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Sep 11 2008
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Case Mods, Desktops

Cover Up Open Slots of your Casing

At times, you may find yourself with openings at the back of your computer case mainly caused by the supposed placement of PCI card peripherals which you eventually decide to remove due to one reason or another. While that is not a problem as far as preference is concerned, usual casings do not have provisions to which you can easily patch up that open hole unless you have the screwable blockers to avoid issues such as dust and rodents.

Small as they may, insects such as cockroaches and rats can make their way into the desktop. Once they do find their way into your CPU, you can imagine the problems that they may cause such as:

1. Gnaw on wires
2. Leave a trail of waste that may affect chips and diodes
3. Short your entire CPU like power and other necessary operations that can hamper it from functioning properly.

But while you don’t have to buy the usual blockage parts that are not normally available since people rarely buy them, you can always use the traditional style of using tape to block them off. Rodent intrusion is a problem and you can just imagine what they can do. The only time you can perhaps check if any damage would be done may be when you hear some weird noise or worse, smell something foul.

It may not be a big issue but safeguarding the operating environment of your PC is important. One strand of tape can make all the difference.

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Aug 28 2008
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Desktops, News, Windows XP

Is Your Software Authentic?

The undying hunt for pirated versions of Windows operating system is still in the air and apparently while affiliated hunters of illegal using Microsoft owners are out there, it still remains that there are still over a million of users who are thriving on pirated software. For one, the humongous amount to buy a license of Windows Products does not come cheap and may not be affordable. So while the efforts are there, you have to wonder Microsoft intends to go about it.

Apparently, one is to track them using the WGA or Windows Genuine Advantage. Under this new strategy, the screen will blackout and will continue to do so until a genuine copy of Windows is installed and validated. Quite a neat strategy but the thing is, how can you target the home owners?

One measure is through the automatic update where patches are downloaded and installed for Windows protection. But for the wise users, you can easily turn off the auto update option and still continue to use the said pirated Windows version. So how do you settle that?

Apparently you cannot just barge into any private home and ask them if you can check their computer and operating system. They can always say no and should you force it you will be charged for trespassing.

If it is aimed at companies, then perhaps they can whittle down the problem. But between corporate and home business users, surely the numbers will dwindle in count but not totally. Perhaps another strategy is in order.

Source

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Aug 07 2008
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Desktops, News, Windows XP

Why Computers Will Keep Your Kids at Home

If you are a parent who has issues as far as keeping your kids at home, get them a computer. One thing that makes kids go out often is that they are bored or have nothing to do. Normally with a computer, you can do business and personal things. Of the two, the kids will surely be wanting to discover new things such as games, browsing and of course advanced applications.

In a manner of speaking, you may call computers as saviors for people who want their children at home. But while that may be the case, you should still put a certain degree of discipline as far as time spent on the computer and when to rest. These days, kids tend to get too enthusiastic with technology that they spend most of their time on them and forget to do things such as chores and sleep.

A good side to it all is that you can be assured that they are safe under your wing. No more worries of wondering where they are or what time they will get home. Indeed, computers seem to be the lesser of two evils. Computers can be lifesavers compared to leaving your kids out in the streets.

Games and the Internet has kept most kids at home. Especially for the latter, technology such as instant messaging or chat allows them to communicate with their friends as well. Some may even meet new people and at least when they do, it is safer knowing they are meeting through a computer. Just be sure not to give out personal information though.

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Aug 05 2008
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Desktops, Reviews

Second Hand Desktops: Are they Usable?

With reference to the current crisis and financial burdens that has plagued the world, turning to alternative desktops such as slightly used computers or even second hand ones can save a lot. Or can they?

When you say that a computer desktop, it could mean a lot of different things such as:

1. Internal Parts
2. Life Span
3. Performance Maximization

These would normally be the things to be considered. Many say that buying a second hand computer can save you some cash but may eventually push you towards spending more since they may break down. Another means of spending would be to upgrade by part such as the video cards, memory or hard disk. Add all of these up and you may be surprised that you had spent more compared to buying a brand new one in the market.

Hard times hit the desktop vendors as well. There will be sales offered so that they can close a sale and maintain their daily operations. With so much competitors in the market, it remains that each of them will try to outdo one another. Price slashes on offered computer packages can be expected and later on you would realize they are more practical than buying a second hand desktop.

The next time you consider buying a desktop, audit and canvass the costing for each. Consider as well warranty on parts since second hand desktops often don’t have it. That is already one tip to consider as far as feasibility of buying a PC is concerned.

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Jul 30 2008
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Chips, Desktops, Video Cards

Can A New Computer Make you a Better Gamer?

One thing that will push most people to buy computers today would be because of gaming purposes. Whether this is pertaining to online gaming or stand-alone, the type of games today have increased in requirements for an avid gamer to enjoy them.

We have seen famous games such as the World of Warcraft which put focus on memory chips and video card requirements. Unlike before when video cards were limited for graphics-related work, gaming has stepped in to require higher memory in them. As a PC user, you would say that these gaming software are crazy to think that there will be people who would go through the trouble of getting high-end graphics card just to play a silly game. But the fact of the matter is that there are people, young and old, who do buy these cards even if they cost a lot.

But the question is, would you upgrade your computer to save you the trouble of doing it part by part. Some people put this in mind. If they were to get a new computer, they would consider what things they could do with it. While the usual paper work and spreadsheets will be there, gaming and other related things that they can do with computers will be inserted in the consideration circle.

Besides, if you are going to spend on a new set, then why not put in all the things you can think of when you use a PC? It is not a childish approach. It is a reality where most people today just look at PCs more than for work-related purposes.

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Jul 28 2008
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Chips, Desktops, Hard Drives, Motherboards, RAM, Reviews, Video Cards

Studying the PC Upgrade Options

For sure, most of us will not be content with the current PC configuration that we have. Depending on the length of time that we have had our personal computers, we are bound to want more in terms of speed and features of personal computers offered in the market. But the real question is what in particular do we look for?

There are a lot of options we can think of today. Ranging from processor chips, memory modules and video cards, it may seem that the possibilities are endless. But considering that these upgrades carry costs, it would be wise to determine what you really need. There are some who go for overkill specs and traditionally these would not be put to full use. Some only need a computer for word processing or browsing the web. So how sophisticated of a specification would you need?

Others tend to be drawn into tempting sales talks from PC vendors. For example, you would seek a certain specs and the usual thing you would hear is for an extra couple of bucks, you can get this higher version. Some do it to help a buyer decide and get more value for their money while others just want a better sale. When these factors set in, you are bound to go for the higher priced and supposed higher specs.

But in the end, it all depends on you. You are the buyer and depending on your sound judgment, it will be you who will be paying for it. Think wisely and broadly and work on a budget.

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Jul 22 2008
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Chips, Motherboards, RAM

Aching to Get that Dual Processor Chip

If you have been using an old but reliable Pentium IV chip for the past 5 years, chances are you may be fine with it. But you cannot discount the fact that sometimes you want to know the difference when it comes to performance of using a dual processor chip, most of which is available in the market today.

But the problem is financing it. No thanks to the rising costs and the lack of funds, all you can do is read on reviews and try to earn as much as possible. You will get there but if you think of it, would there be something new in the market once you get to finally buy it?

It thus lies on a choice between gambling and identifying why you would want a new processor chip in hand. For most, it comes with work and practicality to be able to use advanced software and tasks that your computer is being used for. Remember that the system requirements of most software today are growing and unless you are able to shift and upgrade to higher PC requirements, you may find yourself trying to make do with your current setup and live with the level of competency you can do while you are saving up for a new CPU at the most.

For sure that dream dual processor is within reach. It’s just timing and knowing when you can be able to finally purchase it. Who knows if by tomorrow you can get one? Anything is possible. It is the waiting that really sucks.

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Jul 11 2008
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Desktops

If You Cannot Sell it, Donate It

One thing you will notice in most auction sites is that old computers are being offered for sale at a lower price. The idea here is to be able to buy new computers with the help of additional funding from selling an old desktop and get any amount of salvage value that they can.

However today, people are done with this kind of a practice. Many have realized that sooner or later, old or used computers will go passé and eventually, they will buy new ones which if you think about it, accumulates more than saving on a second-hand PC. A slow down in the purchase of these second hand PCs is obvious these days as most people are finding it hard to determine ways to dispose of their old units as they are determined to get new PC sets.

For the people who have working desktops, if you cannot sell it, then why not donate them to schools or orphanages for kids to be able to use. You don’t get anything out of it but it does count as a good deed rather than throwing it away for nothing. Contributing to the needs of the less fortunate is something that can warm your heart and rather than counting the dollars, count the number of good things you do that can lighten your soul.

Most schools need computers. We see them in the news asking for donations from large companies. But while they have to wait for such a request to be granted, do not leave your old computer at home. Donate that PC for a worthy cause.

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Jul 09 2008
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Case Mods, Desktops, News, Style

eMachines offers New Desktop Solutions

Whether you are at work or at home, eMachines seems to have something in store for you. Recently, eMachines has introduced a new line of desktop PCs which include entertainment and productivity applications that heed the needs of most PC users today.

Computers are a daily need and depending on the nature of using them, eMachines seems to have them covered. These desktop solutions are paired with a 17” LCD monitor along with a 15-in-1 memory card reader that allows users to interface for the need to upload photos, videos and music files.

It all boils down to budget. High-end computers do not come cheap and apparently most PC solution seekers today command a high degree of requirements on a limited budget. That is not an easy task. You have to pay the price for technology and apparently eMachines have been trying to work on these constraints to appease its market.

We have seen a lot of new innovations in the PC world and some sacrifice some benefits and peripherals for the sake of getting at least close to their required specs that can serve their needs. For most people today, this dilemma is only normal and getting the right computer at the right speed seems to be a toss up when you want a perfect computer within your grasp.

“Choosing the right computer to best fit your needs and budget can be daunting, especially for students heading away from home,” said Glenn Jystad, senior manager for eMachines desktops, in a statement. “These new eMachines desktop PCs offer a range of performance levels and features that not only meet the computing needs of students and families, but offer attractive prices that will appeal to today’s budget conscious consumers.”

(Source) TMC Net

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Jul 08 2008
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Chips, Desktops, Hard Drives, Motherboards, RAM, Style, Video Cards

Don’t be a Cheapskate PC Buyer

For people who want premium performance from their computers, they would normally check out the market. Would you buy a new one or a second-hand computer? Let us take them up individually.

Buying a New Computer
When you buy a new computer you have no worries to think about. Except perhaps for some hardware defects which are for sure to be covered by supplier warranty, you not only enjoy the benefits of new technology peripherals but can also expect to enjoy the leisure qualities of a brand new computer and use programs at a more optimized rates.

While the price for buying a new one may be stiff on the pocket, rest assured you can have lesser things to worry about like breakdowns or hardware failure. You have supplier warranty and service under your wing at least for a year in most cases.

Second Hand Computers
For people who want to save on cost, they usually define first why they would need a computer. There are people who sell their old computers to buy new ones. The money they get from selling their old computer will certainly be helpful especially if you consider the price of a new PC.

On the part of the buyer, you have a lot of things to worry about. Issues such as hardware and components installed are sure to be playing around in the mind. The question of “how long will this PC last?” is sure to be the top question they would have.

But perhaps the real question would have to be “Is a Secondhand PC worth the price?” We all know that being cost-conscious is one thing but as far as computers are concerned, do include in your consideration the fact that technology evolves fast. A used PC may be outdated faster than you know it. Think ahead and define why you need a PC. It will evidently point you in the right direction.

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