Microsoft Windows vs Linux vs Mac OS X

Simply stated, below are my perceived difference in Windows XP vs Windows Vista vs Windows 7 vs Linux vs Mac OS X on the User Account Control (UAC) issue from the standpoint of one who has them all installed in production use:

1. Pre-XP and Windows XP – unmanaged default installations have administrative (root) privileges, not good as we’ve seen; you can create unprivileged accounts and system changes will require administrator login (with a right-click clue on what account has it);

Computer Help Desk Stupid Questions brought to you by Computer Service Now (CSN)

CSN Helps desk technicians know first hand that the phrase 'there are no stupid questions' is untrue.
It's understandable that people are nervous about computer technology, but everyday computer technicians
are asked to help people out of problems that leave them asking...
...how do you get to work?

Here is some proof from the help desk stupid questions archives at CSN:

Computer Hardware Preventive Maintenance Software

Computers often break down at the worst of all times. These problems can be averted, or at least minimized with preventive maintenance. Several methods of keeping computer hardware in good working order deal with the external components of the computer, such as the keyboard and monitor. For example, it is important to keep the processor away from excess heat and moisture. There are also computer hardware preventive maintenance software programs that can help with the upkeep of other internal aspects of a computer.

Computer Hacks – Quacks Looking for Cracks

Who are these people? If they were profiled by the FBI or some law enforcement agency what would the profile look like? What age group would they fall into and what sort of background would they come from?

In August of 2003 an 18 year old teen was arrested for springing a version of the MSBlaster worm to internet computers by the millions. It is thought that he may have even triggered the blackout that occurred in the US and Canada in that same period.

Computer Graphics: They're Not All The Same

Graphic images on your computer come in two different forms, raster images and vector images. Raster images are made by programs such as Photoshop and Corel Photopaint. Vector images are produced by Adobe Illustrator, Freehand, and CorelDraw. While the results from these different programs can look similar, the ways in which they are made are very different.

Raster images are made up of millions of individual squares, or pixels, of various colors. The more pixels you have, the better the image will look. The number of pixels, or resolution, is usually expressed in dots per inch (dpi). Images on the Web are shown at 72 dpi. A high-resolution image would run 300 dpi or higher. Some types of printing can get into the 1600 dpi range. Much like a mosaic, a raster image can look smooth from a distance but as you zoom in closer you can see the individual pixels.

Computer Geeks and Garden Gnomes

First and foremost before I begin my ranting it is worth mentioning that there are many very helpful and considerate people out there in the cyber wilderness who devote much of their time to providing open source and free scripts of all variations from PHP, CGI and Java to name but a few. They provide dedicated support, do not insist on payment, and spend much of their free time helping you avoid having to part with your hard earned cash to get free programs and scripts up and running on your websites.

Now, that having been said I have just spent an enlightening couple of days installing several PHP and CGI scripts, mainly because whilst I have some experience of installations, the only true way to become fast and efficient with all this geeky stuff is to install, de install and test a variety of applications and programs yourself.

Computer Equipment Disposals and Recycling

With the adoption of the WEEE directives by the EU, the disposal of redundant IT and computer equipment has become an issue for all businesses in the UK.

The list of equipment (computer disposal / recycling is only one area) that must be properly disposed of is quite extensive and thus, as with many other areas of business, it is best to get an expert agency to assist and ensure compliance with the WEEE directive and the Data Protection Act. When disposing of old computers care has to be taken with consideration to the destruction of the data drive in the computer, the Data Protection Act requiring that "Due Care" is taken to ensure that the process of "computer hard drive destruction" is fully and correctly carried out. This is to ensure that no personal data is ever obtainable from old computers.

Computer Do's and Don'ts

Here are a few helpful pointers for your computer experience.

DON'T

Store personal information on your computer or PDA. Stored data is always open to hackers. Consider storing passwords on CD's or disks that you keep locked in a box or closet.

Shop on-line without being sure of two safety features. Check the order page for the lock icon at the bottom. This way you know the system is encrypted and your personal data if transfered safely. The URL on the address bar should say "https", the "s" stands for secure.

Computer Disposal - Throwing Away Your Computer, Money, and Idenity

Computer Disposal and Security
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Computer Disposal - Security is not only important while using your new PC, but when disposing of your legacy or old computer equipment as well. Information can be retrieved in several different ways once your system leaves your house or office. In my state we have a recycling container at the solid waste authority which you can bring your old PC’s to.

On May 31st, 2005, I decided to do an experiment and see what people ctually throw away. So, I took my trusty laptop, an external USB hard drive shell, and waited for my first victim. (All identities have been changed to protect the newest casualties of the TCAD)

Computer Data Recovery Options

Losing files on your computer can be a frightening experience if the files are of importance to you personally or professionally. Computer data recovery techniques include the most simple of operations, like simply retrieving an accidentally deleted file, to very complex file retrieval procedures that only professionals should attempt to do.

If you are trying to proceed with your hard disk recovery solution on your own, first start with the most obvious answer. Look in your recycle bin to see if the file has been placed there. If it is, you can choose the "restore" option, and your system will automatically put the file back on your computer where it was stored originally. Of course, if every retrieval was this simple, there would be no need for computer professionals who specialize in data recovery, so chances are you'll need to try a different technique to find your lost data.

Computer Data Backups: Test Now or Cry Later

If you’re like most small business owners, your computer data backups are one of those things that you rarely pay attention to. Computer data backups are kind of like flossing your teeth and eating low-fat, high-fiber foods... everyone knows what they’re supposed to do... but how many REALLY do these things religiously?!?

Unfortunately when it comes to your computer data backups however, complacency can be very dangerous. Of course, it’s always a good idea to have a local computer service company that you can rely on for advice on selecting and maintaining your computer data backups. But, unless you’re prepared to put a full-time PC support person on your company’s payroll, it’s really important that you get some basic understanding
of the major issues with computer data backups.

Computer Data Backup - Data Backup Solution Will Give You A Peace Of Mind

Imagine that you have been working on a file for the entire day and there was a power surge that caused your computer to 'black out'. It would have been a frustrating experience for us as we had put in a lot of time and effort into it. I am sure that many of us would have experienced data loss in some form or another and have learnt to be wiser to backup our data to avoid any form of data loss.

Have you ever thought of a worst case scenario where a fire broke up and destroy your computer or where your laptop got stolen? Should that happen, the first thing that comes into your mind is the thousands of dollars that you spend on your computer or laptop and you would feel very upset about it. However, when you thought for a second moment, you started to realize that what is really valuable are the amount of data that you have built up over the years in it. Though hardware can always be replaced, even at no cost to you if you have insurance, but lost data is gone forever.

COMPUTER COURTESY

The tips that follow should help you to write e-mail that will be well received every time The links in this PDF are 'live'. You can search keywords by going to Edit, Find, type word and click Next

Pay attention to punctuation, spelling, grammar and capitals. It shows that you value us and that you've thought about what you've written rather than an off-the-cuff rushed message in the heat of the moment.

Your subject line should be descriptive, especially when we get so many emails or if we like to save the emails in a file. It'd be great a practice to start the subject with "Recipient or group name" then a hyphen, your subject (specific and changed for each email), another hyphen and then the date. E.g. Thea-Email tips attached-15Oct05 Make the subject crystal clear.

Computer Controlled LED Signs

Most LED signs available today can be controlled by the operator. Computer Controlled LED signs are controlled by the operator. These are the most upcoming technology that is being spread all over the world in speed.

Computer controlled LED signs use the LED technology stands for light emitting diodes and produces very bright light while at the same time being energy efficient as they do not burn off heat as a wasted by product like incandescent lighting. These signs are used as indoor and outdoor outlets in world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Computer Consulting Profit Secrets

Do you own or manage a computer consulting company? Are you having trouble growing your computer consulting company’s profits?

If so, then you must learn how to focus on your computer consulting firm’s profit and bottom line.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 profit secrets and strategies you can use in your computer consulting business, to ensure that you are able to balance your clients’ small business IT needs against your own computer consulting company’s profitability challenges.

Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips (Part 1 of 2)

Does your business need the services of a computer consulting firm? Before you rush out and hire the first techie or slick-salesperson that knocks on your door, be sure to consider these favorite Computer Consulting 101 hiring tips for screening and interviewing local computer consulting firms. In this first in a two-part series, we’ll look the root of the problem, as well as the four most basic criteria that you’ll need to ask about when searching for computer consulting vendors.

Computer Consulting 101 Preventative Medicine

Many small business owners have a tough time knowing how to deal with difficult computer consultants. However, if you're able to uncover potential problems at the start of your computer consultant/client relationship, you can avoid many of these unpleasant issues altogether.

Computer Components for Idiots

There are many fancy add-ons for computers, but the basic components of the computer are simple and universal. If 1 of these main components is missing, it's not a computer.

The 4 essentials of every computer system are: a motherboard, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, and a hard drive. These components are installed in a case to which are attached a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. That's your basic computer.

Computer Cleaning May Be The Best Home Based, Part-time or Full-time Business

Computer Cleaning May Be The Best Home Based, Part-time or Full-time Business

With the proper motivation, training, and advertising you will be able to charge for most all aspects of personal computer and computer system installation, repair, and maintenance. But, unlike your competitors, you will engage in the two most lucrative and high-profit aspects of computer maintenance -- computer cleaning (Note 1) and spyware removal (Note 2).

Imagine yourself being able to charge $50 to $75 per hour with almost no business expenses; no high-dollar office or advertising, no employees with their demands and aggravations.

Computer Cleaning

Taking care of your computer will help it last longer and work better.

To clean your mouse - The trackball can pick up dirt and dust from your desk and mouse pad. Also, the wheels that the trackball come in contact with get dirty and need to be cleaned. If you notice your mouse "doesn't work right", it may be time to clean it. First, turn your PC off. Turn your mouse over and you will see the ball sticking out of a cover. Look at the arrows on the cover and turn it in the indicated direction to open it up. Don't worry about anything falling out. The only thing that comes out is the ball, and maybe a little dust, and you want to take that out anyway. You can clean the ball with alcohol if it needs it, but usually just wiping it off will work. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol works well for cleaning the wheels. When you're done, drop the ball back in and put the cover back on. If cleaning it doesn't help, it may be time to replace it. PC mice are usually less than $10 and are sometime free if you watch for sales in the Sunday paper.

Computer Certification: Become A Utility Player

In baseball, a "utility player" is one who plays more than one position. These players are usually backups, but they have a job in the major leagues because of their value to the team; since they can play more than one position, they have that much more value to their employer.

Too often in IT, workers become either LAN or WAN engineers, knowing little if anything about the other side. Many LAN administrators I worked with knew little about routing and switching, while many WAN engineers I knew not only didn't know much about the LAN side of their network, but they didn't want to know anything about the servers!