What the Heck's in Your Computer - Part 2: CPU

The CPU or central processing unit (shorthand is processor or microprocessor) is both the brains and muscle of your computer. It does all the heavy lifting when it comes to executing instructions from your programs. In other words allowing them to run and do what you need them to. It is also generally the most expensive part in any computer. CPUs have come from a number of manufacturers over the years including IBM, AMD, and the best known and market leader Intel. In past years there was far more competition between companies making processors but Intel has emerged as the mainstream giant with only AMD as competition . CPUs are at the heart of many consumer devices such as smart phones, tablets and even cable set top boxes.

In the past buying a computer was as simple as numbers – more was better. So a 2.5 gigahertz (internal clock speed) processor was always faster than 1.5 gigahertz—easy. For computer CPUs there was a fundamental shift in design about 5 years ago. The manufacturers realized they could not continue to increase clock speeds because that was increasing power requirements and heat past the point that was manageable in most designs. The solution was to add cores – in other words put multiple processors on one physical chip. This turned out to be the answer to moving processing speeds forward – multiprocessing was the future. Operating systems and software would need to be released to support this so first windows Vista and now windows 7 uses this capacity. Consumers first saw this in the 32bit Intel core duo then the 64bit core 2 duo. Now we have the i3 entry level, i5 mainstream, and i7 processor which is really a family of processors using anywhere from 2 to 6 cores – each has varied amounts of cache ram – some with on board video processing and some without.

So I guess the point is buying a computer based on numbers alone is no longer the best method. To know exactly what a processor can do I’d advise checking a comparison guide like those found on the Intel web site or Wikipedia. If you prefer someone else do the legwork a sales professional will ask your current and projected uses for the system and then recommend a processor based on that. Someone doing basic internet and documents doesn’t need the latest, fastest and most expensive processor while someone editing HD video or multi-monitor 3d gaming or design very well might.

If you are looking for a new PC and have questions about the components for your system, the sales team at Northern are happy to assist.

Click here for Part 1: The Motherboard

Click here for Part 3: The Hard Drive

Click here for Part 4: The RAM

-Paul C, Service Bench Supervisor

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca  or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca/

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What the Heck's in Your Computer - Part 1: The Motherboard

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The motherboard, also known as the main logic board, has been at the heart of every micro computer since its invention. Its function is similar to the foundation of a building in that it houses the wiring and plumbing required and provides a platform for the subsystems that make up the whole structure.

Managing the traffic between subsystems (ie hard drive, processor and ram) across links called busses is the key function of any motherboard. Over the years many of the components that used to be added on to a motherboard in the form of cards have become integrated. Examples would be video and networking. The notebook/netbook and now tablet revolution have made the motherboard much smaller. More expensive motherboards tend to have faster busses and support the latest processors, sometimes more than one processor in the case of server motherboards.

As a user you can be happy not knowing what your motherboard is up to as it should just work. There is only one place to change the motherboard settings and that is the "system bios", also called cmos. However, modifications to these settings are best left to the professionals as many of these settings can do more harm than good.

Motherboards have become a very reliable component in any system because they have no moving parts and are shielded from static - any electronic components biggest enemy. As far as evidence as to how reliable they are - when troubleshooting a system for hardware faults we eliminate every other system before suspecting the motherboard as a problem component. If you are shopping for a new system you are best to stay with name brand motherboards. That is why our NCI Integra systems all have only the latest Intel motherboards - reliability and industry standards from a leader in the market.

Click here for Part 2: The CPU
Click here for Part 3: The Hard Drive
Click here for Part 4: The RAM

- Paul C, Service Bench Supervisor

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896 Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca/

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Peer to Peer Networking

This is a heavy title for a small article. Anybody in IT, at some point gets called upon to do a small peer to peer network for someone, often family or friends and often with great trepidation. It’s not that peer to peer networks are unreliable. A properly setup peer network is as reliable as any other. The problem is people.

As soon as the second PC rolled off the assembly line, someone wanted to connect it to the first one. This is the core of networking. Early on it was Lantastic, Banyan Vines, Windows for Workgroups and a dozen others. Microsoft dominated the market, and now most peer networking is a component of the Operating system. Peer networking (or P2P) has continued to evolve into a separate existance, with music sharing programs like Itunes, Limewire and such.

So the call comes. Uncle Bob and Aunt May want to network. Originally they had one computer and shared it, until Uncle Bob figured out how to download a Halle Berry Wallpaper. This was the end of ‘sharing the computer.’ Aunt May wanted a computer of her own. In came a new computer for Aunt May (uncle Bob had to keep the old, ‘filthy’ computer) and a router. Each has their own email address, and life was sweet again…Until the pictures start arriving. Turns out that Uncle Bob and Aunt May actually have lives, and interact with different people. Sometimes one gets pictures that the other one wants. They started emailing each other back and forth, but they knew from their very clever nephew who (talks too much) that there was a better way.

Now networking two Windows XP workstations is about the simplest network you can implement. You’d think by now we, as professionals, could agree on a standard. Apparently this is not an option at this point. So, I, Mark Smed, being God of all that I survey, have decided with all my powers to impose upon all of society the ‘correct’ way to network two computers, which are running Windows XP, service Pack 2. Complaints can be sent to the editor.

The basics are pretty simple. Give each machine a unique name, and put them in the same workgroup. TaDaa! Now whose computer do we setup a shared folder on?

Aunt May’s computer is

1. Newer and less likely to fail

2. Has greater capacity since it has a larger hard drive

3. Aunt May is more likely to complete a regular backup since Uncle Bob marches to the beat of a different drummer.

So we setup the shared folder, and tried to access it from Uncle Bob’s computer. It doesn’t work…Wait; Windows XP has a firewall, which prevents these types of intrusions.

This is where we diverge as a profession. Some of us would disable Windows XP’s firewall, since the Router/Firewall will prevent access to the workstations. Another group would create port exceptions in the firewall, which allow the computers to communicate. The really smart group would enable the Peer-to-Peer service in Add/remove Programs, Network services. LOL…ok, that’s a judgement on my part, but as a professional, I need to make decisions about these things. It’s not as simple decision to make. I have a Code of Ethics that I support and underlie all decisions I make.

The first choice is to disable Windows XP’s firewall. Goodness knows, I’ve gone to this as a solution a number of times as time adds up on a service call, and it appears to be a quick solution to a small problem with some odd piece of software. In fact, when Windows first started offering a firewall, I’m sure a lot of us disabled it because of time constraints and ignorance of its potential. I also remember the first time I encountered a network aware virus, which spread to machine with the firewall disabled. Disabling the firewall is not an option anymore, when networking computers, unless it is the only solution available to a unique problem. I have spoken, let all hear and obey.

The second choice sounds good. You still have a firewall enabled, so that will help with things like network aware viruses and the likes. The problem is that peer-to-peer networking is more than open ports. There are a whole series of activities within Windows that are not going to happen if you only enable certain ports. It’s much more complex; See the following;

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457079.aspx

The last solution is the best solution to offer. It provides the most stable platform for the customer (Uncle Bob and Aunt May). A proper setup, with some training, will ensure that the customers are happy and bring you lots of chocolate chip cookies (or other lesser forms of compensation).

“Now Nephew, I want to start downloading music like I hear people are doing. With this fine network you setup, Aunt May will want to access that as well – When can you set that up?”

“Uncle Bob, music sharing is not really legal. There has been a lot of press related to this and some people have faced some serious charges regarding this. It also exposes you to some potential hazards from the files your downloading”

“Damnations Son! Look over here, I have 1427 LP’s that I purchased in my life. I ain’t stealing music, I’m just downloading what I already own. I promise you that…besides, Aunt May is started her Christmas baking and I have some good currency in the freezer”

Even IT God’s have their challenges.

Mark S, Northern Computer Network Service Technician

Article Originally Published in Network Professional Journal  http://www.npa.org/

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca  or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca/

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Office Ergonomics - Keyboard Setup & Usage

The last area in your work station setup (see our articles on mouse and monitor ergonomics) that can cause injury from improper usage is the keyboard. Sore wrists and carpal are common ailments with incorrect usage. If the wrists are not in a flat and neutral position, the tendons can rub as they move and create extra pressure in the nerves. There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent these problems from developing:

•Ensure your keyboard (and mouse) are placed directly in front of you

•Ensure your elbows are close to your body and your shoulders are in a relaxed position

•Check your seat height - Your wrists should be straight and your hands should be in line with your forearms.

MS Keyboard Natural Elite Black
$59.95

Ergonomic keyboards can also be purchased that have been specially designed and contoured to relieve repetitive stress injuries. They usually have a contoured design that is more comfortable than a standard flat keyboard. There is a wide variety available, but there are two main types that are sold and used most often. The traditional look that most people are familiar with is the Microsoft Natural Elite. This was one of the first of its kind with a waved or curved key layout. The other main type has a split-key model. The keyboard actually separates at one or more points and the keys separate with each part. These are considered advanced and most beginners should try a standard type before attempting to use one of these. The most popular is the Goldtouch Keyboard. Keep in mind thought that getting comfortable with any ergonomic keyboard will take time though.

A good practice is to take a break at regular intervals and shake your hands, rotate them clockwise and anti-clockwise a few times to help relieve tension in the fingers, wrists and forearms.

- Janet F, Marketing Coordinator

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca  or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca/

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How to Compress A File

Some files are too big to be sent over the internet and it is often necessary to "compress" them to make them smaller so that they can be sent more quickly. The files are not damaged or changed, just stored in a different way. A good analogy is to think of it like taking a large letter, folding it up and putting it inside a small envelope. You send the envelope which now takes up less space, but at the other end the envelope can be opened and the large letter folded out again. The contents can now be "extracted" back to their original size and used as normal.


To compress a file with Windows XP, Vista or 7 follow these instructions:

1.Create a new folder and cut or copy all of the files the you would like to compress into the folder

2.Right click on the folder and select Send To from the menu which appears

3.Select Compressed (zipped) Folder from the list of options

4.Attach the compressed folder(with the .zip extension) to your email

To uncompress the files:

1.Right click on the compressed

2.Select Extract All from the menu which appears

3.This will open the Windows Extraction wizard

4.Click Next to extract the files

- Janet F, Marketing Coordinator

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca  or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca/

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Recovering Lost Icons

The use of desktop icons has served to simplify opening and using programs. With the simple click of a mouse, a program can be opened. Unfortunately, they can also be deleted, but there is a simple process to recover desktop icons. Just follow these steps:

First place your mouse anywhere in a blank area on your desktop and right click your mouse.

1. Depending on the version of windows that you have, the following instructions will change.

•Windows XP: A pop up menu will appear. Choose the "Properties" tab by left clicking and you will receive a dialogue box. Left click on the tab named "Desktop". Now select "Customize Desktop" which will prompt another dialogue box to open. From there click on the "General" tab. Now choose the icons you want restored or placed on the desktop.

•Windows Vista and Windows 7: Select the "Personalize" option from the menu and then "Change Desktop Items". You can now choose the icons you want back on the desktop by checking the box next to the icon name.

2. Lastly, click on the "Apply" of "OK" button and the icons should be on your desktop.

- Janet F, Marketing Coordinator

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca  or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca/

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How to Take a Screenshot with Windows Vista or 7

Screen shots or screen captures can be helpful when information on your display/monitor needs to be shown to others ‐ maybe to show a problem or demonstrate how a program is used.

I recently discovered a tool called the "Snipping Tool" that is available in Windows Vista or Windows 7. This tool allows you to select only the portion of the screen.

To access this tool go to your Start menu, select All Programs, the Accessories folder and lastly click on the Snipping Tool. A window will appear with instructions to select the area that you would like to crop. Select the area clicking and holding down your left mouse and dragging around the area.

A new window will appear with your selection that you can send to an email or save to a location of your choosing that you can later open and view as you would any other picture.

Now the next time that you are trying to explain something, you can take a screen shot to help with your explanation.
 

- Janet F, Marketing Coordinator

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca/

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Kelowna - Cloud Computing

The cloud – it’s all the hype right now, but what does it mean? Simply stated, it is a general term for anything that involves delivering hosted services over the Internet. The name was inspired by the cloud symbol that’s often used to represent the Internet in flowcharts and diagrams. Chances are, you are already using an application in the cloud or storing files there. Are you using gmail or facebook? Have you ever uploaded anything to the internet? Do you have a website?

Years ago, when you had a website, you would have it sitting on a server in your office. But as more people stopped by to visit your website, you needed new, bigger and better servers to handle all of this traffic. This became costly and took more time and resources to maintain it all. New businesses were formed that bought lots of servers and did all of the work to service them and sold you space to put your website on their servers. In other terminology, they “host” your website. Where is the content from your website physically sitting? It could be in a datacenter anywhere. It is in the cloud.

Examples of application software include gmail, google docs or facebook. You can access any of these applications from anywhere and access the files (pictures, documents, etc) that you’ve uploaded from anywhere as well. You don’t actually own the application or the hardware that it resides on.

How will businesses use cloud computing? Why will businesses move to cloud computing?

Businesses today are facing many challenges – rising costs, declining sales, tough competition. They need to find ways to increase the efficiency of their business operations and do more on their existing infrastructure.

• Reduced Costs and Resources– Only pay for the resources you use, as you use them with a monthly subscription fee. You don’t own the application software or the hardware or the costs associated with ownership. By placing storage and server needs in the hands of a 3rd party, you shift the burden of in house IT onto the out sourcer.

• Scalability – You can grow or shrink to match your demand, referred to as elastic. If you need more computing power, it is available instantly. There is no need to secure additional hardware or software that you may or may not need to use.

• Highly Automated – IT personnel are not needed to keep software up to date.

• Easy Implementation – Without the need to purchase hardware or software licenses, a company can get it’s cloud computing services off the ground quickly – and for a fraction of the cost.

• Mobility – You don’t have to be confined to working from one physical location Work from any PC, anywhere and relocation is easy. And if your business relocates, there is no hardware to move.

Talk with our office for more information about how cloud services can help your business.

Janet F, Marketing Coordinator

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca/

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