BEST PC INFORMATION.

Delete The Temporary Internet Files

2007-05-21T16:09:00.000+08:00

Temporary Internet Files are, in fact, the cache of the Internet Explorer. This means that when you load a web page with Internet Explorer, it is saved on your computer so that if you later decide to open the same page again, it will open a lot faster. Temporary Internet Files improve speed of web browsing and also make possible so called offline browsing, which gives you the ability to open the web pages from cache even when you are not connected to the Internet.

Despite all these positive things about Temporary Internet Files, they have one big drawback: they compromise your privacy. Everyone with access to your computer can look into your Temporary Internet Files folder (location of this folder is discussed here) and see the sites that you have visited in the past. You can manually delete the contents of Temporary Internet Files folder (explained here) but this will not erase all traces of the pages because a special file called Index.dat is placed in this folder and it will still preserve the names and even the dates of your first visits to many pages.

Where is located Temporary Internet Files folder?

The location of the Temporary Internet Files folder depends on the version of Windows and whether or not you are using user profiles.

If you have Windows XP or Windows 2000 then Temporary Internet Files are in this location (note that on your PC they can be on other drive instead of drive C):

C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\

If you have Windows Me, Windows 98, Windows NT or Windows 95 then index.dat files are in these locations:

C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\

C:\Windows\Profiles\\Temporary Internet Files\

Note that on your computer the Windows directory may not be C:\Windows but some other directory. If you don't have Profiles directory in you Windows directory don't worry - this just means that you are not using user profiles.

How to delete Temporary Internet Files?

To delete Temporary Internet Files manually, do the following things:

1. Start Internet Explorer and click Tools menu, then select Internet Options... from this menu.

This will open the Internet Options window.

2. Click General tab and then find in the section Temporary Internet Files the button Delete

Files... and click it. A new dialog box opens.

3. In the Delete Files dialog box, click to select the Delete all offline content check box if you

want to delete all Web page content that you have made available offline.

4. Click OK to delete the files. Note that if you are doing this for the first time, the deleting can

take a large amount of time, so be patient.

Hide Files On Your Computer

2007-05-17T07:41:00.000+08:00

Perhaps on your family computer, or your own computer, you will develop, collect, and store some important personal files on your hard drive that are strictly for your needs and purposes. These digital files may be so important to you, that under no circumstances, should anyone ever be able to access and see them. Some of these personal and business files may include documents, spreadsheets, emails, pdfs, text files, invoices, pictures, videos, and mp3s.

These files may be so sensitive in nature, that you realize a need to prevent your spouse, kids, friends, or anyone for that matter, from viewing and accessing them. Perhaps, you may even need to hide porn or other explicit files. Just imagine if your spouse, or little ones at home, did a file search for all picture files and movies that were on your computer. Hopefully the results wouldn't expose them to anything that you wouldn't want them to see. Just imagine what could happen, if your children at home decided to fool around with your work and files that was listed in the recent documents menu. Ok, you get the point. And thus, this question is raised: How do I hide files and folders so that they won't be discovered?

You can put your files within a folder and apply the hidden attribute to the folder. You can bury your files deeply in subdirectories within subdirectories and hope that no one browses using Windows Explorer. You can change the file name and file extension of your file to something unique and strange, so that no one recognizes it, or you can purchase a file hiding software security application such as a folder lock or folder hider with password protection.

All of the above methods may be your solution to hide your important files. It simply depends on the significant importance of your files and level of security you need. You can apply the hidden attribute to a folder or file by choosing to do so within its properties. This is a simple way of hiding a folder in Windows XP. However, the files will still show up if a user sets the option "show hidden files and folders" within the folders options. Another way to hide a file is simply by concealing it by dumping it into a folder you think no one will ever access. However, you run the risk of it appearing within the results of a Windows Search and having it displayed in the documents list.

Another way to hide a file is by renaming it along with its file extension so that no one recognizes it or is able to open it using its standard program. Although this method could possibly work for you, you would have to waste time renaming it and changing it back to the correct extension.

Avoid Spam Effectively

2007-05-16T18:08:00.001+08:00

The big problem with anti-spam software and email accounts is that many emails, some which you may be expecting can get put into the blocked folders unintentionally. This can create a huge hassle for many people and browsing through a spam folder can be even more difficult when you have 500 messages. You more than likely end up deleting more than a few non-spam messages, some that are important.

The best and most wise step to combating spam is to do your best to not end up on a list where spammers may find you. Follow some of these tips and you may find spam no longer is a word that relates to your everyday life.

Carefully read all online forms you fill out. Many forms have opt-in buttons prechecked for approval of emailed offers from their partners. You want to make sure you uncheck those boxes. Unless you know all their partners, you probably don't want loads of offers and rebates from companies you don't know.

When filling out forms make sure you look for a disclaimer stating that your email will be kept confidential and not sold. Many companies sell their email information to people who in turn sometimes resell email names down the line to shadier companies until lists are available to anyone. Anyone includes spammers.

Money making offers online, beware! If the offer to make money from home is vague there's a good chance your email will be handed to a database of 100 or more people looking to recruit for their MLM. This can end you up with tons of money making opportunities and yes, the quality of offers will deteriorate and eventually expect viagra and porn offers a year from now. Make sure you know the money making opportunity before giving your email, otherwise expect the worst.

PC Spying on you?

2007-05-16T12:16:00.000+08:00

Every website, files, movies, clips, documents, and anything else you viewed on your PC is recorded in secret hidden files on your hard drive. Did you also know that unwanted images, banners, pictures and content that exists on websites you visit, can be downloaded on your PC without your knowledge?.

In this modern world of technology, practically everyone is a computer for some reason or the other. Computers are today used not only for education and research; it is also a great means of communication. It is now possible to reach people across the world within a matter of minutes with electronic mail, online chat and web conferencing. However, much advantageous the internet is to a person; it has its share of disadvantages too.

The best thing that has to be done to prevent all this is to have an internet eraser software installed in the computer. With the installation of the internet eraser software, the computer is scanned for unwanted files which are then removed. The files can be deleted manually or the user can set options for deleting these unwanted files automatically by the internet eraser software. Besides this, your sensitive information stored in the computer such as passwords, bank account number, and social security number are also protected by this internet eraser software.

This is because no unwanted matter gets recorded in the computer when there is internet eraser software in the computer. With the internet eraser software, you can opt to delete the internet history files one by one instead of deleting all the IE internet history files. This is because sometimes it is rather convenient to have the IE auto complete URLs in the browser. Here you just have to type the first or second letter in the URL instead of the whole name to visit the site.

There is nothing much to do to have an internet eraser software installed in the computer. There are many different types of internet eraser software available in the internet. It is all up to you to choose the internet eraser software you would like to have installed in your computer. As majority of the internet eraser software are offered for free, you can have it installed in the computer within a few minutes. With the right internet eraser software installed in your PC, you are sure of the safety of your computer.

Web 2.0 Just Legal SPAM?

2007-04-25T09:55:00.000+08:00

If you want a lot of traffic and the opportunity to make money then sites like MySpace, YouTube, Facebooks, Flickr, and everything Web 2.0 is what you need. I just logged into my MySpace account and I was surprised at how many SPAM comments that were there. Is this technology just a way to legalize SPAM? You can turn off the option allowing people to post comments but then nobody will be able to post.

Every marketer and authority is talking like this is new technology. Sites Like Yahoo have had MyYahoo for almost a decade now. The same goes for AOL. If this wasn't Web 2.0 then it must have been at least Web 1.5. Have you seen the navigation on these new Web 2.0 sites? MySpace is somewhat easy to get around but I have tried many times to get around Facebook and Squidoo but I must be missing something. I hear that these sites are getting a lot of traffic but am I the only one who is having trouble trying to get around in these sites?

If you are a marketer there are so many experts telling you to market on these social networking sites like MySpace. Obviously this is not something the owners of sites like MySpace advocate. Two of the most popular programs out there that helped you to be able to market to the MySpace community have recently been shut down by MySpace. Badderadder and Spacepromoter were both victims to this latest craze that the MySpace heads are doing. Who's next?

A few years ago everybody was saying that we had to be blogging in order to make it, now that has changed. I hear that blogs are not as popular as they were at first. They are still important because anybody who visits a blog is free to leave their comment to one of the postings. Static pages are a thing of the past. In todays world you have to allow visitors the option of being able to add their comments, pictures and videos. Videos are the next big thing. Everybody is doing it. Look at the giants like Google and Microsoft.

PANDUAN MENGENDALI PC (PERSONEL COMPUTER)

2007-04-24T13:22:00.000+08:00

Keselamatan diri dan perkakasan adalah perkara penting yang perlu diutamakan sewaktu kita bekerja mengendalikan komputer peribadi (PC) samada untuk meningkat upaya, membaikpulih, mengatasi masalah atau menggantikan komponennnya. Mengabaikan soal keselamatan boleh menyebabkan kehilangan data, kerosakan kepada komponen, kecederaan anggota tubuh dan mungkin kehilangan nyawa. Walaupun ianya jarang berlaku sebaik-baiknya cuba elakkan dengan beberapa langkah berwaspasda.

Penyediaan
Sediakan kelengkapan (peralatan dan bahan) dan kendalikan secara bijaksana ketika kita menggunakannya untuk mengendalikan PC. Manakala spesifikasi fizikal setiap PC tidak semestinya bersesuaian untuk semua keadaan. Oleh yang demikian, sila gunakan pertimbangan kita sendiri dan sesuaikannya dengan kerja-kerja yang dilakukan. Jangan lupa menyemak buku manual yang berkaitan untuk kepastian dan membuat perbandingan.

b) Tujuan
Jangan sengaja mengusik mana-mana bahagian dalaman PC kita tanpa sebarang tujuan, lebih-lebih lagi jika kita tidak pasti perkara yang hendak dilakukan. Jadi, penjelasan ini sebenarnya bertujuan untuk membantu kita memahami serba ringkas tentang panduan mengendalikan PC walaupun masih banyak aspek yang berkaitan dengan
kerja penyelenggaraan dan membaikpulih PC perlu diketahui.

c) Renjatan Elektrik
Pernah juga berlaku di mana ada pengguna yang terkena renjatan elektrik apabila menyentuh modem dalaman sesebuah PC walaupun kabel bekalan kuasanya tidak dipasang, sedangkan kabel telefon masih bersentuhan dengan modem tersebut. Sebagai langkah berwaspada, kita dinasihatkan supaya tidak menghubungkan sebarang kabel luaran kepada PC sebelum membuka komponen sistemnya.

d) Kecederaan
Elakkan anggota tubuh kita daripada menyentuh atau mendekati komponen bekalan kuasa elektrik melainkan kita mengetahui apa yang perlu dilakukan. Begitu juga dengan komponen-komponen dalaman PC yang berpotensi untuk mencederakan diri kita sendiri. Misalnya tidak membuka bahagian dalaman monitor melainkan kita benar-benar tahu apa yang perlu dilakukan. Kemungkinan untuk terkena renjatan elektrik boleh berlaku walaupun bekalan kuasa kepada PC sudah diputuskan.

e) Faktor-faktor Penyebab
Renjatan juga boleh berlaku kerana ada komponen-komponen di dalam PC yang boleh menyimpan cas untuk jangkamasa yang lama walaupun selepas bekalan elektrik diputuskan. Sehubungan itu, kita disaranakan supaya tidak membuka sendiri monitor untuk apa jua alasan apatah lagi meninggalkan komponen tertentu di dalamnya. Jika kita menjatuhkan sebutir skru pada komponen dalaman PC dan tidak mengeluarkannya sebelum bekalan dialirkan, ianya boleh menyebabkan berlakunya litar pintas pada komponen tersebut.

f) Keperluan
Ruang untuk kita bekerja biarlah mencukupi dan mendatar walaupun ia tidak terlalu besar dan luas. Ini bertujuan untuk meminimakan kemungkinan komponen-komponen PC daripada terjatuh, tercalar atau hilang. Jangan mengetatkan skru pada komponen PC kita secara keterlaluan sehingga sukar untuk dibuka atau ditanggalkan semula kelak.

g) Bahaya
Satu lagi punca bahaya yang sering dilupakan ialah pada bahagian dalam kasing yang berbucu tajam kerana ia boleh mengakibatkan luka atau kecederaan pada tangan. Kebanyakan PC diperbuat daripada kepingan besi yang sudutnya boleh melukakan jari jika kita tidak berhati-hati dengannya. Biasanya kerangka PC yang murah mempunyai bahagian-bahagian yang tajam.

Keselamatan Pekerja

2007-04-23T12:07:00.000+08:00

Pastikan punca elektrik ditutup sebelum membaik pulih komputer bagi mengelakkan kejutan elektrik atau kemungkinan cip-cip rosak.

Pastikan kita memakai bahan berpenebat yang tinggi seperti kasut getah.

Pengguna hendaklah menggunakan wayar bumi.

Elakkan daripada memakai tali leher, barang kemas, pakaian yang longgar dan berambut panjang.

Gunakan alat atau pemandu skru plastik untuk melaras bagi mengelakkan litar pintas.

Elakkan dari sumber suhu yang tinggi bagi mengelakkan dari berlakunya kebakaran.

Amalkan menyentuh komponen bumi terlebih dahulu sebelum menyentuh komponen-komponen komputer.

Keselamatan Komputer.

2007-03-24T11:48:00.000+08:00

Dalam melakukan sebarang kerja, amalan utama yang perlu diambil perhatian ialah keselamatan. Semasa pemasangan komputer yang melibatkan hampir keseluruhannya melibatkan barangan digital yang amat sensitif, maka amalan keselamatan perlu diutamakan. Amalan keselamatan adalah merangkumi keseluruhan aspek dari segi perkakasan, semasa pemasangan perkakasan, semasa pemasangan perisian dan semasa pembungkusan. Tujuan utamanya ialah untuk mengelakkan kerosakkan perkakasan, kecederaan fizikal dan menjamin sesuatu produk yang bermutu.

Amalan keselamatan akan diterangkan secara lebih terperinci menerusi sub topik iaitu keselamatan perkakasan, keselamatan pemasangan perkakasan, keselamatan pemasangan perisian, dan keselamatan semasa pembungkusan.

KESELAMATAN PERKAKASAN

Keselamatan perkakasan melibatkan kesemua perkakasan bagi komputer. Para pengguna perlu memberi perhatian kepada perkakasan komputer kerana perkakasan komputer adalah sensitif dan mudah rosak. Dalam komputer, terdapat perkakasan yang boleh dibaiki dan tidak boleh dibaiki. Dengan menjaga dan mengamalkan amalan keselamatan terhadap perkakasan bukan sahaja mengelakkan kerosakkan malah dapat memanjangkan hayat atau masa penggunaan perkakasan tersebut.

Berikut adalah merupakan perkakasan serta langkah-langkah penjagaan keselamatan bagi perkakasan komputer;

Papan Utama (Mainboard).
Elakkan papan utama jatuh. Ini kerana ia akan menyebabkan papan utama akan patah atau litarnya akan terjejas. Jauhkan papan utama daripada bahan-bahan yang bermagnet kerana ianya akan menyebabkan litar bersepadu (IC) pada papan utama rosak.

Unit pemprosesan Pusat (CPU).
Pada unit ini terdapat kaki-kaki atau pin-pin pada bahagian bawahnya. Ia akan dimasukkan pada soketnya pada papan utama. Pin-pin ini adalah bersaiz kecil dan mudah patah. Oleh itu, para pengguna perlulah mengelakkan unit ini daripada jatuh. Sekiranya salah satu pin-pinnya jatuh maka unit ini tidak dapat digunakan lagi.

Unit Capaian Rawak (RAM).
Pada unit ini, terdapat banyak litar bersepadu (IC) yang mempunyai fungsi-fungsi tertentu. Oleh itu, elakkan unit ini dari bahan bermagnet. Ini akan menyebabkan kerosakkan pada litar bersepadu sekirannya ia terdedah pada bahan yang bermagnet. Selain itu, elakkan unit ini daripada jatuh kerana ia mungkin akan menjejaskan jalur-jalur kuprum pada bahagian yang akan disambung pada soket di papan utama. Jalur-jalur ini penting kerana ia merupakan talian atau laluan ke papan utama semasa unit beroperasi.

Pemacu Cakera Keras (Hard Disc).
Unit ini merupakan unit yang amat sensitif. Para pengguna perlu menghindari unit ini daripada jatuh. Ini kerana, ia amat sensitif kepada gegaran yang kuat. Bahagian dalamannya akan mengalami kerosakkan sekirannya ia jatuh atau terbalik. Unit ini adalah unit yang tidak boleh dibaiki sekiranya mengalami kerosakkan. Semasa memasang atau menyambung kabel IDE pada pemacu cakera keras, ia perlu dijalankan secara berhati-hati kerana ini akan menyebabkan pin-pin yang disambung pada kabel IDE akan patah. Sekirannya salah satu pin-pin ini patah, maka unit ini tidak boleh digunakan lagi.

Pemacu Cakera Padat (CD-ROM).
Unit ini merupakan masukan bagi sesebuah komputer. Oleh itu, kerosakkanya tidak banyak menjejaskan sistem keseluruhannya. Walaubagaimanapun pengguna perlu mengambil langkah keselamatan untuk menjaganya. Salah satu tabiat pengguna yang selalu lakukan ialah semasa ketika ingin memasukkan tempat cakera padat ke dalamnya hanya dengan menolak menggunakan tangan. Sekiranya ini sering berlaku kemungkinan gear atau bahagian yang berfungsi untuk menggerakkan pemacu cakera padat akan rosak. Semasa menyambungkan kabel IDE pada unit ini ia perlu dilakukan dengan berhati-hati kerana pin-pin pada unit ini mudah patah.

Pemacu Cakera Liut.
Pemacu cakera liut hendaklah dipasang dengan berhati-hati untuk mengelakkan daripada jatuh di mana ianya akan menyebabkan kerosakan mekanikal. Semasa kabel IDE hendaklah dilakukan dengan cermat supaya kaki atau pin sambungannya tidak patah. Sekiranya ia berlaku maka pemacu cakera liut itu tidak beroperasi.

Kad Grafik.
Kad grafik perlu dielakkan daripada terkena bahan yang bermagnet atau bahan logam yang mempunyai cas elektrostatik kerana strukturnya terdiri daripada litar bersepadu yang sangat sensitif terhadap cas statik.

Filem dan Grafik komputer.

2007-03-20T14:20:00.000+08:00

Seperti yang kita ketahui, filem-filem dari Barat terutamanya Amerika Syarikat telah menggunakan grafik berkomputer (computer graphic) untuk menambah elemen-elemen tertentu pada filem mereka. Elemen-elemen ini biasanya adalah elemen yang tidak dapat dilakukan dengan lakonan atau set-set filem yang terlalu besar untuk dihasilkan. Antara filem-filem yang yang diketahui ramai menggunakan grafik berkomputer adalah Titanic, Independence Day, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets dan Spiderman. Filem Titanic telah menggunakan grafik berkomputer dalam kebanyakan babaknya dan dikatakan mengambil masa hampir dua tahun untuk menghasilkan grafik berkomputer untuk filem itu. Komputer juga digunakan dalam penghasilan filem animasi yang semakin hangat sejak dua tahun kebelankangan ini. Kejayaan filem animasi seperti Toy Story, A Bugs Life, Final Fantasy, Dinasour dan Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius telah membuatkan Anugerah Akademi Filem mengadakan sebuah kategori untuk filem animasi yang terbaik.

Walaupun filem animasi kelihatan seperti kartun yang berteknologi tinggi tetapi ia memerlukan ketekunan, perancangan dan kuasa pengkomputeran yang tinggi untuk merender setiap pergerakan animasi. Malah ada syarikat filem animasi seperti Pixar Animation dan Dreamworks telah menggunakan kuasa super komputer untuk melakukan render dengan lebih cepat.

Bagi pengeluar komputer pula, kehendak dan spesifikasi yang diperlukan oleh pengeluar filem dan filem animasi telah membuatkan mereka mengadakan sebuah jabatan untuk teknologi komputer seumpamanya. Contohnya Hewlett-Packard (HP) telah mengadakan sebuah divisen bagi mengkaji dan menghasilkan penyelesaian komputer untuk filem animasi seperti yang dilakukan untuk Shrek.

Komputer.

2007-03-15T15:03:00.000+08:00

Komputer telah dicabangkan kepada komputer tangan (handheld), komputer telapak (palmtop) dan juga wearable atau boleh pakai selain daripada komputer-komputer biasa yang digunakan. Ketiga-tiga cabang ini menjadikan komputer semakin kecil dan mudah dibawa ke mana saja. Malah komputer telapak telah digabungkan dengan telefon bimbit bagi menghasilkan sebuah alat telekomunikasi yang canggih.

Komputer seperti OQO dan PaceBlade telah meletakkan komputer dalam keadaan ekstrem. Rekabentuk yang dipaparkan oleh kedua-dua komputer ini adalah radikal dan termaju. Selepas berjayanya komputer telapak seperti HP Jornada, Compaq iPaq dan Palm, komputer-komputer jenis ini pula muncul untuk mengambil tempat dalam kehidupan moden masyarakat kini. Malah komputer boleh pakai (wearable) juga semakin hangat diperkatakan sehingga lebih banyak syarikat elektronik seoerti Panasonic, Hitachi dan Xybernaut menghasilkan komputer jenis ini. Kekalutan dan keghairahan untuk mendapatkan maklumat terkini dan tidak mahu berpisah dengan dunia siber membuatkan ramai pengguna mahukan komputer boleh pakai.

Sistem pengoperasian dan kepantasan pemproses untuk komputer semakin maju dan meningkat dengan mendadak. Contohnya Intel Pentium 4 telah berjaya mencapai 2.5GHz dan ini akan meningkat kepada kemungkinan 4.0GHz. Manakala sistem pengoperasian (Operating System) pula telah memaparkan kecanggihan automasi dan keramahan pengguna dalam reka bentuk perisiannya.Kemunculan Windows XP dan pelbagai OS Linux telah memberikan satu dimensi baru untuk dunia komputer.

Internet.

2007-03-15T12:42:00.000+08:00

Internet atau inter-network adalah gabungan lebih daripada satu rangkaian komputer. Internet menjadi kenyataan disebabkan oleh komputer dan sistem rangkaian yang dikenali sebagai TCP\IP. Internet yang kita lihat sekarang adalah peningkatan 1000% daripada internet yang mula-mula dihasilkan.

Internet dahulu tiada laman web seperti sekarang, tiada Internet Messengger (IM), tiada Flash, tiada GIF, tiada Animasi, tiada ASP dan tiada Audio. Yang ada hanyalah Bulletin Board seperti laman komuniti yang anda lihat sekarang dan laman web hitam putih atau teks sahaja.

Kini dengan peningkatan keupayaan internet dan juga kecanggihan komputer yang memacunya, internet telah menjadi sebuah dunia yang baru iaitu dunia siber. Setiap orang yang mahu berkomunikasi dan berada di dalam dunia itu hendaklah menggunakan komputer. Komputer menjadi platform untuk pengguna berborak dalam IRC, mebina laman web, menghos laman web, berborak menerusi IM atau ICQ dan memaparkan animasi GIF atau Flash.

Selain daripada itu, pengguna juga boleh menggunakan komputer sebagai sebuah pusat telekomunikasi dengan orang di benua lain. Menerusi komputer yang bersambung dengan internet, pengguna boleh melakukan sidang video dengan pengguna lain. Anda boleh berhubung dengan mereka dari seberang negara dan dapat melihat mereka secara langsung. Ini adalah cara yang lebih murah daripada membuat panggilan telefon terus ke sana.

Komputer juga menjadi sebahagian daripada rangkaian telekomunikasi telefon dan juga telefon bimbit. Komputer adalah salah satu komponen yang mengawal dan menentukan pancaran frekuensi kepada telefon bimbit dan juga pengawal untuk talian telefon biasa.

Local Area Network (LAN).

2007-03-14T18:19:00.000+08:00

Wiring up a LAN (local area network) can be very easy, or it can be very difficult. It all depends on the size of your network, and how you’re trying to go about it.

Small home network.
You can get by without using any special equipment except the wires. If you want to use a network to share Internet access or a printer, just plug an Ethernet cable into the computers you want to network, and then use the simple networking features that are built into Windows, such as Internet Connection Sharing. This approach has many downsides, though you’ll need an extra Ethernet card in each computer for every extra computer you connect to the network, for one.

Instead of connecting each computer to the next, it is better to simply connect all the computers to a central router. This is a very efficient way of connecting computers together, as the data you send will be quickly and easily routed to its destination: the data goes to the router, which knows which wire to send it down for it to reach the destination address, and simply sends it that way. This also allows you to turn on and off computers as you please with no ill effects, as the router is always-on.

Small bussiness nestwork.
If you want to connect more devices to the network than the four or five ports on a router will allow, then you need to get a network switch. This allows you to create a separate sector of your network especially for one group of devices.

For example, you might have your computer and your printer both plugged into a switch. The computer and the printer can then communicate between themselves without the data needing to travel out onto the wider network but if they want to send to or receive from the wider network, they can do that too.

Rangkaian Komputer.

2007-03-13T08:41:00.000+08:00

Rangkaian adalah satu cara untuk menggabungkan sejumlah komputer bagi memudahkan perkongsian data dan pengawalan aliran maklumat. Komputer merupakan salah satu kompenan penting dalam rangkaian di mana ia menjadi nadi sebuah rangkaian iaitu pelayan (server).

Walau bagaimana bentuk rangkaian yang digunakan samada Token Ring atau Peer To peer, komputer masih menjadi nadi utama .Malah dalam zaman teknologi termaju rangkaian menjadi lebih canggih dan kompleks.Sebuah rangkaian adalah nadi pengawalan storan, laluan utama untuk ke internet, perantara perhubungan antara kakitangan , kemudahan perkongsian cetakan dan platform untuk perkongsian pengalaman serta maklumat.Rangkaian dalam sebuah organisasi akan dikongsi beersama pengurus dan kakitangan di mana ia adalah sebuah rangkaian tempatan (LAN).Manakala jika rangkaian menyatukan lebih daripada satu organisasi yang berlainan kedudukan geografi dan ia menjadi sebuah rangkaian luas (WAN).

Komponen komputer yang digunakan dalam LAN atau WAN adalah perantara penting bagi memudahakan capaian maklumat dengan masa yang singkat walaupun jaraknya jauh. Dengan penggunaan teknologi internet dan web, maklumat boleh dicapai dengan mudah menerusi antaramuka laman web yang lebih ramah. Sambungan komputer kepada hub dan disulami dengan kabel-kabel adalah satu keajaiban yang memudahkan kehidupan manusia. Bakal kemunculan teknologi baru internet iaitu iPv6 akan menjadikan rangkaian menjadi lebih baik dan termaju.

Fungsi Komputer Di Sekolah.

2007-03-12T17:37:00.000+08:00

Penggalakan penggunaan komputer adalah bermula di sekolah dan juga di rumah. Namun begitu, tidak ramai yang memiliki komputer di rumah maka mereka akan menggunakannya di sekolah. Kini banyak sekolah yang menyediakan kemudahan makmal komputer bagi memberikan peluang untuk mereka membiasakan diri. Malah ada kurikulum yang dikeluarkan oleh kerajaan bagi membolehkan pelajar mengambil peperiksaan dalam mata pelajaran komputer. Selain itu kerajaan juga mewujudkan konsep sekolah pintar (smart school) di mana kurikulum sekolah dan juga persekitaran sekolah dibina dengan teliti supaya setiap aspek pengurusan dikendalikan dengan mengunakan komputer.

Penyediakan kelengkapan komputer di semua sekolah di Malaysia merupakan sebuah proses yang berterusan. Sebuah makmal komputer hendaklah dilengkapkan dengan perabot, sistem rangkaian sekurang-kurangnya 20 buah, sebuah ,komputer pelayan, projektor dan perisian-perisian. Setelah dilengkapi dengan perkakas dan perisian, tenaga pengajar pula diperlukan di samping bahan mengajar dan kurikulum.

Di barat, terdapat sekolah yang telah mempelopori penggunaan komputer bimbit dalam kelas dan penyampaian mata pelajaran menggunakan komputer serta papan putih elektronik. Contohnya para pelajar menggunakan komputer bimbit iBook dan apabila memasuki kelas pelajar akan terus ke mejanya dan terus memalamkan (plug in) kabel rangkaian kepada komputer bimbitnya. Kemudian ia akan log in dan segala mata pelajaran untuk hari tersebut akan dipindahterima kepada komputer mereka. Apabila guru masuk kelas beliau pun memasang komputer dan mula memaparkan subjek pada hari itu menerusi papan putih elektronik atau projektor.

Malah dengan penggunaan komputer yang dirangka secara tempatan (LAN) dan luas (WAN), kurikulum dan peperiksaan boleh disebarkan dengan mudah ke sekolah-sekolah atau jabatan pendidikan. Seterusnya para guru dan pakar boleh berkongsi pengalaman dan idea dengan para pendidik yang lain menerusi rangkaian seperti ini. Laman web seperti cikgu.net yang diusahakan oleh MIMOS Berhad adalah satu contoh yang baik.

Fungsi Komputer Di Pejabat.

2007-03-09T11:12:00.000+08:00

Pejabat merupakan antara tempat di mana komputer digunakan secara aktif. Pejabat diiktiraf sebagai sektor korporat dan syarikat-syarikat kecil dan sederhana. Fungsi komputer digunakan di sini sebagai sebuah peralatan perantara untuk melakukan tugas harian dengan lebih berkesan di pejabat. Yang menyatukan atau merangkaikan semua fungsi komputer di pejabat adalah sebuah komputer. Di mana komputer ini dijadikan pelayan (server) bagi mengawal lalulintas dan sambungan daripada satu komputer kepada rangkaian komputer yang lain. Pelayan ini juga akan mengawal storan-storan bagi memudahkan rangkaian mencapai dan menyimpan maklumat dengan mudah.

Kini pihak syarikat dan korporat merangkaikan komputer mereka dan seterusnya menyambungkannya kepada internet. Hasilnya ialah ramai perkerja lebih suka melayari internet di pejabat berbanding di rumah.Pendedahan rangkaian pejabat kepada internet memberikan kebaikan dan juga keburukan. Kebaikan ialah syarikat akan lebih dikenali secara global tetapi ia mendedahkan diri kepada bahaya ancaman pengodam (hacker). Di sini komputer digunakan untuk menghos laman web dan juga segala aplikasi yang digunakan oleh kakitangan syarikat tersebut. Untuk membuatkan komputer itu berfungsi sebagai pelayan dan pengawal aplikasi, sistem pengoperasian digunakan di dalamnya. Contohnya Windows XP Professional digunakan untuk rangkaian di pejabat dan ia juga mengawal aliran maklumat internet.

Para pelayan juga dimuatkan firewall dan segala perisian kawalan bagi menghalang kegiatan pencerobohan pelayan dan mengawal pergerakan kakitangan dalam rangkaian. Menurut kajian, lebih 60% pencerobohan sistem rangkaian dilakukan oleh kakitangan dalaman dan bukan orang luar. Maksud pencerobohan di sini adalah percubaan untuk mencapai maklumat atau data yang terhad kepada jabatan atau kakitangan tertentu sahaja. Contohnya data jabatan akaun tidak boleh dicapai oleh kakitangan jabatan pentadbiran.

Fungsi Komputer Di Rumah.

2007-03-08T09:05:00.000+08:00

Kebanyakan yang kita semua tahu bahawa PC sering digunakan di rumah sebagai sebuah perkakas untuk melayari web,menaip surat,bermain games dan mendengar MP3.Ada juga pengguna yang menggunakan PC untuk membina laman web dan menghasilkan animasi Flash serta pelbagai lagi jika mereka mahir menggunakan pelbagai perisian.

Pengunaan PC tempatan semakin ramai sejak tahun 2000 kerana kerajaan membenarkan para pencarum KWSP mengeluarkan wang untuk membeli PC. Kempen ini dinamakan “Sebuah Rumah Sebuah Komputer”.Dengan cara ini rakyat akan mendekati PC dan teknologi terkini seterusnya tidak fobia dengan kegunaan teknologi semasa.

Selain daripada itu, lebih ramai rakyat yang celik dan berjaya memahirkan diri dengan PC dan kegunaannya. Malah dengan peningkatan penggunaan PC lebih ramai rakyat menjadi pengguna internet di mana terdapat lebih kurang 10 juta pengguna internet di Malaysia. Peningkatan yang ketara adalah sejak dari tahun 2000 di mana kempen pemilikan PC dilancarkan.

Namun begitu, ramai pengguna komputer menggunakan komputer mereka untuk tiga perkara iaitu melayari laman web di samping chatting dan e-mel, bermain games dan membina laman web. Hanya segelintir sahaja yang mengatakan mereka melakukan kerja-kerja yang berfaedah dengan komputer di rumah. Sesuatu yang paling menarik mereka sering menggunakan komputer untuk menaip surat, mencetak tetapi tidak menyimpannya.

Business Laptops

2007-03-02T15:44:00.000+08:00

First things you need to look for in a business laptop is wireless connectivity. A wireless networking card allows you to connect to the Internet via thousands of wireless networks (also called hotspots) located nationwide. This means more convenient and readily available access to your emails and business clientèle.

Another great option is a bluetooth card. This will allow you to connect and transfer data between your PDAs and your notebook, without the need for messy wires, which can add weight and clutter to your carrying case.

As far as individual specifications, you really only need a base-line configuration with integrated graphics to handle any word processing or basic programs like email clients, DVD software, web browsers etc. Unless you plan on doing an inordinate amount of multi-tasking or video production, it would be wise to put any extra cash into other accessories like office suite software, which can really help you manage your day-to-day workload.

A third feature to look for in a business notebook would be VGA and S-Video outputs to ensure connectivity with any projectors you may need to utilize for video or slideshow presentations.

Whether at home or on the road, a good business laptop can really improve the quality of your work life by providing you with all of the essential tools you need to efficiently manage your daily tasks. From planning your appointments and schedules to writing reports, sending email, and staying up-to-date with all of the latest business news and headlines, a business laptop is the only device that can effectively handle all of your work-related duties in one convenient, easy-to-use system.

Just remember to consider all of these important tips to ensure that your laptop can meet and/or exceed all of your business needs.

Laptop Computers.

2007-02-24T14:34:00.000+08:00

Laptop was first introduced in 1983, and was used to refer to the Gavilan SC. The idea for the laptop existed prior to the invention of the personal computer, and was first conceived during the 1970s. The very first laptop was the Osborne 1, and it was released in 1981.

A laptop is a portable personal computer.It may also be known as a notebook. The typical laptop will range in weight from 1 to 3 kilograms, and will generally have an internal battery as well as a power adapter. While most laptops are portable, few can currently match the power of the most expensive desktops, though this will likely change as technology continues to advance. Most laptops should not be placed in your lap if it is not covered, because they can get hot, and can even burn skin that is held against it for extended periods of time. The typical laptop can be powered by one battery, and the power adapter can power the battery when it is plugged into a wall outlet.

A laptop can perform many of the same tasks as a PC, but they tend to be limited. They will have the same internal devices which are seen in desktops, but they will be much smaller in size. Most laptops will have a screen which uses a liquid crystal display.Most manufacturers have designed their laptops to work with a keyboard and mouse, and they will also have a touch pad that can be used to move around the cursor on the screen.

Laptops come in three varieties, and these are based on the size. An ultraportable laptop will generally weigh less than 1.7 kilograms, while a thin and light laptop will weigh up to 2.8 kilograms, and a medium sized laptop will weigh up to 3.5 kilograms.While the Osborne 1 was massive in comparison to contemporary laptops, it was revolutionary for its time, because it allowed people to carry their data with them, and the computer didn't have to be left in a single location. However, the Osborne 1 was so large that it was not possible to run it on a battery.

Most laptops today now use lithium ion batteries. While laptops have a few advantages over their desktop counterparts, they have some disadvantages as well. Unlike desktops, they are limited in their ability to be upgraded. As of this writing, their is no form factor for laptops, and the costs and technical issues involved with making them easy to upgrade aren't feasible.The only parts of most laptops that can easily be upgraded are the hard drive and RAM.

In addition to this, laptops are expensive to repair if they are damaged, and they are also easy to steal due to their small size. Stolen laptops are a common cause for identity theft. While the use of the USB port has allowed laptops to be upgraded to some degree, it will typically reduce their portability. Historically, the performance of laptops has always been low when they were compared to desktops in the same price range.

Data Recovery, Data Security and Data Backup.

2007-02-23T12:31:00.000+08:00

Many of us store personal and business information on our computers. The thought of losing data due to a crashed or failed hard drive or perhaps a breach of data security sends chills down the spine of every grown man and woman. Once you except that you did not back up your data you need begin the data recovery process.

Data recovery options once your hard drive crashes.
First of all, stop using the computer immediately. It is not suggested that you run any data recovery software that came with your computer as this software can overwrite the original files. The next step is to allow a hard disk recovery company to restore your pertinent files. Contact a reputable company immediately. There are a few companies who come right to your home, but at-home data recovery computer services charge more. Certain computer files, such as DWG files (a complex graphics file format), require a specialist in order to be recovered. If there is damage to the hard drive you may not be able to recover your files. A hard drive crashing is an instance where data recovery is possible. If your data security is breached you may never recover what is stolen.

Avoid compromised data security.
The best way is to put safeguards in place. A few data security measures are encryption, antivirus and firewall protection. Data security such as encryption translates data into a secret code. To read an encrypted file you must have access to the key or password that enables you to decrypt it. There are many software programs and services that provide data encryption services depending on your data security needs. Additional data security measures such as antivirus and firewall protection provide further data protection. Some software programs have the ability to provide both antivirus and firewall protection for overall data security.

Avoid the mess of data recovery.
One way is to perform regular backups. Basic computer maintenance includes full and incremental backups. It is recommended that you perform a full backup once a week. An incremental backup is a backup that backs up only the files modified since the last backup and depending on your needs you can schedule this to run every day. It’s also beneficial if you have a copy of your data offsite. When you need to access this data you can either open the offsite data program and run it, or log on via the web to access your data. You will want to check with your service provider how to perform data recovery if needed.

Data recovery either from a crashed hard drive or lost through compromised data security can be a frustrating and devastating experience. The best situation is to avoid the loss of data all together. With regular computer backups and data security measures in place your computer data will remain where it needs to be, on your hard drive and easily accessible.

Some people balk at the cost of protecting their data, as well as the time involved in doing secure backups. But what they fail to consider is the cost of their lost personal and productivity time that is spent trying to recover data that could be recovered in literally MINUTES if they had properly safe-guarded the data in the first place! If your computer data files are the lifeblood of your business and/or personal life, the time and money involved in protecting that data adequately and properly cannot be determined by a dollar value.

Speed-up your PC operations with registry cleaners.

2007-02-22T10:07:00.000+08:00

Speed-up PC operations.
If you've had crashes on your personal computer, error messages or other set backs of your PC systems, you could need your personal computer registry cleaned. What happening is that the Windows registry in your PC acts as a central information base, with information classified according to many data and / or criteria in successive layers or levels. And Windows uses this stored info to set-up your system for not only users but software applications and hard ware devices.

If you ever experience slow times on your computer, error messages or other malfunctioning of your systems, you could need your registry cleaned. What happens is that the Windows registry in your computer acts as a central database, with information classified according to various data and / or criteria in successive layers or levels. And Windows uses this stored data to configure your system for not only users but software applications and hardware devices.

In short, your registry maintains necessary information needed during operations; it accesses your user profiles, your software applications, your documents and folders, your shortcut icons, your hardware and ports, etc. If corrupted, this registry can slow down your system, disrupt certain applications, cause error messages and much more. So you need to take charge and clean it regularly.

Corruptions can be caused by incomplete removal of software or other applications that sometimes leave unwanted data around. Files can be corrupted due to technically glitches and any number of reasons.

How Cleaners Help.
What registry cleaners can do is scan your registry for blocked paths, paths that no longer exist (like with removed software that left traces on your system), and repairing erroneous information stored there. Results are that your system can operate and run much faster and smoother. Forget failed start ups, frozen screens, error messages, long time start up operations and incomplete hook ups with files and application processes.

Registry cleaners also offer additional applications for your computer systems. They feature tools that clean up your start up menu, pulling items you rarely use or even need from your start up menu. This in itself can aped up your start up and restart timing and make the processes much more efficient.

Plus an organizer tool within the registry cleaner allows you to go into Windows and Internet Explorer (IE) to control certain functions in those areas, too, just like with the start up menu cleaning process.

Key Features.
A registry cleaner usually features these basic utilities:

1. Registry scan and clean up with the click of a button.

2. Backup and restore abilities.

3. Defrag and Compact tools for the registry.

4. Erases tracking to protect your privacy.

5. Organizes startup.

6. Organizes Windows and IE.

7. Improves speed and efficiency of systems.

To find cleaners that help your computer systems, simply search “Registry Cleaner” in your favorite search engine. Over 5 million listings show up on Google™ alone.

To look for reg cleaners that enhance your PC system, just search “Registry Cleaner” in your search engine of choice. Way over five million listings show-up on Google™ alone.

Information about copy CD's.

2007-02-21T15:05:00.000+08:00

Anyone who has burned CDs in the past has had to have encountered this problem, your CD doesn't want to play in certain CD players. You've probably tried switching to a different brand of disks, switching the writing speed of your CD burning software, and yet nothing seems to work.

Most professional CDs that are purchased from a retail outlet such as Circuit City or Best Buy works in any type of CD player, which probably makes you wonder what they are doing that your not. All of us wonder this, especially when out duplicated CDs don't want to play back like they should. Much to the contrary, it's because the music industry burns their CDs differently. Instead of simply duplicating CDs, the music industry chooses to replicate CDs. Even though the terminology may seem synonymous, the process is actually totally different.

CD replication is used for the mass production of CDs, which is normally more than 500. Insteadof writing the data to a CD using a laser as with duplication, CD replication uses a glass master to stamp (or press) the data onto the disc. This helps to eliminate almost all of the issues associated with play ability that are encountered when burning CDs at home. CD replication is a far superior process of burning CDs. Important to note, is the superior quality of CDs that are pressed using replication doesn't come cheap.

Even when using independent CD duplication companies such as Absolute Disc or Oasis, there is still going to be a very high cost associated with the replication of disks. For your next project, try having your CDs replicated rather than duplicated. This will ensure your project is very high quality, even though you'll need to order more than 500 CDs to receive this process.

Traveling with Laptop.

2007-02-21T09:55:00.000+08:00

If you are traveling for business or for pleasure and you own a laptop, the chances are you are going to want to bring it along. One of the biggest obstacles to most people working effectively on long flights is limited battery power. After all, whether you are working on a spreadsheet, a document, a presentation or even if you want to let your kids watch their favorite DVD, you can't do much with a limiting two hours of battery life.

So how do you plan and what should you do?

First, figure out whether the plane on which you are flying has appropriate power ports. On most planes, if you are traveling in business or first class they will have power ports for you in every seat. The big question is coach/economy and whether or not the plane is newer. If you can, find out from the airline which type of aircraft on which you'll be flying. You can do this over the phone or online, for the most part. Then go to Seat Guru () plug in the information and you'll be able to see if you are going to have power from the aircraft. This is obviously especially useful on longer flights across the country or transatlantic.

If you have access to a power port then you should be all set for the duration of the flight. If you find out from taking the steps above that you don't, you need to plan. First, assess what you have. If your laptop is newer you probably have a three hour battery, which may be sufficient for your needs. If you have a refurbished laptop, or just an older machine you may only have two hours of battery for use. Once you assess your power, then you'll need to make a decision about buying a backup battery. This would obviously double your powerless access and it may offer you some additional security as having spares of just about everything, including batteries, on hand usually works out to your benefit.

If you need to buy an additional battery, or a newer battery with longer life, one of the best places to hit is Power Plant (). They have batteries and power supplies that work with a variety of laptops for very reasonable prices. This means you can have power from coast to coast which will offer plenty of time to map out all of those ideas or to run through as many Pixar movies as you need to stay sane while traveling.

Finally, if you are traveling and you need internet access, check out your airport's website and figure out whether or not they have WiFi. Some places will charge while others offer free wireless internet access. If you're older or doesn't yet have a wireless card, they are really inexpensive for the benefits you will gain. Some airlines are also introducing wireless internet on flights. Lufthansa Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines and China Airlines are all taking advantage of the new Connexion by Boeing program. This program will be coming on more airlines soon so be sure to ask your carrier when they will be bringing it on board.

No matter your situation, there are ways to plan for laptop use and access on board your flight. You may as well make your flight as productive as possible.

Laptop in Style and On a Budget.

2007-02-15T17:06:00.000+08:00

If you are buying your first laptop you may not have gotten to the point where you are thinking of how you are going to cart it around. The nice part is in today's market you have tons of options, but that is also a double edged sword. As many options as you have, you have to choose one and hope its going to be the right fit. Among your options you can choose a standard shoulder bag, a backpack or a messenger bag. You can choose any color and material you want and you have optional features like air flow padding, cell phone pockets, iPod stash pockets and space for everything else you might need on the road. You have price options that range from the bargain to the outrageous and everything in between.

Of course, the easiest way to begin your search is to go to Google and type in “Laptop Bags” and see all the options that pop up on screen. BUT, here are a few suggestions on how to prepare before you buy.

First, make sure you know the size of your new laptop. Don't assume anything, take out your trust measuring tape and make sure you have the size down. Some laptop bags are made for smaller screens and some are made for larger ones and you want to make sure the laptop bag fits the laptop bag and that your machine won't moving around within the bag a lot. There are laptop bags with adjustable padding, but make sure you look for that feature if you think you'll need it.

Also, be aware of how heavy the laptop is and think about your personal preference for carrying. For instance if you know the laptop weighs several pounds and you are small of stature, a messenger bag or backpack will be easier for you to control. If your laptop is larger and you have any back issues, again, consider the type of bag you need to maintain your physical health and well being. Shoulder bags can look more professional, but if you are traveling with a garment bag and a suitcase as well as with your laptop in a shoulder bag you don't need it falling forwards or backwards as the weight redistributes itself. Weighing down one shoulder all the time can also be bad for your back, hips and neck. A great way to figure this out is to go to your local office supply store with your machine and try some bags on for size. Then take your newfound knowledge online and get the best price.

You should also think about how you are going to use the bag. Are you taking it into business situations or is it for your college student to lug their used laptop around campus? Are you going on an excursion in the wilderness where it needs to be protected from water? Will you use it rarely? Choose appropriately so that you feel comfortable and confident that the laptop will be safe and that you will present yourself well. Make sure that is has adequate protection if you are clumsy or tend to be hard on things and make sure the bag is sufficiently durable for your lifestyle. Choose a material that will be appropriate for your application, whether fun and colorful or staid and understated.

Finally, what else do you need to carry? Some people need to combine their laptop bag with their diaper bag while others need to transport files and still more want to bring their digital camera or iPod along for the ride, not to mention the cell phone.

Once you know what you need, think about your budget. If you are a bargain hunter, you probably already got a great price on a refurbished laptop or used laptop. You can get straightforward laptop bags for great prices on EBay and other sites. You can also spend hundreds of dollars on the perfect bag that converts from backpack to briefcase to get the best of both worlds.

Don't spend your money before you know what you really need and before you find the best deal. You can get everything you need and want in a versatile and durable laptop bag, you just need to be a smart consumer and do your homework.

Rent a PC.

2007-02-14T14:36:00.000+08:00

There are lots of ways to buy anything you want, but if you need a computer, and can’t cough up enough money to get one, try a computer rental. Getting a computer this way has a lot of benefits, that you might be unaware of, so check out why it is a good idea to use a computer rental, even if it’s not your first time owing one.

Almost all stores have incentives to use their electronics rental service. One of the best is that if you’ve got a few credit problems, or if you’re trying to establish credit, then this is ideal. There are no credit checks, and you don’t have to put up collateral to get it. You’ll need to supply a few personal references, and be employed at a job to qualify for a computer rental. 90 days same as cash is an option. Interest is not added because payments are not required; all you’ll pay is the tax on your purchase.

The payment schedule is usually quite flexible. Stores will work with you to set a payment plan that’s right for you. Monthly, weekly, or even every other week is a viable payback schedule. Hidden fees are not included because they’re figured into the plan options for payment. It’s nice to know too that you can get with a computer rental a service computer if the one you’re renting goes down.

Finally, the best thing about getting a home or office computer this way is that you can give a go at the policy of try it before you buy it. With a computer rental you can choose a certain type of computer, use it and if you fall in love with it, you can always purchase it. It’s certainly a better option than buying one outright, and then finding out that it’s not what you really need or want. A computer rental is a good option, no matter which way you go.

Build your own computer.

2007-02-12T15:08:00.000+08:00

The parameters used to be a little clearer. You could easily save money by building your own computer. All you needed was the basic know-how, the time and initiative. You had a good computer at a better price than you could buy new. But things have changed over time. As technology improved and prices dropped, suddenly the savings benefit seemingly dwindled away. However, that is not always the case and there are still many excellent reasons for building your own computer.

Easier Upgrades.
By using non-proprietary, quality parts, your new home-built computer will be much more easy to upgrade than its store-bought counterpart. Many retail computers have proprietary components that are tied together in such a way as to make part replacement or upgrade difficult. Your customized computer should be easy to work on, repair, and upgrade for a good while.

Learning Experience.
Building a computer is a great learning experience. You get to see firsthand just what all the parts do and how they work together. Not only is it educational, but it's great fun too! And you get the satisfaction and pride of having a tangible result of your labor at the end of your project.

Customize to Your Needs.
By building your own computer, you can customize it exactly to your needs. Whether you're into gaming, video production, audio recording, AutoCAD, or just general word processing and internet surfing, you can build a computer specifically suited to your task.

Drawbacks of a Retail Computer.
There are a number of reasons why most store-purchased computers today are inferior to a custom-built machine. Retail computers often come with bundled software packages that are average at best. The quality level of much of the software is quite low, and most of it is probably unnecessary. It's often poorly-written proprietary software (specifically written for that computer manufacturer) and is usually infesting every nook and cranny of the computer, slowing down performance and taking up storage space.

Much of the brand-name software included in these bundles are basic versions and even trial versions. If you need quality software (and who doesn't), you're most likely going to have to buy it separately anyway.Many of the computer components are also proprietary, making repairs and upgrades difficult. Sometimes off-the-shelf components just won't work well or at all with a retail computer. And they are often not designed for much room to expand or upgrade.

Partial Upgrade vs. Replacement.
An alternative to building a computer from scratch is to perform a major upgrade. This should be cheaper compared to total replacement, and can still give you an excellent machine well-suited to your needs. You must already have an upgradeable computer though, and it needs to have a few key components which you can build around. Perform a cost/benefit analysis and determine which method would best serve you.

Warranties.
One argument for purchasing a computer from a retailer is to obtain a good warranty. This has some merit, but keep in mind that redeeming warranties is usually not a walk in the park! You may also be without your machine for a while during the time it is being repaired or replaced. Individually-purchased components most likely also come with a warranty, so if one fails there may be recourse for replacement. The warranty issue probably is about equal with either method you choose.

What's Right for You?
That's something only you can decide. But if you have the interest, a willingness to learn, a need for customization, and the desire for a solid, quality system, I believe you're a perfect candidate to build your own computer.