What Can You Do If Your Email Account Is Wiped?

Not so long ago many Gmail users went to check their mail only to find that their entire inbox and all their contact had been completely deleted. This shocking discovery was something done by Google by accident and only affected a very small percentage of its total users but made many people think about what would happen if all their emails were suddenly wiped forever. With approximately 300 billion emails being sent every day around the world, and as you are probably an email user yourself, you can imagine the carnage this could cause.

This article will attempt to offer some solutions as to what you can do if this happens to you.

Check who you are signed in as

If you are using one of the many popular online email providers like Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo mail etc. it is possible that you have signed in as someone else. When you sign in you will notice that you can tick a box which says something like 'remember me' which means that every time this computer comes to this mail homepage it will automatically sign you in under whichever password that was used when that box was ticked. If you check the user name you are signed in you may find that your sudden terror need only last for a couple of seconds before you switch back to your account.

Advantages Of Buying Original Ink Cartridges

Since there is a need to cut on costs because of these turbulent financial times, there are a few ways consumers refill ink cartridges. These are through ink refilling kits that are a do-it-yourself projects that consumers can do on their own, through purchasing compatible ink cartridges that are made by third party manufacturers compatible to particular brands like Canon ink or Lexmark ink cartridges and re-manufactured printer cartridges which are recycled cartridges refilled with ink.

Surely, these are far cheaper than buying an original cartridge not because original equipment is overpriced but because they have a few disadvantages to using them. For one they are not manufactured with the same quality control and manufacturing process an original cartridge goes through. Since the quality will not be the same, think of the number of times you will have to print not only wasting ink but paper and time as well. You cannot be assured a hundred percent that the less than original cartridge will actually work once it gets to you. Imagine purchasing ten cartridges off the internet because of a really cheap sale but only five functions when it gets to you. Yes, you can send them back for an exchange but think of the time wasted. Be wary of cartridges sold at an unbelievably low price because these are cartridges that were drilled so they can be filled with ink. Many of these are half-filled or sometimes less, plus the fact that if something goes wrong with your printer because you are not using an originally manufactured ink cartridge, you cannot expect the manufacturers to honour your warranty.

10 Tips to save power when using computer or laptop

Most of us have battery powered gadgets such as cell phone, camera, laptop, ipod, etc. How many times have we wondered if there is enough power in those batteries to last through our important presentation or a telephone call from a loved one? Now that most gadgets themselves are improving with increasingly advanced capabilities, the demand for more power keeps increasing. According to the US dept of Energy, about 10% of the electricity consumed in North America is used to power Information Technology Systems!

If we can come up with methods that decrease power consumption, we can save the environment too! In 2006, the City University of New York installed a program on it computers that would automatically turn off the computers if they were idling in the dark. In one year, the savings were substantial, close to $320,000! Many companies have started to turn off their computers when no one is using them and saving hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Planning to go on a vacation? Turn your computer off! Also remember to turn off your monitor, speakers, printer, scanner or any other hardware that does not power down when you turn off the computer. Even if you are not going anywhere, it’s a good idea to use the power management system on your computer. Here are some tips on how to use the options on your computer.

Cloud Computing Comparison

Cloud computing can be defined as a data service, software and storage service, where the end user is not aware of the physical location and system configuration that delivers the services. Comparison to this concept can be made with electricity power grid where the consumer is mostly ignorant of the component devices that are needed to give this service.

Cloud computing has evolved from virtualization, autonomic utility computing as well as service oriented architecture.

Here are some clouds computing comparison, which have similar characteristics but should not be confused with the following:

Top 5 Facebook Apps For Better Learning

Learning in this global age has always been very easy. But getting to the source that facilitates you, instead of wasting time is something difficult to identify.

Here are the top five Facebook applications that I consider the best.

• We Read

It basically deals with books. The books you read tells about the person you are. If one some-one looks at the type of books other person read. He can easily identify the personality of other person. Books even separate you from average non- reader. Your talking reflects your intellect, if you are a good reader. So go on we-read browse for good reading material, post your reviews, find about the inn topic. You can even list, review and rate books that you have already read. All this help in building a paperless knowledgeable world around you. And after all reading is so much fun. Develop this habit and you will start enjoying.

Essential Maintenance Tips for your Computer

The computer is one of the most important inventions to have taken place in the 20th century, which has grown over several decades contributing to the growth and changes in human learning and behavior. Today the computer is an essential part of human life without which they cannot do their day-to-day tasks.

This amazing machine has made life easier for most people and contributed to their overall growth. Today almost all household have at least one computer but the most important question that arises here is, if the owner is concerned about the proper maintenance of the machine or not.

Analyzing Various Computer Problems

We're often faced problems facing the problem which is common in the computer. Therefore this time I want to share with friends all about the various problems that commonly occur on the computer.  And I also want to give a solution, do not let friends all confused what to do if problems arise. Okay, we go directly to the discussion

Damage to the computer in the outline can be divided into two, namely:
1. Factor Hardware
2. Factor Software

Add. 1. Damage Factors Hardware could be due to:
1. Installation hardware is not correct as cabling, jumpers, slots, bolts or screws, etc..
2. Damage to the hardware components, such as Processor, Motherboard, Memory, VGA card, hard drive, etc..

Add. 2. Damage to Factor Software can be caused by:
1. Damage to the System Operation
2. Damage to the Application Program
3. Damage to the Driver
Description more about how to detect damage to the PC and how to overcome them, are described below:

Computer Maintenance Tips

Ten Tips to Keep your Computer Running Smoothly

1. Never, never, turn your computer off with the power switch until Windows has shut down. 

The one exception to this rule is when your computer locks up and your hard drive is not running (hard drive light is not blinking). In this situation, you can turn the power off without harmful effects to the hard drive. As cutting the power can also result in lost data or Windows files, you should only do this when you have to.

Following this rule will prevent permanent hard drive defects caused by the hard drive heads contacting the surface of the drive disc, and it will prevent a host of Windows problems.

Whenever possible, recover from crashes by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys at the same time. Press them again to reboot your computer.

Who Needs Cloud Computing

The term 'cloud computing' is being discussed a lot recently and not only by those involved in IT, but as it's still a relatively new concept there are plenty of us who don't really have any idea what it's all about. Put very simply it claims to benefit, and even revolutionise, the way businesses are run by offering a range of applications and services over the internet.

Every business can profit from cloud computing as it helps to eliminate business barriers which in turn leads to increased efficiency in running your business. The other advantage is that you have access to the latest cloud technology. SaaS (Software as a Service), IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), Desktop as a Service (DaaS), back up, disaster recovery, data storage and much more are just some of the services it's able to offer businesses no matter how big or small.

Computer and Internet Privacy Basics

The Computer Privacy protection is a very serious issue to be ignored these days."Everything you do online and offline is monitored by someone.", say many people out there and they are right not because of their paranoia but because the Private Information is too valued for its owner. But is it possible to protect our Computer Privacy without plugging the cable?

See how somebody could steal your Private Information. Reveal what is the difference between Computer Privacy and Internet Privacy. Read how to generate Secure Passwords that hackers can not break.

1. What is Computer Privacy?

This is the power to control what computer information you reveal about yourself and to control who can access this personal information.

2. What is Internet Privacy?

It is a part of the computer privacy. It is the power to control what information you reveal about yourself in Internet, the power to control which web sites, remote scripts and web applications can access this personal information, and the power to know if these web sites, scripts, and web applications are enough trustworthy.

10 Tips to help maintain your PC

Computers are great when they work and everyone loves screaming at them when they don’t. Here’s ten ways to keep your computer running smoothly into its old age. While I can’t promise that these tips will keep your computer from ever having problems, it will at least help prevent them, and make recovery easier when they do occur.


1. Backup your data

When was the last time that you backed up your data? Not ‘when was the last time you thought about it’, or ‘when was the last time you told someone how important it is’, but when was the last time you actually backed up your data? And how much will you lose if your current hard drive fails right now and you have to rely on that backup? 

Think about that for a second. Now, go create a backup.

Difference Between Linux And Windows Shared Hosting

In the world of share hosting, Linux server hosting and Windows server hosting emerge as two contenders for the top position. Though you might think that both are same at the first glance, there is a difference between linux and windows shared hosting.

1) Operating System: Linux hosting can run on Linux operating systems such as CentOS, Red Hat, and Debian while windows hosting operates on the Microsoft Windows Server operating system. Though operating system is not a criterion big enough as you can use Linux hosting on windows operating systems and vice-versa.

2) Security: Many people are of the view that security is a big concern with windows servers when compared with linux servers but this is a false perception as server security depends upon the web hosting company and not on operating system. It is, however, believed that hackers favor the operating system of windows.

3) Cost: Linux server hosting is preferred over windows server hosting as linux is a free to use and open source operating system. If that was not all, more web hosting companies of the world provide linux hosting making it win the battle in terms of cost effectiveness.

4) Performance: Linux is more stable and able to deliver better performances as compared to Windows when it comes to handling a lot of processes at the same time.

5) Server access: If you want SSH (Secure shell) or Telnet access, meaning if you want to access files directly on the server without a transfer to/from the hard drive, then only linux gives you the benefits. Some companies do provide this benefit on windows hosting, most offer remote desktop protocol feature or a virtual console.

6) Language Support: When it comes to language support, Windows prevail over linux since windows support many features like ASP, .NET, FrontPage, MSSQL, Access, POP3, HTML, JavaScript, and MySQL that are limited as well as expensive with linux.

7) File Names: If you are using a linux server, file names such as contact.html and Contact.html are different names but on a windows server, they are the same names.

8) Ease of use: If you are not a tech-savvy individual, you are more than likely to prefer linux over windows.

9) Downtime: Windows hosting often waste precious time of its users by indulging in more downtime when compared to linux. Moreover, windows server takes more resources than linux when it comes to initiating processes, this means more rebooting and time wastage.

Now that we have read about the difference between linux and windows shared hosting, let us find out how you can maximize returns on investments by making a single decision.

By opting for shared hosting India, preferably Linux server hosting India, you can save a huge fortune. In addition to that, shared hosting India allows you to make use of expertise at the lowest possible cost. Linux server hosting India can be the success path on which you can attain big profits. These are just one of the few reasons why the concept of shared hosting India is so popular in the world of shared hosting.

We hope that this information on difference between linux and windows shared hosting was useful to you in more than just a way.

source : www.articlecity.com  by: Maria Smith

Linux Hosting: Best Choice For Web Hosting

You are looking for a good web hosting solution for your website and you've come across a number of them and you can't seem to decide which one is the best. Picking a web host for your website is very important since it will be the platform of all you r applications in the website. You wouldn't want to have web host that is not a trusted brand and will cause problems in your website in the long run. So you better choose a webhost that is worthwhile. One of the household names in web hosting is Linux Hosting and many are already using Linux hosting for their websites.

Linux Hosting is considered to be the most cost effective choices for web hosting in the market today. You may want to know that with Linux, you will get security, reliability and functionality all in their program. If you want to know more, let us talk about the reasons why you should choose Linux hosting above everything else.

It is cost-effective. Not all website owners have the cash to pay for an expensive web hosting provider. With their affordable price, you can already have accesses to MySQL database, email applications and multiple domain facility. You can use other e-commerce tools too. Most web hosting cannot bring down their prices like what Linux hosting can offer you.

It is open source software meaning you can download it directly to your computer. You can customize its settings if you want and you don't need to pay for anything else just the distribution cost. This is another reason why Linux Hosting is very economical.

As I've mentioned earlier, Linux provides security and the majority of users believe that the platform is Linux is one of the most secure in the market today. Part of their package is that you can easily get security updates for your web hosting needs.

The Linux software is very user-friendly and if you are a newbie in the world of web hosting and websites, you will not find it hard to get used to how it works. Linux is very convenient for anyone who uses it.

Having a good web hosting provider will be very useful to your website because it will create a whole new private space for you and the platform you will be using will be detrimental to all the applications you can access and use. You may have visited a website when all you see were numbers and letters that you don't even understand; this is because there was something wrong with the platform of the website. And if you have a visitor and this happens to your website, you might just lose a potential sale. So it is better to invest early in a credible and reputable website host than have problems with your website later on if you choose to get a free web host for your website. Get Linux hosting for you web hosting needs and it will be smooth sailing for your website from start to end.

source : www.articlecity.com  by: James Koh

10 Major Reasons To Switch To Linux

1. It Doesn't Crash

Linux has been time-proven to be a reliable operating system. Although the desktop is not a new place for Linux, most Linux-based systems have been used as servers and embedded systems. High-visibility Web sites such as Google use Linux-based systems, but you also can find Linux inside the TiVo set-top box in many livingrooms.

Linux has proved to be so reliable and secure that it is commonly found in dedicated firewall and router systems used by high-profile companies to secure their networks. For more than ten years, it has not been uncommon for Linux systems to run for months or years without needing a single reboot.

2. Viruses Are Few and Far Between

Although it is possible to create a virus to target Linux systems, the design of the system itself makes it very difficult to become infected. A single user could cause local damage to his or her files by running a virus on his or her system; however, this would be an isolated instance rather than something could spread out of control.

In addition, virtually all Linux vendors offer free on-line security updates. The general philosophy of the Linux community has been to address possible security issues before they become a problem rather than hoping the susceptibility will go unnoticed.

3. Virtually Hardware-Independent

Linux was designed and written to be easily portable to different hardware. For the desktop user, this means that Linux has been and likely always will be the first operating system to take advantage of advances in hardware technology such as AMD's 64-bit processor chips.

4. Freedom of Choice

Linux offers freedom of choice as far as which manufacturer you purchase the software from as well as which application programs you wish to use. Being able to pick the manufacturer means you have a real choice as far as type of support you receive. Being open-source software, new manufacturers can enter the market to address customer needs.

Choice of application programs means that you can select the tools that best address your needs. For example, three popular word processors are available. All three are free and interoperate with Microsoft Word, but each offers unique advantages and disadvantages. The same is true of Web browsers.

5. Standards

Linux itself and many common applications follow open standards. This means an update on one system will not make other systems obsolete.

6. Applications, Applications, Applications

Each Linux distribution comes with hundreds and possibly thousands of application programs included. This alone can save you thousands of dollars for each desktop system you configure. Although this is a very small subset, consider that the OpenOffice.org office suite is included as well as the GIMP, a program similar to (and many people say more capable than Adobe Photoshop); Scribus, a document layout program similar to Quark Xpress; Evolution, an e-mail system equivalent to Microsoft's Outlook Express; and hundreds more.

For the more technically inclined, development tools, such as compilers for the C, C++, Ada, Fortran, Pascal and other languages, are included as well as Perl, PHP and Python interpreters. Editors and versioning tools also are included in this category.

Whether you are looking for Instant Messaging clients, backup tools or Web site development packages, they likely are all included within your base Linux distribution.

Configuring NTP on a LINUX Server

The Network Time Protocol was originally developed to overcome time synchronisation issues on the Internet. NTP is an Internet protocol designed to synchronise network time clients with an accurate time source or reference. NTP defines algorithms and protocol messages to aid the synchronisation of network time clients. This article provides information on how to install and configure the publicly available NTP software distribution. It also shows how to synchronise time with an Internet based time reference.

Internet based NTP time server systems fall into two categories: primary and secondary reference servers. Primary reference servers utilise a highly accurate external timing reference, such as GPS or radio clocks, to provide precise time. Secondart reference servers synchronise their time with primary reference servers and therefore offer slightly reduced accuracy. Primary reference time servers are stratum one servers, while secondary servers have a stratum greater than one.

The NTP source code is freely downloadable under the GNU public license from the NTP web site at 'ntp.org'. NTP was originally developed for the LINUX operating system, however, a port to Windows NT is also available. Once the source code has been obtained, it should be installed, compiled and configured on the host computer. This process is automated with the installation and configuration scripts supplied in the distribution. Many Linux based operating systems have the NTP package pre-installed. However, it may be wise to download the most recent version, which is currently 4.2.4.

The NTP daemon is configured via a configuration file 'ntp.conf'. This configuration file may contain a list of public NTP server references that can be used by the host to synchronise time. The 'server' command can be used to specify public NTP time references, characters specified after the # symbol are comments:

server time-a.nist.gov # Public NTP server: NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland server time-c.timefreq.bldrdoc.gov # Public NTP Server: NIST, Boulder, Colorado

When the configuration file is complete the NTP daemon can be started using the 'ntpd start' script. Other scripts are vailable that can be used to control the daemon: 'ntpd stop', 'ntpd restart'. There is also a query script available that shows the current synchronisation status of the daemon: 'ntpq -p'.

The 'restrict' command can be used to control access premissions to the NTP server. There are a number of permutations or the 'restrict' command; a few examples are listed below.

restrict default ignore #Restrict all access to the time server restrict 192.168.1.0 mask 255.255.255.0 nomodify notrap # Only allow local computers access

Multiple commands can be specified to restrict or disallow access to a range of computers.

NTP provides an additional level of security by utilising authentication codes. This is a mechanism where matching key codes can be specified on a client and server which are encrypted and passed between the server and client. This allows a client to confirm the source of a time message. Authentication keys are configured in the 'ntp.keys' file. They are specified using a key reference, encryption code and authentication key. Additionally, trusted authentication keys can be specified using the 'trusted key' command is the 'ntpd.conf' configuration file.

source : www.articlecity.com  by: David Evans

Complete Overview of Linux

This article will discuss the differences between the Linux and Windows operating software’s; we discuss some of the pro’s and con’s of each system.

Let us first start out with a general overview of the Linux operating system. Linux at its most basic form is a computer kernel. The Kernel is the underlying computer code, used to communicate with hardware, and other system software, it also runs all of the basic functions of the computer.

The Linux Kernel is an operating system, which runs on a wide variety of hardware and for a variety of purposes. Linux is capable of running on devices as simple as a wrist watch, or a cell phone, but it can also run on a home computer using, for example Intel, or AMD processors, and its even capable of running on high end servers using Sun Sparc CPU’s or IBM power PC processors. Some Linux distro’s can only run one processor, while others can run many at once.

Common uses for Linux include that of a home desktop computing system, or more commonly for a server application, such as use as a web server, or mail server. You can even use Linux as a dedicated firewall to help protect other machines that are on the same network.

A programmer student named Linus Torvalds first made Linux as a variant of the Unix operating system in 1991. Linus Torvalds made Linux open source with the GNU (GPL) (General Public License), so other programmers could download the source code free of charge and alter it any way they see fit. Thousands of coders throughout the world began downloading and altering the source code of Linux, applying patches, and bug fixes, and other improvements, to make the OS better and better. Over the years Linux has gone from a simple text based clone of Unix, to a powerful operating software, with full-featured desktop environments, and unprecedented portability, and a variety of uses. Most of the original Unix code has also been gradually written out of Linux over the years.

As a result of Linux being open source software, there is no one version of Linux; instead there are many different versions or distributions of Linux, that are suited for a variety of different users and task. Some Distributions of Linux include Gentoo, and Slackware, which due to the lack of a complete graphical environment is best, suited for Linux experts, programmers, and other users that know their way around a command prompt. Distributions that lack a graphical environment are best suited for older computers lacking the processing power necessary to process graphics, or for computers performing processor intensive task, where it is desirable to have all of the system resources focused on the task at hand, rather than wasting resources by processing graphics. Other Linux distributions aim at making the computing experience as easy as possible. Distributions such as Ubuntu, or Linspire make Linux far easier to use, by offering full-featured graphical environments that help eliminate the need for a command prompt. Of course the downside of ease of use is less configurability, and wasted system resources on graphics processing. Other distributions such as Suse try to find a common ground between ease of use and configurability.

“Linux has two parts, they include the Kernel mentioned previously, and in most circumstances it will also include a graphical user interface, which runs atop the Kernel” reference #3. In most cases the user will communicate with the computer via the graphical user interface.

(ref #6) Some of the more common graphical environments that can run on Linux include the following. The KDE GUI (Graphical user interface). Matthias Ettrich developed KDE in 1996. He wanted a GUI for the Unix desktop that would make all of the applications look and feel alike. He also wanted a desktop environment for Unix that would be easier to use than the ones available at the time. KDE is a free open source project, with millions of coders working on it throughout the world, but it also has some commercial support from companies such as Novell, Troltech, and Mandriva. KDE aims to make an easy to use desktop environment without sacrificing configurability. Windows users might note that KDE has a similar look to Windows. Another popular GUI is (ref #7) GNOME. GNOME puts a heavy emphasis on simplicity, and user ability. Much like KDE GNOME is open source and is free to download. One notable feature of GNOME is the fact that it supports many different languages; GNOME supports over 100 different languages. Gnome is license under the LGPL license (lesser general public license). The license allows applications written for GNOME to use a much wider set of licenses, including some commercial applications. The name GNOME stands for GNU Network object model environment. GNOME’s look and feel is similar to that of other desktop environments. Fluxbox is another example of a Linux GUI. With less of an emphasis on ease of use and eye candy, Fluxbox aims to be a very lightweight, and a more efficient user of system resources. The interface has only a taskbar and a menu bar, which is accessed by right clicking over the desktop. Fluxbox is most popular for use with older computers that have a limited abundance of system resources.

Although most Linux distributions offer a graphical environment, to simplify the user experience, they all also offer a way for more technically involved users to directly communicate with the Kernel via a shell or command line. The command line allows you to run the computer without a GUI, by executing commands from a text-based interface. An advantage of using the command prompt is it uses less system resources and enables your computer to focus more of its energy on the task at hand. Examples of commands include the cd command for changing your directory, or the halt command for shutting down your system, or the reboot command for restarting the computer ect.

Now that we are more familiar with the Linux operating system, we can note the many ways in which Linux differs from the worlds most popular OS, Microsoft Windows. From this point forward we will discuss some of the more prominent ways in which Linux deferrers from Windows.

For starters there is only one company that releases a Windows operating system, and that company is Microsoft. All versions of Windows, weather Windows XP Home, Business, or Vista, all updates, security patches, and service patches for Windows comes from Microsoft. With Linux on the other hand there is not one company that releases it. Linux has millions of coders and companies throughout the world, volunteering their time to work on patches, updates, newer versions, and software applications. Although some companies, charge for TECH support, and others charge for their distribution of Linux, by packaging it with non-free software, you will always be able to get the Linux Kernel for free, and you can get full-featured Linux desktops with all the necessary applications for general use, for free as well. The vendors that charge money for their distribution of Linux are also required to release a free version in order to comply with the GPL License agreement. With Microsoft Windows on the other hand you have to pay Microsoft for the software, and you will also have to pay for most of the applications that you will use.

Windows and Linux also differ on TECH support issues. Windows is backed by the Microsoft Corporation, which means that if you have an issue with any of their products the company should resolve it. For example if Microsoft Windows is not working right, then you should be able to call Microsoft and make use of their TECH support to fix the issue. TECH support is usually included with the purchase of the product for a certain amount of time, maybe a two year period, and from there on you may be charged for the service. Although IBM backs their Linux products, for the most part if you use Linux you are on your own. If you have a problem with Ubuntu Linux you cannot call Ubuntu and expect any help. Despite the lack of professional help, you can however receive good TECH advice, from the thousands or millions of Linux forums that are on the web. You ca also get great help from social networking sites such as Myspace, by posting questions in the many Linux groups. You can usually receive responses for your questions in a matter of hours form many qualified people.

Configurability is another key difference between the two operating software’s. Although Windows offers its control panel to help users configure the computer to their liking, it does not match the configuring options that Linux provides especially if you are a real TECH savvy user. In Linux the Kernel is open source, so if you have the know how, you can modify it in virtually any way that you see fit. Also Linux offers a variety of Graphical environments to further suit your needs. As mentioned earlier Linux is capable of running full-featured graphical environments like KDE, or more lightweight and resource friendly GUI’s like Fluxbox, or Blackbox, to suit users with older computers. There are also versions of Linux that are designed to emulate the Windows look and feel as closely as possible. Distributions such as Linspire are best suited for users that are migrating over from the Windows world. There are also distributions that include no graphical environment at all to better suit users that need to squeeze out all of the computing power that they can get for various computing activities, and for users that are more advanced than others. All of this configurability can be problematic sometimes, as you will have to make a decision on which desktop is right for you, and to make things easier on yourself you will need to only install applications that are native to your distribution and graphical environment.

(ref #1) The cost effectiveness of Linux is another way it separates itself from Windows. For home use Linux is cheap and in most cases completely free, while Windows varies in cost depending on which version you buy. With Linux most of the applications will also be free, however for Windows in the majority of cases you are suppose to pay for the applications. For most cases, with Linux there is no need to enter a product activation key when performing an installation, you are free to install it on as many computers as you’d like. With Windows you are only allowed to install it on one computer and Microsoft uses product activation software to enforce this rule. When installing Window’s you must enter a product activation key, which will expire after so many uses. If you wish too, you can purchase Linux from a variety of vendors, which will include a boxed set of CDs, Manuals, and TECH support for around 40-130$. Of course If you purchase a high-end version of Linux used for servers it may cost any where from 400$- 2000$. “In 2002 computer world magazine quoted the chief technology architect at Merrill Lynch in New York, as saying “the cost of running Linux is typically a tenth of the cost of running Unix or Windows alternatively.” (ref#1)

(ref #1) Installation of Windows is generally easier, than installing Linux. “With Windows XP there are three main ways to install. There is a clean install, in which you install Windows on a blank hard drive. There is also an upgrade install, in which you start with an older version of Windows and “upgrade” to a newer one. An advantage of upgrading is that all of the files on the older system should remain intact throughout the process. You can also perform a repair install, in which case you are installing the same version of Windows on top of itself in order to fix a damaged version of Windows. There is also a recovery, which Technically is not an install; it is used to restore a copy of Windows back to its factory settings. The disadvantage of recovering Windows is the fact that you will loose all of your data, which resides on the damaged copy of Windows.” (ref#1) Also with Windows you can rest assured that your hardware will most likely be supported by the operating software, although this is not much of a problem with Linux you cant be sure if Linux will support all of your hardware. With Linux installation varies greatly from Distro to Distro. You may be presented with a graphical installer or it may be a text-based installer, these variations make Linux a bit more difficult and unpredictable to install than is Windows, (although the difficulty is disappearing). You may perform a clean install of Linux or dual boot it, to co-exist with another operation software. With Linux rather than having to buy an upgrade Cd, you can install updates by downloading and then installing them while your desktop is running. With Linux it is also not necessary to reboot your computer after most upgrades, It is only necessary to reboot after an upgrade to the kernel. It is also possible to run Linux without ever needing to install it on a hard drive; there are many distributions of Linux that will allow you to run it straight off of a live cd. The advantage of this is that you do not need to alter your system in order to

try Linux. You can run Linux off of the CD so you do not have to damage your Windows partition. Other advantages include the ability to rescue a broken Linux system. If your Linux computer will not boot, then you may insert a live cd and boot off it, so you can repair the damaged version of Linux. Also you may use a Linux live cd to recover files from a damaged Windows computer that will no longer boot up. Since Linux is capable of reading NTFS files you may copy files form a Windows computer to a USB flash drive or floppy drive ect.

Another major difference between Linux and Windows is the applications that you will use with either OS. Windows includes a much wider abundance of commercially backed applications than does Linux. It is much easier to find the software that you are looking for with Windows than it is with Linux, because so many software vendors make their products compatible with Windows only. With Linux you will for the most part be forced to let go of the familiar applications that you have grown accustomed to with Windows, in favor of lesser-known open source apps that are made for Linux. Applications such as Microsoft office, Outlook, Internet Explorer, Adobe Creative suite, and chat clients such as MSN messenger, do not work natively with Linux. Although with Linux you can get Microsoft office and Adobe creative suite to work using software from codeWeavers called cross Over Office. Instead of using these applications you will need to use Linux apps such as open office, The Gimp Image Editor, The ThunderBird email client, Instead of the MSN messenger you can use the GAIM messenger, and you can use Firefox as your web browser. Also with Linux it can be difficult to install software even if it is made for Linux. This is due to the fact that Linux has so many different versions. Software that is made to install on one version probably will require some configuration in order to install on another version. An example would be if you were trying to install software that was made for the KDE graphical environment, on the GNOME GUI, This app would not easily install on the GNOME GUI, and would require some configuring on your part to successfully install it.

The type of hard ware that Linux and windows runs on also causes them to differ. Linux will run on many different hardware platforms, from Intel and AMD chips, to computers running IBM power Pc processors. Linux will run on the slowest 386 machines to the biggest mainframes on the planet, newer versions of Windows will not run on the same amount of hardware as Linux. Linux can even be configured to run on apples, Ipod’s, or smart phones. A disadvantage of Linux is when it comes to using hardware devices such as Printers, Scanners, or Digital camera’s. Where as the driver software for these devices will often be easily available for Windows, with Linux you are for the most part left on your own to find drivers for these devices. Most Linux users will find comfort in the fact that drivers for the latest hardware are constantly being written by coders throughout the world and are usually very quickly made available.

(ref #1) One of the most notable differences between the two operating software’s is Windows legendary problems with malicious code, known as Viruses and Spy ware. Viruses, Spy-ware and a general lack of security are the biggest problems facing the Windows community. Under Windows Viruses and Spy-ware have the ability to execute themselves with little or no input from the user. This makes guarding against them a constant concern for any Windows user. Windows users are forced to employ third party anti virus software to help limit the possibility of the computer being rendered useless by malicious code. Anti virus software often has the negative side effect of hogging system resources, thus slowing down your entire computer, also most anti virus software requires that you pay a subscription service, and that you constantly download updates in order to stay ahead of the intruders. With Linux on the other hand problems with viruses are practically non-existent, and in reality you do not even need virus protection for your Linux machine. One reason why Viruses and Spy-ware are not a problem for Linux is simply due to the fact that there are far fewer being made for Linux. A more important reason is that running a virus on a Linux machine is more difficult and requires a lot more input from the user. With Windows you may accidentally run and execute a virus, by opening an email attachment, or by double clicking on a file that contains malicious code. However with Linux a virus would need to run in the terminal, which requires the user to give the file execute permissions, and then open it in the terminal. And in order to cause any real damage to the system the user would have to log in as root, by typing a user name and password before running the virus. Foe example to run a virus that is embedded in an email attachment the user would have to, open the attachment, then save it, then right click the file and chose properties form the menu, in properties they can give it execute permissions, they would then be able to

open the file in the terminal to run the virus. And even then the user would only be able to damage his or her home folder, all other users data will be left untouched, and all root system files would also remain untouched, because Linux would require a root password to make changes to these files. The only way the user can damage the whole computer would be if he or she logged in as root user by providing the root user name and password to the terminal before running the virus. Unlike Windows in Linux an executable file cannot run automatically, It needs to be given execute permissions manually this significantly improves security. In Linux the only realistic reason you would need virus protection is if you share files with Windows users, and that is to protect them not you, so you are not to accidentally pass a virus to the Windows computer that you are sharing files with.

The above was a general over view of some differences between the Windows operating system, and Linux. To recap we started with the fact that Windows has only one vendor that releases the software, while Linux comes from millions of different coders throughout the world. We also commented on the fact that the Linux Kernel and much of the applications used with it are completely free of charge, where as with windows you are forced to pay for most of the software. Unlike Widows Linux is often lacking in professional Tech support, and Linux users are often left on their own to solve Technical issues. Linux users can either pay for Tech support or rely on the many Linux Forums and groups available on the Internet. Due to the fact that the kernel is open source, Linux has a huge advantage over Windows in configurability. You can configure Linux to run almost any way you see fit by manipulating the Kernel. Installing the Windows Operating software and applications is easier due to the fact that it has a universal installer. Also finding applications for Windows is easier because of its popularity most apps are available for Windows only, and are made easily available. Linux will run on a greater variety of hard ware than does Windows, from mainframe super computers running multiple IBM Power PC Chips, to a small laptop running an AMD processor. And of course the biggest difference in this writer’s opinion is the fact that Linux does not suffer from an onslaught of Viruses and other malicious code, unlike Windows which is plagued by countless number of malicious code that can easily destroy your system if not properly guarded against.

In conclusion we will conclude that the Linux OS really is the superior software. Other than a few minor nuisances, linux out performs Windows in most categories. The fact that Linux is more secure is the tipping point, that tilts the scales in the favor of Linux. Windows simply suffers from far to many security vulnerabilities for it to be considered the better over all desktop environment.

References

http://www.michaelhorowitz.com/Linux.vs.Windows.html Reference #1

http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2004/10/27/linux-more-secure-than-windows-says-study Reference #2

http://www.linux.com/whatislinux/ reference number 3

http://www.linux.org/info/

Reference #4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux%5Fkernel Reference #5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KDE Reference #6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNOME Reference #7

source : www.articlecity.com  by: Matthew Gebhardt

What to Look For When Buying a New Laptop

The price of laptops has gone down tremendously over the last few years. Not too long ago a decent laptop would easily have set you back a few thousand dollars. These days, you can pick up a good laptop for as low as $500.00 at your local Walmart. But with thousands of laptops to choose from, and more coming out every week, how do you pick the one that’s right for you? Below are 5 tips to help you make the right decision when looking to buy a new laptop.

1). Determine Your Needs

The first step in figuring out which laptop is right for you is to determine your unique needs. Most students for example would place the emphasis on price, portability, and battery life. In that situation you should look for a laptop with a 14- or 15-inch display. A larger screen means a heavier and bulkier laptop, making it more uncomfortable to carry around. Larger screens also deplete the battery at a much faster rate.

Home users on the other hand should look for laptops with much larger displays than the traditional 14- or 15-inch screens. As these systems typically stay anchored to your desk, table, or kitchen – perhaps occasionally being moved from room to room, the emphasis should be placed on improving the overall visual experience and performance. A larger number of USB ports (3-4) would also be helpful in order to plug-in, for example, a mouse, digital camera, printer, and external hard drive.

Business users often need something more rugged; able to withstand the stresses of constant travel. Because of this, a longer warranty plan is much more important. Security is also a concern so a laptop with extra security features is more ideal.

Determining your unique needs will help narrow down your choices considerably and help make the decision of which laptop to buy much easier.

2). A Good CPU Is Key

The CPU is the most important component of any laptop. Not cutting corners in this department is important if you want a good laptop and a good overall experience. For most users, a dual core processor is the best option. It offers excellent speed and multitasking capabilities with good power consumption. If you’re planning to use your laptop to play video games, edit video, or play HD movies, it would be wise to invest in a more powerful processor such as the Intel Core i7.

Picking the right CPU can be difficult, so do research on the individual processors available to get a better idea of how they will perform with what you’re intending to use the laptop for. When it comes to CPUs, you get what you pay for, so use the price as a guide to help you make the decision but keep in mind that the more powerful processors also consume more battery life as well.

3). Memory Is Very Important

As operating systems and programs continue to use more and more memory, this is not an area you want to overlook. If the laptop is running Windows Vista or Windows 7, then 2GB of memory or more is required for good performance. The 32-bit version of Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, can only detect up to 4GB of memory and it’s recommended that you look for a laptop with that much.

However, RAM is cheap and easy to install. You can simply buy less in the beginning and add more if you find that the performance is not adequate. Just make sure that the laptop has a slot available to upgrade. For example, a 2GB laptop with 2 DIMM slots might have two 1GB memory sticks. In that situation you would need to throw one of the memory sticks out in order to add more.

4). Touch It Before You Buy It

These days you tend to find the best prices and deals online. However, before you make the purchase you should try and find a store with the same laptop on display. As with most products, what you see in the advertisement and what you get can be a little different. See if you like the look, shape, and feel in real life as much as in the photos. Do the keys feel nice? Does the screen have problems with glare? Is it heavier or lighter than you expected? Does it feel solid or cheap? You won’t be able to answer these questions by looking at a professionally edited advertisement picture so you need to see the product for yourself first hand whenever possible.

5). Read Reviews Online

This is the most important step. Whatever it is that you’re looking to buy, you should always get a few opinions from other sources, and the internet is the best place to go. Read a few reviews by going to Google and typing in “[laptop name] review” and to see what people have to say. Check out customer reviews from the popular online computer retailers like TigerDirect.com, NewEgg.Com, NCIX.com, etc.

If the reviews give you the green light, then go ahead with the purchase. If you see warning signs then consider yourself lucky to have found out sooner rather than later, and look for something different. Finding little to no information or reviews on a specific laptop is one of the biggest warning signs of all. Unless you like to gamble with your money, you should look for a laptop with some reputation. The last thing you want to do is test out new products at your own expense.

source : www.articlecity.com  by: Nick Fotache