Laptops

Losing the display on a laptop or notebook computer is a perplexing and frustrating problem. It's a problem that is somewhat difficult to diagnose, and can require specialized tools and a...

Make a computer printer wireless by purchasing a printer with a wireless module or by integrating the printer to a wireless network through a router. Avoid trying to make a printer wireless if it...

The three main types of computer networks are peer-to-peer networks, client server networks and client server application networks. Find out how different networks allow individual and groups of...

The history of DOS operating system, or disk operation system, began when the original CPM operating system for computers needed upgrading and developed into the popular DOS system. Find out how...

Hackers break down barriers in another person's computer in order to look at information from the computer and possibly do harm to that person's computer or files. Learn how hackers write computer...

A graphics card is a mechanical device built into a computer that enables the user to see graphics and video faster and clearer. Learn about graphics cards that are included in all computers with...

The main difference between PCs and Mac computers is the operating system, as a Mac operating system protects itself where PC operating systems are constantly in need of virus protection. Compare...

The difference between USB and Ethernet cables involves the information that is transferred through them, as Ethernet cables are used to connect computers onto a network and USB cables are used to...

When buying a computer, look for a large display screen, a large hard drive, an up-to-date processor, lots of RAM space and a quick display video card. Look for updated characteristics when...

If a laptop fan won't come on, take it to an authorized repair center, where an expert in the field can take the machine apart and assess the problem. Get a laptop professionally fixed when it...

To hook up a wireless router, plug it into the power outlet, plug the Internet cord into the router and configure the router according to the instructions included with the device. Gather the...

To make a laptop wireless, a signal is necessary, either available at a home network or any public Wi-Fi location, and a wireless card or built-in wireless connection is required for a laptop to...

A wireless device is anything that can transmit signals using an internal radio, such as cellular phones, laptops, wireless cards and wireless routers. Find out how wireless devices function with...

A dedicated word processor is a computer program designed specifically for word processing and text editing, and it does not enable graphics or any other special characters. Find out the history...

An iLink port, also known as a Fire Wire port, transfers data and a high speed and it provides an electrical connection for computers. Find out why iLink ports are beneficial with information from...

Computer memory comes in many forms, including the hard drive that stores data, photographs and other media, the random access memory that stores the action history and the video memory used for...

High-level language is a type of programming language that works with abstract ideas and is separated from the mechanical lower-level components of a computer. Discover the versatility of...

A self-extracting file is a compressed file that automatically is extracted when double-clicked, making it easy to e-mail very large files or series of files. Find out the definition of a...

The best computer hard drive has a competitive price, a high mean time between failures, a large storage capacity and a high storage speed. Discover the components of a great hard drive with...

Laser printers, though often more expensive than ink-jet printers, offer higher-resolution printed images, faster printing time and are overall higher-quality pieces of equipment than ink-jets....

A touch pad, also called a track pad, is located usually on a laptop below the keyboard, and it is used to manipulate the cursor on the screen by dragging a finger across its surface. Learn about...

A DC converter, or a direct current converter, is a device built into a computer that changes the alternating current from the wall outlet to a direct current for more efficient use of...

An ergonomic keyboard is one designed to make typing more comfortable by conforming more closely to the shape of human hands, making the keys closer to the finger tips than a traditional keyboard....

A printer is a machine used by computers to print out documents on paper in order to have a physical copy of text documents, diagrams or photos. Find a printer that produces high-quality images,...

A monitor, or computer screen, displays the information coming from a computer so that the user can see and work with that data. Discover how monitors are similar to television screens with...

A flash drive is a small piece of equipment used to store and transfer information for computers using a USB. Use the USB end of a flash drive to store music, photos or other documents from a...

A scanner takes a picture placed on the scanner screen and digitizes the information in order to present it on the computer screen for manipulation. Learn how to use a scanner, including sending...

A computer mouse is a device used to move around the computer screen in order to manipulate programs and objects on the computer. Use the different functions of a computer mouse by manipulating...

RAM, or random access memory, is static memory that does not store information, but helps the memory operate quickly on a computer. Find out how RAM does not have moving parts and loses stored...

Protocol is a set of standards hard coded into a computer used to transmit data across wires or wirelessly in order to get information from one computer to another. Learn about the most common...

An Ethernet card is a device that computers use to talk to a computer in another part of a network in order to transmit data across the wire or wirelessly. Learn how Ethernet cards come standard...

When a laptop computer overheats, it can possibly turn off without any notice, causing lost information; it can also cause the processor memory to pop out and turn off. Allow a laptop room to vent...

A good laptop for a college student is a Macintosh computer that is easy to use, will find an Internet connection when one is available and integrates well with other programs. Buy an Apple...

CPU stands for central processing unit and is the main core of a computer where every command runs through and is routed to its appropriate location. Discover the different types of CPU's, or...

A client computer is an individual computer that accesses the information and programs stored on a server as part of a network environment. Use drawing applications and storage areas on a server...

A network hub is used to connect computers together so that they can communicate with each other over the same cable. Set up a network hub by plugging in network cables from different computers...

A computer router is used to take the data being transmitted between computers and make sure it gets routed to the right computer using a scheme called addressing. Connect a network of computers...

An S-Video cord adapter works by connecting an S-Video cord to a television in order to transmit video from a VCR. Connect a VCR to a television that doesn't have an S-Video cord input using an...

A dual processor refers to a computer system that has two processors, which allows the computer to run more programs at the same time. Get a computer with a dual processor so that the computer...

To create an expanded wallpaper picture for a computer desktop, right click on the desktop, go to "Properties", click on "Desktop" and change the position of the wallpaper to "Stretch". Change...

A boot sector is information loaded on a computer hard drive that gives commands to the computer explaining how to preform the functions to boot up starting programs. Discover how the boot sector...

Print contrast refers to the difference between dark tones and light tones on a printed document, which can be adjusted from the computer or the printer. Change the printer contrast by adjusting...

ISO, or the International Standards Organization, sets the standards for computer file formats related to images and files. Archive files onto a CD or optical disk as an ISO image with help from a...