Computer Related Articles

Malware is a definite part of safe computing. These nasty little computer programs can damage your computer to the point of needing to completely reformat the operating system. They can also grow and hide within a computer system until it is too late causing even further damage. This is why many organizations, such as Symantec, a prominent anti-virus program manufacturer, as well as other well-known security software manufacturers, have put together some simple “rules of the road” for safe computing.

Some of these rules are common sense, however they go mostly unheeded which is why these anti-virus and anti-malware programs exist in the first place; if everyone knew and followed safe computing practices then there would be no need for so much protection. As it is now, users seem to click on every blinking light that dances across the Internet, so with that in mind the security industry rests easy in knowing its bottom line is safe at least for now.

Attachments: Email attachments have been a sore spot for computer users for many decades. Even the fabled “uninfectable” and “virus-free” Apple Mac computers have come across an attachment or email virus now and again, the most recent is the DNS Changer virus. These viruses can cause some hideous destruction just by opening them.

The best bet would be to allow your anti-virus program to scan any attachments that come into your email, even if you think you know where it came from. This is a best practice tip because email addresses are easily spoofed so the email you thought was from your grandmother could actually be a hacker trying to get to your personal and private information. If your anti-virus scanner does not scan your email, then it is time to look for a good one that does.

Free Download Websites: Another sore spot for computer users are downloads from media websites. Anything that looks too good to be true usually is, right? Than why would you think the full “free’ download of your favorite, “not yet out on DVD” series would be any different?

Many malicious bugs tend to hide within these purported “free” downloads, hoping someone will stumble on them, download them, and even open them without checking for viruses or other nasty hangers on, and this is how a great deal of computers becomes infected. Any time you download anything from an unknown site, you are taking a risk. Is your entire computer and its contents worth seeing the series a few days ahead of other people? Again, if your anti-virus program does not scan for download viruses, then it is time for one that does.

The Solution

Many free anti-virus and anti-malware programs are available that are just as good as the commercial versions. The best tips to take away is to find a good anti-malware and anti-virus program that scans for every malicious problem, install them and keep them updated. You would be amazed at how many people’s computers become infected because they neglected to update their virus scanner. Don’t be the next one.

Author Bio: Bob T. Wilson is the technology writer at velocity guide, a site dedicated to keeping its readers informed of the constant advances in mobile computing technology and Broadband Internet.

Of the top ten security threats for 2011, some of them would make even the well informed and technical minded weak in the knees. Already this year, the number one threat has been identified. For the first time in the history of the Internet, hackers can buy a registered copy of a sophisticated “Malware kit” for $99.00, but more on this threat below. In no particular order, these are the other nine top security threats for 2011:

The Malware Toolkit: This Malware Kit includes all the needed tools to create and update malware as well as take control of a host computer, in addition to e-mail support and product updates. Why is this such as threat? Because no coding skills are needed; users simply need to master the clickable program options and they are presented with a Linux-based web exploit using the latest Botnet technology, ready to deploy.

Interested hackers can purchase the entire package for $99.00, or even less. Some of the lower priced Malware and Botnet kits cost about $40 or $50 dollars and the higher end packages cost upwards of $4000. These come with full technical support, customer service, and even installation and configuration services as well as cloud support. With the number of Internet connected devices on track to hit 6 billion by 2015, the malicious hackers that buy these toolkits will act like the next wave in disease evolution.

Cyber Criminal Communications: The dark vision of a malware toolkit means that more and more cyber-criminals will be communing with one another, working together and doing so dynamically and anonymously over social networks.

Smartphones: The spread of smartphone devices is viral, the more smartphones that are made, the more the market demands the devices be made. The next big thing in cyber-crime will happen on smartphones, like the virus that was crafted for the iPhone or someone making a virus to take over a corporate network, using employee smartphones to do it.

Distributed Denial Of Service (DDOS) attacks: Advanced technology will allow attackers to kill a server or website without the brute force tactics of the past. Smaller Botnets (like from a $50 kit) using this advanced technology will use pinpoint attacks against certain applications or services alowing them to kill the target quietly, users might not even realize the sites been attacked.

Social Networking: One of the world’s most well-known cyber-criminals, Kevin Mitnik, worked mostly on the phone with secretaries or sales people and termed his work “social hacking.” LinkedIn is a social networking site that is business by nature; imagine the damage wrought by ambitious high school kids networking information out of unsuspecting “potential employees.” This brings us to…

Click-Jacking and Cross-site Scripting: These are a few of the latest in hijacking methods and like “Like-Jacking,” they are targeted to social networks like LinkedIn. With hackers working as teams, they could have someone on the inside, target a web hosting company, and gain access to all the customers’ websites, client data, and financial data.

Attacks on Mobile Devices and Wireless Networks: The future is mobile; billions of Wi-Fi network access points are just waiting for a well-crafted Botnet from the latest cyber criminal kit to come along and give an anonymous face in the crowd the ability to exploit thousands of mobile devices in a train station.

Phishing attacks from “trusted” third parties: Let us imagine that you and most of your colleagues use an offsite support contractor. The contractor’s support system is cracked and a Phishing attack goes out without their knowledge. The bank you work for is now under the control of a cyber-criminal. You had no way to know that the support ticket response was loaded, and neither did the bank’s support staff.

Data Exfiltration: This is the process of stealing data; rather than use brute force attacks to blow the wall of the data warehouse, the attacker uses more sophisticated means, such as logging on as a company employee to the company’s internal network and exploiting the opening. Security would see only the employee checking email and opening a document, but moments later, the company’s banking data is gone.

Hardware level cell phone attacks: There are more “old-fashioned” cell phones than smartphones in use and new exploits have been developed that attack the phone itself, rather than the OS or user level. Have you ever received a text message that “upgraded” your phone? Do you know where it came from? Millions of phones could be compromised, which allows them to be used in many really disturbing ways-all without the owner’s knowledge.

What if a company server has an account with a cloud computing service online? Taking that into consideration, what would happen to the company’s infrastructure if an inside employee is working with an outside group to take control of the cloud? What would happen to your job or your personal bank account? That data would be exposed and there is nothing anyone can do about it.

An overall large part of the many cyber threats above all contain one similarity; the insider. The insider is an increasingly dangerous weakness. Larger-scale and more sophisticated company networking infrastructures and less secure employee access makes it easy for cyber-criminals to find and recruit insiders to wreak havoc in one of the above ten ways.

Author Bio: Bob T. Wilson is the technology writer at velocity guide, a site dedicated to keeping its readers informed of the constant advances in mobile computing technology and Internet Service .

In this day and age, it is hard to deny the influence of technology in our lives. We live in an era where pretty much is automated and computerized. And amidst all the technological advancement that humankind has achieved, one important device has been created that will only sure to become more relevant to our lives as technology progresses, the computer. No one can deny that computers are now an essential part of our lives, the same way a cell phone and television does. It is safe to say that in this day and age, having no computer would be an inconvenience. Which is why it is important that we know the how our computer works so that we would be aware of the things that we should do in case it stops working. The hardware of the computer is considered to be the most important because without it, it will simply not work.

Simply put if you know how to handle the hardware of a computer and know each of their function for the unit, then you can easily determine what the problem is in case the unit stops functioning. In order to be familiar with basic computer troubleshooting, then you also need to be familiar with computer hardware. A good example of this is the memory of the computer (RAM). All programs and applications that are ran in a computer needs memory. Without RAM it simply won’t function. Aside from that, even if you have a RAM but it does have the specifications to keep up with the programs that are being ran, then the operation would be slowed down to a crawl. So when it comes to computer hardware, you have to make sure that it is not obsolete, so you need to upgrade depending on what sort of program that you are usually using.

When handling computer hardware, you have to keep in mind some safety measures so you can manipulate the unit safely. Before opening any computer cases, you have to make sure that the unit is unplugged or you might risk electrocution or shocks. While checking your hardware components, always check for damaged parts because that is most likely the one that is causing problems. When inserting components and parts, you have to remember that if it doesn’t fit, then most likely you are inserting it on the wrong slot. If it does not fit, then do not force it or you will risk breaking the component. Before touching any parts inside the unit, make sure that you discharge yourself first by through a grounded metal object or you can use an anti-static wrist strap or mat which is sold in stores for cheap.

By knowing and analyzing every computer hardware part you will know about its importance and if it ever breaks down then you can perform the proper troubleshooting steps. Every hardware component is important for the computer’s operation. The performance of your computer largely depends on how good your hardware is, so be sure that they are always in good working condition.

Author Bio: Wanda Kane Walker enjoys writing for Expresssafety.com.au which sells BMP71 and Spill kits as well as a host of additional products.

Computer repair and related devices save money over tossing out the computer and buying a new one. The average computer is around six months old when a new model makes the current one obsolete. Although some computer owners simply suffer along with a less than optimum computer or purchase a new one; others opt for the repair and upgrade option.

New computers are expensive. Just as important they hold valuable information and may be an integral part of business or entertainment for the owner. If a computer breaks down after a year of use and is not covered by a warranty, repairing the old machine can save plenty of money.

Desirable features are released all the time with newer model laptops and desktops. That is no accident; new features mean more new buyers for the manufacturer. However, if the only difference between the old family computer and the brand new one in the store is the two thousand dollar price tag, the much larger hard drive and a web cam then upgrading the old one can be most cost effective.

What is top of the line in hardware today may be obsolete tomorrow because technology is improving daily. A hard drive manufactured three years ago and situated in a perfectly functioning older model laptop may simply not hold enough data. Rather than tossing the laptop and investing in a new device some owners are saving money by having the hardware upgraded.

Sometimes it is not obsolescence that causes a computing device to be unsatisfactory. Increasing demands on the machine can lead to dissatisfaction with the machine’s performance. A computing device with 1 GB of memory may be fine for a while but eventually it may begin to seem slow. If that happens and the machine is otherwise fine, upgrading the memory is a solution.

Viruses and malware can lead some laptop and desktop owners to suspect their machines are inadequate or breaking down. A machine that takes ten minutes to boot up because it is loading five different desktop advertisements and a host of browser toolbars may seem as if it were wearing out but in fact be suffering from malware overload. Some repair shops specialize in removing an overgrowth of advertisement bearing spyware, malware and browser additions. Having the machine checked professionally can avoid a lot of unnecessary frustration as well as expense.

Additions to the older computing devices can enhance the user’s experience and satisfaction with their machine. A brand new machine may be unnecessary if the problem can be resolved by installing a larger hard drive, more RAM or a few more USB ports. These related devices enhance the usability of many old and new machines.

Before deciding to get rid of the old machine it is sometimes a good idea to check with a computer repair specialist. These trained professionals can diagnose problems in performance and perform upgrades and additions to a wide variety of machines. A new laptop of desktop machine may be unnecessary if repair or upgrades can solve the issue.

Author Bio: Specializing in Laptop repair in Hamilton, wireless network installation and on-site computer repair services in Toronto and Laptop repair in Montreal.

Our world has become more inclined into technology compared to the last few years. Large companies have developed several gadgets such as cell phones, laptop computers, camera and more products that offers its clients new and modified feature that they would surely love. The main purpose of this advancement is to better the quality of life for us humans. With the proper use of our technology today, surely we can create great solutions for both of our simple and complex problems.

Looking back in the past times, almost all the activities in our everyday living were done manually, which makes us exert more effort and would tend to be very tiring and time consuming. Others have to go to the riverside carrying with them heavy loads of dirty clothes to wash over them. Today, the task is much easier to do with the help of washing machines. Another example of this is letter writing. Letter writing serves as the primary means of communication for the past years. We must wait for many days for the very slow response we received from our pen pals. It is very hard for us and our loved ones to be apart with each other. However, this complex problem has now taken its solution. You can actually send your message and even talk to the person when they are on the other side of the globe. This is made possible using the Internet and cellular phones. Mobile phones and computers nowadays have made its way in bringing a faster, accessible and easier mode of communicating. With only one click of the key pads, messages are sent right away in just a nick of time. These are then two of the many examples that would somehow testify that indeed technology has paved its way to great innovations over time.

Stress is a big problem to us humans. Not all of us are good in relieving stress. Well, in fact, many of the humans don’t know how to manage it appropriately, which could lead them to illness and even death. One of the most sought methods in relieving stress is the use of a massage. A massage is a very good medium in relieving someone’s stress, but not all people can afford a private massage therapist to go into our homes and work there. Sometimes the distance is too far that instead of relieving it, you are actually gaining some because of the long travel. Thanks to our great inventors today, they have devices and gadgets, which can help us relieve our everyday stress without going anywhere. Device called a massage chair can ease our need for comfort. You can find massage chairs for sale in any of your local stores or online. If you want to know more about this product, there is a lot of massage chair review that you can find in the Internet and try to learn and see the pros and cons of that certain product before deciding to buy it.

We are blessed because we are born with this kind of technology in our hands. However, we also bear the weight of taking good care and use it appropriately. This technology aims to develop and enhance the human experience. Use them wisely and do not utilize it for evil purposes that can harm any human, just as what many deceitful people in our world.

Author Bio: Marion Mccants enjoys writing about massage chair review and massage chairs for sale as well as related products.

Before getting down to know what the advantages of using a tablet PC, I believe that is good to know what criterion will define a tablet PC is. They are portable computing devices with a touch screen, which will be the primary mode of data input, otherwise will hold all of the features of a net book and laptop. Coming back to the topic in discussion, listed below are the various advantages of using the tablet PC:

1. Take Away Computers:

Tablet PCs are small like the laptops, or to be more precise like the netbooks, in fact, much smaller than netbooks as is without keyboards, that they are easy to carry wherever required. They also weigh less and occupy less space like netbooks making them to travel with you with a pen.

2. No Keyboard and Uses a Pen:

Tablet PCs do not come with a keyboard, and rather comes with an in-built fully functional keypad. They also use handwriting recognition technology, wherein you can write using a pen. These two features makes this compatible for efficient use during meetings, seminars, presentations and conferences, to take notes depending on your choice of mode of entry, whichever is swifter for you to use. Taking notes using these tablet PCs are much easier. In addition, you can easily interact with confidence to the forum members with no hassles of your hiding face to other members in the discussion.

3. Another Version Of A Personal Computer:

These days tablet PCs, which are better considered as hybrids of smartphones and personal computers/laptops, has almost all of the features that a personal computer and laptop, and specifications of the mobile phones like the design and features like video calling over 3G and 4G connections in addition, to touchscreen. Therefore, you can cut on the investment on your mobile phone and is much light in weight than the netbooks.

4. A Sophisticated Handwriting Technology:

A sophisticated handwriting technology allows the use of recognizing your handwriting styles and fonts and responds the data input using a digital ink technology. This reduces the difficulty of typing on the keypad and makes note taking easier by directly writing to your tablet PC. Nevertheless, using this technology by annotating the mark-up into all of the Microsoft Applications, including MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint and MS Word, and your popular email service providers to personalize your emails and presentations. In addition, there is an entire Office XP pack for tablet PC offering enhanced pen-based computing and mobility functionality.

5. Advanced Voice Technology:

Sometimes commanding you computer to do a job while you are away at some work, makes life better and easier than writing or typing a number of instructions for a program to function on its own. This option of recording voice commands using Linked Audio technology has made it possible of the weird and wild imaginations of science fictions to come to life.

Using ink and keypad commands are something of a reality of science fiction that allows completing your work with a voice instruction, which is recorded and converted into a command that is easily understandable by the necessary programs.

Nevertheless, you get your voice command to dictate you texts like your own personal assistant.

6. Versatile Design And Software Applications:

Tablet PC are thin, small and less in weight providing a flat working surface. Many a times because of their hardware technology that you are reminded of your kindergarten schooling, where you use a slate and this appears like one of those that some of the brands come with a nametag, ‘Slate’.

There are a number of softwares and applications that are used packed with many advanced technological innovations of Windows XP and higher versions. The cutting-edge and innovative technological innovations makes Tablet PC much more are and intuitive.

Author Bio: Do not forget to read some of the best articles like chrome addons and paypal login . There are many other useful posts in the main domain.

Do you use a computer on a regular basis? For any person that does, it is smart for you to learn about the basic parts of a computer.

The following are the basic computer parts that you need to be informed of now.

1. Central processing unit – This is also known as the CPU. The CPU is known to be the brain for any computer. All of the operations on a computer are performed by the CPU, along with all of the computing tasks.

In basic terms, this is the part of the computer that interprets and executes all instructions of the applications on the computer.

2. Memory – This is the parts of your computer that stores information for a temporary basis or a permanent basis, depending on what instructions you give the computer. The temporary information is stored in RAM and the permanent information will be stored in ROM devices.

3. Random Access Memory – It is also referred to as RAM and this is where the computer is going to store any file that is temporary. The one thing that you have to realize is that the information that is stored temporarily will be lost once the power supply has been stopped.

4. Read only memory or ROM – Used for permanently storing data on a computer, but it is only readable data, which means not new data can be added to it.

5. Motherboard – This is the main circuit board that has the complete components for a computer system.

6. Hard drive – This is the storage unit where most computer information is stored.

7. CD/DVD drive – This is the part of the computer that is able to read data stored on a CD/DVD.

8. Graphic card – This is what converts digital information into visual information utilizing devices like the monitor.

9. Sound card – In order for a computer to produce sound that you can heard it needs a card that will carry the audio signal to your speakers.

10. Power unit – This is what provides the computer with the necessary power it requires to run.

11. Monitor – This is the large screen that you look at every time you get on the computer.

12. Keyboard – This is how you communicate with the computer to get it to do what your require of it.

13. Mouse – This is the pointing device that you use to navigate on the computer.

Now that you know all of these basic parts of a computer, you have a much better understanding of how your computer operates to let you use it effectively. Just be sure you keep this information in mind so that when someone mentions one of the parts of a computer you will know what they are talking about.

By Paul Malcolm

A tablet is a wireless and portable computing device. When operating the tablet, users will interact with the fingers or with a digital pen or stylus on a touchscreen. Tablets have been around since the late 1980′s and have undergone many changes since they first emerged on the computer market.

The Tablet PC was first designed by Microsoft and was mainly targeted at businesses. However, it was Apple and its iPad that played the key role in moving the Tablet PC to the consumer market. In the 1980′s, many technology companies began to enter the tablet market. The tablet operating systems back then were PenPoint OS by GO Corporation, Apple’s Newton, and Windows for Pen Computing by Microsoft, and similar systems. The early tablets were fairly costly to manufacture and quite bulky. They also had quite limited performance, functionality, storage capacity, and memory.

Today’s tablets have greatly evolved from the early tablets. They have more speed, memory, and all sorts of functionality. The typical operating systems are Android varieties, Apple OSX, HP webOS, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Pro, iOS 4, Blackberry OS, etc. As well, there are huge numbers of apps for everyone and you will find apps on just about any topic whether it is finance, social media, entertainment, shopping, and more. They also offer apps for business professionals and students. The tablets on the market today come with many unique features and technologies. They are much lighter and thinner than the earlier tablets. The performance is also much better as you can get a tablet with quad-core chips. You can also acquire tablets that are 12 core for intensive graphics representation. The tablet operating systems are much improved as you can get now get tablets carrying the Ice Cream Sandwich. There is also longer battery life and they can vary from five to ten hours. In addition, there are various screen sizes available that vary from 7″ to 12.”

There are a number of features in the new tablets that had not been developed in the tablet’s earlier days. Such features can include: built-in eReader GPS, multitasking capability, camera, music player, video chat, and attachable keyboard and docking. There is also 32GB and 64GB internal storage available and you can get 1 GB RAM or more. As well, unlike the earlier tablets, some of the new tablets today feature a built-in stand to keep the device up for better viewing, and a digital pen for better navigation.

Today’s tablets provide more mobility for the user and have come a long way since the 1980s. They can now be used to suit anyone’s needs, including students, business professionals, as well as personal use such as social networking, gaming, and entertainment use. If you looking for a new tablet, one of the best sources for searching and comparing different tablets is at an online computer retailer’s site. There are a variety of tablets available online allowing you to easily search, compare, and buy the best tablet that fits your particular mobile computing needs.

Looking for the next generation Android tablet or Windows tablets? Then check out the latest tablet computers and find out what tablet PC is best suited for your needs.

Samsung toner cartridges have set a new standard in printing technologies that offers the finest precision in terms of quality. Despite intense competition from new brands that have emerged over the years, Samsung has been able to establish a strong brand that makes it a preferred option amongst consumers. Samsung is the go-to brand for those looking for an efficient home or office printing solution.

Before going out to buy a toner cartridge, the buyer must understand the difference between toner cartridges versus ink or laser cartridges. Toner cartridges use electrically charged powder that is made up of pigments and plastic components that are melted and then printed onto the paper without any leaking whatsoever. The fact that the pigment does not bleed on paper make it a better choice than other types of cartridges.

The best part about Samsung cartridges is the fact that each are designed to suit a given model in terms of design and function. The basic categories of Samsung toner cartridges are divided into two: OEM and compatible cartridges. Each type is different on a variety of factors, something of which a buyer must take the time to learn to ensure that s/he has made an economical and smart decision.

OEM cartridges, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, is (as the name implies) a type of cartridge that is of the same brand as the original printer wherein the cartridge is to be used for. On the other hand, compatible cartridges are made by a third-party company that utilizes compatible parts as the original printer that guarantees it will function smoothly. Many industry experts believe that the compatible cartridges have reproduced the printing results of the OEM version and are therefore a good value. But which is the better option of the two?

Buying OEM Samsung toner cartridges guarantee high precision printing that is based on the same technologies used on the printer. This is why manufacturers recommend that you buy the same branded cartridge for the printer to preserve the quality of the prints. However, this comes at a huge cost. Prices for OEM cartridges start from as low as $75 to as high as $300.

There are several noticeable differences between compatible Samsung toner cartridges with the OEM type, aside from the fact that the former is manufactured by a third-party company. The cost is the most obvious benefit for buying this type of cartridge since consumers can get them at an affordable price.

Aside from the low cost of compatible cartridges, they have also been able to recreate the same technologies that guarantee high quality results. Third-party manufacturers have taken to great strides to avoid breaching any patent without sacrificing the ability to offer superior quality prints.

One must take into account two factors when determining which type of Samsung toner cartridges to buy – cost and quality. Hence, compatible cartridges have an edge over OEM cartridges as it combines high quality printing technology at an affordable price tag. Your own budget will determine your choice. However, compatible cartridges are a more practical choice in the long run.

Author Bio: Find the best deals on high quality discount toner / discount ink , including Dell printer cartridges and Samsung toner cartridges now.

There are a lot of gamers on this planet, and there are increasing numbers taking up the pursuit for their own pleasure. At one time, the gaming community was a hardened core of people who knew gaming inside out, and could pick up and play games as diverse as sports simulations, war games and more besides without much of a learning curve being required. In this day and age, with more and more people becoming gamers, is there a need for game developers to recognise the likelihood that some of the people picking up games will be complete newbies?

It is a fact that many of the first-time gamers around today will be playing browser games. In this respect, they will be people who have not bought a console, and may never have bought one in their lives (unless they have kids who are gamers). While the control system of any typical video game is pretty self-explanatory to any typical gamer, first-time players and people who are playing browser games as a way of passing the time will not understand instructions like “Up, B, duck! Crouch, now toggle weapons!” and will favor a simpler control system and tactics.

Typically, a browser game will have a more sedate control system than the typical console game, and it will therefore be easier to pick up and play. Any non-gamer who has looked at a controller for console games could legitimately wonder what all those buttons do – some of the newer consoles have controllers which seem barely less complicated than the flight deck of a Boeing aircraft, which allow the player to control such actions as driving a car, loading and firing a crossbow, and aiming a sniper rifle with absolute accuracy.

Browser games will typically involve fewer actions. With one click of the mouse, depending on the game you are playing, it is often possible to mobilise forces for an attack or defensive manoeuvre, plant a few crops or give a gift to a friend (or that friend’s animated pet!). The intricacy of a console game is not usually present in browser games, although this is not to say that the games themselves are not intricate – indeed, some of the best browser games are ones which involve a great deal of strategy.

This simplicity is part of the reason that some console gamers just don’t bother playing browser games, even thinking those games to be beneath them in some cases – don’t underestimate the level of snobbery in console gaming! However, people who recognise that a good game is a good game will happily move between the different platforms and enjoy the game for what it is.

If you want to get into gaming, you could do worse than starting with browser games before making the move to consoles. On the other hand, there is no doubt that the types of game on a browser and those on a console are little alike – so if you fire up a console hoping to play a game along the lines of Farmville, you are likely to be horrified by what confronts you.

Author Bio: We have listed the top browsergames at our site for you. You may also read further about browsergames if you wish so.