PC Tips
and Computer Information
Memory
You can
get the fastest processor out on the market, but you don't have anything until
you load it up with RAM. We recommend at least 2gig (3 gig or more is better).
Before buying the latest PC, consider upgrading your memory first. You will be
surprised. See our electronics dictionary for information on purchasing memory.
ReadyBoost
- A Windows Vista application that provides an easy way to speed up a computer
by adding additional memory capacity by using a readyboost compatible USB drive.
Be sure to correctly size the USB flash drive to the system memory. Microsoft
recommends between 1 to 1 and 2.5 to 1 ratio. For example, if a computer has 1
gigabyte of memory the USB drive capacity should be between 1 to 2.5 gigabytes.
Keep as few as possible icons (shortcuts) on your desktop. Those little icons
rob your RAM of 500bytes each. These can quickly add up and slow your PC down.
Click here for 10 tips to speed up your PC.
Bad RAM
can cause many problems with your pc. Some symptoms include - blue
screens, programs crashing, and shutdown of your computer for no apparent
reason. Memory can be bad from the moment you purchase it. There is a free
program called
Memtest86
that can help you troubleshoot memory problems.
Real easy to use. Must be on a bootable floppy or cd.
Static Electricity
Do not
touch the hard drive (case) or monitor after walking on carpet. Good way
to tear up something electronic. Try to touch something metal before
putting your hands on them. Static electricity can cause catastrophic
damage to a computer. If you are doing
upgrade/repair work yourself, invest in a anti static wrist strap/pad.
Inexpensive and well worth it. Do not use a brush or cloth to clean circuit
boards. They can cause static electricity. Use a can of compressed air to clean
these sensitive components. See our article below for more information on how to
properly clean a pc.
Windows Operating System
You can go get a mac if you want to, but we recommend a windows
platform with an IBM compatible PC.
Say goodbye to XP, Vista is now here but we recommend waiting at least till the
first round of service packs are released.
Read here about the hardware requirements for Windows Vista.
PC Problems If you
here "funny noises" coming from your PC, stop immediately. If you don't know a thing
about them, call some one. It is not uncommon for fans to go out. They are
inexpensive to replace, but can trash the whole system.
Here is an article about strange computer noises. Always insist on high quality ball bearing fans. Do not go with the cheap ones.
Good quality fans will not cost more than $10.
Here is info on how to properly clean your pc. CD Stuck - Ever wonder what that little bitty tiny hole on cd and disk drives was for?
Stick a straightened paperclip in that hole to eject stuck cd/disks. Special note
- How you format can cause the cd not to eject.
Read this for really stubborn
inkjet cartridge clogs.
General Tips Get a good one. We recommend
NVIDIA with at least 128mg of built in memory. On board video (graphics card
built into the motherboard) can cause lag. Onboard video cards use valuable PC
resources. Put in a good video card, bypass the onboard video and notice the
difference. Extremely good choice for upgrading your computer with minimal
investment. Here is our article on
how to replace a computer expansion card.
We do not recommend buying extended warranties with a new computer.
Why? Most of the time, if new electronic components fail, they do so
fairly quickly. Leave your new PC on for two weeks without turning it off
to give it a good trial/break-in period.
A cool browser zoom tip -
If you are running Windows XP with Internet Explorer, hold the Ctrl key while moving your
mouse wheel (if you have one). You can instantly zoom in or out!
Here is two computer tips and tricks that we thought were rather cool.
Learn about 10 keyboard shortcuts here.
Keeping your registry clean
will keep your computer running at peak speeds.
Click here for more information about cleaning your registry.
Building your own pc is cost effective and a very rewarding experience.
Click here to read more need to know information before building your custom computer.
If you want to understand basic computer terminology,
click here for definitions of computer components.
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