Computer Cooling Explained: Fan and Liquid Cooling Systems

By Michael McSherry

The Principle: Heat Transfer

Your computer has a few "hot spots" which generate more heat than the other components. Typically, these are the processor and power supply, although hard drives and extended video cards are also common culprits. In a closed computer case, you can imagine that the heat of a system builds rather quickly. Out with the hot, in with the cold; your computer needs to transfer heat away from the core components. Heat transfer, in this sense, refers to the conduction and convection processes which allow for the efficient heat exchange between your computer's internal components and the (hopefully) cooler surroundings. There are currently two main methods employed in dealing with computer heat: traditional fan cooling systems and higher end liquid cooling systems.

Traditional Fan Cooling

The same way you blow on your food when it is too hot, fan cooling systems work by running cooler air over the surface of a warmer object. As the air passes over the heated object, some of the energy contained therein is passed off to the atoms of the air through a process called convective heat loss. This is also the driving force behind wind chill. Fans have remained the most popular method of cooling computer systems as they are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to repair. Oftentimes, a fan system is supplemented further by a heat sink. Computer heat sinks are typically placed on the processor, where conductive heat transfer allows for the heat generated by the computer to be spread out over a much larger surface area. In this way, the effects of convective heat loss are more pronounced, as more cool air can pass over a larger surface.

Liquid Cooling

Liquid cooling is much more efficient than traditional fan cooling, though its primary disadvantage is a higher cost. In terms of efficiency, consider how quickly water cools a hot pan versus leaving it sit at room temperature. Water has a much higher level of thermal conductivity, meaning it can exchange heat at a much higher rate (over 3,000 times as much!) than air. Liquid cooling allows for piping filled with water to be in direct contact with the heated computer component. The water is heated and transferred away from the component, where it circulates out to a radiator, which is in turn cooled by a fan. As you can see, liquid cooling still uses components of traditional cooling. For example, a 41R6039 heat sink in a traditional fan setup is analogous to the radiator and fan of a liquid cooling system. Hopefully this introduction to computer cooling has provided you with the foundational knowledge to understand the function your computer's fan or liquid cooling system serves.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7827091

The Benefits Of A Small Computer Mouse

By Jeff Schuman

A small computer mouse can fulfill your needs perfectly. There are some great benefits to using a small mouse, compared to a larger version. This can give you a great alternative to eliminate the many bulky parts that often accompany a computer.

A small computer mouse will often perform all of the same functions as a larger mouse, but you will not have the bulkiness of this mouse. You will be able to store it easily, or carry it with you. If you choose to use a mouse with your laptop, you will be able to put this mouse up when you are done using it. This can make traveling with a mouse very easy.

When you choose a smaller mouse, it may also be a more affordable option. Computer parts can be very expensive; finding opportunities to save can relieve some of this burden. You may find that a smaller mouse can be much cheaper than a larger, standard mouse.

If you have a child that uses the mouse, a smaller version can be much easier for them to utilize. This can be a great way to introduce smaller hands to a computer for a life of learning. There are many great programs online that are made for children that can teach them the basics.

A small computer mouse can be replaced if it breaks without worry. When you do not make a large investment in a mouse, it can be much easier when it comes time to replace your mouse. You may want to upgrade your mouse, or your mouse may no longer function properly.

A small mouse can also come in a variety of different colors. You can find your favorite color in a small mouse version. You will be able to customize your mouse to other computer equipment that you may have. Using colors for computer accessories has become very popular.

You can find that a small mouse will also come in a wireless variety. This can eliminate the use of wires when you are using your computer. A small wireless mouse can also be taken with you on the go easily. This will give you a smaller version, using the latest technology in computer accessories.

When it comes to a small computer mouse you will quickly find out that you have many options. This is a mouse that can be very portable, and allow you to have less bulky equipment when you are using your computer at home.

If you enjoyed this article by Jeff Schuman please check out our understanding your computer website today. You will find helpful information about file management, using a computer mouse and many other things to help you effectively use your computer. http://www.UnderstandingComputerBasics.com

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Configuring a New Laptop

By Marco Carolla

There are a lot of things to consider when you are shopping for that laptop, the two most important specifications however are going to be your processor  and your RAM. Here I am going to explain some of the fundamental features of both so you can make a better choice when buying a laptop for yourself.

PROCESSOR (CPU)

Intel the world's largest semi conductor maker has begun the process of transitioning into a quad core line of processors. Their range is branded as Core i3, i5 and i7. If you are hunting for a bargain then you could choose its older Core 2 models, but you would be better off sticking to its latest range.

You could also consider a processor from Intel rival AMD which has a compelling range of products branded as Turion II and Athlon II. If you are a budget shopper then these processes are well worth considering and will serve the purpose for most tasks. The big difference between processors made by AMD is they are simply not as fast as those made by Intel and they tend to act as a drain on battery life.

The most important task is working out exactly how much processing power you need. In general the Core i3 or i5 are suitable for most people. If however you do a lot of video editing then you are going to need a more powerful processor. Gamers in particular believe they need a powerful processor but in practice can actually get away with a slower chip.

Quad core chips still cost a lot and also tend to drain battery life quite quickly. You can identify a quad core chip by the Q denoted next to the machine's model number. If you use your laptop as your main machine, and not taking it out on the road, or you are a gamer or video editor, the quad chip case becomes more compelling.

The decision over processor gets trickier when you are ordering a custom laptop from a manufacturer. You should as a rule avoid the most expensive Chipset on offer and go for the second or third least costliest chips. The increase in price is usually proportional to performance. You should not spend more than $150 upgrading a processor. If you are simply surfing the internet or word processing, even a dual core processor is more than adequate.

MEMORY (RAM)

4GB RAM is the standard memory offered by most manufacturers even on low end laptops and that is really all you need. Starting prices for a laptop with 4GB RAM are just under $500. In the past manufacturers used to make consumers pay through the nose when they upgraded the memory whilst custom ordering. More recently, this practice seems to have changed, and only Apple really still does this.

If upgrading your memory to 4GB costs you less than $90, which is what it costs separately, then you should definitely upgrade. Upgrading beyond 4GB is going to be expensive, and the only real reason to do it is if you are video editing, and even then it's still not absolutely necessary when you compare it against the expense. For a desktop, spending an additional $100 is no big deal, but for a laptop where it is going to cost you an additional $300 for 8GB, it's simply not worth it unless your laptop is your primary video editing device.

ComputerCoupons.com.au provides the latest offers for coupons for leading brands such as Dell and Lenovo. If you are considering the purchase of a new computer then a computer coupon is probably one of the best ways to save money online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7401172

How to Track My Cell Phone

By Razamith Sovereign

So, you just come home from your dinner with friends and suddenly you do not know where you put your iPhone. Did you left it at the restaurant or at work? Or probably it is still in your house. You probably fear the worst that someone might have stolen your cell phone. Luckily locating a cell phone is quite easy.

If you own an iPhone, you can always use the Find iPhone apps. First of all you need to download this app to your iPhone. Then you must log in to the app with your Apple account ID. Once activated, the device will share its location. The minimum network requirement for it to track the device is either through GPS signal, 3G, WiFi, or location triangulation via cell towers. What is a location triangulation via cell towers? I will deliberate on this in future post. If you have an iPad or any other Apple devices, you can easily track your iPhone by logging into your account via the find iPhone apps. There it will list all of your devices that are connected to the iCloud. Once it detected your device, it will show the location of your device on a map. You can also have the option of remote triggering the device to omit ringing sound or lock it so that it cannot be used by unwanted parties. Other interesting thing is that you can also follow other people's Apple's devices through your list of contact. Once you select the list of contact you want to follow, it will notify your friends and family that you are following them through the iPhone apps. It is a very neat app and it can also reduce your worries if you lose your iPhone or misplaced them.

Another way for you to track your cell phone is by tracking your phone's IMEI. IMEI stands for International Mobile Station Equipment Identity. It is a unique number for every mobile phone that was manufactured. It has 14 to 15 numbers that represents your mobile phones ID. You can quickly know your phone unique IMEI number by pressing *#06# on your phone keypad. Your phone will instantly show a string of numbers. This number represents the phones IMEI. The IMEI is usually used by GSM operator network to identify whether your phone is a valid device and not a clone one or a stolen one. GSM operator can actually stop the mobile phone that has an IMEI that was blacklisted. So, by blacklisting the IMEI, even though the thief changes the SIM of the phone, it will still cannot be used since the IMEI is unique to the mobile phone itself.

So, make sure to remember your mobile phone's IMEI and store it someplace safe. This will prove to be useful if your mobile phone do get lost. You can immediately use this IMEI number by calling your operator and tell them that your mobile phone got stolen or lost. By giving the mobile phones IMEI number, the operator will block that mobile phone form using the operator's network. This will make the stolen mobile phone render less. But, if you decide locate your mobile phone yourself; there are a number of services or software available on the web. There are also many free software available. You can search the web for other free tracking devices for your mobile number. However, your operator usually can do the tracking for you. Usually your network operator will ask for a police report before they can do the tracking of your mobile phone. So, lodge a police report and then give your mobile phone IMEI to the operator. Once, they have tracked the location of your phone, it is advisable that you should notify the police and let them do their job in retrieving it. Do not put yourself in danger. You will never know how dangerous the thieves might be. Do not get yourself hurt or die just because of a cell phone. Your life is much more valuable. Get some help. The police are the best choice to report to and let them do the job.

Visit http://www.myphonelocater.com for more information on how to track your cell phone. Razamith Sovereign is a General Manager in a technology company, he provide useful advice through his articles that he have found very applicable in managing his daily operation of the company and his daily life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7604621

Mac or Windows: Choosing Between 2 Computer Operating Systems

By Jose Victor M Jayme

When buying a new computer, there are a number of things you have to consider. Chief among these would be the matter of which operating system (OS) you want to use. This decision determines the type of hardware and software which will be available to you. The 2 most well-known systems available in the market now are Microsoft's Windows and Apple's Mac OSX. Windows is considered to be the industry standard while the Mac OSX is definitely cool, hip, and sleek. So before choosing an OS, it is better to find put the pros and cons of each system.

Windows

Windows remains the dominant operating system in the market. Many businesses opt to use this particular brand. It is definitely the OS to beat, and with good reason. It has the widest array of available apps. It is also important to note that many of these apps are free. It is also compatible with more hardware than any of its competitors. When it comes to gaming, it is the system of choice with many of the popular titles, from Halo to Bioshock, being Windows exclusive.

The downside to this particular OS, however, is that it is the primary target of many viruses and other forms of malware. Unfortunately, this is a negative result of the system's popularity. So, if ever you choose to use this OS, don't forget that you will most probably need a sturdy anti-virus program.

Mac OSX

The Mac is perhaps most well-known for its sleek design and its easy-to-use interface. After being overshadowed by Microsoft's Windows for the longest time, Apple has been steadily gaining ground over the last few years. Appealing primarily to the creative types, it comes equipped with the best audio and video editing software. Easier music creation, photo editing, and video production are among the Mac's strong points. Also, its catalogue of software is continually growing due to the fact that more and more third-party developers are joining Apple's bandwagon.

While Apple controls only a relatively small portion of the OS market, this has actually worked out for them. The OSX rarely becomes the target of viruses and other forms of malware. It is also more secure when compared to its Microsoft counterpart due to its Unix foundations.

Of course, it is important to mention that despite these benefits, there is one downside to the Mac. It is much more expensive than your average PC.

These are just the basic differences between the two dominant systems in market today. It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages that come with each system before finally deciding which one you will get.

Jose Victor M. Jayme is a graduate of the University of the Philippines, with a degree in the Social Sciences. He has been working as a freelance copywriter since 2010.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7593124

Top 5 Computer Mouse Problems And How To Fix Them

By Ryan James Smith

This guide will take you through the 5 most common mouse problems along with a quick fix for each problem.

First Things First

Before even attempting to resolve your problem you'll need to do a few initial checks. They are all very easy and take but a few seconds.

1. Change batteries - If your mouse is wireless then change the batteries. Just because the bottom of the mouse is still glowing red and its lights are on and flashing doesn't necessarily mean that it's running low on juice and causing other problems.

2. Clean the mouse - Give your mouse and mouse mate or mouse surface a quick once over with a clean cloth to make sure there are no dust particles affecting it's performance.

3. Unplug and plug back in the mouse - It could be a case of simply replugging in your mouse. This usually fixes most problems.

If you have taken all of these steps and the problem persists then below are the 5 most common computer mouse problems along with the viable solutions.

PROBLEM: Mouse Cursor Doesn't Move Smoothly

SOLUTION: If your mouse cursor does not move smoothly then the most likely cause will be either dust in the mouse sensor or dust on the mouse surface, be it a mouse mat or desk. Ensure that you give the mouse a thorough cleaning making sure just to use a clean cloth and no chemicals which are likely to cause more problems.

Another factor which may be causing this malfunction is that a glossy mouse surface is being used. Some mice, especially optical and laser, have difficulties in tracking movement on high gloss surfaces such as glass. Try using a mouse mat instead.

PROBLEM: Mouse Pointer Freezes

SOLUTION: The most likely cause of this problem will be due to your computers CPU (Central Processor Unit) usage. In this case you may be running more programs than necessary or simply have a lot of background applications open without even realising it. This can potentially be the most annoying as this may mean that your PC is due an upgrade but before committing to this purchase then try these options.

i) Wait a few seconds - The simplest solutions are most often the best. Simply wait a few seconds to see if the problem resolves itself. If the problem persists or repeats itself then further investigation is required.

ii) Close some programs - Some computer programs will keep themselves open in the background without you realising. Look at the bottom right of your Windows Desktop to see if there are any programs still running which you could potentially close.

iii) If all else fails then power off and then power back on to completely clear any unwanted and troublesome background applications or programs.

PROBLEM: Mouse Not Working At All

SOLUTION: Your mouse not working at all could be from a variety of problems. Some may be software related and some will be hardware related. The mouse not working may be as a result from a loose connection, faulty wiring, a faulty USB or PS/2 port or a faulty IR wireless receiver. Make sure to double check the integrity of your ports when troubleshooting to ensure they are working as expected. Some wireless devices (and some wired) will require a mouse driver to be installed for proper use. Refer to the manufacturer's driver's guideline to make sure it is installed and up-to-date.

If all of this fails then, as usual, unplug and power up your mouse and PC.

PROBLEM: Mouse Pointer Too Slow Or Too Fast

SOLUTION: There's only really one solution for this and it's a software configuration issue. This can easily be fixed by going to Control Panel > Mouse > Pointer Options Tab. Change the pointer speed to the desired level by moving the slider up or down until it feels more comfortable.

PROBLEM: Problem With Double Click

SOLUTION: As above this will most likely be a software configuration issue and can be fixed by going to Control Panel > Mouse > Buttons tab. Change the double click speed and test it to a comfortable click speed level.

If all of these solutions fail for your mouse fix then the final option is to purchase another mouse. You can buy a variety of computer mice for many different uses. If you're not sure whether it's the actual hardware (the mouse) or your software then you can pick up a cheap mouse for a few dollars and testing it with this before making a more substantial purchase.

Ryan Smith is the chief author and editor of Computer Mouse Reviews. For help in fixing your computer mouse problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7504390

Amazing Firsts in the History of Computers

By Gary Klingsheim

A modern computer user accesses video, email, and spam every single day; it's an accepted part of a connected life. The Internet is now a vital part of business, social relationships, and politics; it's impossible to imagine how we ever got along without it. But computer and Internet technology as we know it is still quite new, on a historic scale. While many things are ubiquitous now, they were invented by someone who made the first leaps ahead. Here are some of those firsts in computer history.

The First Webcam

Webcams have revolutionized how we interact with others online, putting a human face onto a medium that was historically confined to text-only communications. Dial-up web connections couldn't possibly handle a live video stream; web browsers didn't gain the ability to display images until 1993. The first web cam was installed at the University of Cambridge in 1991. It showed a still image close-up of the laboratory's coffee pot in the hallway just outside of the "Trojan Room"; the image would display three times per minute and reduce the users monitor resolution to 128X128 grayscale color.

Like many inventions, the webcam was born out of necessity; employees working in other areas of the building would often take a break to get some coffee, only to arrive and find the pot totally empty. Frustrated at having to make frequent and pointless trips, some of the engineers set up a camera, pointed it at the coffee pot, and connected it to a video capture card on an Acorn Archimedes computer. The camera was connected to the Internet in 1993, making it visible to thousands of people online; the Trojan Room coffee pot became an early web celebrity until it was disconnected in 2001 when the computer department moved to a new building on campus.

The First Message

The Internet as we know it today would not exist without ARPANET, the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network. It was the first operational packet switching network, laying the groundwork for how the Internet works today. It launched in 1969 with a network of four small computers called Interface Message Processors, located at University of California Los Angeles, UC Santa Barbara, the University of Utah, and Stanford Research Institute.

UCLA was the first node; Stanford got the second. On October 29, 1969, project leader Leonard Kleinrock supervised UCLA student Charley Kline as he sent the very first host-to-host message from UCLA's SDS Sigma 7 computer to Stanford's SDS 940. The message was intended to be the word 'login', so that UCLA could access the Stanford host. However, the system crashed after sending just the L and the O, one letter at a time; Two simple characters "L & O" ushered in a new era of global communications that would ultimately become part of everyday modern life.

The First Virus

John von Neumann theorized the possibilities of self-reproducing automated programs in 1949, and even designed a theoretical self-replicating computer program. The first true virus, Creeper, was written in 1971 by a BBN Technologies employee named Bob Thomas. BBN was a major player in the field of early computer science, including implementing ARPANET and developing an early operating system called TENEX. Creeper would infect computers running TENEX, then use ARPANET to copy itself into remote systems and display the message, "I'm the creeper, catch me if you can!" This challenge inspired the first piece of anti-virus software, a similarly self-replicating program called Reaper, whose goal was to remove Creeper from infected systems.

Together with his design team, Gary Klingsheim on Facebook, is dedicated to providing distinctive web design services for clients from all areas; creating stunning Social Network, Mobile, E-Commerce websites and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7523471

Is Your Computer or Laptop Corrupted - 3 Top Warning Signs

By Michael J Brooks

During the lifetime of your PC or laptop, you will experience various common problems, such a decrease in the performance of your machine, plus additional DLL errors and the dreaded blue screen of death. In extreme cases your operating system will crash.

You should never expect your computer to run at peak performance, like just when you bought it.

Like any machine you have to take care of it and carry out regular maintenance.

We are going to highlight within this article the top three warning signs indicating that your computer registry is corrupted. It is recommended to carry out steps to get the problem fixed.

The first common problem which has already been mentioned, will be your machine slowing down. This happens because over time, we add and remove applications and programs.

However sometimes the programs are not removed completely and this can result in conflicts with existing data. Corrupt files can then result.

The decrease in your machine's performance is generally the first sign of problems with the registry. Another sign is getting error messages which are very random. The most common types of these errors are browser errors plus h System32, DLL and kernel 32 errors.

You may also notice that the home page has been changed to something which you have never seen before.

Should this happen, our best advice is to run a quality registry cleaner such as Regcure Pro. This will allow you to run a free scan of your system which should highlight the problems for you.

The scan should find the registry problems and once the system has been cleaned of them, your computer should be running fine once more.

The last common problem that computer users meet is unwanted pop-ups. This is usually a sign that malware or spyware has been downloaded unto to your PC.

In general it's done unknowingly. The software disguises itself as a legitimate product and we then download it, thinking it's okay. Please don't ignore these pop ups as the software can monitor your activity and steal personal and private details such as financial information.

You need to get this malicious software out of your machine as soon as possible. If you go ahead and buy a good registry cleaner, we recommended that you use it regularly.

The quality ones will allow you to set up a cleaning schedule on a regular basis. Also the good ones such as Regure Pro do not require you to be a computer expert. I found the software easy to use and implement.

Fix slow running computer, Freezes, System crashes and Window errors. For your Free scan go now to: http://www.fixcorruptregistry.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7500420

Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Computer's Performance

By Hendro Rudiansyah

You can tweak almost every component of your PC to make its performance optimal. You only have to look for computer tips and tricks. You can tweak its hardware to make it work faster and more efficient than it usually does and its software to make all applications that are installed on your computer run perfectly with as efficient resources as possible. This article features some tips and tricks that guide you to weak or to tune up your PC's hardware and software.

Tweaking Your Computer's Hardware

There are a number of hardware components of your PC that you can tune up in order to improve its performance. Because the most essential part of your computer is its processor, you can start by tweaking it. Overclock is the most familiar term that PC users usually use to refer to CPU tune-up process. There are two easy ways to tweak your computer's CPU. If your computer is manufactured within the last four years, you can easily overclock your PC's CPU by modifying its BIOS or UEFI BIOS setup. When you access your computer's BIOS, you should try to locate CPU Operating Speed, FSB Clock and PCI Clock settings and alter their values. If you cannot find those settings in your PC's BIOS, then your computer is an old one. For old PC, overclocking can be done by changing the jumper settings of your computer's motherboard. Because different CPUs have different performance peak, there is no universal rule of how to overclock your CPU. You can experiment with different settings until you figure out the performance peak of your PC. If you have assigned a particular value to your CPU clock speed setting and the PC crashes or doesn't boot properly when you turn it on, then your computer has gone beyond its performance peak. You should thus lower that value a little bit in order to keep your computer running properly. If you cannot access the BIOS to reset its settings, you should locate the motherboard's 3-pin jumper labeled "reset bios" or "clear CMOS," remove the jumper that connects the first and the second pins, and attach it to connect the second and the third pins. Some new computers allow you to tune up the performance of their CPU and Video card by using built-in application that you can access after you start your computer.

Tweaking Your Computer's Software

Tweaking your computer's software is much simpler and easier than tweaking its hardware. You can use third-party applications to tweak your computer's system environment, alter its operating system by using the already-installed standalone programs, or alter the setting of all applications that are installed on it.

There is a large selection of third-party programs that you can use to do some tweaking jobs on your PC. You can, for example, use Teracopy to copy files and folders much more quickly or use BatteryCare to extend your laptop's battery life. Just surf the internet and you can mostly find hundreds of programs that you can use to tweak your computer.

You can also tweak your computer's operating system by altering its settings using any built-in applications that are installed on your computer when you install its operating system. If you are using Windows operating system, for example, you can prevent it from making record of recent files that you open by accessing its taskbar and start menu properties setting or prevent it from running autoplay function by altering its group policy setting (GPEDIT.MSC) if you are using Windows XP or by changing its autoplay setting at Control Panel if you are using the later versions of Windows.

A number of programs that you have installed on your computer also have standalone tweaking functions. If you are interested in knowing the hidden features of all programs that you install on your computer, you can try to search for its "hidden features" or "Easter eggs" by using internet.

There are thousands of computer tips and tricks that you can find when you are online. By referring to those tips and tricks, you can alter your computer the way you want.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7502993

Things to Consider When Repairing Your Motherboard

By Uchenna Rodger Ani-Okoye

There are a number of things for you to keep in mind when repairing a motherboard. In most cases it is possible for you to repair a motherboard rather than have it replaced, but then there are those times when repairing it is not possible. Before you attempt to repair your motherboard, it's very important that you know the cause of its fault.

If your computer overheats, then that can lead to motherboard failure, if there's a power surge or one of your memory chips goes bad, these are other things that can have a negative effect on your motherboard. If you have a cheap motherboard, then there is that greater chance it could fail. It's always best to do maintenance checks on your motherboard, and also to check your hardware components just to ensure that they are all working correctly.

It's important that you prevent any static charge prior to fixing your motherboard. After you have taken the case off, you should press the back of your hands against the metal found inside the computer. This prevents any static build up, which will prevent your motherboard from developing any new issues.

There are times when your motherboard may cease to function properly due to loss of connections. In this situation, you'll want to check all your connections and make sure their all in firmly and securely. It may also be a good idea for you to thoroughly examine the power supply connectors to ensure their in tightly and firmly. If any of them have come loose, especially the connector that plugs directly into the motherboard, then it may not receive enough power. If you're installing new components onto a motherboard, then you'll also have to consider your wattage, as you'll want a power supply unit that can handle all the add-on devices.

There are also times when pins on the motherboard may get bent. In this situation, switching your computer off, unplugging it, and using some tweezers to bend the pins back, is your best option. Make sure you take the utmost care, because if you break the pin off completely, then there will be no way to fix it. In a situation like that, you're only option will be to purchase a new motherboard.

If the motherboard is not well made, then there are times when it can develop cracks, or if it's not soldered properly. If the motherboard lacks the required flexibility, especially when installing new components, then it may crack. In situations like that, you're only solution would be to replace the board.

Uchenna Ani-Okoye has been writing articles online for many years now. For information on electronic gadgets and computers, including any questions that you may want answered, advice on specific products and recommendations, check out his latest websites kindle and Computer Q&A

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7369466

Choosing Which Files to Back Up

By Sarah S Richardson

Once you've made the decision to use online backup for your computer, the next step is to choose which files to back up. The obvious answer of "everything" isn't actually the best answer. There's a limit to how many files you can realistically store online.

Many of the files on your computer do not need to be backed up. Backing up certain files is pointless because backups of those files do nothing to protect your digital assets. In short, any file that you didn't create yourself is not a good candidate for backing up.

Do Not Back Up Installation Files

It is pointless to back up files that are created when you install software on your computer. These files are the easiest to recover if anything happens to your computer. All you have to do is find the installation CD or visit the software website to get those files again.

Additionally, software installer programs work in a specific manner. You cannot just back up the entire folder of a program in your Windows directory and then recover that folder at a later date. If you do feel the need to back up software, your best bet is to back up the original installer program.

Do Not Back Up Operating System Files

Don't worry about backing up the files that come preinstalled on your computer. You can recover those file at a later date by re-installing your operating system. All you need is a set of recovery disks and you're good to go.

Again, simply backing up your file tree is not a good way to back up your operating system. Those files have to be installed in a specific manner to create a functional operating system. Just get a set of backup discs or re-download the OS again at a later date if you ever need it in the future.

Back Up User Created Files

Files that you create from scratch should be backed up. These files include Microsoft Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, tax documents, scanned photos, other work documents and anything else that you have created from scratch.

These files are functional on their own and they cannot be downloaded again if they are ever lost. Back up documents that you created from scratch. This also includes photos that you have either taken yourself, paid for on a stock photo site or created from scratch.

Back Up Songs and Videos

Songs and videos that you have either downloaded or created yourself are also good candidates for backing up. Music collections are particularly valuable with songs going for upwards of $1 a pop. These files are valuable and not easily replaced. Go ahead and add them to your backup set.

The same thing also goes for videos and movies that you have downloaded. Whether you paid for these files or not, they can be difficult and expensive to replace. Add them to your backup set so that you can access them again later if anything happens to your computer.

As an added benefit, many online storage sites will let you stream songs and videos to any internet-connected device. For example, Livedrive can be used on your phone to stream your entire music collection on the go.

Sarah Richardson is a blogger and contributor to OnlineFileStorage.com. She writes about tech news, computer security and online storage.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7474060

Engaging Super Mario Games To Play Online

By Teodora Atanasova

Super Mario is a popular and well-liked game that is played by both kids and adults alike. They enjoy it because it is an adventure game full of action. The game story presents an Italian plumber called Mario who searches for Princess Peach to save her in the Mushroom Kingdom.

The game was created by Japanese company Nintendo in 1985 and has got a lot of fans since that time. It is an entertaining video game that can be played by the second player as well. To make it possible, Nintendo has developed and introduces a second character - Luigi, another Italian plumber, who is Mario's brother. He is Mario's assistant and helps him find the Princess.

According to the statistics, Mario is one of the most popular and liked video game characters these days. Even though he is created almost 30 years ago, it is a favorite video hero for two generations and his popularity did not diminish with the years. There are hundreds of variations created based on the original game, where Mario is the main character.

Obviously, most children prefer to play adventure types of Mario games. Internet replaces the old video game consoles required before to play the game. There are many Super Mario online games, some of which are at multiplayer mode and they are for free.

There are a lot of sites that offer free variations of Mario games, such as Mario Kart, Puzzle, Super Mario Bros, etc. All of them are a big hit today, especially among children and teenagers. It is enough to have a PC with an Internet connection to have a fun with these super games. Besides the attractive character, which most of the time is crazy and very funny, the music and graphics are also very entertaining, which doubles the pleasure from playing this game.

One special feature of Mario is that he may become much bigger in size if he eats a special magic mushroom. His size will become normal again as soon as Mario meets the turtle.

Let's take a closer look at some of the Super Mario variations, which are most popular and available on the Internet.

Super Mario Flash is a great flash game, where Mario's task is to collect coins that give him points and help him kill evil Koopas and Goombas. It is quite similar to the original Mario game, but makes use of the flash technology. The magic mushroom will make Mario stronger and bigger, but to keep his size and strength, he needs to avoid the old turtle, otherwise he will be killed. This game is an excellent entertainment for boring days and evenings or just for your spare time.

Super Mario Mushroom Kingdom is another game with a bit different story of a kidnapped princess. Mario should go to the mushroom kingdom and rescue the little princess and save her from the bad guy.

Mario Video Poker is a game that combines both Poker and Super Mario. It looks just like a usual casino poker game with only distinction that Mario will bet on your behalf.

Super Mario Moto - another game that should be tried. It is unique with the fact that Mario is on a bike. It is very exciting and more challenging than others.

Super Mario bros presents a completely new level of entertainment. Much more fun is added to the old game and transferred on the Internet, so all young players could have a full time access. It is created in two versions: Super Flash Mario and Mario Overrun. This model is more challenging compared to the old version, as the player needs to handle the attack of numerous enemies at once and destroy the kuppas. The game involves the usage of modern weapons, such as bombs, plasma, as well as shot guns to achieve the goal and destroy the enemies. The player should also preserve and save the castle from all the enemies and Kuppas, which mission is to bring it down.

A lot of super Mario versions just like the spug shock, Sunshine 64, rampage, star catcher, infinite Mario, etc.have already been transferred online and there are many more to come.

In order to complete the challenging levels, the player has to practice a lot. It may require a few hours of practice before you start winning the game. One additional advantage that the game offers is the interaction and competition between online players that makes the game even more thrilling and funny. It is up to you when you will play this game online, as the video game sites offer a fulltime online access at no cost.

Take advantage of the opportunity to play Super Mario bros online and enjoy various Super Mario Flash games online for free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7487942

How Big Is BIG DATA?

By Aditi Tiwari

Did you ever wonder when you upload your picture or change a status or even comments on your friends profile, how does it get stored? Have you ever imagined the size of the data that millions of users create every day? How is it managed?

As a matter of fact the world's technological per-capita capacity to store information has roughly doubled every 40 months since the 1980s, as of 2012, every day 2.5 quintillion (2.5×10raised to power18) bytes of data were created. Because of the ever growing technological advancement extremely large quantities of data is being generated. This large chunk of data remains unused since the organizations are still trying and finding ways on how they can utilize the data to its maximum and use it to their advantage. Forrester Research estimates that organizations effectively utilize less than 5 percent of their available data. Here comes the Big Data technology to their rescue. It would open new doors and new avenues for the Enterprise. It can be a path for them in becoming tomorrow's leaders. It might help them in analyzing markets, understand customer, know their needs and pathways to new business.

Examples - Big Data Use

*The U.S. federal government collects more than 370,000 raw and geospatial datasets from 172 agencies and sub agencies. It leverages that data to provide a portal to 230 citizen-developed apps.

*Professional social network LinkedIn uses data from its more than 100 million users to build new social products based on users' own definitions of their skill sets.

*Facebook has more than 800 million active users, and there are more than 900 million objects (pages, groups, events and community pages) that people interact with. Facebook users spend over 700 billion minutes per month on the site, creating on average 90 pieces of content and sharing 30 billion pieces of content each month. Facebook's data infrastructure team is responsible for quickly analyzing all of that data to present it to users in the most relevant way.

A number of recent technology advancements are enabling organizations to make the most of big data and big data analytics:

With the new technology advancements, many factors help Organizations tap the power of big data:

*Open-source software framework like hadoop for analyzing data

*Use of MapReduce -programming model for large data sets

*Use of Google file systems

*NoSQL as database management systems

Only future can tell if Big data is going to be really big deal. But the analyst say it might even be the future.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7480544

How to Recover Deleted Data

By Lindsey Jenkins

Whether it happens by accident or not, there is likely going to be a time where you are looking for a file on your computer and you realize it is no longer there. If it is a file that you considered vitally important, a sense of panic may immediately set in as you try to figure out what you are going to do. Sometimes there is just no easy way to re-create the data from scratch. Maybe you just do not have the time to do it or you do not have enough information to go on to do it yourself. In this day and age, it is important that you are aware of methods you can use in how to recover deleted files.

Many people automatically think that it is impossible to undelete lost data. There has long been there perception among many computer users that once a file is deleted, there is no possible way to get it back. Over time, experts have found that this is not the truth.

The truth is that when a file is deleted on the hard drive of your computer, it is not simply wiped away. In reality, the computer has marked the file as one that can be deleted so that it can be overwritten should another file come along and need the space. Of course, the longer that the file has been deleted, the harder it would be to get back because that space may be used, but it is certainly still possible.

This is where data recovery software comes into play today. The marketplace today features many different types of software capable of recovering all kinds of data. Many of these programs also work on a variety of different media for those who may use external drives or flash drives.

The important thing to remember when restoring data is that you should really do it to some type of external drive. When the program looks to restore files, if you do them on your regular hard drive, you may be inadvertently overwriting other files that you may need to have restored. It is best to direct the restore to an external drive so you can then move the files back to their location on your hard drive.

Even hard drives that have suffered physical damage are not beyond repair. There are many recovery tools that can be used that are able to access damaged drives and restore files. Programs that can do this are not often of the free variety that you can download on the Internet, but it would be well worth the investment if it is something you are concerned about.

By learning how to recover deleted data, you can help to save yourself from big headaches and stress down the road. Do some homework and investigate what software programs might be a good fit for your personal needs and skills. Always remember that just because you have deleted some data does not mean that it may be gone forever.

If you are looking for how to recover deleted data, click on the link. Or you can visit http://softambulance.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7477978

World of Warcraft Strategy

By Michael Sabosorse

World of Warcraft(WOW) is an intensely competitive game requiring hours of game play experience, technical skill and of course strategy. While most players spend hundreds of hours learning, developing, and executing their strategies, you can significantly decrease the time it takes you to master the WOW universe by simply understanding and applying the appropriate WOW strategy.

Here's an overview of some critical World of Warcraft techniques to help you dominate your competition, significantly increase your game earnings, and master the WOW universe in no time at all:

- Your overall WOW strategy should be dynamic and flexible. It's not enough to look for gold; you must know where to go and how to uncover gold making opportunities others aren't aware of. In addition, you must understand the common gold making mistakes most players make and how to avoid them. How to get money for your mounts is an equally important Wow strategy to maximize your efficiency.

- When beginning your game, understand that your lifeblood is all about gold. Most new players spend countless hours trying to figure out how to make gold. So, understand that you don't want gold, you need gold, and you'll be well on your way to WOW strategy success. Also, leveraging your game time is critical. Spending hundreds of hours trying to search for and make gold can be a fruitless endeavor. Instead, focus your efforts on prioritizing your activities and maximizing gold efficiently. This is one of the key elements to developing an effective WOW gameplan.

- Mastering the art of automating your gold build is absolutely critical. By mastering the arts of crafting, fishing and cooking, and farming, you'll quickly learn to maximize your gold and minimize your game time played. Again, efficiency is the key here. Knowing when and where to be will exponentially increase your gold yield. If properly implemented, this WOW strategy will help you get rich long before you're at max level.

- Increase the fun factor! Yes, starting in the World of Warcraft universe can be a difficult and daunting task. But don't forget that there are several ways to grow your gold stockpile while having a great time too. Keep your eyes open for unique and underutilized ways to make gold. Implement them properly, and your riches and fun factor will rise hand in hand. Don't be afraid to explore and once you've found a niche you enjoy, become a master. Like in real life, enjoying what you do is critical to success, and should be the foundation to your WOW strategy.

- Another valuable tool that will help you increase your gold stockpile is helping others while you farm and making significant amounts of gold off any professions. It's common to see these opportunities wasted by new players, and this is a mistake that shouldn't be overlooked. Building your gold is a multi-faceted skill; you need to do be systematic, organized, and passionate to succeed.

- An important point: Many players take advantage of various approved add-ons. Take some time to research this area as there are several add-ons that can help you become a gold making machine. To get rich, you must learn how to use them properly to unleash your true potential. Uncovering which are worthy of your attention is another critical consideration.

- Lastly, don't be afraid to play against masterful WOW players. To be the best, you must learn from the best. Your WOW strategy success will depend on your desire to gain experience, think outside the box, and play, play, play. By considering some of these ideas and diligently planning your World of Warcraft plan upfront, you'll increase your chances of becoming a WOW strategy and gold master!

Winning is not a game of chance, it takes determination, creativity, perseverance, and planning. World of Warcraft is all about strategy. The aforementioned strategies are essential to your success and will help you master the World of Warcraft game quickly. In no time at all, you'll be the next online World of Warcraft legend.

If you truly wish to succeed at World of Warcraft and uncover the best WOW strategy, then you must visit the world's best WOW strategy resource. Go to this site immediately: http://www.worldofwarcraftblueprint.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7477194

Stormfall: Age of War Facebook Game Review

By Stephen Mcfarland

Stormfall: Age of War is a competitive war game on Facebook where you build up a castle, attack other Lords, steal their resources, siege them, defend and attack outposts, and much more! The game starts off with a decent and length tutorial, teaching you the basics of the game, and all the nuances within. The tutorial quests feature a decent voice actor and a text summary, immersing you into the lore of the game and giving you more detail of what to do and what to accomplish. I found the tutorials in this game to be very helpful, especially to new players of Plarium's combat war games, such as Total Domination and others.

Gameplay

There is much to do in this game, from raiding, sieges, building units, upgrading buildings, discovering new technologies, and much more! At first you will be building your main resource buildings, which include gold, iron, and food, and all of them are important in their own way. Iron is mostly used in constructing offensive units, gold for defensive units, and food is deducted for each unit and building that exists in your castle. You will also use all 3 resources in construction of your buildings and their upgrades, as well as upgrading and discovering new technologies and units.

New Technologies will grant you access to more advanced buildings, better trained units, and newer units. Each day you will receive a random scroll, which can be applied to discover a new technology, should you have enough of the required scrolls. If you do not, you can always trade them with other players via the marketplace. Once you have unlocked an unit technology, you can spend resources to upgrade them up to level 20, with each upgrade level increasing their overall stats by 2%.

Skull Runes are a commodity given through level ups and other means. These Runes can be applied on a "Tech Tree" of sorts, which will allow you to do things such as increasing their speed, build times, group unlocks, and other attributes. You will see the requirement of skull runes in each tree below going further down on said tree, allowing more customization and diversity from other Lords, based on their own strategies.

Units come in two main flavors, offensive and defense, and 5 sub categories (Infantry, Calvary, Occult Beastiary, and Mountain Dwarves). Each sub categories is different in their own ways, and defensive units are better at countering specific types. For instance, a Dwarf is a defensive unit suited to countering infantry and Calvary units, which adds a unique layer of strategy for a Facebook war game.

In this game you can join "Leagues", which are players united in a group, and form alliances with friends. You can also visit friends and create wraiths, which are special units created from friends only and you can summon them yourself with the Crypt, but only 3 a day, everyday. You can also defend your friends with reinforcements, trade, and much more as well, adding a layer of strategy and cooperation with friends, because this a competitive game, and you could use all the friends you can get!

Overall, this is a fun, competitive, war game and if you are into strategy games and player versus player combat. you will enjoy playing this game!

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7477744