Computer Comparison: Laptop vs Netbook vs Tablet
Posted: January 25, 2011 Filed under: certified technician, computer consulting services Leave a comment »Shopping for a new computer? Not ready to be bombarded with a bunch of computers that all appear very similar, but have a ton of differences? When comparing types of computers, you might want to consider how frequent you will (or won’t) be traveling with the computer and also how much storage space and memory will be sufficient.
A laptop computer is primarily mobile and meant to sit on your lap or even to keep in one place for an extended period of time without the commitment of a desktop. Laptops are meant to replace desktops in mobility, structure and size. They aren’t meant to be easy to travel with per say, but rather a convenience as a mobile device when compared to a desktop. A notebook computer is just another name for a laptop.
Netbook computers are like mini laptops, primarily meant for travel, and smaller and lighter than laptops. Netbooks have no CD or DVD drive built in, have less storage space, and have less computing power, though generally are less expensive and used for basic computing, like Internet surfing and word processing.
A tablet computer is a conveniently compact, single screen device used with the touch of your finger or a stylus pen. Tablets are generally used for basic gaming, movie watching, doodling, reading, social media, and basic e-mailing. The tablet market is stuck in the midst of a popularity battle with companies like Microsoft, Google, and Blackberry against the famous MAC tablet,
the iPad.
Other Tablets vs iPad. Some say there’s no contest when comparing other tablets to the iPad as if the iPad is in a league of its own. That may be true, but why are so many people torn when shopping for a tablet? (Let’s save this comparison for its own blog entry.)
A convertible laptop is a laptop that transforms from a standard laptop into a touch screen tablet by twisting and flipping the laptop screen to hide the full keyboard underneath leaving just the use of the screen for use with your fingers or a stylus pen.
Desktop vs Laptop. Easily said, a desktop computer stays in one place and is basically the ultimate commitment, but allows a larger, more powerful system to be used since the cost associated with mobility is not a factor. While a laptop is meant for mobility when convenient, some features, like hardware upgrade options, are sacrificed.
The all-in-one desktop generally has similar components to a laptop, using the smaller versions of a hard drive, USB outlets, optical drive, and any other devices all enclosed or located within the computer monitor eliminating the need for a CPU tower. The all-in-one desktop comes with a full keyboard and is used just like a regular desktop, but it generally has less storage and memory when compared to a full desktop. The elimination of the CPU is a great space saver.
For more advice on which type of computer is right for you, ask a computer consultant today!
Customize Your Computer Startup Options For A Faster PC
Posted: January 19, 2011 Filed under: certified technician, computer consulting services, helpdesk support Leave a comment »
Depending on what computer programs are running when booting up your PC, you may be able to speed up the process by disabling some unnecessary programs.
In order to customize your computer startup options, you will need to do the following:
1. First, hold down the Windows Key button on your keyboard and press “R”. This combination will open the “Run” window. From here, you can type into the box “msconfig” without the quotes and hit enter.
2. You will now be in the “System Configuration” Window. Click on the “Startup” tab and look for any programs that you don’t need to start up when the computer first boots. Uncheck these items, click OK and reboot your PC.
3. When your PC comes back up, a window will appear saying that you’ve used System Configuration Utility to make a change to the startup. Check off the box to stop this reminder, then click OK.
If you need further advice on which computer programs and software you definitely need running during startup and which ones you do not, please ask our team of computer techs.
Malware Infection…Call a Computer Consultant or Fix it Yourself?
Posted: December 14, 2010 Filed under: anti-virus software, certified technician, computer consulting services, computer protection software, computer repair, helpdesk support, how to fix your pc, internet browsing, malware Leave a comment »
If Malware is preventing you from getting on the internet, usually it’s caused by a bogus “proxy server” that’s been setup to hijack your internet browsing activity. You could contact a computer consultant, or try fixing the issue yourself….
1. Get in via Safe Mode.
To do this, hit the F8 key when you startup your PC and the select to boot into “Safe Mode with Networking”. The “With Networking” part will be important to troubleshooting when you can get online again and to download some tools once you’re in Safe Mode.
Once Microsoft Windows loads, it will alert you that you are running Windows in Safe mode and click “OK” to continue.
2. Open Internet Explorer.
Select “Tools” then “Internet Options.” Click the “Connections” tab. On this “Connections” tab click the “LAN Settings” button.
Here is where the “Proxy server” settings are. Uncheck any checkboxes for Proxy Servers. Then hit “OK” on this Window and finally hit “OK” on the Internet Options window.
Malwarebytes
If a proxy server was at fault, you should now be able to get online for the time being. However, I’d recommend you stay in Safe Mode, and use this oppertunity to download, install, and run a legitimate Antivirus, and more importantly an “Anti-Malware” program. If you don’t have one already, I’d recommend AVG Free, and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. A virus may have allowed the Malware to get installed, but running an Anti-Malware program like Malwarebytes is the most important at this point, because Malware is what’s popping up and preventing you from getting online.
Tech Savvy Folks Are Not Certified Tech Consultants
Posted: October 20, 2010 Filed under: certified technician, computer consulting services, computer repair, helpdesk support, how to fix your pc Leave a comment » Phrases like “My kid knows computers” or “My brother is a programmer” have come up more than a few times over the years and it almost always leads up to why I am now looking at computer problems. What these phrases are usually trying to convey is that someone who knows the basics already looked at it and it’s something more advanced. Indeed, it sometimes can be a
complex problem that required a qualified person to address the issue, but more often it is a simple solution that was easily overlooked. Other times it is a problem that has only been made worse by the person who was “Tech Savvy”.
In today’s world, Information Technology encompasses such a vast array of fields that training in one field by no means makes one qualified for another field. A person who programs database systems would probably not have the experience necessary to deal with a virus outbreak on the network, or design the proper infrastructure for a server hosting solution, just as an Auto Body tech would probably not be qualified to rebuild your car’s transmission or work on the drive train.
Ads on the radio or TV may talk about doing a series of night classes that train you to take exams to become a certified Computer Technician. What the ads don’t say is that many of the groups creating these exams will recommend a certain amount of experience, sometimes a couple years in the field, before studying for and taking these exams, so that the person knows how this applies in practice. As a result, numerous people may acquire these certifications, but not the experience to back them up, or understand the reasons behind material.
Indeed, lack of experience can be a dangerous factor that could make a problem worse. Without knowing the difference between a “System Restore” and a “Factory Restore”, instead of reverting to the state Windows was at two days ago, not affecting your data in any way, you could instead wind up erasing all of your programs and data. Also, a person who doesn’t understand the reasoning behind proper licensing may install illegitimate software and open up the possibility for security holes, virus infection and legal issues.
IT is a field where because technology is constantly changing, people are constantly learning. Because there is so much to learn in varying fields of IT, it is not only important for someone to be qualified in their specific field, but also to know where the extents of their experience are. Being able to provide their experienced services where they are applicable and refer others who can assist in areas beyond is part of providing proper service, and is more important than trying to appear “Tech Savvy.”
