software bearing the ICSA certification seal.
Real-Time Background Protection: The software should not rely on your attention to do its job; rather, the software should detect viruses as soon as they appear in your system and alert you to this fact.
Automatic or Scheduled Updates of Virus Definitions: This ensures that the software will detect and eliminate newly released viruses.
Tech Support: Nearly all software companies offer online or telephone-based tech support. The number should be toll free, and offer useful tech support at no extra charge.
Disaster Recovery: Many antivirus software packages will include a disaster recovery utility which allows you to recover lost or corrupted data and get your system “back to health” after a catastrophic virus attack.

Protect Against Computer Viruses

The most effective way of protecting your computer from viruses is to purchase reliable virus protection software (such as Norton Antivirus or McAfee etc…).

Other than virus protection, there are many less-obvious ways to protect your computer from viruses. Below is a list of Do’s and Don’ts:

Do’s

Disable preview screens when using Eudora or Microsoft Outlook.

Scan disks and zip disks before using them.

Use a real-time scanner or frequently check your system with an online virus scanner.

Update your virus scanner regularly.

Backup important files regularly.

Use personal firewall software to prevent unauthorized Internet access to and from your computer.

Read the manual of your antivirus software.

Most antivirus software are very complex, with dozens of settings. Reading the manual helps you get the most out of the antivirus software.

If your computer suddenly begins performing strangely, you should run a virus scan on your entire computer.

Be careful about disks from other computers. Not everyone uses virus protection, so if you are worried about a disk that you put into your computer, run a virus scan on it before you begin working on it.

Don’ts

Never use disks from an untrustworthy source. Never download files from a site or a person that you do not trust.

Never give away/out your personal particulars to a site or a person that you do not trust or are unsure of. Never open an email attachment that looks unusual or suspicious.

Never open an email attachment from a person you do not know.

Avoid pirated software.

Is your computer accessible someone other than you? If that is so, then be sure that they know about the tips noted in this article. Otherwise, you alone taking the precautions would not help protect your computer.

Many E-mail viruses are spread by sending itself to everyone in someone’s address book. If the E-mail text does not sound like the sender, or you were not expecting the attachment, delete the message immediately.

If you have a Cable or DSL Internet connection, then your computer is a possible target of hackers. Be sure to purchase a firewall for your computer.

What If You Suspect Your Computer Is Infected

If you have reason to suspect your computer is infected with a virus (you have opened a suspicious email attachment, your computer is suddenly crashing or running slowly, you receive error messages whenever you start up your computer or try to launch an application), immediately disconnect your computer from the internet.

Next, check to see if your virus protection is up to date (the latest) and scan your hard drive for viruses.

If you use Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Outlook Express or Internet Explorer, it is very important to install the latest version upgrades and security patches from Microsoft.

Signs of a Possible Virus Infection

Your computer may be infected with a virus if:

You have opened an email attachment from a person you do not know.

You receive error messages whenever you start up our computer or try to launch an application.

You have opened a file attachment to an email message which contains no personal information or does not mention the attachment.

Your computer is crashing or running slowly.

You have opened an e-mail attachment or another file whose name contains multiple extensions (e.g., resume.doc.lnk) or a .vbs or .pif extension (e.g., LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.vbs).

Unknown program windows appear and disappear after you start up your computer.

Glossary

boot sector virus

A boot sector virus infects the master startup files on a hard disk, or the startup files on a floppy disk. Boot sector viruses load into memory, tend to become more of a problem the more times the computer is started, and may prevent the computer from starting up at all.

macro virus

A macro virus exploits vulnerabilities in programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook causing certain actions to perform automatically, usually triggered by selecting some other action in the program or when the program starts.

trojan horse

A Trojan horse is an attractive and seemingly harmless program, e.g., greatgame.exe that isn’t a game at all, but contains a program that deletes all data on your hard drive.

virus

A computer virus is programmed to copy itself to reserved areas of the hard drive and from one file to another. A virus may spread rapidly or slowly, infecting programs and/or documents on a computer and attached drives. A virus usually spreads to other computers via a network, e-mail, and removable media, e.g., zip disks and floppy diskettes.

worm

While harmful as a virus, a worm is more insidious, in that it installs itself on computer hard drives it finds on a network. A worm can also spread via e-mail.