Nеtworking Homе

Hаvе you еvеr thought аbout nеtworking your computers аt homе? If you hаvе а smаll collеction of computers аround thе housе (аnd а smаll collеction of computer usеrs), you cаn connеct еаch onе of thosе computers to onе аnothеr аnd shаrе dаtа, softwаrе, аnd hаrdwаrе including а singlе Internеt connеction. Thеrе аrе mаny crеаtivе usеs for homе nеtworking, howеvеr it’s аn idеаl situаtion whеn upgrаding еаch computer to thе sаmе cаpаbility is finаnciаlly out of thе quеstion. On а homе nеtwork, еаch computer hаs аccess to thе еquipmеnt of thе bеtter mаchinе in thе group аs if thаt еquipmеnt wеrе thеir own.

Connеcting computers with еithеr аn Ethеrnеt cаblе or а Wirеless connеction cаn crеаtе а homе nеtwork. Thе еаsiеst аnd chеаpеst mеthod usеs аn Ethеrnеt connеction, which rеquirеs а sеriеs of nеtwork cаrds, а cаblе for еаch computer, аnd а router. Thе nеtwork cаrd is similаr to thе old modеms wе usеd in thе pаst to connеct to thе Internеt, howеvеr in а homе nеtwork, it’s usеd to communicаtе with еvеry computer thаt’s connеctеd to it.

You’ll wаnt to first, sеlеct thе computers thаt will connеct to еаch othеr аnd thеn instаll thе nеtwork cаrds insidе еаch of thеm. Thеn you’ll connеct а cаblе to еаch computer thаt will communicаtе with thе sеrvеr. Thеsе cаblеs won’t connеct to thе sеrvеr dirеctly. Instеаd, thеy’ll connеct to thе router. To еnаblе Internеt аccess for еаch computer, this router will nееd to connеct with а modеm of thе host mаchinе.

Oncе thе hаrdwаrе is sеt up corrеctly (you’ll nееd to rеаd thе instruction mаnuаl of your еquipmеnt for dеtаils), you cаn thеn sеtup thе nеtwork from Windows on еаch mаchinе. Within Windows, you cаn sеt up а homе nеtwork similаr to thе wаy thаt you sеt up аn Internеt connеction. Only this timе, you’ll sеt up а LAN (Locаl Arеа Nеtwork) connеction.

Windows should wаlk you through sеtting up а LAN аfter stаrting thе computer аnd oncе complеtе, you cаn bеgin to connеct onе of your mаchinеs to thе nеtwork. You cаn do this through Internеt Explorеr by typing in thе аddress аnd pаssword rеquirеd to аccess thе router (thе аddress аnd pаssword rеquirеd to аccess thе router will bе in thе router mаnuаl).

Connеctеd to thе nеtwork, еаch computer cаn sеnd files bаck аnd forth, opеn programs on а rеmotе computer, plаy thе sound files аnd vidеos locаtеd on аnothеr computer, аnd shаrе а singlе Internеt аccount to browsе thе wеb, downloаd files, or chаt with somеonе in аn еntirеly diffеrеnt country.  If а singlе printer is аvаilаblе on only onе computer in thе nеtwork, еvеry connеctеd PC cаn sеnd documеnts to it аnd print thеm out. Kids will еnjoy thе аbility to plаy multi-plаyеr gаmеs аnd аdults will еnjoy thе аbility to blаst а singlе messаgе to еvеryonе аt oncе or mаintаin а group schеdulе.

Sincе wе’rе dеscribing а homе nеtwork thаt will connеct to thе Internеt, you’rе strongly аdvisеd to instаll а protеctivе firеwаll progrаm to thwаrt Internеt virusеs, worms, or othеr dаmаging spywаrе codе. Firеwаlls prеvеnt – but thеy don’t rеpаir. Only аnti-virus аnd аnti-spywаrе programs cаn rеvеrsе dаmаgе. So you should instаll а firеwаll on thе computer thаt grаnts аccess to thе computer, аnd thеn instаll аn аnti-virus аnd аnti-spywаrе progrаm on еаch of thе rеmаining computers in thе nеtwork.

If you hаvе files thаt shouldn’t bе shаrеd (bаnk stаtеmеnts, crеdit cаrd information, еtc.), you cаn rеstrict thеir аccess in onе of sеvеrаl wаys. You cаn put thеm in а nеw foldеr аnd thеn rеmovе thе “rеаd” pеrmissions for thаt foldеr. Or you cаn spеcify who cаn (аnd who cаnnot) аccess spеcific files with а pаssword from within Windows Control Pаnеl.

Perfect NetBook

Once you understand about basic netbook features, and start checking the prices and specs, I have no doubt you will quickly come up with a brief list of models or brands to choose from.  If you are stuck, here are a handful of general advices on what netbook types to consider, depending upon who will be using it:

• Kids: Go for a no-frills, basic model. They’re relatively affordable and are fairly resistant to minor bumps and drops – if possible choose the SSD model, your kids may not need large storage space anyway. The dinkier keyboard is great for little fingers. Consider models intended for the education and low-cost market.

• Students: They need to get the best price with the most features. Battery life should be a primary consideration for long hours in library and classes.  Bluetooth can be handy if they have a compatible mobile phone. The smaller and lighter the better – with a usable keyboard and screen, of course.

• Businesspeople: They should go for a model with a bigger, more usable-size screen and keyboard. Because the business society seems to revolve around Microsoft Windows, they should use it for easy data synchronization and networking inter-operability. Again, they need to have longer battery life.

• Home users: Netbook is an excellent second computer. If you install a Wi-Fi access point at your home, netbook’s compact size and light weight make it acceptable for getting online anywhere you want – bedroom, patio, backyard, wherever. It’s also easy to toss it in a purse or bag when you head to the café. Find a balance between features and size that works best for you.

• Seniors: For senior citizens, it is recommended to choose a netbook with a minimum of a 10″ screen – they should get something they don’t have trouble seeing. A bigger keyboard is also helpful. If they’re going to be using the netbook mostly around home, they don’t have to be worry about battery life, as power outlets will always be nearby.

• Advanced users: Take your pick – based on your budget.  Some netbook models lend themselves more to customization and tinkering than others, so do a few Google searches for a model you are interested in.

Desktop PCs

A Desktop PC is the personal computer which is intended to use regularly at one single location. The Desktop PCs comes in various types’ right from large vertical cases to the small models which can be tucked behind the LCD monitor. Most of the modern types of desktop computers have separate keyboards and screens. The desktop computers are beneficial in many ways that the portable appliances cannot match with.

Some of the best benefits of using the Desktop PCs are: first the expenses involved in buying a laptop or desktop computer. The price for buying the desktop computers is more affordable when compared to buying a laptop. Though they are not portable they have the money saving aspects that the mouse, monitor and the keyboard are not built in. This is more advantageous because these components can be replaced for cheap ones with different make and best quality. When considering the size and weigh of the Desktop PCs, it is of course disadvantage but when considering the fragility and security this will be the best option when compared to a laptop. The desktop computers are less likely to be stepped on, crushed, lost or dropped. This therefore guarantees the security for use on long term.

The Desktop PCs structure makes it very compatible for add-ons and expansion. It is possible to change the computer’s capabilities with the change in your activities and interest. It is possible to expand the memory packages, and the desktop computers can also take many hard drives in it with many specialized cards. But due to the limited capacity and physical space, it is not possible to do this with laptops. Though a laptop can be hooked up with an other additional monitor, the portability of the system may be eliminated, but in case of the Desktop PCs, it is possible to use any size of monitor and therefore the users who are requiring large size monitor can opt for desktop computers. Before buying the desktop computers there are certain things to be considered. The process choices may be little difficult as there is a choice between Intel and AMD processor today. The differences are mainly with the number of cores in the processor and the speed. RAM and memory speed will be the next consideration as this impact on the performance of the desktop computer. The speed and size of the hard drives must be considered while buying the desktop computers.

Windows 7 on Netbook

Next up at bat from Big M’s developers is Windows 7. The new operating system is an improved version of Windows Vista.  It runs faster, needs less RAM, and has a number of UI enhancements that make it easier to use and feels more intuitive – a perfect candidate to run a netbook. It seems that Microsoft has finally learned a lesson from the less-than-entirely successful Windows Vista and has put much more effort and thought into developing a more useful OS.

The operating system comes in a number of editions, for example, Windows 7 Home Premium is targeted for laptops, home computers, and netbooks – there are also Ultimate and Professional versions for enterprise and business users. While, Windows 7 Starter Edition is the simplest edition, it is an affordable version of the OS with a few features pared down.  Microsoft has a plan to release Starter Editions in developing countries. Their goal is to attract new consumers in non-industrialized nations, where many people couldn’t afford a licensed or fully priced retail version.

Using the Starter Edition for netbooks allows them to be priced at $200-or-less without cutting into the manufacturers’ and retailers’ margins too much.  You shouldn’t expect the Starter Edition to have the complete features of the more expensive editions. It has plenty of limitations including no DVD playback, no support for multi-touch on touchpads, and you can’t even change your desktop wallpaper. Luckily, if your netbook comes with the most basic edition of Windows 7, you can always upgrade it to the Home edition to get more features and improve your productivity.

If you’re wondering whether you should upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP, you should find articles that compare real-world performance and productivity between the two OS. So you will know whether you really need those new features found in Windows 7.

However, sooner or later, the venerable Windows XP will disappear after Windows 7 hits the shelves. Microsoft allows netbook manufacturers to sell netbooks with Windows XP only for one year after the introduction of Windows 7.

Unfortunately, while computers are indeed great, they can also be the most frustrating thing on earth, when the computer become very slow or when it developed one problem or the other. We all know what its takes, you know what you want to do with your computer, but will it play ball? There is lots of place you can go to get computer help online. You can get lots of helps, tips and guides to help you resolve your computer problems and make it to run as if you just bought the system.

One of the major problem PC use to have is when it is very slow, angling and lots of other problems, but you can get lots of help online to speed up your slow PC or fixed other problem without spending any unbudgeted money on the computer. You can get lots of PC tips, help, guide online and also suggestions on how to maintenance your PC on a regular basis.

Need a new laptop, but don’t have £700 to shell out?Well, you may be in luck. As unbelievable as it seems, there are many broadband providers who work together with electronics suppliers to offer Broadband to customers. For example, PC World is currently offering a wide variety of laptops that are free with mobile broadband packages with up to 15GB of usage from Vodaphone. These deals range from £30 to £40 per month, so all you’re really paying for is a broadband connection.

But, suppose you have a laptop already and are just looking for a free broadband connection – there’s a solution for that situation, as well. Many public locations like coffee shops and libraries offer free wireless broadband to customers on their premises.

For business, however, there is another option. Many Broadband for business offers their customers package deals, which charge quite low  price for broadband, homeworkers and phone service.With packages like these, you can reduce your utility costs by over $25 per month, the average monthly price of broadband service, thereby essentially providing you with free broadband!

The Panasonic Toughbook F8, which possesses a 14.1-inch display, weighs just 3.7 pounds, has an internal optical drive, has a handle for easy carrying and is 3G-ready. Other specs include an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM and a 160GB shock-mounted hard drive. It’s seriously portable and offers serious flexibility for those that are a little rougher on their computers than most.

The rest of the 8-Series received an update as well, with the W8 and T8 models getting embedded Gobi 3G technology, making for the ultimate in connectivity with mobile broadband (WWAN) from Qualcomm. The 8-Series Panasonic Toughbook notebooks will be available starting in November. The W8 and T8 are expected to cost $2,900 and the F8 is slightly pricier at $2,499.

“The growing trend of portability in computers–lighter weight, longer battery life, advanced wireless capabilities–needs to be balanced by true durability,” said Daniel Longfield, industry analyst, mobile and wireless, Frost & Sullivan. “Highly mobile government, enterprise and small business users need reliable connectivity to drive continued productivity. Panasonic’s proven business-rugged notebooks enabled with Gobi address this requirement.”

Dell has recently released two brand new Vostro laptops, and another one is on the way. Both new laptops, with the imaginative names 1310 and 1510, seem to offer a lot of bang for your buck, but the 13″ Vostro 1310 is undoubtedly the most interesting model.

Vostros Dell recently announced its revamped Vostro line of cost-efficient “small-business” laptops. The Vostro 1310 and the Vostro 1510 is a pair of 13.3″ and 15.4″ laptops respectively that are thinner, lighter, and slightly less ugly compared to their predecessors. The new models are also a bit more powerful thanks to new 45nm Intel Penryn processors.

Dell has re-branded its home and small business computer lines. The previous division was for home portables to be labeled Inspiron, and home desktop computers Dimension. Now, all home line computers, desktop or portable, are branded with the Inspiron label.
Dell created its Vostro line to address the needs of small business users and has succeeded at that by simplifying the purchasing and setup process. A Vostro laptop is basically an Inspiron minus the bright colors, the “bloatware,” and the enterprise-level jargon. The 1310 adds design sense and portability—it’s a lightweight 13-inch laptop that comes with a wealth of configuration options and appeals to regular Joes as much as to the newest dot-com start-up.

If price, performance and portability are equally important, the Vostro 1310 could definitely be worth considering.
DELL VOSTRO 1310
- Ultra-portable at just 4.6lbs
- Up to Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo Processors
- Up to 4GB memory

The Dell Vostro 1310 is available with a range of Intel processors (from the 1.86GHz Celeron M M540 up to the T9500 2.6GHz Core 2 Duo). There are two 13.3″ screen offerings, a 1280×800 WXGA with matte anti-glare coating and 1280×800 WXGA “TrueLife” glossy display. The notebook can take up to 4GB of RAM and Dell offers 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows Vista Business or Windows XP Professional. The system is priced starting at $749 with integrated Intel X3100 graphics at the time of this writing, but is also available with nVidia 8400M GS dedicated graphics.

Starting on Tuesday, Dec. 11, gamers will be able to purchase a premium edition of the Dell XPS M1730 that is emblazoned with custom World of Warcraft artwork and includes a variety of extras.

Customers who buy this special-edition laptop will receive a special “Quest Envelope” that contains access to items such as a “Golden Ticket” from FigurePrints, a company that creates custom figurines of players’ individual World of Warcraft players.

Other unique features include original art by Blizzard artists on the back of the LCD display, World of Warcraft itself and The Burning Crusade expansion pack pre-loaded on the system, original desktop background artwork and screensavers and a World of Warcraft-themed backpack that includes a strategy guide and other expansion packs.

The XPS M1730 is one of Dell’s premier gaming notebooks. It’s a 17-inch HD system with dual Nvidia SLI graphics (that is, 2 graphics cards running in tandem) and a special AEGEIA PhsyX accelerator chip. The WoW-themed edition will retail for $4,500, about an $1,800 premium over the base M1730.
Source: infosyncworld.com