Choosing backup media is easy when you know how, thanks to this handy guide

In this article, we are going to consider which backup media to use, that is, where you store your backup data. In our previous article we discussed why backups were important and which data you should consider backing up. Backing up data can consume a lot of storage space so it is important to consider carefully how best to store it. There are dozens of options, so we will concentrate on the five that are of most use to home users and take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Whichever backup media you choose you will also need to use some backup software, which we will be covering in the next article.
Let's take a look at our short-list of backup media now. Remember, you are not restricted to one choice, you could use any combination of the media below depending on your requirements.

DVD/CD Recordable

Recordable CD's and DVD's have become extremely affordable in recent years. (Picture courtesy of Wikimedia)

There are now affordable DVD recordable disks on the market that can store up to 8.55 gigabytes of data, making them an attractive option for smaller backup needs. Software which backs-up to DVD or CD disks is readily available and DVD writing hardware is extremely affordable.

Advantages:- Very affordable, easy to store and transport disks.
Disadvantages:- Limited capacity may require several manual disk swaps, may be slow to record and verify, highest capacity disks cannot be re-written.

Portable hard drives/USB flash drives

Portable hard drives are readily available on the high street and the web and make excellent backup media (Picture courtesy of Wikimedia)

Portable hard drives are getting cheaper and cheaper, making them an attractive option to use as backup media. Readily available in very high capacities they are an ideal backup solution for the home or small office. For smaller backup needs, many users carry a USB flash drive or pen drive. These are easier to carry around but have more limited storage capacities.

More expensive portable hard drive enclosures include not one but two or more physical hard drives. The second drive can be configured to automatically copy the contents of the first drive, meaning that your data is safe even if one of the drives fail. This technology is called RAID and is very useful for protecting highly important data. However, since any data stored or deleted on a RAID array will be immediatley changed on all disks in the array, it should not be considered a backup strategy on its own.
Advantages:- Fast recording times, very large capacities available.
Disadvantages:- Can be more expensive than DVD backups, especially for smaller backups, cannot make multiple backups for off-site storage without investing in extra drives.

Tape drives/cartridges

Tape cartridges make excellent enterprise level backup media but their prohibitive costs usually put home users off. (Picture courtesy of Wikimedia)

Many home users have not used magnetic tape drives to store programs and data since the early days of home computing, but big businesses all over the world rely on them for enterprise level backup. Tape drives such as the ones commonly used by businesses have not caught on so much with home users because of their prohibitive costs.

Advantages:- Virtually unlimited backup capacities available, easy to store and transport media, tape backups are usually fully automatic requiring no user intervention aside from changing tape cartridges.
Disadvantages:- Hardware and media is expensive for home users, many home computers will require extra hardware and software upgrades before they can use tape drives.

Network backup to another PC or network enabled storage

Building a small network is now inexpensive and easy, making network backup a viable option for many users. (Picture courtesy of Wikimedia)

Businesses have used the network backup model for many years, often in conjunction with tape backups. Now many home users are connecting two or more PC's to their broadband connection. In doing this they are also creating their own private network in their homes, which allows for easy sharing of computer resources such as printers, scanners and storage space. On a small network like this, backing up data from one machine to the other is usually as easy as copy and paste.

Because network backup is so convenient, many vendors have started producing network-attached storage (NAS) devices. These devices are like mini-computers that plug into your network and provide additional storage space. Some NAS devices can also stream music and video to other devices in your home, such as games consoles or multimedia players. Some can even connect to a printer and allow it to be used by any computer on the same network. Many NAS devices also support RAID technology which can automatically back up one hard drive to another in real time.
Advantages:- Storage capacity is only limited by hard drive space on the networked PC or NAS and can be expanded almost without limits. Backups can be fully automated, fast recording times (especially on wired networks).
Disadvantages:- Requires investment in a second PC or NAS device which must be turned on at the same time as the first PC. Performance on the second PC may be degraded while backups take place, it is not usually convenient to securely store or transport a second PC or NAS.

On-line

As internet access gets faster and cheaper, more and more big corporations will allow us to store our data on their servers, for a fee of course. (Picture courtesy of Wikimedia)

On-line backups are a relatively new idea. Now that many of us have very fast internet connections, some companies (such as Amazon) are offering to store our data in their data-centres. Using specially designed software users can automatically encrypt and upload copies of their data for safe keeping.

James Duncan Davidson recently wrote an interesting blog article on the economics of on-line backup for large amounts of data. You can read this blog entry by clicking here.

Advantages:- Virtually unlimited backup capacities available, backup process can be fully automated, backup is stored off-site, meaning your data is safe even in the event of theft or fire.
Disadvantages:- No way to access your data if your internet connection fails (until connectivity is restored), can be expensive especially where large amounts of data are stored and transferred. Creating and restoring backups is very slow compared to other backup media, even with a very fast internet connection.
For the vast majority of home users, we would recommend either backing up to DVD's or a portable hard drive. Small businesses may wish to investigate NAS devices and on-line backups. If you have a very large volume of data to back up, for example if your work involves freelance video or photography, you may want to consider tape drives as backup media.
That is all for our guide to backup media. In our next article, we explore some of the best backup software solutions available for your Windows PC.

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• Free Download AutoCad 2010 Full Cracked
• Processor (CPU) buying tips
• Computer memory buying tips
• Laptop buying tips
• Computer game buying tips
• Flat panel buying tips
• Processor (CPU) buying tips
• CD-R buying tips
• CD buying tips
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Windows backup - Don't leave it until it is too late!

Using Windows backup software to make backup copies of all your important data is one of those tasks that most computer users never get around to. Figuring out how to use backup software just seems too boring. That is until something goes wrong and suddenly all those important documents you were working on can't be accessed any more. All too often, people only learn about the need to backup their data after they have lost a large proportion of it due to a hardware failure.

It Will Happen to You!
 
Unfortunately, computer components, like all other machines, do eventually wear out. While components like the CPU (central processing unit) and the computers memory can last for many decades, hard drives are precision mechanical instruments and usually have life-spans of around five years, though this can vary considerably. Other types of media, such as USB stick drives or flash cards use a different type of storage but are still susceptible to wear and failure. Even the humble compact disc, once thought to be nearly indestructible under normal usage conditions, has shown to be less robust than we originally thought. Even if your disks never fail (and they will) what about you? Have you ever accidentally deleted something and then realised you needed it? Most people have, after all, that is why you can open the recycle bin in Windows and retrieve things you deleted! In short, there's no escaping it, if you store valuable data on your computer then you are going to have to backup that data.

Your hard drive will fail eventually!

Here's a statistic that you simply cannot dispute. 100% of hard drives that remain in use will fail eventually, it is simply a matter of time. If you don't plan your backup strategy now, then it is almost certain you will lose some data or have to pay to have your data recovered. Professional data recovery laboratories can charge thousands just to inspect a faulty hard drive!

Planning Your Backup Strategy

While using Windows backup software isn't too complicated, understanding what to backup often is. This problem isn't helped by the fact that Windows is a complex operating system that stores potentially important data in many different places. There are all kinds of Windows backup software available but before you rush out and buy a cutting edge backup solution, you should carefully consider your needs.

Windows Backup programs like Acronis True Image, pictured here, can backup your whole hard drive or just your important data.

Consider the data on your computer, we can split it roughly into two categories:- Programs - These are the things you install and run on your computer. They include word processors, web browsers, games, music players and anything and everything that runs on your computer.
Data - This is information that programs work with. It includes word processor documents, spreadsheets, music and video files, digital photographs, saved game positions and anything and everything that the programs you run on your computer work with.

Now, although it is possible to make a complete copy of your hard drive, most home users only need to backup their data files. Making a complete copy of your hard drive (called a "hard drive image" or "hard drive snapshot") does have some advantages. In the event of a failure, this type of backup can have you up and running again in minutes rather than hours or even days. Doing a complete copy of your hard dive also makes sure that every piece of data (valuable or useless) is saved. However, making a complete copy of your computers hard drive is time consuming and potentially quite expensive in terms of the amount of storage space needed. Because of this most home users are better off just backing up their data. In the event of a complete failure of your computers hard disk, programs (including Windows itself) can be re-loaded onto the computer from their original disks, or downloaded again from the internet. While this can be time consuming, hopefully this kind of failure will not happen very often!
Having decided what to backup, you need to decide which media to store your backup data to and how to go about backing it up. The next part of our guide will discuss the different types of storage media you can use when backing up data, click the link below to go to the next part of the guide.

Go to Windows Backup Guide Part 2 - Backup Media >>
 Go to Windows Backup Guide Part 3 - Backup Software >>

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Computer viruses are big news in the world of computer security and in the world of Windows operating systems. Now that many people use always-connected broadband internet, it has become increasingly easy for viruses to spread between machines. What are viruses and what should you do to avoid them?

What are viruses?

Boo! Popular media and science fiction has portrayed the computer virus as something mystical and magical. In reality, it is no more than a malicious computer program

Despite what you may have heard, computer viruses are not magical. They cannot be transmitted through the air and while some of them are able to erase information from your computer, they cannot erase backup CD-ROM's you have made and they cannot cause your computer to explode! Computer viruses are computer programs, just like every other bit of software that runs on your PC. What makes computer viruses different however is the fact that they are designed to copy themselves, throughout your computer's memory or hard drive, or even across the internet. Many computer viruses have malicious components too, and may try to cause all sorts of mischief from slowing down your computer to allowing hackers to gain entry. Click here to see what Microsoft have to say about computer viruses.
What is the Difference Between Computer Viruses and Spyware?
Spyware is software specifically designed to watch things you do on your PC, perhaps to gather data on the websites you visit, or music you listen to. Plain spyware does not copy itself or exhibit other malicious behaviour, although many computer viruses are also spyware or contain spyware components. Not all spyware is necessarily bad. The popular music utility LastFM for example, is considered by some to be spyware, as it tracks what music you listen to. However, it uses that data to recommend bands and music to you that you might like, which makes it great fun to use and highly recommended!

What about "Trojans" ?

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Actually, beware of any shady website offering freebies on the net

You remember the story of the Trojan horse, right? The Greeks manage to convince the Trojans that a giant wooden horse, containing lots of their warriors, was actually a gift from the Gods. The Trojans, thinking the Gods had smiled on them, took the horse inside their giant walled city, and then the Greeks burst out surprising them and overthrowing the city. Trojans that you get on your computer don't look like horses, but they may look like games, or pictures, or other files which may seem to be fun to play with. In actual fact when you click the file you will get a nasty surprise as a computer virus or malicious program lurks inside. Trojans can be computer viruses or spyware and are generally to be avoided.
What about "Scumware", "Parasites", "Malware" etc
Ok so there are many buzzwords going around but they all boil down to one thing, computer programs that are bad news for you, the owner and user of your computer. So, we know that this bad software is out there, what can we do to avoid it?

Don't let computer viruses ruin your day

Although there are a lot of viruses on the internet, it is important not to get carried away. With a few simple precautions it is easy to stay safe from this kind of threat online. Choosing good Antivirus software is only part of the solution, here are a few common-sense tips that every Windows user should follow:
Make Sure Your Operating System is Up To Date! If you don't have automatic updates enabled (we recommend you do) be sure to check for Windows updates frequently. Virus writers exploit mistakes or bugs in the operating system in order to install viruses or help them spread. Once these problems are known, Microsoft issues fixes to prevent this, so always make sure your operating system is up to date. For more information on updating your Windows machine, visit our comprehensive updating Windows pages.
Make Sure Your Web Browser is Up To Date! Whether you use Firefox or Internet Explorer, making sure that you are using the latest version will help keep you secure. If you are still using Internet Explorer 6 we strongly recommend you upgrade immediately. Virus writers love bugs (mistakes in the software) in your web browser, they can use them to smuggle viruses aboard your PC. Once Microsoft or Mozilla find out about these mistakes, they issue software updates to correct them.

Be Careful What Attachments You Open! Just because an attachment came from somebody you know, doesn't mean it is safe. Before opening an attachment, at least read the rest of the e-mail. It is usually easy to tell if an E-mail has been written by a virus rather than a human. Antivirus software can help you here by automatically detecting if an attachment is safe.
Consider using "Limited" accounts wherever possible.

Macintosh and Linux platforms are hardly ever affected by computer viruses and other types of malicious software. While some people believe this is because virus writers simply ignore these platforms, it is more likely due to the way in which these operating systems approach user account settings. On the Mac and on Linux, users have a limited account by default. Limited accounts can access most programs and files on the computer, but they cannot make changes to the system settings, such as the registry. Because of this, it is much harder for a virus to infect the system. Administrator accounts are only used on Linux and MacOS when changes need to be done to the system.
Windows has had limited accounts for some time now, however thanks to certain older (designed for Windows 98/ME) or poorly designed software packages that are not compatible with limited accounts, most users always run as an administrator, giving viruses and spyware a free run of the system. If all your applications are compatible, then you should run limited user accounts whenever possible. With Windows Vista, Microsoft introduced User Account Controls (UAC). While the frequent prompts that UAC generated were a shock to some users, UAC is great for security because it makes it possible to run a standard user account for day-to-day computing activities, providing another layer of security. We recommend all Windows Vista and Windows 7 users run standard user accounts.
Limited user accounts can be set up in the control panel, we show you exactly how to configure limited accounts in our online safety tutorials section.

Which antivirus software is the best?

Unfortunately there is no one correct answer to that question. However, out of the dozens and dozens of computer antivirus packages on the market, we have listed below the best three for you to consider. We believe that one and only one, (don't ever be tempted to install more than one Antivirus package at once, they will just interfere with each other) of the packages below will be the right choice for almost everyone.

Eset NOD32

Ask I.T. professionals what they consider to be the best antivirus and many will answer "NOD32". Why? Because NOD32 not only has probably the best detection rates for known and unknown viruses in the industry, but it is one of the most efficient antivirus solutions too. This means that it won't slow your computer down or consume lots of hard drive space. NOD can detect even unknown viruses by using what is called a "heuristic" scanner. What that means is it can scan programs and look for patterns which suggest virus-like behaviour. Virus Bulletin has consistently given NOD32 it's VB100 award and AV-Comparatives rated it the best antivirus of 2006.
Because NOD has very little impact on system performance, it is a popular choice for gamers who don't want to risk disabling their anti-virus while they play the latest processor intensive games.
NOD isn't the cheapest solution on the market, at just over £29 for a years subscription. Many solutions include a firewall or additional security software for a similar price. ESET also offer a combined firewall and NOD32 antivirus package called ESET smart security, this costs around £39 for a years subscription. For help with NOD32, check out the NOD32 Tutorials in our Antivirus Tutorials section.

more :
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Processor (CPU) buying tips
Computer memory buying tips
Laptop buying tips
Computer game buying tips
Flat panel buying tips
Processor (CPU) buying tips
CD-R buying tips


 

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How to Find Dollars In Linkfromblog

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AutoCAD is a CAD computer software for drawing two-dimensional and three-dimensional developed by Autodesk. AutoCAD product family, as a whole, is a CAD software most widely used in the world.
AutoCAD is used by civil engineers, land developers, architects, mechanical engineers, interior designers and others.
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Processor (CPU) buying tips

Introduction
Purchasing a processor is an important consideration when building or buying a computer. Below we have listed several considerations and additional information about what to ask and look for when purchasing a processor directly or already installed into a computer.

Type

The processor can be a very important consideration for users who are building a computer. Today, there are three main processor manufacturers: AMD, Cyrix and Intel. Each of these companies have good and bad reviews, and really each of them are very close in compatibility and reliability. When considering any of these processors verify the motherboard is compatible. For example, if an Intel motherboard is purchased or currently installed into the computer, you will want to consider an Intel Processor, an AMD processor will not work on a motherboard designed for AMD.

• Computer CPU, heat sink, and fan manufacturer links.

Considerations

Heat Sink	It is highly recommended that all processors have a heat sink. The heat sink helps to allow for the processor to remain cool and therefore run more efficiently. A computer processor with a missing, bad or failing heat sink will cause the computer to lock up, cause errors or encounter other issues.  When looking at a processor, also consider the heat sink that will be attached to that processor and ensure that the processor being purchased is compatible with that heat sink. Additional information and help on computer heat sinks can be found on our heat sink page.
Interface	Today, there is a wide availability of interfaces the CPU may connect to. Below is a listing of each of the interfaces and a brief description on each of them. Slot Slot A The slot was first used and introduced by Intel when they released the Pentium II processors. This slot was designed to allow users to install the processor into the computer. However, because of the additional cost considerations, Intel has now gone back to the Socket what is now known as the FC-PGA socket. Computers that have the Slot are the Intel Pentium II and early versions of the Intel Pentium III. The AMD processors use the Slot A interface Socket FC-PGA Flip Chip Coppermine The socket is the most commonly used and found interface for processors today. The socket has been used in all Intel processors preceding the Intel Pentium II and is now being used for the Intel Pentium III and above processors with the name FC-PGA, which is short for Field-Programmable Gate Array. The FC-PGA is a socket and not a slot processor and is also known as the Intel Coppermine or the Flip Chip. Slocket Slocket, which is a slot card, can be used to connect a socket or FPGA processor. This is not an actual interface but can be an option for users who have a slot adapter with a computer that supports speeds of a socket or FPGA processor. When looking at the interface of the CPU, it must match that of what is on the motherboard unless it is possible to use a Slocket. Additional buying tips on computer motherboards can be found on our motherboard buying tips page.
Names	The names of the processors can be very confusing and are used as a method of helping to sell a computer or computer processor. Below is a listing of some of the more commonly used names and a brief description on each of them. Intel family names: Pentium - The 80586, or P5, the Pentium is the generation above the 486 processor line. Pentium Pro - Chip designed to help speed up Windows 32-bit software Pentium with MMX - Processor with additional 57 new instructions and enhanced speed to graphics and multimedia software. MMX is now included in all Intel processors that have been released after this processor. Pentium II and III - The first of the Intel processors to include the Slot adapters. These processors were the next generations of the Intel Pentium processor. Intel Coppermine - The Socket (FC-PGA) version of the Intel Pentium III and IV. Intel Flip Chip - Another name for the Intel Coppermine. Intel Celeron - The low end Intel processors designed to help lower the prices of the computers by reducing or at first eliminating the level 2 cache. Pentium IV - The next generation of Intel processors, these processors were over 1GHz and were the FPGA processors. Additional information and diagrams of each of the above can be found on our CPU help page. AMD family names: AMD K6-2 - Socket 7 processor with the 3DNow! technology and first to have the 100MHz bus. AMD K6-3 - K6-2 chip with Level 2 cache memory that runs at the speed of the CPU. AMD Duron - Like the Intel Celeron, the AMD Duron is an affordable solution processor allowing for the price in the overall computer to drop. AMD Athlon - AMD generation with features such as the 200MHz bus speed AMD Thunderbird - The latest AMD processor, this processor is the socket version.
Speed	The speed of the processor is an important consideration as it is what will rate the speed of the computer and help the computer run faster overall.  When looking at the speed of processors available, we highly recommend that you do not purchase or consider purchasing a processor that has just been released. The price of the processor will be at a premium price and if you give that processor 2-4 months it will drop in price dramatically.

Effects

Upgrading the computer processor may have the below effects on the computer.

• Allow for programs that may require steeper processor requirements to be run.
• Help the computer or computer programs speed in load and opening time. Note: In many cases this may not be noticed or will not be dramatic.

CPU installation

Additional help and information about installing a computer processor and other computer hardware can be found through our Installation section.

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Computer memory buying tips

Introduction

Computer memory is one of the most commonly purchased and performed computer upgrades. Below is a listing of different considerations and tips to look for when purchasing computer memory.

What type of memory does my computer need?

• Determining what type of memory to use in a memory upgrade.

How much memory should I get?

This question really depends on the computer user you are, what programs you plan on running on the computer, and how many programs you have open at a given time.  One of the best methods of determining how much RAM you should have is to look at the system requirements of the programs you're running on your computer and double whatever the memory requirements are for the program you use most. However, below is the general recommendation for memory we'd suggest your computer.

Minimum: 512MB
Recommended: 1GB
Excellent: 2GB or more.

See document CH001189 for additional information about this question.

What should be expected

Upgrading the computer system memory may have the below effects on the computer.

• Allow for programs that may require steeper memory requirements to be ran.
• Help the computer or computer programs speed in load and opening time.
• Fix memory errors.

Memory installation

Additional help and information about installing computer memory and other computer hardware can be found through our Installation section.

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Laptop buying tips

Introduction
Purchasing a home or business laptop can be a much more confusing and sometimes frightening experience as most users today have some experience with a desktop computer but not as many have experience with a laptop, what is properly known as a portable computer. Portable computers are an excellent solution for anyone who needs to be portable and have all of their information on a small computer. Below is a listing of help and tips when considering to purchase a laptop computer.

What to look for

When purchasing a computer, it is likely that you will have a general idea of what you may like in the computer or how you would like to configure the computer. Below is a listing of the various components likely to be found in a computer, and recommendations and tips when considering any of the below components.

Device	Short recommendation
Battery usage	A very important consideration for any users that need to have a working laptop on the road or in the air. Verify when purchasing a portable computer how long the battery lasts. Be cautious, as many manufacturers will indicate a battery usage time but this may be at the lowest possible settings; ensure that the manufacturer clarifies what the standard battery usage life is when using the portable computer in all power modes.
Display	All portable computers come with a display. While it is almost always possible to hook up an external monitor when traveling with the laptop, the display is an important consideration. When looking at the display, ensure it is large enough for your needs. A very easy method of reducing the cost of the laptop is to reduce the size of the screen, unless price is an very important consideration we highly suggest that you purchase a laptop with at least a 12" or lager LCD and recommend an LCD size of 14" Complete buying tip information on Flat Panel or LCD solutions can be found on our flat panel buying tips page.
Drives	Drives are sometimes overlooked when considering a portable computer but can be an important consideration. Portable computers can come with various drive configurations, for example: One drive bay where the CD-ROM and the Floppy drive are interchangeable. For users who utilize the floppy drive often, this may be an issue; however, for other users who do not utilize the floppy, this may be a more appropriate solution as the computer will be lighter and thinner with one drive bay. Two drive bay portable computers have a floppy solution as well as CD-ROM solutions. These computers will be a less expensive computer when compared to the other solutions; however, it is the always the heaviest of all the solutions. No drive bay portable computers allow for a laptop to be extremely light and utilize external drives instead of internal. Pay close attention to the price of these laptops; while it may appear to be a portable solution, many manufacturers will charge you an additional price for the external drives, which will eventually be needed. Finally, some users may also want to consider different media solutions. For example, many laptops allow for a standard floppy drive or an LS120 drive. The LS120 drive can read floppy diskettes and at the same time be used as a backup storage device as it can store up to 120MB on a LS120 diskette. Additionally consider the option of a DVD* or CD-RW drive as opposed to a CD-ROM drive. *If you are considering a DVD solution, verify if the DVD comes with hardware or software decoding. Hardware decoding for laptops is accomplished by using a PCMCIA card and will add onto the overall price of the laptop.
Hard drive	Hard drives have and always will be an important consideration to think about when purchasing a new portable computer. Like a standard computer, the hard drive will be the destination of all your files and information, and if that drive is to become full, that drive will need to be replaced or another drive will need to be added to the computer. When looking at the space of the hard drive, always get the maximum size hard drive, considering you will eventually always run out of space.  Complete buying tip information on hard disk drives can be found on our hard disk drive buying tips page.
Lock	Does the portable computer include any locking system? If yes, what locking system is included? This can be very important for users who are on the road.
Memory	Memory is and has always been an important consideration when looking at purchasing a computer. Determine the amount of memory included in the computer as well as verify if that memory can be upgraded in the future. The more memory the computer has, the more efficient the computer will run. Complete buying tip information on computer memory can be found on our memory buying tips page.
Modem	If a modem is required, ensure that a modem is included with the portable computer. In addition, verify if the modem is an internal or PC-CARD (PCMCIA) modem as you may require all the available PC-CARD slots in the future. PC-CARD modems are Type II that for most computers will allow for an additional Type II to be connected.  Complete buying tips and information on modems can be found on our modem buying tips page.
Network card	If a network connection is required, ensure that a network card is included with the portable computer. In addition, verify if the network card is an internal or PC-CARD (PCMCIA) network card as you may require all the available PC-CARD slots in the future. Network PC-CARDs are Type II that for most computers will allow for an additional Type II to be connected.  Complete buying tips and information on network cards can be found on our network card buying tips page.
Processor	The computer processor is and will always be an important consideration when purchasing a computer. Today, with multiple CPU/Processor manufacturers, it may be more confusing as well as more cost efficient to look at the different processors available.Complete buying tips and information on computer processors can be found on our CPU buying tips page.
Sound card	Sound cards are important when looking at purchasing a computer; however, the majority of all computer users will find that most standard sound cards will suit their needs. However, some users may enjoy purchasing more advanced sounds cards that will increase the amount of speakers that can be used and in some games and programs and the sound quality and capabilities. When looking at the sound aspect of a portable computer, many laptops do not have sufficient sound and will require external speakers or headphones. Ensure that the sound quality meets your needs.
Weight	Weight is a very important consideration when considering a portable as the computer will be carried; the lighter the portable computer, the more easy it will be to carry.
Video card	Video cards are becoming an extremely important factor when purchasing a computer. While this may surprise some, a video card can make or break a computer when it comes to playing games on the computer. Most games today require additional video memory as well as special video modes such as OpenGL. With a video card with little video memory or without these modes, the computer will be unable to play these games. In addition, the advances in video cards can dramatically increase the user enjoyment of the game being played. Complete buying tips and information on video cards can be found on our video card buying tips page.

Brand of computer

When looking at purchasing a portable computer, you will likely hear different stories, some good and some bad. Regardless if the story is good or bad, these stories are always based on the experience of that user. While it may be true that the user had a bad or terrible experience with that computer, all computer manufacturers have had users who have had a bad experience and there is no such thing as a bad or perfect computer manufacturer. Below is a listing of various things to consider when purchasing a computer, and in some cases, how to tell the good from the bad and help allow you to purchase the portable computer that will suit your needs.
 

Add-ons	Some computer manufacturers may try to sell additional add-ons when purchasing a portable computer. Unless you have done your research on the additional add-on, do not consider the add-on. While in some cases it may be beneficial to get a printer, scanner, camera or PC Cards with a computer, you may be paying premium for the additional add-on, or in the case of the printer, you may have to pay premium on the ink in the future. Do you research, ensure that if you get an additional hardware or add-ons that the hardware will suit your needs and that it does not end up being something that is not going to be used.  Free add-ons? Some computer companies may entice you into purchasing a computer by giving you free add-ons. These add-ons may be advertised as free, however, ensure or ask if the add-on price is not just being added to the overall computer price.
Documentation	While most manufacturers today are reducing the amount of documentation included with their computers, an excellent question, especially if the computer is being purchased by a new computer user, is "what documentation is included with the computer?" All computer manufacturers will include some paper documentation or paper inserts; however, does this information include documentation about upgrading the computer in the future? How to connect the cables to the computer? Documentation on how to use the software such as the additional included software? Note: It is important to distinguish between paper documentation and on-line documentation. On-line documentation, which is being found more today, is information that is either locally on the computer or can be accessed via the Internet. If the information is available over the Internet, see how that information looks and if it suits your needs before purchasing the computer.
Location	We use location to describe several different topics. First, what is the location of where the computer is purchased: If the computer is purchased at a local retail store, can the computer be returned to that store if unsatisfactory? If the computer is purchased through mail order or directly through the computer manufacturer or reseller, where can the computer be returned if unsatisfactory? Second, can the store location of where the computer was purchased service the computer? If not where is the closest location to where the computer can be serviced? Third, if the computer is purchased directly from the computer manufacturer and is shipped through mail, how is it shipped? What is the time period for the computer to arrive to your destination? What happens if the computer is damaged during shipping?
Refurbished	Refurbished is a term used to describe a computer or a hardware device or component in a computer that has been used; however, it has been looked at and determined to be in working order. However, because the product has been used or purchased, it cannot be sold as new. Refurbished computers will have a lower price and are a good deal for users who may not have a lot of money to spend on a new computer. It is important, however, to compare the price of the refurbished computer to a new computer as well as to review all of the tips on this page as all the same rules, tricks and tips still apply.
Service	Service is an important consideration to look at when looking to purchase a computer, new or used. The service is how many companies describe the repair of a computer if it or a component within it is to become broken. Below is a listing of what services to look for. Is the service onsite, meaning a technician will come to your location to replace or fix a bad component. If the service is onsite, is it for the complete time of the warranty? If onsite is not offered, what is and for how long? Can the computer be taken to a local service center? If yes, what is the closest authorized service center? What is the time frame the service takes to occur? For example, if the computer has a bad component, what is the time it will take for a technician to come onsite and replace that component, or what is the time it will take to have the computer sent in to be fixed? Finally, if that time frame is not accomplished, what is the company willing to do? Would they be willing to provide you with a loaned computer? Because the computer is a portable computer, is International Service available? This will allow users who may be in a different country to have their computer fixed in that country.
Software	Software, for many computer users especially new users, is thought to be an important consideration when purchasing a new computer. Granted there is software that we highly recommend looking for when purchasing a computer, such as word processor or spread sheet program, some computer companies may over hype the software package. Below is a listing of what to look for when looking at the software included with a computer. Does the software include Microsoft Office or Corel Suite? These packages allow you to have a word processor and a spread sheet. For the majority of all users, this should be an important consideration. Is the software full versions of the software or is the software demo programs or shareware programs?
Support	While you can always contact Computer Hope for support, manufacturer support for most users will be a very important consideration, as if an issue arises with the computer, you must be able to be able to contact a support representative. Things to consider when looking at the support options of a computer are shown below. Is support open 24 hours, 7 days a week? If not, what are the hours? Is support open on holidays? If not, what days are it closed? What support options are available? Phone? E-mail? Web? Chat?
Upgrade ability	While this option may not be considered at first when purchasing a computer, it is an important consideration. Below is a listing of different options to look for when looking to upgrade a portable computer. What can be upgraded in the computer? RAM? CPU? Hard Drive? If available to upgrade, what are the maximum amounts or is it specified within documentation provided with the computer? Are the upgrades something that the end-user can do or does it require a service center to install?
Warranty	Finally, what warranty is offered by the computer manufacturer? How long is the warranty? Does the warranty cover both hardware and software issues?  Warranty can cause frustrations for most users. We highly recommend that a computer only be considered if it has at least a one-year warranty. Many cheap computers will only come with a 90 day warranty; meaning if a part goes bad, you will have to pay for the part as well as the service. This may not be an issue for users who just need a cheap computer and are willing to replace parts and service the computer.

Scams

Unfortunately, like anything, it is possible to be tricked or for computer companies to scam you. Below is a listing of what to look for when purchasing a computer.

• Get what you pay for - Ensure that the product you are purchasing is what you are paying for. It has been known that computer companies may list a processor being a specific speed but may actually have a different speed into the computer. This, unfortunately, can be very easy as any user can 'over clock' a processor, making it appear as one speed but in reality being a completely different speed. For example, you may buy a 733MHz processor but instead get a 500MHz.
  
  To determine the processor speed, open the computer and look at the processor itself. Do not look at the processor through a software program or through BIOS as these values can be changed or tricked.
  
• Legal software - When purchasing a computer, ensure it comes with legal software. Many end-users or small computer companies who build or sell computers may not provide you with legal copies of the software, which is illegal. Verify that the software that came with your computer is on a standard CD and not a burnt CD. A burnt or home-made CD will be a different looking CD and have a gold or green bottom. Ensure that if the software requires a license or registration number that it was included with the computer. An example of software that includes these certificates is Microsoft Office and Windows.

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Computer game buying tips

Introduction
Computer games are most often used for an entertainment value, but can also be educational. Below we have listed several considerations to look at when purchasing a computer game.
Considerations

Demo	Today, a large majority of computer games that are released are also released as a demo and are available through computer game magazines or off of the Internet. If you are purchasing the game for yourself and have not seen or played the game, you may consider playing the demo (if available) before purchasing the game. The demo is found from the developer's web site.
Mass multiplayer	Mass Multiplayer games are an excellent choice for any advanced or new game player. These games are games where the player joins thousands, sometimes millions, of other players from all over the planet and build up their character, fight creatures, develop skills, fight other players, talk, and much more. While these games are fun and can be played sometimes for years, they do require a small monthly fee. This fee can be anywhere from $10.00 to $20.00 a month and help to maintain the servers, help with updates and maintain your account. These games are also only available when connecting to the Internet and do not offer a single player option.
Multiplayer	Multiplayer is similar to Mass Multiplayer; however, these games allow the players to play with a few players (2 - 20 players). These are still fun and excellent games, and are games where you must either shoot and frag other players, or develop an online character by fighting creatures.  Unlike the Mass Multiplayer games, these games are quick and do not require hundreds of hours of game play and can be played as Multiplayer or Single Player.
Piracy	Piracy, unfortunately, is very commonplace in the computer gaming industry and Computer Hope highly recommends that it not be considered. While it has been easy in the past, gaming piracy has become more difficult. Users who pirate games may be forfeiting the ability to play with their friends online, not be able to receive updates for the games, and more importantly are not supporting the company of the game. Users who let their friends pirate their games may also be forfeiting the same above rights. If you share your serial or ID number with a friend you may be giving up your right to play on-line as your number will likely become invalid.
Rating	The ESRB rating of a game determines how violent the game is; below is a listing of several of the ratings found on the majority of all games today. See the ESRB definition for additional information on ESRB and a listing of each of the ratings. Computer Hope has no place in giving recommendations to parents on what games they should or should not purchase for their children and believes that it is up to the parent to decide what is OK or not OK for their children to play.
Type	There are several different games. These games can vary from first person shooter to sports. Visit our game page for a listing of computer games and game types as well as a description on each of the game types.
Upgrade	When purchasing a software game, ensure that it is not an upgrade to an early version of the game. Many of the available updates will require that the previous version of the software be already installed on the computer.

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Flat panel buying tips

Introduction
Flat Panel is a relatively new technology when compared to the CRT or standard monitor technology and is now available for desktop computers. With new technology comes new important considerations to look at when purchasing a flat panel solution.

Technology
Before looking at what configurations you need to look for when purchasing a computer Flat Panel, it is important to know if you want a CRT or a Flat Panel and LCD monitor.

CRT Today, one of the most commonly used technologies for computer monitors. CRT, or Cathode Ray Tube, is a technology much like what you will find on most TVs. CRT monitors are an affordable solution but are bulky and very heavy.

Tips on buying a monitor can be found on our Monitor buying tips section.

LCD LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, monitors are similar to what is found on portable computers. LCD monitors overall display much sharper of an image, are lighter and more space efficient; however, they are much more of an expensive solution for desktop displays.

Size

Dimensional Size When looking at LCD and Flat Panel displays, one of the most noticeable and considerable reasons for purchasing a Flat Panel is its size. As you will see, a Flat Panel display is about 1-2 foot deep.

Screen Size - When looking at Flat Panel displays, the screen size is measured differently from a standard monitor. Standard monitors are measured from the bottom left of the screen to the top right of the screen, plastics and all. However, when measuring an LCD, the actual viewable area is measured. The below chart is a comparison of an LCD sizes and the general comparison to CRT (standard monitor) displays.

LCD	CRT
13.5"	15"
14.5" - 15"	17"
18"	21"

Resolution

Resolution The maximum resolution is the amount of pixels that can be displayed horizontally x vertically. Be cautious when purchasing a monitor at any size that advertises a large resolution size, such as 1,600 x 1,200 for a 15" monitor.
Some monitor manufacturers may allow for such high resolutions at a high cost but the user will never utilize such a resolution. As the monitor increases in size, the image display will decrease; below is a listing of a usable resolution limit by the size of the monitor.

15" 800 x 600 or 1,024 x 768

17" 1,280 x 1,024

19" 1,280 x 1024

21" - 1,600 x 1,200

Other considerations

Refresh rate When purchasing a Flat Panel or LCD, the refresh rate is not important.
Display angle With an LCD you will find that it is very difficult and sometimes impossible to see from any other angle besides straight on. If you plan on using the display for DVD movies where other people may be watching the same screen, you may want to consider a CRT instead of a Flat Panel display.
Backlight Unlike a good CRT, a Flat Panel LCD is backlit and the light must past though polarization filters and other layers before emerging from the display. This is why most LCD are not as bright as a CRT.
Flat display A flat panel, unlike any CRT, is truly flat. Some manufacturers may advertise a CRT as being a flat display, but they will always have some curvature.
Controls When purchasing a Flat Panel or LCD you may find that there are not many controls to adjust the display. This is normal to expect very few and sometimes one or two buttons used to adjust the display.

Price range

When purchasing a Flat panel or LCD you should expect to pay more than a Monitor (CRT) as this is a new and improved technology. Below is what you should expect to pay by size of display.

14"	$600.00 or less
15"	$900.00 - $1,200.00
18"	$2,500.00 - $3,000.00
22"	$3,000.00 or more

*All prices are estimated prices and are not quotes. When the flat panel is first introduced, the price will be higher. All prices are US Currency, prices may vary in different countries. All prices are based on new products and not those purchased refurbished or used. All above prices are Flat Panel or LCD and not standard CRT monitors.
Ready to buy
Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a flat panel, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the flat panel from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.
Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your flat panel regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.
To help support Computer Hope you can purchase directly through our well-known associate, Amazon. Click the below browse button to begin browsing through the flat panel section.

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Processor (CPU) buying tips

Introduction
Purchasing a processor is an important consideration when building or buying a computer. Below we have listed several considerations and additional information about what to ask and look for when purchasing a processor directly or already installed into a computer.

Type

The processor can be a very important consideration for users who are building a computer. Today, there are three main processor manufacturers: AMD, Cyrix and Intel. Each of these companies have good and bad reviews, and really each of them are very close in compatibility and reliability. When considering any of these processors verify the motherboard is compatible. For example, if an Intel motherboard is purchased or currently installed into the computer, you will want to consider an Intel Processor, an AMD processor will not work on a motherboard designed for AMD.

• Computer CPU, heat sink, and fan manufacturer links.

Considerations

Heat Sink	It is highly recommended that all processors have a heat sink. The heat sink helps to allow for the processor to remain cool and therefore run more efficiently. A computer processor with a missing, bad or failing heat sink will cause the computer to lock up, cause errors or encounter other issues.  When looking at a processor, also consider the heat sink that will be attached to that processor and ensure that the processor being purchased is compatible with that heat sink. Additional information and help on computer heat sinks can be found on our heat sink page.
Interface	Today, there is a wide availability of interfaces the CPU may connect to. Below is a listing of each of the interfaces and a brief description on each of them. Slot Slot A The slot was first used and introduced by Intel when they released the Pentium II processors. This slot was designed to allow users to install the processor into the computer. However, because of the additional cost considerations, Intel has now gone back to the Socket what is now known as the FC-PGA socket. Computers that have the Slot are the Intel Pentium II and early versions of the Intel Pentium III. The AMD processors use the Slot A interface Socket FC-PGA Flip Chip Coppermine The socket is the most commonly used and found interface for processors today. The socket has been used in all Intel processors preceding the Intel Pentium II and is now being used for the Intel Pentium III and above processors with the name FC-PGA, which is short for Field-Programmable Gate Array. The FC-PGA is a socket and not a slot processor and is also known as the Intel Coppermine or the Flip Chip. Slocket Slocket, which is a slot card, can be used to connect a socket or FPGA processor. This is not an actual interface but can be an option for users who have a slot adapter with a computer that supports speeds of a socket or FPGA processor. When looking at the interface of the CPU, it must match that of what is on the motherboard unless it is possible to use a Slocket. Additional buying tips on computer motherboards can be found on our motherboard buying tips page.
Names	The names of the processors can be very confusing and are used as a method of helping to sell a computer or computer processor. Below is a listing of some of the more commonly used names and a brief description on each of them. Intel family names: Pentium - The 80586, or P5, the Pentium is the generation above the 486 processor line. Pentium Pro - Chip designed to help speed up Windows 32-bit software Pentium with MMX - Processor with additional 57 new instructions and enhanced speed to graphics and multimedia software. MMX is now included in all Intel processors that have been released after this processor. Pentium II and III - The first of the Intel processors to include the Slot adapters. These processors were the next generations of the Intel Pentium processor. Intel Coppermine - The Socket (FC-PGA) version of the Intel Pentium III and IV. Intel Flip Chip - Another name for the Intel Coppermine. Intel Celeron - The low end Intel processors designed to help lower the prices of the computers by reducing or at first eliminating the level 2 cache. Pentium IV - The next generation of Intel processors, these processors were over 1GHz and were the FPGA processors. Additional information and diagrams of each of the above can be found on our CPU help page. AMD family names: AMD K6-2 - Socket 7 processor with the 3DNow! technology and first to have the 100MHz bus. AMD K6-3 - K6-2 chip with Level 2 cache memory that runs at the speed of the CPU. AMD Duron - Like the Intel Celeron, the AMD Duron is an affordable solution processor allowing for the price in the overall computer to drop. AMD Athlon - AMD generation with features such as the 200MHz bus speed AMD Thunderbird - The latest AMD processor, this processor is the socket version.
Speed	The speed of the processor is an important consideration as it is what will rate the speed of the computer and help the computer run faster overall.  When looking at the speed of processors available, we highly recommend that you do not purchase or consider purchasing a processor that has just been released. The price of the processor will be at a premium price and if you give that processor 2-4 months it will drop in price dramatically.

Effects

Upgrading the computer processor may have the below effects on the computer.

• Allow for programs that may require steeper processor requirements to be run.
• Help the computer or computer programs speed in load and opening time. Note: In many cases this may not be noticed or will not be dramatic.

CPU installation

Additional help and information about installing a computer processor and other computer hardware can be found through our Installation section.

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CD-R buying tips

Introduction
Buying a CD-R or CD-RW drive can sometimes be a confusing task. Below we have listed important considerations to look at when considering purchasing a CD-R drive.

Technology

Before considering purchasing a CD-R or CD-RW drive, it is also good to consider the other available options.

CD-R - CD-R, or CD Recordable, drives allow you to do everything that a standard CD-ROM is capable of doing with the added ability of creating your own CDs. An excellent solution for anyone that is in need of a CD-ROM and backup solution. Tips on buying these drives is found on this page.

CD-RW - Like a CD-R drive, a CD-RW, or CD Read/Write, drive allows you to do everything that a standard CD-ROM is capable of, as well as read and write to a CD-RW disc thousands of times instead of once like a CD-R drive. While a little more expensive, this is another great solution for backups. Tips on buying this these drives can be found on this page

DVD - DVD, or Digital Versatile (video) Disc, allows a computer to not only do everything that a standard CD-ROM drive is capable of doing, but at the same time is capable of reading DVD Discs and DVD movies. For users who plan on playing games or watching movies on their computers, this is an excellent addition. Tips on buying these drives can be found on our DVD buying tips page.

Interface

The first and foremost important consideration is the Interface that the CD-R and CD-RW drive uses. If you are an IBM user, you have a decision between an IDE, SCSI or USB interface. Macintosh users will want to consider between SCSI and a USB interface.

IDE Each IBM computer has the capability of having a total of four IDE devices connected to it. It is likely that one or two of these are already being used, one by the hard disk drive and one by the CD-ROM drive.
IDE devices are a great solution to consider when thinking about the interface you wish to use as the drives are easy to install and are relatively fast.

SCSI Every Macintosh computer has a SCSI port built onto the Motherboard or has an Interface card for SCSI devices. IBM computers do not have a SCSI card already installed and will need to purchase this card before installing a SCSI CD-R drive.
SCSI devices are one of the more difficult drives to install but are the fastest solution of the three available interfaces.

USB USB is a new interface available on newer IBM and Macintosh computers. USB is a fast solution but is the slower of the three interface possibilities. What makes USB a strong competitor is they are usually always easy to install and are a portable solution, meaning these drives will work with other computers with USB ports.

Software

The next important consideration to look at when purchasing a CD-R or CD-RW drive is the included software. The software is what allows the computer to interface with the CD-R or CD-RW drive and be able to copy files onto the blank CD. Poorly written software can hinder the ease of use of a CD-R or CD-RW drive and sometimes cause errors with the CDs that are created.

Speed

The speed of the CD-R drive can also be an important consideration, as this will determine the amount of time this drive takes to create or read a CD. Users that expect to not burn many CDs may want to look at the slower, less expensive drives, while users that expect to burn several CDs may want to look at the faster, more expensive drives.

Other considerations

Some other important considerations to look at when purchasing a computer CD-R or CD-RW drive include:

Warranty How long is the warranty and what does it cover.

Support Is the technical support number a free number; is it open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Price range

For a CD-R and CD-RW drive, not to be confused with a CD-ROM or DVD drive, can vary depending upon the speed, the included software and the interface the CD-ROM drive uses.

Standard IDE/SCSI CD-R Drive	$100.00 - $200.00
Standard IDE/SCSI CD-RW Drive	$160.00 - $300.00+
USB CD-R and CD-RW Drive	$150.00 - $200.00+

*All prices are estimated prices and are not quotes. When a CD-R or CD-RW is first introduced, the price will be higher. All prices are US Currency, prices may vary in different countries. All prices are based on new products and not those purchased refurbished or used. All above prices are for standards CD-R and CD-RW drives and not CD-ROM or DVD drives.

Ready to buy

Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a computer CD-R or CD-RW, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the CD-R or CD-RW from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.
Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your CD-R or CD-RW, regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.
To help support Computer Hope you can purchase directly through our well-known associate, Amazon. Click the below browse button to begin browsing through the CD-R or CD-RW section.

CD drive installation

Additional help and information about installing computer CD drives and other computer hardware can be found through our Installation section.

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