I have always been interested in computers, but in the beginning, I would not venture any further than to the software end of learning. However, learning only the software side, and knowing nothing about the hardware side, can open you up to some costly times at the shop.
When I was selling peripherals, I happen to ask my immediate supervisor how he would go about learning the hardware side of computers. He looked at me and flatly stated, "Like I did -- learn by doing – build a computer from scratch".
Well, that is exactly what I did. And I'll give you a tidbit of what I learned and the problems I encountered.
Lessons Learned
1. I tried to put a floppy drive from my old unit into my new unit. I blew up the floppy drive. Lesson learned – do not put outdated computer components into a new system. Duh!
2. Some of the old programs are not compatible with the new operating system. Did cost me some extra money and time.
3. Don't build a new system from scratch – it cost more than a manufactured unit, unless you have money to burn, want to learn more about computers, or you are going to repair computers for a living.
What do you need in a computer?
Since you are going to run your business from your computer – you want to make sure you get the best you can get, at the price you can afford.
1. When money allows, piggyback an additional hard drive onto your primary hard drive for backup. Needless to say, your primary hard drive will not
last forever.
2. CD-ROM – (Self explanatory)
3. Hard drive – Make sure your hard drive has enough memory -- I have several 40 GB hard drives.
4. Floppy drive – good for quick copies of an Excel, Word, etc.
5. Printer – A quality printer. When looking for a printer, make sure it is compatible with the operating system you have and the operating system that is currently out on the market. Why? It saves you time – you may have to look for an upgrade for your printer online for the new operating system – sometimes it's free, sometimes it's not, or sometimes the computer will not support the printer with the new operating systems. They want you to buy a
new unit.
6. Power supply – some suggest that the computer unit should have 300+ voltage to give your operating system a lot of snap.
7. Fans – The new units usually have additional fans to cool the CPU – which will help extend the life of your computer.
8. Networking capabilities – you'll never know when you want to add an additional unit, it's always good to be prepared – and trust me it will happen
eventually.
9. If you have to buy a new operating system, I would suggest going with Microsoft XP Professional. I found it very stable, and less likely to crash.
Suggestions
If you start adding everything up, you will realize that I spent more on a "build it yourself unit" versus that of a complete unit. And the complete unit my friend, is definitely the way I will go from now on.
I have bought several units, and through hard knocks (rebates not received, wrong unit sent – poor customer service) – learned that the best deal that I have encountered was from Dell Computers. They offer different computer units, peripherals, printers, etc. with instant savings on select Dell PCs -- great weekly deals – reasonable prices and honored rebates. Okay, as you can see I'm sold on Dell – if you want to take a closer look you can go to my website
at www.myaffiliateplace.biz to see for yourself what they have to offer.
To conclude, when you buy a computer unit online always be aware of what you're buying, what you will be using it for and with, and where you are buying it and from whom. Sometimes you have to take the hard knocks to learn, which is okay, however, when the hard knocks include an outlay of money – it's always good to have some good advise before making a decision.
Your Affiliate Business - Peripherals, Software, Computers
Adware: Are Your Business's Computers Secure?
Adware, software dedicated to displaying advertising, can really slow down any business that depends on computers. Adware promoters use some cunning tricks to get you to install their software on your machine. Here's what to look out for.
Adware is, by definition, something reasonable people don't want on their computers. That's why adware can't just come out and ask people to install it. Often, the computer owner is completely unaware of it being installed. But not always.
When adware doesn't want to sneak in through an open window, it will try to trick you into letting it in through the front door. Don't think you could be tricked? Don't be so sure until you've checked out these most common ways people have been tricked into allowing malware to be installed on their machines.
Adware Installation Trick 1: Piggybacking
How it works: malware may come bundled with a legitimate piece of software the user actually wants, such as a game or emoticon. The malware is merely labeled "companion software," without any indication of what it will do.
How to fight it: the fact that adware so often comes bundled with "entertainment" software, most notably the file-swapping program Kazaa, is a very good reason to separate business from personal when it comes to computing. But adware can sometimes comes bundled with non-entertainment software, such as search tools or cracks of legitimate business software. Be very suspicious of any software that comes bundled with other software. Don't installed software that comes bundled with other software unless you know everything that the bundled software does. After all, if the bundled program has anything to do with the program you actually want, why couldn't the software developer just get both programs' functionalities into a single piece of software? Software developers are now very sensitive to malware concerns and will provide a lengthy explanation of just why the bundled software is necessary, in the cases when they actually do need to use bundled software.
Adware Installation Trick 2: Bait and Switch
How it works: since people are getting more and more suspicious of bundled software, the program's developers may simply label it as valuable software, for instance, a browser plugin that supposedly accelerates web browsing (but in reality only shows ads).
How to fight it: again, a suspicious mind is useful in avoiding malware. Ask yourself some questions:
* What will this software actually do? Adware and adware-bundled software often come with very fuzzy claims attached. Sure, it says it will improve your browsing experience, but how? Often, this improved browsing experience just means a browsing experience with more advertising.
* If the software is so great, why is it being given away free? Most commonly, software is only given out free in two cases: if it's OpenSource (designed by a community of developers and not proprietary–OpenSource software is always clearly labeled as such); or simply a come-on for a fuller-featured version of the software. If neither case is true, there's a real chance the software is financed by adware.
Adware Installation Trick 3: Outright Lying
How it works: adware may even be labeled as something else entirely, such as a well-known piece of software or a crucial component of the computer operating system.
How to fight it: this is the trickiest adware of all, and requires extreme caution. You don't want to start deleting any of your program files, much less your system registry entries, unless you're absolutely sure it's malware. Plenty of overzealous parasite hunters have shot their own machines to bits this way. This is one case where you want to be using an anti-spyware program, and preferably a second anti-spyware program to provide a second opinion.
Getting Rid of Adware
Adware is so tricky that trying to uninstall it by yourself could be like a trip into the Matrix. Luckily, there are good anti-spyware programs that tackle adware as well–after all many adware programs are also spyware since they monitor your internet usage.
True, it may feel like adding insult to injury to have to install more software to get rid of software you never meant to install in the first place. But keeping your computer free of adware is just one new cost of doing business.