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General Computers
Help and Tips

Here are some general computer tips that can be used on many computer platforms, not just PCs.


 

#1: Don't Know Which Laptop to Purchase? Ask Microsoft
Microsoft's "PC Scout" offers suggestions on which laptop or netbook to purchase based on your needs.

#2: Directory - Path - Folder ... What Is It?
Are there any differences between the terms directory, path, and folder?

#3: Slap Me Some Skin
Do you like the look of your software programs? Many packages now support visual themes, or 'skins'. Learn more about them.

#4: 7 Things to Consider When Installing a Beta Operating System or Update
Before installing an operating system or update that has not been officially released, heed this advice.

#5: 5 Things to Do as Soon as You Purchase a New Computer
Increase your computer security and reduce potential headaches later by doing these five things as soon as you purchase a new computer.

#6: Why Should You Buy a Desktop PC?
With the added mobility one gets with a laptop PC, is there any reason to still purchase a desktop?

#7: 7 Reasons Why Computers Run Slower As They Get Older
Seven reasons why computers seem to run slower the longer you use them, including drive fragmentation and faulty software uninstallers.

#8: Donating or Giving Away a Computer? Follow These 5 Steps First.
Five steps to take before you give away a PC that include helping prevent identity theft.

#9: What is Pre-Installed Bloatware?
What is pre-installed bloatware that you may find on new laptops and desktops, and why is this software installed?

#10: Increase Laptop Performance and Use Less Power?

#11: Save Your Work Often

#12: General Computers - What Are .CHK Files?

#13: Printers: Save Money by Learning Control Panels

#14: Video Cards and Memory

#15: Removable Media Option

#16: Check the Size of Your Expansion Cards

#17: Don't Plug Into a Powered Machine

#18: Year 2000 Issues with Windows, Microsoft Products

#19: Buying a Laptop or Desktop - What is Shared Video Memory?
Explains the difference between graphics card onboard memory and a shared video memory paradigm.

#20: What is a Monitor's Actual Display Size?

#21: Useful Hayes Commands

#22: Don't Make the Computer Case Claustrophobic

#23: Software Server Revisited

#24: COM Ports

#25: Should I Virus Scan Commercial Software?

#26: For Speed, CPU Speed Isn't It

#27: Don't Always Go By Minimum Requirements
Plan on purchasing software, such as a game, and using it on a computer that barely meets the software's minimum requirements? It may not run as well as desired.

#28: Drive Defragmenters - Not All The Same
Not all disk defragmenters work the same way - learn how two disk defragmenters work differently.

#29: Refresh Old Backups

#30: Keystrokes and Message Boxes
These keyboard shortcuts work most of the time when message boxes appear onscreen.

#31: Why Do Install Programs Ask Me to Close Everything Else?
When installing software, here's why you should close down all running applications.

#32: Converting Files Between Word Processors?

#33: Trackballs May Be Right For You

#34: CD Care

#35: Failing Installation Programs

#36: How to Solve Computer Problems with More Power!
UPS units can protect your computers from surges, brownouts, and unreliable power. Read this tip for more information.

#37: Test Out Keyboards!

#38: Backing Up Only One Folder
You don't have to own high-end software programs to perform software backups.

#39: ALWAYS Make Emergency Disks

#40: Increase Scanner Results with Black

#41: Network Administrator? Set Up a Software Server

#42: Sound Recording Problems

#43: Mouse Pointer Problems

#44: Scanning Resolution Questions

#45: Consider the TCO When Buying Printers

#46: Computer Parts - Keep a Spare Item

#47: Hard Drive Fragmentation and Internet Surfing

#48: Why Not Try a New Mouse?

#49: Check for New Graphics Drivers

#50: Clean Your Computer

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