PC World - Technology News and Analysis

Writen by Cedric Dirose
Hard drive data recovery is often a difficult, time consuming and arduous process, but when a hard drive fails these services can be a lifesaver. After all, think for a moment about all the items of data that are contained on the average hard drive these days. From important but mundane information like credit card numbers and web surfing history to vital personal files like pictures of the children and family, years worth of saved emails and valuable documents for home and work, it is easy to see why the loss of a hard drive can be so very devastating.

It is important for every computer user to understand that hard drives can and do fail every single day, and while there sometimes are warning signs often there are no signs that a hard drive failure is imminent. All hard drives come rated with a MTBF, which stands for mean time between failure. This is the average time the hard drive can be expected to last, but it is important to remember that this is only an average, not an accurate prediction.

Perhaps the best way to institute a hard drive data recovery program is to always keep a good backup of your most important data. In most cases it will not be necessary to backup the operating system files, since you should already have a CD containing the operating system. If such a restore and data recovery CD package did not come with your PC, be sure to request one from the manufacturer. This restore CD, along with a good backup of your data, can get you back up and running in no time.

Of course not every computer user will have a good backup at the time the hard drive fails, and in many cases computer users do not start a backup program until they have suffered a loss of valuable data. It is with these people in mind that hard drive data recovery services were born, and many of these services are remarkably effective at recovering data from even the most seriously damaged drive.

When choosing a hard drive data recovery service, it is important to make your choice carefully, since the data on the drive may be completely unrecoverable after a first attempt at data recovery has been made. In most cases the data recovery service will evaluate the drive when they receive it, and provide an estimate of how much it will cost to recover your most important data. It is a good idea to prepare a list of which files are most important, and ask the hard drive data recovery service to focus on recovering these files.

Recovering data from a failed hard drive is never easy, and it can often be quite costly to use the services of a data recovery service. If the data is valuable enough, however, hiring a qualified data recovery service can be a real lifesaver.

Writen by Gregg Hall
Many people are afraid to consider a wireless router because wireless routers are relatively new technology. But wireless routers can really simplify Internet access in your home, small business, or large company.

With a regular Windows Internet network you are easily able to access the Internet from any of your computers that are connected to the Network. Most small businesses are extremely happy with this type of set up. The problem that many businesses run into is that the modem has to be on before any of the other computers are able to get Internet.

For businesses that are use to turning off all their equipment in the evenings, remembering to turn the modem on in the mornings can become an ongoing issue.
Sometimes employees may even spend hours with technical support trying to figure out why their Internet is not working, when the problem is simply that the modem was never turned on. A wireless router can solve this dilemma very inexpensively.

With a wireless Internet router all your computers can have Internet accesses easily without worrying about the modem computer being turned on first. Plus employee laptops can easily access reports and other business material without first having to save information to a disk and transfer it to their office computer.

When looking for a wireless router you need to look for both price and quality. You definitely do not want to skimp on this piece of equipment. Look at the speed of the router as well as its range. You want to make sure that you choose a router that will be able to handle the Internet access for all your office computers, this means finding a router that has enough speed to comfortably keep all your employees connected to the Internet at the same time.

Residential customers and very small businesses are all finding the convenience of wireless Internet a great thing. The easy of use that a wireless router provides is perfect for almost any person or business. Plus you don’t have to be a technical genius to install a wireless router at home or in a business.

Most wireless routers simply get plugged into a hi-speed Internet line and you go through a basic step by step computer set up. Some computers don’t even need a set up process and they will automatically recognize the wireless router and connect to it.

After plugging in your wireless router you might need to have a brief conversation with your Internet provider to register your device and confirm your set up. But after that, you are really off and running. You can connect as many computers as you would like to your system and easily use laptops throughout the office. Plus you will no longer be wasting man hours trying to figure out why your Internet is not working, when the problems was simply that the main modem computer had not been turned on yet.

Writen by Sam Carlton

The performance, capabilities and performance of laptop computers have for many years been lagging behind the desktop, but all that is changing.

Today’s advanced laptop computers are noted as having equal capabilities as modern desktop PCs, although there is often a noticeable time delay for the top models. Over the past decade, the difference in processing power and performance between laptop computers and desktop PCs has narrowed considerably.

At the beginning of 1995, the difference was around three to six months. Customers today insist that their laptops have similar capabilities and specifications as their desktop and also demand more features and processing power. In other words they want the things that make mobile computing painless and hassle-free. As well as becoming a replacement for a desktop PC the advanced laptop computer should provide the same flexibility in configurations and expandability.

A fully featured laptop uses advanced technologies such as mobile Pentium, PCI, plug and play, lithium-ion batteries, and hot docking to give users the same capabilities as their desktop computers. As users became familiar with their laptops they demanded that their mobile computers have the same functionality as their desktops. Thus began the emergence of ever more faster processors, high resolution wide-screen displays, bigger hard drives and multiple external devices.

The advanced laptop computer of today features capabilities such as instant-on. Instant-on is a feature that allows users to put their laptop into a power-conserving state and later resume working exactly where they left off. Advanced laptop computers focus on size, power, compatibility and performance. Some of the main objectives of advanced laptop manufacturers are power management, performance and compatibility. These manufacturers are fully aware that their customers expect their products to not require frequent recharging. Power consumption must be managed wisely, otherwise the heat generated by the components could affect reliability, functionality and ultimately, customer satisfaction. Their products are also expected to achieve other goals, such as reliability, quality and user convenience.

The keyboard controller of an advanced laptop performs many tasks so that the Pentium CPU can remain focused on compatibility and performance. Some of the tasks performed by the keyboard controller are - keyboard scanning, support for three PS/2 ports, status panel control, battery charging and low-voltage monitoring, communication and tutoring, temperature sensing and thermal feedback control, docking station control and power on/off control.

Because of the highly complex jobs it has to undertake, the keyboard controller of a laptop computer is based on flash memory so that the programming can be altered in the field as well as the EEPROM and system BIOS.

The next decade could well see laptop development overtaking that of the desktop PC.

Sam Carlton is the owner of LCD-Monitors-Info.com and an expert in PC hardware and LCD computer monitors. Visit http://www.lcd-monitors-info.com for more info.

Writen by Steve Jones
The home printer is a wonderful thing. In a very short space of time we have gone from there being no home printers at all, to most homes having a printer capable of high quality documents, pictures and photographs.

The printing capabilities we now have at home are pretty amazing when you stop and think about it. Even more amazing than this though are the extremely low prices that you can buy a brand new printer at these days. There is however a catch (Isn’t there always!).

Printer manufacturers use a very clever marketing model that can be seen in with many other products such as razors and cell phones. They will actually sell you the printer at a loss just so that they can then sell you ink cartridges at over inflated prices. That’s why if you buy the manufacturers own ink cartridges you will probably be spending $20-30 for a replacement. They make a huge amount of profit on these ink cartridge replacements, which is why they spend so much time and money trying to convince you to buy their ink cartridges. Well we do not think this is fair, so that is why we are going to tell you how you can beat the big manufacturers and save yourself a lot of money at the same time!

There our a few simple things you should do first in order to make the most of your printer ink cartridges.

Always make sure your printer options are set to draft print until you get the printing your final document.

Always choose black and white print if your printing contains no colors, and have black and white printing set for any of your draft documents until you are ready to print the color version.

Of course the ink will not last for ever even using those two handy hints, so read on and learn how to save money when you have to buy replacement ink cartridges.

Purchase a non-branded compatible inkjet printer cartridge. Many reputable manufactures now make printer ink cartridges, but sell them at much lower prices than if you bought the printer manufacturers own ink. Do not worry about lower quality though as these ink cartridges still meet the same standards.

You can purchase a remanufactured ink cartridge. These will have been used ink cartridges collected by a third party company and then refilled and tested. Again these are cheap and still high quality.

It is now possible to purchase ink refill kits that you can use to refill your own printer cartridges. It is possible to refill one ink cartridge around ten times. It is a fairly easy process to do, the only thing you should try and do is refill before all the ink has been used and the ink cartridge has dried out. With the refill kits being so cheap this can be another great way to save money. As well as being cheap it is also good for the environment because if we recycle our existing ink cartridges less ink cartridges need to be produced and then dumped in landfill sites.

Buy in bulk. You will find deals with many online stores if you purchase several printer ink cartridges at a time.

Hopefully these tips have given you some help. It is best to look online for all your ink cartridge requirements, as prices tend to be cheapest.

Steve Jones now writes articles for http://www.a1printerink.com.

Writen by Phil Morettini
Apple Computer–one of my favorite topics in Corporate & Marketing Strategy. This is a company that apparently is even more hardy than felines–they seem to have already used up more than 9 lives. Apple has so many boom-bust cycles, and has been given up for dead multiple times. Today they are again on top of the world. They have had many fits and starts on the strategy front, with many failures, managerial changes and restarts. But the most interesting part of the Apple story to me, is the influence of Steve Jobs.

He was there and drove the strategy leading to the initial boom of the Apple II and original Mac. Lauded as a marketing mastermind and entrepreneur deluxe. Then when the Microsoft/Intel duopoly overcame (and almost buried) Apple, he was discredited and widely scorned for “missing the window” by following a “closed” business strategy, with standardization and commodization of PC technology all the rage. Now he has ridden back on his horse as the saviour when Apple was yet again on it’s “relevancy” deathbed, and has succeeded in turning the company around, yet again. Truly an amazing feat. The most interesting part to me, is that at least on the surface, he is following exactly the SAME proprietary product strategy, and the same marketing and distribution strategy that appeared to fail in his previous regime. So what’s changed? Or has anything changed?

It is very possible that Jobs hasn’t learned the big lesson, and is simply following the front part of the technology adoption curve like he did early on with the Mac. He may “run out of steam” once again, as Apple tries to make the jump from the techies and early adopters of “cool” technology to mainstream buyers that require a completely different value proposition. Has the ipod “crossed over” in to the mainstream yet? Has Jobs wised up, and will he be able to pull off his proprietary approach this time by making a few adjustments to his marketing model?

It will be fascinating to watch. There are a few signs he has learned. Apple has recently come out with more aggressively priced products at the low end both on the Mac and ipod line, instead of just skimming profits at the top and leaving the low end exposed. And he has even been able to private label the ipod to HP (which is amazing), while retaining the service revenue streams in that deal. If he can keep pulling deals like that off, he may succeed this time. But his closed, proprietary approach tightly links the ipod/Mac/iTunes very closely Will he alienate mainstream buyers by shutting out these practical buyers desire for “choice”, leaving big holes in the market for competitors? We shall see. It is a great story and will be a telling marketing case study to watch play out. I’d love to hear what you think.

Phil Morettini is the Author and President of PJM Consulting (http://www.pjmconsult.com). PJM Consulting in a Management Consultancy to the Software and Technology Industries. The firm executes special strategic projects and provides interim senior management in General Management (CEO/COO/Division Manager), Product Marketing, M&A, Distribution Channels and Business Development. Please contact Phil at pm@pjmconsult.com.

Writen by Willson Peterson
The magic touch screens reduce mouse stress by letting your finger do the mousing. Here are a few examples of how touch input systems are being used today:

Public Information Displays

Information kiosks, tourism displays, trade show displays, and other electronic displays are used by many people that have little or no computing experience. The user-friendly touch screen interface can be less intimidating and easier to use than other input devices, especially for novice users. A touch screen can help make your information more easily accessible by allowing users to navigate your presentation by simply touching the display screen.

Retail and Restaurant Systems

Time is money, especially in a fast paced retail or restaurant environment. Touchscreen systems are easy to use so employees can get work done faster, and training time can be reduced for new employees. And because input is done right on the screen, valuable counter space can be saved. Touch screens can be used in cash registers, order entry stations, seating and reservation systems, and more.

Customer Self-Service

In today’s fast pace world, waiting in line is one of the things that has yet to speed up. Self-service touch screen terminals can be used to improve customer service at busy stores, fast service restaurants, transportation hubs, and more. Customers can quickly place their own orders or check themselves in or out, saving them time, and decreasing wait times for other customers. Automated bank teller (ATM) and airline e-ticket terminals are examples of self-service stations that can benefit from touch screen input.

Control and Automation Systems

The touch screen interface is useful in systems ranging from industrial process control to home automation. By integrating the input device with the display, valuable workspace can be saved. And with a graphical interface, operators can monitor and control complex operations in real-time by simply touching the screen.

Computer Based Training

Because the touch screen interface is more user-friendly than other input devices, overall training time for computer novices, and therefore training expense, can be reduced. It can also help to make learning more fun and interactive, which can lead to a more beneficial training experience for both students and educators.

Assistive Technology

The touch screen interface can be beneficial to those that have difficulty using other input devices such as a mouse or keyboard. When used in conjunction with software such as on-screen keyboards, or other assistive technology, they can help make computing resources more available to people that have difficulty using computers.

And many more uses…

The touch screen interface is being used in a wide variety of applications to improve human-computer interaction. Other applications include digital jukeboxes, computerized gaming, student registration systems, multimedia software, financial and scientific applications, and more.

Willson Peterson is computer expert and network engineer. He is the author of “Let’s resolve the frequent troubles of TFT LCD monitor ourselves”.

Writen by D. David Dugan

The world of computers is constantly changing. It is one of the only industries that is different from month to month. If you’re in the market for a new PC, there are continually new options available. To get the best bang for your buck in computer technology, you may want to consider building your own PC.

Those with a little know how in the computer industry can save themselves tons of money by building their own computers. Companies such as Tiger Direct and mwave.com offer components that can create a top of the line system for a fraction of the cost. These stores offer all of the necessary components that reside in the “case” or main unit of the computer.

These include the motherboard, processor, cooling fans, hard drive, memory, keyboard, mouse, video and sound cards. There are motherboards available with integrated video and sound but not all do.

When you are buying a motherboard, make sure to check whether you will need to buy a separate video and sound card. Also make sure that the motherboard you are buying has extra slots so you can expand your system.

Another key to remember when building your own computer is to make sure all of your components will work together. Manufacturers make specific models to work together, so you may want to buy your parts from just one brand.

If you are going to use your computer to surf the Internet and play computer games you are going to need extra pieces. At minimum you will need an Ethernet card, CD/DVD drives and a graphics card. You can also benefit from gaming ports for joysticks or other game controllers.

The hardest part about building your own PC is installing the motherboard and the Operating System. This is the first step toward creating the unit. You must physically put the components into the case using screws. Begin with the motherboard and then connect your processor. Add the memory into the memory slots and install any necessary drives.

Once you’ve installed the drives, you can put in the install CDs for your operating system. Most PCs will guide you through the set up process to install the operating system. After making sure the operating system is up and running, put in your other devices one at a time.

Although it may be quicker to install all of your additional hardware at once, you want to test each piece as you go to make sure that piece is in good working order.

Even though building your own PC can give you a better computer for less money, the process is not for everyone. As a compromise, computer companies like Dell and Gateway allow their customers to custom build PCs on their website.

A customer can choose from different options regarding speed, memory and special portals. The additional benefit of buying from a company is that the PC is normally under a guarantee. You can also take advantage of technical support. This may be the best option for someone who has extra money to spend to get the custom components that they want.

D. David Dugan personally helps to maintain a computer shopping site at http://www.greatpcdeals.com as well as a Spyware Information site at http://spyware.dugancom.com

Writen by Gary Hendricks
So here’s a short list of essential tools you need to have when working on a PC. Remember to bring them along - you will most certainly have an easier time when working on that PC of yours.

A computer tool kit for PC maintenance

Philips Screwdriver

Gosh, this is the most important tool for me as a computer hardware enthusiast. All computer parts are connected by screws - from add-on card slots to drive bays and PC casings. Remember to get a screwdriver that does not have a magnetic tip - magnetized objects inside your PC may damage some circuits.

Cable Ties

If you’re like me, you’ll hate the sight of untidy cables. Whenever I open up an old PC, I just roll my eyes at the mess of wires inside. Here’s where the humble cable tie (also known as zip ties) came in really handy. Organize those untidy cables into bundles, route them through specific paths and tie them up. Not only does this improve the look of your computer’s insides, it also helps airflow.

Tweezers

I always remember these. How are tweezers useful when working with a computer? Well, when you accidentally drop a screw into the deep, dark regions of the motherboard! Use those tweezers to reach into tight spots or for retrieving that lost screw. I also tend to use tweezers for removing or changing jumpers on hard drives, optical drives and the motherboard.

Lint Free Cloth

If you have an old computer, you can be sure dust is accumulated inside that PC. This can cause lots of problems - in particular, it can clog up fans and air slots, raising the PC’s temperature. Using a lint free cloth to wipe off that dust from your case or components.

Grounding Strap

If you’ve read my guide on maintaining a PC, you’ll be well aware that static electricity can cause severe damage to electrical components in your computer. Prevent this by using a grounding strap. This is usually a Velcro strap with a metal contact to help discharge any static charge built up on your PC.

Windows Installation CD and Boot Disk

Many people forget that the original Windows installation CD and its accompanying boot disk is a very important toolkit for a computer enthusiast. The Windows installation CD is very useful whenever the operation system asks for a Windows driver. The boot disk, on the other hand, is very useful if the computer fails to boot up. If you don’t have a boot disk, check out this link which offers free boot disk images for download.

Toolkits

I like to have a big tool kit to store all of the above things. It also makes me feel like a handy computer guy too . A tool kit helps to keep all your important tools in a central place so you never forget anything.

Conclusion

Well, you now know what tools to bring along when next working with your PC. Remembering to bring these tools will help your maintenance or setup job that much easier. Good luck!

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visit his website at Build-Your-Own-Computers.com for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computer components.

Writen by Sabir Rizvi
There’s a widespread confusion among Cisco customers as to what the difference really is between Cisco approved memory modules and their third party counterparts.

First of all, it should be clear to anyone interested in this subject that Cisco Systems simply does not manufacture any of its memory parts!

The memory parts customers get when they purchase Cisco equipment are manufactured by a Cisco approved OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). The OEM could be any company from Cisco’s Approved Vendor List (AVL) which includes companies such as OKI Semiconductor, NEC Electronics, and Samsung among others. It should also be noted that since Cisco Systems no longer releases its AVL to the public, thus the companies mentioned above may or may not still be on the AVL. There will definitely be new companies added from time to time and companies removed as well.

Approved/OEM or “first party” Cisco memory refers to memory parts manufactured by companies on Cisco’s AVL; these memory modules have been engineered specifically for use by Cisco Systems and undergo strict and comprehensive testing before being approved by Cisco for use with their routers and other products. These modules are guaranteed to have 100% compatibility with their corresponding Cisco equipments and are backed by a lifetime warranty.

Third party memory modules on the other hand are manufactured by companies not on Cisco’s AVL and are not tested nor approved by Cisco Systems. The manufacturer does offer warranty and compatibility guarantee for these memory modules but Cisco does not. And although manufacturers of such memory modules claim to be fully compliant with Cisco’s specifications, Cisco does hold the right to refuse service, under warranty, when the fault is deemed to be caused by the 3rd party memory modules; and even if this was only discovered later on then Cisco will bill the customer for the service.

And while 3rd party memory modules are cheaper and useful for certain groups such as students learning about Cisco equipment, they do pose a certain level of risk for any business considering using these modules. Think about any unnecessary downtime and how much that will cost your business. Approved memory modules have undergone stringent testing by Cisco Systems themselves for use with Cisco’s own equipment, they do not affect the service warranty of the equipment they are used in and the memory modules themselves are covered by a lifetime warranty.

It is simply the smarter business choice for any company to opt for approved Cisco memory modules. Even though the initial cost might seem higher, but in the long run they are actually cheaper as there is extremely low probability, if any, of incompatibility or faults. Approved Cisco memory results in a lesser need to maintain and service these modules and the equipment they are used in; think total cost of ownership.

Sabir Rizvi is a seasoned IT professional who writes for CiscoUpgrade.com, an online store that specializes in selling cisco approved memory at discounted prices. Visit the website to read more of his articles at http://www.CiscoUpgrade.com

Writen by Morgan Hamilton
Some folks like a transparent computer case because they enjoy saying the inside of their computer and how all the gadgets work. It could be helpful in repairs or in technical learning, I suppose. Others I would imagine, like it because it’s different, sort of an artsy look to it.

If you want to look under the covers and see what’s inside of your computer, while keeping the safe the inner workings inside, you’ll want to pick out a clear computer case. Leaving your computer uncovered and exposed can be dangerous, as dirt, food crumbs or even bugs could invade the system and cause hardware damage. A clear computer case in is just the ticket to protect your computers are working quality you check out what’s inside.

There are a surprisingly diverse amount of choices had. They can be purchased according to different colors or “shades,” a cause their actual covering is basically transparent. Special decorative lights can also be placed into the case; a cool neon glow in the color of your choosing can surely personalize your computer to make it really stand out in the crowd. Couple this along with colored hard drives, colored fans and colored wiring, and you can create your own clear computer case customized rainbow.

As you may imagine, the quality of these cases vary greatly by the manufacturer. Some are very simple window cutouts or acrylic cases. However, some companies this only clear computer cases and so create much higher quality designs and use better material to build their product. The advantages are not just aesthetic, a clear computer case can also actually keep your computer’s inner workings cooler and warm temperature environments.

If you manufacturer’s market an entire package including hard drives, monitors and CD/DVD-Rom drives with the clear computer case. However, purchasing a clear computer case as a stand-alone product will run you anywhere from $50.00 to a $150.00 depending on the bells and whistles that come with it. Cases usually come with thumbscrews and clips and front panel bay covers. Extra screws will be included for hard drives, CD Roms, power supplies, and a motherboard. A lot of times these pieces are also color coordinated to match whatever color is that you have chosen.

That often also offer special polishes and scratch returned materials. A clear computer case can really make a statement as they are quite unique and do catch the eye. Many computer owners realize this and so personalize their case with graphics, images or logos. Some people of the money and to their customized computers so unsightly scratches or marks have got to go. Polish and scratch removers are usually pretty effective for restoring a scratched or smudged clear computer case so it looks like it just came out of the box with a flawless shine. Bottles of polish and scratch remover retail for about $15.00.

Hey, you have the house looking good, the kids, the dog, so what the hell, why not your computer?

Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding the world of computers. You can get interesting and informative information by visiting Clear Computer Case