Computer Knowledge For You Posts: February, 2010

Upgrading and Reusing Components

It may be that the computer you own or use is an old make. In that case, after you have used it for some time, say a couple of years or so, you will start feeling it is not any more performing tasks with the pace and efficiency that it used to. May be the programs start taking longer durations to be performed, the booting itself starts taking a long time, unnecessarily the computer hangs, and several other problems as a result of which the old computer components not only test your patience, but create more problem than that. Besides, what is possibly more problematic, you cannot perform several of the newer programs simply because most pf the old PCs have such computer components that do not allow latest programs to be used on them. In that case, you can do one thing – opt for an up-gradation.

By up-gradation is meant replacing some of your old computer components with new ones. It is done with the aim of increasing the speed of the PC as well as bettering its performance. But, there are certain things that you need to know beforehand and then only opt for the up-gradation. First, you have to know exactly what type and make of computer components are there already in your computer. It is important to have an exact knowledge about those computer components because unless you know that you will not be able to assess as to which new computer components are compatible with your machines.

Let me draw an example here for clarification. Suppose you are using a P3 machine that you brought, say, eight years back. Suppose it has 512 MB RAM installed in it; now, today, you want to install some latest software that is not supported by such a RAM and requires at least 2 GB RAM. Now, the common thing would be to go to some shop dealing in computer components and buy and fix such a 2 GB RAM. But, before you do that you need to be certain that the other computer components that you have supports the functioning of 2 GB RAM. Else, it may be incompatible with your machine and would not perform at all.

Another thing you might like to have knowledge about is whether computer components from an older version are reusable for the newer ones. In that case also, you need to consult someone with some expertise about the several computer components. There are certain models that are reusable for certain new models. It all depends on the compatibility of the computer components in question.

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Registry Cleaner Software

The registry cleaners, as they are most commonly known as, are nothing but a set of utility programs that are essentially responsible in order to clean up the registry of the Windows and remove the various unwanted junk of registry files out of the computer. The registry cleaners are popular among multiple users throughout the world but as far as the effectiveness of these utility software programs are concerned, they are really not reliable enough.

The Purpose

The main function of the implementation of the registry cleaners is with the motivation of getting rid of certain data from its existence that are the key to the possible junks that occur in the respective Windows registry. These registry data junk are nothing but unwanted lot of files that are not required for usage. It is not a good idea to slow down one’s system with the bulk of these registry files.

The collection of these files actually occurs with the bunch of certain information, which may be related to some of the software that has been eventually not properly installed or implemented in the respective system. The registry cleaners indulge in a thorough scan which possibly attempts to remove these unnecessary bunches of the registry records.

Effectiveness

The registry cleaning software programs are well known as the utility software collection of programs that are quite effective in the increased performance of the computer. The registry cleaners are supposed to provide a provision to keep backup information and initiate the restoration of the functions that may be useful later on. The registry files possess lot of the disk space which results in the slowing down of the computer system.

Disadvantages

The ineffectiveness of the various registry cleaning software programs is one of the key disadvantages that are noticed by the experts. The cleaners are supposed to provide a deep pore cleaning and drive out the respective registry files theory, initiating the increase and the efficiency of the performance of the computer system. Hardly any such change is noticed and experienced.

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Caring for Your Computer

When you have access to all kinds of resources do you need an expert to maintain your computer? The general health of your computer can be easily maintained by someone like you who lacks professional training.

Computers require special attention without which they will fail to function properly. Since basic guidelines are always provided on computer maintenance, taking care of computers is not a difficult job. All you need to do is to make sure that the maintenance of the computer would ensure proper functioning of the computer equipment. Maintaining computer equipment can save you money. Prevention is better than cure- just by following this popular saying you can expect the equipments function properly for a long time. There are many dos and don’ts which need to be followed if you want the well being of your computer.

12 Helpful Tips:

Overheating can be detrimental to the heath of your computer so always keep the computer equipments away from direct sunlight.
Do not block the air vents around your computer case. Hot computer components need circulated air to cool off faster.
Do not run unnecessary software applications. Managing too many programs at once can cause your internal computer components to work harder and give off more heat.
Do not drop or strike your computer- Computer parts are very sensitive. Your hard drive could be irreparably damaged if jolted while it is spinning.
Properly Shut Down your Computer- This catches your computer off guard and prevents it from saving its current state. This can also corrupt the data on your hard disk drive.
Computers should be kept away from direct exposure to water and humidity to prevent damage.
Try to keep your computer clean and dust free by cleaning it frequently. Apart from external cleaning, try to keep the inside of the computer dust and dirt free. This is also very important for it would enable your computer to run smoothly. If you are a smoker or in a high dust atmosphere cleaning may be required more frequently.
Electric surges can damage your system so use surge protectors to prevent from damage.
Try to avoid drinking while operating the computer. Accidental spillage of the drink can prove to be detrimental to the health of your computer.
There are some special chemicals available for cleaning the monitor and keyboard. These cleaning sprays can help to clean the computer properly but never make the mistake of cleaning them when the computer is operating.
Organize your hard disk drive- Delete data you no longer need and run windows disk cleanup and defragmenter tools. It is advisable to use these tools and check you hard drive for errors at least once a month.
Back up your data- Backing up your data is a big part of computer maintenance. You can back up your data by copying them to any of the many media for file storage available today such as external hard drives, CDs and DVDs, and USB flash drives.

A maintenance guide is always provided when a computer is purchased, by following it you can easily take the responsibility of the day to day care of the computer. Repairing and maintaining computers does not demand great skill therefore can be carried by any layman; but for any technical problems do not hesitate to seek a technician’s help. Treat your computer as a precious investment; once you start treating it properly you can be sure of its proper and longer functioning.

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