Author: iberactiv

Categories
Computer

The Advantages Of Recycling Your Computer

Businesswoman touching recycling symbol on virtual touch screen. Environmental concept recycle - reduce - reuse.

Computers are used in almost every aspect of our lives today. Right from watching our favourite movies, to preparing the shopping list, to business transactions, the computer plays a role in almost everything. Because computers are so incredibly popular nowadays, the amounts of systems that exist in the world have also increased dramatically.

Because of how useful computers are perceived to be, when people hear the words computer recycling, they typically think of the reuse of a system, a computer that is very old is still useful as a resource or maybe even as a viable machine for those people who do not have as much options in their lives. If computers are not properly discarded, then it could potentially release bad toxics into the environment, whereby turning a possible positive situation into a negative one.

So many components within the computer can be reused, that it makes total sense for someone to recycle their computer. There are a number of objects within a computer, such as iron, tin, aluminium and plastics that are very useful. These materials can help bring the construction cost down for new systems, thereby decreasing the amount of money that the end user will have to pay for one.

Reusing a computer is another excellent way of recycling it. Sometimes you find a computer that may no longer be useful for a certain individual, however, that system could still serve a purpose for someone else out there. These particular computers can be reused by a number of organisations or simply donated to charity. For people who adopt this option, not only do they increase the life of their computer, but they’re also helping some disadvantaged person do better in their lives.

For institutions and companies that buy computers in bulk, they should definitely look into reusing and recycling their computers; the average individual will own maybe one or possibly two computers within a decade, but companies are made to update their systems routinely, and as a result are left with unusable computers. Therefore, it would be an excellent idea for these companies to look into computer recycling, by sending their obsolete computers to institutions and organisations that deal with this kind of thing.

Other materials that you can find in a computer are copper, gold, and lead. Once a computer becomes obsolete these can be reclaimed and reused or they can be recycled. In addition, there are also a number of toxic substances, such as radioactive isotopes, PCBs, mercury and cadmium.

Categories
Computer

How to Save Data on Your Hard Drive After Getting a Nasty Computer Virus

Be aware of the computer viruses lurking out there.

Having a computer virus attack is the last thing that anyone ever wants to deal with. Computer virus causes damage by using up the CPU and memory resources available in a computer. To increase the rate of damage, it can replicate many copies of itself. Furthermore, it can also prevent other programs, especially an anti-virus application, from running. More importantly, a computer virus can delete data stored on all your computer’s internal and external storage devices. Therefore, it is important to learn a few techniques so you can apply when your computer is under a virus attack.

Identify a storage device to save your data to.

The first step is to find a storage device to save your data. There are many options when it comes to choosing an appropriate type of storage device to save your data. Depending on the amount of data you have and the availability of your hardware and software, you may choose an internal or external hard drive or a USB flash drive. You may also use other media storage devices such as a DVD. After you save your data, it is highly recommended that you disable or remove the device from your computer to prevent it from being removed by the virus.

Disconnect your computer from the internet to minimize the virus’ strength and ability to cause further damage.

Disable the computer network interface, wireless network interface, or remove the Ethernet cable to disconnect your computer from the internet. Without an internet connection, the chances of your computer catching another virus or malware is also reduced. If you cannot disconnect your computer from the internet, you should not browse the internet unless it is absolutely necessary. In addition, the virus cannot use your bandwidth to perform illegal download and upload activities without an internet connection.

Booting up your computer in safe mode to disable the virus from replicating.

When booting up your computer into safe mode, only the minimal drivers and software are loaded to give you control over the Operating System (OS). A computer virus will usually be disabled because safe mode is designed to exclude foreign programs from running. Starting your computer in safe mode without networking will also help minimize another virus or malware attack. Starting your computer in safe mode without the virus program gives you the opportunity to save your data to a storage device of your choice.

Load your computer into the last known good configuration.

Computers keep track of the last known good configuration for a good reason. It allows you to load your computer programs and settings before the computer virus enters your computer. It is important for you to understand that loading the last known configuration may lose other current programs and settings running on your computer. Although you may need to re-install some programs, you no longer need to worry about the virus. However, you should save your data anyway in the event of another computer virus attack.

Save data on your computer using an alternate account.

If your computer catches the virus using a non-administrative account, you may be able to save your data under another account. Depending on the design of the virus, it may or may not be capable of causing damage outside the affected account. You can also try to disable or remove the virus with a privileged account.

Use a third party software to save your data if possible.

There are many free software that allows you to save your data outside the operation of the Operating System (OS). Usually, you can boot up your computer using a bootable device such as a DVD or USB containing the program. However, you may need to enable these bootable devices in your BIOS option setting in order to boot from them. After your computer boots up from one of these bootable devices, the program is loaded and you are provided an option to save data on your hard drive. Depending on the program features, but generally you will be allowed to save the entire partition or files.

Categories
Cell Phones

Latest Cell Phone Accessories

Skins and cover designs are the latest emerging trend in cell phone accessories. Some of them are made of hard plastic and other cases are manufactured from adhesive backed pieces of vinyl. There are many websites where you can place orders for these vinyl skins. The pieces come pre-cut at the right sizes to fit your phone or other devices.

There are two types of vinyl, cast and calendared vinyl. The former is more costly given that it is meant to be used for short periods of time. Calendared vinyl tends to fade and shrink in hot environments while cast can be used for longer durations without such problems. Although calendared costs 250 percent more, cast is still cheaper in the long run.

Technological advances in the manufacture of these products still continue to grow. Controltac is a vinyl cover that maintains it glossy look. It also offers ventilation to prevent the formation of bubbles when you place your gadget. Cast vinyl is more popular because it comes in a variety of designs.

Other Accessories for Your Phone

As cell phones become more wide spread, accessories like Bluetooth, headsets and cell phone mounts are becoming more basic. iPhone cases and even batteries are now more readily available. There is an ever-growing list of accessories that you can purchase for your phone. These may be cell phone protectors, noise cancelling headsets, memory cards etc.

Cell phone chargers are essential accessories that can be difficult to operate without. While travelling out-of-town or if you are a frequent traveler, you may need one on standby. On your journeys, you may also consider getting a signal booster. Using the wrong phone charger may have negative repercussions on the functionality and lifespan of your phone.

Headsets can give you much freedom while operating your phone. Headsets come in different shapes and designs. In case you need to use your phone in your car, there are multiple accessories that can make your life easier. These may include a dashboard and windshield mount kit. A wireless cell phone charger may also come in handy in unexpected situations.

Cell phone cases are important for the protection of your phone. There are different manufacturers that provide cases for different phones. Targus, Kensington, Body Glove, Kensington and Griffin technologies are some prominent names in this market.

When shopping for cell phone accessories, there are some tips you can rely on to get great bargains. Always ensure you find out if the store runs discounts for customers that collect the accessories personally from the stores. Some stores may also provide free shipping for a range of products. Other special offers may include rollbacks and clearance.

Apart from selecting your accessories based solely on price offerings, you can factor in other parameters. These may include the durability of the materials used, the brand name, category, its compatibility with your device and customer rating or reviews.

Categories
Cell Phones

Before You Buy Cell Phone Plans – Tips On How To Compare Cell Phone Carrier Plans

If you are in the market to buy cell phone plans, I would suggest doing your due diligence and compare cell phone carrier plans before you commit to a wireless service provider. There are quite a few companies out there who claim to offer unlimited talk, text, and data, however sometimes you really need to read between the lines. Not all plans are created equal, and some wireless companies like to try and fool the consumer by not disclosing the full truth about their plans up front.

Here are the top 3 questions to ask when you compare cell phone carrier plans:

1. Will the plan put you under contract or is there no contract? This question is very important when considering individual situations and circumstances. If you make a mistake and sign a 2 year contract, you are going to be stuck with that plan for quite a long time. Contract cancellation fees are no fun. If you have any foreseeable circumstances that might compel you to stop paying your bill, a contract might not be the best choice. There are many cell phone service providers that offer plans with no contract, and I believe that they are a better choice because they allow you the flexibility to pay as you go. You can stop service any time that you want, and there will be no monetary repercussions.

2. Do you require a new phone? Some people like to buy into plans just because they need a new basic phone or smart phone. Typically when a cell phone company offers a free phone in conjunction with a contracted plan, the phone appears to be free up front, but you will actually end up paying for the phone through a higher bill over time. This is referred to as subsidization, and the phone companies do this all the time. If you do not need a new phone, there are many no contract cellular companies that will allow you to bring your own device to their network so that you do not have to invoke a new lengthy contract. These types of plans are usually much cheaper.

3. Does the plan fit your lifestyle and your budget? Many people are enticed into expensive plans because they want to get the best technology right now, and they are willing to overlook price and functionality to get it. Everyone uses their wireless cell phones differently, ranging from just straight talk, to talk and text, to talk, text, and data. Find out how much you are really using your cell phone and judge from there how much of a plan you need to buy. If you are only using your phone to talk to your close family and nothing else, it doesn’t make sense to pay for fully unlimited talk, text, and data. Find out how much you can spend when you buy cell phone plans, and tailor the plan to meet your budget and your lifestyle.

Everyone has different needs and wants when it comes time to buy cell phone plans, therefore there are probably many different questions to be asked. However, I believe that the previous top 3 questions, which compare cell phone carrier plans, are integral in making sure that you find the right plan. There are many companies out there who are willing to take advantage of the uninformed consumer, and make them pay hand over fist for a cell phone plan that they do not necessarily need or want. I would hope that after taking a look at this information that you will be a little bit better informed and have more confidence when it comes time to purchase.

Categories
Cell Phones

Cell Phone Accessories To Improve Your Experience

Cell phones have become such important devices in our life and we have become so dependent on them that life would be paralyzed without the devices. Millions of people today rely on phones to communicate and even get businesses running. They are simply devices that have made communicating, sharing and enjoyment better and more convenient. However, a cell phone might not be all that you need to make your user experience the best. At times a number of factors can lead to situations where you need accessories to upgrade your phone. There is a wide range of accessories you can find to improve the performance and even the appearance of your cell phone for a better user experience.

Chargers – It is common for your original cell phone charger to wear out or get damaged making it ineffective. You can, however replace your old worn out and dysfunctional charger by getting a new one from a reliable accessories store near you. You can actually get the exact model for your phone or choose a universal charger for any type or cell phone brand.

Batteries – Cell phone batteries lose their ability to hold power for long and this does not necessarily mean that you replace the phone with a new one. If your battery holds power for short periods of time you can replace it with a new one to improve performance and reliability of the phone.

Data cables – They come in handy when synchronizing your calendar and contact and even files with your computer. You can also use the cables to download images, games and ringtones that you wish to have on your phone. They are some of the most popular accessories you can find in stores.

SIM cards – They transform the way you store your information, phone book entries and phone settings. With so many service providers today, you can buy several cards to serve your needs and at the same time give you a chance to enjoy the different offers that the providers have for their subscribers.

Straps – Cell phone straps give your phone a trendy, colourful look and at the same time improve your phone handling when on the go. You can easily hold onto the phone when you have a functional strap on it.

Holders – They are commonly referred to as phone cases and some are very functional for phones that come with very smooth surfaces, making them prone to slipping off your hands and falling. A holder also improves the look of your phone and protects it from scratches and dents in case of a fall. There are so many chic holsters and pouches you can choose from.

Faceplates – Most phones offer changeable face abilities and this means you can get the faceplates to change the look of your phone every now and then or to replace a damaged face.