Computer Know How

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Contents

[edit] Who this book is for

This book is designed by Tmxxine HolyGeek as a resource for all users to empower their use of computer skills and knowledge. You will need a PC compatible and might find a basic vocabulary of Geek Speak useful but not essential. Most of this stuff is for users of Microsoft Windows, but there is info on other Operating Systems available elsewhere in wikibooks.

[edit] First step : the Operating System

The first thing you will need to know is which Operating System (or "OS") is installed on your computer. Here's a list of common operating systems, approximately ranked from the most popular to the least popular.

  • Microsoft Windows (the most recent version is Windows Vista. Previous versions include Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98 OSR2, Windows 98, Windows 95)
  • Mac OS X (the most recent version is Leopard. Previous versions Tiger, Panther, Jaguar, Puma, Cheetah)
  • Linux (either Red Hat, Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Knoppix, Linspire)
  • old-generation Mac OS
  • open source BSD (either FreeBSD or OpenBSD)
  • Solaris.

If you do not know which operating system you are using, chances are that it is either Microsoft Windows (if you're not using an Apple Computer) or Apple's Mac OS X (if you're using a Macintosh computer). Generally, the name of the operating system appears somewhere while the computer is starting. Typically, Windows displays a Start menu in the lower-left corner, while Mac OS X displays an apple in the lower-right corner. Linux and BSD can masquerade as either.

The reason why you need to determine your operating system is that each operating system is built around a different conception of how a computer should get the work done. Indeed, while the visible result of an application is often quite similar between two operating systems, the insides of applications are generally quite different, which leads to different categories of problems. In particular, computers using Mac OS X and well-administered computers using Linux or BSD are generally considered enormously more secure than computers using Microsoft Windows. On the other hand, it is often more complex to get Linux or BSD to work on a brand-new laptop.

From this point on, we will write "OS" for "Operating System", "Windows computer" for "a computer using any version of Microsoft Windows", "Linux computer" for "a computer using any version and distribution of Linux", etc.

[edit] Microsoft Windows

[edit] Common abbreviations

XP 
Windows XP
win2k 
Windows 2000
Me 
Windows Me
9x 
Either Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 OSR2 or Windows Me
win32 
Any version of Windows between Windows 95 and Windows XP.

[edit] Drivers

A device driver, or driver for short, is a piece of software designed to permit the execution of a device, such as a USB key, a CD drive, a scanner, etc.

Certain 9x Operating Systems come preloaded with tons of Device Drivers. However some older version of operating system and some newer ones don't have these.

Some operating systems can use two types of device drivers 16-bit and 32-bit. Windows 95 and 98 can use both 32 and 16 bit drivers. Windows 95 and 98 are perhaps the best operating systems when looking for available drivers. Some people prefer Windows 98 over 95. Windows XP and Windows Me only allow 32 bit drivers.

[edit] Free information, help and consultancy

There are several organisations offering free geek help

  1. Windows Help pages
  2. Get Net Wise
  3. Freebyte

[edit] More speed

Turn off some of the "visual effects" to get a faster computer

  1. Click Start
  2. Select Control Panel
  3. Click to Open "System"

An alternate method is to right click

My Computer on your desktop and select Properties. (A third way is to hold down the Windows key and press the pause/break button.)

The System Properties dialog box will appear.

  1. Select the Advanced tab
  2. Under Performance section click the Settings button

the Performance Options dialog box will appear

Remove the check beside the following options:

  • Fade or slide menus into view
  • Fade or slide ToolTips into view
  • Fade out menu items after clicking
  • Show Shadows after menus
  • Slide open combo boxes
  • Slide taskbar buttons
  • Use a background image for each folder type
  • Use common tasks in folders

Speed Xp up !!!! This is for ADVANCED USERS ONLY!!!

1. Goto the directory where you have your windows xp installation

for example if windows is installed in c:\ then the windows installation would be c:\windows or c:\winnt

2. Goto the c:\windows\prefetch\ folder and delete everything there...

restart windows and  .. viola!! your computer is a performer

3. go to

c:\documents and settings\ current user\local settings \temp\ delete everything there (must click on "Tools". Then "Folder Options". Then click on "view" tab. and finally: uncheck the "Do not show hidden files and folders" option in order to access c:\documents and settings\ current user\local settings \temp\)

4. Goto c:\windows\temp and delete everything there...

5. On Windows XP

   Increase Virtual Memory
    1>Right Click on My Computer>Properties>Advanced Tab
    2>Under Performance Click Settings>Advanced
    3>Virtual Memory>Change
    4>Select Custom Size set your minimum and maximum as high as possible according to your Hard Drive's Free space, (Like 1024-2048)

6. Search for *.tmp and *.chk(Check Disk Fragments) and delete those

[edit] RUN command

To use Run left click on the Start button. Click on Run. (or press the Windows key on your keyboard and the letter "r")

calc (opens calculator utility)

cdplayer (opens cd player)

charmap (opens character map utility)

clipbrd (opens clipboard utility)

command (or cmd) (opens DOS window at command line)

control (Control Panel)

control folders (Folder Options)

control userpasswords (User Accounts)

control desktop (Display Properties)

control printers (Printers and Faxes)

control mouse (Mouse Properties)

control keyboard (Keyboard Properties)

control netconnections (Network Connections)

control color (Display Properties \ Screensaver)

control date/time (Date and Time Properties)

control schedtasks (Scheduled Tasks)

control admintools (Administrative Tools)

control telephony (Phone and Modem Options)

control fonts (Fonts Folder)

control international (Regional and Language)

defrag (opens defrag utility)

drvspace (opens drive space utility to compress drives, etc.)

dxdiag (for DirectX, sound, input devices-joysticks, etc. info)

freecell (opens freecell game)

mplayer2 (opens Windows Media Player 6.4)

msconfig (accesses programs that run on startup)

mshearts (opens hearts game)

msinfo32 (accesses system resources info)

notepad (opens program)

regedit (accesses command to edit the registry)

rsrcmtr (loads resource meter utility in system tray)

scandskw (accesses scan disk utility)

scanregw (registry scan)

services.msc (like msconfig but more options)

sndrec32 (opens sound recorder)

sndvol32 (opens sound volume utility)

sol (opens a solitaire game)

sysedit (accesses the System Configuration Utility)

sysmon (opens system monitor utility)

win.ini (accesses file that loads some Windows components)

winfile (opens File Manager, still useful to associate file types)

winipcfg (displays Internet connection/adapter info)

winver (displays the Windows verson installed on the computer)

wmplayer (opens Windows Media Player)

wordpad (opens program)

wupdmgr (connects to Windows update)

(It's easy to add more commands to this list. Simply create a shortcut to the program you want and put that shortcut in the \Windows [\WINNT] directory and you can execute any command that can be made with a shortcut through the run command.)

[edit] Improve Your Security

One thing you need to know is that, unless Microsoft drastically changes its policies and eventually keeps its 10-year-old promises, your Windows computer is never going to be as secure as a Mac OS X, BSD or Linux computer. Therefore, it is strongly advised to back up your data and personal information on CDs or DVDs regularly and keep a version of your install CD of Windows handy.

1. If you are using it, dump Internet Explorer. Use Firefox or Opera to browse the Web. You will still be forced to use IE to update your system, but that is the ONLY thing you should use it for. Security-wise, Internet Explorer is the single worst piece of software installed on your computer.

2. Similarly, dump Outlook Express. If you need a tool other than your webbrowser to read your mail, use Thuderbird or Opera.

3. Patch your system. Install the recommended security updates and patches for ALL software on your system, not just the operating system.

4. Run a proven software firewall. Don't rely on the Windows Internet Connection Firewall (ICF); it blocks inbound attacks only. ZoneAlarm and Sygate offer excellent free versions of their products. If you install a hardware router (like a Lynksys BEFSX41, about $70), you don't need a software firewall at all - the hardware router has one built in. It doesn't hurt to run both if you wish.

5. Run a good antivirus program. Choices abound. AntiVir Personal Edition (free); other good ones are Norton Antivirus, Panda Software, and Grisoft's AVG (free).

6. Run Spyware Blaster and keep it updated. This free program blocks adware and spyware from installing in the first place and is frequently updated.

7. Run Ad-Aware and keep it updated. I recommend you scan weekly, more frequently if you are a heavy surfer.

8. Run Spybot S&D and keep it updated on the same schedule as Ad-Aware.

9. Use this if you are technically competent x-raypc - if unsure avoid it

[edit] XP Specific

Securing_Windows_XP Troubleshooting_Windows_XP

[edit] Mac OS X

[edit] Linux

In Linux, drivers are called Kernel Modules.

[edit] Generic information

[edit] Tutorials

[edit] Direct link Image storing

Photobucket free, simple, fast, reliable image hosting site and online photo album that allows direct linking Flickr is another photosharing site in a similar vein, and uses an advanced flash interface for easy management and organization of photos, that has the advantage of serving several sizes of photos.

Direct linking is very important You can put something like this in a wiki

eg. (photobucket)

http://photobucket.com/albums/v514/HolyGeek/Moon_with_StreetLamps_2.jpg

eg. (flickr)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1572269_de9d44daad.jpg

[edit] Email lists

The following specialise in tips on getting the best from your computer. Please add your favourite

  • scambusters Keeping free of internet scams
  • LockerGnome Excellent range of specialised lists including Linux, Windows Fanatics, Hot downloads, Web masters and Search Engine news. More commercial than previously.
  • Tourbus In depth support
  • Blackviper Lists Windows services and what they do, useful to help disable what you don't need. Also gives other performance help.

[edit] Essential skills

Keyboard and mouse skills are usually the first we learn using a Web Browser, email, a text editor or word processor and paint programs. These types of programs are built into Windows, most desktop Linux distros and Mac (?).

Next we develop specialised skills. For example:

  1. Photo retouching
  2. DTP
  3. Structured drawing
  4. Ray tracing

according to needs and requirements.

[edit] Security Information

someword.x.user@spamgourmet.com

where someword is a identifier and x is the number of emails - so you can trace where email was sourced from

This is most useful for when some companies ask for your email address

promise not to pass it on etc . . .

also mailinator allows you to fill out a form (some require an email to activate service and provide passwords, confirmation etc)

the email is only active for a few hours

You go to the address and put in the name you used

Another good method of avoiding registration is by accessing BugMeNot's database of usernames and passwords.

[edit] Creating an ISO image

Linux distributions and other files are often supplied as an ISO image which has to be burnt or copied onto a CD with a CD writer

[edit] Free Software

Freeware

[edit] What do these terms mean?

Please add terms glossary from wikipedia

[edit] Installing Linux Distros to a hard disk

Installing Linux

By downloading and using a bootable linux distro we also have the opportunity to install it on the hard disk. In this example Mepis is used

[edit] On line Services

Dropload Web site that allows you to share large files with specific people. You can use Dropload as a means of sharing files. With Dropload, you can literally drop a file on a server. An e-mail will be sent to the intended recipient to come and pick up the file. Once you drop your file on the server, it is held for 48 hours then deleted. There is a file size limitation of 50 MB. On line compiler Compile your programs from anywhere

I just signed up for an account with mail.com and will see how it works out. Looks good so far and i like the flexibility they give you when creating your address...

[edit] How to Buy a PC

If you are certain that a new PC is required then read the computer press. However it is quite likely you may just need to upgrade parts of your machine.

In October, 2004, prices for complete, (name brand), Pentium 4 systems clocking at just below 3Ghz are as low as $350 after completing rebates. Some 17" LCD monitors are as inexpensive as $200, usually involving a rebate. This would make a PC and monitor package cost around $550, if you shop effectively. Conversely, some popular retailers will sell similar packages for $200 to $300 more.

[edit] Do you need a new PC?

More memory

If you hear your computer constantly addressing the hard drive you need more memory - cheap and cheerful upgrade 128 MB is underpowered, 256 MB is minimum.

If you are unsure it is safer but slower to have a virus checker in memory Linux users do not have this situation . . .

Virus checkers and other programs in memory can slow a system down (they are taking up CPU time) The registry (a database of settings) can also become complex and slow the machine down.

Most viruses come from e-mail - so if you are set to only receive text and do not automatically open .SCR .pif and all the other potential viruses you are OK

So if you do a virus check each day ideally you do not absolutely require a virus checker in memory

- oh one more tip on speeding up your computer

- use faster software . . .

and as usual fast software (like fast hardware - as in overclocking)

that is so fast it crashes

is not fast (though it may be fun) . . .

Use other people's computers. You will never collect all the interesting platforms at home. SourceForge provides free shell accounts for software developers. HP has a TestDrive program for the prospective customers. telnet or ssh will connect your box to any system in the world, providing yo have an account.

[edit] Buying Equipment

see How To Build A Computer

How to upgrade your Hardware

Don't - buy a laptop or PDA instead . . .

If you get a new motherboard, get one with EVERYTHING built in (it is designed to work together). At the present time (October 2004) buying a whole bare bones computer is not much more than second hand or the price of a motherboard. This may vary in your section of the market.

[edit] Using Windows-Key Keyboard Shortcuts

Are you a user who finds reaching for the mouse an annoying action? If so, then consider keeping your fingers on the keyboard to accomplish the same objectives by using the keyboard shortcuts listed below.

Windows Key + E

Opens the Explorer window.

Windows Key + D Brings the desktop to the foreground. If you repeat the keyboard combination, it returns the desktop to the background and the open windows will return to their original state.

Windows Key + F

Displays the Search Result window.

Windows Key + L

Locks your Windows XP computer.

Windows Key + M

Minimizes all open windows to display the Desktop.

Windows Key + R

Displays the Run command. (try that and type in OSK - just in case you have no keyboard)

Windows Key + F1

Displays the Help and Support Centre window.

Windows Key + Pause/Break

Displays the Systems Properties dialog box.

Windows Key + Tab

Cycles through the buttons on the Task Bar. To activate the selected button on the Task Bar, press the Enter key.

Alt + Tab

Toggles or switches between open windows.

Alt + F4

Closes the active window.

[edit] Graphics card

If you scroll through a text document with graphics or a web page and it is slow, a new graphics card will speed this up.

Here are some guides for getting an add on:

PCI cards are the oldest technology.

AGP is now the standard. Make sure your motherboard can cope with the different speeds of AGP:

x1

x2

x4

x8

(I recently got this but my motherboard only goes up to X4 - the amount of data that can be pumped in and out)

So I am using an old voodoo 16 meg PCI accelerator - great for all but very intense video work . . . ray tracing.

A new graphic system known as PCI Express 16x is here. This is faster than AGP and is now shipping on most new mothreboards. Currently one motherboard company is offering support for SLI cards. This allows you to have two video cards (currently they have to be the same, though oneday someone will release a patch for warranty voiding goodness) in tandem to give about a 1.8 time performance increase, using this turned you PCI-E 16x slot into two PCI-E 8x slots.

Unless you are playing games or using ray tracing the most useful part of a graphic card is the amount of memory.

There is one more family of graphic cards in the market called Dualhead Graphic Cards. Dualhead Cards are the easiest way to expand your destop to two (or more) screens. An alternative to a dualhead card is a two-card setup although for the novice this may be difficult.

Infact there is great industry support for these kind of graphic cards (e.g. could be Matrox G550DH 32MB AGP)

[edit] Learning programming

Free Programming resources

[edit] Future Directions

If possible, buy a machine with Sound, Ethernet, USB, FireWire and possibly graphics built into the motherboard. Gamers (and others) will want an AGP or PCI Express slot with a separate video card. The processor is not that important as most are sufficiently powerful.

Linux users – Windows and Linux are slowly beginning to merge – WinX

As much as possible try to use software that runs on Linux and Windows so that your skills will have long term security.

The memory and support chips for the the CPU (presently on the motherboard) will all be integrated, networking, graphics etc

Emerging standards are

  1. Wikipedia: Ogg vorbis to replace Wikipedia: MP3
  2. Wikis to replace 'static web pages'
  3. Operating System on the motherboard
  4. Open Source certified software

[edit] See also

Retrieved from "http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Computer_Know_How"
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