Category: Computer

First it was the desktop PC, then the Laptop, next the Notebook and thereafter the Netbook. So what do all these computers have in common and more specifically what if any are the differences in these computers? Let’s leave the desktop and the laptop aside for now because this is one topic that has been thrashed around for a long time. The introduction of the Notebook Computer and the netbook are comparatively new and as such most people and especially new users become a little puzzled as to which they should choose providing they need a portable computer.

The primary difference can be said is the size because the netbook is even smaller and lighter than the Notebook computer. The common factor is that they are both laptop computers but with smaller screens in various degrees. When the netbook was first introduced it came with a screen as small as 7” but most of these now have 10” to 12” screen making them very much similar to the notebook computer in many ways. This was mostly due to the 7” screen being ultra small making it difficult for many people to read the contents even at close quarters. The Netbook also comes with a very small keyboard that makes it hard to type without striking two or three keys at the same time unless the user has very small fingers.

Having very small keys makes you prone to making typing errors more often than not, especially when you type fast and for this reasons many people avoid using the netbook for preparing documents although it’s quite good for surfing the web and chatting with friends. Another disadvantage for some people is the lack of a CD-Rom which for many doesn’t matter much because the netbook is mostly used when they are out and about. But they do have a better choice in operating systems and although initially they came out only with versions of Linux, today’s netbook can be purchase with Windows 7 or XP.

The notebook computer is also portable and the same as the laptop or netbook and in between the two as afar as size is concerned. It comes with a screen that is smaller than the laptop but bigger than the netbook making it the ideal size for functionality and portability. The notebook computer also has a keyboard with keys that are more user friendly than the micro netbook keys and instead of the ubiquitous mouse; it comes with a trackpad that some people takes time getting used to.

One of the biggest benefits of the notebook computer is its long battery life which makes it the ideal computer to take with you on trips where you won’t be easily able to get the battery charged. Having multiple USB ports also allow users to connect various devices such as a flash drive, memory card reader or even headphones and mikes to enable the use of applications like Skype. They perform at very high speed and can be connected to a TV set if the need arises. The notebook computer consists of networking jacks or come with Wi-Fi capabilities that allow you to share a home or office network from wherever you are.

Computers are nowadays practically being used in every aspect of people’s lives and everyone is relying on these gadgets heavily. Their use ranges from handling operations, data storage, shopping, entertainment, school work and many more. With very important information being stored in a computer, it makes sense that the information must be sufficiently protected and secure. For instance, businesses must ensure that hackers are not able to access their data as they might ruin the businesses. Also, people who store their sensitive information such as credit card numbers, bank details and even social security numbers in the system must ensure that such information is completely secure from any kind of misuse.

There are various things that can compromise the security of your computer such as worms, Trojan horses, viruses and even spoofing. Among these, a virus is the most notorious and common one. It comes in form of software that is specially designed to harm your files when it is installed. Installation is mostly done without user’s knowledge and one will even not know its presence until its devastating effects start to show off. When it hooks itself in the system it starts spreading resulting in more damages, corrupting the system and deleting other files. Thankfully, anti virus software provides protection against the effects of such viruses and keeps your system safe.

A computer worm is an offshoot of the virus whose effects are more or less similar to those of a virus. The only difference is that the worm will attach itself to a certain program and attack the system once the program is run. In addition to replicating themselves all over corporate network, these worms consume a greater proportion of the system bandwidth which adversely affects the performance of the system. Then there is the popular Trojan horse threat that appears just like any other program while it is actually not. Unlike worms and viruses, the Trojan horse does not undergo replication. All these different threats are collectively termed as malware which means malicious programs that invade the system. It is paramount that one knows how to suspect the presence of any of these malware and take the necessary actions before the system is attacked and rendered useless.

Computer infection can manifest itself in a number of ways. First, in addition to finding some of your files missing, you will also note that a number of them are also corrupted. Most PCs also start producing some strange sounds in the face of an infection while at other times you will find that your system is loosing memory for no good reason. The properties of the PC also start to change slowly by slowly while some strange files start showing and pop up messages and images are displayed at the same time. With all these malware posing a potential damage to your system, protecting your system by use of one of the effective protection software programs is not so much of an option but a necessity. You can download free anti virus software online or buy a full software version for maximum security.

Playroom Prop

If you,re lucky enough to have kids you l know that they love role-playing games, and they all want to imitate Mum and Dad. Re-create an office atmosphere for them to play in with a few old bits and pieces and have your printer take pride of place. However, if they start drinking too much coffee or shouting obscenities into their toy phone it might be time to dismantle the operation.

Find an Electronic Recycling Schemea
Many electronics outlets will recycle your old equipment for free; all you have to do is take your printer to them. Recycling helps to save natural resources and reduces the effect of man-made toxins on the environment which in turn; will help to prevent the contamination of soil and water.

Storage Safe

If you remove the inner workings of a large printer you are left with a hollow space which can serve as a great incognito storage space. If its big enough you can even use it to hide your other halfs birthday/Christmas presents if theyre the type to try and hunt them down prematurely.

Sculptures

For those into steam punk and tech sculptures, your defunct printer is a great source of weird looking parts and components that with the right creative influence can be crafted into something rather impressive. Remember its probably a good idea to disconnect your printer from the mains before attempting to dismantle it.

Make Some Cash

By listing your old electronics on auction sites such as eBay even just for spare parts you can get a little bit of money back. With the cost of ink these days its the least your printer can do.

Plant Pot

Again, with the hollowing out technique youve got a weird and wonderful space-age plant pot for indoor or outdoor use.

Shelf

If youve got a stack of stuff that you need to put somewhere, you might consider piling said stack of stuff on top of useless printer. With time you may even forget that you even have an old printer underneath that pile of miscellaneous matter.

Donation

You could always consider simply giving your printer away. This can be cleverly orchestrated so someone else comes to pick it up, negating any need to drive tens of hundreds of miles to drop it into the nearest ravine. You never know, someone else might even be able to get the damn thing working properly.

Doorstop

Pretty self explanatory; position your useless printer to prop doors open in your house. It may be questionable in terms of health and safety, but your doors will stay open.

Stepping Stool

If you need to get hold of something ever so slightly out of your reach; step up on top of your printer (obviously only if its of the stable breeze block variety) and that extra foot or so will help to propel you upwards for all your reaching needs.

If you have any ideas for the alternative uses of frustrating electronics, feel free to share in the comment box below.

Use Printer

James Duval is an IT boffin and loves all things tech. He spends most of his time beating up zombies on his Xbox, writing for Cartridge Shop and shouting at his temperamental printer.