Defragging simplified is a tool in MS Windows that helps improved hard drive performance and in some cases, recovery of lost space. A hard drive that hasn’t been defragged will data stored across many parts of the disk which makes the computer work harder to access them. An un-defragged drive usually occurs with very frequent copy and file deletion.

Does Defragging Improve Performance?

The answer is definite “yes!”. Whenever a defrag is performed, data is re-organized together in the order whereby the computer can easily access.

This process when repeated numerous times leaves your hard drive with gaps and file fragments in different areas of the drive. The computer takes a longer time to go through the hard drive and accessing files takes a slightly longer time. I’d recommend to defrag regularly although the slowness is insignificant and one usually wouldn’t notice it.

Does Defragging Increase Disk Space?

Defragging doesn’t create any free space on your hard drive. Although it appears to look like it from the graphics you see from defrag programs. All that’s done is actually moving data about and not removing any. Any disk space gain is negligible and is caused when the defrag program puts together half clusters of data.

In summary, MS Windows bundles with a defrag program. To access it, you’ll have to quit any programs or open files on that particular drive. Otherwise MS will prompt you to defrag it on the next PC reboot.

That’s all folks, stay tuned for more.

Keeping The PC Clean

Very importantly, your PC should stay clean when surfing especially the Internet is one of the most common medium for virus, spyware and adwares.

Registry cleaners may be deployed to keep your PC clean.

Must Use Software

Anti-virus and anti-spyware are extremely important software and I would consider it must-haves in a PC that’s connected to the Internet. While there exists many different flavors of such software, the good news is you really don’t need to purchase every single one of them. Selecting 1 or 2 popular ones would be good enough.

Usually these softwares work in the background and loads automatically once the PC starts. Periodically they will look for updates to keep the system up-to-date with the latest harmful patterns.

Periodical Maintenance

No doubt anti-virus and anti-spyware programs block your PC from harm. Even so it’s advisable that you should scan your PC using these software at least once every fortnightly. I call it periodical maintenance to the PC.

Do it when you are taking a short coffee break or in-between a telephone conversation. Most likely the software would’ve already done its job when you’re back.

Personal Precaution Measures

You can have the best anti-virus and anti-spyware loaded on your PC. At the end of the day, it still boils down to your personal precaution measures to keep virus and spyware away. Having the best bolt and lock combination to a door and leaving it open for thieves to enter really defeats the purpose doesn’t it?

Especially while online, keep software downloading to the minimum. If you really need to do so, get them from legitimate sources like Microsoft.com, Adobe.com instead of visiting hack sites offering free downloads and cracks. Remember that prevention is better than cure.

Remember these 4 necessary precautions to take when you are online and your PC should be out of reach to those harmful objects.

This article today goes a little beyond the surface. If you ever tried to format a disk drive, you probably know what I’m referring to. We’ll have a look at the basics of the MS Windows file system which many are not aware of.

There are 2 types (I’ll touch on the common ones) of file systems in MS Windows namely the FAT32 and NTFS. Have a look below for and determine what suits your environment.

FAT32 File System

FAT stands for File Allocation Table. For now, we just need to know FAT32 is an enhanced version of FAT. You can usually find FAT32 installed on Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows 2000 (yes it does support). However you won’t find it on Windows NT (legacy server OS) or the Microsoft server series. Characteristics of FAT32 include the partition size limit of 2TB (terabytes!) and a file size limit of 4GB. Not to worry though, I’ve hardly came across any single file that huge.

NTFS File System

NTFS stands for New Technology File System. NTFS can usually be found in Windows 2000, Windows XP (depending on how the operating system is formatted) and the Microsoft server series. It is much more reliable than FAT32, allowing to recover from problems without resulting in data loss and thus improving fault tolerance. It also boasts better storage efficiency than the FAT32 does.

FAT32 Partition Limitations in Windows

I mentioned earlier FAT32 has a 2TB partition limit. That’s true. This limit is imposed from Microsoft whereby no partitions greater than 4GB can be created using Microsoft’s partition tool. Which means you won’t be able to maximize you 500GB hard drive storage to its max.

Nevertheless, you will still be able to make use of 3rd party tools (non-Microsoft) to achieve the full disk drive utilization.

NTFS and Security

I feel that the main reason for server deployment using NTFS is due to the security feature which FAT32 doesn’t possess. You can set file and folder security controlling what authorized users can see and can’t see. This can’t be achieved with FAT32 partitionied file systems. Besides servers NTFS can be deployed on desktops running Windows 2000, XP and Vista. When installing the operating system, have it to format to NTFS.

Usage

NTFS plays a more significant role in a work environment. It’s relatively simple to manage file and folder accessibility once you get the hang of it. For a simple users, it’s really fine having the Windows file system on FAT32 if it’s just meant for web surfing and simple word processing. Even so if the computer is shared between family members.

The above article is written layman for users to illustrate the basics of what we need to know about the basics of Windows file system. What’s you take on this? Leave me a comment.

Size Does Matter

Buying a laptop is a matter that requires some thought. How often do you carry your laptop? Your answer will help determine which size and weight best suits your needs. If you frequently move around, a lighter model will be preferable.

Choose Your Mouse

A laptop comes with a built in touch pad, whereby the pad is controlled by the user’s finger movement. For some people (like myself), this type of pad is uncomfortable and not easy to work with. Before purchasing a laptop, determine what mouse options are available. Test each one and determine which one best meets your needs. I’d recommend getting a separate plug and play USB mouse if you are not comfortable with laptop touchpads.

Wireless Options

People think wireless when selecting a laptop. No doubt people want to make sure that their laptop computer will be able to access the Internet with a wireless connection. Many try to account for this by ensuring that their laptop has potential upgrade options, such as room for an expandable PC card or a USB port. Since so many laptop users are looking for wireless connections, most laptops come built-in for wireless Internet. Wireless services can either come from the Internet service provider or in hotspots wherre Internet access is free. Depending on your needs, choose your laptop whether it is capable of expanding or if it is already configured for wireless Internet.

Check for Ports

Most peripheral equipment will be connected to your laptop through USB ports. Make your life less complicated by ensuring that your laptop has adequate ports. Connecting equipment such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras will be much simpler if you have the ports readily available. If you are not sure, thoroughly read the specs for any laptop that you are considering purchasing.

Budget Check First

Finally, when buying a laptop, beware that you do not overspend. First create your budget and stick to it. When you think that you have found the laptop of your dreams, don’t rush to the computer store and get it. Wait a day and check over your budget, requirements and see if you are still as excited about the laptop in the morning (usually, the passion dies off the next day). If you still feel that it is the laptop that you want to purchase, then go for it.

I hope the 5 tips for buying a laptop helps to make your decision in your laptop purchases. If you have anything to share with Techablaze community, do leave your comments.

Disk Organizing and Cleanup

If you stay in a big house, chances are you accumulate more unnecessary items. The same theory can be applied to accumulation of files and folders in a computer. Ultimately the best way is to do proper organizating and cleaning up of your computer disk.

The purpose of organizing the files and folders in your computer is to ensure you can find what you want to easily. I seldom rely on the search function MS Windows come with. For a simple fact, it is very time consuming searching for a file when you need it very badly.

Cleaning up my computer is semi-automatic with the Disk Cleanup utility. This tool is in wizard based and gives you the option to select individual drives or disk. Wizard based, MS Windows gives you the information to help decide to keep or not to keep. This process should be done periodically and you will find significant improvement when the computer performs its functions.

Add or Remove Programs

While organizing and cleaning up the files in your computer can help you get rid of unnecessary files, it may be necessary to clean out some unnecessary programs too. This can be done using the Add or Remove Programs utility in Windows Control Panel. Add or Remove Programs lists all of currently installed programs along with an option to uninstall (if any) them.

If there are programs listed no longer required, simply highlight the program and click the uninstall (if any again) button. Windows will then begin the process to uninstall the program. After uninstallation, Windows will prompt to restart computer if required. However it’s still advisable to restart even when not prompted.

Defragment

In a computer, the files that are saved are placed on the hard drive. They are placed according to the time that they were saved. For example, if you open a word document and save the file as A.txt and subsequently open another document and save it as B.txt, B.txt is saved after A.txt. This is fine, but if you open A.txt later and a save was done, the added information is saved next to B.txt

Imagine having the computer to hunt the pieces of files down and piecing them together to form a complete file for you to access. The speed of processors are so fast now that it’s difficult to feel the slowness. Still, perform disk defragmentation on a regular basis is good practice.

Registry Cleaning

If you’re not familiar with MS Windows or its registry, I’d suggest you steer clear of this option. The Windows registry is really a database which stores settings and options for MS Windows operating systems and screwing it up can spell disaster for your MS Windows.

However if there’s really too much rubbish in the registry, try using Registry Fix tool which can also do the job as well as doing it properly and clearly.

I’ll stop here today. Hope the topic of Organizing and Cleaning Your Computer gives you an insight of what goes on inside.

Pretty boring isn’t it? Few years back, Winamp (Windows Media Player equivalent) skins were already very popular. I believe the same could be done to the operating system. With deliberate searching, I came across WindowBlinds – a simple to use software that allows us to customize almost every single component on the Windows XP display.

With just a click of the button, WindowBlinds can personalize your desktop to a theme of your choice. I really like the part about changing Windows XP skin. It’s possible to make Windows XP look entirely like another operating system. Sick of the boring menus that popup with the click of the Start button? Change them! How about the tasteless title bars? Change them too!

Personally I really enjoyed toying around with this software. There are thousands of themes to choose from and you can personalize every single aspect even after a theme is deployed. Windows never look boring ever since and have to admit I got really addicted to it.

Don’t worry if you are a Vista user. Newer versions of WindowBlinds support Windows Vista too.

Some screens below illustrating the capabilities of WindowBlinds, Click on the thumbnails to see full sized.

Hope you enjoy changing your Windows XP skin.

My users at work tend to exploit (which company’s users don’t?) my services as an IT administrator cum technical support. It’s hard to draw a line between work and personal favors. More often I help them out. Through this, I realized many people do not know what programs are installed on their computers at home apart from the Microsoft Office suite. Some can’t tell me what operating systems versions they use.

I like it every time I have a new system or when I re-install Windows XP on my current ones. It represents a new look and new ideas to tweak it customized to my current needs. Top of the operating system, I usually include what I deem as my MS Windows essential softwares. Meaning – they are must-have softwares irregardless of what my needs now currently.

MS Windows XP

Although Windows Vista has been around a while, I’m still so much more comfortable with Windows XP. I guess the bad reviews I had from friends and colleagues kept me away from upgrading all these years.

MS Office

Microsoft Office has been around for many years. For me, it is more than a software. On a daily basis, I use this suite to read my tonnes of emails (MS Outlook), document editting by giving it a professional look (MS Word), handle spreadsheets and cell calculations (MS Excel) and presentations (MS Powerpoint). Depending on the purpose, I install different versions (either 2003 or 2007) and different packages (I don’t have MS Powerpoint on some of my computers at home).

Symmantec Anti-virus

Not exactly the most light-weight anti-virus software out there. Finding it reliable, I have been using it for years – in office (strangely most companies I worked for used Symmantec) and at home. I feel that any computer wired to a network connection ultimately reaching the Internet should have an anti-virus software. At the very basic level, it keeps most viruses and trojans away.

Windows Defender

Another Microsoft product I use as an add-on to the anti-virus program. Windows Defender is a spyware detection and removal program. Anti-virus programs can detect and cleanse certain spywares but not it isn’t comprehensive.

Oh yes, users who run on Windows Vista have Windows Defender built-in with the operating system.

Winzip

Since the launch of Windows XP, MS Windows version are equipped with built-in self extracting .zip extension tools. Having used Winzip, I prefer its interface more than what Microsoft’s providing.

Adobe Reader

Online help files, technical manuals are usually packaged in Adobe’s PDF format. I use Adobe Reader to read documentations of such. I guess this format’s popular because documents are not easily editable – not so much without Adobe Acrobat.

Internet Explorer 7

There are many browsers out there like the Firefox, Opera, Netscape Navigator and recently Google Chrome. As long as the browser serves its purpose, I’m not really particular about which I use. And because Internet Explorer ships with Microsoft, I guess it saves me the hassle to install another browser.

MSN

The final in my list. Allows me to communicate over the Internet with my friends and colleagues. Few years back, I had many friends on ICQ. But as time evolved, many migrated to MSN. No questions why I switched over.

The above completes my list of MS Windows essential software. Do you have any you’d like to share? Leave me a comment.

Moving on to the new MS Office 2007 – Microsoft’s latest Office serial suite. Noticably, the interface looks better (new things always look better don’t they?). The big difference between this new version and previous MS Office suites lies in the menus and toolbars.

The MS Office 2007 menus are designed to work like tabs. For example, clicking on the Insert tab brings out below – icons (e.g. table, clipart, pages etc) associated to insert. Delightful but it’ll take some couple of wrong navigation to get to the functions desired. Not forgetting spending some time to understand the interface.

At a certain point of time some may be crying to get the old MS Office back. Well I certainly did few months back.

Have a look at this product which features familiar menus and toolbars to get the Office 2007 menus as if it were in MS Office 2003. This software includes Classic Menu for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook 2007. All the new features in MS Office 2007 have been added into this software.

Also, it supports various languages including: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, and more.

Go try it and see for yourself. With MS Office 2007 classic menu, upgrading to this version is definitely worth it.

In this fast changing technology era, computer lifespans are getting shorter. Like it or not most gadgets “expire” after 3 years due to emerging new technologies, faster processing speeds and of cause obsolete hardware. Hence be it procrastination (I’m a victim of this) or not, it is an excuse to start hunting for a new one.

To start off, I believe there exists the blazing question of getting a laptop vs desktop. While figures show an increasing trend in laptop sales, is it really necessary to own one? Let’s discuss below – laptop vs desktop and hopefully it helps in the decision making process.

Mobility

Mobility is one of the main advantage laptops have over desktops. Laptops can be used almost everywhere. In cafes, libraries, eateries and even on the move like travelling in the bus or train. In contrast like the word “desktop” suggests, is restricted to a desk top.

If your desktop and TV are not in the same room and you want to have the best of both worlds at the same time, I guess laptop’s a better option.

Size and Weight

In a desktop, the basic components include the CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse and the many cables interconnecting them all. For a laptop, these components are integrated together. Of course, being portable you’ll need some other accessories like the laptop carrying bag, spare batteries (not so commonly carried around), power charger and a probable mini USB mouse as a replacement to the built-in touch pads.

Furthermore, laptops weigh between 2kg to 6kg with accessories included. Contrast that to desktops. In my opinion, anything under probably means something (probably a power adaptor) is left out and anything beyond indicates that you should get a desktop.

Requirements

Computers are part and parcel of our daily lives be it at work, school or at home. Conventionally, most of us (well at least for me) have at least a desktop at home and another in the office. That is the ideal scenario.

But, it’s a fact not all jobs are desk-bound. Many need to travel around places making presentations to clients and with the rise of the Internet, desktop mobility is taken to the next level. Quotations, presentations, email correspondences and such can be done on the go.

Laptops score another point.

Costs

Nothing much to elaborate about this. Generally speaking laptops cost more than desktops comparing the two with similar specifications. Many say the high cost probably goes to the manufacture of LCD screen on laptops and its tight component integration.

Nevertheless, desktops pick up their first point.

Expandability

Desktops have more expansion capabilities than laptops. For example, desktops can contain more RAM slots, options to expand 3.5″ internal harddisks, additional DVD drive, extra PCI cards etc. Laptops are constrained by design and leaves much lesser room for expansion.

Here on my desktop at home, I have 2 DVD RW drives and 2 different sized 3.5″ internal harddrives. Planning for more soon. My vote goes to desktops in this aspect.

Upgradability

Standing from the IT point of view, this factor is extremely important. Coming from humble background, I can’t afford to change full systems every year. Instead I choose to upgrade the MOBO or the CPU which costs much less and importantly self changable.

Laptops on the other hand are way harder to upgrade. Components are integrated to its mainboard. Not forgetting that changing the components by yourself voids the warranty that comes with it.

That’s about all I’m gonna cover in this topic of Laptop vs Desktop. I hope this article is helpful.

Thanks for reading and have a nice day ahead.

Chassis

The chassis is really the shell of a PC which usually does nothing but acts as a cover for the other components (MOBO, CPU, RAM, harddisk etc) inside it. Prices of chassis come a wide range factoring the design, manufacturer and the form factor (full tower, mini tower, small form factor etc) it comes with. My personal favorite chassis maker is Cooler Master.

Graphics Card

Most MOBO makers embed graphics as part of their package to consumers. For graphics designers or hardcore gamers these embedded graphics probably won’t serve them well. An addon graphics card probably solves their problem.

Most graphics cards have dedicated built-in memory so the RAM on the CPU doesn’t need to work so hard for its buck. Speeds are measured in Mbs. Top that, some cards come with dual (or even quad) display heads when single screens just isn’t enough to fit all applications.

Recent graphics cards utilize the PCI-e (PCI-express) slot from the MOBO. One of the popular graphics card maker is Nvidia. One point to note too – disable the MOBO graphics you are using a separate graphics card.

Sound Cards

With computers doubling up as home entertainment systems, there arises the need for better sound quality. On-board sounds probably won’t suit the picky, far less the hardcore gamers. With the combination of good speakers, a sound card can produce quality sound equivalent to some 5.1 systems.

Conventional sound cards occupy the PCI slot (I forgot to mention this in my previous post) on the MOBO and one of the famous maker of sound is Creative.

Speakers

I used to confuse the term of “speakers” with “sound card”, thinking that sound comes from the sound card itself. Well can’t blame me cause some computers actually ship with built-in speakers.

Speakers produce sound when connected to the sound card and come in forms of single speaker to complex combinations of 7 speakers and a sub-woofer. Makers include Creative and Altec Lansing.

Monitor

The monitor is not part of the chassis. It connects to the MOBO either via VGA or DVI connectors. Do note that most MOBO built-in graphics come with one conventional VGA port.

With technology advancement, monitors have evolved from the traditional CRT (Cathod Ray Tube) to current popular LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). On the outlook, major differences between the two lies in the size, weight and design with LCD defeating the CRT in terms of smaller form, much lighter weight and fanciful designs. Measurement in inches, defining viewable distance diagonally from top left corner to bottom right. Some makers include Philips, Viewsonic, BenQ, Samsung etc.

Alright folks, I shall stop here today. I hope Some Basic Computer Definitions Part 2 can be of use. Do share with your friends if you like the information provided.