What You Need To Know When Buying A Computer.

BUY A COMPUTER – WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER

In this article, I am giving out the important information needed to help you buy a laptop or desktop computer. 

 

Before ordering for a PC, there are some things you need to know about so as to put you through. What is important is the PC Specifications and peripheral parts you will be needing in order to satisfy your wants. Desktops are highly customizable, so it is better to learn about the main parts and then visit the manufacturer or the retailer shop or site, instead of just looking at some specific model directly.

 

Popular laptop/desktop brands are Dell, Lenovo, HP and Apple. Always compare the PCs based on their specifications and base price.

MONITOR FOR DESKTOP

Size − It is the diagonal size of the LCD screen. Larger the area, bigger the picture screen. A bigger picture is preferable for movie watching and gaming. It will increase the productivity as well.

Resolution − This is the number of pixels on the screen. For example, 24inch display is 1920x1200 (width by length) and 22-inch display is 1680x1050. High resolution provides better picture quality and a nice gaming experience.

Inputs − Now-a-days monitors can accept inputs from cable as well apart from the computer. They can also have USB ports.

Connectors – Today's monitors comes with the standard VGA connector supported by DVI and HDMI connectors which is an added advantage to the monitor.

Stand − Some monitors come with adjustable stands while some may not.

SCREEN FOR LAPTOP

Size – This varies pending on your choice of screen size: 10.1 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, 15.3/15.6 inches, 17 inches, 21 inches.

Technology – You can choose between LCD (fiber) and LED (glossy)

Graphics – You can choose between Intel Graphics (good) or AMD Radeons (ATI) (better) or Nvidia (far better). Nvidia is in lead.

OPERATING SYSTEM FOR DESKTOP / LAPTOP

Operating System is the main software of the computer as everything will run on it in one form or other.
There are primarily three choices: Windows, Linux, Apple OS X.
- Linux is free, however people generally do not use it for

home purpose.
- Apple OS X works only on Apple desktops.
- Windows is popular among desktop / laptop users. Most of the computers today come pre-equipped with the latest version of Windows (Windows 10) which comes in multiple versions from home basic, home premium, professional, education, and enterprise editions. As the edition version increases, their features list and price increases. Though there are other versions of Windows such as Windows 7, 8, 8.1 etc.

OPTICAL DRIVE (CD / DVD / BLU-RAY) FOR DESKTOP / TRADITIONAL LAPTOP

Optical drive is the drive on a computer, which is responsible for using

CD, DVD, and Blu-ray discs. Now-a-days, DVD burners are industry standards. DVD Burner can burn CD, DVD and play them. DVD Burner is cheaper than Blu-ray drives. Blu-ray drives can play HD movies but are costlier component. Some Laptops don’t come with Optical Drive such as UltraBooks

MEMORY FOR DESKTOP / LAPTOP

RAM is considered as Computer Memory as the performance of a

computer is directly proportional to its memory and processor. Today's software and operating system require high memory. Today commonly used RAM is DDR3, DDR3L (L means Low Voltage), now DDR4 which operates at different speed. The amount of RAM needed may be the Operating System requirement or as desired. You can choose from 4GB – 64GB pending.

STORAGE DRIVE FOR DESKTOP / LAPTOP

Storage drive is used for storage purpose. The higher the capacity, more data you can save in it.

Now-a-days computers are equipped with 500GB storage drive, which can be extended to 2TB. The storage drive can either be HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive).

Most HDD in desktop/laptop operate at the standard performance speed

of 7200RPM. Laptops have an advantage of using SSD (better performance) and HDD (good performance). Desktops may be able to use SSD with SATA-III connector.

Click Here to learn more about SSD and HDD

CPU FOR DESKTOP / LAPTOP

Frequency (GHz) − This determines the speed of the processor. The more the speed, better the CPU. A better speed can be between 2.50GHz – 3.50GHz

Cores − Now-a-days CPUs come with more than one core, which is like having more than one CPU in the computer. Programs which can take advantage of multi-core environment will run faster on such machines. We have 2 cores, 4 cores and 8 cores CPU. 

Brand − Intel or AMD. Both are equivalent. Intel is in lead.

Cache − Higher the L1, L2 cache, better the CPU performance.

SEE SAMPLES OF GOOD CONFIGURATION FOR LAPTOPS

 

Model: HP Spectre x360

CPU: Intel Core i5 – 2.40GHz (8^th Generation)

Screen: 13.3 inches

Graphics : Intel UHD Graphics

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 500Gb or 1TB HDD or 512GB SSD

 

Model: Huawei Matebook 13

CPU: Intel Core i7 – 3.20GHz (8^th Generation)

Screen: 13.3 inches

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce MX150

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 512GB SSD

 

Model: Asus Zephyrus G14

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 – 3.2GHz

Screen: 14 inches

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060

RAM: 32GB

Storage: 1TB SSD

GOOD CONFIGURATION FOR DESKTOPS

 

Monitor: 24 inches with HDMI

CPU: Intel Core i5 – 3.0GHz (7^th Generation)

RAM: 4GB – 8GB

Storage: 500Gb – 1TB HDD

Optical Drive: DVD Burner

Click Here to check the top gaming laptops

Click Here to check the best ultrabook laptops

 

 

Cheers!!!

 

Edited by AdeDanCompTech

Temporary Fix For Windows 10 Reset Bug

Microsoft Releases Temporary Fix for Windows 10 Reset Bug

When trying to reset their PCs, some Windows 10 users are seeing an error message: 'There was a problem when resetting your PC. No changes were made.'

 

 

 

 

 

A recent Windows 10 bug found some individuals with "certain hardware configurations" unable to restore their computer to a previous state, but now there's a fix.

The "Reset this PC" feature is typically found under the Recovery section in the Settings menu. When issues arise with the PC configuration, Windows 10 users can utilize this option to return their computer to factory settings. But a recent bug disabled it for anyone still running Windows 10 version 2004.

When making an attempt at resetting, an error message would appear instead: "There was a problem when resetting your PC. No changes were made." Microsoft has come forward with a simple workaround. But the fix, which utilizes the Deployment Image Servicing Management (DISM), is meant as a patch for the problem until a real solution can be released.

The workaround, as Microsoft suggests, is as such:
1. Open an elevated command prompt. To do this, click Start, type Command Prompt or cmd in the Search box, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

2. Type the following command, and then press Enter:
"dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth"

3. Reboot your system, and attempt Reset this PC again.
Before tinkering with your PC, make sure to back up any important files you don't want to lose. Microsoft will likely announce some sort of more permanent fix in the coming days.

Cheers!!!

Edited by AdeDanCompTech

The Best Cheap VPN Providers 2020

The best cheap VPN providers 2020

Combine quality and affordability with these wallet-friendly VPNs 

Good news - the best VPN providers in the world don't necessarily need to be the most expensive. In fact, some of the finest services out there are also some of the most affordable ones. Plus, they can often be bought through a special deal at a much lower price, making the best cheap VPNs even more attractive.

Paying for a VPN is not surprising when you consider that you’re getting top-notch performance, security and privacy that free VPN options just can't match. However, it’s definitely possible to sign up for an excellent VPN provider and pay a relatively cheap subscription fee, and those are the services we’re pointing out in this article.

So if you like the idea of protecting your online life without paying an arm and a leg, taking a look at our guide to the best cheap VPN should be just what the doctor ordered. We've focused on the services that offer great value on one-year or more subscriptions, as that's where the best value lies with the cheapest VPNs.

How to choose the best cheap VPN
A cheap VPN provider is no different to any other in terms of what you’re likely to be looking for: tight security and good levels of privacy, with at least solid speeds on the performance front. And as ever, a wide coverage of devices and platforms with a range of user-friendly clients is welcome.

But more than that, make sure that it serves the purpose you want it to? Big streamer? Make sure it unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer or whatever your chosen service is. Torrenter? Make sure the service excels there. And if you're more likely to use your VPN on mobile, then be sure that dedicated Android and/or iOS apps are available, too.

Just want the greatest? Or want to know more? Check out the best cheap VPN providers in 2020.

1.       Surfshark
A fantastic product that's one of the cheapest around
Overall VPN ranking: 2 | Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Servers/Locations: 1700+/100+ | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | Free trial?: 30 days 

About

>       So incredibly cheap
>       Connect unlimited devices
>       Fast connections
>       May be too basic for some users
>       Android app isn't as good as others
There's no wonder that Surfshark's VPN stands out so much. As well as the eye-catching name and inviting branding, the incredible sub-$2/£2 a month subscription cost means that it's swimming out on its own in the cheap VPN waters.

And it's not all about the bottom-line cost. The fact that you can use Surfshark on as many of your gadgets and devices as you like at once improves the value even further. There's nothing really stopping you from sharing your login details out among our friends and family if you like (although, at Surfshark's price, you needn't even really bother!).

And what to you get for this meagre sum? Well, honestly, pretty much everything you'd expect from a service that sits so high up in our guide to the very best overall VPN. There are plenty of security protocols available (e.g. OpenVPN UDP and TCP, IKEv2) and a kill switch for extra security when the VPN is in use. And its Surfshark's handy 'Quick connect' option will have you connected to one of its 1,000+ servers in pretty much no time at all.

2.       CyberGhost
An amazing array of features for such a low price
Overall VPN ranking: 5 | Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Servers/Locations: 6,200+/110+ | Maximum devices supported: 7 | Free trial?: 45 days 

About

>       Superb value for money
>       Strong performance in our tests
>       An array of smart features
>       Interface not as usable as others
If Surfshark's appeal is its sheer simplicity, CyberGhost takes the plaudits for being such a thorough package at such a low price.

But if that sounds like it's going to be complicated to use, then please don't misunderstand us. We're really fond of how easy this provider makes it to connect to just the right server for your purpose. That means that if your main purpose for getting a VPN is streaming, CyberGhost will actively help you select the ideal server for watching Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, etc.

CyberGhost is equipped with one of the most vast quantities of servers out there - over 6,000 in 110+ countries at last count. That does sometimes mean that speeds aren't up to the same pace as, say those of ExpressVPN. But you can discover all this for yourself with CyberGhost's generous 45-day money back guarantee - one of the lengthiest VPN free trials on offer

3.       NordVPN
One of the biggest names in the VPN business
Overall VPN ranking: 3 | Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Servers/Locations: 5,000+/60+ | Maximum devices supported: 6 | Free trial?: 30 days 

About

>       Excellent on both mobile and desktop
>       Double data encryption
>       Solid performance
>       Can sometimes be fiddly to use
Not only do you get a rather affordable VPN with NordVPN (providing you avoid the monthly subscription), you also benefit from a service with excellent security. The provider offers a number of ‘Double VPN’ servers which route your data through not one but two separate VPN servers. There is also an option to send encrypted traffic over the Onion network for an additional layer of security, plus an automatic kill switch, and more.

NordVPN supports all kinds of platforms and devices with easy-to-use clients (or setup guides), and it allows P2P traffic. We found performance was very good too, delivering above-average speeds in our testing, and another plus point is that this provider has a ‘zero logs’ policy.

A definite bonus is the existence of a 30-day trial (in the form of a money back guarantee) to give the service a spin before you subscribe.

4.       Hotspot Shield
Fast, affordable and with a fantastic free version
Overall VPN ranking: 7 | Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Servers/Locations: 3200+/130+ | Maximum devices supported: 5 | Free trial?: 45 days 

About

>       Straightforward usability
>       Fast speeds
>       Lacks notable features
>       Can't unlock some streaming services
Hotspot Shield has an excellent reputation, thanks in no small part to its fantastic free offering. But assuming that a mere 500MB of VPN use per day isn't enough for you (and it won't be if you want to stream and download music and movies while connected), then it doesn't cost that much more to upgrade to its premium service.

We like the way that Hotspot Shield doesn't merely rely on the usual security protocols used by other VPNs - its developers have produced their own snazzily-named Catapult Hydra protocol, which not only seeks to keep you and your data secure but also ensures consistently rapid connection speeds.

The drawback to that extra protection means that you'll end up with a smaller range of devices on which you can use Hotspot Shield (only those that support its Windows, Mac, Android or iOS apps). Limiting, but not insurmountable, if you were only really going to use your VPN on laptop, desktop or mobile anyway.

5.       Private Internet Access
A marvellous option for mobile
Overall VPN ranking: 6 | Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Servers/Locations: 2,500+/65+ | Maximum devices supported: 10 | Free trial?: 30 days 

About

>       Up to ten devices covered by sub
>       Brilliant apps and extensions
>       Above average speed
>       Not the best on Windows
>       Not as intuitive as some
If you've long purveyed lists of the greatest VPN providers, you'll have likely run into the product from Private Internet Access before. So you may be surprised to also discover that it's also one of the most affordable options, too!

Just like any VPN worth its salt, you can use PIA with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Linux. And it also features admirable browser extensions for the likes of Chrome, Firefox and Opera. It's in the services, app, indeed, that you really start to see the added value - there's a kill switch that vibrates when your network connection drops and plenty of added extras for power users to explore and take advantage of.

Our tests showed that PIA's speeds are fast, security is strong, and interface is easy to use. What more could you ask for at this price!?

But what if I just want the best overall VPN?
It's always nice to save money and know that you've bagged a bargain, but sometimes it's also worth investing in the very best. One look at our guide to the best VPN services will show that the current market-leader is ExpressVPN. 

There are multifarious reasons why this is the case (check out our ridiculously in-depth ExpressVPN review to discover them all), but it boils down to the obvious things - the super-fast connection speeds even too far away servers, the robust no-logging security, the incredible 24/7 customer support to get you out of the tightest binds, the sheer simplicity to use...the list goes on.

Cheers!!!

Edited by AdeDanCompTech

How To Extend The Battery Life of Your Laptop

how to extend the battery life of your laptop

Modern laptops are more powerful than ever before, and thanks to advancements in mobile technology, they are also more efficient as well, giving them ever greater battery lives.

 

However, they still need to be plugged in a juiced up throughout the day. While laptop battery life is a chief cause of mobile moans, it's possible to get significant improvements by good practice and a few software tweaks. To help you get a longer laptop battery life, here are 10 easy ways to improve it.

1. Dim your screen
The screen is one of the most power-hungry parts of the laptop. It takes serious amounts of battery power to keep your display looking clear and bright. Saving this power is simply a question of turning the brightness down. 
 

The screen brightness button is usually located as a second function of one of the F keys, and is represented by a little sun symbol with up and down icons. To use it, just hold down the correct function key and then choose up or down.

2. Change power settings
Windows 10 comes with some great power features, which enable you to eke out the best performance when you're plugged into the mains, and optimize battery life when on the move. 
 

Type 'power options' into the Start Search box and choose 'Power saver' from the list. Windows 10 also has more methods for saving battery life. These include settings for powering off the monitor and kicking into sleep mode more quickly.

3. Switch off Wi-Fi
One of the biggest battery sappers is the wireless networking capabilities built into most laptops. Wi-Fi drains the battery by constantly drawing power from the battery and, when not connected, looking for networks. 
 

When you're using your laptop away from the grid, the likelihood is you're away from wireless networks, so you can turn this device off. Many laptops have a function button that enables you to turn off the wireless adapter manually to save yourself the unnecessary waste, but older laptops often don't have this.
 

If this is the case, open up the Notification Center by clicking the speech bubble icon on the far-right side of the taskbar, and click on 'Wi-Fi' to turn it off.

4. Turn off peripherals
Using USB peripherals can put a drain on your system, because your motherboard has to power them, so unplugging everything saves juice. USB sticks, mice and webcams are common offenders, so copy all your information across and eject your devices as soon as possible, and put up with laptop track pads over your USB mouse.
 

Many laptops have function buttons to turn off the built-in webcam, which drains the battery if given the chance. And switch your speakers to mute if you've no need for sound - your laptop beeping every time it gets an email or boots Windows can be a drain.

5. Eject your disc drives
Having a disc spinning in the drive is a huge drain on resources, and many programs constantly do this. Simply eject your discs before you switch to battery power to gain vital extra minutes from your working day.
 

Most modern laptops don't come with disc drives installed these days, but if yours does, it's worth making sure it's empty when you're on the move.

6. Invest in some hardware
Good practice can go some way to extending your battery life, but if you need to use your laptop throughout your working day, you're going to need some help. 
 

Most laptops come with a six-cell battery, but many manufacturers offer eight- or even 12-cell optional upgrades, which can double your power. 
 

The alternative to expensive laptop batteries are portable laptop battery chargers, which give you valuable extra hours for all your devices. These are usually compact battery units that have adapters for most laptops and mobile phones, which is portable enough to be placed in a bag and has enough capacity to double the length of your charge.

7. Disable features
Windows 10 has some handy built-in features, but many put demands on your system that are unnecessary when working on the move. Take the simple measure of turning off graphical effects when you're on the move to make your laptop more efficient.

8. Battery care
Lithium-Ion batteries don't need a complete discharge (contrary to popular belief) but also you should use a battery once you've charged it. 
 

If you have a spare you keep topped up, use that instead of your main regularly. If you have an older non-Lithium-Ion battery, you'll need to regularly discharge it. 

 

Others are:

9. Turn Off or Exit Programs that are running at the background while the PC is on.

 

10. Turn Off the keyboard light if any.

 

 

 

Cheers!!!

 

Proudly AdeDanCompTech

Windows 10 October 2020 Update - What You Need To Know

WINDOWS 10 OCTOBER 2020 UPDATE – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

The Windows 10 October 2020 Update has started to become available to customers as a free update. 

This year, due to the situations and circumstances, there have been lots of changes in how we connect to one another, how we work, how we learn, even how we have fun. And that change is starting to feel more permanent, especially schools adapting to distance learning and connection with their teachers and classmates or workplaces shifting to hybrid environments. 

Throughout all of this, the PC has become the essential device to keep us connected across our lives; it’s become our office, our classroom, even our playground. In other to adapt to the new changes in our environment today, Microsoft has deem it fit to be committed in making its users stay connected to what matters.

As part of this commitment, Microsoft has released the Windows 10 October 2020 Update with new features and improvements to make its user experience better. 

Some of the new features include the favourite shortcut Alt + Tab which now lets you access your Microsoft Edge tabs, a streamlined design for the Start menu and more. If you’re interested in learning how to get the update, Click Here.

HERE’S WHAT’S NEW IN THE WINDOWS 10 OCTOBER 2020 UPDATE
MICROSOFT EDGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This update comes with the latest and greatest version of the new Microsoft Edge in-built. It is a better browser with more performance, more privacy and more value back while you browse. You can check it out by launching it if you’ve it already. If you are using it already, am sure you’ve seen first-hand how fast it is and Microsoft is adding great new features every six weeks. Try out Collections to easily save and share content you find online. It’s perfect for holiday shopping, school research and even planning next spring’s camping trip. And it works across PC and mobile so you’re always in sync. Also, Price Comparison has been added so you can easily find the best price when you add an item to a collection, just in time for holiday shopping.

 

With this update you also get these new, exclusive to Windows 10 features for Microsoft Edge:

Alt + Tab = The quick way to access your apps and web tabs

 

 

With this handy keyboard shortcut not only can you easily access the apps you have open on your desktop, but now you can also access your open tabs in Microsoft Edge.

All the tabs you were looking for

If you’re someone who likes the convenience of pinning your favourite websites to the taskbar, you’re going to love this new feature. Now when you hover over the website icon, you’ll see all the open tabs of that site.

REFRESHING UPDATES FROM THE START MENU TO THE TASKBAR AND MORE

 

 

 

 

A refreshing Start menu to the Taskbar

The Start menu has a more streamlined design. A uniform, partially transparent background to the tiles creates a beautiful stage for the redesigned app icons like Calculator, Mail and Calendar. This refined Start design looks great in both dark and light themes, but if you’re looking for a splash of colour, first make sure to turn on Windows dark theme and then toggle “Show accent colour on the following surfaces” for “Start, taskbar, and action centre” under Settings > Personalization > Colour to elegantly apply your accent colour to the Start frame and tiles.

Smooth Settings

 

 

Settings continues to become a more robust place to access security and device details. Also, now when you go to Settings > System > Display, Advanced display settings, you can change the refresh rate of your display. A higher refresh rate allows for smoother motion of visuals, and depending on what kind of display or monitor you have, you may be able to really crank it up—makes for a great gaming experience.

2 in 1 toast elimination

 

 

 

 

2-in-1 devices now naturally switch by default to the new tablet experience without the notification toast asking you to switch into the tablet mode when you detach the keyboard, helping to keep you in your flow.

Noticeable notifications

New app logos at the top of notifications now make it much easier to identify who they are from. And the new “X marks the spot” lets you quickly click, close and get back at it.

A Taskbar tuned to your liking

Getting a new Windows PC? You will enjoy a cleaner, more personalized, out-of-box experience featuring a taskbar specifically curated for you—less clutter and more content that you’ll love. (This experience is limited to new account creation or first logon scenarios.)

UPDATES FOR COMMERCIAL AND EDUCATION CUSTOMERS
In addition to a smoother user experience, commercial and education customers also get enhanced security and management. Feature updates include more granular control in Mobile Device Management (MDM)1, stronger sign-in protection with enhanced sign-in security, and virtualization-based security for both Microsoft Edge and Office. Whether people are working or learning on-site or remotely, IT pros and end users will gain a simpler, more secure experience with the latest Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Education.

Simpler device management

Mobile Device Management (MDM)1 now includes a Local Users and Groups policy that gives administrators the same options as on-premises Group Policy.

More secure biometric sign on

With enhanced sign-in security2, Windows Hello3 now offers added support for virtualization-based security for certain fingerprint and face sensors, which protects, isolates and secures a user’s biometric authentication data.

Stronger app protection

Windows Defender Application Guard (WDAG)4 now helps protect Microsoft 365 as well as Microsoft Edge with a unique hardware isolation strategy. WDAG keeps enterprise data protected by opening sites and Office files from untrusted sources in a virtualized container.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personalized tab page in the new Microsoft Edge

IT administrators can help employees, students and teachers personalize their new tab page with Microsoft 365. Now, people can access their files and favourite Microsoft 365 apps more quickly just by opening a new tab in their browser.

ANDROID APP ON YOUR PC

Access your Samsung Phone Android Apps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The feature is designed for “select Samsung devices.” If you have a Samsung phone, you can now access your phone’s android apps directly on your Windows 10 PC. They’ll be running on your phone but you can see, launch and interact with them on your Windows 10 desktop. 

With all these features, I believe Windows is the most powerful, productive and secure place for each of us to do our best work, to have fun, learn and connect.

Cheers!!!

Edited by AdeDanCompTech