How Long Should Our Server Restoration Take?

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For any company that relies on the web, servers remain an absolutely vital business resource.  It’s a simple unfortunate fact, though, that they have been known to fail.  On top of this, many users aren’t aware of just how long a full restoration can take.  That’s why we’ve put together this guide on the different aspects that affect a server recovery.

How To Back Up Your Files - What Are The Best Backup Solutions?

Digital media is a wonderful thing, but when technology fails, you run the risk of losing a ton of important stuff in the ensuing meltdown. For this reason, finding a good backup solution is critical. After all, imagine how devastated you would be if your computer died or a fire destroyed your home and you lost irreplaceable photos of your children taken when they were babies?

Top Tips For Finding The Right Internet Backup Service For You

Can you remember the last time that you sorted or searched for an important file only to find out minutes later that it had been deleted unintentionally? Let’s face it, this has happened to nearly all us at least once in our lifetime. The colossal amount of documents, song files, videos, and pictures you generate and store each day consumes a large proportion of your personal computer's space. Therefore, it is essential to utilize the internet backup and in order to spare yourself from the potentially devastating consequences of not saving the files at all.

Employing Data Files Retrieval Programs

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The majority of us wait until we unintentionally removed a few files or our system crashes before using recovery software. When that point arrives, we instantly go to web to find data recovery application that we may acquire for free. We put in that application which is accompanied by excellent guarantees only to find that those guarantees bore no fruit - the erased documents are actually permanently lost. 

Your own technique is actually essential when dealing with problems that entail the computer system files. Of course, this roots to the absence of understanding on how files as well as folders are generally saved on the computer disk. Generally, each and every file or perhaps directory is stored as data is structured into pieces or perhaps sectors. Tables are employed for ease and with all of them you can tell which file could be found on a particular hard disk drive. There are flags on the table which are modified any time a file is removed. The place of the information under that document is released to the pc, marking them as free, while the data themselves keep there. Thus, it's quite definitely feasible to recover deleted files up until a fresh application is actually installed in their past spot. We merely have to avoid activity on the concentrate on hard disk drive to stop writing over the area of eliminated file. 

Unerasing records on the system drive (typically marked as C in MS Windows) is challenging because the computer system might actually write on the hard drive without us knowing it. Thus, extreme care should be maintained while performing this action. So, just what is the best solution? It's best if you turn off the computer system promptly and have the retrieval of information as well as data files accomplished on yet another computer system. This is achieved by disconnecting the hard disk from the system and setting it up to other. 

It is safer to take care of erased data files which are on places other than the computer disk. We don't have to take away the drive and install it to a different system as we could recover the documents or perhaps information directly on the computer system. One thing we should remember is the fact that programs usually make short-lived records in these disks that may harm the erased records. The preferred choice would be using undelete software from your detachable Range of motion, i.e. Flash drive or DVD, and carry out the scan of disk for deleted data. This is a very simple approach yet effective. 

A backup Disc should stay close as planning for the moment when we have to recover misplaced information. In the Disc must be the most effective retrieval application you can find for your computer system. In case you don’t wish to use a Compact disc then you could always opt for other read only memory systems such as a flash drive. 

In retrieving information, you will need not only knowledge but also costly resources. However, we could cut costs if we could do this job ourselves or perhaps look for a cost effective application. Recovery of erased information is as effective as your recovery tool. Check out good quality data recovery program and pick the one which fit the personal preference. 

Robert Musser is a blogger who is interested in technology, Site2You and networking

Significance of Data Backup in Protecting Precious Information

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Many of us are guilty of not making backup copies of our important work. We keep on delaying the work of backing up our work on this or that pretext thinking we are safe and any data loss will not happen to us. We are not that unfortunate or that bad times are still far away are the thoughts we tend to have. But bad times do not come with warning signs and one day suddenly we are horrified to find that our hard disc has crashed or the system has stopped working. You try frantically to recover what you can but you know that the worst has happened and you will lose not only all unsaved data but also your time and money causing a lot of stress and worry. 

English: Backup batteries for UPS (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What Will You Do If Bad Happens to You? 

You are hoping against hope that you can somehow retrieve some information and ask for your technician to solve the problem. If this fails, you are ready to pay the company that specializes in this task but are horrified to know their price that is many more times the price of your hard disc, leave alone your important data. But the fact they give no assurance of 100% recovery make you apprehensive and uncertain. To add to your woes, you have kept no records to know what exactly the data that you have lost is. 

Acknowledge the Significance of Regular Data in Online Activities 

But there is a silver lining amidst all the dark clouds and that is developing a good habit of regularly making backup copies of your data. Do not worry; there are many easy ways of doing this. You can choose to make a copy and store it on any other computer at office or home or you can transfer the data on to any external hard disc. There are also cloud based services providing space online to keep your data safely. You are at a liberty to choose any medium for storage but making backup copy pays rich dividends. If you are hard pressed for time, you can direct your juniors to do it for you. If you are regular in making a backup copy, you can have peace of mind all the time. Remember, if things have to go wrong, they will go wrong. But if you are prepared, you can face the worst with a smile on your face.

Hire Services of Online Backup Providing Companies

We understand that data backup can be a tedious process and can make you stay away from this good habit so the best way to solve this problem is to consider online backup facilities which you can hire in less then $5 with reliable security system and almost unlimited storage for all types of files. Yes it is possible! Many companies offer online backup services with synchronization of multiple computers with excellent data security within this low price range. It will help you protecting your precious data at affordable price tag while saving a lot of time and effort required to do it yourself. 

People interested in protecting their precious data through online backup and storage facility must visit http://filestorageonline.net/ to have a look at reviews about top ten companies providing the best packages to cater the growing need of online data protection.

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Online Backup Service – Can You Do Without It?

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Over the years, several effective data backup procedures have been devised to ensure greater security and faster recovery of important data. The fact is that whether you own a desktop PC or a laptop PC, hardware malfunction or natural calamities can always destroy your precious data. However, online backup promises to take care of this problem for you permanently. Online backup provides automated data backup, easy file transfer, remote access and file sharing. At Online backup state-of-the-art military grade security encryption is applied to protect your data while their system is also programmed to automatically backup your saved data on a regular basis.

Backup and Restore (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Online backup is fairly easy to use as users have to install software and then specify which information or data is to be backed up. The software makes sure that all the data, prior to its transfer to the secure data centers is fully encrypted. The good news is that online backup provides an excellent and easy-to-use interface for users to upload files, retrieve files and do file sharing. 

Considering the great features and high degree of reliability offered by Online backup, people from all walks of life such as lawyers, doctors, students, businessmen and private users make use of this type of service. Similarly, different types and forms of organizations also opt for this brilliant service to safeguard their priceless data. For instance, both the head office and branch offices of companies prefer online backup service to protect their respective databases.

The speed at which your data can get backed up mainly depends upon the stability and strength of your internet connection and the volume of data. Companies and organizations that use stable ADSL connection usually get their data protected overnight since their internet connection does not fail during the night. In case you have a modern DSL connection, your data backup process will run smoothly as long as the volume of data does not surpass 1 GB. It is also important that fixed tariff is charged by your service provider to ensure that you do not have to incur extra cost to manage backup of your data.

The fact of the matter is that any unforeseen event can force you to wash your hands off your precious data at any time. Therefore, switching over to online backup service is the wisest thing; moreover, this system can be established within minutes so that you can start safeguarding your personal and business data immediately. For this purpose you can visit www.online-backups.net to get unbiased reviews about the top online backup providers to choose the best for you.

About the Author:
Shah is an online writer and blogger who enjoys writing about Tech, SEO, finance, internet, web design, jobs and career etc.

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Storage Tools To Help You Make Every Minute Count

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The very first cell phone I ever laid eyes on was back in college. My professor brought one to class, and it looked like a brick. It had to have taken up her entire purse. A few years later, my older sister got her very first cell phone. At the time it looked so sleek and tiny. A couple of weeks ago, we found that old phone and laughed about how bulky it was and how the only thing it could do was make phone calls. Now, phones really are sleek and tiny and can do just about everything except fold the laundry. Technology moves so quickly that it's sometimes hard to keep up on the ways it can help simplify our lives.

The way that we store electronic files such as photos, documents, reports and presentations has also evolved to make business and personal life flow a little more effortlessly. There never seems to be enough time to finish up everything at work. Before you know it, it's time to pick up the kids, go to the soccer game, make dinner and help with homework. If you're really lucky, you may even find a few minutes to get a little more work done on that project you've been working on, but you probably don't want to waste time running back to the office.  Portable electronic storage devices help to solve this problem. They allow you to carry your electronic files with you wherever you go, so you can take advantage of those spare minutes.

There are a variety of portable electronic storage options that allow you to bring your work with you. Just like cell phones, electronic storage devices are getting smaller and smaller while holding more and more information. Here are a few options you might consider when looking for a way to store and transport your important files. 

External Hard Drives

External hard drives come in a variety of sizes with varying levels of portability. One of the best things about external hard drives is that they can store anywhere from a few hundred GB to more than a terabyte of data. They generally cost around $100 depending on the size. While they are small enough to be portable, ranging from the size of a smart phone to a hard back novel, most have multiple cords to hook up and are somewhat difficult to carry around and use frequently. 

Toshiba 1 TB 2.5" External USB Hard Disk Drive (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Flash Drives

These are a great option for storing data to take back and forth between work and home simply because they are so small. Flash drives can fit in your pocket or even clip onto your keys. They hold more than enough data for most uses and are growing in their storage capacity all the time, while often shrinking in size. Flash drives are also a very affordable option. You can easily find a flash drive with 4 GB for under $20. Despite their convenience, flash drives can be lost or damaged, so it's always a good idea to make sure your important files are saved in multiple places.

Français : Clefs USB. English: USB flash drives (capacity: 256 MB, 2 GB and three with 8 GB). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cloud Storage

One of the newest and most convenient ways to store your data is by using cloud storage. This type of storage requires no devices that can be lost or broken. Instead, data is stored online through a server. The user signs up through a host company and buys virtual storage space. The great thing about this is that once signed up, you can access your files from anywhere. You can update a file at home, and when you get to the office the next day, it's ready for you to keep going.  You also don't have to waste time transferring files from one PC to another. Once files are stored in the cloud, you can access them from any PC or even your phone. 

Data Storage Device (Photo credit: BinaryApe)

Another exciting bonus of using cloud storage is the option to e-print documents and photos. This service allows you to print to a selected printer from anywhere. You can send important documents from home, the airport or even the soccer game to your work printer. This cuts out the step of having to e-mail a document and wait for it to download. Now, you can send it straight to the printer. You also have the option of sending it to a print and copy store, saving yourself another trip to the office. 

When thinking about ways to help your business grow, portable electronic storage options may not be the first thing on your list to take care of, but don't underestimate their value. We lead such busy lives and are pulled in so many different directions all day long. We need to take advantage of those otherwise lost minutes during halftime at a soccer game, while waiting at the airport or right after the kids have gone to bed. These electronic storage devices help enable you to finalize that big project while still living your life.

Meg Hartman is a freelance writer for Venafi.  Venafi is the leader in enterprise key and certificate management.

What is Computer Demanufacturing?

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Computer demanufacturing is the process of completely disassembling a computer and then recycling or disposing of the various parts and pieces. While anyone can disassemble a computer on their own, professional computer demanufacturing companies specialize in the breakdown process and have systems in place for recycling and disposing of any potentially hazardous material effectively. Many of these companies can also securely destroy any of the personal information remaining on a hard drive before recycling or reusing them. This can accomplished in one of three ways: overwriting the data, degaussing (reducing the magnetic field of a drive) or physical destruction of the device.

What Computer Parts are Recyclable?

Many computer demanufacturing services recycle more than just the metal pieces that are found within a computer. In addition to the commonly recycled parts, such as motherboards, circuit boards and cables, many parts of a computer are made out of recyclable plastic and glass. These recycled parts can then be used to manufacture new items in the future.

What Computer Parts are Hazardous Materials?

Batteries, mercury switches and fluorescent lamps are just a few of the hazardous parts found inside a computer. These hazardous materials must be disposed of properly to prevent harmful toxins from polluting the environment. Often times there are federal, state or local regulations in place that govern how hazardous materials are labeled, transported and disposed. Violating these regulations could result in legal action.

Re-using your electronics devices

Who Pays for Computer Demanufacturing?

A computer demanufacturing service will either collect a fee or pay the customer depending on the size and quantity of computers being demanufactured. Taking one computer to a demanufacturing center may cost the center more in labor and disposal fees than the company will earn by recycling the metal, plastic or glass parts. In this case, it would not be uncommon for the demanufacturing center to charge a fee to properly recycle and dispose of the computer's parts. If a larger quantity of computers are brought to a demanufacturing center, it could a person a little extra cash.

Broken Computer? Don't Throw it Out!

Consider visiting an electronics recycling and disposal service instead of throwing away your old computer. Computer demanufacturing is an effective way to reduce electronic waste, or e-Waste, in landfills. It also provides an extra benefit to the environment by creating another resource for manufacturers that make use of all of the recycled plastics, metals and glass found within a computer.

Article courtesy of ROUND2, an Avnet company. We are a national provider of vertically integrated, closed-loop, 100% green compliant electronics recycling services.

Computer Repair 101: Safety First

There are a number of easy computer fixes you can make on your own, such as switching out a hard drive. However, it's important to remember that a computer can hold a lot of electricity, even after it's unplugged. That's why it's important to follow a few simple steps to stay safe. Here are just a few safety rules to follow when repairing computers.

Always Unplug the Computer

You should never work on a computer without powering it off and unplugging it from the wall. This includes just removing the case to check wires. A computer can hold on to a lot of electricity, even after it's unplugged. This is especially true of the capacitors. For this reason, the computer should be powered down and unplugged for several minutes before beginning your work.

Remove Jewelry

In case the computer holds on to electricity, you need to make sure you have removed rings, bracelets and any other metal jewelry that may come in contact with the computer. This is especially true when working with power supplies that may have energy stored for longer periods of time after being unplugged.

Use a Grounding Strap

A grounding strap is exactly what is sounds like. The strap goes around your wrist and attaches to the ground. The strap prevents static electricity from ruining sensitive pieces of equipment, such as hard drives. Grounding straps can be found in most electronics stores and are relatively inexpensive.

Image via Wikipedia

Place Internal Parts on a Static-Free Mat

If you will be removing parts from your computer, such as hard drives, you will want to place those parts on an anti-static mat to prevent damage. For example, if static electricity has built up on your carpet, you could damage the hard drive by placing it directly on the carpet due to the jolt of electricity that will occur when the metal of the hard drive comes in contact with the carpet.

Never Work Inside Monitors

Monitors are something you should never work on. These should only be serviced by professionals due to the high amount of electricity that stays stored in the monitor long after it's unplugged. Trying to repair a monitor when you don't know what you're doing can result in death.

There are many repairs that the average computer user can make. However, you do need to remember to take certain precautions to not only protect yourself, but your computer as well.

About the Author: Myong Morini is a computer repair specialist who advocates computer safety before anything else. He can help to recover deleted files, replace hardware, and remove viruses. If in doubt, seek the help of a professional.

How to Back up Your Files

If you’re using the internet and emails, your PC can be vulnerable to viruses. It can also be vulnerable to crashing and breaking – all technology breaks, it’s a fact of life. And if your PC breaks and won’t switch back on you can lose everything that’s saved on it. Companies usually have an IT support services team who help them recover files if a disaster happens and everything gets lost, but if it happened to you at home would you know what to do?

If something accidentally gets deleted you can try doing “System restore” which takes your PC system back to a previous time or date. To do this, go to your Start menu and search for System Restore – it’s easy and the system will walk you through the process.

Image via Wikipedia

However, the best cure is prevention, and luckily protecting your files isn’t difficult. This first step is using strong passwords and changing them regularly to minimize the risk of hacking. 

Using some sort of external storage that saves your files outside your computer means they will be saved in two places, so if your PC breaks you have everything stored on another device as well. Memory sticks are easy ways or saving, particularly small files. Buying an external hard drive isn’t very expensive and these have more memory space so they allow you to back up lots of files such as your music library.

Even simpler than this is the option of emailing files to yourself. They are then stored remotely on the email host’s server so you can access them from anywhere. Beware though – if your email gets hacked or something happens to your email provider the files will be lost, and highly technical people in computer technology jobs will probably warn you against using this as a method of backup. But as a temporary measure or for small, non-critical files it is an option and means you don’t have to carry any storage devices around with you to access the files.

Image via Wikipedia

There are other options called “cloud” services which store your files in a remote location so they are saved and you can access them anywhere. If you use Windows 7 or Vista they have options available such as Windows Live SkyDrive, but there are other independent providers so do some research as it varies depending on how much space you need and what type of files you’re storing.

Author Bio:

Katy is a blogger within digital marketing with experience within the IT sector and an interest in user experience and helping people make the most of technology.

Using the Windows Repair Tool to Fix System File Error

Repairing computer software related error or issues is always difficult especially if the error is about the computer operating system. If a system files is missing or got corrupted by various means then almost always the repair method would be to reinstall the operating system. This is the easiest way to correct any software related problems, re-installation of the software. An added difficulty for operating system re-installation is that the data in the hard drive must keep intact. Formatting the hard drive is out of the picture before any re installation occur.

Before we go into re-formatting any hard drive we must use all means to reactivate the operating system. Based from my experience reformatting any hard rive that contains information is definitely out of the picture unless the owner of the computer gives specific instructions that you can reformat the hard drive. There several possible ways to revive a windows operating system.

Using the windows start-up repair tool.

Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain system problems that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair scans your computer for the problem and then tries to fix it so your computer can start correctly. Start-up Repair is one of the recovery tools in the System Recovery Options menu. This set of tools is located on your computer's hard disk and on the Windows installation disc.

If a start-up problem is detected, Start-up Repair will start automatically and try to fix the problem.

If the problem is severe enough that Start-up Repair doesn't start on its own and you can't access the System Recovery Options menu on your computer's hard disk, you can get to the menu and start Start-up Repair by using the Windows installation disc or a system repair disc that you created earlier.

Startup Repair can only fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files. It can't fix hardware failures, such as a failing hard disk or incompatible memory, nor does it protect against virus attacks. Startup Repair isn't designed to fix Windows installation problems, nor is it a backup tool, so it can't help you recover personal files, such as photos or documents. To help protect your computer, back up your system and files regularly. For more information, search for "backup" in Windows Help and Support.

Using the tool is very intelligence approach to any windows system error. Based from my experience in repair system related error, this tool will fix 98% of the error. After reviving   the Windows operating system. There is a chance the error has more deeply rooted problem and chances are it will come back again. We need to start windows in safe mode, so that we can copy all the important files on the hard drive of the computer. Why but in safe mode? starting windows in safe lessen the driver being loaded  during the start-up process and less processes running while windows is open means more resources for copying of file. That why we need to revive windows using this tool because we need copy all the data in the hard drive just in-case we need to go to the last resort of formatting the hard drive of a computer.

Repairing a computer is not as easy as it looks it take time and patience to really sort out things. The information contained in a hard drive is always the priority. This must be recovered without using data recovery procedure where it will require a costly solution for getting back all the erased files once the hard drive has been formatted.

Things to Consider when looking for Affordable Hard Drive

Hard drives are classified as non-volatile, random access, digital, magnetic, data storage devices. Introduced by IBM in 1956, hard disk drives have decreased in cost and physical size over the years while dramatically increasing in capacity and speed. Hard disk drives have been the dominant device for secondary storage of data in general purpose computers since the early 1960s^. They have maintained this position because advances in their recording capacity, cost, reliability, and speed have kept pace with the requirements for secondary storage.

One thing is for sure, the hard drive is something that no computer can be without. In fact, when you are looking to upgrade your computer or buy a new one you should use the hard drive as one of the most important considerations to follow. There are all types of affordable hard drives to choose from though. These will help to not only give your computer a place for its data to be stored but they will be useful in that you will not have to spend more money than you need to.

Image via Wikipedia

The first thing to consider when finding affordable hard drives is the capacity of the hard drive. While larger hard drives have become the way to go for some computers these days the more affordable hard drives are going to be the ones that have lower levels of data capacity. A hard drive that fits 250GB of data will certainly cost less than that of an 800GB hard drive.

Another thing to consider for the affordable hard drive is the USB capability. Some hard drives will only be able to be used inside of the computer. Some of them can be read through a USB connection. This has turned into one of the most convenient methods of data storage on the market. Groups like Western Digital and Seagate have been making these, but it should be noted that the most affordable hard drives in this range are ones with lower capacity levels.

Image via Wikipedia

Affordable hard drives will still have great data transfer rates also. Inner zone transfer rates for one of these cost efficient hard drives will be at around fifty megabytes a second and close to a hundred megabytes in a second for data at the outer zone.

There are various different places where you can find affordable hard drives. For instance, a typical computer hardware store will have new hard drives available for sale at different price levels so you can find one that will be in the range that you are willing to spend it on.

Image via Wikipedia

Some independent computer hardware stores will have refurbished hard drives for sale. These have already been used but are cleaned up and restored so that they will work just like new. Even the higher end hard drives may be available in refurbished quality. This will mean that you can save a great amount of money on top quality products.

An outlet store will also have affordable hard drives. This is because these hard drives are sold individually to people who are looking to customize their computers. In addition, with no middleman involved money will be saved because of the small transfer costs. You can find an outlet store in your area through your local phone book.

A hard drive is something that you should use for your computer. By using the considerations of the hard drive in terms of the size, you want and by looking at various different stores, you can find affordable hard drives that your computer can use without you having to spend more money than you want to.

How to Keep your Old Computer Alive and Kicking

We may be on the second decade of the new millennium and many expect that everyone on this planet has already thrown away their old computer. By computer or technology standard old computer means you computer is more than one year old. But this is not what i am getting into my old computer means ten years or more, yup those Pentium 11, 111 and 4 or it's equivalent in other manufacturer.

Yup somewhere in this planet there are organization that still uses this computer simple because they do not have the financial budget to have a new computer and software. These organization mostly relay on donation by other organization or corporation. Their financial resources are better spend on their main goal or mission.So they cannot afford to but a new computer let alone a new software.

Image by sammyfung via Flickr

Now if your organization falls under these categories and you as the sole IT guy in there need to make sure that everything is all well with this old computer. There is still hope for this old computer as long as those dreaded hardware failure those not creep in. 

How to go about this?

Determine the case to case basis need of every employee of the organization. This should be easy for small organization since there small number of workers and each assign task for them is pretty simple.

Most office works only need a spreadsheet and word processing software. Most of this software can still run on the machine like Pentium II, especially the older software version. These application does not need a lot of memory, 128 or 256 memory is decent enough for the computer to get up and running and storage capacity so a 20 to 40 Gigs of hard disk is enough for this application to work. 

Image via Wikipedia

Give this computer to those whose job is to create documentation and records. Now another life saving and extending measure for you old computer is to prevent or minimize electrical or power outages. To minimize these make sure to check all your electrical outlet for proper grounding. Also use a low priced but quality surge suppressor to minimize power outages. Also regularly cleaning the inside by removing the dust that build up can make the air circulation more effective thereby reducing heat inside the case.

Image via Wikipedia

Now that we have done all we can for the hardware lets now focus on the software. In the long run more software is added in the computer, where this software is not really needed by the user. We need to determined which is the need and the want for the software. Removed all software that are not needed and keep only those that is really needed. In this way we can also save valuable hard disk space for storing more files. Also software that run when computer start-up can occupy large amount of memory. removed or disable this software so that much needed memory resources can be used.

Another thing is do not install new software in the old computer. Yes it might install correctly in this computer but will it run properly. Can your hardware resources handle such an application. It is like driving a sport car, even if you know how to drive standard cars yet if you do not have the abilities to drive and handle this fast pace sport car then do not try one. The same is true with computer do not put high end software on a low end hardware, it will not produced the necessary result. You will just get frustrated.

Image via Wikipedia

Another potential software problem is viruses and spyware. These menace can easily be downloaded and install in seconds if your computer is not properly protected from online treat. This can be prevented or minimize by educating your workers and regularly updating your operating system and anti-virus software to combat these things. Also it will help to keep the hard disk in top shape by regularly scanning and fragmenting them, this is needed to fix loose registry files and correcting file fragmentation.

Another use for old computer is making them terminals where  a new high single computer is used for the server and all information is stored in that server. We only need a network to connect all terminals, and these terminal cam be used to access the information on the server. All the processing and storage is done on the server. The terminals do not need computing and processing power also they do not need storage capability since they will only be used to open files from the the server.

These old computer ca still be used productively we just need to define and find them in our organization, they can still be used longer until the dreaded hardware failure comes in and really end the life of the machine we know as the computer.

Computer Hardware Familiarization Part-3.

The computer hardware that you need to know is the DVD/CD/DVD-RW ROM Drive.  This is another standard feature components of a computer. These comes in the old IDE and the new SATA configuration. This drive is important  because this is where we put all our DVD disc for movie, application and many more if we want their content to installed or seen in the computer.

The DVD/CD/DVD-RW ROM Drive

CD-ROMs are popularly used to distribute computer software, including video games and multimedia applications, though any data can be stored (up to the capacity limit of a disc). Some CDs hold both computer data and audio with the latter capable of being played on a CD player, while data (such as software or digital video) is only usable on a computer (such as ISO 9660 format PC CD-ROMs). These are called enhanced CDs.

Although many people use lowercase letters in this acronym, proper presentation is in all capital letters with a hyphen between CD and ROM. At the time of the technology's introduction it had more capacity than computer hard drives common at the time. The reverse is now true, with hard drives far exceeding CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray, though some experimental descendants of it such as HVDs may have more space and faster data rates than today's biggest hard drive.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Now we have come to the optional hardware part. I categories them as optional because the computer will work without these parts because they are already built-in of has become part of the computer motherboard. These hardware components are the Graphics Card or video cards, network card and the sound cards. But if you like to have a high type of these card you need to know be to be familiar with the add in separate type for each card.

A video card, display card, graphics card, or graphics adapter is an expansion card which generates output images to a display. Most video cards offer various functions such as accelerated rendering of 3D scenes and 2D graphics, MPEG-2/MPEG-4 decoding, TV output, or the ability to connect multiple monitors. Other modern high performance video cards are used for more graphically demanding purposes, such as PC games.

Video or Graphics Card

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

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Video hardware is often integrated into the motherboard, however all modern motherboards provide expansion ports to which a video card can be attached. In this configuration it is sometimes referred to as a video controller or graphics controller. Modern low-end to mid-range motherboards often include a graphics chipset manufactured by the developer of the northbridge on the motherboard. This graphics chip usually has a small quantity of embedded memory and takes some of the system's main RAM, reducing the total RAM available. 

This is usually called integrated graphics or on-board graphics, and is low-performance and undesirable for those wishing to run 3D applications. A dedicated graphics card on the other hand has its own RAM and Processor specifically for processing video images, and thus offloads this work from the CPU and system RAM. Almost all of these motherboards allow the disabling of the integrated graphics chip in BIOS, and have an AGP, PCI, or PCI Express slot for adding a higher-performance graphics card in place of the integrated graphics.

Computer Hardware Familiarization Part-2.

The computer hardware that we need to be very familiarize is the hard disk drive or hard drive or HDD. Currently all hard disk drive out there that is available in the market is already in SATA type drive. Although some hard drive that still carry the old EIDE or IDE type remains. The one characteristics of the Hard drive is it's size, where in today's standard will fall on the 320 gigabytes or 500 gigabytes. Also if you want bigger size than the standard one then drive size will be entering the Terabytes zone where after the 500 GIG size the next one is ONE TERABYTES.

For a quick info SATA drive is faster in terms of data access and transmission compare to the IDE type drive.

The Hard Disk Drive or HDD

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SATA connector and IDE connector

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Another important component is the PSU or Power Supply Unit. The power supply distribute the needed electrical supply for each different components of the computer hardware.

The Power Supply Unit

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More computer hardware components on my next post.