Thursday, December 17, 2009

PC Hardware Components - Graphics Card (VGA card)








This is the device that sends the output to your monitor. You fix the monitor cable to the back of the VGA card (VGA port) in order to get the display. Please note that some of the computers have the VGA card built-in with the motherboard. You won't see a separate card for VGA in these computers.There are slots on the Mother Board to fix the graphics card. VGA card has its own memory to hold graphics and videos. It is important to have a VGA card with high memory if you want to play latest PC games.

PC Hardware Components - MotherBoard



MotherBoard is the main circuit board inside your computer. All other PC computer parts are connected to specific slots on the Mother Board. Sometimes it is called as the Main Board. Motherboard has in-built chips. One of it holds the computer time. Motherboard also has a battery, which will enable it to function some tasks such as maintaining the system time even when the PC is switched off.

PC Hardware Component - Hard Disk


Hard Disk is the computer's permanent storage capacity. Size of the Hard Disk determines how many files pr programs can be saved in your computer. Unlike RAM, you can store your files permanently in the Hard Disk until you remove them.
Ex: Take the example under above Memory section. Hard Disk is similar to the book, because the items written in the book are permanent.

PC Hardware Components - Memory or RAM


RAM (Random Access Memory) holds all of the "active" information that the computer is using. Memory is empty when your PC is switched off Then each program or data file used grab part of the system memory. When you close a program the memory grabed by that program is freed up. Generally, the more memory your system has, the more things you can do with it simultaneously. Increasing the amount of memory in the system also improves performance in most cases.
Even though it is a Computer hardware component, RAM is also like humen memory. Imagine you are reading a book. When you start reading a book the content of the book remains in your memory. But it goes away when your attention goes to somewhere else.

PC Hardware Components - The Processor




This is the "brain" of your Computer. An extremely sophisticated piece of miniaturized electronics, the processor (often called the CPU or Central Processing Unit) is at the bottom of all tasks the PC performs. The processor reads instructions (commands) from memory that tell it what it needs to do to accomplish the work that the user wants, and then executes them. Intel is one of the major manufacturers of Computer processors.
Ex: Intel Pentium III 400GhzIn this example Intel is the manufacturer. Pentium is their product type (Intel manufacture Celeron range as well). "III 400Ghz" is the processor speed. So Pentium "IV 200 Ghz" is faster than "III 400Ghz".




Wednesday, December 16, 2009

9 ways to increase the security of your laptop

Using your laptop to get work done away from your office or on the road is becoming widely accepted. But this rapid growth in laptop computing has made portable systems the target for theft around the world. If your laptop computer is stolen, company information can be exposed, as well as your personal and financial information.

Use these 9 tips to learn how you can keep your laptop more secure when you're on the road.

1. Avoid using computer bags
Computer bags can make it obvious that you're carrying a laptop. Instead, try toting your laptop in something more common like a padded briefcase or suitcase.

2. Never leave access numbers or passwords in your carrying case
Keeping your password with your laptop is like keeping the keys in the car. Without your password or important access numbers it will be more difficult for a thief to access your personal and corporate information.

3. Carry your laptop with you
Always take your laptop on the plane or train rather then checking it with your luggage. It's easy to lose luggage and it's just as easy to lose your laptop. If you're traveling by car, keep your laptop out of sight. For example, lock it in the trunk when you're not using it.

4. Encrypt your data
If someone should get your laptop and gain access to your files, encryption can give you another layer of protection. With Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 you can choose to encrypt files and folders. Then, even if someone gains access to an important file, they can't decrypt it and see your information. Learn more about how to encrypt your data with Windows XP, encrypt your data with Windows Vista, or encrypt your data with Windows 7.

5. Keep your eye on your laptop
When you go through airport security don't lose sight of your bag. Hold your bag until the person in front of you has gone through the metal detector. Many bags look alike and yours can easily be lost in the shuffle.

6. Avoid setting your laptop on the floor
Putting your laptop on the floor is an easy way to forget or lose track of it. If you have to set it down, try to place it between your feet or against your leg (so you're always aware it's there).

7. Buy a laptop security device
If you need to leave your laptop in a room or at your desk, use a laptop security cable to securely attach it to a heavy chair, table, or desk. The cable makes it more difficult for someone to take your laptop. There are also programs that will report the location of a stolen laptop. They work when the laptop connects to the Internet, and can report the laptop's exact physical location. One such tracing program is ComputracePlus.

8. Use a screen guard
These guards help prevent people from peeking over your shoulder as you work on sensitive information in a public place. This is especially helpful when you're traveling or need to work in a crowded area. This screen guard from Secure-It is just one example of a screen guard you could use.

9. Try not to leave your laptop in your hotel room or with the front desk
Too many things have been lost in hotel rooms and may not be completely secure. If you must leave your laptop in your room, put the "do not disturb" sign on the door

Monday, December 7, 2009