Computers Help and Tips

#1: Why Do Install Programs Ask Me to Close Everything or Restart?
When installing software, here's why you should close down all running applications - but think twice before shutting down security software.
#2: Donating or Giving Away a Computer? Follow These 5 Steps First.
Five steps to take before you give away a PC, including helping to prevent identity theft.
#3: For Speed, CPU Speed Isn't Everything
Plan on upgrading a computer or buying a new one? Look at more than just the CPU speed for faster performance.
#4: Computer Parts - Keep a Spare Item
Some spare computer-related items you may want to keep around the house or office.
#5: Floppy Disk Care and Use
Tips for those who still use floppy disks. Topics include handling, using, and caring for floppy disks.
#6: Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Computer Users
Advice for everyone who uses a computer and/or surfs the Internet, helping save time and possibly even money.
#7: 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.
#8: Directory - Path - Folder ... What Is It?
Are there any differences between the terms directory, path, and folder?
#9: 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.
#10: 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.
#11: 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.
#12: 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?
#13: 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.
#14: 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?
#15: Increase Laptop Performance and Use Less Power?
#16: Save Your Work Often
#17: General Computers - What Are .CHK Files?
#18: Printers: Save Money by Learning Control Panels
#19: Video Cards and Memory
#20: Removable Media Option
#21: Check the Size of Your Expansion Cards
#22: Don't Plug Into a Powered Machine
#23: Year 2000 Issues with Windows, Microsoft Products
#24: Buying a Laptop or Desktop - What is Shared Video Memory?
Explains the difference between graphics card onboard memory and a shared video memory paradigm.
#25: What is a Monitor's Actual Display Size?
#26: Useful Hayes Commands
#27: Don't Make the Computer Case Claustrophobic
#28: Software Server Revisited
#29: COM Ports
#30: Should I Virus Scan Commercial Software?
#31: 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.
#32: Drive Defragmenters - Not All The Same
Not all disk defragmenters work the same way - learn how two disk defragmenters work differently.
#33: Refresh Old Backups
#34: Keystrokes and Message Boxes
These keyboard shortcuts work most of the time when message boxes appear onscreen.
#35: Converting Files Between Word Processors?
#36: Trackballs May Be Right For You
#37: Failing Installation Programs
#38: 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.
#39: Test Out Keyboards!
#40: Backing Up Only One Folder
You don't have to own high-end software programs to perform software backups.
#41: ALWAYS Make Emergency Disks
#42: Increase Scanner Results with Black
#43: Network Administrator? Set Up a Software Server
#44: Sound Recording Problems
#45: Mouse Pointer Problems
#46: Scanning Resolution Questions
#47: Consider the TCO When Buying Printers
#48: Hard Drive Fragmentation and Internet Surfing
#49: Why Not Try a New Mouse?
#50: Check for New Graphics Drivers
#51: Clean Your Computer