Frequently Asked Questions

When should I upgrade my computer?
-Most computers built within the last 5 years will run interent application just fine. Many people who think they need a new computer actually just need to reload or at least have their computer sped up. Speeding up a computer is a misleading phraise. Computers don;t get slow over time. they continually run the same speed. The difference is that over time as users install more and more programs there are more programs run at the ame time, thus requiring processing power. Many application have a small portion constantly running as soon as the computer is turned on. Some of these applications can have the start up application turned off, thus freeing up resources and giving the appearance of the computer running faster.

Why is my computer running slow?
-Computers do not actually slow down. They run at the same speed constantly. There are several reason why computers may to appear to slow down.
-Most often as users install more program these programs run in the background. This requires processing power and reduced the available resources for the system.
-Another reason a computer may "run slow" is because newer programs require more resources. If you install a new program and it causes the system run slow you may need an upgrade of memory or processing power.

How can I speed up my computer?
-Most of the time a slow computer is caused by too many applications running at once. To disacble these applications do the following:
    -Click Start then select "Run" (Windows 7 and Vista users can use the search bar)
    -Type in "msconfig" without the quotes and press enter
    -Click the "Startup" tab
    -Each entry in the startup tab is an application that runs when your computer starts up. Uncheck the applications you do not want to run at startup. You will not harm your system if you uncheck the wrong item, but you may disable programs you want to run such as antivirus and other system utilities. To reenable the application just follow steps above and place a check back in the box of the application you want to run.

Which is better a desktop or a laptop?
-This is a personal preference. Typically you get more for your money with a desktop, but laptops have the advantage of being mobile (obviously).

Which is better a PC or a MAC?
-This is a personal preference. You ypicaly get more for your money with a PC. This is because the Apple corporation controlls all aspects of the MAC system. They design the operating system (software) and also build the systems (hardware). PCs are supported throught several different manufactures. The operatign system is created by Microft where the computer was built be Dell, HP or some other corporation. PCs are flexible in that you can build your own very easially with part available at most electronic stores. A user cannot simploy go into a store and buy the components to build a MAC.

How do I get rid of a Virus?
-A good anti-virus should clean an infected system. AVG is a a free for life anti-virus that has had a good tract record of staying ontop of virus ourbreaks. No anti-virus is perfect. It is simply software that looks for specific coding within another program (virus) and blocks it. Unfortunately they are reactive, meaning that they can't look for what has not already been created.

How do I get rid of Malware/Spyware?
-Malware/spyware is not a virus, but can open the door for viruses to enter your computer. Also they are the primary cause of pop-ups. A good anti-malware/spyware program is called MaywareBytes, it is free and does and excelleny job of identifying and removing malware/spyware.

How do I backup my pictures and other data?
-the best way is to get an external hard drive (NOT A FLASH DRIVE!). Hard drives are very reliable and are designed to read and write data constantly. Flash drives are not a sturdy and have a higher failure rate. Flash drives are good for transporting data back and forth to work, school etc but do not rely on them to back up important pictures and documents that cannot be replaced. Buy an external hard drive and copy your important documents to it. It is also recomended that the hard drive then be placed in a fire proof safe. Creating a backup routine is important can releatively inexpensive.

What do I do with my old computer?
-Don't throw it away! There are many nonprofit organizations that will take your old computer, securely erase the contents and then distribute it where it is needed. Another option is to ask around your neighborhood. Many middle and highschool students would love to have a computer to take apart just to lear.

Whats is 32-bit and 64-bit*?
-This referrs to the hardware and software capibilities of the computer. A 32-bit system is the older style. The computer moves data in 32-bit chunks. A 64-bit system moves data in 64-bit chunks. Less time is spent transporting the data so the system operates more effenciently. you must have a 64-bit processor AND a 64-bit operating system inorder to run in 64-bit mode.

*Most people know that computers "think" in 1's and 0's. A bit is just that a 1 or a 0. It takes 8 bits to create a byte. A byte forms one character for example the letter "A".