Computer Knowledge For You Blog

The Computer Knowledge For You Blog provides Information about Computers. Find Information about Computer Components, Speeding Up Your PC, and Software.



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RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. RAID configurations allow data to be written to more than one hard disk.

To set up a RAID configuration you will need matching hard drives and a RAID controller. Your hard drives can be SCSI, ATA or SATA and depending on the type of RAID configuration you choose, you can have a variety of number of hard drives. You can use unmatched hard drives in certain configurations, but it is not a true RAID set up without matched disks. The drives should match storage space as well as transfer speed and performance. If the speeds do not match up, the controller will use the weakest drive.

The RAID controller connects to the data cables from the hard drives and is responsible for conducting all the data processing. You can find RAID controllers in the form of add on cards or they can be found integrated onto the existing motherboard.

You can have an optional hot swappable drive bay included in your RAID configuration; it will allow a failed hard drive to easily be removed from a live system without risking the current configuration of the system. You can simply slide the bay out; replace the drive with a new one and never have to shut the system down.

You can run a RAID configuration on any operating system as long as you have the appropriate available drives from the RAID controller’s manufacturer. If you have access to an operating system that already contains all the RAID drives you can easily clone it to another disk using software like Norton Ghost.

There are a wide variety of RAID configurations that can be used. Two of the most common configurations are below:

RAID 0: This has been argued to not be a true RAID array as it is not offering any redundancy. This configuration will alternate where it writes the data between two drives. So, if one goes out you lose what was on it. This is a great configuration for boosting speed on your hard drive, since it uses data transfer within two or more drives, it is processed more quickly. This can double the speed of having a single bootable drive.

RAID 1: This is most basic array that offers the redundancy. It uses two hard drives or more and all data is written to both drives. You will still notice an increase in speed, but it will be slightly less than that of RAID 0. The configuration is made to act as a mirror with the drives on the system, so that if any drive fails, all data will be saved on the remaining disk or disks.

No matter what set up you choose, there are many different configurations that will work to speed up your hard drive data processing time as well as protect your data.

Defrag is a built in maintenance tool that comes with your Windows 7 operating system. You should run the Defrag at least once a week to ensure that you keep your system running optimally. Running a Defrag is easy; you just need to follow the simple steps listed below.

  • Click on the Start Tab
  • Choose All Programs
  • Select Accessories
  • Click System Tools
  • Click Disk Defragmenter


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Once you click the Disk Defrag link you will be taken to the options screen. From this dialogue box that appears you will be given the option to set up a regular scheduled Defrag. It is recommended that you set up a time so you never forget to do it. Always choose a time that will be convenient, your system needs to be on and since it may slow things down a bit, it is best that you are not using it at the time.

You are also given the option to select RUN NOW, this will start the program and begin the Defrag of your hard drive. You can select the options as to what you want to Defrag before you begin under the Select Volumes tab.


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When it comes to printers there are so many choices it is overwhelming to most to decide what’s best for them. You can select printers that have so many different features that you can virtually print anything at home that a professional print shop could do. One of the most common questions when buying a printer is should I get a laser or an inkjet printer. This is really a personal choice; there are advantages to both as well as disadvantages. Below is some helpful information to help you determine which is right for you.

Cost

The cost of a laser printer will far exceed that of an inkjet printer. When it comes to ink, you will pay more to replace toners in the laser printers than with the inkjet ones, but the laser printers will last longer.

Speed

Speed is a factor that laser printers have over the inkjet competition. You can print out much more in less time with a laser printer than you can with a standard inkjet printer. This is something that is a great feature, but is it really needed?

Clarity and Resolution

When it comes to print resolution and clarity, the laser printer will always win. The inkjet printers on the market are getting close to catching up with the competition, but they will never have the same clarity as the laser printers. If you are not using your printer to print out professional high gloss documents or photos that need to be impeccable, there may be no need to pay the extra expense for a laser printer. Just printing out black and white or colored documents you will see little difference between the two printers and inkjets have come a long way and offer high resolution printing for photos and other documents.