What to Know Before Buying a Video Card for your Computer
There are many accessories mentioned when you buy a computer. The sales associate may ask about what you plan to do with the computer to help you determine the type of video card you will require.
What is a video card? It is the component responsible for the pictures that you see on the computer screen. The video card is essential for gamers, graphic artists and the everyday website surfer. Before getting just the basic video card or the top of the line one, know how to shop for one.
A video card has four basic criteria for choosing one:
• Price
• Speed
• Resolution
• Card Slot Type
Video Card and Graphics Card
You may hear people talk about video cards and graphics cards. They are similar in what they do. Video cards are more useful… Continue reading...
Denver Network Support Tip: How-To Add Memory to Your PC or Laptop
Wouldn’t it be great if you could simply open up your brain and add more space so you could remember everything? Oh well, you can’t do that but you can add more memory to your PC or laptop if the need arises.
North Star Strategic IT – Your Denver Network Support company
When you buy a computer, it comes with a certain amount of memory already loaded on. This storage is where you can save files, applications, music, videos, pictures and anything else you’d like. It would be great to have unlimited memory but that is not always the case.
Maybe you have noticed that your computer is running slower than usual. You have used Disk Defragmenter to combine files and get rid of others that you don’t need. A computer that… Continue reading...
Shopping Tips for a Multifunction Printer
Whether it is for business or personal use, a quality multifunction laser printer can be a great choice. While a traditional laser printer can be an excellent tool, a multifunction machine adds some additional benefits, including the ability to scan documents, make copies and even send and receive faxes. That means that both individuals and businesses may be able to replace three or four machines with a single unit. A multifunction laser printer can be an excellent choice for home or business use, but only if you know what to look for.
Cost of the Unit
When evaluating a multifunction laser printer be sure to do a cost benefit analysis. In order to determine if a multifunction printer is really the best choice it is important to… Continue reading...
Troubleshooting Common CPU Problems
In a computer, the central processing unit (CPU) can be likened to the brain. The processor performs all the calculations necessary for programs to run on the computer, and if the processor has a problem, it will affect the entire operation of the computer. Thankfully, processor problems are rare. Problems that appear to be caused by the processor are generally actually caused by the configuration of the processor, which means that they can be corrected easily with the proper knowledge.
Incorrect Processor Speed
The speed of a processor is determined by the speed of the system bus (the “highway” that all data within a computer travels on) and a multiplier. For example, one processor configuration might combine a 100-MHz system bus with a multiplier of 8x, giving you an 800-MHz processor. Most… Continue reading...
The Importance of Keeping Your Computer Drivers Updated
Keeping your drivers up to date is one of the most vital parts of maintaining your computer. Fortunately, it is also very simple to do, and in many cases is completely automatic. Drivers are the software used by your computer to control your hardware, like an instruction manual for keeping all of the components of your PC communicating clearly and efficiently. This article covers some key points for driver maintenance.
Whenever you update your hardware, either by replacing a particular component, adding a new piece, or modify your configuration, you should update your drivers. You should also update drivers regularly, even if you have made no modifications to your system. Driver updates can change anything from power management, hardware efficiency, or component communication. As an example, drivers for peripheral device may… Continue reading...
What is the Difference Between a Hub and a Router?
When designing a computer network, an administrator needs a component that connects all the computers together. Hubs and routers are the two major network hardware components that allow users to send communication from a source computer to a destination. The difference between these two network components is the manner in which they receive data packages and route information.
Anatomy of a Hub
If a hub and router were graded by intelligence, the hub would wear the dunce cap. A hub is the very basic connectivity device available for a network. A hub doesn’t relay information intelligently. Instead, it broadcasts packets indiscriminately across the network. A hub has several ports in the back of the component where administrators can connect several computers. When these computers communicate and send information, the hub simply keeps… Continue reading...
Recycling and Repurposing Old Computers – Green IT Ideas
The computer revolution has created many great opportunities for both home users and businesses, but it has created its share of problems as well. The rapid pace of technological change often means that computers are obsolete long before they stop working. That creates a dilemma for computer owners – do they simply throw their usable old PCs in the trash and add to the growing landfill problem, or do they try to find a new home for their old hardware? Many computer owners and businesses are choosing the latter approach – recycling and repurposing their old computers to help others while helping the environment.
The environmental impact of old computer hardware is a surprisingly large one. Many people do not realize that a great deal of that old computer equipment ends… Continue reading...
When To Buy a New Computer
When is the time to say goodbye to your old computer and get yourself a new one? If your computer dies then the decision is forced upon you. If the old one is still functioning the decision can be a bit more difficult. For those of us who love our computers and our access to the internet it can be hugely appealing to consider packing in the old and splashing out a shiny new computer. Should you resist? Or is it time to move on?
° Is there a real problem? Or are you being seduced by new models that are desirable objects of style and beauty in themselves? Identify the problem with your computer and evaluate your options. Buying a new laptop for its slim lines and built-in webcam is… Continue reading...
How to Adjust the Text Size of Your Monitor
From personal preference issues to vision problems, any number of reasons might lead to the need to tweak the monitor settings related to text size. This is a simple task to complete once you know where to look for these settings.
In addition to personal preferences that might dictate how you want the display on your monitor to appear, there are certain medical reasons lying behind the need to change these settings. For example, computer eye strain can often be minimized when optimal text size settings has been incorporated.
It is important for you to understand that the default setting is designed to provide optimal performance. Therefore, you can always revert to these settings if you are unsure of what to do.
How to Adjust the Text Size in a Windows-Based System
The specific… Continue reading...
8 Things to Consider When Buying a Traditional Laptop Versus Lightweight Notebook
There are of course many models of laptop computer on the market, from tiny ultra-portable notebooks that weigh only a couple of pounds to large, sturdy (and very heavy) models equipped with 17″ screens, full size keyboards and more. With so many choices it can be hard to know what to look for and just as hard to find the notebook or laptop that truly represents good value for the money.
If you have been trying to decide between a full size laptop and one of those ultra-lightweight notebooks you are certainly not alone. Many computer users are struck by the incredible lightness of these new portable notebooks, and they may be wondering if these notebooks can really replace larger and bulkier machines. These ultra-lightweight notebooks are certainly much easier
