Cheap Computers Search for Boomers

Wireless Networking for Boomers

2010-09-22T19:43:00.002-04:00

Don't stay tied to your desk when you can roam freely in your home with this D-Link quality wireless networking bundle. This bundle includes the 22Mbps D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ CardBus Adapter and the 22Mbps D-Link DI-614+ Enhanced Wireless Router (Recertified).

The D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ CardBus Adapter is an enhanced 802.11b CardBus featuring an advanced silicon chip design from Texas Instruments that utilizes their patented Digital Signal Processing™ technology. The DWL-650+ is fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11b standard, making it suitable for all existing 802.11b compliant devices. When connected to standard 802.11b devices, transfer rates can be up to 20% faster. When connected to other D-Link AirPlus products, the performance is even greater—up to 22Mbps! The DWL-650+ also features 256-bit WEP encryption, providing you a higher level of security for your data and communications.

The D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ also includes a configuration utility to discover available wireless networks and create/save detailed connectivity profiles for those networks most often accessed.

The DWL-650+ is a powerful 32-bit CardBus Adapter that installs quickly and easily into laptop PCs. When used with other D-Link AirPlus products, it automatically connects to the network. All D-Link wireless adapters can be used in ad-hoc mode to connect directly with other cards, or in infrastructure mode to connect with a wireless access point for access to the Internet in your office or home network. The AirPlus DI-614+ combines the latest advancements in 802.11b silicon chip technology
from Texas Instruments and robust firewall security features. The DI-614+ is ideal for those creating their first wireless network, as well as for more advanced users looking for additional management settings and policy-based content filtering. Filters can be set based on MAC address, IP address, URL and/or Domain Name.

Wireless networking is a great way for sharing high speed Internet connections. If you're looking at adding a high speed Internet connection, DSL or cable modem is the best way. DSL of course is dependent on the distance from you to the exchange, while cable modem is dependent on your cable TV provider's offered high speed service. Call your phone or cable provider for details on their services.

You can share your DSL/ cable modem high speed connection across several computers with a DSL/ cable modem router.

This page is all about the current range of wireless routers which allow you to share an Internet connection without having any bulky network cables around your house.

10 Tips for Choosing Your Computer Laptop and Notebook

2010-09-21T16:05:00.001-04:00

Laptops are now handy and ultra portable, more powerful with 512 mb to 1 gb of memory. Laptops are thin, stylish and lightweight under 5 lbs. Some mobile people e.g. sales representatives and executives are opting out of desktop computers altogether and use a laptop for all their computer needs.

1. The basic rules applied when shopping for a laptop: (A) You can save a lot of money by getting a computer laptop which is not top of the line. New top of the line laptops can cost over hundreds dollars more. Do you really need the top of the line model for word processing and net surfing? (B) You can save a good chunk of money by getting computer parts at dirt cheap prices and assemble your own computer laptop... a clone computer laptop. This system is "cheap" in price but not in quality at all. You can choose the component parts from renowned components manufacturers such as Intel, AMD, Seagate, Viewsonic, Logitech. Buidling your own computer is fun. It does not need a rocket scientist to build it. (C) If building your own computer seems too much an effort for you, you can get a last year model. (D) Fourth, you can get a recertified computer systems from Dell, HP, IBM, etc.

2. Pick up the laptops at the store. Choose one that feels not too heavy, solid and sturdy.

3. Try the keyboard. Test it on a desk and on your lap. Make sure you're comfortable with its touch and responsiveness.

4. Test the pointing device, track pad or track ball, the laptop alternatives to a mouse. Make sure they are easy to handle. These built-in device should be handy when you're mobile.

5. The computer's bottom should not gets uncomfortably hot when it's running.

6. Pay attention to screen size and resolution. LCD screens on laptops measure from 12 to 17 inches diagonally. Screen resolution may be as low as 800 x 600 pixels or as high as 1600 x 1200. The more pixels, the crisper the screen image.

7. Choose a laptop with at least two USB connections. A FireWire (IEEE 1394) connection is also handy for high-speed peripherals such as CD burners.

8. Consider buying an internal wireless card and a Bluetooth adapter if you really plan to be mobile. A wireless network card (also called Wi-Fi or 802.11) will free you from having to be wired to your Internet connection Bluetooth capability will let you share information wirelessly with other Bluetooth-equipped devices, such as your cell phone or personal digital assistant.

9. Get an internal DVD player so you can watch movies on the road.

10. Get an antitheft device. Hundreds of thousands of laptops are stolen every year. Look for cables that secure the laptop to a desk. Install software that disables a stolen laptop, or better yet, reports the laptop's location when it connects to the Internet.

How To Find The Best Laptop Deals

2010-09-20T16:47:00.003-04:00

By Titus Hoskins

Finding a special laptop deal or price is within

every shopper's reach. It's mainly knowing where to

look! Simple as that statement may sound, many people in the market for a new or used laptop don't know where to look for that special laptop or notebook deal. They simply don't know how to proceed or what steps they should take to find the laptop deals that do exist, sometimes right in they very own neighborhood.

Simple shopping tips or advice that may take 100s off the price of a new or used laptop. Most of these shopping tips or guidelines fall within the realm of common sense.

Common procedures that will reduce the price tag on your next laptop purchase.

Here's a short run down on some shopping tips you can try:

Use The Internet

Your neighborhood is the whole world. We are no longer confined to a small shopping location or area. We have the whole world at our disposal because of the Internet. Use it!

Use the Internet to find online stores, information,

special deals or offers. Use Froogle! Its a great starting point. Use online notebook guides to find the top rated laptops, many of these sites will also have special deals or links. These sites know their laptops -- use their knowledge and expertise to find the right notebook computer for you.

Comparison Shop

Perhaps, one of the best ways to get a great bargain, is to Comparison Shop to compare different products and prices. Again, the Internet is ideally designed to give you mass amounts of data and information. It makes comparison shopping

a real breeze. Use online sites like Pricerunner.com, PriceGrabber.com,

NextTag.com, Shopping.com and don't forget Google's Froogle.com!

These comparison shopping sites will list the best laptop deals and prices for you. More importantly, they will also rate the service and support given by each of these online stores. Very important when you're buying online. Make sure you check out the store's warranties, return policies, service

records and customer ratings.

Refurbished Laptops

The real special deals are reserved for refurbished laptops. Many times you can get a great laptop at a very reduced price by purchasing a refurbished laptop. Make sure you get a warranty or buy extra warranty, even then the price will still be worth your while. You can buy a refurbished laptop for a fraction of its original price. Check online

for sites selling refurbished laptops or check your

local dealer.

Make sure the dealer is legitimate, and watch out for stolen laptops. Be extra careful to get the needed warranties, bill of sales, etc. when buying a refurbished laptop.

Close-out Sales, Liquidation

Keep your eyes peeled for close-out, fire, and liquidation sales. Laptop technology is changing at a fast pace, many lines are discontinued to make room for newer inventory with the latest technology. Many of these close-out sales will

offer great laptops at reduced prices.

Don't Forget eBay

The shopping Mecca of the modern era; don't forget to check out eBay. You may find some very special deals. Again, make sure you check out the seller's past history.

Coupons

Mail-in rebates, coupons, online special deals -- all these offer great savings to the observant shopper. Don't buy a laptop until your have searched for coupons or discounts, special deals and the like. Dell is famous for its coupons. Don't buy a Dell Laptop without using one of these coupons.

You will save 100s off the price of your laptop.

Other notebook makers such as Toshiba, Apple, Sony... offer great online deals and discounts... search for these before you purchase your laptop.

Don't Forget To Haggle

If you're buying a laptop from your local dealer, don't always take the sticker price as gospel. Ask for a special deal, you may be pleasantly surprised at the savings. This works best with independent dealers who can offer you a special deal. If you're

a regular customer, the better the deal you should demand!

In conclusion, just use some common sense before you buy your laptop. Use the Internet to check out and comparison shop for the best laptop deals. Use coupons and mail-in rebates whenever

possible. Watch out for great close-out, or liquidation sales and don't forget to check out refurbished laptops. Last, but not least, if you get the chance, don't forget to haggle. It's a centuries old technique that still works. It may just get you

the best laptop deal.

For a whole range of Laptop Deals and Discount Coupons - Visit This Link:

Dell Notebook Coupons

Get a Free Desktop Calendar & Planner compliments of Titus Hoskins and DATEwise.

This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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Motherboard Installation

2007-01-20T17:40:00.002-05:00

It is a ATX case. The first thing you should do is unpack your case. Take off the cover of your case so that you can access the inside. Place the case on a desk so that you are looking down towards the open case. Your case should come with motherboard mounting screws. Now place your motherboard on top of the mounting screw holes. Make sure your ATX devices on the motherboard such as PS/2 and parallel port are facing towards ATX back plate cut out. Gently push your motherboard towards the cut out, every devices should fit easily into its corresponding cut out, The screw holes on your motherboard should align with the screw holes on your case. Place your screws that came with the case into the appropriate holes and gently screw it on using a screw driver. Click here to continue reading

Guide To Choose Quality Personal Computers

2007-01-19T17:14:00.012-05:00

First, you can save a lot of money by getting a computer which is not top of the line. New top of the line computers cost over a thousand dollars easily. Do you really need them for word processing and net surfing? You can save a thousand dollars here.

Second, you can save a good chunk of money by getting computer parts at dirt cheap prices and assemble your own computer. a clone computer system. This system is "cheap" in price but not in quality at all. You can choose the component parts for your own system from renowned components manufacturers such as Intel, AMD, Seagate, Viewsonic, Logitech, etc the list can go on and on, but at dirt cheap prices here. Click here to continue reading.

A Guide To Purchasing Your Next Personal Computer

2006-10-31T19:36:00.000-05:00

By T Potter Purchasing a personal computer is no easy task. There are hundreds of features, lots of people trying to sell you the ‘perfect’ one and then there is the fact that you really don’t know what you need or want your computer to do. But, while it all may be confusing, educating yourself about personal computers before you head out looking for one is one of the best ways to get a great deal and know what you purchase is what you want and need. Here are some key tips to make the search easier. • Start your search at home. Pesky salespeople can definitely convince you that you should purchase a computer based on the dollars behind it for them. What you need to know, though, is what features mean, what the computers can do and what you want from them. All you need to do is to check out the options online. Whether you purchase online or not, you’ll be able to see a feature, click on it for more information about what it is, and then make a decision to determine if it is the right choice for you. • Personal computers are not all the same. Knowing a little about each make and model is important. If you are used to using Windows and Microsoft, you may have a harder time understanding how Apple works. Not that it is a good or bad choice, but you’ll need to get yourself updated on the various versions and systems out there. • Determine your needs. While it is nice to have a fully loaded personal computer, this is likely to break the bank. You’ll often need to choose between features and for that you need to know what you want and what you need. Analyze your needs. Do you need help managing your finances? Look to programs to help. Do you and your family spend a lot of time online? Then look for a faster modem or go with high speed. Do you need specific games, programs, or software? • Compare and compare. When it comes to personal computers, everyone has something different. Compare and know what an average price is for the system that you want. And, know what adding options on will do to that price. Look at and compare features to price as well as brands to other brands. Getting the best deal on personal computers is not hard when you are able to know what you are looking for and choose wisely. This article was written by T.Potter. You can visit Discount Computers for further information and cheap computer resources. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T_Potter

10 Tips for Computers

2006-10-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

By Jen Wilson 1) Memory - You can get the fastest processor out on the market, but you don't have anything until you load it up with RAM. We recommend at least 2gig (3 gig or more is better). Before buying the latest PC, consider upgrading your memory first. You will be surprised. See our electronics dictionary for information on purchasing memory. Look out for MRAM, the latest type of memory that offers the potential for instant operating system boot without the ordinary boot up process. 2) Bad pc memory - Bad RAM can cause many problems with your pc. Some symptoms include - blue screens, programs crashing, and shutdown of your computer for no apparent reason. Memory can be bad from the moment you purchase it. There is a free program called Memtest86 that can help you troubleshoot memory problems. Real easy to use. Must be on a bootable floppy or cd. 3) Static Electricity - Do not touch the hard drive (case) or monitor after walking on carpet. Good way to tear up something electronic. Try to touch something metal before putting your hands on them. Static electricity can cause catastrophic damage to a computer. If you are doing upgrade/repair work yourself, invest in a anti static wrist strap/pad. Inexpensive and well worth it. 4) Funny noises coming from computer - If you here "funny noises" coming from your PC, stop immediately. If you don't know a thing about them, call some one. It is not uncommon for fans to go out. They are inexpensive to replace, but can trash the whole system. Always insist on high quality ball bearing fans. Do not go with the cheap ones. Good quality fans will not cost more than $10. 5) CD Stuck - Ever wonder what that little bitty tiny hole on cd and disk drives was for? Stick a straightened paperclip in that hole to eject stuck cd/disks. Special note - How you format can cause the cd not to eject. 6) Video Card - Get a good one. We recommend NVIDIA with at least 128mg of built in memory. On board video (graphics card built into the motherboard) can cause lag. Onboard video cards use valuable PC resources. Put in a good video card, bypass the onboard video and notice the difference. Extremely good choice for upgrading your computer with minimal investment. Here is our article on how to replace a computer expansion card (click here). 7) New computer, break it in - We do not recommend buying extended warranties with a new computer. Why? Most of the time, if new electronic components fail, they do so fairly quickly. Leave your new PC on for two weeks without turning it off to give it a good trial/break-in period. 8) A cool browser zoom tip - If you are running Windows XP with Internet Explorer, hold the Ctrl key while moving your mouse wheel (if you have one). You can instantly zoom in or out! 9) No food or drinks - Go to the table if you want to eat or drink. Have you no manners? And say your prayers while your are there. Thank God, Jesus (click here) and the Holy Spirit for all of your blessings! God and your PC will love you for it. 10) Ergonomics - This is becoming more of a danger with more people spending more time at computers. Repetitive motion can cause carpel tunnel syndrome (swelling around nerves). Buy ergonomic keyboards (padded wrist rest are intended for resting NOT WHILE KEYING), get a good chair, and take breaks (stretch or walk around 1-2 minutes every hour). Keep your shoulders and upper arms perpendicular to the floor and relaxed. Jen Wilson maintains the site Wilsons Electronics ADT Home Security Systems. Information and tips for electronics. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jen_Wilson

How to Install Your Computer Speakers

2006-10-20T21:09:00.000-04:00

By John Gibb In this article we will discuss installing computer speakers. When you have purchased your required computer speakers, they will normally come with a CD driver disk for installation. It is a good idea to use the CD because you will likely get a sound program which will enable you to select the best features for your speakers resulting in optimal performance. For example in one of our sound programs, we can alter bass settings, sound themes and so much more. Once we have the installation disc that comes with the computer speakers. Simply insert the CD in to your computers CD drive. You will then find a setup program load up. Hit install or English setup, or whatever is required and follow the on screen instructions. There is nothing difficult about installing computer speakers. When the setup program asks you to plug in your speakers, do so at the prompt, making sure they are powered on and ready to go. Make sure you plug the speakers wire in to the right port in the back of your computer, Although this may sound like common sense, many people plug there speakers in to the microphone slot and complain there speakers are broken, or wonder why they simply don’t work. Once the installation program is complete, you will likely need to restart your computer for the hardware and software changes to take effect and be added correctly to your computer. Once you have restarted the computer, your new computer speakers should be up and running, however you may want to go in to the sound program under programs. In here, you will be able to adjust various speakers’ settings until you get the best possible sound for your computer speakers. Once you have adjust the sound setting, try sticking on a movie or a computer game, and see if the sound is suited to your liking. It is worth spending some time getting to know your sound program so you can set different profiles for different occasions. For example, if Sunday is your day of music, then you may want to set a profile with settings specific to that. If another day is for gaming or movies, you will likely want or have different sound settings for the best sound experience for gaming or movies. Be sure to check out our website below for everything relate to computer speakers. We offer the latest news and articles relating to computer speakers. John Gibb is the owner of Computer Spekers sources For more information on computer speakers check out http://www.Computer-speakers-sources.info Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

Guide to Choose Cheap Computer Speakers

2006-10-19T21:25:00.000-04:00

Here's my guide to the current range of computer speakers. If you listen to music, play games or watch DVD movies on your computer you are probably in the market for a good set of computer speakers.

There is a massive range of computer speakers out there but as with anything you get what you pay for. If you just want some sounds to accompany your game then you can get a pair of speakers for under $10 that will fill the role nicely.

I like these speakers because they are powered via a USB cable and don't have a separate power adaptor.I really hate those bulky power adaptors because they look messy and even use power when you aren't using the device!

I like the fact they have a headphone socket so you don't have to climb being your computer when you want to plug in your headphones. These computer speakers look good in black and I wouldn't mind them on my desk.

For just over $10 you can get these cool linking flat panel computer speakers. The are a bit more powerful and would suit you if you occasionally listen to music.

The one drawback of these speakers is that they use an external power adaptor.

Do you want good quality sound?

Unfortunately small speaker sizes cannot give you good rumbling bass or even the best high range sounds. Some games really sound good with big thumping bass for gunshots and explosions.

Take a look at this 3 piece speaker setup. Having a separate bass speaker means the other two speakers are free to produce better quality mid and high range sound.

This is an attractive looking setup that will give you great sound for both music and games.

DVD movies/ games and surround sound. If you have the space available for a surround sound setup then I recommend you get this Dolby 5.1 system by Creative Labs.

This speaker setup is by far the cheapest way to get full Pro Logic surround sound from your computer. It has 5 speakers and a sub woofer to totally immerse you in your movie or game.

To get the most out of this system you also need Creative Labs SoundBlaster sound card. These cards are cheap and often come as standard equipment in a lot of computers.

The SoundBlaster also supports EAX which is an absolutely amazing surround sound system for games. If you want to hear the bad guys creeping up on you in games EAX is by far the best surround sound experience.

With the Inspire full surround speaker setup you will have the best gaming and movie watching experience possible.

I've heard an EAX demonstration in Jedi Knight and it sounded incredible.

Final thoughts The best way to get the right speaker system for you is simply to have a good think about your requirements. Surround systems are great but you need space to put the rear speakers and room on the floor for the sub woofer.

In the end if you only need a little sound then go right ahead and pick up a set of cheap computer speakers. They won't take up much room and won't break the bank.

Click here for more Computers Hardware Tips

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7 Barebones Computer Buying Tips

2006-10-17T21:13:00.000-04:00

By Peter Stewart Getting a new computer should be a cool thing, especially a cheap computer. After all that time struggling with you old machine, probably fighting with it to get the latest software to run, your new computer should be a ray of light for your computing future. Oh, if it were that simple. If things were really that easy or simple when buying a cheap computer, life would be much easier, but just like every other thing, its not that simple. Barebones computers have become extremely popular, and for good reason. Getting a barebones computer which does not include a monitor and comes with the bear minimum of parts makes them an upgradable, practical and cheap computer. But not all things are rosy in barebones computer land... 1. Missing parts Although barebones computers do come with the essential pieces, most people need at least one or two extras for their day to day barebones system. This is simply due to different applications people use them for. Don't get caught missing that extra part from your barebones system that you then need to get later. You still need to do some homework and research to find out what you really need from your barebones system. 2. Super cheap computer deals Beware, many corners can be cut to get those sub $200 dollar barebones systems. They can be great, but not always, carefully analyse the components of the package. Also remember that a barebones system couldn't possibly include a monitor for that price, which adds a lot to the price. 3. Mismatched parts This could become a problem if building your own computer, but it even happens in pre-assembled barebones computer deals. There is a chance that you get something that doesn't fit with the barebones system. There are lots of different connections and speed ratings between parts. Make sure the ones you get match up to the other parts and your needs. Although not common, incompatibilities between parts are not unheard of. 4. Outdated components To get super-cheap deals older parts are sometimes used in cheap computers. Although this can be a great cost-saver and some old parts are fantastic, there is nearly no chance of an upgrade without putting a major amount of money into your barebones computer again, perhaps as much if not probably more than you paid for your great deal. 5. Defective parts Although this is another one that has gotten better as the competition has gotten stronger, there is a chance of defects in cheaper products. Your motherboard could be faulty, your power supply might give up after a month or two. These may not be intentional problems, but come hand in hand with "cheap computer stuff". 6.Refurbished computer parts Refurbished computer parts are a great way to save some money. Not always the biggest saver, but there can be problems with the updates to these computers in much the way as mismatches happen in barebones systems. Often the computer is slightly updated to meet needs, but is really quite an old model, just with upgrades. Can be fine, but the parts they replace might be replaced with something newer but inferior. 7. Claims of great warranty To try and entice you into feeling safe, offers of long warranties are made. Most of the parts in the computer could have past their warranty dates, so the warranties are purely from the company that put the computer together. They can be hard to contact and take their time to get replacements to you as well as expect you to mail the computer to them so that they can do the repairs. Barebones computers can be a great way to put together a second computer, build a computer for simple purposes, like writing documents and casual web surfing. Barebones fit perfectly as a second computer. Just keep these things in mind and you won't get bitten by the bargain bin monster. Get the most honest and useful reviews to make the right choice at our Desktop Computer Hardware Reviews site or get practical computer buying tips at our Computer Buying Guide site Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Stewart

Guide to Choose Cheap LCD Monitors

2006-10-16T23:09:00.000-04:00

When LCD monitors first launched into the market they were definitely not worth the money. They were extremely expensive and for the money you could get a much better quality CRT (TV style) monitor.

Todays the price difference between flat panel LCD monitors and CRTs has decreased dramatically. LCD monitors are very competitively priced! However even though LCD monitors are more expensive to buy they save you money because they use much less power. Another good advantage that LCD monitors have over CRT monitors is that they are much easier to read text on, if you do a lot of reading on your computer (rather than graphics work) then an LCD is a good choice for you. They also save space and are great because you have much more room on your desk for your keyboard or mouse. You see a 19" CRT monitor takes up a lot of space and it only gives you about the same viewable area as a 17" LCD. If you want to read more about CRT monitors then go to my Cheap Computer Monitors page. It has a good guide to understanding resolutions and refresh rates. It is a useful read if you are deciding on whether to buy a CRT of LCD. Factors to consider re LCD monitor click above picture or title to access the full info.

Building Computers - What You Need to Know

2006-10-13T22:58:00.000-04:00

A friend asked me “What do I really need to know if I decided to build my own computer? I’ve got books on the subject, I can follow the instructions, but I get the feeling they’re not telling me everything.”

Building Cheap Computers in 3 Easy Steps

2006-05-06T19:11:00.000-04:00

By Nicky Pilkington Just a decade ago, the only people who put computers together were those individuals who possessed an extensive technical background. Advancements in technology have eliminated some of the complexities in how computers work. This change has resulted in average people who have a basic understanding of computers being able to build a system themselves. Whether you are interested in building computers to establish a new hobby or to start a business, you can so in only a few easy steps and on a shoestring budget. The first step in building cheap computers is to determine the route you want to use to build systems. You basically have three choices when considering building cheap computers: build a system from scratch, expand on a bare bones computer, or upgrade an existing system. Building a system from scratch can be a rewarding experience. However, it is not for everyone. If you are impatient or are intimidated by mechanical tools, you are better to choose one of the other two options. Regardless of the method you choose, you will follow three basic steps: 1. Plan 2. Assemble 3. Test The planning phase of your project involves determining the specifications for the computer you want to build. Once you know this information you can start shopping for parts that meet those specifications. Your main considerations should be hard-disk, memory, and CPU (central processing unit). The harddrive is important because it determines how much information you are able to store on the computer. While you could build a computer with a harddrive smaller than 2 GB (gigabytes), it is not recommended. The harddrive and memory work together. The amount of memory you place in your computer will directly affect how the system is able to complete the different processes that you request when using the system. If you have no idea what size hard-drive and the amount of memory you need, you should consider the type of operating system you intend to load on the system. You can consult the manufacturer of your hard-drive or review the information on Cheap-Computer-Guy.com, which features a list of minimum harddrive and memory requirements for various operating systems, and use this information as a guide. The equipment presented in this article includes the basics of a computer system. Of course, nowadays people want far more than the basics and you undoubtedly feel the same way. There are optional components available that you may want to add to your systems, which include CD or DVD drives, a modem or other communication component for Internet connectivity, or a video graphics card. Once you have decided on the specifications of the computer you want to build, you are ready to assemble the system. In addition to detailed information about the parts you will need to build your computer, cheap-computer-guy.com includes step-by-step instructions for assembling a cheap do-it-yourself computer. When you have finished assembling the computer, you will then need to test to make sure that the system boots and that all components are functioning properly. Once you have completed all these tests you will have built your own cheap computer. You can find detailed information about planning, assembling and testing computers at the Cheap-Computer-Guy.com website. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicky_Pilkington Cheap LCD Monitors

How To Choose The Best Gaming Laptop

2006-04-20T23:00:00.000-04:00

By Titus Hoskins The gaming laptop is coming of age! It is steadily increasing in popularity as performance quality goes up. Gamers now regularly consider laptops or notebooks when searching for that perfect gaming machine. With each new generation of notebooks we are seeing some novel breakthroughs: dual core notebooks, PCI Express, Sonoma chipset, increased storage, increased RAM, faster CPUs, better battery life and better wireless connections including a Cellular Modem. All welcome news for gamers and notebook lovers alike. Generally, gamers are a very demanding group, they know their computers and they know what they want in their computers. Most gamers like to order their gaming laptop with their own specs and configurations. In that light, if you closely examine the main points gamers consider when configuring or building their Dream Machine -- you will have a good blueprint for the best gaming machine. Since notebook technology changes every two years or so, it's probably wise to purchase a laptop that can be easily upgraded as new products come on line. So consider the upgradable factor in any notebook that you plan to buy. Now, lets look at some of these key gaming factors: GRAPHICS You must have the best/latest/fastest Graphics on the market. DUH! Serious gamers are concerned with graphics, obsessed would probably be a better word. And rightly so! Graphics or the quality of the graphic chipset in your notebook computer will be your first area of consideration and it will greatly determine the gaming performance of your PC. Go with the latest Graphic Chipset and also check to see if you can upgrade your Graphics Card on the particular machine you're thinking about buying. Many machines allow this. Here are some Graphic Chipsets that are highly rated: ATi Mobility Radeon 9700, ATI's Mobility FireGL V3200 or Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator 900. ATi Mobility Radeon 9700 is a high quality Graphics Card or visual processing unit (VPU) present in many next generation notebooks. It will give you higher performance at a lower power level, saving battery power. It makes your notebook computer capable of many functions: 3D games, wide-screen HDTV, dynamic presentations, mobile video editing studio and graphic processor. Many notebooks now come with integrated graphics, where components interact and are sometimes shared, especially memory. If you want a notebook computer for 3D games -- check the amount of video RAM -- this is memory that's dedicated to graphic or video applications. Other common graphic chipsets are: STMicro, NVIDIA, 3D Labs, Matrox, Trident S3 and SIS. RAM Get the largest amount of RAM possible. DUDE! RAM or random-access memory will determine how much graphics your notebook computer will be able to handle. It's best to get the largest amount possible on your machine or what you can afford. It's generally agreed that you need at least 256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will only need 128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac. RAM or the amount of RAM on your notebook computer is extremely important if you want to handle heavy graphic files or want to play games on your notebook. The more RAM you have, the more applications you will be able to handle. Some notebook now come with up to 2GB of DDR2 533MHz RAM! DDR2 SDRAM - is a new standard that can boost conventional SDRAM memory up to speeds well over 200MHz and beyond. For example, the IBM ThinkPad T43, thanks to the Sonoma Chipset or platform has 533MHz DDR 2 SDRAM. This is much better than standard SDRAM which tops out around 150- 166MHz and DDR SDRAM which starts at 200MHz and goes up to around 400MHz. Video RAM or VRAM is special memory that's used by video adapters on your notebook. This is RAM that is dedicated to handling the visuals and graphics on your notebook computer. This is helpful if you want to play a lot of the latest 3D video games on your notebook. It is somewhat different from ordinary RAM because it can be accessed by two different devices at once -- enabling screen updates while the video processor processes new data. VRAM provides better graphics but is more expensive than ordinary RAM. SPEED You need the fastest computer money can buy. Period! In order to get the maximum performance from your ultimate gaming computer you must have the fastest speed you can get or afford. Your ultimate PC must be able to process and handle the latest 3D video games with ease. There is nothing as annoying as your PC freezing up in the middle of some major gaming action! Therefore, your Processor's speed is very important. CPU or Central Processing Unit, you probably know it as the processor! It's the heart or rather the brain of your notebook or computer. It does all your computer's data processing and applications. Since it does most of the work, it's usually the most expensive part of your notebook computer. Go with SATA! SATA is a type of hard drive and stands for Serial Advanced Technology Architecture. It was developed by a whole group of companies including Seagate, Intel, Maxtor, Dell and others. SATA transmit data in a serially (in a single stream) as opposed to PATA or Parallel ATA which is commonly referred to as an IDE hard drive. Serial ATA hard drives uses less power and are ideal for notebook computers, they are also more advanced than PATA hard drives which uses multipe streams of data -- go figure! But Serial Technology carries data in a single stream and unlike PATA is not limited to a particular clock speed, Serial transfers data packets almost 30 times faster than parallel. If top performance in your notebook is one of your goals, go with a SATA hard drive. Intel Pentium M processors are commonly found in a lot of notebooks and laptops. When in doubt also go with a Pentium! The speed of microprocessors is measured in MHz. MHz is short for megahertz. One MHz equals one million cycles per second. The speed of processors, usually known as clock speed, is measured in megahertz (MHz) or these days in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the clock speed, the faster the computer will process applications and data. It determines how powerful your notebook computer will be. Processor speeds for notebooks or laptops are steadily increasing, not quite the same as a desktop but the gap is narrowing quickly. Speeds of 3.4GHz or more. Don't forget to ask or check the hard drive speed! A 7,200rpm hard drive is faster than a 4,200rpm or 5,400rpm and usually gives better performance. DISPLAY You need the sharpest, brightest display screen or all the above points are moot! Display quality is also extremely important to your gaming experience. Make sure the resolution and display quality of your notebook computer can handle the graphics for 3D Gaming. What to keep in mind... SVGA Resolution. Put simply, computer images are made up of dots, the more dots you have -- the better the image. SVGA Resolution is made up of 800 x 600 dots. Many notebook computer have XGA (1024 by 768 dots) or SXGA (1280 x 1024 dots), these resolutions will give a higher quality image. WXGA stands for widescreen XGA. TFT Active Matrix Display. TFT stands for thin-film transistors and many high-end notebook computers use (TFT) active matrix liquid crystal displays. If display quality is your main reason for buying a notebook, it's best to give it the 'old eye test' and check out the image quality first-hand and decide for yourself. Panasonic, Toshiba, Sony, and others are known for their high quality monitors -- this quality is also present in their notebook display screens. So when buying your perfect Gaming Notebook Remember This: Graphics + Ram + Speed + Display = Perfect Gaming Notebook Consider all of the above factors before you buy or config your perfect gaming machine. Chances are high that you will get a top-notch quality Gaming Notebook that will give you hours and hours of pure gaming bliss! For a list of the top rated Gaming Notebooks and Laptops Click Here: Best Gaming Laptops & Notebooks. Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Titus_Hoskins Cheap Computers Guide

Discount Dell Laptops

2006-04-19T16:05:00.000-04:00

By Jimmy Sturo Recent additions to Dell’s computer services division include low-cost used Dell laptop computers. These machines are generally sufficient for the Internet, e-mail, and word processing. One advantage is that, unlike other used Dell computers purchased from a friend or local computer shop, each computer stocked has received a complete inspection by certified computer technicians and has been restored and tested to like-new condition. Dell guarantees that each used Dell GX110 computer purchased directly from them will be in perfect working condition. Dell supports this guarantee statement by providing each used Dell GX110 computer along with a 30-day replacement warranty. Also, a keyboard, mouse, and power cord are included with each purchase. Each of these computer systems are formatted but are without an operating system but a preinstalled licensed copy of any Windows operating system is available at an additional cost. Dell also provides these in wholesale lots. Most of these discount computers contain Pentium III - 866 MHz, 10GB+ hard drive, 128MB memory, integrated video, sound, LAN along with a keyboard, mouse, power cord. The Dell Computer Corporation has also recently announced up to 10 percent price cuts on selected configurations of its LatitudeTM notebook. The Latitude notebooks provide manageability, reliability, and performance for business and institutional customers in networked environments. Dell also provides excellent coupon codes that can help to save even more money on their already low priced computers, printers, monitors and accessories. In addition to Dell’s online coupon codes, they occasionally provide stackable coupons that allow the customers to use more than one coupon at a time. Stackable Dell coupons are marked to avoid confusion. Be sure to read the price points of the Dell coupons a number of times so as to qualify for an even greater discount if using the most appropriate coupon. Please study the rules and restrictions to check if they can be bought for the required purpose. Refurbished Dell computers sold directly by Dell are excellent systems with good warranties. However, their prices tend to run a bit on the high side. Click on the button “REFURBISHED SYSTEMS” on their navigation bar to go to the Dell Outlet. Discount Laptops provides detailed information about discount laptops, discount laptop batteries, and more. Discount Laptops is affiliated with Live Spy Cam. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Sturo

Why Choose Refurbished Laptops Over New?

2006-04-18T15:32:00.000-04:00

By M Johnson First and foremost refurbished laptops have the same quality and performace of a new laptop, but they have one major advantage- cheap price! It's possible to save over half the retail price by buying refurbished. The fact is most people only use a laptop computer for the portability and to operate a few applications. The need for every known piece of technology wrapped up into one high priced mobile computer isn't there anymore. Refurbished laptops offer the best value for your dollar. Below you can see what refurbished laptops can do for you: Portability- Take them anywhere. Most refurbished laptops weigh between 5-8lbs. Easily carry them in a backpack, case, or a simple laptop bag. It's like having your desktop computer with you at all times. Discount Price- Why spend all that extra money on the "latest thing". Technology moves so fast that by the time a new laptop is paid for there is already a new and improved model. Trying to keep up is impossible and not really necessary. Our cheap refurbished laptops are less than 6 months old and have very high quality standards. They also come with advanced mobile technology so you can relax. They will function as new, and will come with today's useful features. Connect to the World- You can connect to your family, friends, co-workers, business clients and more with ease from anywhere in the world. Getting online is now better than ever. You can connect via Wi Fi, DSL, Cable or dial up. The internet is getting faster and easier to connect to and you'll be able to do it from virtually anywhere! No Wires- This is the best part about refurbished laptops. If you have a desktop computer at home, or at the office you know it's impossible to take it with you. Wires, the bulky weight, the need for a plug-in outlet just makes desktops too hard to move from place to place. Well, now you don't have to worry about that. Laptop computers are built and specifically designed for maximum portability. Lightweight and no wires make these the best choice for almost everyone. Take up Less Space- When a desktop computer just isn't feasible, then your best choice possible. Cheap laptops function just like a full size computer, but without the size. The technology is ever advancing and you get the best of both worlds. You get a great computer and when you buy refurbished laptops you get a great price. Perfect for home, dorm, school, office, traveling, the list goes on and on. Refurbished laptops maybe a little older than a new one, but the savings can be awesome. Compare buying a reconditioned laptop computer to buying a used car. Used cars have all parts replaced that need to be and run just like new, but because they have a few miles on them they cannot be sold as new anymore. Refurbished laptops are the same way. If you are looking to save money and still get the quality you are looking for consider refurbished laptops. Copyright 2006 Mike Johnson Online Crazy Deals specializes in mobile computing including new and refurbished laptops. Making your dollar go farther without sacrificing quality is our main goal. To learn more visit http://www.onlinecrazydeals.com . Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Johnson Click here for more Computer Notebook Tips

Refurbished Laptops 101

2006-04-17T15:53:00.000-04:00

By Alison Quinn Many people want to buy a refurbished laptop in order to save money. There are several companies that conveniently sell used laptops over the Internet. However, regardless of the company one gets his or her laptop from, one should so a bit of research before buying. There are four major laptop manufacturers. They are IBM, Dell, Hewlett-Packard/Compaq, and Toshiba. Different companies have different components in their laptops. All of these companies sometimes get their components from other distributors. Laptops are usually assembled by different companies other than the company that is selling it. Some of the components made by third party companies are LCD displays, CPU, hard drives, keyboards, and memory. Having components from other companies can ensure that those components are high quality. However, when refurbishing a laptop, it can make it difficult because the components are not all from a single source. When looking for a refurbished laptop, it is always a good idea to try to find out what is inside the refurbished laptop. Some companies may have a bad product year, and one certainly does not want a bad product inside of his or her laptop. Another tip for looking for good refurbished laptops is to check the warranty offered by the refurbishing company. Companies that offer great warranties do so because they have faith in their products. Skimpy warranties often mean that the company may not use the best products in order to refurbish laptops. You can also call customer support in order to observe how responsive they are. Companies that take pride in their service and are committed to their customers will have good products. It is important to decide what the purpose of the laptop will be. If the laptop will be used mainly for word processing and browsing the web, then minimal CPU is needed. Additionally, copious amounts of memory won’t be needed for simple computer processes. For Internet access, it again depends on what the purpose of the laptop is. 56k modems come standard in many laptops. Wireless Internet access is constantly increasing across the country. Many laptops come with wireless access standard. For business purposes, wireless access is a great feature. Older laptops may lack Ethernet connections, but with refurbishing, they can be easily added. The final and most important rule when shopping for a refurbished laptop is to keep price in mind. The more features that a laptop has, the more expensive it will be. If the laptop will be used for graphics programs or video games, then it will probably be much more expensive. Search Google for the best laptop prices, and make sure to inquire about each seller’s reputation. Buying a good refurbished laptop at a reasonable price won’t be difficult if you do your research. Alison Quinn recommends UsedLaptops.com for refurbished laptops. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Quinn For more Computer Notebook Tips click here

Laptops Guide: Choosing a Laptop that is Right for You

2006-04-15T06:20:00.000-04:00

By Jonathan Chase Most of us tend to think of laptops in the same way: a fairly small portable computer that can open and close like a suitcase, with all of the capabilities of a desktop. In fact, the term “laptop” is really very generic. There are currently four main styles of these portable PCs, each offering something a bit different, depending upon your specific needs. Ultralights – Also known as sub-notebooks or ultraportables, this style of laptop weighs up to – but no more than – four pounds, making them ideal for travelers. The upside of an ultralight is that it doesn’t burden those who have to spend a lot of time carrying them with aching muscles, as its larger cousins often do. The downside, however, is that – in order to cut down on the size and weight – this type of laptop is so small that there’s no room for a network card or internal CD drive. In order to reap the benefits of these types of “attachments,” you’d have to bring an external CD drive and port replicator. Another negative in the scenario is that ultralights tend to be on the expensive end of the laptop spectrum. Notebooks – This is basically just a regular laptop, but is slightly less heavy, weighing in at four to six pounds. While it’s heavier than the smaller ultralight, it also offers more options with less fuss. Offering the flexibility of a combo bay, notebooks are designed with a large opening on the side which allows the user to plug a CD drive, floppy disk or extra battery – allowing you to access the features that you need without the burden of making room for those that aren’t needed. Standards – Commonly referred to as “regular laptops,” these weigh between six and eight pounds and offer a full range of benefits. This technological pack-mule is the best buy – dollar for dollar – when you consider the cost/performance ratio. Due to their popularity, combined with their design and usability, it’s not uncommon to find discounts on these from major manufacturers. Other types of laptops, which fall into more specialized categories, tend to be in the higher price ranges. The bottom line is, of the four main types of laptops, the standard is the most economical for the most reasonable amount of money. Extra Large – Although this type of laptop doesn’t yet have a technical name, it’s best to simply refer to it as “extra large,” since they weigh between eight and ten pounds and have a screen that measures at least 17 inches. In addition, the keyboard is much larger than a standard laptop, making it a more comfortable fit for those who find the keyboard of the standard laptop rather inhibitive. There are a couple of downfalls to owning this type of unit, not the least of which includes its weight. There can be a four pound difference between the weight of a standard and an extra large laptop – and that’s quite a bit, when you think about lugging it around all day. The other negative factor is the cost of this type of laptop. It offers a price tag that’s every bit as hefty as its weight and size. The purchase of a laptop comes down to personal preference, and there are enough styles in the laptop community to please just about everyone. For those who can’t decide and just want “a laptop,” then it’s probably better to stick to the standard model. Jonathan Chase is a computer enthusiast and contributing writer to All Cheap Laptops. Learn more about laptops at http://www.all-cheap-laptops.com/How-Laptops-Work.htm Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Chase Click here for more Computer Notebooks Tips

Top 5 Thin and Light Notebooks

2006-04-14T14:56:00.000-04:00

By Gary Hendricks If you're a wireless network fan, you'll also realize that most notebooks have wireless network support by default. Many laptops also have a much wider screen to allow enjoyment of multimedia and games. Here's a personal scoop of the top 5 thin and light notebooks out in the market right now. Toshiba Satellite M45-S3511 Powered by an Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73 GHz) processor and 512 MB of RAM, the Toshiba Satellite M45-S3511 is well suited for both home and office use. It also comes with a widescreen display, a speedy 8x DVD+/-RW burner and a huge 100 GB hard drive. A very nice notebook that is highly recommended. Gateway M460XL The Gateway M460XL is powered by an Intel Pentium M 750 (1.8 GHz) processor and 512 MB of RAM. The battery is very long-lasting and there's also a modular bay for adding an extra hard drive, a floppy drive, a CD-RW or DVD drive. You also get a 8x DVD+/-RW burner and a 80 GB hard drive. Sony VAIO T240P/L The Sony VAIO T240P/L notebook comes with an Intel Pentium M 1.2 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM and an Intel 855GME graphics core. Its long battery life will help keep you working for hours. There's a big 60 GB hard drive, but only a CD-ROM / DVD-ROM combo drive and a small 10.6 inch screen. Despite these shortcomings, however, you get a top quality brand name notebook that looks slim and sexy to boot. Asus V6V The Asus V6V laptop features a fast Intel Pentium M 1.86 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM and an ATI Mobility Radeon X600 graphics processor. This makes it great for high performance graphics and games, especially with the included 4x DVD+/-R burner and a 60 GB hard drive. HP Compaq nc4010 The HP Compaq nc4010 notebook comes with an Intel Pentium M 725 (1.6 GHz) processor, 512 MB of RAM and an ATI RADEON IGP 350M graphics processor. The downsides of this laptop are the small 12.1 inch viewable screen size, the lack of an optical drive a small 40 GB hard disk. However, its price is hard to beat and one of the lowest in this list. Conclusion Whew! That's a whole lot of notebooks for you to look at. Try to keep the above thin and light notebooks in mind when you're out shopping for one. Compare other models you find against these to help you make a better purchase decision. Good luck! Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visit his website at Build-Your-Own-Computers.com for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computer components. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Hendricks click to access Computer Notebook Tips

Top 5 Budget Notebooks

2006-04-13T21:13:00.000-04:00

By Gary Hendricks Notebook computers for budget minded consumers usually trade performance for price. If we want to pinch our pennies we have to compromise and settle for cheap notebooks that are light on performance. Enter the best budget notebooks. With these offerings you’ll be able to get the most powerful, feature-filled notebooks you want at a price that won’t break your bank. Gateway NX250X This little beauty sports a Pentium M processor and a long-lasting battery making it a contender in our best of the best budget notebooks. It comes with 512MB PC2-4200 DDR2, an 8x DVD burner and a 14” wide screen monitor. The 40GB hard drive spins at 5400rpm, certainly well above average. With its 6-in-1 card reader this little notebook is a full-fledged multimedia ready system you can tote with you wherever you go. Dell Inspiron 2200 Dell is a name you know that you can rely on - and this Dell Inspiron 2200 makes the grade as one of the top 5 budget notebooks. Its powerful Pentium M 1.7 GHZ processor handles most professional applications. This notebook comes standard with 512MB PC2700 DDR Memory, a 40GB hard drive, a 24x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive, a Type II PC Card Slot and three USB 2.0 slots. It uses a 14.1” LCD screen, however it has no media card readers. Averatec AV3715-EH1 If you’re into ultraportable budget notebooks that pack a powerful punch, then this Averatec AV3715-EH1 Notebook is just for you. Its AMD Semprin 3000+ processor is not as powerful as a Pentium yet is adequate for most applications. Its screen is a mere 12.1 inches, yet the notebook comes with an AMD Sempron 3000+ Processor, an 80GB hard drive, a DVD burner, FireWire, USB and a 4-in-1 media reader. Its Ethernet and Wireless support make it perfect for mobile computing. Acer TravelMate 2413LCI The best budget notebooks for people wanting a no-frills system, this Acer TravelMate 2413LCI Notebook is a fair-priced value. The technology is not as powerful as Pentium. You get a 1.50GHz Intel Celeron M processor, adequate for basic desktop applications but not heavy applications. The notebook includes 512MB DDR2 RAM, a 60GB harddrive, DVD-ROM/CD-RW, Windows XP Pro, and a 15" screen. Battery life is fair and the unit includes one USB 2.0 and One Type II PC Card Slot. Dell Inspiron 1200 Dell makes its second entry in our lineup of best budget notebooks is this with this Inspiron 1200 Notebook. Another value model, it comes with a 1.30 GHz Celeron M 350, 256MB, 30GB, DVD/CD-RW, a 14.1” widescreen and Windows XP. It’s very easy on the price, and again a perfect unit for those looking for a no-nonsense system. If you’re looking for wireless support on this system, however, you can only get it with an additional PC Card. Conclusion There you have it, our pick of the top 5 budget notebooks. The budget notebooks included in this review range from basic units to those offering more powerful performance at a decent price. As always, the first question you should ask is not the price - but what you plan to use it for. Pentium and AMD processors are required for heavy multimedia applications, whereas desktop applications can work with a Celeron processor. Consider connectivity with existing technology as well. Do you need media reader support—or a PC Card? Ask the right questions beforehand, and you will choose the right budget notebook. Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visit his website at Build-Your-Own-Computers.com for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computer components. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Hendricks Click here for Computer Notebook Tips

Why Choose Refurbished Laptops Over New

2006-04-12T19:40:00.000-04:00

Refurbished Laptops Features Comparison Guide

2006-04-11T21:11:00.000-04:00

By M Johnson Knowing what to look for when choosing refurbished laptops is important. Here is a list of certain features that you should compare when shopping for one. Let's begin with laptop basics- Processor Speed- This is the speed at which the laptop can retrieve data and information. You'll often see speeds like 900MHz or 1.2GHz. The larger the number the faster it is. 1.2GHz is 1200MHz. Gigahertz is more than megahertz. When choosing a refurbished laptop this is sometimes important. If you are only going to use it to surf the internet (surfing the web only depends on your internet speed and not the computers speed), or operate a few application software programs, or use if for document creating a lower speed is all you need. The lower the processor speed the cheaper it usually is. If you plan to use it in a business setting, gaming, or need it for several operating procedures then you'll need a faster processor speed. System Memory- Here is where you'll see the 128mb, 256mb, or 512mb system memory. The system memory is the place where the computer holds current programs and data that are in use, or holds the instructions that the processor executes and the data that those instructions work with. Picture it as the central nervous system of your laptop. It allows everything to work and also is needed for faster processing speeds. The system memory is essential for operating multiple functions at once. The 128mb and 256mb are ample amounts of memory. If you plan to do a lot of things at once the higher number is better. Hard Drive- The hard drive is what holds all your memory on the computer. The higher the number the more storage you have. An example is a 20GB hard drive. That holds all your programs, downloads, pictures, music and more. Many users don't need much more than 10GB of storage, but if you plan to keep a laptop for an extended period of time you may want to consider a larger hard drive. Optical Drive- The optical drive is either CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM/RW, or a combo of both. ROM stands for "read only memory" and RW stands for "re-write", for copying disks. The CD drive is for software and can play music CD's. The DVD drive can do everything a CD-ROM can do and more. It can play music, software, and DVD movies. It's like an upgrade to the CD drive. Some laptops do have a floppy drive which operates floppy discs. Most programs are on CD though. Modem- This refers to how your laptop connects to the internet. A 56K modem is for dial-up and DSL internet. There is also wireless internet called Wi Fi. If you choose a laptop with a 56k modem it is still possible to buy hardware for Wi Fi. Network- You'll see something like 10/100, or 10/1000 and this refers to how fast a laptop computer can transfer data to other computers on the network. Although most don't use a computer on a network it is important if you're in a business setting, or something similar. For most people this isn't a determining factor in choosing a computer. Operating System (OS)- The operating system is referring to what system the laptop is using. The most common are Windows, Linux and Unix and Macintosh. By far the most popular is the Microsoft Windows programs like Windows 98, 2000, Millenium, and the most current XP home, or professional. This is a big factor in choosing a refurbished laptop. You need a compatible OS to function with what you need it for. For a few highly inclined individuals the Linux and Unix systems are great. For the vast majority of people a Windows based OS is the best. It is the most user friendly and most compatible with more software and hardware programs. If you are not sure what's the best operating system for you choose the Windows program. Expansion Slots- Most laptops will have open slots like USB, serial, or ethernet slots which allows for multiple items to be added like a mouse, printer, external hard drive, modem and things like that. Upgrades- Most refurbished laptops can be upgraded. You can add things like external hard drives(for more memory), external optical drives, add the wireless internet capabilities, flash drives, and more. The advantage is you can choose a refurbished laptop with a fair amount of hardware and just add to it what you need. It's nice feature that will come in handy when you rely on your laptop computer to do more. It's just like upgrading a desktop, most external hardware uses a USB connection and there is also hardware to add more USB connections. It's great! We hope to have answered some of your questions about which refurbished laptop is right for you. Technology is wonderful these days and refurbished laptops are a great investment for school, business and general use. Copyright 2006 Online Crazy Deals Online Crazy Deals informs you on what is important in mobile computing. http://www.onlinecrazydeals.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Johnson Click to access more Laptops/Notebooks Tips

Flickr Photos of Interest

2006-04-04T19:31:00.000-04:00

Collection of Flickr photos re topics of interest.

How A Notebook PC Can Transform Your Small Business Profits

2006-03-26T19:57:00.000-05:00

By Sabir Rizvi Notebook PCs have greatly added to the increased advantage that small businesses enjoy in this era of the Internet and fantastic small business fairytales that come true, virtually overnight. These wonderful little portable computers have put amazing power in the hands of many smart small business entrepreneurs, allowing them to make even faster decisions and take swifter action, leaving much bigger competitors in the dust and tied up in their own bureaucracy and slow decision-making processes. Notebooks PCs now make it possible for a single entrepreneur to answer emails, update blogs and sites as well as fully transact business, even when he is on a trip. This dramatically enhances the lean and mean aspects of small businesses. Probably the single most important thing that a notebook does for a small business entrepreneur is to further enhance the advantages already enjoyed of quick decisions and rapid response. Not to mention increased efficiency without the need for a larger work force. For instance while on a trip out of town to solve a certain client’s problem, a small business owner traveling with his notebook, can still get lots of other work done for different clients. These days high speed mobile internet connections and internet facilities at airports, public places and virtually everywhere also enable the entrepreneurs to do all what they could have done in their offices, while still on the go. In essence what this means is that with the right notebook system, a small business executive today is not tied to his office all the time. Most of his tasks can be executed while on the move and this includes the crucial job of supporting his clients. His notebook can comfortably and powerfully help him deal with business essentials. Indeed we already have quite a number of small business owners who have thrived tremendously by taking advantage of this new way of doing business. This high tech work style of doing things eliminates the high costs and inefficiencies associated with having to be in the office to get certain things done or requiring higher staff levels to accommodate increased business that is only seasonal in nature. This in turn allows a small business to charge even less for their services and products which often results in increased business volumes delivering dramatic leap in revenues and profits. Sabir Rizvi is a seasoned IT professional who writes for Network Equipment Reviews, an online guide for buyers of networking eqipment. Visit the website to read more of his articles and reviews at http://networking.alwaiz-arts.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sabir_Rizvi

Guide to Cheap Barebone Systems

2006-02-25T21:36:00.000-05:00

Recently it has become more common and well accepted by people who would like to build their own personal computers. Currently, barebone computers are very cheap. I really like barebone computers as they come partially built and are easy for new computer builders. The easiest way to start building your own computer is to buy a barebone computer. It requires much less effort as the motherboard is already installed in the case. Installing the motherboard is really the most tricky part. Once it is done the other components can be easily slotted in quite easily. You can add installing your own CPU, memory, hard drive , CD rom drive

DEALING in NOTEBOOKS is Like a Dream Come True

2006-01-04T22:05:00.000-05:00

By Harry Richards The huge advantages of starting a business dealing in laptops are not always appreciated but consider the following points . . . Laptops/Notebooks are easy to store. It is possible to operate the business from a single room. In fact we know a guy who stores a number of them under his bed. He says he can store up to twenty laptops with hardly any loss of room space.

The Kick-Off To The Best Rated Laptops Of The Year

2005-12-27T10:26:00.000-05:00

By Garry Allen The best rated laptop award changes not only from year to year, but it can and does change just as quickly from month to month. Heck, with the major players out there like Dell, IBM, Compaq and HP just to name a few, competition is absolutely fierce! But one thing is for sure. This years best rated laptops all seem to have one thing in common. They are all called Apples!

Cheap Computer Notebooks

2005-11-29T22:36:00.000-05:00

Laptops are now more powerful lighter, handy and much more stylish. Some mobile people e.g. sales representatives and executives are opting out of desktop computers altogether and use a laptop for all their computer needs.

How to Build Your PC Computer

2005-11-22T22:27:00.000-05:00

When you have all component parts, you are ready to assemble the computer system. If you are a beginnner, assembling the entire system might be a little tricky. Some things you will want near you while doing this job is plenty of light, computer screws, all the manuals that came with the hardware you purchased, a screw driver and of course, a bottle of icy cold drink to keep yourself cool.

Cheap Recertified Computers

2005-11-12T18:07:00.000-05:00

cheap recertified computers If you want a cheap computer without the risk of buying second hand then read on because this page will tell you all about how to get a cheap used computer that comes with a limited warranty. I've spent a great deal of time online looking around for great deals on used computers that have been recertified. This means that they have been fully checked out and are sold with a warranty to ensure that they are working perfectly. These recertified computers are really the safest way you can get a nice cheap used computer.

CRM Software

2005-11-08T22:51:00.000-05:00

CRM Software: "CRM in the broader sense encompasses not only customer relationship management itself but how customer relationship management is handled and the most important elements of a CRM program that are essential to its being successful. The range of CRM software options vary from those that provide simple customer tracking and live chat capabilities to the more complex CRM solutions that can integrate all of the customer relationship data an enterprise has on each client past, present and future in a dynamic information data network. "

Apple iPod | HP iPod| Cheap iPod

2005-10-30T22:54:00.000-05:00

Apple iPod | HP iPod| Cheap iPod: "Pack up to 10,000 songs into your pocket with the 40GB HP Apple� iPod. How much music is that? You could listen 24 x 7 for almost four weeks in a row, never hearing the same song twice. Even better, the HP Apple iPod is about as compact and lightweight as your cell phone."

cheap Wireless Networking

2005-10-22T18:27:00.000-04:00

If you have a laptop computer then wireless networking is ideal. You can connect to your high speed Internet connection in bed or outside your house. It only takes a couple of hours to set up a wireless network in your home. Don't stay tied to your desk when you can roam freely in your home with this D-Link quality wireless networking bundle. This bundle includes the 22Mbps D-Link AirPlus DWL-650 CardBus Adapter and the 22Mbps D-Link DI-614 Enhanced Wireless Router (Recertified). "

Cheap Computers Guide

2005-10-18T17:52:00.000-04:00

Cheap Computers Guide Always wanted a home theatre projection system, but didn't want to spend thousands of dollars buying one? We offer plans in which you can easily create your own 150" projection TV. Watch DVDs, videos or play video games on your very own 150” screen! DVD, Hi-Fi VCR and High Definition Satellite TV all provide high quality pictures with beauty and realism. Even your computer games will feel like you can reach out and touch them. There is no disputing it -- we have approached a new age of HDTV

Dish-Network

2005-10-06T20:14:00.000-04:00

Whenever someone mentions about satellite TV in United States, Dish Network and DirecTV will be the first two names people mention. Yup, Dish Network and DirecTV are currently the two biggest (or the ONLY two shall i say?) company in the satellite TV world.

Cheap Computer | Notebooks | Laptops

2005-10-02T06:41:00.000-04:00

Cheap Computer | Notebooks | LaptopsAre you sick of all the high priced notebooks out there? Does getting a used laptop seem like a better choice to you? Refurbished laptops are everywhere these days, and the word itself seems like a “buzz word” of the industry. But do these used machines actually hold up to the strict standard of the word “refurbished”?

Guide to Choose Cheap Computer Batteries

2005-09-29T20:12:00.000-04:00

Guide to Choose Cheap Batteries: "The award-winning line of hard working long lasting batteries and accessories to breathe new life into your digital products. These splendid rechargeable batteries are quality tested for longevity, stability and reliability and must meet the most stringent standards before being declared ready to go."

Guide to Choose Cheap Monitors

2005-09-18T20:41:00.000-04:00

If you want to read more about CRT monitors then go to my Cheap Computer Monitors page. It has a good guide to understanding resolutions and refresh rates. It is a useful read if you are deciding on whether to buy a CRT of LCD.

Cheap Computer | Notebooks | Laptops

2005-09-12T22:56:00.001-04:00

Cheap Computer | Notebooks | Laptops

big screen 150"

2005-08-22T22:44:00.000-04:00

bigscreen

Cheap Computers Guide

2005-08-22T21:05:00.000-04:00

cheap computers guide

Cheap Ccomputer Monitors

2005-08-20T18:14:00.001-04:00

cheap computer monitors

cheap computer motherboards

2005-08-19T22:06:00.000-04:00

cheap computer motherboards

Guide to Cheap Computer Motherboards

2005-08-19T22:05:00.000-04:00

Home-Theatre

2005-08-18T21:58:00.000-04:00

Home-Theatre

Free Music Downloads... if done correctly are completely legal ....

2005-08-14T09:26:00.000-04:00

Free Music Downloads

Customer Relationship Management Software

2005-08-13T04:10:00.000-04:00

CRM software

Cheap Computer Monitors

2005-07-28T23:11:00.000-04:00

Cheap Computer Monitors

150 - 200" Big TV Screen

2005-07-18T20:05:00.000-04:00

bigscreen Always wanted a home theatre projection system, but didn't want to spend thousands of dollars buying one? We offer plans in which you can easily create your own 150" projection TV. Watch DVDs, videos or play video games on your very own 150” screen!

Guide to Choose i-Phone

2005-07-11T20:23:00.000-04:00

iphone Just What is Voice Over IP Telephony? Voice over Internet Telephony is technology that means you can hold telephone calls over the Internet or an IP network. It eliminates the need for having separate lines for your Internet connection and dedicated voice transfer lines. There are many advantages to VoIP but because it is still an advancing technology you need to shop around to find the best deal. No cumbersome circuit switching is required and there is no depletion in the bandwidth associated with normal dual line systems. VoIP protocol means that voice data is only sent over the network when it needs to be, freeing up that bandwidth when you aren’t making ‘calls’.

Guide to Cheap Home-Theatre

2005-07-06T15:33:00.000-04:00

Home-Theatre Thinking about installing a home theater system? You’re not alone. Home theater is one of the fastest growing areas areas in home entertainment and the advent of DVD recorders and HDTV means your set-up can now be entirely digital, without an inch of video tape in site.

Guide to Cheap LCD Monitors

2005-07-02T10:19:00.000-04:00

guide to LCD monitors: When LCD monitors first launched into the market they were definitely not worth the money. They were extremely expensive and for the money you could get a much better quality CRT (TV style) monitor. Todays the price difference between flat panel LCD monitors and CRTs has decreased dramatically. LCD monitors are very competitively priced!"

Alarm Controls - The Brain of Your Security System

2005-07-01T07:33:00.000-04:00

ADT-home-security The alarm control is the brain of your security system. It is typically placed in an area that is out of the way like a basement, attic, closet or office. The motherboard and additional components such as radio receivers, backup power supply and zone expanders are inside this metal box, which is often locked. You will have little or no interface with the alarm control. Your alarm technician will need to access this unit to program it and wire it to general standards, or your custom standards.

Guide To� Choose Best-buy Cheap Cameras

2005-06-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

Guide To� Choose Best-buy Cheap Cameras The choice is yours! Choose single, center-point AF for the easiest way to sharp focus. Or use the camera’s sophisticated 5-point AiAF system that lets you put your subject almost anywhere in the frame. Both systems ensure precise focus in any shooting situation, whether the camera is held horizontally or vertically.

Guide to Cheap Computer Notebooks and Laptops

2005-06-17T17:30:00.000-04:00

cheap to computer notebooks and laptops Laptops are now more powerful lighter, handy and much more stylish. Some mobile people e.g. sales representatives and executives are opting out of desktop computers altogether and use a laptop for all their computer needs.

Guide to Cheap Computer Parts

2005-06-12T16:18:00.000-04:00

cheap computer parts This is a list of all the essential components in a clone computer system. For best value I recommend you to build a Pentium 4 socket 478 computer. I think it is currently the best value for your basic wordprocessing, email, web design, build a website and net surfing.

Guide to 150"� Big Screen TV

2005-06-08T21:19:00.000-04:00

Guide to 150"� Big Screen TV Always wanted a home theatre projection system, but didn't want to spend thousands of dollars buying one? We offer plans in which you can easily create your own 150" projection TV. Watch DVDs, videos or play video games on your very own 150” screen only $14.95!

Guide to� Cheap Barebone Computers

2005-06-07T20:26:00.000-04:00

Guide to� cheap barebone computers Recently it has become more common and well accepted by people who would like to build their own personal computers. Currently, barebone computers are very cheap. I really like barebone computers as they come partially built and are easy for new computer builders. The easiest way to start building your own computer is to buy a barebone computer. It requires much less effort as the motherboard is already installed in the case. Installing the motherboard is really the most tricky part. Once it is done the other components can be easily slotted in quite easily. You can add installing your own CPU, memory, hard drive , CD rom drive

Guide to Cheap Computer Motherboards

2005-06-06T20:36:00.000-04:00

cheap computer motherboards A Motherboard is the most important component in your PC system. Selecting a motherboard can be a complicated and tiring process. There are many different and confusing specifications. When you build your own computer you must decide what type of computer you want before you can select your motherboard and the different components that are compatible with your motherboard. This page walks you through step by step the most important points in selecting a motherboard that suits your needs and budget.

Guide to Cheap Computer Games

2005-06-05T09:46:00.000-04:00

cheap computer games When you are looking for cheap computer games the first step is to decide on what games are good. The best way to find the most fun games is to read some reviews of the latest games. Then download and play the demos of the ones that interest you most.

Guide to Cheap CD and DVD

2005-06-02T19:33:00.000-04:00

Cheap CD and DVD Guide

Cheap Apple iPod Guide

2005-06-01T20:23:00.000-04:00

Apple iPod Guide Genuine Apple iPod And HP Technology Though ease of use has always been the hallmark of HP Apple iPod, we believe in constantly moving perfection forward. So HP Apple iPod now incorporates the same touch-sensitive Apple Click Wheel that debuted on the iPod mini. Without lifting that trusty thumb of yours from the wheel, you can easily select playlists, scroll through thousands of songs and start the music playing. Want that song to play from the beginning again? A single click will do the trick.

Guide to Buy Best-buy Computer Cases and Power Supplies

2005-05-31T20:31:00.000-04:00

Guide to buy best-buy cheap computer cases and power supplies This page will take a look at the different types of cases and what features to consider when you select a computer case. If you do paperwork on your desk it is better to have your computer case on the floor under the table. If you don't need a great deal of computer components in your case then you can select a mini tower or slimline case that will take up less room. If you are looking for cheap computer cases click the computer case icon on the left and have a look at the great deals.

Guide to Choose Cheap Computer Speakers

2005-05-29T19:28:00.000-04:00

cheap computer speakers Here's my guide to the current range of computer speakers. If you listen to music, play games or watch DVD movies on your computer you are probably in the market for a good set of computer speakers.

Guide to Cheap Barebone Computers

2005-05-27T20:37:00.000-04:00

How to Choose Quality Computers at Dirt Cheap Prices.

2005-05-26T19:51:00.000-04:00

cheap computers guide Are you looking for a powerful computers at dirt cheap prices? If you are after cheaper prices, you have the following choices:

How to Choose Cheap Computer Notebooks and Laptops

2005-05-25T21:44:00.000-04:00

Guide to Choose Cheap Computer Monitors

2005-05-24T18:52:00.000-04:00

Cheap Computer Monitors This page is a guide to choosing cheap computer monitors that will satisfy your needs without breaking the bank. Your monitor is the single most expensive component in your system. This means that a lot of money can be saved if you make the right decision and choose the right cheap computer monitor. There's a lot more to computer monitors than just the size of the screen.

TV Viewing Distance & Screen Placement in the Home Theater

2005-05-23T15:05:00.000-04:00

By Andrew Ghigo The optimum TV screen size is directly related to the available viewing distance – but there are other factors as well that need to be taken into consideration. Viewing Distance: Is it just a matter of personal preference? Sit too close to your big screen TV and you will be able to see the image build-up structure - scanning lines or pixels forming the image – thus distracting your attention and spoiling your home theater experience. Yet, sit too far away, and the impact will be lost. There are differing opinions on the best way to determine the optimum TV viewing distance for a specific screen size. Just go to the movie theater and you will soon realize that it is all a question of personal preference - some would sit at the very back. Others would go straight to the front row, as they prefer the bigger picture and a wider angle of view, while some would simply choose their seat randomly somewhere in between these two extremes. The truth is that there are no scientific rules her. This does not mean that there aren't any guidelines that you should follow when planning a big screen purchase or a would-be home theater room. SMPTE Recommendations and the THX Certification standards: The Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers (SMPTE) recommends that the screen size for home theater use should occupy a 30 degrees field of view - in the horizontal plan - for the audience. Alternatively, the ideal TV viewing distance should be such that the screen width occupies an angle of 30 degrees from the viewing position. This 30-degrees viewing angle seems to have been accepted by many as the standard in home theater and motion picture viewing. This SMPTE guideline is also in line with the THX certification standards in that these recommend that the back row of seats should have at least a 26 degrees viewing angle and while recommending an optimum viewing angle of 36 degrees. It is believed that within these viewing angle limits, the viewer will get better immersed into the action movie itself. Vision System limitations: There is also the issue of TV viewing distance based on visual acuity. This does not represent the optimum viewing distance - rather, this relates to the maximum viewing distance beyond which some picture detail will be lost. Technically speaking, visual acuity is a measure of the eye spatial resolving power and indicates the angular size of the smallest detail that a person visual system can resolve. A person with 20/20 (or 6/6 when expressed in meters) normal vision can resolve a spatial pattern separated by a visual angle of one minute of arc angle i.e. 1/60th of a degree, at the eye when viewed at 20 feet away. Expressed differently, a person with normal 20/20 vision is capable of identifying an object with a height of 1.76mm at 20 feet way. In terms of TV viewing distances, these represent the point beyond which some of the picture detail will no longer be resolved by the viewer vision system. So How Does All This Translate In Practical Terms? A few rules-of-thumb can help put in practice the guidelines detailed above. These rules for viewing distance refer to the screen width rather than the screen diagonal and therefore apply to both 4:3 and 16:9 display formats. A general rule for the TV viewing distance based on the SMPTE and visual acuity guidelines, is that the nearest TV viewing distance between you and your big screen TV should be limited to approximately twice the screen width (more precise 1.87 x screen width for a subtended angle of 30 degrees), while the furthest distance being no more than five times the width of your screen. This rule of thumb should give you a fairly good approximation for your TV viewing distance. It does not necessarily represent the ideal home theater viewing distance but rather the limits within which your TV viewing distance should theoretically be out of the trouble zone. In other words, move closer than twice the screen width size, and the picture scanning lines, pixels and any other video artifacts will become too visibly intrusive - leading to distractions that will spoil your movie watching experience. Move further away than 5 times the screen width and your vision system will no longer be able to resolve all the picture detail. But… It is also important to realize that these maximum and minimum viewing distances should be seen in the light of the video signal definition. A fully resolved high definition TV (1080i, 1920x1080) supports a closer viewing distance than standard analog TV. Thus while twice the screen width would be the ideal TV viewing distance for a HDTV display, it would be a bit too close for standard TV; in the later case, a three times the screen width would be a better option. Similarly, the five times the screen width as the maximum view distance, while more than adequate for a standard analog TV picture, is a bit too far away for a person to see the fine detail supported by a HDTV picture – a three to four times the screen width represents a more practical limit for the maximum viewing distance in the case of HDTV. These rules-of-thumb work best with big screen TV sizes in the range 42-inches and over. When it comes to the use of regular-size standard definition analog TVs in the home theater, i.e. up to 36” / 40” diagonal, the optimum viewing distance range is between 8 feet and 12 feet. TV sets smaller than 36-inches aren't big enough to qualify for Home Theater use; their smaller screen size will not provide the desired impact on the viewer. Vertical Angle of View & Screen Height: For optimum viewing, the eyes of the viewer should be level with the center of the screen. Maximum vertical angle of view: In those home theater set-ups where this is not possible, the SMPTE guidelines suggest that the maximum vertical angle measured at the seated eye height from the front row center seat to the top most part of the projected image should not exceed 35 degrees. This does not represent the optimum viewing angle but rather the limit beyond which the viewer will be subject to an increased neck strain. This maximum vertical angle limit is always measured from the front row as this represent the extreme angle of view. Minimum angle of vision: While there do not appear to be any specific SMPTE or THX guidelines in this respect, yet studies have shown that if the screen size occupies less than 15 degrees of the viewer's vertical field of view, than that image appears small. Practical Considerations: In a typical home theater set-up, you do not need to really worry about neither the maximum vertical angle of view, nor about the minimum vertical angle of vision for an effective movie theater experience. If one were to adhere to the recommended TV viewing distance of twice the screen width (as further detailed above based on the SMPTE guideline of 30 degrees horizontal field of vision), you would automatically be complying with the minimum angle of vision. The reason being that there is a fixed relation between screen height and width in accordance to your home theater screen aspect ratio of either 16:9 or 4:3. Further more, in a typical home theater setup, it would be very difficult to exceed the maximum vertical angle of view beyond which you will be subject to an increased neck strain. Taking into account that most home theater rooms are approximately 10 feet (3m) high, the resultant vertical viewing angle is normal well within the maximum of 35 degrees detailed in the SMPTE guidelines – all you have to do is just remain within the twice the screen width guideline for your viewing distance. Andrew Ghigo – A Telecoms/electronics engineer by profession, with specialization in digital switching and telecoms fraud management systems. Publisher of http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/ - a site dedicated to all home theater enthusiasts with the scope of serving as a comprehensive practical guide to all areas of home theater. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ Big Screen Guide http://www.clicksbucks.com/bigscreen.html

3 Simple Steps to Stay Safe from Spyware

2005-05-22T09:19:00.000-04:00

There are several basic concepts to keep in mind when deciding to stay spyware free for good. This article will outline a spyware checklist for you to keep in mind when getting tough on spyware and taking back control of your computer using two popular free applications, Ad-Aware,and Spybot - S&D. Using these two programs in conjunction will eliminate a vast majority of spyware problems from your computer. For the purposes of this article, "spyware" refers also to adware, malware, and other not-so-nice "features" of today's computing reality. These are some tell-tale warning signs that your computer may be suffering from spyware-

You receive many pop-ups
Your computer is running slowly
You may have invasive toolbars hijacking your browser
Your home page may have been hijacked

Your first step to escaping spyware's wrath is to download and run Ad-Aware and Spybot - S&D, the two leading spyware fighting tools out there, boasting millions of downloads each. Please remember it's always safest to backup your system before installing a new program or executing one. After downloading the two programs, be sure to run the update feature to be sure they are current when it comes to detecting the latest threats. Remove the detected spyware using these two programs, then move to step two. The second step in staying spyware free involves you to be proactive. At this point your computer should be free from spyware. What you want to do now is keep it this way, to do that there are helpful tips to guide you. In Windows 98 you can use msconfig to view the startup programs on your computer. This is helpful because you can control what programs automatically load when you boot your computer. To access this invaluable tool, go to START >> RUN, type MSCONFIG. If you check the startup programs occasionally you may see a new spyware entry that will alert you it's time to clean out the spyware again. The third step involves your web browsing habits. It means you must never click on an activex screen that asks you if you want to allow an innocuous looking toolbar, or "surfing aid"be installed. By clicking "allow" you are effectively giving these perfidious spyware authors free reign over your system and personal information. If possible you should surf with the security settings on "maximum" for safest surfing. In summary, it's important to avoid spyware for your computer and personal identity health. To do so, use free tools available to you and be mindful of your computer settings and surf the Internet responsibly. Following these easy steps will ensure a safe and spyware free existence for you and your computer!

Written by Erich Bihlman, of Bihlman Consulting - PC and Internet Tutoring and Website Design in Prescott, Arizona. Bihlman.com For additional helpful articles visit IQZone

Top of the Line Digital Cameras

2005-05-20T19:58:00.000-04:00

Warren Lynch If you think that digital cameras are for snapshots only, then you obviously haven't heard about SLR (Single Lens Reflex) digital cameras. SLR is a type of camera which has one lens for composing the frame and capturing the image. SLR cameras are also known as TTL (through-the-lens) cameras. An SLR camera displays an image through the viewfinder that is exactly the same image as the camera sees and is exactly the same image that the camera is going to record when you release the shutter. An SLR camera provides a much more accurate image through the viewfinder than a digital camera produces on its LCD because the LCD does not faithfully reproduce the colors and light intensity that is actually entering the camera. The top of the line SLR digital cameras rival the best film-based SLR cameras and are designed for serious hobbyists and professional photographers. Digital SLR cameras are much larger, bulkier, and heavier than traditional digital cameras. The SLR uses a mirror that is located behind the lens as well as an optical device known as a pentaprism to channel the light that enters the camera's lens to the optical finder. When you release the shutter the mirror moves out of the way and the image is captured in the same way as any digital camera. The better digital SLR cameras let you mount different lenses just like their film-based counterparts do. Many of your existing 35mm lens may be compatible with a digital SLR. If you have a large lens collection then you should definitely look for a digital SLR that is compatible with them. Because the digital SLR cameras are more professional, they come with a hefty price tag. A 6-megapixel Nikon D100 runs around $2,000 and the 11-megapixel Canon 1D runs near $8,000. This is for the camera body only and does not include a lens! This is why I mentioned earlier that you should look for a digital camera that will mount your existing lens collection. Just a good quality zoom lens can run you at least $3,000 and can climb as high as $10,000 depending upon the features! Of course, there are also starter-priced digital SLR cameras available. The Olympus E-20N, a 5.0-megapixel SLR camera, which includes a non-replaceable lens that is capable of duplicating a 35 mm to 140 mm lens, runs around $3500. These prices are not out of line if you make your living shooting pictures. You can actually create additional revenue streams when you shoot digital pictures, instead of film-based ones, by offering image enhancement options and all sorts of digital FX options for thee prospective bride and groom's on their treasured wedding album. If all of this sounds a bit too expensive for your blood, then you'll probably find all of the digital camera that you'll ever need way down in the $99 to $500 price range and you'll never have to worry about buying extra lenses. Digital SLR cameras aren't for everyone but, if they're for you, then there are plenty of models to look at. SOme of the best are made by Canon, Olympus and Nikon which are familiar names in the photography world. Warren Lynch has been shooting commercial photography since 1979. Clients include Makers Mark Bourbon, Heaven Hill, Yum Brands, GE, Fruit of The Loom and many more highly recognizable brands. Have him make your product more recognizable too. Visit his website at http://www.wlynch.com/ or just him a call at 1-502-587-7722 to quote on your next project. "Sign-up for his syndicated Digital Photography newsletter at http://www.photopheed.com/ The Digital Dose" About The Author Warren Lynch is a Professional Commercial Photographer located in Louisville, Ky. Sign up for "The Digital Dose" and receive Digital Photography tips every other week absolutely FREE! http://www.photopheed.com/. contact@photopheed.com Digital Cameras http://www.bestbuyguide.net/digitalcameras.html

ADT-home-security

2005-05-18T20:36:00.000-04:00

ADT-home-security

Guide To Cheap Priced Batteries

2005-05-17T23:18:00.000-04:00

how to choose cheap batteries

Cheap Wireless Networking

2005-05-16T23:01:00.000-04:00

cheap wireless networking

Buying a Plasma or LCD TV FAQs

2005-05-14T16:25:00.000-04:00

This article focuses on frequently asked questions by buyers of plasma and LCD televisions. Q: Does the "plasma" in plasma televisions need to be recharged or replaced over time? A: No. The plasma gases are sealed in individual cells when they are manufactured. There is no way to recharge or replace the gases. However, plasma TVs, when used normally, will last you many, many years (up to 20 years) so you don't have to worry about the screen burning out for a long time. Q: Are plasma and LCD TVs difficult to install? A: While you may want to hire a professional electrician to help you with wiring if you are installing your plasma or LCD television on a wall, you can also easily place the television on a stand yourself and place it anywhere you like. Q: Do plasma and LCD TVs give off radiation? A: All electronic devices, including televisions, must comply with FDA guidelines (in the United States) and CSA guidelines (in Canada) on radiation emission before being permitted to be sold to the public. While there is radiation emission in the form of ultraviolet light, the amount is negligible and you are unlikely to be affected by it watching the television from normal distances. Q: What are anamorphic widescreen DVD movies? A: There are two common ways of recording wide format movies on a DVD: letterbox and anamorphic. Letterbox refers to a video played with horizontal black bars on the top and bottom of the picture. Anamorphic recordings are also commonly labeled “Enhanced for 16:9 TVs”. Anamorphic recordings have over 30% more vertical resolution than letterbox format and elimates or significantly reduces the black bars found in letterbox pictures in order to fit to the screen size of 16:9 televisions. Q: Do LCD’s have a burn-in problem? A: No. Unlike CRT and plasma TVs, liquid crystal displays do not use phosphor and thus have no problems with a still image becoming permanently stored on the screen. Instead, LCD TVs use a backlight on a colored, transluscent liquid crystal screen. Q: Can I use a game console such as Sony Playstation 2, Nintendo Game Cube or Microsoft XBOX with my LCD TV? A: Yes. If you intend to use a game console and/or watch standard TV broadcasts over cable, satellite or antenna, an LCD TV is a superior choice over plasma televisions. The repetitive image from games and unused black-filled borders will damage a plasma TV by burning a permanent image into the phosphor. Q: Will leaving my LCD TV on cause the image to degrade? A: No. Unlike plasma TV’s, this LCD TV does not exhibit aging over time. The brightness of the image remains the same because LCD televisions use a florescent backlight. Q: Can I mount my LCD TV straight into drywall or plaster? A: No, drywall or plaster alone will not offer enough support. A structural beam or stud must be used as the anchor for the wall mount. (c) 2005 Philip Liu - All Worldwide Rights Reserved Philip Liu is a freelance author and publisher currently based in New York City. Philip publishes regularly on his websites dealing with cell phone reviews and news and plasma, LCD TV reviews and news. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Looking For Satellite TV?

2005-05-13T16:37:00.000-04:00

It was 1994 and I had moved into another home and learned that the cable TV line had not been installed to my house. When the cable company told me they would have to dig up my yard to put the line in I wasn't pleased with the idea or the price they quoted me to do it. Satellite TV was still in its infancy stage with the big monster dishes. While I was browsing in a local electronics store one day I saw a guy giving a demonstration about the new DIRECTV© 18 inch digital satellite TV dish. Needless to say I was very impressed and purchased the satellite TV system on the spot. I knew it would save me from digging up my yard and I could actually get more channels than I got with cable. After the tech guy hooked it up and left I was like a kid with a new toy. I couldn't believe how it transformed the picture and sound quality on my television. It was like a completely different TV. DIRECTV© channels are 100% digital-quality picture and sound, including local network channels. If you haven't experienced quality like that before you are in for a real treat. Cable TV tries to compete with digital satellite TV technology by offering digital cable. But if you compare both the picture and sound quality, the DIRECTV© super clear picture and crystal clear sound wins hands down any day. But that was only the beginning of the many things I discovered. I didn't need a TV guide anymore because the on screen programming guide tells me what shows are on, who's starring in the show and what it's about. I have an incredible variety of over 200 channels of every kind of programming I could think of and some I never dreamed of. Then, I checked out the pay per view movie service with up to 55 different choices of movies and special events a day that I could easily order with my remote. Does anyone like sports? What are you kidding? DIRECTV offers sports packages that will put a smile on any sports fans face. How about NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, MLB Extra Innings, NHL Center Ice, ESPN Game Plan and ESPN Full Court. That doesn't even include the regional sports networks I now have access to. If you are a music lover, DIRECTV© offers 31 different audio-only channels that range from choices like Soft Rock, Jazz and Country to Hit List, Easy Listening and a lot more. I work out of my home and by selecting a DIRECTV© audio channel to soft music, I can have the music I like in the background when I work. Having a party? Just turn on any channel you like and you'll never have to touch it again because there are no commercials or interruptions. Just great digital quality music 24 hours a day at your fingertips. When I moved again to another home, DIRECTV© customer service made it about as easy as it gets. I just gave them my new address, and they not only sent a brand new replacement satellite TV dish to my new home, they provided complimentary standard professional installation for everything including the receivers. I didn't pay a penny for anything. How's that for a no-hassle move? With cable, I would have had to pay another deposit and that is just extra money I get to keep in my wallet instead of giving it to the cable company. If you're thinking about switching from cable to satellite TV or moving to another home, consider DIRECTV©. It's simply a better value than cable and a smart choice you're whole family will enjoy. With cable rates increasing an average of 8% per year it's no mystery why more than 12 million customers nationwide have made the switch to DIRECTV® service. Over 10 years have gone by now since I bought that first satellite TV dish and I love it as much now as when I first got it. I recommend DIRECTV© to so many people because I know they will absolutely love it. Only once in a great while a product comes along that actually over delivers. DIRECTV© can not only save you money each month over cable but is a smart choice and an incredible value. Copyright © 2004 1 Stop Shopping Online.com. All Rights Reserved. ------------------------------------------- This article may be re-published "as is" (unedited) as long as the author's bio paragraph (resource box) and copyright information is included. The URLs in the resource box should be set as hyperlinks if used on a web page. -------------------------------------------

About the Author

Gary Gresham is the webmaster for http://www.1stopshoppingonline.com/ You can experience this same DIRECTV® service he mentions in this article for your home or office through this online link: http://www.1stopshoppingonline.com/satellite-tv.html

Cheap CD and DVD Guide

2005-05-13T16:33:00.000-04:00

Cheap CD and DVD Guide

Spring Cleaning for Your Computer

2005-05-12T18:51:00.000-04:00

At least once a year, better if you do it twice, take a few minutes to clean your computer. Inside and out. First, make a backup of every possible data file. No need to backup programs if you have the original disks. If you downloaded programs, you should have the original download (before installation) saved on a disk or burned on a CD. This step is here because most folks don't do backups. The day will come (so many of us know the feeling) when it all goes KaPow! and you realize how long ago or incomplete the backs were. Backups are a tough habit to build, so much time sitting in front of the monitor with a creeping blue line. There are a number of very efficient backup programs out there that will make copies while you sleep. My personal favorite is Smart Sync Pro. You can find it at http://www.smsync.com/ On to spring cleaning Dust can kill your computer, and with it, valuable information you thought you had backed up. At least twice a year clean your drives with an inexpensive cleaning kit. Vacuum any dirt off your cooling fan in the back. Clean the keyboard with a new paint brush, get the gook out from between the keys. Clean the monitor screen as per directions in the monitor book (Caution: some window cleaners can damage the surface). While you are at it, reorganize your hard drive for greater efficiency. Run De-Frag (Start>Accessories> System Tools> Disk Defragmenter). Search for files that haven't been modified in the last six months or year. If they're not being used, get them off your hard drive. Put this project on a schedule and do it at the time change each year. That’s April and October. For more about your computer, get my article "10 Ways to Fight Spam" by sending a blank eMail MailTo:FightSpam@BigIdeasgroup.com ©2005 BIG Mike McDaniel, All Rights Reserved MailTo:Mike@BIGIdeasGroup.com BIG Mike is a Business Consultant and Professional Speaker. His BIG Ideas Group helps small business grow with mastermind groups, seminars and training. http://bigideasgroup.com/ Subscribe to "BIG Mike's BIG Ideas" Newsletter MailTo:subscribe-956603364@ezinedirector.net Cheap Computer Guide How to choose Computer systems, components parts accessories of brand quality at warehouse prices. http://www.clicksbucks.com/cheapcomputersystem.html

Apple iPod Guide

2005-05-11T20:45:00.000-04:00

Apple iPod� Guide Pack up to 10,000 songs into your pocket with the 40GB HP Apple� iPod. How much music is that? You could listen 24 x 7 for almost four weeks in a row, never hearing the same song twice. Even better, the HP Apple iPod is about as compact and lightweight as your cell phone.

Guide to Cheap LCD Monitors

2005-05-10T21:12:00.000-04:00

guide to LCD monitors: "When LCD monitors first launched into the market they were definitely not worth the money. They were extremely expensive and for the money you could get a much better quality CRT (TV style) monitor. "

Cheap Computers Guide - How to Build Your Own PC

2005-05-06T22:53:00.000-04:00

Cheap Computers Guide

Cheap Computer Games

2005-05-06T20:54:00.000-04:00

cheap computer games Looking for cheap computer games on the Internet? One way to get cheap games is the preowned ones at excellent prices. click the following to select your choice. When you are looking for cheap computer games the first step is to decide on what games are good. The best way to find the most fun games is to read some reviews of the latest games. Then download and play the demos of the ones that interest you most

Cheap Computer Monitors

2005-05-05T20:17:00.000-04:00

Xbox vs PS2 Console

2005-05-04T16:12:00.000-04:00

There has been a great deal of discussion regarding the two most popular gaming consoles currently on the market: Playstation 2 (PS2) and Xbox. PS2 is a Sony product, while Xbox is owned by the software giant Microsoft. Many different people have worked with these gaming systems inside and out, attempting to determine which system provides the best performance for your hard-earned gaming dollar. Here we take a look at each gaming system and compare the specs and performance of each. We will attempt to answer that age-old question: which is the better gaming system, Xbox or PS2? You can take a look at a table comparing hardware specs here. There are many specs in addition to the ones listed above, but these should give you some idea of just how close these two game consoles really are. If you are looking for pure processing power and graphics capabilities, the Xbox appears to have a slight advantage. In addition, its computer-like features, such as a built-in hard drive are nice to have. With the PS2 you must purchase a memory card if you run out of storage room. When comparing raw power and extra features, the Xbox wins - but you have to keep in mind that the PS2 was released first, and there are additional things to consider besides system specs. What about Multi-player Capabilities? Both the Xbox and PS2 have multi-player capability. You can hook up a series of both consoles so that you and your friends can play games together at the same time. The Xbox may be connected using a home LAN system, much like your home computers (here's another example of how the Xbox is more like a specialized gaming computer). The PS2 may be connected using a link cable, not a LAN. This system may be cost prohibitive for some gamers, since you have to own multiple consoles, seperate TVs for each, and several copies of the same game (yep, that's expensive). Of course, you can always ditch the local network and play through the internet. Bboth PS2 and Xbox allow you to play online against a random assortment of opponents. Xbox uses Xbox live, a fairly well supported online gaming network. PS2's network is not as popular as Xbox Llive, but it works fairly well all the same. If you are really into multi-player, it seems that Xbox is probably the best console for you. Xbox Games vs. PS2 Games When deciding which of these two game consoles is best for you, you should certainly take into consideration what types of games each offers, and which games you are most interested in playing. PS2, having been around a little while longer, tends to have the larger game library, but Xbox is not terribly far behind. In addition, Xbox tends to produce games geared more towards adults than children. The graphics seen on the new Xbox games are also clearly a step ahead of PS2 graphics. There is, however, nearly a PS2 game for everyone, and there are lot of PS2 games geared towards teenagers. If you are looking for games for kids, the Nintendo Gamecube may actually be a better choice than either of these two - and it's cheaper. Other Considerations Some other things you may want to consider when comparing PS2 and Xbox is the controller provided by each. These may not seem like a big factor at first glance, but people usually prefer one type of controller over the other. The Xbox controllers tend to be slightly larger than PS2, mainly because Xbox is designed with older gamers in mind. You can always buy a converter in order to get one game console controller to work with another. As far as price goes, PS2 has typically been cheaper than Xbox. As of the time of this writing (Dec. 2004), PS2 retails for about $150 and Xbox $100. Game prices are very similar for both game systems, with most new games costing about $30 - $50. The bottom line is, PS2 is a little older than the Xbox, and is geared for a younger gaming crowd. If you are buying this console for a teenager, the PS2 may actually be your best bet - they have more games, the console is cheaper, and the games are more appropriate for that age group. The Xbox is a little more expensive, has fewer games, but it out-performs PS2 and has more adult-oriented games. Bradley James Bradley James is a senior editor for http://www.scinet.cc/, a consumer electronics review website. You can find more information about Xbox vs. PS2 at: http://www.scinet.cc/articles/xbox-vs-ps2/xbox-ps2.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Buy the Perfect Student Laptop

2005-05-03T16:20:00.000-04:00

How To Buy The Perfect Student LaptopBy Cody Kahl If you are like most student's, money isn’t exactly growing on trees. Choosing the right laptop can be a matter of saving yourself a lot of heartache and money at the same time. In this article I am going to over the most common uses that a student has for a notebook as well as talk about the most important components you should have for these uses. Most student's will list the obvious things that a laptop is needed for; stuff like word processing, e-mail etc. The reality is that today’s student's are using computers more than ever for a lot more. The average student's list may look something like this: - Word Processing - E-mail - Internet - Music Downloads - Possible Video Editing - And More… Every one of the above can now be part of the student’s functions when using a notebook. You may or may not need some of the above, so I will also go over that below. Let’s go over the 5 most important notebook components for today’s student. CPU – In short, the CPU basically evaluates and executes commands given to it. So a faster CPU will be able to execute commands quicker, right? Yes, but having the latest Intel or AMD chip is definitely not needed. Depending on your memory and operating system you can get by just fine on a 1.0GHZ processor, or even less. Most of the newer systems come with more than 2.0GHZ, and you may want this if you are doing any video editing or something that requires faster processor speeds. Memory – The amount of memory that your prospective notebook features has a big impact on how fast applications will load, and generally how fast your computer will run. For this reason, memory is one of the most popular computer upgrades available. Newer machines will come with at least 256mb of RAM (memory), but if you are going to be using Windows XP I highly recommend getting more. You can get by running 256mb of memory while using Windows XP, but it will slow. I remember when I replaced my 256mb stick of RAM for 512 megabytes –- It felt like a totally new computer. If you are on a very strict budget stick with 256mb. If you need more, either find a laptop that already carries 512+ megabytes of RAM or get a RAM upgrade. Getting a memory upgrade actually isn’t that expensive. Hard Drive – If you are the type of student that loves having a lot of music files or videos, you are going to want a bigger hard drive. Getting at least a 60 gigabyte hard drive would be the perfect solution in this case. If you aren’t going to be downloading music all the time or putting big files on your notebook, than 40 gigabytes or lower will work fine. Most new laptops come with at least a 40 gigabyte hard drive. CD-RW – This is probably one of the most used parts on a student’s notebook, hands down. If you download music and want to transfer it to a CD, you are going to need a CD burner. If you want to burn DVD’s you are going to have to go one step further and get a DVD-RW drive. If you don’t need any of these functions, having a normal CD or DVD reader drive will work great. Internet – Pretty much every student needs to connect to the internet. With such a wealth of knowledge available online, virtually every student is connected now a days. Pretty much every laptop you find will be able to connect to the internet in some way, but you most likely want something that will work on your campus. For this, you want your potential notebook to have a wireless internet card. Ok, those 5 parts can’t be everything to look out for, right? You are right; there are a few more things that can actually be quite important to some students. Weight – If you are constantly carrying your laptop around campus you don’t want something that will break your shoulder. If weight is important to you, look for something in the 6-7 pounds range. Display – If you don’t need something ultra big, look for a screen size of around 15 inches. Most people agree that 12-14 inch screens do not provide comfortable viewing. Bigger than 15 inch screens are nice, but also add more weight to the laptop. One last important note before you head out and get your baby… Plug in to an outlet as much as possible. Laptops do not run on batteries forever, and you are wise to save your batteries power for when you really need it. Taking the time to really go over what you need a notebook for and then finding something that will meet those needs will save you where it matters most –- The pocketbook. *************************************************** Cody Kahl is creator and writer of Toshiba Laptops Guide – A site dedicated to providing only the best toshiba laptops information. Cody believes in quality, and this free resource proves it. *************************************************** Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/