Author Archives: quill

Q. Can I get a good gaming laptop? For under $700?

Posted on September 19, 2012 by quill

First things first.  There is no such thing as a real gaming laptop – not if you mean a laptop machine that is portable, battery powered, and has game performance comparable to a desktop machine with a good graphic card … Continue reading →

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Q. Will my computer run games on the highest settings?

Posted on September 19, 2012 by quill

The answer is, it depends. It depends on the graphic card:  Gaming is 90% about the performance of the video card (GPU). As long as you have adequate RAM and a reasonably modern CPU, then the video card Graphic Processing … Continue reading →

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Q. What is Ethernet CAT5 cable?

Posted on September 7, 2012 by quill

Ethernet is the most popular standard for transmitting network signals from one computer to another. Ethernet can be carried on a variety of different media Cable types: Coaxial (10Base5) “thick” or “thinnet (10Base2)” which are largely obsolete, optical fiber, power line, … Continue reading →

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Q. Where can I get free TV shows and movies?

Posted on September 3, 2012 by quill

First, a word about copyright. Unless they are offered for free by the copyright holders, downloading commercial movies, music or programs for free is not legal. You can get TV free at lots of places on the Internet. First, check … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Questions and Answers, Free stuff, Internet and Networking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Q. I am getting a FBI notice on my screen saying I have to pay?

Posted on August 30, 2012 by quill

This is a bogus FBI (or other organization) “ransomware” scam, which tries to scare you into paying a “fine” because they have allegedly done something illegal on their computer. If you don’t pay, the virus then locks your machine so … Continue reading →

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Q. Can I get Nike, NFL or Air Jordan stuff cheaply from this site?

Posted on August 28, 2012 by quill

There are a huge number of websites which offer name brand and team branded sports items, apparel and shoes at a discount. They may advertise “factory direct” or “wholesale” prices. The bottom line is, if you are being offered name … Continue reading →

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Q. Can I really get great deals on penny auctions?

Posted on August 27, 2012 by quill

Can I really get an iPad for $39.87 like they advertise all over the Internet? Short answer, no. Longer answer – ONE lucky person out of a couple of thousand that are trying for it will get the iPad for … Continue reading →

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WTF is this, Scrabble?

Posted on August 17, 2012 by quill

OK, I admit that I am addicted to playing Scrabble on the iPad. I dodged Angry Birds but got ensnared by triple letter scores and words starting with Q.  Since my entire family refuses to play against me (something about … Continue reading →

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Q. How do I get rid of Babylon search in my browser?

Posted on August 15, 2012 by quill

Babylon is a search “aid” for web browsers and a toolbar; it is a rogue search engine redirector.  It resists attempts to uninstall it.  Do NOT go to the Babylon site and use their uninstaller, it leaves code on your … Continue reading →

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Installing hard drives in an Apple iMac

Posted on August 14, 2012 by quill

Note: Installing hard drives in an iMac requires disassembling the machine and should be attempted only if you have experience. If you are not confident, please refer the work to a competent technician. Intel iMacs  require the glass LCD screen … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Questions and Answers, Hard Drives and SSD, How-To, Mac questions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Glossary of memory terms and definitions

Posted on August 9, 2012 by quill

Types of RAM: Memory Terminology: This is a simplified overview of RAM terms and definitions 100 pin memoryUsed primarily in laser printers, 100 pin SIMM memory is not compatible with other formats. CAS Latency:To oversimplify a complex discussion, the main … Continue reading →

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Q. What is Dual Channel memory?

Posted on August 9, 2012 by quill

Dual Channel memory access is a technique where the computer’s memory controller can access two identical memory modules as if they were one large module.  This gives a theoretical doubling of bandwidth between the memory controller and the memory.  In … Continue reading →

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Keeping clean is cool

Posted on July 26, 2012 by quill

Enemy #1 The number one enemy of computers is heat. Excess heat can damage components outright, or cause accelerated wear over time. Especially with laptops and all in one machines, a great deal of engineering goes into conducting heat away … Continue reading →

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OSX 10.8 Mountain Lion information

Posted on July 26, 2012 by quill

Apple released OSX 10.8 “Mountain Lion” on July 25. It is available from the Apple App Store as a download for $19.95.  When you purchase one Mountain Lion, you can install it on as many Macs as you own.  (if … Continue reading →

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Q. Should I upgrade the power supply in my computer?

Posted on July 21, 2012 by quill

If you are installing a new graphics card, you may be considering upgrading the Power Supply Unit (PSU) of your computer to support the card. Graphic card manufacturers provide recommended minimum power supplies. These minimums already include their assumption of … Continue reading →

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