Category Archives: Computer Questions and Answers

Questions and answers on a broad range of computer related topics

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. 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 →

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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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Q. I have a small drive, can iPhoto & iTunes go on an external?

Posted on July 21, 2012 by quill

While the programs themselves should remain in the Applications folder of your internal startup drive, the Libraries for iTunes and iPhoto can be placed on an external hard drive to save space on the internal drive.  Keep in mind that … Continue reading →

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Q. Is a Quad Core processor better than a Dual Core?

Posted on July 20, 2012 by quill

While the answer might be obvious, it is not as straightforward as “more cores are better”. First of all, we need to be on the same page when comparing CPU (Central Processing Unit) technologies. There are big differences in computing … Continue reading →

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Q. What do I need to burn DVDs and CDs?

Posted on July 20, 2012 by quill

DVD-Rs are a good format for backing up data files and for distributing data and software. Because files on a DVD-R cannot be changed once burned (and therefore cannot be deleted or affected by viruses or hard drive breakdown) I … Continue reading →

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Q. Are there free alternatives to Photoshop?

Posted on July 19, 2012 by quill

Photoshop is the top professional image editing / photo retouching program, but it is expensive.  There are some cheap and free alternatives available: Adobe Photoshop Express (online image editing, requires sign up at Adobe’s site) http://www.photoshop.com/tools/overview The GIMP is open source … Continue reading →

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Add an SSD drive to a MacPro for fast booting and loading times

Posted on July 12, 2012 by quill

The MacPro Xeon tower machines are incredibly fast workstations. You can make yours even faster by adding a Solid State Drive (SSD) as a boot drive and/or as a scratch file drive.  An SSD equipped machine boots very quickly and … Continue reading →

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Western Digital sees Red, releases new line of NAS storage hard drives

Posted on July 12, 2012 by quill

Western Digital has made an addition to their drive line up, adding a Red series of 3.5″ SATA hard drives to complement their Blue (standard), Green (low power consumption) and Black (high performance) series. At the same time, they are … Continue reading →

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New Java based Trojan attacks Mac, Windows and Linux

Posted on July 11, 2012 by quill

Updated August 27 2012 Computerworld has published an article about new Java based malware which can infect Mac, Windows and Linux machines through a vulnerability in Oracle’s Java 7. OSX 10.7 and OSX 10.8 come with Java disabled by default, … Continue reading →

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