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!