Computer Basics

Internet worms.
Is your PC infected?
If your computer has become infected with a worm, don’t panic, it is not the end of the world.
There are a number of things that you can do.
Microsoft has a security web page.www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx It offers up to the minute information on the latest security threats and worms. It also provides you with all of the tools to dig out the worms and fix any damage that they may have caused.
I expect that most of you are saying that you already have protection. May I ask a question? “Is it up-to-date?”
We all know that virus protection is essential. The trouble is that a lot of us have not updated our virus protection software since we purchased our computer, possibly three or four years ago.
The chances are, it is completely useless against the latest threats.
I am using AGV anti virus. I have found it to be totally reliable. There are other programs, I expect, that are just as good. Zone alarm also has a very good reputation. There are lots of others that won't break the bank.
Go to Google and type in “anti virus programs” and you will get more results than you could shake a stick at.
You only need one of these programs on your computer at one time. More than one and they tend to get confused and anything could happen.
Whatever program you use, be sure to keep it up-to-date. There are new viruses coming out almost on a daily basis. Try to get an update at least once a week. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
A lot of programs will email you when a new virus appears and offer the appropriate update as part of their service.
Whatever you do, don’t leave it until tomorrow. Tomorrow may be too late.
Do it now and sleep easy. Viruses have been known to cause nightmares.
All the best. Bob…

The good news about computer repair technician jobs is that technology is always changing and will require highly skilled people to provide support and service. The bad news is that the IT department is a high cost administrative area that is a slow moving target for budget cuts.
Most IT departments expand or contact based on the projects and technology desired or even required by any given company. There are very good times and very bad times for most computer repair technicians. I know, I’ve been in the Computer Repair business both as a contractor, self-employed or even as a fulltime employee for over 30 years.
The best way to deal with these up and downs in available work is to have a solid fall back plan that allows you to prosper in either situation. Computer Repair is a huge market in both commercial and individual areas.
Computers break, software confuses and disorients many people. That’s a fact. Although the user interfaces are becoming more friendly, the technology necessary to make them work is getting more and more complex. Throw in the Wild West style of the Internet and you have a perfect scenario for someone with the proper skills to make money full or part time.
But where most “techies” get into trouble is in both the day-to-day business requirements and selling and marketing their services. People skills are also important when running your own company. If you watch any movie about computers and software, and the folks who really understand them, they paint a pretty sad picture of the individuals involved.
It’s not quite that bad, but there are many facets that are true. Large IT departments often have an attitude that they are smart and everyone else is dumb. This type of environment is not a good training ground for the self-employed. In fact, it’s not a good thing for anyone, the department or the clients they serve.
Never the less, that less than good attitude is there and predominate. I was fortunate early on in my career to have a mentor who truly understood the fact that the only reason the IT department exists is to serve the rest of the company. Many IT folks never get that salient fact.
The successful computer repair business owner must know how to sell and market their services to both individuals and small business owners. They should also have some good people skills, because every computer has an operator. And many of the common computer repairs have to do with the individual between the chair and the keyboard.
Doing freelance computer repair work can be very profitable on both a part or full time basis. You’re selling knowledge and time for the most part. Sometimes hardware is involved but over half the service calls have to do with software, configuration, and problem solving.
So no matter what the computer repair technician jobs situation is, you can supplement or even replace your income by selling your self. The tax benefits alone can be a huge advantage. Being somewhat of a geek myself, I love being able to buy the high tech toys and getting to take a deduction since most items directly apply to my job.
So with the addition of a few new skills (business marketing and people), any computer repair technician can make some good money part or fulltime. So what kind of money is possible doing computer repair work?
Well, lets say you want to start out slow and just make some extra money for a great vacation, new toy, or college tuition for the kids. If you just do about 10-12 hours of part time work a month, only charge minimal amount ($50 an hour instead of the going $75), you can make an extra $7200 a year.
Maybe you save another $2-$4K in taxes, which gives you another $1,000 cash. So that’s quite a little jolt to the household budget for whatever. And if you should get a pink slip, for whatever reason, you could even crank up the part-time business to help fill the gap.
Of course the trick is acquiring those new skills. That’s where I might be able to help you out. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve been in the computer repair business for a long time. During those fun filled years I’ve developed both marketing and business practices directly related to the computer repair business.
I’ve compiled all the information into one big package that teaches and provides many marketing and business operating tools. Everything from a basic website, to software, and even marketing materials. This is not some general business guide. Every piece of information, every software tool, and marketing piece applies to a computer repair business.
And all of the material has proven to be successful in own computer repair business. There is no theory here, just proven successful methods I use everyday. If you want ot find out more, click on the link below.
So if you are looking for computer repair technician jobs, you might want to consider hiring yourself. I don’t know of any other business that you can start for less money or has a larger target audience.

Baker College is the largest independent college in the US state of Michigan, a fully accredited, private, not-for-profit career college system founded in 1911. It now houses 13 campuses, and offers worldwide online education focused on job specific training that promises a more personally rewarding career. Baker online is a series of courses and programs made accessible by Baker College via the internet, which links students to the faculty, offers them an opportunity to earn their degrees from the convenience of their own homes, with flexible schedules.
Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, in addition to being a member of the North Central Association. The Baker Center for Graduate Studies also carries professional accreditation by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
The Complete List of Online Degrees Offered by Baker Online:
Undergraduate Programs
1. Certificate
• Web Design
2. Associate of Applied Science Degree
• Computer Programming• Computer Programming - Java Option• Industrial Technology• Web Design
3. Associate of Business Degree
• Accounting• Accounting/Computer Information Systems• Accounting/Management• Computer Information Systems/Micro Applications• General Business• Human Resource Management• Management• Marketing
4. Bachelor of Business Administration
• Accounting• Business Administration - Accelerated Program• Finance• Human Resource Management• Management• Marketing
5. Bachelor of Computer Information Systems
• Computer Information Systems• Project Management and Planning
6. Bachelor of Computer Science
• Computer Science• Database Technology
7. Bachelor of Health Services Administration
• Health Services Administration - Accelerated Program
8. Bachelor of Web Development
• Web Development
9. Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Project Management and Planning
Graduate Programs
Master of Business Administration
• Accounting• Finance• General Business• Health Care Management• Human Resources Management• Leadership Studies• Marketing
Enrollment Requirements:
There are separate specific admission procedures for the Undergraduate and Graduate programs. Before enrolling for a degree program on Baker Online, students are required to have an experience in computer operation, such as loading software, using a word processor etc. There is also a three week online class to review and evaluate all the requirements, as well as introduce students to the Baker Online classroom. Additional courses only come after you have successfully completed this preliminary course, with instructions from a Development Coordinator or Academic Office.
The Blackboard, the Virtual Classroom, and the Asynchronous System:
Baker online uses several methods in their online teaching system.
The internet based “Blackboard” allows students to receive and send information with the instructor, the classroom, other students, and groups. Access to the internet is the only requirement, without the need for special software. The online common meeting area for students assigned to a specific online class is the “virtual classroom”, and each one is designated a unique name to ensure privacy. The "asynchronous” system is not dependant on time or place, and allows you to participate in discussion, read lectures, and complete exams.
The Library:
Baker online students can access and use any of the nine campus libraries, and online resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Besides the Baker libraries, Baker online also allows you to browse the library collection of other libraries all over North America, as well as access to downloadable journal articles.

Most of us rely on our personal computers and those in our office to complete multiple tasks each day. If that data is lost or compromised it can create numerous problems for us. Protecting computers against viruses and spyware is something you should do before you start using any program on it. The information you prevent from being accessed could be your credit card accounts and bank accounts. If they are compromised you can end up becoming a victim of identity theft.
One way that people accidentally end up with viruses or spyware on their computer is by not paying attention to the sites they use. Don’t get into the habit of giving out your personal information online just because a site asks for it. To opt in, you should only have to give them a first name and an email address.
Always check the address in the URL to make sure you are accessing a secure site. It should start with “https” as this will let you know it is very secure. If it only starts with “http” then the site is not secure and you can end up compromising the security of your computer if you continue entering information on the site.
Viruses can spread very rapidly so if you think your computer may be infected, you should take care not to pass it to any other area of your computer or to others via email. By disconnecting your computer from the network you have a good chance of isolating the damages.
Always be on the alert for various types of emails known as phishing. This is a scam to get you to provide personal information. Once you do, spyware can be attached to your computer. Never respond to emails asking you for personal information as most credible companies won’t contact you for such information.
Make sure you purchase a virus and spyware protection program that is very easy to install. Most of them offer step by step instructions for you to follow. You can find out how easy such software programs are to install before you buy them just by reading some independent reviews online.
You need to choose the program for your computer protection very carefully. While they are designed to give you the very best security, you can be sure those trying to pass viruses or get spyware into your system are very smart. They have learned elaborate tricks to be able to gain access to your information.
One of the latest tactics that these criminals have been using is to sell software that is supposed to protect your computer from viruses and spyware. Unfortunately, what they are selling you is actually the very thing you are trying to protect yourself against. Always get such software from a company that has an excellent reputation, not just any one that you come across online for a good price.
In order to ensure your computer is well protected against viruses and spyware, you want a program that offers you instant updates. These will usually happen for one full year after you install the program. This ensures that your protective software is always the most current available and criminals will have a hard time infecting your computer system with viruses or spyware.

Are you ready to purchase a new computer? Great! The choices can be daunting, though. Just looking at the price aspect, you can spend anywhere from three hundred euros to several thousand euros, quite easily.
The first choice you'll need to make is whether to buy a desktop or a laptop. If you need any amount of mobility at all, we'd suggest a laptop. If you don't plan on moving your computer around or using away from your home or office, you might want a desktop. Desktop computers are easier to repair and are cheaper for what you get.
Next, you'll need to make a choice on some of the major features and components of the computer.
Memory is a big factor in determining how quickly your computer performs tasks - I would not buy a computer with less than 512 MB of memory. 1 GB of memory would be even better. If you are planning on doing lots of multimedia work or other tasks that require a lot of operating resources, you should probably get 2 GB of memory. Also keep in mind that memory is classified by speed as well as storage size.
You'll also need to decide on what processor you want and/or need. If you're not familiar with the technical aspects of computer processors and you are going to need a processor that's more powerful than standard, you might want to consult with a computer expert to help you make the choice.
You'll also need to choose the hard drive size you'll need. This is any easy choice to make - just see how much hard drive space you're using now, add in any increases you expect to need, then add some space for expansion.
There are many, many different components of a computer that you'll have to choose. It's worth a little time to think about exactly what you need so you make the right choice the first time.

What is a computer?
Computer is an electronic device with a ability to: -
1. Accept data 2. Input, Store and execute instruction. 3. Perform mathematical and logical operation 4. Output results according to users requirement
Computer has certain Limitation:-
1. Cannot think on their own 2. Task has to be described in detail. 3. Do not learn from experience. 4. Cannot detect or correct errors in logic or data.
HISTORY OF THE COMPUTER : People have always needed to count. Earlier they counted with their fingers and probably through scratch making on trees or bones or on the walls of their caves. Over the centuries the science of numbers and computing has changed dramatically. People are now able to solve very sophisticated problems, and increasingly so with the aid of computers. Today we use computers in virtually every environment. From the executive in an office to the housewife and her washing machine to the teenager recording his/her favorite television programme, computers have entered into practically every sphere of human activity. The history of computing can be traced back to Abacus (2000 BC). Used primarily by merchants, the Abacus was a mechanical device used to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers. Centuries later, mechanically operated devices were developed. These machines could add and subtract numbers (in 1642 Blaise Pascal's Calculating Machine), as well as multiply divide numbers (in 1671 Leibniz's Calculator) A few years later Charles Babbage, referred to as the "father of computers" devised a machine (Analytical Engine) which could be "programmed" by instructions coded initially on punched cards and then stored internally.
GENERATION OF COMPUTERS :
First Generation Computers - 1951-59 : They used vacuum Tubes as their principal component. They could store 10,000 to 20,000 characters. Magnetic Core Memory was used.
Second Generation Computers - 1959-64 : The Second Generation Computers replaced the Vacuum Tubes with Transistors. This led to the miniaturization of Computers. The concept of Multi Programming was introduced with Second Generation Computers. The most popular Second Generation Computer was the IBM 1401.
Third Generation Computers - 1964-70 : The Third Computers introduced integrated circuits, the equivalent of hundred and thousands of transistors on a small silicon chip. This drastically reduced the cost, size and power requirements. This technology produces powerful Mini Computers.
Fourth Generation Computers - 1970 till now The LSI (Large Size Integrated) Technology with many thousand of Electronic Devices on a small silicon chip signaled the Fourth Large Number of Character could be stored and also these Computers were much faster. IBM 370 was most popular machine.
A computer system can be viewed as a system of three Major Components:-
Hardware : It deals with a computer equipment that is mechanical, electrical, and electronic parts of the computer.
Software: It contains programs that instruct a computer how to process data and generate required information.
Human-ware : Person who operate the computer and also those who write the program i.e. - operator, programmers etc
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT :-
The heart of the computer is CPU It performs the various function with help of following components :-
1. RITHMETIC LOGICAL UNIT (ALU) :- Performs the actual calculations such as addition, multiplication, subtraction, and comparison like greater than lesser than, equal to, positive, negative or zero
2. MEMORY UNIT (MU) :- Memory unit or main storage unit holds data, instruction (that are being interpreted and executed, the results are ready for the output)
3. CONTROL UNIT (CU) :- The control unit co-ordinates the operation ofthe hardware. It also co-ordinate the flow and execution of data and instruction that are feed into the memory or main storage of CPU.
PERIPHERAL DEVICES
Peripheral devices can be classified as
1) INPUT DEVICES: - It allows feed the data into C.PU. (Computer) Examples of output devices are explained below: -
1) KEYBOARD - It is a important input device which is use every where. The keys are same as typewriter. They are classified as follows: -A) Alphabet Keys (A to Z). B) Numeric Key (0 to 9) C) Alphanumeric keys (!@#$% ~ &*) D) Function keys (Fl, F2, F3,..... F12) E) Arrow keys (Up arrow, Down arrow, Right arrow, Left arrow) F) Special keys (ENTER, TAB, CAPS LOCK, SHIFT, CTRL, ESC, ALT) 2) MOUSE - It is a device, which can easy to operate by one hand only.
It looks like a rat or mouse. It includes a three buttons & we can operate mouse through that buttons
2) OUTPUT DEVICES - The data, which we feed in computer through input device that data are displayed through, output device whenever called. Examples of output device as follows: -
1) Monitor (Screen of the computer)
2) Printer (DOT Matrix, Laser, etc.)
3) Backing Storage Devices :- Are those devices which can store data feed in by the use of input device. Some examples of backing storage devices are as below:-1) Hard Disk 2) Floppy Disk 3) Compact Disk (CD)
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
Computers can be classified on purpose, components and size
1.ANALOG COMPUTERS 2.DIGITAL COMPUTERS 3.HYBRID COMPUTERS
Analog Computers : Analog computers are computer that measures physical quantities (eg. Temperature, length, pressure, Whether reports etc...) and convert them to numeric values. It is used mainly for scientific & engineering purpose.
Digital Computers : Digital computers are used for mathematical operations such as (eg . addition ,subtraction, letters, symbols)
Hybrid Computers: The features of analog and digital computer are combined to create a hybrid computing system. The doctors to measure hearts beats SIZE mostly use hybrid computers –
All digital computer store numbers, letters and other characters in coded form. The code used to represent characters is the binary code - i.e. a code made up of binary digits or bits. Every character is represent by a string of "Os" and ""Is" - the only digits found in the binary numbering system. When data is types into a computer the keyboard convert each keystroke into a binary character code. This code is then transmitted to the computer, when the computer transmits the data to the - printer or the screen, or to the disk, each individual character is communicated in binary code. It is then converted back to the specific character while displaying or printing the data.
One 'Bit1 is a short of Binary Digit. A collection of 8 bits is known as a BYTE and half of byte i.e. a collection of 4 bits is known as a NIBBLE; 1 Byte= 8 Bits; 1 Kilobyte (KB)= 1024 Bytes; 1 Megabyte (MB)= 1024 KB; 1 Gigabyte (GB)= 1024 MB.
Note :- Every character you type occupies 1 byte, Every Space occupies 2 bytes and every Enter you hit occupies 2 bytes.
TYPES OF STORAGE SYSTEM
1. INTERNAL STORAGE :-
RAM :- (Random Access Memory ).Where programs arid data are held during processing temporarily. Data stored in the RAM is lost when either the machine is switched off. ROM :- (Read Only Memory). Where permanent instructions or data are held. The ROM does not require a continuous supply of power to retain it contents.
2. EXTERNAL STORAGE:-
(A) HARD DISK : Hard disks are a collection of/ pack of diskettes, known as platters, made of aluminum, with their surface being coated with iron oxide joined together to form a cylinder. They have more storage capacity and speed than floppy disks.
(B) Floppies are made of Mylar plastic coated with magnetic oxide. The flexible material is cut into circular pieces.5 1/4" or 3 1/2" in diameter. They are called Floppy disk"

The past six weeks have been instrumental in teaching me patience. Normally, I'm a very patient person, but every once in a while an event raises its head and says, "Hold still, son, you have a lot to learn about patience and the wonderful things that could happen when you learn the secret of waiting."
Now, I must let you know that patience has not always been my strong point. In the days of my youth, I have been known to make quite a fuss when things did not move with the speed I wanted or expected.
Much as I have overcome most of the impulse to rant and rave when things don't get done as promised, I still have vestiges of hidden pockets of impatience somewhere deep within me.
My office runs through the proper use of computers and their associated systems. Sometime over the last several weeks, my main computer ceased functioning and the manufacturer promised to fix it. What started out as a simple matter evolved into an extremely complex situation.
Every day, I spoke with the computer company and they promised that the repair would be done within days. About two weeks into the frustration, I was told that the replacement part could not be found and so they would have to give me a brand new machine. Naturally, I was delighted that I would now get a replacement with all the bells and whistles.
The promise was that within a week, the new machine would be shipped. When a week came and went without the computer arriving, I found my frustration level rising to uncommon heights. Strange visions of writing a thousand letters to the manufacturer's corporate executives, or bashing the ailing computer with a baseball (or cricket) bat at high noon, with local and national press coverage crossed my mind.
I remembered, only too well, that an old, wise man had said that the last test of the master was overcoming impatience. But I was in no mood for masters or overcomings. The bumper sticker I saw on a car long ago described my deepest feelings. The sticker pictured a vulture sitting on a branch of a dead tree, sweat pouring from his head. The caption read: "Patience, my ass, I want to kill somebody".
I thought of the bumper sticker and smiled. Since I had been waiting for over two weeks, one or two more days won't make much difference. But the urge to take drastic measures came back in a few days when no new computer arrived.
Many times, in a rush to get from here to there or to do this or that, we make ourselves prisoners of time. Being a prisoner of time could be as terrible as being a prisoner in a dungeon. We make ourselves prisoners of time when all we do is rush to work, or rush here and rush there. We miss so much in life by rushing.
Somehow, the world passes us by, during our rushing and we wake up five, ten, or twenty years later and wonder where all the time has gone. Our children have grown up, our old jobs no longer exist, some of our friends have gone to another dimension and yet, the sun still rises.
If we were to slow our pace a bit and flow with the river of life, perhaps the problem would work out fine anyway. I have discovered that it is counter productive to force things to happen. It is much better to create a climate where we allow the things we want to occur.
With that in mind, I decided to let go of my attachment to outcomes. I was not going to fume and fret if my new computer did not arrive as promised. After all, I had been using my backup machines for a few weeks without undue hardship. What difference would another week or two make, anyway?
With those thoughts, I went about doing my work. Then, a few days later, I received an email which said that my new computer was being shipped the next day. All the proper specifications for the computer were in the email. The computer would be a brand new machine with the exact specifications of the old one. I was pleased -- very, very pleased.
But the next day, when I checked the tracking information, I saw that the shipment was canceled. ARRGH!! The vision of the vulture on the bumper sticker returned with a vengeance, but I gently pushed it away. The computer will come when it comes I murmured, and I went on with other pressing matters. I didn't even bother to call the manufacturer. I had done all I could do. Anything more would have just made me more frustrated.
Yes, the world does speak to us in thunder tones of truth. Listen and learn and life becomes more peaceful and joyous. Ignore the voice and frustration takes over. And so it was that the next day, I checked the tracking information again, not with the thought of getting my computer quickly, but just out of curiosity.
Imagine my surprise when I saw that my computer was shipped, but instead of sending an exact duplicate of the broken model, the company shipped me their most advanced machine that had just been released to the market a few days earlier. I would have waited a few months, if necessary, for that model. It was much more advanced than the old model I should have received. When the machine arrived, I smiled and said, "Thank you", to no one in particular.
Perhaps, it was releasing the constraint of time from my consciousness that precipitated this outcome. The universe speaks to us in many ways. Many times, like impatient children, we want what we want and we want it now. But the universe has a way of saying, "I know what you want, my child, and I know that you want it now. But if you would wait just a little while longer, I will give you something much better than what you think you want."
Strive to become free from the hustle and bustle of daily living. Release yourself from being a prisoner of time. In doing so, you'll find that things have a magical way of working themselves out and that where there's a "good" there's a "better". And where there's a "better", there's a "best". The universe wants you to have the best. Give it an opportunity to bring your "better" or "best".