For classroom training, renting computers, sound systems and projectors from a computer rental company is the easiest and most cost efficient way to coordinate corporate training initiatives with the least amount of headaches.

Save Time and Money with Training: Computer, Projector, and Sound System Equipment Rentals

Even if you own all the equipment you need for a computer training session you will save money by using the installation services of a computer rental company. Computer rental companies coordinate everything technical so you can concentrate on the execution of your computer training program.

Trainers can become technicians very quickly when training computer equipment doesn’t work properly.

Training directors know how difficult it can be to ‘work out all the bugs’ before, during and after each training program.

Execution is the key to training results and efficiencies. If 20 f the computers don’t work, you can have a training disaster on your hands.

Add up all the costs and distractions from your computer training goals. Put a value on your time, say $100 per hour. Now multiply the time you and your staff spent on hardware setup, delivery, installation, maintenance and removal. Keep in mind that all computers need to have the same configuration to maximize productivity.

Here is a quick checklist of common tasks that need to be accomplished on every computer training session.

1. Install same versions of operating systems and training software

2. Install sound system, projectors, printers

3. Run network cables

4. Tape down all wires

5. Connect to network services

6. Test each computer

7. Troubleshoot installation problems

8. Diagnose and fix all problems

9. Service equipment during training sessions including having spare equipment available.

10. At the end of the computer training, disconnect, pickup and return all the equipment to various locations in your company.

How many man-hours would it take for you and your company’s staff to accomplish the classroom training setup, service and teardown?

Here are some things to find out if you use a computer rental company for computer training sessions:

Find out if the computer rental company has any experience with the classroom training hardware and software you need. If they do often they can remember all the pieces and parts that easily get overlooked by a non-experienced rental company.

Some rental companies will install software or ‘image load’ all rental computers prior to delivery.

For example, you can have your training program software and the OS of your choice installed on all desktop or laptop computers!

Have the computer rental technicians test each application by following your testing directions. This ensures that your training software will work as planned.

Make sure delivery, setup is planned well in advance of computer training sessions.

Make sure you are covered with an on-site service program! Ask for extra, spare equipment can even be included for your computer training class! Often you can get a spare unit for free!

Focus on your core competency…your computer training session. Don’t be distracted by hardware and software problems. Let the experts focus on their core competency.. your computer training hardware installation and management!

The 4 essentials of every computer system are: a motherboard, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, and a hard drive. These components are installed in a case to which are attached a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. That’s your basic computer.

Mother WHAT?

The motherboard (”mobo” for short) is the foundation. Everything attaches to the mobo — the CPU, memory, hard drive, monitor, mouse, keyboard, add-on cards, and even additional peripherals like printers, scanners, and speakers. The motherboard is like the nervous system and skeleton of the human body — it provides support for the internal components and also passes information between the computer parts.

CPU

If the motherboard is the nervous system, and then the CPU is the brain. Most of the mathematical manipulations that make computers operate are done by the CPU. Other components may also have their own processors, but their results still have to be passed through the CPU.

The speed of the computer is usually measured by the speed of the CPU. Even though other factors also affect overall speed, the CPU rating is generally seen as the single most important measure of performance.

Modern CPUs are usually rated between 2.0 GHz and 3.0 GHz, although each passing month will see increasing performance. This measurement refers to the number of calculations the processor can make in 1 second. The higher the number, the faster (better) the computer.

CPUs generate a lot of heat doing this work, so they need a heat sink and fan to keep them from overheating. Heat is a major enemy of the computer and directly affects its life span.

Computer Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the part of the computer that stores information the computer needs while it is operating. It is Random Access because the computer can get the data in any order, not necessarily the order in which it is stored. Generally speaking, the more RAM the better. 512 to 1024 megabytes is common for memory.

The most common type of RAM these days is DDR-SDRAM, which stands for double-data-rate synchronous dynamic random access memory. We already know what the RAM part means. DDR means that the data is accessed twice as fast as ordinary RAM.

The latest type of RAM is DDR2. It offers even faster access rates and is quickly becoming the standard for computer memory.

Hard Drive

All the data contained in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off, so there has to be a place to store it permanently. This is what the hard disk is for.

It holds the computer’s operating system. An operating system like Windows uses around 4 gigabytes of hard drive space. The extra space is used to install computer programs and to store your personal data.

80 gigabyte hard drives are common, but 400 GB units are available. Furthermore, you can install more than 1 in a computer case for added security and convenience.

Peripherals

All you need to complete the basic computer system is a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Accessories like a printer or scanner are useful for office work, and gamers will probably want to add speakers and joystick controls.

So there you have it. The basic computer needs just 7 major components. For the best performance, these components must integrate well. The motherboard is the most important component for determining the type and specification of the other parts. Choosing an appropriate mobo for your computer needs is the first step and may require a quick call to your local geek.

A lot of people overlook the need and responsibility of PC hardware and instead concentrate primarily on software. Without the correct hardware your PC will fail to function correctly.

The term hardware can be fixed to many aspects of your computer, with the main aspect being your motherboard. The motherboard is classed as the heart of your computer; its main purpose is to provide electrical and logical connections. Without a motherboard your computer will not be able to function. Components such as external storage, controllers for video display and sound are attached to the motherboard via edge connectors and cables.

The central processing unit (CPU) is also found on the motherboard and acts as another important piece of computer hardware. The CPU performs most of the calculations which enables a computer to function. The CPU and the motherboard are found within the tower of your computer as is the computer fan, needed to keep your computer at a safe temperature and your power supply, which is obviously needed to ensure your computer has power to function. Along with all of these you will also find your computers sound card and graphics card within your computer tower. Your graphics card, also known as a video display controller, is important to your computer as it is what enables you to get a good resolution and without one you would not be able to watch videos, play games or even clearly see flash images on websites.

One last hardware feature of importance that is kept within your computer tower is the computers hard drive. The hard drive is the storage area of your computer system. All your programmes and applications as well as images, music, video and all forms of media that is on your computer are stored within your computers hard drive.

All of the previously mentioned hardware is stored in the tower of your computer but there are aspects of computer hardware that are visible on your computer such as removable media in the form of a CD drive, DVD drive, floppy disc and USB ports.

When it comes to buying these pieces of computer hardware most people head straight to the biggest brand store and pay over expensive prices for hardware that you could have got a lot cheaper from another avenue. If you are looking to buy computer hardware there are a number of options open to you rather than just buying new. For example there are computer fairs that are held, which sell all forms of computer hardware at very reasonable prices; if you know what you are looking for you will be able to find a great deal at a computer fair. However if you would prefer buying from a retailer have you considered buying used hardware? Please don’t be put off by the term used what is meant by this is you would be buying new hardware that has been returned by customers and restored by the retailer. Dell is a prime example of a store that frequently sells hardware that has been returned and has been repaired to new standards.

All of the equipment is new and only has minor issues such as a slight dent. Retailers such as Dell sell restored equipment within their store and also do so over the Internet on sites such as eBay. All of this equipment comes at a discounted price with around 10-40% being taken off the original price depending on the level of interest. So next time you require to purchase computer equipment, shop around instead of just settling for a high price.

The latest addition to this revolution of technical upgrading of computers is the dual-core processor technology. It refers to the CPU (Central Processing Unit- the brains of the computer) that possesses two independent and complete execution cores for each of its two processors. The concerned CPU contains two combined processors along with their cache memories and their respective controllers integrated into a singular circuit (commonly known as a silicon chip).

The dual-core process computer is suited to multitasking and handling miscellaneous tasks (often unrelated to each other). Because its CPU has two completely independent execution cores and both have independent interfaces to the front bus, it has excellent capacity to execute several programs and tasks simultaneously. Similarly, dual-core process computers may have more processor cores which is actually named as a multi-core process computer. These are highly efficient machines to conduct intensive tasks of computing or program execution at the same instance of time.

The Pentium dual-core process computer is the most preferred brand of computer in the market. It has x86-architectured microprocessors integrated onto its circuit. The 32-bit Yonah processors are a base for mobile computers while the 64-bit Allendale processors are maintained for the desktop computers. Both have absolutely different architecture as far as microprocessor technical build is concerned.

By early 2007, Intel decided to launch dual-core process computers in the field of notebooks or laptops too. This was a very important and vital decision as there were no other rivals in this phase if the market of computer architecture. Intel had only decided to launch the dual-core process computer system applying to notebooks on the behest of notebook or laptop manufacturers. The first processors to appear in notebooks using the dual-core process computer technology were the Pentium T2060, T2080 and a 32-bit Pentium M based on the Yonah core with a 1 MB L2 cache, instead of the usual 2MB cache memory.

Intel had forced a return of the Pentium brand to the market arena on 2006 with a host of low-cost single core Conroe-L core architecture processors with a 1 MB cache. These were numbered `1` to distinguish them from dual core process computer cores that had been labeled with the digit `2`.

More recently, on June 3, 2007, Intel released desktop dual-core processors from the Pentium brand. They were named as E2140 and E2160. September 2007 saw the late release of a better and updated model named E2180. These processors support the Intel64 extensions, because of their Allendale derived Core architecture. The power of these dual-core process computers was very imminent as most companies` demands exceeded supply over these multi-processor machines.

Dual-core process computer systems have taken over the world of computing today. As of its multi-tasking ability, it has gained world-wide acclaim due to its efficient, quick and yet superior quality program execution and task completion abilities. Heavier programs and complex games may be run with these dual-core process computer systems at the regular pace of conventional single-core processor systems did with light programs on the execution chart.

The age of computers had begun a long time back. But the age of sleek and efficient computing with the help of razor-edge technology has just begun with the dual-core process computer systems.

Computer use by our aging population revealed in 2004 that 46% of those aged between 59 to 68 now use and enjoy Internet access at home. Just over 76% of those within the ages of 50 and 58 use computers as a direct result of computers being a common place necessity and requirement to function or perform our jobs within the modern day work environment. However, it must be noted using a work computer and having to keep it optimized and safeguarded is usually the task of the resident wiz kid or a dedicated technical type (IT) staff. So what happens when the home PC slows, crashes or is somehow compromised?

As I see there are a number of emergence repair tactics that can be implemented. First and foremost is the panic call to our children to come over and troubleshoot the situation. After all, they have been using computers since first grade and that pretty much makes them an expert right? Once you discover their ability to social network and post videos on Utube doesn’t speed up the computer the second option is; to research and find registry repair, spyware, adware and about 100 other software solutions that have incremental probabilities of resolution. Last but not least the computer can be drug into a service facility or a technician home visit can be scheduled that will ultimately cost as much as a 2d mortgage home loan. Well, none of that has any source of good old fashioned stubbornness and common sense. As I also see it ‘ there is always a solution in the face of any and all problems.

I remember that conversation at the plant where something sounding a lot like a termination threat motivated me to actually start touching a computer keyboard way back when. I still remember a series of training classes that I attended that were moderated by a technician that today wouldn’t be allowed to have friends in his car let alone use a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Seems to me he still had spit behind his ears. But, putting all that behind, he did a really great job of teaching all of us how to get around those old computer operating systems proficiently. We were ready to tackle Donkey Kong, Pong and any Atari game in existence buried in the home closet. That being a monumental achievement I like many others actually bought a home computer. I used it a lot and as all things being put into use, the computer slowed to a crawl.

I’m lucky because somewhere in the process of aging I found time to attend a technical trade institute where despite the fact my classmates thought I was a professor; I along side of them learned to build a computer from the ground up. Some of the residual training included troubleshooting the system and a resulting ability to keep it and my personal and financial information safeguarded from intruders that come in the form of hackers, worms, Trojans, viruses, adware, etc., etc. I learned to do a mass of little things to keep it (the computer) optimized as well and these series of events; are things we all need to learn to do.

Most people are clueless when it comes to debugging, defragging, defusing this that or whatever it takes to keep the home computer operating efficiently. But, the simple fact of the matter is the tiny little things necessary to keep the home computer optimized isn’t difficult at all. I’m not into a lot of physical activity anymore as age made me realize; the only thing that doesn’t hurt in the morning when I get out of bed is the eyelids. I don’t jog any longer and as far as I’m concerned; that animal the wife drug home 180 years ago – can give itself a walk.

I’m more into keeping the mind fit and dedicate myself into contemplating important things such as how many fish I’m going to drag home from the lake, if the dog is going to find its way home, how many Emails I’ll be sending or receiving and most importantly; why it is the TV volume is set at 24 and somehow comes on in the morning set somewhere around 38 or higher. I still don’t know who formats TV movies to specifically fit my television set and why anyone would want to take a prescription drug after listening to all the accompanying warnings the commercials render.

As you have guessed I’m not into massive physical activity and as such will not be taking the time to come over to your house to show you how to optimize your home computer. The tech boys at work are out bar hopping looking for their future wife and I know by now, your home computer is getting slower than a piss ant missing 3 or 4 legs down it’s right side. (I’m not an anthropologist). Anyway in between Emails, articles, electronic newspapers somewhere in the midst of my avid Internet surfing (which sounds physical) I actually discovered the solution to your home computer woes. I discovered (as you have) you didn’t need to buy all that fixit software above and beyond the antivirus stuff. All you need is a series of home videos that take you by the hand and teach you how to expertly optimize that little computer operating system with an hours worth of effort. Your computer will be up and running as if it was just plugged in today!

Gateway computer on Friday said it would stop selling Computers through its Internet, instead focusing on selling Computers through third-party stores and other online retailers.

 

Gateway computer has been selling Computers through partner retail stores since 2004, but it is now cutting direct online sales to consumers in order to cut costs and align its business model with parent company Acer, the company?From:http://www.office-products-suppliers.com/Companies/ ?said. Acer last year acquired Gateway computer for US$710 million in an effort to boost its consumer presence in North America.

 

The change has resulted in some staff cuts, said Lisa Emard, a Gateway computer spokeswoman. “These reductions have been happening in small waves as the company has methodically evaluated each department and function,” she said.

 

The transition away from direct sales is happening over the uComputeroming weekend, Emard said. Consumers will be able to purchase products off Gateway computer’s Internet until Saturday evening.

 

The change could help Gateway computer better compete with rivals Hewlett-Packard and Dell, said David Daoud, research manager at IDC.(from: http://www.office-products-suppliers.com/buy-IDC/) Also, since the indirect model has worked well for Acer, it may be hoping that focusing on the same model can help boost Gateway computer sales.

 

Daoud suggested that the decision to kill off Gateway computer’s online sales could mean that Acer may replace some Gateway computer brands with its own.

 

Some of Gateway computer’s brands, like eMachines, which has a strong consumer presence, may conflict with Acer’s offerings, Daoud said. By getting rid of Gateway computer’s online sales and potentially in the future some of the Gateway computer brands, Acer may be simply trying to consolidate the brands, which could increase Acer brand awareness, Daoud said.

 

However, Emard said that Acer is focusing different brands on different sectors, and all of Gateway computer’s brands will continue to be offered.

 

Acer offers four brands worldwide — Acer, eMachines, Gateway computer and Packard-Bell — with Gateway computer products currently available through retailers in Japan, China, Mexico, Canada and the U.S., Emard said.

 

“While there is indeed some crossover today, you’re going to see Acer moving upstream with its product line and offering more high-performance products (from: http://www.office-products-suppliers.com/Products/)featuring advanced technology,” Emard said.

 

Since the acquisition, Gateway computer has helped Acer boost its U.S. presence, where it was running neck and neck with Apple as the third-largest Computer retailer. The combined company sold 1.3 million units, a 7.8 percent market share and a 49.9 percent increase over last year’s third quarter.

 

 

 

Welcome the office-products-supplier.com to buy the best office products & supplies. It makes your business easier

 

 

No matter where we are, using a computer in an inescapable task in modern society. Considering how dependent we are on it, it is only natural to want a fast computer. If you are ready to part with your money, then shouldn’t have problems buying a high end computer on a whim. But if you’re not, then let’s examine some hassle-free, low costs ways in which we can speed up our computers.

#1 Avoid multi-tasking

Everyone is guilty of this. It is normal for computer users to open an array of applications at one go. The problem with this is that when too many applications are running all-at-one-go, chances are your RAM space gets used up all at once. As such, this causes your computer to become laggy and eventually your computer screen will freeze up. So, to avoid the problem of laggy computers, simply learn to minimize the use of numerous applications at one go.

#2 Simplicity is the best

Keeping everything simple on the desktop can also minimize the problem of laggy computers. Computer users like to use fancy wallpapers, animated mouse pointers and such. But little did we know that these fancy ‘things’ on our desktop can slow everything down. So try your best and avoid using high-resolution pictures as your wallpapers and resist the temptations of using that pulsating heart as your mouse pointer. You’d better ask yourself if it is worth your while to turn your desktop into an animated circus.

#3 Easy computer checkups

Just like humans, computers need regular check ups too. Regardless of how new a computer may be or however seemingly ancient it may look, it is necessary that you conduct constant check ups on your computer. There are free computer check ups available online. Some of these free computer check ups are as good as their commercial counterparts. Simply make full use of the free computer checkups, as they are able to diagnose any errors, viruses and spywares that might be present in your computer. The great thing about this is that these free computer checkups will also help to solve the errors for you too.

Speeding up your computer does not necessarily have to be expensive. The tips and tricks mentioned above won’t even cost you a dime! Just remember to do regular check ups on your PC and you can be assured of a hassle free experience the next time you use your PC.

The Famous “Intel Inside” Sticker

Ever since the advent of personal computers, the Intel micro-processor has been used on almost all known computer brands on the market.  Naturally, since the name Intel is seen in almost any computer, the phrase  ‘Intel computers’ stuck in a mind of computer and non-computer users alike.

This is especially true when a couple of years ago, Intel launched a product called Centrino.  Everybody, especially all the tech personal out there, were all excited over this new product.  But for the non-technology savvy and non-computer users, it was common misconception that Centrino was a tag name of a laptop.  Centrino to them was a notebook that was super fast, super-reliable and had super-sleek design. But much to their disappointment, Centrino is not at all a computer or a notebook.  Centrino is the Intel processor that runs inside the notebook or computer.

What’s Really Inside?

So basically, the real product of Intel is not the whole computer set itself.  There is no such thing as Intel computers as popularly misinterpreted by most consumers. The real product of Intel is the microprocessor that runs “inside” the computer.

The misconception is also understandable since the processor is considered the brains of the computer.  The performance of the computer generally comes down to the performance of its processor, thus the analogy: computer-processor-Intel.  Therefore, there really is no surprise to this misconception and people don’t even seem to mind correcting it.  Even Intel doesn’t mind; they greatly benefit from this misconception.  New computer users would naturally want nothing more than to have an Intel computer.

What really fortified the popular belief about Intel computers as a computer brand is the amount of recognition that Intel has earned throughout the years as the leading microprocessor manufacturer.  Their recognition and popularity is basically backed by its high-end performance.  Current Intel processors run at an impressively clock speed of equal to or more than 3.0 GHz.  Intel processors are also the best in power and energy efficiency, keeping noise level down and heat production/control.  Moreover, the promotion and marketing strategy of Intel may have also contributed to the popular misconception.

What this all really means is that at this period of the Information Age, Intel so far is the most valued processor in the market.  They are not the only processors in the market and may not have always been the market leader particularly considering the performance of its rival AMD Athlon.  Yes, there have been several times when the rival has been able to launch a product that outperformed Intel’s, but, Intel has always managed to climb back.  Therefore, due to the integrity, reliability and effectiveness of its main product – the processor – Intel has earned a brand name synonymous with everything that is computers.

Diagnostic problem is somewhat a common nature in the world of computers. As a result we need a diagnostic tool which has the ability to produce a message to point out the specific error that happened on the device, program or system of our computers. The window’s error report is actually an integrated diagnostic tool stored in the computers. It is automatically being run every time our computers encounter certain application problems. Any diagnostic problem can be easily detected through these diagnostic tools.

There are indeed times that our computers perform slower as time passes by. This is due to some system malfunctioning which is caused by some unknown reasons. A particular diagnostic problem can be solved through appropriate diagnostic tools of computers.

Computer’s diagnostic tool can help us a lot to pinpoint the real reasons of the errors that our computer is experiencing. With going directly to the real cause of the errors, we can easily repair and if possible replace some of the components that cause our computer’s malfunctioning.

A definite diagnostic tool of computers which solves diagnostic problem actually comes in various forms. And the most popular among these forms is the software. The software form of diagnostic tool has the ability to scan our computer’s registry to look for the registry entries which are inactive and incorrect. This inactive and incorrect registry is usually the root cause why our computers malfunction and perform slower as before. The diagnostic software programs not only scan erroneous entries of registry but also revamp all the possible registry problem entries that may happen while we are running our computers. In this manner, we can be assured that our computers will perform tasks effectively just like a brand new computer.

Other possible computer diagnostic tools are used to repair problems concerning the hardware parts of our computers. These tools actually test the hardware components to determine if all those components are still functioning well. Diagnostic tools for computer hardware parts can allow us to easily detect a specific hardware which is malfunctioning thus giving us the time to repair all the components which are not functioning really well. However, this form of diagnostic tool may costs us a lot. Thus, the software form of diagnostic tool is still preferable.

Indeed, any diagnostic problem is not a dilemma anymore with the existence of some diagnostic tools, may it be in a software or hardware form. With these tools known, we can have the chance to scan our computers for free. We do not need anymore the help of some programmers or tech savvy because we can take care of our computers already all by ourselves.

Before looking closely at the issue of computer equipment recycling, it is worthwhile noting why it so important to do something rather than nothing. Latest studies on the subject have concluded that only around 10-15% of old computer equipment is being recycled. The equipment that isn’t being recycled is either being stored, gathering dust on the tops of cupboards or in garages, or even more perniciously is being disposed of in landfills.

Companies that are storing old computing equipment are entertaining a false economy. It is actually more expensive to continue to store old computers than it is to properly dispose of them – when you take into account the cost of storage space, the cost of securing old systems to comply with federal privacy laws and other associated administration costs. There are the also environmental concerns attached to the stockpiling of large quantities of obsolete computers. The systems can break down and leak hazardous materials into the air, soil and groundwater should they catch on fire or be subject to other natural disasters such as a floods.

The larger problem however, lies in disposing of this old computer equipment in a heedless fashion. Computer equipment that isn’t taken care of by an authorized computer recycler is most likely to end up in landfills and become toxic computer waste. A computer is made up of plastic, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals (lead, cadmium, antimony, beryllium, chromium and mercury), electronic boards (gold, palladium, silver and platinum) and glass – in short, materials (many of which are toxic) which don’t break down naturally. A standard sized cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor contains more than two kilos of lead – the toxicity of which has been well known for centuries.

The best option when dealing with old computer equipment is to either donate it (computer hardware less than 5 years old can generally be donated) or to recycle it.

Individuals who are looking to recycle one or a few items of computer hardware will find that nearly all of the major computer manufacturers – Apple, Dell, Gateway, IBM, Lexmark, Hewlett Packard, Epson, NEC – are running some type of computer recycling program. These programs tend to involve the company taking back your old computer and disposing of it responsibly, at no extra cost to yourself, whenever you purchase a new computer from them.

For companies who are looking to dispose of large volumes of computer hardware (and other types of e-waste) they should really get in contact with an authorized computer recycler. The hallmark of the computer recycler’s business model is that of responsible destruction. They will salvage all useful computer parts before breaking down what’s left, safely removing all hazardous materials in the process. There will usually be a fee charged by these recyclers to accept old computer equipment (particularly when it comes to computer monitors) but the cost of disposal will be significantly less than the cost of not disposing of the computer hardware, both in terms of direct business costs and potential costs to the environment.