Posts Tagged ‘flash drive’

If you are about to buy your first computer, or if you are thinking about what to add to your current system, what extras should you buy? There are a few basics that will make it much easier for you and your family to use the computer and also to get the most out of the Internet. Luckily, most of these extras are either free or won’t cost you too much money.

1. Printer: You need this to make copies of documents from your computer files or from the Internet. Printers start at around $30.

2. Mouse: If you bought a desktop computer, it should come with a mouse. If you bought a laptop, it comes with a built-in mouse, but an external mouse makes it much easier to use most programs and web sites. You can get one starting around $10.

3. Writable CD-ROM or DVD drive: Having this capacity makes it easy to back up data, transfer files between computers, or to create music CDs: While you can buy a drive that is separate from the computer, it is much more convenient to have one built into your machine. Make sure when you order your computer that it comes with at least one drive that can read and write CD-ROMs.

4. Speakers: Most laptops and even some desktops have built-in speakers, but a pair of external speakers will give you a better sound. If your new desktop or laptop does not come with a pair, you can get a cheap pair for less than $20.

5. Flash drives: You can use these either to back up your files or to transfer files between computers. While you can also use CD-ROMs and DVDs to store data, not every computer will have an appropriate drive, but you can use a flash drive with even the most basic new computer. They can start at less than $10. You should get at least one for every member of your family who will use the computer for work or for school.

6. Firefox browser: This alternative to Internet Explorer allows you to have more control over your online experience, especially when it comes to blocking advertising. It is free and you can download it from http://www.mozilla.com/.

7. OpenOffice.org: This office application suite has all the software you need for doing word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations for either work or school. You can even use this set of software to work with Microsoft Office files from the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs. This is also free and available at http://www.openoffice.org/.

8. Adobe Reader: This free software can be used to view, print, and search PDF files, which is the preferred file format for many online documents. It often comes with new computers, and if not you can get it for free at http://www.adobe.com/.

9. Google Desktop: This free program allows you to search for content on your computer’s hard drive the same way you do online searches. You can find this program at http://desktop.google.com/.

10. iTunes media player: You can use this free program from Apple to easily manage most of the audio and music files on your computer. You do not have to buy an iPod to use the software. The software is included with new Apple computers, and you can download a version of the software for computers that run the Windows operating system.

Just remember, going online does not have to be expensive. Many of the things you want to do with your computer should not cost you a lot of extra money or extra hassle. The money you spend on basic extra hardware will allow your computer to be a very valuable tool for you and your family.

Other Resources

The book Parenting and the Internet (Speedbrake Publishing, 2007) by Todd Curtis has more suggestions about hardware and software, including advice on enhancing your family’s online privacy and security, and extensive links to providers of free software. To find out more about the book, visit http://speedbrake.com

About the Author: Dr. Todd Curtis is the creator of the web’s most popular airline safety site AirSafe.com http://www.airsafe.com, the director of the AirSafe.com Foundation, and an expert in the areas of engineering risk assessment and risk management. He has applied those basic principles to the problem of managing Internet use, and has put many of those insights and lessons learned into his book Parenting and the Internet (Speedbrake Publishing, 2007), an easy to understand how-to guide that parents can use to manage the activities of their online children. For more information about the book and how it can help you, visit http://books.speedbrake.com

Author: Todd Curtis, PhD
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Cool mobile gadgets

Over the years computers have definitely moved from being a luxury to being a necessity. Companies and citizens rely on these machines to be able to so their jobs. This technology is responsible for the innovations that have proliferated in past and recent years and that will continue to flourish in the future. It is not necessary to know the inner workings of your computer in order to use it successfully. If you want to know what it is comprised of, below is an overview of the topic.

You should be careful however, since some of these parts could damage your computer hardware.

Along with RAM and Hard Disk Drive, the CPU(Central Processing Unit) will determine the speed of your system. Single Core processors were the standard previously, but now you’ll want to get Dual or Quad cores, as they’re much faster.

The motherboard will be the most expensive part of your computer. This is what the essential components are connected to. Including the Hard Disk drive, RAM, CPU and there are add-on components with some kind such as sound and graphics card and the LAN port. It is not worth saving a couple dollars to buy lower quality and unknown brands on key components for the system.

Not many people are aware of the hard drive. Especially when they are using it intensively installing programs, and storing media files The more storage that a drive has, the greater number of files and programs can be saved on it. The files are yours to keep for as long as you want. Just for your peace of mind that your memory will still be able to take it. Delete files you don’t use any longer to create more disk space. If you want, you can upgrade your hard drive or use an external storage device such as a flash drive or memory card.

Data from the computer itself is stored on the Ram for a temporary period. This enables the CPU to perform at its optimum capacity. Shutting down the computer deletes any data on the RAM.

The images you see on your monitor are displayed in large part due to your graphics card. More and more changes are being made in this area of computers as well because of the number of active gamers out there.

Ian Wright can help you with your computer needs if you visit laptop computer deals and http://www.cheap-laptops-site.com.

Author: Ian E. Wright
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
portmeirion porcelain dinnerware, bakeware & accessories

I keep getting the “blue screen of death”alot lately,error messages,my connection crashes while everyone elses works in my house,wont let me install new things(phone,ipod,ect.),just shuts off on me for no reason.acts real slow,and now best of all its battery dies QUICK and the front of it acts like its cracked so it lifts up and every 10 mins i have to pull it up and hit it to close again its annoying me should i just buy a new one? ive had it for 6 months and its been dropped quite a few

Answer:
Sounds like it. A new one would do you good. How long have you had it? Has it been dropped. Sounds like it’s been through some abuse. The battery dies quick when we leave them plugged all the time. At least in our experience. If you are saving a lot of movies, pics, music, then you need to start saving them on Flash Drive or CDs because they take up a lot of space and will cause issues eventually. http://keepitsimplehtml.com