Computer Cases and Power Supplies

A PC should be built with high-performance in mind. In order to ensure that a PC is built appropriately, there should be an adequate computer case and power supply. These two components are very significant to the overall performance of a PC. The actual case of the PC, keeps everything in tact. A computer’s power supply is needed to give life to the other components of the PC, without causing damage to other parts of the system. These two parts are very vital to a PC and are needed for their survival.

The computer case can be described as being a combination of metal and plastic, or either or. The case holds all of the computer’s components together. The motherboard, power supply, cooling fans, drives, and many more, are mounted in this sturdy case. The computer case will often shield a user from the noise made by the PC, giving a unique look to fit the user’s needs. While the computer case is the cover for the PC’s internal parts, the power supply gives these parts life. The power supply is able to give life because it distributes a flow of electricity that enables the many other components come alive.

Similar to the human heart in its relation to the body’s other organs. However, sometimes a power supply is not considered to be significant due to the fact that computer cases can now be bought with power supplies already attached. Nonetheless, most of these power supplies can provide a poor or generic power supply ultimately causing more damage than assistance

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Motherboard Parts Explained

The motherboard is a vital component that is responsible for smooth processing of data occurs on a computer. There was a little damage to the motherboard will cause damage to the entire system, because the motherboard is place for all the hardware components attached. Start from the graphics card, RAM, hard disk, optical drive, all combined into one unit by using the port in the motherboard. Below is list of general motherboard component :
CPU Socket : This section is the place laid a processor even with the many small holes that are used to place a pin processor.
RAM Slots : Places to install the memory module (RAM). For a modern motherboard, usually there are 4 slots DDR2 PC 6400 with a capacity of up to 8GB and support for dual-channel configuration.
Power Port : Old type use 20 +4 pin, while new types have been using 24 +4 pin. Through this port all the power needed by the system supplied through the power supply.
Serial ATA Port : The new type motherboard using this port. Usually there are 4 to 8. It is used for hard disk drives where using SATA interface. Cable that is used is usually smaller than the IDE cable. SATA technology is growing rapidly, at this time is to reach the next generation of SATA-2 with data transfer speeds up to 3Gb/s.
IDE Port : It is only found in old type of motherboard. That is used to install the hard disk drive and optical drives, it has an large size of the cable width.
Chip-set : A chip that regulates the data traffic on the system. There are 2 types of chip set with a different function with each other. North-bridge chip-set is located between the processor and RAM slots. This chip-set works so RAM and processor modules can work together (set of traffic data between the CPU and RAM). South-brigde chip-set is located on the bottom. Either the bottom of the processor or under the slot for graphics cards. Chip-set handle this work flow of traffic data from the graphics card, hard disk and other motherboard peripherals.
AGP / PCI Express Slot : Used to install the graphics card. AGP slot is rarely found in the new type, because the resulting bandwidth is not sufficient for the needs of graphics at this time. Now, almost all motherboards use the PCI Express slot, with a larger bandwidth. In fact, there are motherboards that have up to 4 PCI Express slots.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) : Is the place to put additional cards such as sound card, LAN card, TV tuner, and others. It is working at 33 Mhz frequency.
BIOS (Basic Input Output System) : Form of software that is embedded in the motherboard where the energy supplied from the motherboard battery. All initial configuration of the hardware that is installed can be accessed and changed through the BIOS.Many motherboard manufacturers other products that are complete with many additional features that will make the compatibility of various hardware increase.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mufti_Storm_Syuhada

Retrieving Hard Drive Data

So you went and thought it would be a good idea to open the control panel and start messing around with stuff, did you? Didn't feel like waiting to shut down your computer the RIGHT way, did you? You just pulled the plug. Or pressed the button. Silly rabbit...
You didn't pay any attention to the fact that you might lose some of all your precious computer information. No! Who cares about that, right? That's what we have nerds for!
But now you're sad because your super awesome new laptop computer has been reduced to a big ugly paperweight. Oh, if only there was some way to retreive your hard drive data! I'll tell you how, don't worry.
Problems like this are usually caused by the power going out. It goes out and your stupid file system didn't get stored like it needed to. Or maybe you have a problem with your hardware or drivers. Or maybe your stupid computer just crashed and you don't know why. They all have the same result: the file system didn't cross the T's and dot the I's. Imagine an olympic gymnast freezing in mid-air and instead of landing gracefully, falls on his head. SPLAT.
And like the gymnast, when your computer falls on its head, its going to get all messed up. It might start acting strangely, such as powering up and shutting down. It may forget things that it once knew, like how to feed itself and tie its shoes. Like a human deprived of oxygen for too long, your computer could have brain damage, making it difficult for it to communicate with the hard disk and retrieve the data necessary to operate properly.
There's some neat programs out there to fix these problems and your computer probably comes with at least one. I've listed them below because I'm cool like that.
Linux - FSCK Mac - Disk Utility Windows - CHKDSK
Run these programs to see if you have logical damage to your computer. If you're not getting anything, chances are you have some physical damage that's masquerading as logical damage.

Solutions to damaged hard drives
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Oden

Business software

Business software is generally any software program that helps a business increase productivity or measure their productivity. The term covers a large variation of uses within the business environment, and can be categorized by using a small, medium and large matrix:

Exampke of Business software:

Oracle Siebel CRM
Oracle OSM
Microsoft Project
Epicor
IQMS EnterpriseIQ
SYSPRO
Consona Made2Manage / Intuitive
Sage MAS 500
Ross Enterprise
Exact Globe, Batch 390
Microsoft Dynamics GP
Epicor
Sage Mas 90 / Sage Mas 200
NetSuite
Intacct
Exact Globe, Batch 390

Save Millions in Lost Revenue, You Need Data Quality Software

Data cleansing or data scrubbing ensures that the stored data is delivered absolutely accurately. While the process of data cleansing is in operation, records are continuously checked to verify its accuracy and consistency. If necessary, the outdated and incorrect information can be deleted as well. This system operates within a single set of record or between multiple data sets requiring merging or which may be working in unison.

Data cleansing ought to be an essential process in any organization that keeps consumer data. It allows the highest data quality by de-duping, and suppressing and also appending key details which are personal too. The accuracy of a consumer data base will erode at a frightening rate. Data cleaning identifies movers, duplicating records and enhances personal details. In its simplest form, the software would be like a singular person or more than one person who reads the set of records to verify their accuracy.

The typing and spelling errors can be rectified while the data which is improperly filed, labeled, incomplete or even missing can be completed through this software package. Data cleansing can also be performed by computer programming. A more complex data cleansing program might also be able to fill in a missing city based on correct zip code or convert prices of items in the data base to Euros instead of US dollars. This software is ideally suited for developing an updated mailing list which can be sent to clients for promoting / selling various products. The process is very important for the efficient management of data dependent business.

In case the clients have not recorded the correct phone numbers or the client's e-mail addresses have not been formatted accurately, the automated e-mail system is unable to send information on the latest special deals or coupons. The software based data cleansing ensures that all the data recorded within a system is up-to-date and accurate so that product details can be forwarded to the proper destination.

In areas where two data systems are working together, data cleansing is more effective. In case a manufacturing company has multiple branches, but may be dealing with the same customers, the data in each branch has to be complete, accurate and similar. When customers update their phone numbers within one branch, the data at the other branches need to have the same set of information ensuring that all the branches have identical data bank. In such cases the software based data cleansing also guarantee updated, accurate and consistent data between different records.

Often when storing a huge data base, errors are bound to creep into the system. The objective of data cleansing is to minimize or eliminate such errors and to make the data base appear as meaningful and useful as possible. In the business world the pivotal rule is that incorrect data base could be damaging and detrimental to the company's commercial activities. Hence, data cleansing should be a mandatory operation of any business set-up to maximize profits and ensure their message gets out to the intended recipients.

Databases

Databases are valuable resources that enable a myriad of business tools and practices, such as customer relationship management, efficiency analyses and projection reports, to name a few. Still, many people have difficulty conceptualizing what exactly a database is. A database is an organized collection of often vast amounts of related information that can be readily accessed and used as input to a range of applications that may present new or deeper insight into the business or enable new competitive advantages. In one sense databases can be likened to spreadsheets, containing fields and records of related but separate information that can be accessed for analysis. In fact databases and spreadsheets can in some cases be used in lieu of one other, but spreadsheets mainly answer inquiries about numerical data while databases are likely to contain more complex items such as images, dates, links, text, and numbers. The range of information that can be contained within and accessed by databases makes them indispensable for business data retention, compilation and interpretation.

To understand a database, first understanding some basic database related terminology is helpful. A field is a single aspect of the data contained within the database, while a record is the collection of data for one item in the database. Assume we are creating an employee information database that will contain employee names, addresses and telephone numbers. The employee name ‘Rebecca Smith’ could theoretically be contained within a field, while Rebecca’s name, address and telephone number would constitute one complete record. The single collection of all of the employees’ contact information represents a table, and multiple tables may be linked to other related tables, creating a relational database.

Planning is an important stage in database development to ensure that necessary information can easily be retrieved and utilized. Assume our employee information database above contains the first and last name of each employee in a field designated for employee name, with the complete address stored in the address field. Now suppose we need to create an alphabetical list of all employees by last name who live within ten miles of the office. For a well planned database, this would be a basic task. But for this example, how could the database distinguish between first name and last name, and how would it interpret the jumble of information we call ‘address’? It wouldn’t, which is what makes database planning so important. By anticipating how information would need to be retrieved in the future, we could have eliminated this problem by structuring separate fields for first name, last name, street address, city, state and zip code.

Databases do not only store information, they typically provide an interface through which users can collect and analyze information with ease. Most databases provide users with a means of establishing the data structure, form tools for easy data entry, a query engine which allows us to request information from the database and a report function for outputting the results of queries.

For businesses, information is power. Databases give companies unprecedented means of retrieving and analyzing important data that allows them to continuously improve and streamline processes for increased efficiency and ultimately, increased profitability.

Computer software

Computer software, or just software is a general term used to describe the role that computer programs, procedures and documentation play in a computer system.^[1]

The term includes:

• Application software such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users.
• Firmware which is software programmed resident to electrically programmable memory devices on board mainboards or other types of integrated hardware carriers.
• Middleware which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.
• System software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide the necessary services for application software.
• Software testing is a domain independent of development and programming. It consists of various methods to test and declare a software product fit before it can be launched for use by either an individual or a group. Many tests on functionality, performance and appearance are conducted by modern testers with various tools such as QTP, Load runner and Black box testing, to edit a checklist of requirements against the developed code. ISTQB is a certification that is in demand for engineers who want to pursue a career in testing.^[2]
• Testware which is an umbrella term or container term for all utilities and application software that serve in combination for testing a software package but not necessarily may optionally contribute to operational purposes. As such, testware is not a standing configuration but merely a working environment for application software or subsets thereof.

Software includes things such as websites, programs or video games, that are coded by programming languages like C or C++.

"Software" is sometimes used in a broader context to mean anything which is not hardware but which is used with hardware, such as film, tapes and records
-Wikipedia

Basic computer components

If you are about to assemble your own computer, you should first recognize the functions of each most important components of a computer before you go and purchase its parts. It’s simple to attach these PC components so you don’t need to be anxious about how you can possibly build your own PC. Here’s a plain list of personal computer components that you must remember especially when you are planning to construct your computer. This can help you decide on which components to obtain especially if you are new to this fad or don’t have any idea what these parts are for.

Motherboard: In case you’ve chosen the CPU, you can select the appropriate motherboard of the same socket type. There are many features to keep in mind when buying a CPU like how many PCI expansion holes that you will need and if you need a built in video on the motherboard or the additional one. Now, most motherboards are inclusive of sound and video on board but if you are going to use your personal computer for heavy-duty gaming then a separate video card is advisable.

Hard Drive: When selecting a hard drive for your personal computer, you should ask yourself how much storage capacity you should have. If you are going to use your personal computer mostly to do homework or research then 40GBs hard drive will be enough space for you to use. However, for those who will use their computers to edit videos and the like then they should acquire around 250GBs or more storage. A quick hard drive is also recommended when you need to get analog video using your PC to avoid dropped frames.

CD/DVD: You can still get very dependable but plain CD-ROMs in the marketplace today however since CD and DVD are frequently used as medium of exchange for information then a first class rewritable combo drive is a better alternative than plain CD-ROMs. Any rewritable combo drive is very helpful especially when you want to share personal movies to your friends and relatives. It’s much rational to waste a few more money for a drive that will do DVDs along with CDs than plain CD-ROMs.

Floppy: There are lots of people that have removed floppy drives in their personal computers. Though they can provide a means to maintain your PC that is crippled by a virus but that can as well be answered with a high-quality anti virus software plus the knowledge on how to make use of your computer correctly. Another reason why smaller numbers of people are making use of Floppy disk is for the reason that Flash Drive has become cheaper as well as its ability to accumulate incredible amount of details as matched up to Floppy disks.

Graphics Card: If you chose to use your PC for tough gaming then a good Graphic card is needed. You can still play games by making use of the built in video on the motherboard but for utmost gaming performance, obtain the most excellent Graphic card that you can get. Just keep in mind that the more memory on the card, the more improved it is for games and more. Persons who do photo manipulation or video control also needs high video cards.

Modem: If you are still trapped with dialup then buy yourself a 56K modem. You discover modems at more inexpensive prices nowadays. You may also want to verify available internet providers in your area. DSL and Broadband connections are cheaper today than before. If you have concluded to use a DSL or Broadband connection, then you should verify the motherboard if it provides a built in LAN card. If not, you should also buy a sample.

Case: The computer casing contains these entire modern apparatus together. Personal computer casings now are not anymore arranged to tower types or similar to a box with air holes punched in it. Box and compact type are several computer case designs that you will get in the marketplace nowadays.

Power Supply: The major worries of individuals who need to put up their own PC is the power supply. You may choose the perfect computer case that you need although you will be irritated with the power supply that the manufacturers paired up with that personal computer box. Sometimes, At times, Most of the time you can even locate a PC case that is enhanced with a power supply less than 300 watts. If you’re addicted to games, you will need a power supply that supplies 450 watts or more.

Case fans: You might want a number of add-ons to put together in the package. Just like including neon lights or extra cooling fan to your PC casing. Your personal computer hardware parts (like processor, motherboard, graphic cards, hard drives and etc.) create lots of heat and can influence your personal computer’s operation when you utilize it. A better cooling system may preserve your computer in fine operating form. Over heat in your personal computer can produce PC issues such as system freezes or break down and short-term existence for overheated parts. Additional cooling fans produces a more improved airflow for the purpose of dropping the heat, providing ventilation, exhaust, or any other gaseous transport.

Memory: PC memory is also called as PC data storage. This is the personal computer part that sustains digital data or information. It is one of the vital components of most recent personal computers. The most common structure of semiconductor storage is identified as random access memory (RAM) which also pertains to primary storage. Other styles of fast but short-term storage consist of optical discs, hard disks, and a lot more which are identified as secondary storage.

Top 8 Careers With a Computer Science Degree

If you enjoy working with computers, learning new programs or testing out the latest computer software products, earning a computer science degree is necessary if you want to find a well paying job in the computer or IT field. Popular hot jobs you can apply for after you graduate include:

• Database administrator


• Software Support


• Software engineer


• Computer engineer


• Interface designer


• Systems analyst


• Computer programmer


• Network Administrator

Each of these careers is rewarding and necessary as more and more companies are in need of those who can use this technology to further their businesses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, over half of all computer programmers have at least a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field. This means that earning a computer science degree online will increase your chances of finding your dream job.

What will you learn through an Online Computer Degree Program?

A computer science online degree will prepare you for a career in IT, Computer Security or any of the above positions in the same way as a traditional classroom degree. But instead of having to go to class, rearrange your work schedule, or disturb other areas of your life, you can take classes online, study at your convenience and not have to worry about the added costs of parking or leaving work early to attend classes.

When you take online courses, you can expect to learn any of the following and more:

• Hardware and software design


• Software development


• Troubleshooting


• Networking


• Data Security


• Database management


• Web design


• Develop security plans

Because most companies use technology systems to carry out business processes and communicate with employees, customers, vendors and others, more and more companies are creating IT departments that employ those who understand how networks function and how to keep them secure. Computer systems and manufacturing companies are also looking for talented individuals to create new software and hardware for consumers.
While you earn your degree, you will be able to explore different fields to find one that suits your personality and interests.

Choosing an Online Computer Degree Program

When looking for an online degree program, it's important to determine which direction you want to move toward in terms of your career. While some areas of computer science, such as computer programming, have seen a slow decline in the number of open positions since 2006, other areas such as computer support and information security have seen an increase.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, over the next few years, computer support positions are expected to increase by 13%. This means that you should choose a program that allows you to easily find employment immediately upon graduation. A computer degree online that focuses on a certain area within computer science is best if you have a particular talent in that area. You can also choose to become a generalist that specializes in a number of areas. Another pointer is to ensure you choose a computer science or IT program from an online college that is accredited.