Discount Computers

  Is your computer acting strangely? Do you try to go to a web
site and your browser takes you somewhere else? Do you have a
toolbar on your browser that you do not want, and have no idea
how to get rid of? Got pop-ups? If so your computer may be
infected with spyware.

  Spyware is software that installs itself to your computer
(usually without permission or with its permissions buried deep
in an end-user agreement). It then proceeds to track your
surfing habits and transmit the information to third parties.
Spyware can also cause other irritating things to happen, such
as browser redirection, system slow down, and pop-ups.

  Fortunately there are several handy programs to get rid of
spyware. The most notable are Spybot Search and Destroy,
Lavasoft Ad-aware SE, and most recently Microsoft Antispyware.
These programs usually do a very good job of removing spyware
from an infected computer. However, it is a good idea to run a
combination of these programs as one may catch something that
another has missed.

  There is a small catch in the spyware information industry.
Typically people who are giving you information about
spyware/malware are doing so in order to get you to purchase
their own company\’s product. Although their intentions may seem
to be clear and fair, they may be misleading the consumer into a
belief that their computer is more protected than it really is.
As with all spyware/malware/antivirus products, the companies
want you to believe that their product is the end-all, be-all
solution to your problems. There are a few failures in that
summation though: Not all products are created equally, not all
products can catch ALL variants, and not all products are worthy
of an install.

  In the end, the answer is entirely in the hands of the end
user to choose a product. My advice to the end-user is to not
choose a product based on fear or lack of knowledge. True, the
companies that are advertising to you know more about
spyware/malware than you do… but they are also slanting their
views to direct you towards their product over the competitor.

About the author:
Brandon Burke is the Director of Network Operations and Security
for an outsource technical support company (GTC, Inc.) based
solely in the United States. For more information on GTC visit
http://www.ygtc.com . For more helpful tips visit
http://www.ygtc.com/newsletter/ . [This article is free for use
as long as this biography and any active links in the biography
are maintained.]

The first question you need to ask yourself is why you need a
computer and for what purpose you will use it:

* Surfing the Internet * Sending and receiving e-mail * Word
Processing * Spreadsheet and Money management * Listening and
recording music * Storing and manipulating images * Playing games

When you are certain that you really need a computer then you
need to consider what computer to purchase.

The most common type of computer is the PC. Fewer and fewer
people these days use Macintoshes and while Apple still makes
them they are used primarily for graphics work at the high end
multimedia level.

For home or office use you may be far better purchasing a
desktop PC with pre-installed software. And PC prices are on the
way down.

Of course notebook computers are really great if you want to
take advantage of the portability that they offer, although you
really need to weigh this against the cost — as laptops are
still much more expensive than your average PC with the same
functionality.

You need to determine what capabilities you want your computer
to have – the size of the hard drive, the memory and the types
of cards – video and audio – that it comes with.

For a standard home or basic office use you should be adequately
served by 256Mb of RAM memory with a 80Gb hard drive for storage.

Two other things to consider are that you will need a monitor
and software.

For a monitor, try for a 17 inch so that you don\’t have to
squint to see what is on your screen. Flat panel displays are
great for saving space too and the clarity of the displays now
are quite impressive.

Most computers will come installed with software. Find what
software the PC will come with and work out if this is all you
need.

Basic word processing, spreadsheet and email/organizer software
is adequate for most people and the ability to access the
internet will require a modem installed as well.

If you are worried about learning to use your computer, don\’t
be. There are tutorials within Windows XP to help get you
started, and \”wizards\” are easy to use, step by step programs
built into Windows that will help you learn a lot too.

Plus, once you get hooked up and online with your own computer,
you will have access to millions of sites ready and willing to
help you learn all about your new desktop PC, the software you
have, and even learn how to do things you never imagined!

Check out more of our articles on the parts of a computer to
help you understand what computer components you need and what
you don\’t before you buy!
http://www.cheap-computers-guide.com/computer-components.html

About the author:
Computer buying
tips and tutorials on building your own desktop PC start
with the basics from Guy

Most companies either lease or buy their computer equipment, but
why or when should a company rent laptop or notebook computers?

Here are a few reasons to rent a laptop computer:

-If you need technology on short notice or for a short time, it
is best to rent a laptop.

-If you need a large quantity of laptop computers for a training
class, it is best to rent laptops.

-If your laptop computers are on back order but your staff
isn\’t, it\’s best to rent laptops for immediate installation.

-If you need a wireless laptop computers for travel and all your
company laptops and notebook computers are wired. People confuse
computer renting with leasing.

Renting is short term in nature and is very flexible. Leasing,
like buying is a fixed arrangement.

You can extend the rental or cancel at any time with no penalty.
Leases can\’t be cancelled without a \’severe penalty\’.

Renting laptops is totally flexible, requires no capital budget
and can often be accomplished with a company credit card. For
most companies, renting is as easy as getting office supplies.

Rental companies have expert computer technicians who deliver,
install and test your laptop rental right at your office,
training room, trade show booth, seminar, convention or
conference.

Rental companies have everything you need and a backup plan if
something unexpected happens.

Other reasons why businesses rent laptop computers include
temporary offices, traveling executives and temporary employees.

Temporary Offices Temporary offices can be made complete with
rental laptop computers, printers, copiers and fax machines. The
hardware will be configured to your company specifications and
installed at any remote location in the United States or Canada.

Rentacomputer.com has set up temporary offices in hotel rooms,
trailers, warehouses and convention centers. Temporary offices
have been set up for State and Federal Government agencies such
as FEMA, the FBI and the IRS. Also legal firms, television
networks covering hurricane disasters, movie studios setting up
\”on location\”, and new building construction sites, corporate
mergers and takeovers.

Traveling Executives Traveling executives won\’t have to carry
portable laptop computers through airports or other public
transportation facilities. Executives can have technology,
preconfigured and tested, waiting at their final destination!
Traveling with technology is one hassle that can be easily
avoided by calling a computer rental expert like a Temporary
Technology Travel Agent.

Temporary Employees Temporary employees need temporary
technology. By renting laptop computers you can coordinate the
installation and removal of computers, printers and other
technology for any period of time specified. If you hire
temporary employees, hire temporary technology too.

Next time you have a temporary or special need, consider renting
laptop computer technology and technical expertise.

About the author:
John Beagle is a writer for the Tech Travel Agent© services of
Rentacomputer.com, a laptop computer rental firm that installs
rental laptop computers nationwide in the United States and
Canada. The client website can be found at
http://www.rentacomputer.com.