Computer Sales and Repairs in Tenerife

News for Computer Repairs, Sales & Upgrades in Tenerife

 News

Computer virus removal is starting to become immensely important and just about anyone who operates a pc no matter if its used basic home use or in the course of their work recognizes the threat that computer viruses can bring. Just simply opening the incorrect e-mail attachment or using the wrong computer program can unleash many kinds of viruses inside your system and getting a virus often means that your workstation will either start to exhibit strange behaviour or crash completely.

An even greater is additionally the loss of your crucial computer data that could add up to years of work or can even be irreplaceable photographs or movies.

Needless to say most people will have anti virus software installed as a precaution but if this is not up to date it can be in reality ineffective. It is of course worthwhile trying to sort the problem yourself but unless you are experienced this could take an awful lot of time or you may miss something.

If you manage to speak with anybody who have been subjected to a virus infection will almost certainly advise that you use a professional service anyways. There are plenty of reasons that using a professional to help right from the off is sound advice especially if you want to avoid the further hassle of re-infection due to an incomplete job.

Nowadays there are plenty of distinct sorts of viruses you need to be on your guard for such as:

The Trojan. These can be resident in your Pc for years or months until they become activated. These are also quite often very difficult to discover so your best bet to make sure you free your system of a Trojan virus is to get in touch with an online virus removal expert.

Spyware Infections. This really is a different type of internet pc virus that gathers important information on your computing activities and can actually reroute you to internet sites you had not even had any intention of visiting.

Malware. A common collection of viruses that could even include key loggers that are able to track whatever you type (including passwords used to access online banking for example.

Virus removal and critical maintenance is an important factor of every healthy computer system and for anyone who is not carrying out regular scans with up-to-date software your machine may already be infected leaving you open to additional infections, data loss and maybe even personal identity theft.

Unless one has been living under a rock, they either have a computer or work with one where they are employed. In these technologically advanced times, the paper trails that used to be available have all been switched to digital media. The problem with this type of record keeping is that if the system crashes, all that information is gone. This is where data recovery services can benefit the company or individual.

One of the advantages to having this type of service is that entire systems can be protected no matter how large or small or what the budget for it is. While there are components that can be attached to backup a system, these are not fail-safe and can crash too. This is because they can be infected with the same virus or power surge that the other equipment goes through. This is why it is vital to have an offsite backup plan.

There are those data recovery systems that offer offsite storage to keep the information more protected. When data is wiped out, a business does not have to shut down for weeks. It is important to sign up for automated backing up so that this is not left to human error. This can also save money, as there is no need to hire an employee to do this.

There is also software that can be purchased that can bring up information from a hard drive that has crashed. When vital information or documentation is needed, it can be restored easily. Most any data can be brought up using this type of software. This is going to mean that in the event of disaster, employees do not have to redo their work.

When there is a virus, data recovery services can restore all information that would be gone without this protection. They can also bring up music or videos that may be important to the company’s business. This is not limited to computer hard drives, as any storage or backup device can be recovered.

Many may think that this is going to be an expensive service, but the fact is that it is quite affordable for most. The ability to recover lost information is more than worth the small cost. The time that it can take to reproduce or collect all the data is another reason why this is a good choice for most businesses.

Having a backup plan in place before there is an emergency is vital for any company. Most services are tailor made for the client, so much of the cost is going to depend on the needs of the client. Having access to lost files can save the company money in the long run because no business is going to be lost.

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, computer storage was limited to what could fit on the internal hard drive of your computer, or what you could burn to a CD or DVD disc. However, things have changed considerably since those early days. Of course, those “early days” were only a few short years ago. Technology has advanced by an amazing amount in a relatively short period of time.

Where once the landscape was littered with removable storage media (tapes, discs, etc.), modern consumers have a broader range of choices today. However, even those choices that consumers have started to grow accustomed to are changing and evolving very quickly. What does the future hold for external hard drives? What might consumers expect to see as technology continues its relentless march? Here, you will find a brief rundown of some of the most immediate changes that you might notice in the days ahead.

Changing Connectivity Technology

No matter what type of external hard drive you choose, from an NAS system (network-attached storage) to a desktop or netbook-grade external hard drive, there has to be a way to connect the drive to your device. Currently, USB is the most popular means of doing this, though FireWire is also available.

In the future, it is quite possible that FireWire will disappear altogether, despite the advantages that this technology offers. FireWire is far faster than USB 2.0, and it can be daisy chained, allowing you to connect a string of devices at one time. However, it is also the most expensive solution on the market and the speed of transfer it offers does not necessarily offset this cost, at least to home network users. FireWire is generally used in a professional situation, where multimedia files need to be stored immediately.

What will replace FireWire as the high-speed connectivity of choice? There’s actually some dispute about this, as there are two options available. Below, you’ll find more about both of these, as well as some preliminary conclusions.

eSATA Connectivity

In the world of external hard drive connectivity, eSATA is the reigning king in terms of raw speed. In fact, eSATA even beats out the vaunted FireWire for performance. 3 GB/s can be transferred across an eSATA connection, compared to just 400 or 800 MB/s with a FireWire connection. However, there is a problem with eSATA connections – there’s no juice.

FireWire and USB technology both provide current through the connecting cable. In some instances (especially with the 12 V capabilities of FireWire), this is enough to actually run the device. Some USB 2.0 devices require an external power source, though, like desktop external hard drives.

An eSATA connection does not provide any power, though, which means that any device with this type of connection will definitely need to have an external source of electricity in order to operate. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, particularly if you want an external hard drive that you don’t ever move, it does play a role in emerging portability concerns.

Finally, eSATA is just plain expensive. It costs more than FireWire technology even. This means that many consumers will not be willing to pony up the cash to take advantage of the transfer speeds it provides.

USB 3.0 Connectivity

USB connections have become ubiquitous in modern society.
It’s virtually impossible to find a device that does not offer a USB connection. In fact, many eSATA-enabled devices also offer a USB connection for consumers to use. However, the vast majority of these are all USB 2.0, which has reached the limit of its usefulness. Does this mean that this technology is going to fall by the wayside?

Actually, the world has already seen the deployment of USB 3.0 – an incredible evolution from the 2.0 version of this technology. In fact, the first devices using 3.0 have already rolled of the assembly lines of manufacturers, during the first quarter of 2010. Of course, most consumers will not be affected by this technology until the end of 2010, but by this time, it will certainly be a dominating force in the marketplace, if not the main player.

What does 3.0 offer that other technologies don’t? It’s an unusual combination, including these key factors:

-Affordability
-Speed
-Backwards compatibility

Let’s tackle affordability first. USB 3.0 is more affordable than FireWire or eSATA connectivity technology.
This gives it an advantage out of the box. In almost all circumstances, unless the situation dictates otherwise, consumers gravitate toward the most affordable solution that will meet their needs.

Second, USB 3.0 is fast – as fast as or faster than eSATA according to the developers. This technology offers transfer speeds over 4 GB/s according to the developers.
This is a considerable amount faster than eSATA and far faster than what is able to be achieved through a FireWire connection. Of course, those figures won’t be the actual data throughput seen by consumers, but it’s still enough to boost USB 3.0 into the top echelons of upcoming external hard drive technology.

Finally, USB 3.0 is backwards compatible. The same cables and the same connections can be used here as with version 2.0. Of course, full 3.0 speeds can only be attained when the host computer, the peripheral device and the cable connecting them are all 3.0 compatible, but the backwards compatibility does offer some peace of mind for consumers.

Changing Form Factors

The final note on the future of external hard drives involves the form factors seen. This will simply be a continuation of the same trends seen currently. In other words, drives will continue to become smaller and smaller.
This offers better portability, certainly. However, it also offers other benefits.

For instance, a desktop external hard drive usually tops out around 2 TB in terms of capacity. However, with smaller drive units with that capacity, manufacturers can package 2 drives in the same housing, providing 4 TB of storage in a device with the same footprint as an older 2 GB system. The same rules apply to netbook-grade external hard drives.

Therefore, the future of external hard drives can be summed up as follows: Faster, more connectible and more portable than ever before.

Everyone thinks about it, but no one thinks it will ever happen to them. The workday is moving along and all of the sudden a curse emanates from the boss’s office and the entire computer system goes down. No data can be found and the client is waiting, but all of this could have been avoided by using online computer repair services to prepare for this eventuality.

No matter which employee’s computer caused this issue, they are all interconnected and all equally important when it comes to being protected. If any truly important data is lost, there should be a system in place to help prevent this or at least a way to get it back. An online service can ensure that the data is safe and secure for retrieval at any time.

Online computer repair services ensure that the data can be accessed at any time, for any client, all while keeping it safe. Some support services require that an individual manage each account and if they are not available at 2 am, then you are out of luck. The online services are available all day and all night, 365 days a year and all with no waiting.

Remote backup is another feature of many of these services where they keep the data offsite in a secure server. This far surpasses the old methods of tape backup or even a secondary server onsite, which are fine if the world moves along perfectly every day. If a disaster occurs to the building, such as a fire, not all the onsite backups in the world will mean a hill of beans.

The need to keep a constant backup is one that every business, particularly ones that deal in sensitive data, should be well versed in. Online computer repair services can help in this respect by providing an automated offsite backup that continuously keeps a record of all the company’s data. They send this to an offsite, secure server that ensures that no harm can come to it.

Researching these companies is quite easily done online in order to help make an informed decision. Many of the websites have a frequently asked questions section that should eliminate any fears a potential client may have. This also allows the client to see into the background of the company and how well trusted they are in the industry.

The decision to use one of the online computer repair services that are available can help provide peace of mind not only for the business owners, but also for the clients. This is easily used as a selling point in the company’s commitment to the clients well being and protection. Being prepared for a disaster and not needing it is better than not being prepared at all.

Truth be told , there is almost nothing more frustrating than having something break with your computer system when you are in the centre of a huge task. It’s easy to get frustrated with the system when there’s some form of software problem or another sort of mishap that's liable to bring your assignment that you’re working away at to a total halt. However, you can find help that can be found when ever something goes wrong that's called remote computer repair.

On The Net Computer Assistance is Stress-free

All you’ll have to do to to take advantage of this form of aid that may enable you to back to work is an Internet connection. The whole process involves technician who will most likely simply take control of your computer system for a short time so they’ll be able to spot the exact problem and fix it if at all possible.

Quite often you’ll be talking {on the} phone to the individual who is fixing the actual problems at the same time. It’s important right here to remember that the best outcomes using this type of method come about with trojan problems. Hardware troubles are generally very hard to fix using this form of online pc support.

Tips on Finding The Right Support

Needless to say you’ll must know the finest way to find the sort of on the web computer assist that suits your individual needs. One methodology that works could possibly be joining an on the web desktop computer forum where you’ll be able to ask detailed questions about several issues and the ideal web sites to search for remote pc support companies.

Naturally you are able to use your own individual personal computer to commence the search too. Applying keyword phrases like remote desktop help and online laptop repair is bound to get you going in the appropriate direction.

Closer to household you can ask friends and family who they may of perhaps utilized and are quite happy to recommend. Regardless in the method you choose you need to be certain that the online computer repair  specialist you end up picking is trustworthy and inexpensive and available.

Narrow Down Any Alternatives

No matter when your are looking for a online computer support company. Keep in mind too that a lot of  the considerations that you would most likely use to pick any other sort of firm to assist you will also apply right here. Looking around the  company web site that you just have shortlisted is an excellent method that you are able to use to narrow down your choices.

Here it is important to glance with a experienced eye at what they have in the form of recommendations from past buyers to start off with. You’ll ought to also make sure that you do remember to check out any other services because depending upon your own type of issue, remote pc support might probably not end up being workable and you could possibly need an on-site visit.

Having the correct assistance here is vital for your piece of mind when you are utilizing a residence personal computer. The proper remote computer system assistance lets you place all of your attention on the task at hand.

We all love our computers and we generally throw a wobbly when they suffer from a technical hiccup. The problem is though that a majority of us don’t know what to do when the computer demon strikes and that’s where remote computer repair and support experts can be an absolute godsend as these companies are set up to fix many Laptop problems with your computer system either over the phone or through the computer than itself.

It helps of course if you understand why online computer repair services are advantageous and that it doesn’t matter if you’re a private business and have a whole bunch of computers, or if you have a single Pc at home, it’s never convenient to dismantle your computer and drag it to a local Pc repair centre if it can be in any way avoided.

When considering remote computer support for repairing your computer, you may have several questions that you need answered before making a final decision..

Is remote computer support easy to use? Most services would answer yes to this question. They offer guidance to you through the whole process. When they connect to your computer, they perform all the work.

Are there fees for diagnosing the problem? All in all, the diagnostics are often offered free of charge. When a problem is found that you prefer they fix, then there will be a charge If you want them to fix the problem, the cost can range depending on the problem but best to check with the service provider.

How do I pay for services? Service providers choose to accept varying types of payments. Some accept credit cards or bank drafts. Others may offer PayPal which you can also use your credit card or bank information through their website.

Why would I decide on remote services if I can take it in? I you choose to have the computer fixed by remote support, you are going to save money on petrol. Not to mention the headache that is mostly involved with making the trip.

All companies that are reputable are going to guarantee their work. It may be offered in the form of a refund or they might continue to try to fix the problem.

The only time these companies can access your computer is if you allow it. Sometimes when you initially start the service, you can let them know if you are willing to grant them this type of access. If you do not give them permission, they cannot access it again.

When the diagnostic session starts, the technician will take over your computer functions like your mouse and keyboard. This enables the technician to work on your computer.

Any information on your computer is safe from loss. More information is lost by improper maintenance than by using these services.

Will the techs have access to all my files? In short, yes they do but they should not copy them. It would be highly unethical for this to happen. Remember you can watch they do while performing the work.

Should I worry about who I choose for remote support services? Only deal with companies that use trained technicians. Perform whatever research you feel is necessary before deciding on a company.

If you are wanting more than one computer repaired, chances are, the business may offer you a discount. The amount of the discount will depend on the number of computers and what you want done.

Are there any software requirements? Now days most online support services require that you have Windows 2000 or newer. It is also necessary to have high speed internet connections that are in working order. There may be times when dial up internet can be used but those are considered on a case by case basis.

If the companies have contractors, or have offices near you, they may send techs out if you need them too as not all repairs can be carried out online.

Are you interested in buying one of the many Asus graphics cards supplied today? If you are, then you will be glad to know that these cards have received numerous awards from a wide variety of publishers and electronic review companies around the world. These cards are not just a run of the mill product either. Some of these cards are the best performing cards in the entire industry. There are also cards that are not quite as expensive as the best cards, but are still very good. These medium ranged cards are some of the best options available for the price range they are offered in. There are also many special features included with most Asus cards that gaming enthusiasts are very grateful for.

The cards provided by Asus meet the highest demands any game can throw at them. Even if you want to play the best games released today, you can attain smooth and high quality graphics for your gaming. The reason why these cards can handle even the most demanding requirements is because they have some of the best configurations available in the industry.

Not only are Asus graphics cards superb under all conditions, but they also come with amazing features like in game tweaking. These graphics cards let you see the exact rates your current configurations are running at. This allows users to adjust their system’s settings so they may perform at optimal levels, even while you are still playing in the game! This is great compared to other cards that are difficult to adjust, or even cards that do not allow refined tweaking at all.

By being able to adjust your system settings at any time, you can fine tune your computer to use the best setup for all of your games. While you are in game, you can fix your settings, including the gamma, brightness, and contrast levels. By being able to do this in game, you can make sure you fine tune the settings to specifically match the game you need perfect graphics for.

If you look around the current graphics card market, it is likely that you will find many companies that offer graphics cards that are supposedly far superior compared to other offerings available. The truth about these cards is that they are just over clocked versions supplied by the original graphics card manufacturers. When you purchase these cards, you have to pay more for a minimal increase in the performance levels supplied.

If you want to avoid the companies that just put a sticker on another company’s products and call it their own, you should certainly buy an Asus graphics card. These cards are highly tuned to provide maximum performance settings. They also commonly perform much better than other cards on the market.

The cards Asus creates are often the best in the world. They are also completely reformed and optimized by Asus themselves before they are placed on the shelves for the consumer. This means that when you buy an Asus graphics card, you are buying one of the most advanced and refined graphics cards available in today’s computer market.

It’s no surprise that the evolution of the computer has gone from PC to laptop to netbook and that as these devices get smaller what they can do changes with their size. With the advent of the latest addition called the netbook, it’s a good idea to get an overview of the kind of remote computer support you can get from each before you make any purchases.

First of all it’s important to understand what the netbook is and what it does as opposed to a laptop. This smaller version of the laptop is designed primarily to surf the Internet and is not designed to be used as a workstation or as a full entertainment centre.  Although the evolution of this new device might make it more compatible for these purposes down the road, as it stands now the laptop is still the machine favoured by business people on the go.

Smaller Keyboard

The purposes of the netbook are reflected further in its design when you look at the keyboard.  Most of these devices have a small keyboard there really would be of no use to a business person or even someone trying to blog from a remote location. Of course the screen size is also smaller although the netbook does come with the array of USB ports so they can handle external helpers. Still it’s important to remember her that even a person with average size hands would have a hard time typing for any length of time with one of these smaller netbooks.

And of course that’s to say nothing of the touchpad on the netbook.  With the smaller keyboard comes a smaller touchpad and limited capabilities there if of course the kind of remote computer support you’re looking at includes a functional keyboard.

Screen Size.

Although there are variations from model to model, the screen size on a netbook is always smaller than a laptop, although the resolution can be brought up on some models to a respectable level.  While this isn’t to say that the netbook is a bad choice, it’s important that people are aware of the limitations of the smaller version of the laptop and don’t purchase one thinking it offers the kind of portability in a business environment that its larger cousin does.

Finally, you need to take a look at the memory that a netbook offers as opposed to the larger notebook. Generally the playing field is little more level here with both the bigger and smaller versions starting out with 512 MB, so regardless of the one you pick you’ll almost always want to upgrade to 1 GB and above.

When most people consider doing an upgrade to their existing PC buying a new graphics cards often seems the way to go but there are some considerations you need to take into account because if you get these wrong you may waste your money.

What Do You Use Your Computer For

Before you go diving straight in it would be a sensible idea to assess your actual needs, for example do you play games?. Are you a casual games player that perhaps prefers to save money and buy older or second hand games, or do you want the latest and greatest?

If the majority of your games tend to be older titles then you simply will not need a high end high memory card and will be better suited with a budget card especially in an older system. Surprisingly one consideration you need to take into account is your current processor speed. Exercise caution before making a purchase. If you processor is older then it simply may not have the power necessary to drive a newer card and your purchase will have been in vain.

Does Your Motherboard Support The Card Type?

You need to keep in mind as well these cards are not universal. That means not all of the ones you buy will be compatible with your system. This can be due to a number of differing reasons but the main one will probably the slot type which could be either PCI, AGP and Pci-e so make sure which one is in your system.

Is There Enough Memory In Your Computer?

In a lot of cases upgrading your computer graphics will mean a computer memory upgrade too!

Graphics cards will be available with different gpu’s and varying amounts of memory, and if your Pc only has a small amount of RAM then you will run into a big snag as there will be insufficient memory to allocate to your system hardware and installation will either fail or your computer will end up slower than before.

Is Your Power Supply Good Enough?

The larger the card the more power they will generally draw from your power supply so you need to take this into account as well, the older the power supply the smaller it may be, and it may only be around 200w or there abouts, so depending on the number of other pieces of hardware you have attached, this may lead to excessive power drain which can lead to computer instabilities. Also take note that many a majority of the newer cards may need an additional direct power connection so open your case and make sure that a spare connector is not only available, but is also long enough to reach the card.

Is There Enough Space In My Case?

Sometimes a cases internal layout can cause space problems when fitting a new graphics card or the layout out of the main board may simply not be conducive for larger cards and a newer card will simply not fit!

The new generation of cards often have multiple GPU’s or large amount of memory so the tend to be a lot longer than previous cards. Equally many will have larger fans to keep then cool as they work harder so check in your case to make sure there is enough space above and below the graphics slot.

A graphics card upgrade is worth the effort but you do need to take account of the above considerations, but if you have an older AGP based motherboard and want to play the latest games then you may be better investing in a new computer. As with most technical things it is best to take advice from your local Dorchester computer repairs provider who will be best suited to help.

Whether in a personal or business setting, a person will come in contact with large amounts of digital data that needs to be stored in a secure place. With increasing amounts of emails, documents, presentations, graphics, etc, the likelihood of losing important information is increased if the data is not stored properly. Safe data storage is a must and is crucial in any setting.

A user should take the time to analyze the many options available for data storage and choose the solution that works best for them. Decide what is important and base your decision on what works best for your situation. Things to consider include; how quickly does the information need to be accessed? How often will the data be used? Will the data need to be stored on site or at a more secure remote location?

When you can answer these questions to your satisfaction, you will be in a better position to choose the best data storage option for your individual needs. Sometimes the choice is obvious, but a mistaken choice can lead to trouble in the future. The types of data storage available can include flash memory, external hard drives, online storage, and network attached storage devices.

Flash memory thumb drives are small and portable devices that allow a user to store and access files and programs quickly and easily. Most are set up with programs that can emulate a hard drive so a user can work with the programs and bookmarks they need without packing an entire computer around. The downside is the limited amount of memory the offer.

An external hard drive will increase the storage capacity and still offer convenience and portability to the user. With an external hard drive the user can transport large files or connect it to a computer to back up an entire hard drive. Most users prefer using an external hard drive only when backing up large files, such as video files, since continuous use can get tiresome.

Another option is a relatively recent addition to the storage industry, and that is online storage options. This involves backing up data to an off-site location through the Internet. This allows a user to access the data from any computer, but can be a little slow depending on the connection being used.

There is also network attached storage that is most often used by businesses that need a data storage solution that can easily be accessed by multiple users. This is often done by using multiple hard drives in a single array so the solution can be scaled to meet a growing businesses needs. Many companies also include an automated redundancy backup to help ensure the safety of sensitive data.

Some data storage options work best for business use while others may be more appropriate on a personal level. If you take the time to evaluate all your data storage options you will have a better chance at finding what works best for you. There is a data storage and backup solution for you no matter what your needs call for.

Quite often many heavy internet users find themselves suffering from what appears to be very slow internet connections, but is the problem a slow connection or is it perhaps a problem on your computer?

The best way to check is to rule out the obvious first so try doing a speed check on your connection. This is simple and straight forward, just type in “broadband speed check” on any search engine and you will get a list of results you can use.

If this is OK next step is to check your system for virus (make sure you have an up to data virus checker). If this is ok also check for malware and adware as in many instances this will not get pick up by antivirus checkers alone.

If you subsequently find you have a virus that you cannot remove or perhaps your system is clear but still very sluggish contact your local computer repair company for further help.

The decision on whether to use an external storage drive versus an internal storage drive with your PC or device can be difficult. It is not just an aesthetic decision, but rather one that should be based on your needs versus the pros and cons of each type of drive.

The first thing you should consider when you begin looking for a new storage device is, no matter what kind will be whether you need or want an internal or external device. They each have their own sets of pros and cons, so it is important to be educated on each.

The first, and most obvious, benefit of an external hard drive is that it is easier to set up and get started with, especially if you are a computer novice. In most cases, it is a matter of simply plugging in the proper power source and USB cables, installing the proper drivers (which your computer will often lead you through), and you are ready to start using your external storage drive. This is really the best way to go if you are not confident or at all interested in messing around with the wires and cables inside your desktop or laptop.

A second, and perhaps less obvious benefit of the external memory drive, is that they are much easier to share between different users. Most of the USB/FireWire hard drives available today are “plug and play.” This set up makes it simple to move the drive from one machine to another, since you simply unplug the drive from one machine and plug it into another. You can, then, more easily transfer files from home, to work, to school, or to a friend. The value of the convenience alone may be worth it to you, depending on your individual situation. Refer to data storage for more information.

On the other hand, the downside of an external storage drive is that they are certainly slower than internal ones. Internal drives usually are connected to the computer through IDE/ATA busses, which are what support higher data transfer seeds than USB busses, which is how most external storage drives are connected. Also, in a simple manner of cost, since external drives generally have their own casings, they are often more expensive than internal drives.

As a general rule, internal drives are both faster and less expensive than their external counterparts. The biggest, perhaps most obvious, drawback of the internal storage devices is installing them. So, if you decide to go the internal route, look for a package that includes with it all of the cables and hardware required for installation. You will also want something that has a manual that is illustrated and easy for you to understand. In addition, good installation software can make or break it. If the package is a good one, even the most novice PC user will be able to install in internal drive.

Another advantage of internal storage drives is the price. As a rule, the greater the capacity of the media involved with the storage device, the cheaper the price per megabyte, but obviously the price is higher per device. Either way, since internal storage devices do not require their own casing, they run cheaper than their external counterparts.

The disadvantages to internal storage drives are more on par with their convenience. With most internal storage drives you lose the ease of user changing. You will have a much more difficult time removing an internal drive and transferring it to another person’s computer. Of course, if you are using a laptop, such convenience is a little less necessary.

There are obviously a number of factors to take into account when making the decision between internal or external storage solutions. You must figure out what kind of access speed you need, how much backup storage you will need, overall storage needs both now and in the future, how much security and privacy you need, and a number of other memory factors. The thing is that in the end, you will do fine whether you select an internal storage drive or an external storage drive. Storage devices are more affordable than ever with more space available than ever. So make an educated guess at what is best for you and go for it, you really can’t go wrong either way.

Viruses, especially of the computer kind, seem to be proliferating faster than the diseases they were named after and like the organic varieties the instigators and malicious coders who design these programs are making them harder to detect and they are also coming up with new delivery methods.

 

These malicious programs, which probably started life as playful code have evolved into rather potent tools capable of making even the most advanced IT infrastructure hidden behind hardware firewalls grind to a halt.

 

This is why it is imperative to make sure your antivirus is always up to data because as new viruses are found the antivirus vendors are updating the software to ensure there software can detect this malevolent code.

 

Unfortunately though to really secure your home or business pc from attack and to reduce the vulnerability of your system it is advisable that you also make sure you have other software installed that can detect malware as the effects of this can be as if not more devastating than a simple virus, and can in certain circumstances leave your PC open to hacking or even digital theft and identity theft.

 

If you do keep passwords and sensitive documents on your computer you could always password protect the files using standard functionality that is built into office software.

Voice over IP (internet telephones) have been with us for quite a while now and the challenges of early systems have been left far behind.

What was once an “interesting” technology is now a fully grown communication medium and is being increasingly being adopted by business users giving them massive savings against conventional telephony costs, but this is also an area where private home users can save money too.

Surprisingly however many people are still blissfully unaware of this technology or how it can save them money so here is an useful article explaining some of the pro’s and cons of  VOIP.

VoIP Technology – Pros and Cons

If you are familiar with VoIP, the acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol, then you know that it is one of the latest and greatest ways of communicating. Instead of making a phone call using the telephone, people can now communicate by voice over the Internet. But is VOIP truly all that it is cracked up to be? Lets look at both the pros and cons of VoIP technology.

There are many benefits to VoIP. The only requirement you need is a broadband connection with either DSL or cable. If you have this, you can use VoIP. If you use VoIP through a PC-to-PC connection, then your calls are free anywhere, as long as, the receiver of the call has VoIP also. In addition, most VoIP providers offer unlimited calling plans for calls made within a certain area, for one monthly fee. There would be a nominal charge for calls made outside this area. In all cases, traditional phone service is much costlier. Most providers also offer extra premium services such as caller id, without additional charges.

Another benefit, with the integration of voice and data, is that there is a need for only one system. This makes for easy installation and saves money. An IP address, or number identifies each IP phone, and it is known by this address no matter where it is plugged in. The only thing required would be a broadband connection. This makes for easy moving or addition.

Along the lines of easy transportability, phones can be utilized anywhere as long as they are connected to an IP network. This assists telecommuting and international offices. All of these relate to cost savings. They are also very light and easy to carry.

There doesn’t appear to be any downsides to this new technology or does there? One of the biggest problems with VoIP is that it is run by power. If there is a power outage, your communications are down. This is unlike traditional phone service, where you can still use your phone without the aid of electricity. Refer to VOIP for more information.

There are also problems with dialing emergency 911 numbers. Normally when an emergency call is placed, the call is traced back to the sender and routed to the nearest 911-communication centre in that area. In the case of VoIP, numbers cannot be traced to a location. If you are unable to talk, that 911 call will be useless, as it will not be capable of leading rescuers to your sight.

Voice quality, in general, is efficient, but when you get into cable broadband, high traffic times could result in poorer qualities. Since the data is broken down and transmitted, sometimes a packet of data is delayed and will be dropped. This will result in silent periods.

You may also need to update your phone equipment since VoIP may only work with newer phones. Depending on how many phones you have to replace, this could be an expense.

The fact is that VoIP still has some kinks to work out. It is anticipated that these bugs will be resolved sometime during 2007. They are temporary annoyances, which will be soon be eradicated. As you can see, VoIP’s benefits far outnumber its negatives. From all aspects VoIP is the phone of the future, but the future may very well be here and now. Visit VOIP for further information.

Whilst remote services have there place I don’t feel however that they will ever replace the need for local support as many people feel far more comfortable with face to face contact and lets face it, I can’ believe technology will ever be available to upgrade your hard drive or fit a new graphics card etc.

Sixty four bit computing, has been around since the beginning of computing, but it wasn't in the mainstream consumer marketplace until just a few years ago, while AMD announced AMD64 almost a decade ago. Getting the rest of the market to join up was aided by Intel's own implementation called Intel® 64. From there, you needed an operating system that supported the technology and applications that were compatible to take advantage of it. Before Windows® Vista and OS X 10.6, that was hard to come by. You've probably seen that Windows® 7 comes in 32 and 64-bit version and wondered what the difference is.  Even now, I'm still surprised at how long it's taken to convert everyone over.

Without getting too technical or doing any math, I'll explain the difference and why you should go with it.

In computing architecture, 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the size of data in terms of integers and memory addresses. CPUs and memory simply support 64-bit long values. It's easy to think about it in terms of literal addresses, too. Say you have a phone book, we'll call it a the 32-bit phone book, and the integers are the contact information for people. The 32-bit phone book can list a total of 4 gigabytes (GB) of memory, or over 4 billion integers. So this "32-bit phone book" can hold the names and contact information of all the people on the planet living today. Contrast that with the range of 64-bit addressing, which is over 18 quintillion integers and more memory that you get get right now, and you can say that the "64-bit phone book" would be able to store the names and contact information for all the people that ever were or will be on the planet.

For your computer, this gives you support for more system memory, and that means better multitasking and generally improved performance across the board.

It's quite easy to get a 64-bit system these days. Most every modern computer, application, and operating system is designed around the 64-bit architecture. Due to both availability and price, your average desktop computer system supports between 8 GB and 16 GB memory maximum, with high-performance motherboards, systems, and servers supporting much higher total, but still nowhere near the theoretical limit of the 64-bit range. That's just fine because buying anything near a petabyte (PB) of memory in this day and age would be a poor decision.

There's still plenty of headroom in the 64-bit architecture to last for many years to come, even considering how fast technology advances. 

The obvious benefit to having more memory in your system is that it lets you hold more data in a place that the CPU can access quickly. Your RAM is a much faster resource than the virtual memory that your hard drive uses, in part because of the way the data is stored, on chips, and because of the speed of the interfaces. You may notice when your system is low on available RAM, it begins to chug and hang; that's your hard drive trying to keep up with the speedy demands of the CPU.

I was quite familiar with the warning message in Windows XP, telling me I was out of free memory.  While it's generally seen as the sweet spot amount of RAM to have, having more than 4 GB of memory in a 64-bit operating system can make it easier to manage large multimedia files like high definition videos and is essential for high-resolution 3D gaming. Audio and video recording also become more stable because the RAM provides an ample buffer while the hard drive busily spins away recording your data.

Plus, you can do fun things like open every Tech Tip article in your web browser at the same time!

If you have any questions or comments don't hesitate to drop us a line in our comments section!

In the past twenty years, there has been a dramatic increase in the processing speed of computers, network capacity and the speed of the internet. These advances have paved the way for the revolution of fields such as quantum physics, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology. These advances will have a profound effect on the way we live and work, the virtual reality we see in movies like the Matrix, may actually come true in the next decade or so.

NANOCOMPUTERS

Scientists are trying to use nanotechnology to make very tiny chips, electrical conductors and logic gates. Using nanotechnology, chips can be built up one atom at a time and hence there would be no wastage of space, enabling much smaller devices to be built. Using this technology, logic gates will be composed of just a few atoms and electrical conductors (called nanowires) will be merely an atom thick and a data bit will be represented by the presence or absence of an electron.

A component of nanotechnology, nanocomputing will give rise to four types of nanocomputers:

• Electronic nanocomputers
• Chemical and Biochemical nanocomputers
• Mechanical nanocomputers
• Quantum nanocomputers

Electronic nanocomputers
Eletronic nanocomputers are created through microscopic circuits using nanolithography. [Nanocomputers]

Chemical and Biochemical nanocomputers

The interaction between different chemicals and their structures is used to store and process information in chemical nanocomputers. In order to create a chemical nanocomputer, engineers need to be able to control individual atoms and molecules so that these atoms and molecules can be made to perform controllable calculations and data storage tasks.

Mechanical nanocomputers

A mechanical nanocomputer uses tiny mobile components called nanogears to encode information. Some scientists predict that such mechanical nanocomputers will be used to control nanorobots.

Quantum nanocomputers

A quantum nanocomputer store data in the form of atomic quantum states or spin. Single-electron memory (SEM) and quantum dots are examples of this type of technology.

Humanizing Nanocomputers

Apart from this, scientists aim to use nanotechnology to create nanorobots that will serve as antibodies that can be programmed. This will help to protect humans against pathogenic bacteria and viruses that keep mutating rendering many remedies ineffective against new strains. Nanorobots would overcome this problem by reprogramming selectively to destroy the new pathogens. Nanorobots are predicted to be part of the future of human medicine.

 

 

• SPRAY-ON NANO COMPUTERS

Consider that research is being done at the Ediburgh University to create "spray-on computers the size of a grain of sand” that will transform information technology. The research team aims to achieve this goal within four years.
When these nanocomputers are sprayed on to the chests of coronary patients, the tiny cells record a patient’s health and transmit information back to a hospital computer. This would enable doctors to monitor heart patients who are living at home.

QUANTUM COMPUTERS

A quantum computer uses quantum mechanical phenomena, such as entanglement and superposition to process data. Quantum computation aims to use the quantum properties of particles to represent and structure data. Quantum mechanics is used to understand how to perform operations with this data. The quantum mechanical properties of atoms or nuclei allow these particles to work together as quantum bits, or qubits. These qubits work together to form the computer's processor and memory. Qubits can interact with each other while being isolated from the external environment and this enables them to perform certain calculations much faster than conventional computers.

By computing many different numbers simultaneously and then interfering the results to get a single answer, a quantum computer can perform a large number of operations in parallel and ends up being much more powerful than a digital computer of the same size.
"In the tiny spaces inside atoms, the ordinary rules of reality ... no longer hold. Defying all common sense, a single particle can be in two places at the same time. And so, while a switch in a conventional computer can be either on or off, representing 1 or 0, a quantum switch can paradoxically be in both states at the same time, saying 1 and 0.... Therein lies the source of the power." Whereas three ordinary switches could store any one of eight patterns, three quantum switches can hold all eight at once, taking "a shortcut through time." [Scientific America.com]

Quantum computers could prove to be useful for running simulations of quantum mechanics. This would benefit the fields of physics, chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, biology and medicine because currently, advancement in these fields is limited by the slow speed of quantum mechanical simulations.

Quantum computing is ideal for tasks such as cryptography, modeling and indexing very large databases. Many government and military funding agencies are supporting quantum computing research to develop quantum computers for civilian and national security purposes, such as cryptanalysis.

The term “Artificial Intelligence” was coined in 1956 by John McCarthy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is a branch of computer science that aims to make computers behave like humans. [Artificial Intelligence] Artificial Intelligence includes programming computers to make decisions in real life situations (e.g. some of these “expert systems” help physicians in the diagnosis of diseases based on symptoms), programming computers to understand human languages (natural language), programming computers to play games such as chess and checkers (games playing), programming computers to hear, see and react to other sensory stimuli(robotics) and designing systems that mimic human intelligence by attempting to reproduce the types of physical connections between neurones in the human brain (neural networks).

Natural-language processing would allow ordinary people who don’t have any knowledge of programming languages to interact with computers.

So what does the future of computer technology look like after these developments?

Through nanotechnology, computing devices are becoming progressively smaller and more powerful. Everyday devices with embedded technology and connectivity are becoming a reality. Nanotechnology has led to the creation of increasingly smaller and faster computers that can be embedded into small devices.

This has led to the idea of pervasive computing which aims to integrate software and hardware into all man made and some natural products. It is predicted that almost any items such as clothing, tools, appliances, cars, homes, coffee mugs and the human body will be imbedded with chips that will connect the device to an infinite network of other devices. [Pervasive Computing]
Hence, in the future network technologies will be combined with wireless computing, voice recognition, Internet capability and artificial intelligence with an aim to create an environment where the connectivity of devices is embedded in such a way that the connectivity is not inconvenient or outwardly visible and is always available. In this way, computer technology will saturate almost every facet of our life. What seems like virtual reality at the moment will become the human reality in the future of computer technology.

This section of Tech Tips lists all of our computer hardware related articles. This includes everything from computer parts and peripherals to computer cases, monitors and related products. We hope that you find these computer hardware tips helpful. If you're looking for pc help, pc tips, or pc info, you're at the right place. Computer Geeks wants to give you the information and instructions you need to be an educated consumer. As the Tech Tips archive builds over time, it is our hope that the pc topic you are interested in will be listed. If you have not signed up for the Tech Tips mailing list, don't miss out, sign up today. Enjoy!

One of the greatest frustrations of the computer world is the slow desktop or notebook computer. Whether you’re launching a program, running a bunch of programs at once or just browsing the Internet a slow computer can have a big impact on your overall computing experience. In this week’s Tech Tip we're going to look at some easy upgrades that you or your computer store can do for you.  This Tech Tip is geared toward the Windows crowd (that is – most of you out there) but it can apply to the Apple and Linux crowds too.

Pure and simple, if you increase your computer’s memory, you increase performance.  By computer memory, I am talking about the RAM that your computer has – not the hard drive space. Adding more RAM for your computer is almost always the first step that will give your computer the biggest bang for the buck speed-wise. Surprisingly, this type of upgrade is easier than it sounds and can usually be handled by a novice computer geek.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Find out how much memory you have. You can typically find this information in the specifications that come with the computer.  If you have -Windows Vista or Windows 7 - simply click on “Start” and in the search box type in: "System Information"; then, in the right hand pane, look for the line that says “Installed Physical Memory (RAM)”. If you have Windows XP, right click on "My Computer", and then click on “Properties”.
    
2. Check to see the maximum amount of memory that your computer can take.  For this, I personally just check out the website www.kingston.com. They not only have a vast database, but they also give you handy information like how many memory slots your computer has.  Just enter your computer’s model number (usually on a tag on the computer). Many modern computers will take two gigabytes (2 GB) or four gigabytes (4 GB); however, some newer units are able to take even more. I'd strongly recommend upgrading to the maximum amount of RAM that your system can handle. A caveat is if you are running a 32-bit version of an operating system (OS), your computer can’t handle amounts above 4 GB. Check this chart on crucial.com for more information on the maximum amount of memory your OS can handle.
    
3. Buy the memory and install it yourself, or pay a shop to install it for you.  You can do a Bing search to cross check the part number Kingston.com provides you to find the exact specifications of the type of memory you want to use. Voila!  More memory equals better performance!

Flash memory is cheap, and many of us usually have some old USB flash drives lying around.  Why not put them to good use on your Windows Vista or Windows 7 system by using them as a "ReadyBoost " cache for your computer?  Simply plug-in the flash drive, and a window pops up asking you if you want to use the memory for ReadyBoost.  It is an inexpensive and easy thing to do to get more out of your PC. A bonus with Windows 7 is that it can take more than one memory module.  If you want to "keep it out of sight", use a secure digital card (or similar) flash memory card in your card reader. This type of upgrade is fast and easy.

Even with hardware upgrades like we discussed above, your PC’s performance sinks fast if it is plagued with malware.  A lot of the off-the-shelf PC’s will give you a trial program, but I like free things myself.  One free suite that recently became available is "Security Essentials" from Microsoft.  Unfortunately it isn't bundled with Windows, but it is just a click away. Really, if you look around, you'll find that there are many companies that offer free malware protection. If you are partial to some of the paid suites, by all means give them a go also. Remember to keep those payments current, because you need to be sure to keep it up-to-date.ies

Running a quick and easy program, such as the free CCleaner from Piriform, can help clean out old files from Windows as well as internet browsers that love to hang around “gunking up the works”.  Best of all, it can do it in one fell swoop – there is no need to clear them out one program at a time.

5.1) Upgrading the CPU. Not for the novice but this is relatively easy to do on a desktop. However, it is not always easy to track down exactly "what" will work on your particular computer.

5.2) Upgrading the hard drive.  Installing an SLC based Solid State Drive (SSD) will help with drive access times, and it is something that an intermediate geek can handle.

5.3) Upgrading the video card. "Regular" type programs wouldn't benefit much (web browsing, e-mail, business programs) from this type of upgrade; however gamers need a better video card for a better gaming experience.  This type of upgrade can usually be handled by an intermediate geek.

More RAM = better performance.
Adding ReadyBoost = better performance. 
Keeping malware off your PC = better performance.
Keeping the gunk cleared off = better performance.
Better performance = one happy user!

The third revision to the Serial ATA storage standard, known as Serial ATA 6Gb/s, was ratified a year ago and an increasing number of devices are coming to market that make use of the new technology.

In this Tech Tip I'll go over what you need to know to decide when the right time is for you to upgrade.

It turns out that what's in a name is understanding. A rose by any other name could be just as sweet, but how would you know how fast it is compared to other roses? There was some confusion regarding how to officially refer to the previous two standards. You would see SATA I and SATA II as well as Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s and Serial ATS 3Gb/s used interchangeably. Naturally, with this third revision to the specification coming out, it was important for the Serial ATA International Organization (SATA IO) to get the correct terms out there. First and foremost, the Roman numeral representations of the standards are incorrect, especially SATA II, as this is the old name for the organization that created the standard. Additionally, using that nomenclature the new standard would be called SATA III and would be spoken as, "S-A-T-A Three," which can easily be confused as SATA 3Gb/s. So, while it is a mouthful, the Serial ATA IO prefers you say the entire transfer rate of the standard to avoid any confusion.

The biggest and most obvious improvement in the third generation of the interface is the 6.0 Gb/s transfer rate, which translates to 768 megabytes per second, about as much data on a CD-ROM. With protocol overhead, you're likely to see real-world transfer speeds of roughly 600 megabytes per second. The new standard calls for twice the throughput as the second generation and is geared toward streaming high-definition content and high-capacity flash memory devices like solid state drives. To aid in this task a streaming command was added to the Native Command Queuing technology already utilized in existing Serial ATA drives. Native Command Queuing, simply known as NCQ, is the method Serial ATA drives use to organize read and write requests efficiently. Now, with the streaming command as well as NCQ Management for optimized performance, the third generation stands to provide noticeable improvements in operation, with the biggest improvements seen in SSDs (Solid State Drives). Serial ATA 6Gb/s is also compatible with the previous generation, Serial ATA 3Gb/s, unfortunately, it's not compatible with the first generation standard, Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s.

The two ways to get this new technology remain the same as with most I/O technologies, you can install an add-on card or buy a motherboard with it already integrated. There are a number of affordable PCI Express add-on cards, even some with SuperSpeed USB 3.0, too, but you'll need to be PCI Express 2.0 compliant to enjoy the best performance on existing hardware. Buying a motherboard with integrated Serial ATA 6Gb/s is the other option available, but there are only a handful of boards and devices in the market right now. It is likely to remain this way until Intel releases it as an integrated solution in their desktop boards in Q1 of 2011. Until then, widespread adoption is unlikely and you will see the slow trickle of SATA 6Gb/s devices, add-on cards, and motherboards continue. Soon after you'll be able to purchase it in fully-built systems from OEM manufacturers like HP, Gateway, Dell, and the like. Who knows? Maybe the next generation of Macbooks will have it, too!

As of now, the only people that are going to see instant performance increases are going to be Solid State Drive users. This will change as Serial ATA hard disks are released with the new interface, but will only see a slight gain in performance. However, Solid State Drive prices are dropping all the time, so if it's within your budget, the next time you buy a notebook or system, look for SSDs and Serial ATA 6Gb/s, as well as SuperSpeed USB 3.0. With new these technologies, you'll be on the cutting edge leaving behind the simpler days when you were staring at progress and loading bars.

Let’s start off with some rhetorical questions. How often do you proactively and manually do a virus scan on your system when you check your email? Do you use Photoshop for more than just editing out red-eye (or at all)? When was the last time you multi-tasked with lots of programs? (More than just running FireFox, iTunes and Microsoft Word simultaneously) While most mainstream computers today have multi-core processors that can juggle several tasks, it can get confusing about how much processing power is really required for simple everyday applications. This article will discuss how multi-core CPUs relate to everyday real life computing needs.

Regarding the concept of multiple CPUs, Intel introduced this technology with its Pentium 4 processor. Even though there was only 1 physical CPU, Hyper-Threading fooled Windows XP by indicating there are 2 (virtual) CPUs running which helped a little with multi-tasking. Currently, chip makers such as Intel and AMD engineer their CPUs to have 1, 2, 3 and even 4 processors on a single chip package. The good news is that Windows 7 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard have the ability to utilize all available processors to make the operating system run smoother.

Despite its advantages, the biggest issue with multi-core processors is the fact there aren’t many software programs for the average-joe PC user that take advantage of multiple CPUs. For software makers, it’s very labor-intensive to code software to utilize more than one CPU.

In the last 10 years, we have seen many advances in CPU technologies that range from Intel’s SpeedStep which lowers CPU speed to save laptop battery life to AMD’s innovative integrated memory controller which increases performance. Still, one thing that hasn’t really changed is the majority of PC users still use their computer for checking email, listening to music and running Microsoft Office.

Which brings us to the question, “how many CPUs do I really need?”

To answer this question, let us examine commonly used software program CPU requirements:

• Windows XP – 233 Mhz Pentium CPU or higher
• Windows Vista – 1Ghz 32-bit or 64-bit CPU or higher
• Windows 7 – 1 Ghz 32-bit or 64-bit CPU or higher
• Mac OS X Snow Leopard – Intel CPU
• Office 2007 – 500 Mhz CPU or higher
• FireFox – 233 Mhz CPU or higher
• Adobe CS4 – 1.8Ghz CPU or higher
• iTunes – 1Ghz CPU or higher

From this list, we can see that many of the programs used every day require about a 1Ghz CPU to run smoothly. Most modern CPUs, regardless of performance class, run at least 1.5 times or twice these required speeds regardless of performance class. For the average PC user who routinely uses a computer for checking email with multiple browser tabs, writing school papers on MS Word, and playing music on iTunes, a Dual-Core CPU is plenty fast enough for these tasks.

Below are examples of lower-end CPUs which have plenty of power for basic computing needs:

• Intel Pentium Dual-Core (budget)
• AMD Athlon X2 TK-XX (budget)
• Intel Core 2 Duo (mainstream)
• Intel Core i3 (high performance)

If you’re a moderate enthusiast who enjoys casual gaming and/or does lots of research for school or work and needs more horsepower, consider the following:

• AMD Phenom X3 710 (mainstream triple-core)
• AMD Phenom X4 630 (budget quad-core)
• Intel Core i5 (mainstream/high performance dual-core)
• Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 (high performance quad-core)

PC games released now are being written to utilize multiple cores which help make AI (artificial intelligence) more challenging for the gamer.

For hardcore gamers who demand the most for the best graphical output or for multimedia professionals who need the computing muscle for Adobe CS4, the following are recommended:

• Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 (high performance quad-core)
• Intel Core i7 (high performance quad-core)

Programs like Adobe CS4 can actually utilize all available cores, thus making whatever resource-intensive task such as image rendering take less time.

Since dual-core CPUs have become virtually mainstream, chip makers have bridged the gap between these and their high-performance quad-core counterparts. One trend is to disable 1 or 2 CPUs during manufacturing and offer it at a lower price. Thus, AMD’s Phenom X3 is actually a Phenom X4 quad-core with one CPU disabled. AMD can market this chip as a middle-of-the-road between budget and high performance. Intel has considered this approach and is releasing their Core i7 (code-named Gulftown) 6-core CPU.

Another trend that Intel has introduced is the return of Hyper-Threading. As in the Pentium 4 processor, Hyper-Threading is inside all Core i3, i5 and i7 CPUs. So, for example, a computer will recognize a Core i7 as having 8 processors even though there are only 4 physical CPUs on the chip. In addition, Intel is adding Hyper-Threading to their low-power Atom CPU which is designed for netbooks. Starting with the N280 chip, the Intel Atom netbook can now mimic a multi-core computer while maintaining its tiny footprint and minimal power consumption.

If you’re in the market to purchase a new PC, keep in mind the reasons for your purchase. For example, if the salesperson is urging you to buy a fully-loaded $800 quad-core CPU desktop or laptop computer and you specifically told him it’s only for web research, email and watching YouTube videos, a $450 dual-core CPU system makes more sense.

Optical disc drives, you know CD-ROM type drives, are pretty much on all computers these days (except maybe netbooks - - where you may need to buy an external optical drive) . While this drive is extremely useful, some very common some questions still arise about them. In this Tech Tip we’ll be providing a refresh look at optical drives as well as looking at common failures and replacement strategies.

OK, to start off, optical drives have come a long way (baby). As most of our readers know, they progressed from the read-only days of the CD-ROM, through the burner days with CD-R, the rewritable days of CD-RW and then the DVD came along. From there you had read-only DVD-ROMs, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, DVD-RW. DVD+RW, DVD±RW, DVD±RW DL, blue-ray, yada, yada, yada!

The important thing to know is that the drives are pretty much backwards compatible, so if you get a DVD±RW DL it can pretty much read and write to the formats before it (for example, a DVD±RW DL can read a CD-ROM disc, burn to a CD-RW disc, etc.).

All that alphabet soup of letters can be confusing, but all you need to know are the three basic (currently used) optical formats: CD, DVD, BLU-RAY (also called BD). Each of these formats have a read-only mode (-ROM), a write only (recordable) mode (-R or +R) and a read-write (re-recordable) mode (-RW, +RW, -RAM or –RE). The DL tacked onto the end of the alphabet soup means that the drive is a Double Layer drive (it can read or write to 8.5 GB double layer discs).

Optical drives are also commonly advertised by their speed, represented by a number of how much “faster” the drive is than the original single speed spec. Thus, a CD-R drive that rates at 52x speed writes faster than a 32x drive (in theory – like many other things that run through marketers' hands, these numbers are sometimes foot-loose and fancy free, in that 52x speed may be the most inside track of a drive while the outer track actually records at a slower speed). Also, note that the original single speeds of CD, DVD and Blu-Ray discs are actually different, and that those multiplier numbers are meant for comparing to the single speed number within that category. Basically, all you need to know is that, pretty much, the larger the number, the faster the drive.  Drives these days also come with two basic loading mechanisms, slot loaded and tray loaded (by far the more popular); two different interfaces (SATA and PATA (also called IDE or ATA); and two form factors, 5.25-inch desktop and 5.25” slimline (laptop and mini-desktop) sizes. Optical drives can also incorporate cool extra features such as LightScribe disc labeling technology as well.

If you bought a prebuilt system, then you usually have the software installed to use all these cool features, though maybe not to its full capability. Many times vendors may incorporate very basic software that gets the job done, whether its writing to a disc or watching a movie – but that’s about it. There are several very good software packages available, usually packaged as suites, that can enhance your experience using a optical drive, and many of them even have trial versions to take them for a test drive. Some of the more popular ones are Nero’s software package, Roxio’s software suite, Alcohol Software’s 120% program as well as many others.

By far, the most common failure is that the drive can no longer read a disc. It may be intermittent (sometimes reads, sometimes doesn’t or it may read CD discs and not DVD discs (or vice-versa). If the drive does this, the first thing to do is to make sure that the drive is compatible with the disc you are trying to read (after all, a DVD drive will not read a Blu-Ray disc but again, because of backwards compatibility, a Blu-Ray player will usually read a DVD disc). Next, you can try cleaning the disc itself (from the inside out, not in circles) with a clean, soft cloth and disc cleaner. If this doesn’t correct the issue you can try to clean the drive lens (either with a cleaner disc or denatured alcohol and a cotton swab). Admittedly these are stop gap measures, because truthfully this is usually a sign of a failing drive.

Another common failure is that the drive will refuse to eject either via the button or the software eject command. When this happens, try rebooting the computer (rebooting cures a number of ills), or ejecting the disc manually (if you see a small hole in the drive's bezel you can use a handy, dandy drive ejection tool also known as an unbent paper-clip). If the drive still does not eject then it is more than likely a failed drive (in which case, pull any discs in the drive before replacing it - admittedly, retrieving discs from a slot loaded drive can be more daunting than pulling them from a tray loaded drive – sometimes it actually requires a drive's disassembly). In case of a failed drive, the best bet is to replace the drive entirely.

Replacing an optical disc drive is a pretty straightforward process – you pull the old drive and put in the new drive, and if this is not covered under warranty, you can do it yourself. Manufacturers  complicate this process. The first thing to know is that both slimline and desktop drives have the same form-factor, however manufacturers may do some interesting things with the bezels. For example, a desktop computer may have a drop-down door in front of the drive, and if you buy a replacement drive, you’ll need one whose eject button lines up with where that door thinks the eject button should be. Desktop drives are secured either by four screws (two on either side of the drive) or drive rails. While optical drives DO NOT need any special drivers, if you are upgrading to a DVD or Blu-Ray drive, you may want to get a drive that includes player software to watch movies (also be sure to watch the system requirements for these drives). Another thing to look for is to be sure that you are replacing the drive with the same data interface SATA or PATA (if it is a PATA drive, set the new drives master/slave -abbreviated M/S or MA/SL- back jumper to match what the old drive was set to).

Slimline drives also can have the added aggravation of the bezels not matching with the replacement drive. Thus, unlike a desktop drive, the best bet with slimline drives is to find an exact replacement (these drives will typically have manufacturer part numbers on the top of the drives). Slimline drives also sometimes saddle a cradle around the drive – simply remove it from the old drive and screw it onto the new drive. These drives are either held in the computer with a couple of screws or a quick release mechanism. Again, make sure to watch the interface (SATA vs. PATA). Of course, if all else fails call a tech or a computer geek computer savvy friend.

Optical drives make up one part of the wonderful machine that is your computer. While the drive itself may be confusing at first and the thought of possibly replacing it daunting, with a little know-how you’ll find yourself an optical drive expert in no time.

 

 

 

 

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