Quad Bootup.

Windows

Most likely you’re reading this article on a Windows computer, why do I say this? Simple, because Windows XP/Vista are the most used OS’s on the market currently, ahead of OSX and Linux. Since Windows comprises more than 80% of computers in the world, this means that it has the most widely available support and software available. It also means that because of its wide spread use and more unsecure build, that it’s most prone to spyware and viruses. Windows is by far the greatest choice for gaming, as most games are developed natively for windows and windows systems being generally less expensive.

Mac OSX

If you’ve been paying attention to your TV lately it’s very likely that you’ve at least seen one Mac Vs PC commercial. Apple’s OS has been gaining strength over the years and for good reason too. Mac OSX is much more secure to Windows because it’s a UNIX based operating system. These means that there virtually no spyware and virus applications currently affected Mac OSX systems. OSX is also much friendly for the casual user, as it’s designed for less technically users and is generally seen as much more fun experience. A downside to OSX is that you must ‘legally’ buy a Mac machine to run it. You can’t buy an OSX computer from a third-party vender such as Dell. This means that Apple’s computers tend to much more expensive than Windows set-ups.

Linux

Linux? What’s a Linux? You might think that Linux is some new operating system just because you’ve never heard of it, but the first iteration of Linux was actually released in the 1970’s. Why hasn’t Linux caught on? Many of the pros of Linux can also be considered a con is the easiest way to explain its popularity. Linux is the most technical of the three main OS’s. Literally anything and everything in Linux can be changed to match your desired wants; you just have to figure out how to do it. It’s not for casual users; however, as many casual users have a hard time figuring out how to even install Linux on their system. Something great about Linux is that it’s highly compatible and runs on just about any hardware. It’s also even more secure than OSX, which is very impressive considering that safety is one of Apple’s strongest selling points.

Which OS is right for you? Well that question is impossible to answer without knowing what kind of user you are and what you’re looking for. Chances are, Windows is fine for most people that are reading this article. It’s never a bad idea to consider using Mac OSX or Linux, however.

Photo Credits: foskarulla

Originally posted 2009-11-30 03:13:29.

Linux

1. It’s difficult to use- One reason that Linux has not caught on as the operating system is that it’s perceived as being difficult to use. This is true to a certain degree as the installation and general ways to use the system are much more complicated than that of a Windows and OSX system. If you’re willing to learn, however, Linux is a very powerful operating system and may be perfect for you.

2. You Like Your Current Operating System- Linux offers many things that the other two operating systems don’t, but one thing that it can’t change is how much you’ve grown to like your current operating system. If you don’t want to go through the pain of reinstalling programs and copying files that’s good enough reason not to make the jump to Linux.

3. Support- One reason that average users should steer clear of Linux is the lack of support that they may become faced with. If you’re someone who relies on getting your technical support from Best buy, you may as well just go to the store and buy a Windows computer instead, because Linux isn’t the OS for you.

4. Compatibility- Many programs are starting to offer Linux support and many open source developers are filling the void left by not having some of the world’s most popular applications. Even with these signs of hope, however, it doesn’t mean that you will be able to go the store and buy a Windows based video game and be able to run it. Its problems like these that will haunt beginners.

5. Your Work Uses Windows- If you’re buying a new computer for the workplace it’s probably a good idea to stick with your Windows machine. If you’re required to run any program that is not natively supported under Linux it could become a pain to find an open source alternative or perhaps even impossible.

Linux isn’t a bad operating system by any means, and if you’re someone who likes software development it may be the perfect platform for you. If you are someone who simply wants a computer that works and will run common applications while having support readily available, then Linux is not for you.

Photo Credits: Extra Ketchup

Originally posted 2009-11-10 03:47:34.

Computer Lab Printer

The most common way to connect a printer to a computer is via an USB or Ethernet cable. The only difference that you will see with using one approach over the other is in relation to speed. Having a printer connected through an Ethernet cable is usually much faster in comparison to those connected through the USB. If you decide to connect a printer to a computer via a USB cable, there really isn’t any thing that you have to do. With most of the latest OS (operating systems) out there, simply connecting the printer will do the trick. Upon connection, the computer will automatically look for drivers that will make it compatible for it to be used.

If you are using an older version of your OS or you have purchased a more up to date printer, you might need to install the printer separately. Ideally what is recommended is that you follow the simple step by step guide which can be found in the manufactures guide book. The traditional approach that most people tend to adopt is to first install the software. This applies to both the USB and Ethernet cable. During the installation, the computer will prompt you to connect the printer to the computer. You should only connect the printer at the time when you are told to do so and not before that.

If you are installing a printer for an office environment or a computer lab you should be using wireless technology. Your computer will need to have a wireless device that is connected at all times. Using this device, you will pair your printer and your computer together. As I’m sure you have already guessed, using wireless technology is the fastest way that you can print a file.

These are some of the most common ways through which one can connect their printer to a computer. There are many other approaches that you can use such as infrared technology, network hubs, split channels and many more. Even though there are a large number of options to choose from, the ones mentioned above are those that are used most commonly.

Photo Credits: tsakshaug

Originally posted 2010-05-10 03:08:28.

Speedy Computer

Virus and Spyware Scans

If your computer is not as fast as it used to be, you may want to consider getting it checked or scanned.  If you do not have the protection software to do so, you can buy programs such as McAfee to keep viruses and spam at bay.  But the software can not keep blocking spyware and viruses if you keep on allowing it to happen.  You should also be cautious about what is happening on your PC, such as junk emails, applications that have not been authorized, and unknown files.  For instance, if there is an email from somebody you do not know or looks strange, it is always better to simply delete the file or email right away in order to prevent a virus from infiltrating your PC and spreading.  Of course, the protective software you decide to purchase for cleaning up your computer should be a trustworthy and well-known brand that everyone uses with good results.

RAM Enhancement

Another simple way to increase your computer’s speed is to enhance your RAM.  For many dated computer models, there is a tendency for the screen to freeze up because they cannot handle too many activities at once.  If you increase the total memory on your computer by just a few gigabytes, you will soon see your PC’s performance will improve drastically.  Many computer technicians recommend to add about 2GB worth of memory in order to keep your computer functioning properly.

Closing Programs

Many people have fast computers, but are displeased with the fact that it takes a very long time for the operating systems to load before they are able to perform any functions.  When technicians checked computers with this problem, they found that users have been leaving several windows and programs open before logging off, making it much more difficult to get back on.  An easy tip to combat this would be to merely shut down a few windows before logging off.  If you do, you will discover your computer will increase its speed by a matter of minutes in the booting process.

Registry Scanners

When people run registry scans on their computer to look for problems, they sometimes find that the scanner itself is defective and because of its defect, the computer will not catch as many viruses as it can.  Many users with this issue mistakenly believe there is something else wrong with their computer, causing them to spend a great deal of time trying to find another possible answer to their problems.

Photo Credits: bsdfm

Originally posted 2010-04-20 03:26:38.

Remote setup

One of the most common ways through which you can control your computer remotely is through a wireless keyboard and mouse. This technology has been around for some time so there shouldn’t be any trouble using them. Now you may be asking yourself as to how does a wireless computer and mouse work? Well it is quite simple. A USB sensor is plugged into the computer. The sensor needs to be placed at a point that is easily visible. The ideal place for the sensor would be at the top of the computer monitor.

The keyboard and mouse will have no wires attached. They will also have built-in sensors that will be linked to the USB sensor that is attached to the computer. The mouse and keyboard however will need batteries to power them. Seeing as you would be using this mouse and keyboard regularly, it is advised that you opt for rechargeable batteries. After having connected everything as they should be, you can sit at a distance and control your computer remotely.

There are many others ways that you can control your computer remotely while sitting at a completely different location on another computer. This is usually achieved by installing software that makes this possible. If you are planning to use this approach then you will have to do the following steps. The first thing that you will have to do is find a remote computer program. After having found one or after purchasing one, you will be required to install it on two computers.

You will first have to install the program on the computer that you are going to use to control the other computer remotely. After having done that, you will have to install the same program on the computer that you want to control. It will be important that you leave the program running at all times to make sure that you can get access to the computer remotely. Depending on the network that you are using, you will be required to change the settings that will link both your computers. Using this approach will also allow you to be able to remotely control your computer. It is recommended that if you have any problems that your refer to the user guide provided for the software that you are planning to use.

Photo Credits: karindalziel

Originally posted 2010-05-08 03:02:42.