Purchasing a Computer Or Computer Hardware

When & How to Buy a Computer

When computers first came out they were a big deal, computer automation for not only business but home was a mind blowing idea. At the time the release of computer hardware wasn't very frequent and new hardware was normally a large leap. Now in days, computer hardware comes out extremely frequently and technology is gaining speed everyday. A direct quote by Bill Gates Chairman of Microsoft "640K is more memory than anyone will ever need" just to put that in perspective for current day, most computers now have at least ten thousand times that amount.

How do I know when I need a new computer?

The very first thing we have to address is how do I know when a computer is so obsolete that I need to upgrade? Well the easiest way to figure this out is normally by knowing the age of the computer, a computer from about 5 years ago or more that hasn't been upgraded will most likely have performance issues with most programs and websites. Computers that are performing slow from before that don't apply to the age gap are normally performing slow because of an underlying reason.

Why buy parts instead of a whole computer?

Purchasing Computer Parts Guide can be found here.

When my customers come to me asking me about why their computers performing slow and we have ruled out all other possibilities, I highly suggest a part upgrade. A majority of customers with speed issues are normally in need of a RAM upgrade. RAM or Random Access Memory is the competent that writes and re-writes information and allows the computer to retrieve and dispense data randomly at high speeds. It's a very important part and can greatly increase the speed of just about any PC.

Determining what you need

So you've ruled out the possibilities of getting a part upgrade and you need a new computer. The next step is possibly the most important step because it could be the factor that determines if you spend more money than you need.

Determine what you need the computer to do:

• General Web Usage (Facebook, Youtube etc) 
• HD video playback
• Video editing or heavy PC gaming
• Business work (Excel, Word)
• School work

Depending on what the computer will be used for will determine what you need most, things relying heavily on video like HD video playback or PC gaming all need a strong graphics card as well as RAM more than a processor. School work, Business work or other general things don't benefit from having a powerful graphics card. Why spend more money on a part that is never going to be used?

How to purchase a computer

Purchasing the proper parts it the most difficult step of the entire process, the key is to ensure that you're getting a proper balance of price and quality. AMD for example offers a $200 dollar six core processor, that's an extremely good part with a reasonable price from a very reputable company. These type of deals are all over and are offered frequently but it's all about research, the more time you spend looking for deals the more money you could potentially save. 

A very important thing to keep in mind as well is to always remember that a computer is a big purchase, make it a good one, purchase a computer that you won't have to update for at least three years. In other words, in my expert opinion I suggest going with something that won't become obsolete within that three year time frame. Unfortunately, with the way technology has been evolving, that three year time frame gets incrementally shorter every year.

Final Thoughts

By now you should realize that purchasing a computer is not an easy task and requires a large amount of time and planning. I highly advise getting help from someone who has knowledge in the field, mainly because they normally have built and bought many computers meaning they most likely have the resources to help cut down on research time. If you are in Reno and need help with a computer purchase, I guarantee we can help.

Meaning and Effects of Spyware

Before we start I'd like to note that these articles will only go over the non technical side for people who have little to no current computer knowledge.

What is computer Spyware?

Spyware is software that collects information on a user's computer without their knowledge. This info can be as simple as an internet address or in the worst cases a credit card number. Spyware is also used to display ad's on your computer or change your browsers homepage/settings.

How do I know if I have it?

This is the most obvious of most computer issues, spyware doesn't normally attempt to hide itself. There are exceptions to this of course but the most common spyware is normally toolbars or other unknown browser (program used to browse the internet) infections.

www.owasp.org

Common Effects of Spyware

• Slows Internet
• Browser Changes
• Toolbars
• Pop-Ups
• Security Issues

Think you may have spyware and in the Reno area?

Oasis Computer Repair: Reno Nevada

89523

Meaning and Effects of Malware

Before we start I'd like to note that these articles will only go over the non technical side for people who have little to no current computer knowledge.

What is computer Malware?

Malware is an intrusive software used to attack or disrupt a computers operation, sometimes to display ad's or do other operations not authorized by the user. Malware can not only slow down a computer but can also pose huge security issues.

How do I know if I have it?

Malware is a huge hassle and you'll most likely be aware of the Malware in some way or another. Either by losing control of certain options you normally had access to or drastic slow downs.

www.malware-info.com

Common Effects of Malware

• Slows Computer
• Unstable System
• Downloads things from the internet
• Collects information unknowingly

Think you may have malware and in the Reno area?

Oasis Computer Repair: Reno Nevada

89523

Meaning and Effects of a Virus

Before we start I'd like to note that these articles will only go over the non technical side for people who have little to no current computer knowledge.

What is a computer virus?

Viruses are a program that can not only manipulate itself and multiple but also spread to multiple computers by using a huge variety of mediums. If your computer is infected with a virus its best to remove it as fast as possible to ensure no potential security issues or crashing. 

How do I know if I have one?

Viruses can come in many forms from simple changes of settings to things as extravagant as fake anti-virus programs.

The picture below is a of a pretty common fake anti-virus that has been going around for about 6 or so years now. 

Common Effects of a Virus:

• Slow Computer
• New programs you don't recognize
• Computer not turning on
• Hardware Issues
• Limits usability
• Unknown Program Pop-ups

Think you may have a virus and in the Reno area?

Oasis Computer Repair: Reno Nevada

89523

TUTORIAL: How to Add and Delete music off an iPod using iTunes.

How to Add and Delete music on an iPod

There's many better and more useful alternatives but for this tutorial we'll be using iTunes. iTunes is a media player program developed by Apple, in this tutorial we'll be using the feature to manually add and delete music off an iPod.

There are two options when connecting an iPod to iTunes, you can manually upload each song to your iPod or alternatively have iTunes upload every check marked song in your library automatically. I personally highly recommend the manual option to managing your music, it gives you much more control over what music is uploaded and doesn't fill your iPod with songs you don't want on your iPod.

What you need:

• iPod Device
• iPod USB cable
• iTunes http://www.apple.com/itunes/?cid=OAS-US-DOMAINS-itunes.com

iTunes Install

Begin by installing iTunes, to do this simply download and double click it run the file. Follow the step by step install process.

Detecting and Finding the iPod

At this point the iPod shouldn't be plugged into the computer yet, after iTunes starts  (it's normal for it to be slow on start) agree to the terms of service and plug in the USB wire.

Now after iTunes has started go ahead and plug in the iPod, iTunes should detect it  after a few short seconds. Now in the top left hand corner under File, click the drop down menu and find your device on the list. (If you can't find the drop down menu make sure you're on library first)

Selecting the setting

On this next page you'll be presented with a summary of all the details of the device, toward the bottom of the page in the "Options" box there's five option's.

Select "Manually manage music and videos" then hit OK.

Uploading the music

Now uploading music is as easy as going to the library and dragging them on the devices icon.

Select a song

Drag it to the drop down bar 

Drop it on iPod

Done!

                               

TUTORIAL: How to transfer photos from a camera to a XP or Windows 7 PC

Things you'll need:

• A PC Desktop or Laptop
• A Digital Camera
• The camera's USB wire
• Installation CD (Optional for most cameras)
  
  Before you start:
• The process below does NOT remove the pictures from the camera but instead copy's them. The pictures will remain on the camera after completely this tutorial.
• Make sure a memory stick is inserted into the camera before attempting the tutorial.
• Always perform the tutorial below with a battery level above 50%.

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Camera Installation

In this article I'll be doing a step by step process about how to transfer photos from most cameras to a Windows XP or 7 computer, gather the necessary items (listed above) and begin by grabbing the USB wire and plugging into an open USB port in the front or back.

Power on the camera just like you normally would and allow the computer a few minutes to install the drivers (making it detectable to the computer), the computer should make a noise notifying the completion. If no noise is heard a bubble confirming completion will also pop up in the bottom right.

(Optional step for CD Installation) If your camera came with a CD, simply follow the above steps and then proceed to insert the CD. Follow the step by step instructions on the CD.

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Transferring the Pictures

Now that the computer recognizes the camera we can begin taking the pictures from the camera and transfer them to the computer.

We do this by firstly clicking on the Windows button in the bottom left of the screen.

You should see something similar to the picture on the left.

Next, click on the button marked "Computer" located somewhere in the list on the right side above the "Shut Down" button.

By clicking on the "Computer" button a window similar to the one on the left should open. on the list under "Devices with Removable Storage" you should see your camera's brand name (i.e. Sony, Canon, etc)

If you don't see your cameras brand name the camera can be identified by the camera symbol.

A window should appear with the options similar to the ones in the picture on the left.

Select the option "Import pictures and videos".

To change the settings that are used when importing pictures and videos, click Import settings in the Import
Pictures and Videos dialog box.

Change one or more settings in the Import Settings dialog box, and then click OK

Click OK to restart Import Pictures and Videos. Type a tag in the Tag these pictures (optional) box, and then click Import to import your pictures and videos using the new settings.

DONE! 

Fix: No Import pictures button

Some older camera's aren't compatible with the above tutorial. If your camera doesn't allow the options above proceed by using the option "Open folder to view files"

Copy any pictures from the folders by dragging them to any location on your computer.



Congratulations, the tutorial is complete, now you can look at or edit the uploaded pictures at any time.

Recommended Programs

Recommended Programs

        

 Here at Oasis we have a set group of programs we like to setup on each computer we service. If you already have programs to fill each of these needs, consider these alternatives. All of the below programs are FREE to download and use.

Google Chrome:

Google Chrome is a browser made by Google, taking the sleek and clean feeling of Google.com and transferring it over to a very user friendly browser.

Not to mention, the fastest.

AVG Anti-Virus (XP):

Arguably the best free anti-virus available for Windows XP systems.

Windows Security Essentials (Vista/7/8):

The geniuses over at Microsoft have released easily the best Anti-Virus for Windows Vista, 7 and 8.

Skype:

A program that has a huge amount of features allowing you to instant message, send files, video chat and call landlines just to name a few.

Open Office:

Don't want to pay $100+ on Microsoft Office?

Open office is a free alternative to Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel.

GOM Media Player:

GOM is easily the best media player I've run across.

Codec and playback solutions are just a one click solution.

Adobe Reader:

Adobe Reader is primarily used to read .pdf files usually used to send documents.

       



  That wraps up just about all of them, if you have a favorite program we didn't mention feel free to post them in the comments below! Who knows, maybe we'll make a Recommended Programs Part 2.

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Written by:

Brandon Campbell

Give us a call:

775-741-8476

Book an Appointment Online:

www.oasisrepairreno.com

Clean Computer, Fast Computer

Clean Computer, Fast Computer

A lot of calls we receive from customers are about how their computer just "isn't running the way it used to". Unfortunately, it's a very common problem and happens to every computer. Thankfully there's ways to prevent or even reverse this problem.*

How it Happens             

         First you need to understand what exactly is slowing down the computer in the first place. Of course, just like any computer problem many different variables can effect different machines but this basic list should apply to most Windows Based PC's.

• Window's install/uninstall files
• Temporary Internet Files (can present many security issues if not cleaned)
• Dust Clogged Hardware
• Improper Airflow
• Registry Errors
• Hard Drive In Need of a Defrag

       

Windows Install/Uninstall Files

Windows isn't perfect, no operating system is but Windows has some pretty serious issues regarding leaving a mess after its done doing things. When you install or uninstall a program there's a high chance that a small percent of the files used to put the program on your computer are probably left behind, never to be seen or touched again. Overtime these really small files build up and become a huge section of your hard drive.

Temporary Internet files

Most people have heard of cookies in one way or another, not the delicious desert but the computer type of cookies store information regarding many things you do on the internet. That last sentence is a red flag for most people, logins and sometimes crucial personal information can be inside these cookies. Deleting these files regularly not only saves some of your personal information from the internet but also speeds up your computer because like Windows these small files begin to clutter up a hard drive.

    *One tip I almost always give customers is don't use internet explorer. There's a very large percentage of Internet Explorer users that don't realize it but their program is probably very out of date. Normally with programs this can be a pretty large problem with newer things, this is especially true with viruses.

Read our Recommended Software post to figure out the best Internet Explorer alternative for you or check this list here.

Dust Clogged Hardware/Improper Airflow

Clogged Laptop Vent Fan

For most people a computer is bought and the case is never even opened. This is fine for a few months but eventually the computers going to begin to collect dust and all the fans inside the case begin to become clogged, further increasing the dust. As the dust collects the computer begins to become hotter and slows down due to small tasks causing it to heat up quicker. Heat and computer hardware aren't friends and thus the hotter the hardware becomes the shorter its longevity becomes. Basic compressed air is your best friend for a dirty system.  

             

Registry Errors and Hard Drive Defrag

Both of these topics will have to be covered in a later blog post due to the large amount of information needed to be shown.

              

*Don't forget that viruses, malware and spyware/adware still pose a very viable option as to why the computer is running slow. If the computer continues to run slow after running through the basics above you're most likely dealing with something more serious.

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Written by:

Brandon Campbell

Have a slow computer? Want it to be fast again?

Give us a call:

775-741-8476

Book an Appointment Online:

www.oasisrepairreno.com