Defrag my harddrive

WHAT IS DEFRAG (DEFRAGMENTING), WHY DO I NEED TO DEFRAG MY HARDDRIVE?

Oh boy, this is a big one. OK, here we go. First thing you need to remember is to defragment your harddrive once in a while,I do this at least once a month. As files are deleted and written to the harddrive, the pieces get placed in different locations of the harddrive. So, as I delete a bunch of small files, this creates small gaps of free space all over the harddrive. Then when I finally write a big file to the harddrive, that big file will be distributed throught the harddrive and fill these little spaces of free-space. That means that if I need to access this big file again, the harddrive will need to jump to various places just to read the file. This is very inefficient, and a possible reason for a slow down. YOUR FILE IS NOW IN FRAGMENTS.


We want to DEFRAGMENT the files by re-arranging the files on the harddrive and making each individual file WHOLE again. That is the job of the Defrag tool, and will help in speeding up access to your files again.

Things to remember:

-Right click the drive you want to defrag,>Click on Properties>Click on the Tools Tab>Click on Defragmentation.

-Make sure you have disabled anything that might access the harddrive or interrupt the defrag; screensavers, sleep mode, hibernate, virus-protect, if any of these programs are running in the background, it might cause your defrag to start over and over.

-You need at least 15% of your harddrive free for a fully efficient defrag.

by Junior Buddings

Junior Buddings is an A+ Certified and MCP Certified Computer Consultant with over 7 years of experience.

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Five Things to Consider First When Buying a Laptop on a Budget

While laptops don’t carry the inflated price tags of even a few years ago, not everyone has a budget that allows for the latest and greatest technology in a pint-sized package. Buying a laptop on a budget involves weighing needs versus wants. While you can’t have it all, you can certainly make sure that you have all the things that you really need...

If you break down the major components of a laptop, there are five main areas to consider: size (which includes physical dimensions, weight, and battery life, since these aspects generally correlate to each other), the screen, the GPU, the CPU, and the RAM. The specifics of these five components will vary depending upon the individual needs of the shopper: by taking each one separately, it’s possible to create a laptop design that fits almost any budget.

Size

Size is a great place to start when buying a budget-conscious laptop. Once you narrow down this factor, it limits the field of choices and helps you come to a conclusion much more quickly. Laptop size is a very personal choice, and this preference varies greatly even within common interests; some busy travelers happily lug around 12-pound desktop replacements, while others could never take more than a 4-pound notebook with them. This decision should be fairly simple, but it’s important to keep in mind how size relates to cost: in general, ultra-light laptops - those under 4 pounds – will carry a premium. You pay for the convenience of that portability. The most affordably priced laptops are in the 6-8 pound range; these are not optimized for light weight, nor are they intending to have the power of a desktop. This size range is the most affordable, and it should certainly be considered first by anyone shopping on a budget.

Screen

The screen size ties in closely with the overall size of the laptop, so it should be considered concurrently. How much screen real estate do you need for daily tasks? This depends entirely upon your preferences, but if you are buying a laptop on a budget, you may not have too much of a choice. The 6-8 pound value-priced notebooks generally come with a fairly standard (but not overly small) 15-inch screen. These screens generally have a standard aspect ratio (like that of a television), rather than the increasingly popular widescreen format (like that of a movie theater screen). The good news is that you can generally expand your viewing area by simply using a larger external monitor. If your budget is constrained because this laptop will be a supplement to your current desktop computer, you probably have a very nice monitor on your desk already; but if not, you can certainly add one at a later date when money isn’t as tight. While an external screen does not help you when you are out and about, it certainly offers you more flexibility.

GPU

The GPU, or graphics processing unit, is simply the video card – the part responsible for rendering the graphics. You really have two choices in a laptop – shared or dedicated. These two types of cards are used in specific circumstances, but unfortunately, you need to make a decision you can live with on this component. This is one area that usually can’t be upgraded after purchase.

Dedicated graphics cards carry their own RAM (thinking power), whereas shared graphics cards actually share the RAM of the computer. Of course, a dedicated GPU performs far better that its shared counterpart, but they are also generally out of the price range that a budget shopper would consider. This is important because a laptop with a shared GPU will have a much harder time running current video games and demanding software such as AutoCAD (if it can render them at all). The GPU can be a deal breaker for some because once you decide on a certain component; you can’t go back at a later date. A good rule of thumb: If you intend to play current video games (such as World of Warcraft or Counterstrike), you should either consider upping your budget to include a dedicated GPU, or go with a cheaper desktop alternative until you can afford a higher end laptop. However, if you are like most budget laptop shoppers who will use their laptop to surf the web, do word processing, and perform other normal day-to-day tasks, a shared GPU will do just fine and will fit into a small budget perfectly.

CPU

It’s easy to fall into the trap that you need to buy the latest technology because the moment you buy it, it becomes outdated. While this is actually true to a certain extent, when it comes to the CPU (or central processing unit), you don’t need to feel that you are behind the times for considering a processor that is a few steps behind the latest version. It’s easy to quickly access the pricing for the top 4 or 5 processors because of the system-builders that most laptop retailers use. Simply check out the processors that are available and choose something in the middle, and most importantly, something that fits your budget. Do not break the bank on the CPU. This is one area where you can really save some money without feeling like you are missing something when you use your laptop on a daily basis.

RAM

The final main component to consider when buying a laptop on a budget is the RAM, or random access memory. Fortunately, this is also one area where you could have a bit of control after the purchase is made. The RAM acts as the brain cells for the laptop. It allows you to be working on multiple things at one time without experiencing bothersome slow down. Your standard budget-conscious laptop will probably carry 512MB of RAM right out of the box. For today’s computing, this number is rather low. However, if you are shopping without much money to spend, go with the 512 because you should be able to add to this at a later date. There are several online retailers that sell notebook memory, or you can even simply go to your local box store to buy the upgrade and have it installed. Just because you are shopping on a budget doesn’t mean that you won’t have the money to upgrade your laptop later. The RAM and the screen size are the two areas that you can make up for a bit after purchase, so it makes sense to make compromises there so you can make sure you get the size, GPU, and CPU that you need. Make sure to check with your laptop retailer prior to purchase to make sure you can upgrade the memory of your new laptop.

Buying a laptop on a budget is much easier than it used to be, not only because there are far more options, but also because the technology found in those options is getting cheaper as well. To further aid the budget-conscious shopper, most online retailers have adopted the use of system-builders. These pages allow you to configure each component independently to create a budget-friendly laptop quickly and easily. Shoppers can upgrade and downgrade items like the CPU to gauge the effect of each change on the overall price: it’s easy to make compromises when there are so many choices, and it’s so easy to see those choices in many different configurations.

Buying a laptop on a budget doesn’t mean that you need to spend your hard-earned cash on something that you don’t love, but it does mean that you need to carefully weigh what your needs are and what you are willing to make up for after purchase. While the latest and greatest technology is amazing, the somewhat-recent-and-now-much-cheaper technology is still really, really good. The most important thing to do is to take your time and do your research before making a purchase. Even if you have a small budget, it’s still a lot of money to spend! If you make a well-informed decision, you’ll find that your budget laptop will serve you well far into the future.

Best,

Laura Alter
NotebookForums.com

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How To Select The Notebook That Meets Your Requirements?

For the past ten years there has been a tremendous growth in the usage of notebook or laptop computers. The impact is that the notebooks are slowly replacing the traditional desktop computers from home as well as from office. There are so many varieties, technologies and brands of notebooks available in the market that it has become very difficult for a regular user to identify the best fit for his or her needs. This article will help you in getting a few tips on how to select the right notebook and make the most out of your investment.


A notebook offers several advantages. The most important being the trouble-free mobility. This is enhanced by the easily available wireless internet connections all over the world. It is very convenient to carry all your work with you anywhere you go. Advancement in technology has brought down the weight and size of the notebooks significantly, making it even more comfortable for a regular user.

What are the things that you should consider before purchasing your notebook? Start with doing an analysis of your needs. Ask questions like: For what purpose will I use this notebook? The answers could include -- for internet browsing, chatting, high-end graphic designing, gaming, business or official work, programming, application development, etc. The type of notebook you choose will depend on what you need it for.

When you do your research, make notes on the prices, technical features, configuration, guarantees, and performance that each notebook has to offer. You would need to decide whether you want a notebook from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or from a brand. It is believed that brand notebooks offer better post-sales service, and guarantee, while OEM notebooks are cheaper and offer the same hardware quality as the brand ones.

If you need a notebook that is small and light and should be carried around easily while you are traveling, go for the ultra-portable range models. These notebooks have screens smaller than 12 inches and weigh up to 5 pounds. Some models of such notebooks include Sony Vaio PCG-U3, Fujitsu Lifebook P1510, Toshiba Libretto U100, Panasonic R4, Dell Latitude X1 and many more.

If you are a business professional looking for a thin and light notebook that offers durability, security and all important features necessary for your office, then you can select from a wide range of business notebooks. These include Apple MacBook, Dell XPS M1210, Sony VAIO FJ, and Dell Latitude and etc.

If you are addicted to gaming you would need a notebook that has the capability to present high-end graphics performance. These would include notebooks with the latest processors, increased RAM and hard disk storage space, faster CPUs, top-of-the line graphic display capability, great wireless connectivity and a host of other compatibility features. Some of the best gaming notebooks include Alienware Aurora, Dell XPS M170, and Rock Xtreme CTX PRO and etc.

If you are looking for just an economic replacement for your desktop and you do not want to spend on a high-end notebook, then you can select from a variety of models offered by Acer, Apple, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba. These notebooks are fashioned to be used at a fixed location and weigh up to 13 pounds, so they are not very convenient if you have to travel a lot. They generally have bigger screen sizes and lower battery life.
Apart from the notebooks mentioned above you can also pick tablet PCs, transportables, high-end personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, or smart phones. These are mobile devices that you can carry with you wherever you go, if mobility is all you are looking for.

by Roberto Sedycias

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page PoloMercantil Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br

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A Purchase Guide to Budget Notebooks

Since it became commercially available back in the early eighties, notebooks called the attention of computer users because of its small size and portability. Not much of a commercial success back then, it only took a short time before the computer industry improved this item, up to a point that is now considered to be one of the best selling computer consumer products.


For one who intends to buy a budget notebook, he may have some difficulties in picking the right one, since there are several notebook manufactures offering so many models. Budget notebooks are in a class by itself with basic features but capable of delivering full solutions for computer related tasks.

For an easy guide to budget notebooks, check the following major manufactures:

SONY

Sony VAIO notebooks are fashioned products targeted to consumers who demand flexibility and power without compromise. It is expected to find features such as 15.4`` WXGA, duo core processor and 100 gb hard disk. Although not the cheapest of budget notebooks, it compensates the higher price by offering more technological features.

Most common features one can expect from Sony budget notebooks: 1 - Intel Core Duo Processor T2250 1.72 Ghz; 2 - Windows Vista; 3 - 1 gb DDR2 ram; 4 - Widescreen XGA display type; 5 - Intel graphics media accelerator 950; 6 - 100 gb SATA hard disk 5400 rpm; 7 - CD-RW/DVD rom; 8 - wireless lan 802.11 a/b/g; 9 - Modem and Lan port 10/100; 10 - USB connectivity; 11 - It weighs around 6.5 pounds; 12 - Lithium ion battery up to 5.5 hours; 13 - One year limited warranty. Price starts from U$ 929.00 and up according with optional accessories.

DELL

With features such as 15.4`` WXGA, duo core processor and ATI Radeon Xpress graphics, Dell budget notebooks offer a flexible combination of power, mobile productivity and entertainment at a good price.

Most common features one can expect out of these notebooks are: 1 - AMD Turion 62 X2 1.8 ghz/1mb cache processor; 2 - Windows Vista; 3 - 512 mb ram; 4 - Widescreen XGA display type; 5 - ATI Radeon Xpress 256 mb video graphics chipset; 6 - Up to 80 gb hard disk; 7 - CD-RW/DVD rom; 8 - It weighs around 6 pounds; 9 - 9-cell lithium ion battery; 10 - One year limited warranty. Price starts from U$ 549.00 and up according with optional accessories.

TOSHIBA

All Toshiba budget notebooks feature an 15.4`` diagonal WXGA display, DVD optical drive which reads and writes up to 11 formats, high speed wireless lan (802.11 b/g) for easy connection in networks.

Most common features one can expect out of these notebooks are: 1 - Intel Celeron processor with 1+ Ghz; 2 - Windows Vista; 3 - 512 mb ram; 4 - Widescreen XGA display type; 5 - Radeon Xpress 200M video graphics chipset; 6 - 60 gb hard disk; 7 - CD-RW/DVD rom; 8 - wireless lan but no Bluetooth connectivity; 9 - Modem and Lan port 10/100 mbps; 10 - USB and firewire connectivity; 11 - It weighs around 5 pounds; 12 - 4-cell lithium ion battery; 13 - Tv-out s-video; 14 - One year parts and labor warranty. Price starts from U$ 599.00 and up according with optional accessories.

HP

HP Budget notebooks with features such as 15.4`` display screen, AMD Sempron 3500+ and a sophisticated black resin finish, offer an attractive mix of style, mobility and performance.

Expected features one can find in this HP notebook category: 1 - AMD Sempron 3500+; 2 - Windows Vista; 3 - 15.4`` WXGA Widescreen; 3 - 512 mb ddr2; 4 - CD-RW/DVD rom; 4 - Wireless connectivity 802.11b/g wlan; 5 - It weighs around 7 pounds; 6 - Nvidia video graphics chipset with 256 mb; 7 - 6-cell lithium ion battery; 8 - USB, lan and modem port; 9 - Integrated stereo speakers; 10 - 60 gb SATA hard disk; 11 - Tv-out s-video; 12 - One year warranty in parts and labor. Price starts from U$ 569.00 and up according with optional accessories.

A while ago portable electronics devices were a luxury at an expensive price. Nowadays it became an affordable must have kind of product for lots of people. Notebooks are in this category for sure! And basic notebooks are the best option for those who are in a tight budget. So, if portability is a must for your personal or professional computer related tasks, waste no more time. Get yourself a budget notebook!

by Roberto Sedycias

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page PoloMercantil Roberto Sedycias has a bachelor degree in Business Administration and over 20 years experience in systems analysis and computer programming. Currently working as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br

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