A Guide to Desktop PCs

When it comes to buying a desktop PC, the size of your budget may be one of the biggest considerations you may have. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, there are plenty of desktops that can easily accommodate your budget. Without a solid budget in mind, it's easy to become lost in the many different choices and options that come with desktops, whether you are building a system from scratch or buying a pre-built system package.

If you are a light PC user whose main activities include surfing the web and checking emails, a budget desktop  may be just what you are looking for. For about $300, you can purchase an affordable system from vendors such as eMachines and Acer. Granted that these desktops won't have the latest features or the most powerful hardware, but for a shopper on a tight budget, these desktops are an excellent choice.

Mainstream PCs start out at around the $500-$600 mark, and they generally have more options than budget computers, although they do not have as much content as their upper level counterparts. These computers often have larger hard drives, more memory and also come with a monitor. Mainstream computers are perfect for those who more than just surf the web and read email - tasks such as CD and DVD burning, plus other light multimedia functions can be done with ease on these machines.

As you go higher in price, you'll find more desktops will even more features, such as dedicated video graphics cards for better graphics performance and dual CD/DVD/Blu-Ray burners. Premium processors such as Intel's Core 2 Duo and AMD's Athlon are commonly found in these premium PCs. For around $1000, you can find plenty of these PCs.

Avid gaming fans looking for a system that can pack a wallop can turn to gaming desktop PCs for their powerful PC fix. These machines are tailored to gamers who love to run their latest games at the highest settings possible. Customized tower cases provide better airflow, while powerful video graphics cards such as the nVidia GTX295 and the fastest processors available deliver a solid experience that is sure to please even the most hardcore gamers. Some budget-minded gaming machines can be found for under $1500, but those looking to purchase gaming desktop PCs should expect to pay $2500 and beyond for good gaming PC.

Those who want a desktop PC that can handle heavy multimedia and graphics editing programs such as Adobe's Creative Suite and AutoCAD are likely to demand more from their desktop PCs. For $1500, these power users can find desktop PCs that can handle nearly all of their needs. These PCs share some of the components that are often found on gaming desktop PCs, but these machines are geared more towards business than they are for pleasure.

The vast majority of desktop PCs will come with Microsoft's Windows Vista preinstalled, although newer systems are appearing with the latest operating system, Windows 7. Only a few manufacturers offer PCs with the Linux operating system installed, usually upon the customer's request. Nearly all desktop PCs come available with recovery CDs and other rescue tools for fixing most operating system-related problems.

Matthew Kerridge is an expert in electronic consumables. If you would like more information about the desktop pc or are looking for a reputable desktop pc company please visit http://www.ebuyer.com

Guide to the Annual DSE (Data Storage Expo, Tokyo)

Japan is one of the world leaders in technology and it is for this reason that the annual Data Storage Expo held annually in Tokyo is considered to be one of the best and most comprehensive events of its kind in the world. The first DSE took place over a decade ago and today the event enjoys the support and participation from both local and international companies that showcase the latest trends in data storage.

The main exhibitor profiles for this exhibition can be broadly classified into ten different sections and these include Network Storage, Tapes/Drives, Removable storage disks/drives, Management Software, Information Lifecycle Management, Consulting services and other related products. If you are interested or work within any of these Data Storage sectors, the Show is the event which attracts the world's top companies and specialists in this quite niche field.

The event also features specialist exhibit areas like the Virtualization Zone and a Disaster Recovery Zone to cover some of the most popular sectors. All these exhibits focus on the latest data storage technology and the expo is a great place for budding professionals, entrepreneurs and technology developers to build new contacts, develop their client base and find new products and services to enhance their data storage needs.

The main visitors to this exhibition include managers and industry professionals from various fields that have copious data storage requirements. Other attendees of this event include information systems and network management professionals, people from industry sectors such as finance, supply chains, telecommunications, engineering, networking, manufacturing and marketing, systems development professionals and medical industry personnel.

People looking at cutting storage costs, who want a cheaper and better alternative for data storage and more efficient ways of managing their data, will find solutions at this event. Similarly, large companies looking for complex and sophisticated data storage systems will find something to suit their needs at this event.

Organised and coordinated by Reed Exhibitions in Japan, this three day event that takes place at the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre. This is an outstanding venue with excellent transportation links to the venue and with everything you are likely to need within the venue. One issue you mean be concerned with is the language issue but this is not a problem with translators available for hire and also with the nature of this event being an international event and one at which most exhibitors tend to have English speakers available for.

Catherine works in the Exhibitions and Marketing industry and writes about Table Top Kits and Exhibition Accessories.

Your Guide to Battery Types

Every mobile electronic device we own runs on battery power, yet we take batteries for granted - at least until they run out of juice. No matter what kind of device battery - laptop battery, cell phone battery, camcorder battery, remote control battery - you need, it's helpful to know the various kinds of battery types and their uses. Gel Battery - A gel battery is also known as a sealed lead acid (SLA) battery, and its distinguishing feature is that it doesn't have to be kept upright in order to work. An SLA battery continues to perform in extreme conditions, such as hot temperatures, or under vibration. SLA batteries are often used in wheelchairs, scooters, and uninterruptible power sources. It's best to keep an SLA battery charged, or to charge it more often than you would other types of batteries. NiMH - NiMH stands for Nickel Metal Hydride and is the battery of choice for many cell phones, camcorders, digital cameras, GPS systems, PDAs, and other personal electronics. NiMH batteries are also used in hybrid cars. An NiMH is a rechargeable battery that is similar to a nickel cadmium (NiCd) battery, but that has double or triple the capacity of a NiCd battery. It's best not to overcharge NiMH batteries. NiCd - NiCd stands for Nickel Cadmium, and is a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in toys, electronic devices, and power tools. Although some people prefer NiMH batteries to NiCd batteries, a NiCd battery provides virtually the same level of voltage throughout its lifetime, and costs less than an NiMH battery. LiION - LiION stands for Lithium Ion, and is one of the newest rechargeable batteries. Although they are more expensive than other types of rechargeable batteries, LiION batteries have more capacity and are often used in wireless phones, camcorders, and notebook computers. The downside of LiION batteries is that the length of their life commences from the date of manufacture, rather than from the number of times the battery is charged and discharged. It's best to regularly charge LiION batteries and store used batteries in the refrigerator. (Allow them to warm to room temperature before using them, though.) Alkaline - Alkaline batteries are not rechargeable with a battery charger, but offer a large current over a long period of time. These batteries are often used in CD players and portable radios. Carbon Zinc - Carbon Zinc batteries are known for their reliability over long periods of time in low-drain situations, such as for garage door openers or clocks. A Carbon Zinc battery is not rechargeable.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Your Guide to Battery Types or Majon's Electronics directory.

The Ticking Time Bomb that is Your PC

Most people who own a computer have it in the back of their mind that they need to backup there important document. What most people are less aware of is why they need to do this. In my experience most would say that it in case your computer gets stolen, a file gets mistakenly deleted, or the PC just breaks down. This is a bit of a broad reason as far as I’m concerned. The biggest reason why I backup is because the average hard disk fails when it is 3-5 years old.

When a hard disk fails it doesn’t necessarily mean that all of its contents are entirely irretrievable. More often than not, it just means that one very small part of the disk (called a sector) has gone “bad”. A bad sector is one that can’t be read because it has simply been worn out. The bit of information that was stored in that sector may or may not be recoverable by a professional data recovery technician.

Let’s take the analogy of a scratch on a CD. It might make a bit of noise or a blip at that particular part of a song, but the rest of all the other songs are still in tact. In a similar way, a bad sector may cause you to lose perhaps one file, but the rest are fine. In Windows XP, you can right-click your hard drive, choose properties, select the Tools tab, click “Check Now...” This will correct any errors on your hard disk.

This might seem like the problem has gone away, but this should be a warning shot to you. It is a signal that your hard drive has become prone to failing, and will become even more and more so as time goes by.

You will need to install a new hard disk which is pretty straight forward on most computers. Then you need to copy all of your data across which is also straight forward using a program called Acronis True Image. Once all your data is copied across you could keep using the drive but I wouldn’t store any important files on it. I use it to store video files captured off my TV tuner – these are not that important to me, so I am willing to take the risk.

Zach Hope is the author of Speed-Up-Windows-XP.com, a site that can teach anybody to speed up Windows [http://www.speed-up-windows-xp.com/speed-up-windows] to invigorate old computers. You can eliminate slow boot troubles [http://www.speed-up-windows-xp.com/slow-boot] today and transform your slow computer [http://www.speed-up-windows-xp.com/slow-computer].

Computer Repair Tips - How to Use Windows ScanDisk

I love ScanDisk. Honestly, I do. As a computer support specialist with over 18+ years of experience, I often had to use this great little utility. It's fairly powerful, works on all versions of Windows and best of all is free since it comes bundled inside Windows.

So what is it?

ScanDisk is disk-checking and diagnostic tool that you can use to test your hard drive. It can also be used repair problems on magnetic media; hard disk and floppy disks.

Why use ScanDisk?

It's a very easy to use program and even the most non-technical person can learn how to use it. It can quickly fix most common disk errors. And I did mention it's installed as a part of Windows so it is always available. If you can boot into Windows, then you can use the program.

How to use it in Windows 98/98SE/Me:

1)Close all programs.

2)Click on the "Start" button.

3)Go to "Programs"

4)Scroll to "Accessories"

5)Click on "System Tools"

6)Select "ScanDisk"

7)Now locate and select the drive you want to check (C:).

8)Check the "Standard" radio button.

9)Check the "Automatically Fix Errors"

10)Click "OK" to run.

How to use it in Windows 2000/XP/Vista

1)Close all programs before you begin.

2)Click on the "Start" button then "My Computer".

3)Right click on drive you wish to scan and then click on "Properties".

4)Now you click on the "Tools" tab at top of pop-up window.

5)Click on "Check Now" in the "Error Checking" section.

6)Check the "Automatically Fix Errors"

7)Click "OK" to run.

Testing Options in Windows 98/98SE/Me:

Standard: This option basically only checks files and folders for Windows system errors. This is good for routine maintenance checks.

Thorough: This option is not used often due to time constraints. Don't check "Thorough" unless you can let the machine run uninterrupted for several hours (2+ on larger drives) or overnight. I'm not kidding.

Thorough is used for when you are having severe hard drive issues only. When you have to check your drive for possible physical damage, check "Thorough" and then select, click "System and Data Areas"

Testing Options in Windows 2000/XP/Vista:

The "Standard" function in the older version is now the default. Just with click "Automatically Fix Errors"

To use a thorough scan to check for both system and physical errors, you should also check "Scan For and Attempt Recovery of Bad Sectors."

To run scandisk in Windows 2000/XP/Vista you have to have programs closed down, or you will keep getting a error message, "Disk check could not be performed because exclusive access to the drive..." If this keeps happening then if possible restart your computer and press "F8" after PC the logo but before Windows starts. This will let you into Windows "Safe Mode". You can run ScanDisk now but be warned it will take twice as long but will give you the same results.

ScanDisk Test Results:

After processing you should get a pop-up window with the results of your test. The important to look for is "Bytes in bad sectors". This shows the number of bytes that have been marked bad or basically unusable for storage. It's normal to have a small number of bytes in bad sectors (less than 100,000). But more than this or an increased number over time is sign for keeping your file backups up to date and saving for that bigger, better hard drive.

Sick of computer headaches? Tired of wasting money on that "computer repair guy"? To learn more fast and free fixes for your problem PC, visit http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com

Hard Drive Crashed? - Repair or Rescue Any Hard Drive. From Chancer Reese, your Small Office Tech Diva.

Dell Monitor Repair (Likom L705xxx Model) With No Power Symptom

This DELL 17” Monitor (Made in Malaysia under LIKOM model L705XXX, product no: L7055LP) came in with no power symptom. Normally after opening up the cover I would look at the power supply (primary side) for any burnt and cracked components first. If there are darkened area and burnt components, I would tell myself that this Monitor needs a little more time to repair it. If it is not (component’s intact) I would usually begin to discharge the filter capacitor and start checking the fuse.

Okay, it is confirmed that all the primary side components looks good in this Monitor.

First, discharge the big fat filter capacitor with a resistor (I know that the voltage already drained off but it is a normal procedure for me because what if the start up resistor has an open circuit?) then check the fuse.

If the fuse is okay, experience will tell you that the bridge diodes are also working fine. Place your black probe of your analog meter set to x1 to the center pin (drain) of the power FET and red probe to the other pin one at a time (gate and source). If the pointer of the meter doesn’t kick then 80 % of the Power FET is okay. If you want to 100% confirm if it is good then you have to solder it out and test. If the pointer shows a reading then most probably the power FET has developed a short circuit. The result that I got from this Monitor was the pointer don’t flick.

Now is the time for me to use the dick smith flyback tester to check the smps primary winding. The result that I got was, the led bar don’t lit. Ah ha! That was a clue and this clue tells you that it is either the smps primary winding is shorted or one of the secondary diodes has given way. Of course you can check all the secondary diodes with your normal multimeter first (remember, every electronic repairers have their own procedure methods of troubleshooting) but I prefer this way as I want to confirm also if the smps primary winding is working or not.

Usually smps transformer is very robust thus I didn’t suspect it to pull down the flyback tester reading. I straight away check all the secondary diodes with my analog meter and found one diode shorted (part number U202G). Since I do not have this part number, I use a UF5404 ultra fast recovery diode as a replacement. In fact I use this UF5404 to all 14 to 17” Monitor as a replacement for all part number of secondary diodes. The spec of this diode was 400volt, 3 Amp with 50 nanosecond.

After the replacement of the diode, and placing the flyback tester probes again to the primary winding, the result shows full bar on the LED. Don’t be happy with the result yet because your job still hasn’t done.

Now I moved on to check HOT with the same procedure as checking the power FET. The HOT checked to be okay too. Next, I check the internal capacitance of the flyback transformer to see it is shorted or not or is the capacitance value run. For your information, internal capacitor in flyback transformer gave lots of problems in computer Monitor. I also scanned thru the B+ FET and found it to be good too.

Now is the time to switch on the Monitor, however this round I don’t connect any bulb because it was only a shorted diode in the secondary side. I would only connect a light bulb after repair when there is major short circuit in the primary side such as a blown bridge rectifier, shorted fet and smps primary winding and also burnt components in the board.

The DELL 17” Monitor worked beautifully and after long hours of burn-in test, I declared it okay and ready to send back to my loyal customer. Isn’t it fun to be able to repair a Monitor and at the end you get paid for something you like doing. I just love electronic repair!

Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer, for more monitor repair information, please visit his electronic repair website now.

Computer Repairs - The Secret to Solving the Easiest and Most Difficult Problems

A computer is a complex device with hardware and software components. Although modern computers are generally pretty reliable, almost everyone will face some sort of computer problem or issue eventually.

How to Handle a Computer Problem

The following discussion applies mostly to Windows based computers

The first step in solving a computer repair issue is to find the cause of the problem. This is known as troubleshooting.

Windows computers provide an event viewer. This is a record of all errors that the system detects. You should review any error reports in your event viewer to see if they identify the problem and suggest a fix. To use the event viewer, click start->run, type eventvwr.msc and enter. Click on system and look for any error reports in the right column. If there is a link in the error report, click on it to get the details. The link will often provide you with a possible solution.

Do the same for application and the other choices on the left hand side until you find something that applies to your problem.

Your operating system also provides help from the start menu. It provides step by step guidance on a great number of problems.

A web search for the symptoms of your problems will come up with a number of sites that provide step by step guidance in determining the exact cause of your problem.

Fixing the Problem

Once you have determined what the solution is, you can decide if you want to tackle it yourself.

If you are handy, many common problems are not difficult to repair such as replacing or adding memory, replacing a DVD drive or replacing a video card.

Software problems can be fixed by downloading patches or running some repair programs.

The Most Serious Problems

The Windows operating system is the heart of your system. Just as in a human being, heart problems affect the entire body in the most serious and total way, similarly operating system problems can make your computer severely sick or totally unusable. If you have a serious virus infection, constant or crippling BSODs (blue screen of death), frequent crashes or extremely slow performance, operating system repair is probably required.

In the case of XP systems, Microsoft has provided for a repair install operation which can bring your computer back to new. The best source for information about how to do the repair is provide by Michael Stevens Tech.

However, this process can be complicated and you may need to be somewhat technical to pull it off. If you don't do it right, you might get your system back but you will lose all your programs and data.

There are paid programs that can automatically fix your computer without losing any of your programs or data. These can be a life saver and they are cheaper than going to a repair outlet.

Best of luck in solving your repair issue.

David Freitag

The Computer Doc

To find out all about computer repairs and service and the best way to get your computer fixed see computer repairs

If your Windows XP system needs serious help, see repair windows XP