New York Laptop / PC / MAC Repair

Archive for September, 2010

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the “brains” of the Laptop/MAC/PC.  The CPU of a Laptop/MAC/PC carries out all the functions of a computer program.  The CPU works in tandem with RAM in order to properly run  programs.

The specifications of the CPU has to be compatible with the motherboard and RAM, otherwise, the Laptop/MAC/PC system won’t work.  This can be an issue for users trying to upgrade their Laptop/MAC/PC or if the user is replacing broken parts.  At times, the cost of replacing the CPU isn’t worth it because current technology offers dramatic increases in performance speed and buying a new device is the better investment. If the differences between processors is one generation (for example: Intel 3 vs Intel 5) and users can not afford upgrading their computer/laptop there are other options in maximizing the performance speed.

By adding more memory, the Laptop/MAC/PC can improve in performance due to having more memory performing multiple calculations at one time.   Another common method is overclocking.  Skilled Laptop/MAC/PC users can manually increase the speed of the CPU.  However by doing so, there is a risk of shortening the lifespan of the CPU.

Here’s a site for a detailed comparison and break down of rankings of CPU’s: http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php

RAM (also called Memory) works in conjunction with the CPU.  As the CPU runs the set of instructions of any given program, Memory is used to do the calculations.  Memory and the CPU must be compatible in order to function properly.  For example, if the user has a CPU that specifically works with DDR3 RAM, then DDR or DDR2 can not be used in its place.
The main difference between these types of Memory (e.g. DDR2 vs DDR3) have to do with what speed the CPU performs at.  For instance, a CPU processing information at 50gb a second doesn’t mean that the computer is performing at that rate.   It also depends on the type RAM.  If the user has one DDR3 Dual Chip RAM that performs at 10ghz, the fastest the RAM can process the information is 10gbs a second (despite the performance speed of the CPU).  By adding one more DDR3 Dual Chip RAM the performance increases to 20ghz/20gbs a second.  The general rule is the more memory in the PC/MAC/laptop, the faster the device can run.

The AV Security Suite Virus is more extreme than the WireShark Antivirus and the AntiVir Solution Pro Antivirus.  AV Security Suite bombards the user with pop ups stating that the user is infected with a virus, opens other pop up windows for paying a fee to removal.  Even worse is that all programs are blocked (error messages display) so the virus can’t be removed.  Nor is it possible to to go online and download a removal program.  The user will have to go about removing this spyware in a round about way.  As always, if skilled, here is a procedure to manually remove AV Security Suite Antivirus from you laptop or PC.

Apple TV is getting a make over.  There’s buzz on the web that in place of the current box design, Apple TV will actually become a TV.  Check out this link for details.

In other news, Apple TV is offering Netflix streaming, TV show rentals (from FOX and ABC) and movie rentals released the same day on DVDs.  One of the more notable changes for Apple TV is that it is moving  away from downloading in favor of streaming.  Get more info by going here.

WiFi (also known as wireless networking) allows Laptop/MAC/PCs to go on the internet through wireless enabled devices (such as a WiFi card).  How WiFi works is that it operates on the same radio waves as cell phones do.  The WiFi card sends out data that it changes into a radio signals and forwards the signal to an antenna.  When the radio signal returns, a  router receives the signal from the antenna, changes it to data and forwards data to the WiFi card.  In order to use a WiFi device within a home, the user needs to set up a wireless router.  Once the router is set up, multiple systems with WiFi cards can access the internet on the same router.

When setting up the router, New York Laptop Repair recommends that you carefully go through the network security steps and download the correct drivers for the router to function properly and securely.  For example, the user should not create an open hotspot.  An open hotspot allows complete strangers to log onto your internet connection (which the user is paying for).  Also an open hotspot is not encrypted.  This means that any information that the user sends via this connections is easily read by anyone who has the right software.  By enabling either WPA or WEP encryption, data will be scrambled when sending out information making it difficult for third parties to read  it.

There are other precautions to take in setting up your network security for your router.  The SSID is the name of the network the user is setting up.  Each manufacturer has a default SSID for their routers.  Changing the SSID to a personalized name will benefit the user in preventing confusion (like accessing someone else’s network who has the default SSID) and will be more likely ignored by hackers who will look for easier targets (the default SSID). The user should disable the SSID broadcast (this feature broadcast the SSID name on the network at regular time intervals).  SSID broadcast is meant for business to allow network access for people moving in and out of range).  This feature isn’t needed for home use.  By disabling the SSID broadcast,  you’ll reduce the likelyhood of someone trying to access the network since it won’t be easily seen.

Another tip is to enabling the MAC address.  The MAC address acts as a physical address.  The MAC address tracks all computer systems that share the same network.  In order for a another computer to enter into the network, that computer has to be manually added.

Some routers have a feature that allows user to auto connect to a network.  Auto connecting to any available network is a security risk as data will not be encrypted and hackers use the auto connect feature to their advantage.  Disable the auto connect feature to reduce vulnerabilities on this end.

The location of the router should be place in a open space of your home and it should stay away from windows or doors.  If the router is place by windows, the signal will leak out onto neighboring homes.  Again, you don’t want prying eyes observing or stealing your network.

Another feature that is used to prevent a security breach is to assign a static IP instead of a dynamic IP.  A static IP prevents Laptop/MAC/PCs from being remotely accessed from the internet.  Possible the most important of these security measures is enabling firewalls.  New York Laptop Repair strongly recommends setting up firewalls on every Laptop/MAC/PC in use.  New York Laptop Repair also recommend that when traveling for an extended period of time turn off your network.

Most laptops manufactured in the last three years have WiFi devices already installed with the laptops.  However, if the laptop doesn’t have a WiFi card, then users can purchase an inexpensive WiFi card.  Having WiFi offers the convenience of moving to various locations outside or inside the home and still have full access to the internet and email.  The user also doesn’t have to disconnect and reconnect wires for MAC/PCs when those devices are moved to different locations of the home.  Many places offer inexpensive or free access to WiFi.   Common locations where WiFi is found includes Starbucks, libraries, colleges and universities, airports and other public spaces.  The user can also use a wireless enabled device for MAC/PCs.  For MAC/PCs, there are devices like the USB WiFi card which goes into any availabe USB slot and PCI WiFi cards that need to be inserted into a PCI slot of the computer system.

If the WiFi card isn’t working, there are a few ways to troubleshoot the device.  First, check to see if the network connection is working.  Double check that all the wires are plugged into the router and outlet. Look to see if the lights of the router and modem are on.  If the WiFi card somehow moved out of place reinsert it.  Also make sure that the the WiFi card is on.

If the network connection is working, then check to see if there is something wrong with the device managers.  If there are new drivers for the router, install those.  If the problem is not resolved after troublshooting, it could be the WiFI card.  At this point you’d have to check and see if the WiFi card is somehow damaged.

You can head over to a computer repair service, like New York Laptop Repair, to diagnose the issue.  The best case scenario is that the device can be replaced with the purchase of a USB WiFi card.  However, since most WiFi cards are built into the motherboard for laptops, there is the chance that failure of the WiFi card is the symptoms of a much larger problem with the other computer component.

Apple has recently released new versions of their iPod Touch, Nano, and Shuffle.

The all devices are relatively the same as previous generations except for some added features:

Touch:
Decent pocket camcorder
Browse the internet
E-mail

Nano:
Touch screen
Long battery life (24 hours)
Lightweight (1 ounce)

Shuffle:
Click wheel button
VoiceOver
14 hour battery life

Check out the following links for more reviews on the iPod Touch, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle.

WireShark Antivirus is another virus swarming the internet.  Like other fake antivirus programs, WireShark Antivirus forces your pc or laptop to run slow, view an bombardment of pop ups, cause programs to function irradically, and compromise sensitive information such as credit card numbers.  If already infected with this program, go to this link for virus removal proceedures.

Remember it’s best to run automactic programs to remove viruses.