Desktops | Computers
November 23, 2009 by mike · Leave a Comment
Desktops have many advantages and only one disadvantage when compared to the portables. And, portability is the pint-sizes’ only advantage.
Desktops computers are certainly not designed for mobility with there weight and all the peripherals that are attached to them. However, power users, afficionados desiring the best in graphics and audio, engineers, scientists, graphic artists and designers, gamers and jobs that require PCs to run “around the clock” all require desktops.
Desktops Computers are less expensive and easier to upgrade than Laptops (Notebooks). Notebook computers offer you mobility and the ability to work and play wherever, with a wireless connection.
Desktops are always more powerful, and the RAM cheaper by half than laptops. You may prefer desktops for their durability. You can’t upgrade a laptop as you can a desktop which means desktops don’t get “out-dated” as quickly. Desktops can add high end video and sound cards for enhanced gaming and graphics, then upgrade its memory for better performance.
Desktops offer more computing power at a lower cost. This is due to several factors including space specifications, power consumption, cooling capacity, and ease of design.
The laptops’ high cost and lower processing speeds are a result of its miniaturization. Laptops are more prone to system crashes (usually over-heating). Two heat sinks would be great for my laptop but there’s no room and then again, it wouldn’t be as portable, either.
Over-heating puts a limit to the amount of work that a laptop can do. If you need to work overnight (downloading, scanning, defragging, copying, etc,) your laptop will probably over-heat and crash.
Desktops can handle additional hardware and user demands, synchronizing scanner, fax machine, printer, external monitor, high speed processing, network adapter, storage controller, USB ports, media card reader and others with its more powerful central processing unit (CPU), larger hard drive and greater memory. A laptop in this situation could self-destruct with a need of repair or data recovery.
Laptops are constructed to a higher standard because they are on the move and always take a beating. Desktops rarely move, unless they need service. Laptop screens, constrained by power requirements, can’t match the higher resolutions, better response time and lower prices of desktop monitors.
Desktops come with more ports and usually a second drive which makes copying disks easier.
But, then again, you can slip that gorgeous, thin, new Netbook into a rather large stocking.
An obvious advantage that laptops have over desktops is its portability. This is one reason why laptops are the choice of many people whose jobs require them to be always on the go, like students, who are forcing notebooks ever smaller, lighter and more convenient. “Just how mobile can we go?”
However, its advantage can be its own undoing. Unlike a desktop PC, it can be easily stolen, along with the valuable data in it, and sold.
There have been security improvements such as thumbprint and voice recognition but still their very mobility makes them a victim.
Appearance has a bearing on one’s preference but it certainly should not be the main feature of a PC. If aesthetics are the basis, then laptops will certainly be the hands-down choice. Most models are sleek-looking and lightweight, and some are in colors that coordinate your designer clothes.
Certainly in the past, desktop computers were not considered “fashion accessories” like cell phones and laptops; but that’s changed. The crewcut executives and propeller heads who believed that their desktops did not need to appear fashionable but only powerful and durable, now see that a “hot” design (at home as well as the briefcase) is also a powerful status symbol.
You can customize your computer by using a different system tower on it. You can use a black tower or those that have colorful LED lights on it. CPU casings have been made slimmer and monitors are using the LCD. Many enhancements have been made to make the machine look better on any table as well as lessen the space required in a house. New designs that will definitely make your desktop look customized and also fit your personality.
Workstations are often confused with desktops and comparisons and differences are subtle. Many PC manufacturers do not treat them the same. Workstations are high performance, more powerful machines than the average desktop, usually with a greater power usage. Often specially tuned for specific applications (multi-media, engineering, weather forecasting, etc.), they offer better graphics and more reliable memory capabilities.
Inbetween Desktop and Laptop | The All-in-one computer
AIO computers (extinct) were really semi-portable desktop computers that build the monitor into the same case as the CPU. The original Apple Macintosh was such a one. All-in-One PCs were more portable than other desktop PCs and many had been built with carrying handles integrated into the case. They could simply be unplugged and transported to a new location.
Like laptops, All-in-One computers were not easily upgraded and lacked hardware customization. As space saving measures, the internal hardware was often placed in the back of the visual display unit and the motherboard, the CPU and other internal hardware units were all glued together. This made upgrading almost impossible. Later models built interchangeability into their designs, using standard off-the-shelf components.
When buying a desktop computer, decide first what are your needs and what purposes the computer will serve. Now, you can determine which features you’ll need based on what you’re going to do with your machine.
Compare various monitors. Important considerations are: native resolution, panel size, viewing angle (both horizontal and vertical), contrast ratio, response time (quicker is always better), brightness and physical adjustments (tilting angles, rotation, etc.).
The plasma screens have greatly increased the viewing surface and provide dynamically improved sharpness and color saturation.
The keyboard is especially important for the comfort and speed of your computing experience. The ergodynamic designs reduce hand and wrist fatigue and joint injuries.
At the moment, you have three primary (3) choices for an Operating System, Windows, Apple (Mac) and Linux. Google’s, soon to appear, free, Chrome OS will change forever the way we view operating systems.
So, go ahead and choose whichever OS catches your eye. Any of the brands you’ve heard about are excellent.
Choose a brand based on quality, price and technical support. Understand the warranty. Problems, if there are any, will tend to pop up during the first 12 months. Data recovery may be required at any moment, any time. All computers will eventually need maintenance, repair and replacement.
Computers used for editing digital video, managing large databases and as “Master Control” to enthusiastic gamers will need extra processing capabilities for maximum graphical performance and the general workload. Video takes a bunch of “computer juice”.
What pre-installed software do you want or need?
1. A good Anti-Virus program
2. Possibly, a good, commercial Firewall
3. Possibly, an office application for performing basic standard tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, etc.
Once you get your desktop home -
Carelessly arranged computer screens and keyboard can lead to physical problems such as eyestrain, headaches (thank God the cathode ray is dead) and repetitive strain injuries (like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), while using a keyboard for long periods. The height of a standard desk is not recommended for keyboard use. The monitor should be at “eye-level”.
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Cheap Computers
November 22, 2009 by mike · Leave a Comment
Cheap Computers could be next years models. The prices keep going down as computing power keeps going up. Looking for a used computer? Trade-ins? Sorry, electronics are throwaway and give-away.
Some popular cheap computers include:
* IBM ThinkPad T40p 2373 (2373G1U) PC NotebookIntel Pentium M 1.6 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, 512 MB, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, 40 GB hard drive, 4.85 lb., For: Small Business, Corporate Business, 1 x Type III PC Card Slot, Docking Station/Port Replicator, 2 x Type I/II PC Card Slot, IBM Security Slot, IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0, Power-On Password, HDD Password
Lowest price: $1800
* Sony VAIO Z1RA (PCG-Z1RA) PC laptop computersIntel Pentium M 1.5 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, 512 MB, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, 60 GB hard drive, 4.63 lb.
Lowest price: $1599
* IBM ThinkPad T40 2373 (237319U) PC laptop computersIntel Pentium M 1.3 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, 256 MB, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, 30 GB hard drive, 4.85 lb., For: Corporate Business, Small Business
Lowest price: $1619
* IBM ThinkPad T40 2373 (237314U) PC laptop computersIntel Pentium M 1.3 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, 256 MB, DVD-ROM, 30 GB hard drive, 4.85 lb., For: Corporate Business, Small Business
Lowest price: $1587
* IBM ThinkPad T40 2373 (237347U) PC laptop computersIntel Pentium M 1.5 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, 512 MB, DVD-ROM, 40 GB hard drive, 4.85 lb., For: Corporate Business, Small Business
Lowest price: $1931
* Sony VAIO TR1A (PCG-TR1A) PC laptopIntel Pentium M 900 MHz, 10.6 in. TFT Active Matrix, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, 512 MB, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, 30 GB hard drive, 3.09 lb.
Lowest price: $1549
* IBM ThinkPad T40 2373 (237394U) PC NotebookIntel Pentium M 1.6 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, 512 MB, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, 80 GB hard drive, 4.85 lb., For: Corporate Business, Small Business
Lowest price: $1990
* Acer TravelMate 800XCi (LX.T2506.057) PC NotebookIntel Pentium M 1.3 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, 256 MB, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, 30 GB hard drive, 5.29 lb.
Lowest price: $1550
* IBM ThinkPad T30 2366 (2366FBU) PC NotebookIntel Pentium 4-M 2.2 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, 256 MB, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, 40 GB hard drive, 5.73 lb., For: Corporate Business, Small Business
Lowest price: $1550
* Toshiba Satellite Pro 6100 (PS610U-NGYSG7) PC NotebookIntel Pentium 4-M 2.2 GHz, 15 in. TFT Active Matrix, 512 MB, DVD-RW, 60 GB hard drive, 6.84 lb., For: Small Business, Corporate Business
Lowest price: $1649
* Toshiba Satellite 1955-S801 (PS195U-0007PX) PC NotebookIntel Pentium 4 2.2 GHz, 16 in. TFT Active Matrix, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, 512 MB, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, 40 GB hard drive, 9.7 lb., For: Corporate Business, Small Business
Lowest price: $1949
* IBM ThinkPad T40 2373 (237382U) PC NotebookIntel Pentium M 1.5 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, 256 MB, DVD-ROM, 40 GB hard drive, 4.85 lb., For: Corporate Business, Small Business
Lowest price: $1680
* IBM ThinkPad T40 2373 (237316U) PC laptop computersIntel Pentium M 1.3 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, Microsoft Windows 2000, 256 MB, DVD-ROM, 30 GB hard drive, 4.85 lb., For: Corporate Business, Small Business
Lowest price: $1759
* IBM ThinkPad R40 2681 (2681GHU) PC laptop computersIntel Pentium 4-M 2 GHz, 15 in. TFT Active Matrix, 256 MB, DVD-ROM, 40 GB hard drive, 6.84 lb., For: Corporate Business, Small Business
Lowest price: $1608
* IBM ThinkPad T40 2373 (237375U) PC laptop computersIntel Pentium M 1.5 GHz, 14.1 in. TFT Active Matrix, 256 MB, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, 40 GB hard drive, 4.85 lb., For: Corporate Business, Small Business
Lowest price: $1898
Go Home to Data Recovery from Cheap Computers.
Computer Data Recovery
November 14, 2009 by mike · Leave a Comment
Computer Data Recovery is most often needed in cases of virus infection, malfunctioning software or a plagued operating system.
Besides the “invaluables” saved to disk (people do run into burning buildings to save family photos), businesses could not operate in today’s environment without a fast and reliable computer data recovery plan.
Home computing allows users to save (besides those “invaluables”) financial records, accounting information, grandma’s favorite wine recipes, games, music and videos and grandma’s favorite wine recipes, etc,.
Everyone’s computer should be equipped with a UPS (battery backup) that make it possible to keep the system on in case of power outages and electrical surges and to at least give you enough time to save your open files and shut down properly.
No matter who you are or what computer brand you use, data loss will happen. At some point in time (the worst possible time), your hard drive will crash or malfunction, guaranteed. If you have been diligent by maintaining a recent “backup” you won’t be tempted to pull out the rusty razorblades. You will just replace the disk (if it won’t power up), install the backed up data and you’re back in business.
Ensure that your data is duplicated (backed-up) on at least one other device (external disk) that is not connected to your computer, and avoid the possibility of a “budget-busting” expense.
Computer data recovery programs are great and simple to use. They should be downloaded before your problem. You don’t want to be writing anything over the data you want to recover. Install the program before hand so that when disaster strikes you’re ready to rock. Most programs keep your previous data and information on file, so when something does happen to your system, it will be “backed-up” (somewhat).
In the event of a hard drive failure, virus, or natural disaster (Grandma floods the African Violets sitting on top of your tower), there are common techniques that you can use for data recovery. The most popular is downloadable data recovery software for a simple undelete or to recover a lost partition.
Two other common data recovery issues involve:
- An operating system (OS) failure where your goal could be to simply copy all wanted files to another partition or external storage device. Disk partitioning and moving valuable data files to a different partition than the OS system files are good ideas.
- Disk-level failure, such as a compromised file system or disk partition, or a hard disk failure where data cannot be easily read is another common problem. Depending on the situation, solutions may involve repairing the file system, partition table or MBR, or hard disk recovery techniques ranging from software-based recovery of corrupted data to hardware replacement on a physically damaged disk.
In case of permanent failure of the disk, “recovery” means sufficient repair for a one-time retrieval of the files.
For businesses and corporations, technicians are the preferred way to go. Technicians can recover your files, even rebuild your hard drive if needed.
Even though it may seem like your data is gone forever, it can be retrieved (think F.B.I). Technicians that specialize in data recovery can retrieve it too (even without law enforcement’s electron microscopes and ILook IXImager). It begs the question, “How much do you want to spend?”.
DIY recovery can take a lot of time (especially if it’s your first time). So, if you consider “time is money”, you may want to just “take it in”.
Here are some favorite free (not demos) data recovery software. Some are easily found in “portable” form so you don’t even need to install them onto your computer.
Recuva is a Windows-based tool that holds the power to resurrect missing files via its file-recovery wizard or application manual mode. When you are not quite sure of where your files are located or lost, the file-recovery wizard proves to be handy not only in retrieving missing files but also locating long forgotten files.
TestDisk works for Windows, Mac and Linux data recovery needs. It is a powerful tool with a learning curve that will undelete suddenly lost and accidentally deleted files from FAT, NTFS and ext2 file systems. Its functionality includes recovery of damaged boot sectors from backups, rebuilding boot sectors and finding lost partitions.
PhotoRec is a good complement to TestDisk and is primarily focused on recovering photos and images from digital cameras and flash disks. It quickly and safely copys your lost files to another disk.
Restoration could be the most helpful addition to your Windows-based USB toolkit. Not only does it help restore missing USB files but also your personal computer files. While it lacks advanced functionality it outperforms many other data recovery tools with its simple application.
If your computer won’t power up, in-home data recovery software isn’t going to work (obviously). Hardward repair should only be performed by children and highly skilled computer engineers.
Recovering data from physically damaged and malfunctioning hardware can involve multiple techniques. Some damage can be repaired by replacing parts in the hard disk. This alone may make the disk usable, but there may still be logical damage.
A specialized disk-reading process is used to recover readable bits from the surface. Once this image is acquired and saved on a reliable medium, the image can be safely analysed for logical damage and will possibly allow for much of the original file system to be reconstructed.
Recovering information from “burnt” hard drives can be a very time consuming process, all depending on just how bad the drive has been damaged. Some data may be lost forever.
Virus surveys find that PCs are infected at a rate of more than 10% each month.
35% of all PCs sold to businesses are laptops and 1 in 5 of these laptops will suffer hardware failure in the first 3 years.
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RAID Data Recovery
November 14, 2009 by mike · Leave a Comment
RAID Data Recovery often means replacing failed or broken components – such as electronics, read/write heads, head assemblies, magnets and drive motors – in a clean environment, requiring specialized hardware and software tools. This is not a data recovery job for most computer users.
RAID’s main aim can be either to improve reliability and availability of data, or merely to improve the access speed to files.
Three Key Concepts of RAID Data Recovery:
- Mirroring: the copying of data to more than one disk
- Striping: the splitting of data across more than one disk
- Error Correction: the storage of redundant information to detect and recover lost or corrupted data
Basic mirroring can speed up reading data as a system can read different data from both the disks, but it may be slow for writing if the configuration requires that both disks must confirm that the data is correctly written.
Striping is often used for performance, where it allows sequences of data to be read from multiple disks at the same time. Error checking typically will slow the system down as data needs to be read from several places and compared.
Redundancy is achieved by either writing the same data to multiple drives (known as mirroring), or collecting data (known as parity data) across the array, calculated such that the failure of one (or possibly more, depending on the type of RAID) disks in the array will not result in loss of data. A failed disk may be replaced by a new one, and the lost data reconstructed from the remaining data and the parity data.
Different RAID levels use one or more of these techniques, depending on the system requirements.
The design of RAID systems is therefore a compromise and understanding the requirements of a system is important. Modern disk arrays typically provide the facility to select the appropriate RAID configuration.
The configuration affects reliability and performance in different ways. The problem with using more disks is that it is more likely that one will fail, but by using error checking the total system can be made more reliable by being able to survive and repair the failure.
RAID Data Recovery 5, with no dedicated parity drive write performance, is better than RAID 3 with overlapped data and parity update writes.
RAID 1 performs faster but RAID 5 provides better storage efficiency. Parity update can be more efficiently handled by RAID 5 by checking for data bit changes and only changing the corresponding parity bits.
For small data writes improvements here are lost as most disk drives update sectors entirely for any write operation. For larger writes only the sectors where bit changes need to be made are rewritten and improvements made.
In some cases, maintaining parity information reduces write performance as much as one third the speed of RAID 1. For this reason RAID 5 is not normally used in performance critical processes.
If you ever intend to manage large, corporate, enterprise wide solutions to data storage, then you will surely come across RAID arrays. RAID, (redundant array of independent disks) saves data across multiple hard drives making it quicker and safer to store data.
The main reason for the use of RAID disks is to improve data integrity and performance. By saving data on multiple drives, you essentially improve the possibility of data recovery and make the process of data storage faster than if saved on one, single hard drive.
One of the most inventive points of a RAID system is that, to the operating system, the array of many different drives is seen as only one drive on the system.
The unique methods of a RAID system also use a striping technique that is unusual to any other system. RAID systems stripe partitions among the different drives that are installed. The different partitions are addressed in order and data is layered over each drive numerically.
RAID data recovery should not be considered a “backup”. While RAID may protect against drive failure, the data is still exposed to operator, software, hardware and virus destruction.
Most well-designed systems include separate backup systems that hold copies of the data, but don’t allow much interaction with it. Most copy the data and remove the copy from the computer for safe storage.
Backup programs can use checksums to avoid making redundant copies of files and to improve backup speed. This is particularly useful when multiple workstations, which may contain duplicates of the same file, are backed up over a network.
If the backup software detects several copies of a file having the same size, datestamp, and checksum, it can put one copy of the data onto a backup medium, along with metadata listing all places where copies of this file were found.
Whatever your methods of data storage, it’s also imperative to have a secure, data recovery system in order to make sure the corporate data is safe. The loss of data in a corporation can cost the company millions of dollars, so securing data can save large resources and assets in the future.
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Cheap Desktop Computers
November 14, 2009 by mike · Leave a Comment
Cheap Desktop Computers are still the heart and soul of computing. While laptops are the “hottie” of the moment (Netbooks soon), cheap desktop computers are the dayin dayout workhorses for the “bring your lunch’ and the “stay at home” bunches.
Memory:
Each computer has a processor speed of 166 MHz. The Compaq has the least amount of standard memory with 16 MB, with a maximum of 48 MB. Both the Dell and Gateway computers come with 40 MB installed with their maximums being 72 and 80 MB respectively. The Micron had the most standard memory at 48 MB, having a maximum at 80 MB also. The Micron machine rates best in this area [1:144-145].
Weight:
The Compaq and Dell come in with the lowest travel weight at 8.5 pounds. The Gateway came in right behind them with 8.6 pounds travelling. Of the four computers, the Micron was the heaviest, weighting in at 9.1 pounds. The Dell and Compaq are the best in the weight department [1:144-145].
Battery:
Another key factor for laptop computers is the length of time they can operate away from an outlet. The Dell computer had the longest rated battery life with a rating of 4 to 5 hours. Compaq’s computer had a rating of 3 hours while Gateway and Micron’s laptops were rated with 2.5 and 2.25 hours, respectively. Dell’s computer has the best rating for battery life [1:144-145].
Storage:
All computers rely on their storage unit to operate for the use of programs and storing information. The Presario had the smallest standard hard drive at 1.4 GB. Both the Dell and the Gateway computers had 2.1 GB hard drives. Micron rates at the top for this category for its 3 GB hard drive [1:144-145].
Overall, the Latitude from Dell gets the best rating for this section. It’s light weight and long battery life aid in portability, and while its hard drive and memory are average for this group, they are more than sufficient for good performance.
Performance:
The various machines were put through their paces to determine their comparative performance. The several different tests are listed below as well as the various computers’ performances. The numbers don’t mean much on their own and are best used in comparison.
Windows applications: The various computers were tested and scored on the execution time of eight top-selling Windows applications. The Compaq had the lowest score with a 29.4. The final three scored fairly closely together with the Dell coming in at 36.6, the Gateway having a score of 37.5, ad the Micron having a score of 39.5 [1:140-141]. The Micron ranks at the top of this category.
Processor: These tests were run by exercising the processor and memory with test that mirror the processor usage of many Window programs. The Latitude has the lowest rating at 322. Next in order for performance was the Presario at 328. The final two machines are fairly the same in this test with the Gateway testing at 331 and the Micron at 332 [1:140-141]. The Micron comes in at the top of this category also.
Battery:
Battery life was tested by performing a combination of down time and heavy activity for the extent of the battery lifetime. The Micron and Gateway computers ranked at the bottom with 2 minutes 20 seconds and 2 minutes 19 seconds, respectively. Dell’s Latitude was next with a battery life of 2 minutes 30 seconds. Finally, the Compaq was rated at 2 minutes 32 seconds [1:140-141]. The Compaq was at the top in this category.
In this battery of tests, the Micron appears to be the leader. Although the battery life is lower than two of the machines, the difference is not enough to negate the Transport’s superior performance in the other tests.
Cost:
The computers were priced by the manufacturers suggested price, but the prices grow considerably when adding options. The Compaq Presario sells for $4,299 for the average mail order price. The Latitude priced at $3,999 direct. Gateway’s system can be purchased for $4,724 direct.
Finally, and most expensively, the Micron sells for $5,199 direct.
The HP Pavilion dv7-1270us is a 7.7-pound, mainstream notebook computer. As a 17? laptop, HP Pavilion DV7-1270US is absolutely a perfect desktop replacement. Offering an eye-catching modern look, the entertainment-focused HP Pavilion dv7-1260us notebook PC makes it easy to enjoy your favorite music and videos while on the go, as well as keep you productive with a speedy dual-core processor and 64-bit Windows Home Vista Premium operating system.
The 17-inch high-definition BrightView display looks good even in direct sunlight, and the Blu-ray Disc optical drive (read-only) is compatible with the latest high-definition disc standard, enabling you to enjoy movies in crystal-clear resolution. You’ll enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons to launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process). Control playback settings from up to 10 feet away with the included HP remote, then store it conveniently in the Express card slot. Turn your next instant message into a live video chat with the integrated webcam and omni-directional microphone. Optimized for low-light environments, it’s great for capturing short videos to share on your favorite social networking site.
What’s more, Pavilion DV7-1270US is powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor–with Centrino 2 technology–which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. HP’s ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection locks your 400 GB hard drive into place when it senses abrupt motion to help prevent data loss.
The built-in eSATA/USB combo port enables fast backup to an external hard drive. And it includes 4 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics with up to 1918 MB of available memory, dual-layer Lightscribe DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard 54 slot, quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), and 5-in-1 memory card reader.
Pavilion DV7-1270US entertainment laptop comes with a lot of wonderful features.
Features:
*Razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 17-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which has a widescreen resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels–perfect for watching DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen.
*Wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless.
* ExpressCard 34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features.
* The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1)
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Laptop Data Recovery
November 14, 2009 by mike · Leave a Comment
Laptop Data Recovery is accomplished the same as with any other computer.
The first priority of notebook data recovery is to create a raw image of the data so that logical analysis can determine the nature of the data loss situation. If the media is inaccessible to recovery software due to physical damage, you will probably need professional help.
Recovery of crashed hard disks often involves replacing failed or damaged components in a clean environment and using specialized hardware and software tools to create the raw image. Failed components typically include electronics, read/write heads, head assemblies, magnets, and drive motors.
Logical recovery uses the raw image by examining the low-level data sectors and determining what fixes to filesystem structures are needed to get access to the important data. Sometimes the existing filesystem structures are missing or damaged so much that data has to be extracted directly from one or more fragments of the raw image.
Whenever you delete a file, it is only marked as deleted, and later overwritten by the operating system with new data. Simple data recovery software tools are usually sufficient to take care of the situation. The key is to recover the files before they are overwritten with new data. The longer longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to safely recover your files.
…First don’t panic.
…Turn off the power.
…Do not restart the machine.
…Do not reinstall any software.
…Do not open the hard disk or try to repair it yourself.
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Malware
November 12, 2009 by mike · Leave a Comment
Malware (malicious software) may be considered any software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system.
The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to indicate a variety of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program codes. In law, these types of software are sometimes known as a Computer Contaminants.
Software is considered “malicious” based on the perceived intent of the creator rather than any particular features.
Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, most rootkits, spyware, dishonest adware, and other surreptitious and unwanted software.
Some malicious programs contain routines to defend against removal: not merely to hide themselves, but to repel attempts to remove them. For example, the software starts a number of processes which monitor one another and restarts any process which is killed off by the operator.
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Anti Virus Software
November 12, 2009 by mike · Leave a Comment
Up-to-date Anti Virus software is crucial to maintaining a clean, safe computer.
Important Security Steps:
- Create a hard-to-guess personal password, and change it often (every 30 days is best).
- Never open an e-mail attachment unless you expect it, recognize the attachment name and document type.
- Avoid opening e-mail messages with confusing, misspelled or nonsensical subject lines.
- Configure the computer operating system for automatic updates.
- Turn the computer off when not using it.
If you become infected with a virus…
- Immediately disconnect the computer from the network.
- Run a complete computer scan using good anti virus software.
- Attempt to remove all viruses, worms and other malicious software found.
- After removing infections, reconnect computer to the network.
- Download all recommended operating system and application updates/fixes.
Did you just receive an attachment in email and you’re not sure who sent it, or what it is? Don’t open it!
When visiting a web site, did you get a pop-up asking if it’s ok to install some software you’re not sure of because you’ve never heard of it? Don’t say “OK”!
The rule is “If You’re Not Sure, Don’t Do It”.
If you are faced with a suspicious popup, don’t click ok and don’t click cancel (either of which can prompt a download). Close the window from the Task Manager.
Not sure about some security warning you’ve been given? Don’t ignore it.
Mac users in the past have not been exposed to the same threats and attacks as PCs. Because Apple’s market share was so small, virus and spyware authors got little publicity or financial gain from infecting the Mac, but that has changed with Mac’s rising popularity.
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Rootkit
November 12, 2009 by mike · Leave a Comment
“Rootkit” is a term applied to cloaking techniques and methods applied at the “Root” (Administrator) level of a computer. A successfully installed rootkit allows unauthorized users to act as system administrators, and take full control of the compromised system.
Most anti-virus and malware removal tools are ineffective against this villain.
In general, rootkits limit themselves to maintaining control of one system, whereas a computer virus attempts to spread to other systems. A program that automatically scans and exploits network vulnerabilities is referred to as a computer worm.
These insidious programs invariably leave a “backdoor” often called a trojan horse to capture passwords and facilitate future logins. A root shell is often simply bound to port 31337 (“ELEET” in cracking jargon). Trojans are the core of rootkits.
Although all rootkits are serious security concerns, the kernel rootkit is especially dangerous because of its difficulty of detection. It operates at the same level as the operating system, and can modify or subvert any request made by software on the running system. In a situation such as this, the system itself cannot be trusted.
Since the task of reinstalling a “clean” OS is almost trivial, most experienced administrators consider it impractical to try and dig out a rootkit.
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