Careful! Many “rouge” spyware removal tools themselves have spyware or ad ware. For security reasons, always download spyware scanners from reliable download sites like Downloads.com. These sites include software only after a thorough analysis. In addition, they also offer user reviews which are helpful in giving a better picture of the software you want to download and install.

When you down-load any binary application from websites, always scan with a virus scanner before opening/installing. Most rouge spyware removers can be detected by scanning with genuine anti-virus scanners. So this can stop rouge spyware removal tools from getting installed on your PC. Sometimes you may also see pop up messages or fake Windows dialog boxes displaying “WARNING! Your system is at risk! Buy [software name] to keep your system safe!”. These may be rogue spyware removers that will infect your computer system with trojans/spyware/adware if you download them.

One of the best free anti-spyware software is Micro Soft Windows defender. Windows defender is installed by default in the latest OS–Vista and is also available as a free download for Xp. You have to validate your Windows copy to download and install it on your computer. It protects your computer from popup advertisements, slow system performance, and security issues from spyware and adware by finding and removing known spyware and malwate from your PC in real-time.

Another recommended anti-spyware tool is Ad-Aware Free edition. This software is free for personal use only and it should not be used for profit purposes. The latest edition features many new features like advanced malware detection against spyware, adware, trojans & hijackers, fraud tools & fake applications, key loggers and enhanced rootkit removal system. It is also very light on memory.

* For more information on spyware check out the free spyware removal page.

Product Features

• Sleek and shiny black-and-silver desktop with 2.6 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ dual-core processor
• 360 GB hard drive, 2 GB RAM (8 GB max), 16x dual-layer DVD burner with LightScribe disc printing
• Open drive bay for an optional HP Pocket Media Drive; Nvidia GeForce 6150 video/graphics card with 128 MB of dedicated memory
• Connectivity: six USB 2.0; two FireWire; 15-in-1 memory card reader; 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Product Description:

The Samsung 920NW is a 19-inch widescreen LCD monitor certified for Windows Vista operating system that delivers a more commanding view of whatever task is at hand. With sharp 1440 x 900 resolution and the expanse of a 16:10 aspect ratio, the 920NW is an ideal solution for everything from multi-application projects to multi-player games. But more than just the big picture, the 920NW also delivers world-class image quality. A 700:1 contrast ratio reveals deep detail. Fast 5ms response time virtually eliminates blurring and ghosting when the action really begins to heat up. And 160-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles make it easier to share the excitement.

The 920NW also features exclusive Samsung Magic technologies that combine to deliver the ideal image in every situation. MagicTune software gives you full monitor control right from your mouse, while MagicBright 2 technology delivers unique brightness levels tuned for different applications. And it’s all wrapped up in a stylish narrow-bezel design that improves the appearance of any desktop or any wall, thanks to VESA wall mount compatibility. The Samsung 920NW widescreen LCD monitor. A bigger, more beautiful view.

Price: $209.99 (approx. at Amazon.com)

CPU

* Name and number.
* Core stepping and process.
* Package.
* Core voltage.
* Internal and external clocks, clock multiplier.
* Supported instructions sets.
* Cache information.

Mainboard

* Vendor, model and revision.
* BIOS model and date.
* Chipset (northbridge and southbridge) and sensor.
* Graphic interface.

Memory

* Frequency and timings.
* Module(s) specification using SPD (Serial Presence Detect) : vendor, serial number, timings table.

System

* Windows and DirectX version.

Here is a screenshot of the software:

For downloading CPU-Z and other information see www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Upgrading and Repairing PCs (18th Edition) (Upgrading and Repairing)

Upgrading and Repairing PCs is the definitive guide to the inner workings of your PC. Whether you’re adding a faster processor or bigger hard drive, tracking down a problem, or just want to understand how the components of your computer work together, this book explains everything you need to know. Trust the one book that has become the de facto standard among PC professionals and enthusiasts around the world.

World-renowned PC hardware expert Scott Mueller has taught thousands in his week-long seminars and millions through his books, videos, and magazine articles. Major changes in the PC hardware industry–including coverage of new Core 2 processors from Intel, Socket AM2 processors from AMD, and significant advances in motherboard chipsets, Blu-ray, and HD-DVD–make Upgrading and Repairing PCs, 18th Edition, an indispensable addition to every serious computer user’s bookshelf…that is, if it ever leaves their desks. Readers from around the world trust their computers to Scott. Upgrading and Repairing PCs is found on the desks of teachers, students, hobbyists, repair technicians, and even law enforcement agencies that use this book to aid them in tracking criminals.

New in This Book

* Deep coverage of the new Core 2 (8th gen or “886″) processors, featuring the new “Core Microarchitecture”
* Cutting edge coverage of quad-core desktop (Kentsfield) processor versions
* Detailed coverage of AMD’s Socket AM2 processors
* Coverage of evolutionary changes in chipsets, including new versions of Intel’s 9xx series chipsets and new 3x series Intel chipsets; coverage of new chipsets from Nvidia, VIA, and SiS has also been added
* Coverage of the new DTX and Mini-DTX motherboard form factors from the newly formed alliance between AMD and ATI
* Beefed-up coverage of Blu-ray and HD-DVD drives/players
* Extensive coverage of new GPUs in addition to heavy-duty coverage of SLI and Crossfire
* Building a PC from scratch–from assembling the hardware to BIOS setup and installing Microsoft Windows XP or Vista

On the DVD

DVD contains 2 hours of all new, studio-quality video–playable in your set-top DVD player and your computer! Scott digs deep into networking, showing all the components needed to build a SOHO (Small Office Home Office) network. Coverage includes network adapters, routers, switches, access points, cable/DSL modems, and cabling. Upgrading an existing network to gigabit speeds is also covered, as well as the latest wireless network technology. The DVD also contains a previously published edition of the book as well as technical reference material, a glossary, and an acronym index. Whether you’re building a hot new PC for home or work, or nursing an aging and ailing PC back to health, these materials prove to be worth their weight in gold to the serious PC technician or hobbyist.

www.upgradingandrepairingpcs.com

If you don’t have a DVD player or only have a set-top DVD, visit www.upgradingandrepairingpcs.com to download all the video from the DVD in Windows Media Player format as well as the PDFs and other materials on the DVD! Plus, check out monthly articles, FAQs, and video from earlier editions you might have missed!

Introduction 1
1 Development of the PC 7
2 PC Components, Features and System Design 25
3 Microprocessor Types and Specifications 39
4 Motherboards and Buses 235
5 BIOS 441
6 Memory 509
7 The ATA/IDE Interface 581
8 Magnetic Storage Principles 637
9 Hard Disk Storage 663
10 Removable Storage 707
11 Optical Storage 747
12 Physical Drive Installation and Configuration 851
13 Video Hardware 885
14 Audio Hardware 987
15 I/O Interfaces from Serial and Parallel to IEEE-1394 and USB 1025
16 Input Devices 1059
17 Internet Connectivity 1103
18 Local Area Networking 1151
19 Power Supplies 1207
20 Building or Upgrading Systems 1295
21 PC Mods: Overclocking and Cooling 1335
22 PC Diagnostics, Testing and Maintenance 1367

ON THE DVD:
A Glossary
B List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

About the Author

Scott Mueller is president of Mueller Technical Research (MTR), an international research and corporate training firm. Since 1982, MTR has produced the industry’s most in-depth, accurate, and effective seminars, books, articles, videos, and FAQs covering PC hardware and data recovery. MTR maintains a client list that includes Fortune 500 companies, the U.S. and foreign governments, major software and hardware corporations, as well as PC enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. His seminars have been presented to several thousands of PC support professionals throughout the world. Scott personally teaches seminars nationwide covering all aspects of PC hardware (including troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and upgrade), A+ Certification, and data recovery/forensics. He has a knack for making technical topics not only understandable, but entertaining as well; his classes are never boring! If you have 10 or more people to train, Scott can design and present a custom seminar for your organization.

Although he has taught classes virtually nonstop since 1982, Scott is best known as the author of the longest running, most popular, and most comprehensive PC hardware book in the world, Upgrading and Repairing PCs, which has not only been produced in more than 18 editions, but has also become the core of an entire series of books.

Scott has authored many books over the last 20+ years, including Upgrading and Repairing PCs (1st through 18th and Academic editions); Upgrading and Repairing Laptops (1st and 2nd editions); Upgrading and Repairing Windows; Upgrading and Repairing PCs: A+ Certification Study Guide (1st and 2nd editions); Upgrading and Repairing PCs Technician’s Portable Reference (1st and 2nd editions); Upgrading and Repairing PCs Field Guide; Upgrading and Repairing PCs Quick Reference; Upgrading and Repairing PCs, Linux Edition; Killer PC Utilities; The IBM PS/2 Handbook; and Que’s Guide to Data Recovery. Scott has produced several video training packages covering PC hardware, including a 6-hour, CD-based seminar titled Upgrading and Repairing PCs Training Course: A Digital Seminar from Scott Mueller. Scott has also produced other videos over the years, including Upgrading and Repairing PCs Video, 12th Edition; Your PC: The Inside Story; and 2+ hours of free video training included in the 10th and 12th through 18th editions of Upgrading and Repairing PCs as well as several editions of Upgrading and Repairing Laptops and Upgrading and Repairing Windows.

Contact MTR directly if you have a unique book, article, or video project in mind, or if you want Scott to conduct a custom PC troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, upgrade, or data-recovery seminar tailored for your organization:

Mueller Technical Research

3700 Grayhawk Drive

Algonquin, IL 60102-6325

(847) 854-6794

(847) 854-6795 Fax

Internet: scottmueller@compuserve.com

Web: http://www.upgradingandrepairingpcs.com

http://www.scottmueller.com

Scott has a private forum exclusively for those who have purchased one of his recent books or DVDs. Visit http://forum.scottmueller.com to view the forum. Note that posting is only available to registered members.

Scott’s premiere work, Upgrading and Repairing PCs, has sold well over 2 million copies, making it by far the most popular and longest-running PC hardware book on the market today. Scott has been featured in Forbes magazine and has written several articles for PC World magazine, Maximum PC magazine, the Scott Mueller Forum, various computer and automotive newsletters, and the Upgrading and Repairing PCs website.

If you have suggestions for the next version of this book, any comments about the book in general, or new book or article topics you would like to see covered, send them to Scott via email at scottmueller@compuserve.com. When he is not working on PC-related books or on the road teaching seminars, Scott can usually be found in the garage working on anything with wheels and an engine.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad-Core Processor, 2.40 GHz, 8M L2 Cache, LGA 775

Product Description

The Intel Core 2 Quad processor is the latest in cutting edge processor technology for the desktop PC. Based on the Intel Core micro-architecture, the Intel Core 2 Quad processor delivers four complete execution cores within a single processor, delivering unprecedented performance and responsiveness. More instructions can be carried out per clock cycle, shorter and wider pipelines execute commands more quickly, and improved bus lanes move data throughout the system faster.

Four dedicated, physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver additional performance, so you can experience better multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and workload. A 4-pin connector is included for fan speed control to help minimize the acoustic noise levels generated from running the fan at higher speeds for thermal performance.

# Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT)
# Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (Intel EM64T)
# Execute Disable
# Bit Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS)
# Intel designed Thermal Solution for boxed processors
# CPU Speed - 2.40 GHz
# PCG - 05B
# Bus Speed - 1066 MHz
# Bus/Core Ratio - 9.0
# L2 Cache size - 8 MB
# L2 Cache Speed - 2.40 GHz
# Package Type - LGA 775
# Core Stepping - B3
# CPU ID String - 06F7h
# Thermal Design Power - 105W
# Thermal Specification - 62.2 degrees C
# Core Voltage - 1.100V-1.372V

Price: $249.99

RAID - Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks is used to enhance the speed that the data is accessed or it’s reliability. In a raid configuration, several hard disk drives are connected and configured in such a way to make “one hard drive”.

There are several different kinds of RAID configurations. Here are some of the more commonly used ones:

RAID 0 (Stripe)

This configuration is used for speed and size: two or more hard disk drives are connected in such a way that all information is segregated into logical blocks and saved on different hard disk drives simultaneously. The advantage of this RAID type is that it is larger in the aspects of size and faster in the aspects of speed. The disadvantage with this RAID type is that if one hard disk drive becomes damaged, information on all the hard disk drives connected to this RAID will be lost.

RAID 1 (Mirror)

This configuration is used for reliability: usually, two or more hard disk drives are connected as such that the similar information is saved on all hard disk drives in this RAID. The size and speed of this RAID are the smallest and slowest hard disk drive.

RAID 0+1 (Mirrored Stripe)

This configuration is for speed, size and reliability: usually more than two hard disk drives are connected as one RAID 0, and every single hard disk drive is mirrored as RAID 1. The disadvantage to this kind RAID type is that it requires double as many hard disk drives to get the same speed and size as in RAID 0, but in turn, it is more reliable.

RAID 5 (Stripe with Redundancy)

This configuration is utilized for speed, size and reliability: usually more than three hard disk drives are connected as one RAID, and one of the hard disk drives is used to keep redundancy information. This feature (Redundancy information) enables the ability to restore the RAID if one of the hard disk drives is faulty.

The Essential Guide to Computer Hardware (Paperback)

by Jim Keogh & James Keogh

From the Back Cover

The easy, 100% non-technical introduction to computers and networks!

Don’t understand computers? Or Palms, or wireless phones, or digital cameras, or all those other new technologies? You’re not alone! Here’s your solution: Jim Keogh’s easy, math-free, up-to-the-minute introduction to computers and communications. Jim Keogh starts with the elementary school science you need to understand how computers and networks work. From there, you’ll follow a clear, easy path to understanding all of today’s most important new computer and network technologies—and tomorrow’s!

• How we got here: a brief, easy history of computer hardware
• A tour of the inside of your PC
• Computer hardware components: processors, memory, storage, and more
• Printers: how they work, and which one’s right for you
• Connecting to modems and the Internet
• Input: from mice and keyboards to graphics tablets and speech recognition
• All you need to know about audio: sound cards, speakers, headphones, and more
• Capturing images: digital cameras, Webcams, digital video, and scanners
• Wireless: cell phones, messaging, PDAs, and notebook PC solutions
• The computer and Internet business: movers and shakers
• What’s on the horizon: tomorrow’s technologies, tomorrow’s players

Whether you need to use technology, buy technology, manage technology, or simply understand technology, The Essential Guide to Computer Hardware is your perfect quick-start briefing!

About the Author

JAMES KEOGH was among the first to introduce PC programming nationally, in his Programmer’s Notebook column in Popular Electronics magazine, starting in 1982—only a few years after the Apple II was created in a garage. His Prentice Hall PTR books include Windows Programmer’s Notebook and C++ Programmer’s Notebook, Second Edition. Keogh chaired the e-Commerce track at Columbia University and is on the graduate school faculty at Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ, where he teaches in the MIS/MBA program.

Toshiba Satellite A215-S5802 15.4″ Laptop

Technical Details

# Bright 15.4-inch LCD stylishly accented with an onyx blue metallic LCD cover
#1.9 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-57 dual-core processor, 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM (4 GB max), dual-layer DVD drive
# 54g Realtek Wi-Fi (802.11b/g); 10/100 Ethernet; ATI Radeon XPress 1200 graphics (up to 319 MB of available memory)
# Connectivity: 4 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 ExpressCard 34/54, 5-in-1 memory card reader
# Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Product Description

The Satellite A215 notebook delivers cutting-edge technology that’s built to match your lifestyle mobile and multitasking. Systems feature the latest AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core mobile technology and large memory for optimal performance. A 15.4″ diagonal WXGA TruBrite display shows off media from a DVD SuperMulti drive that reads and writes up to 11 formats. High-speed wireless LAN 802.11b/g lets you work cable free. Connect to your home, office, and in wireless LAN hotspots at airports, hotels and coffee shops. The spacious 120GB hard drive provides ample storage and faster speeds to make quick work of multimedia files. Packed and priced to go, it’s great for students and everyday use. 15.4 diagonal WXGA (1280 x 800) TruBrite TFT LCD display ATI Radeon X1200 with up to 319MB shared graphics memory DVD+-R/RW Super Multi Drive with Double Layer Realtek 802.11B/G Wireless 10/100 Ethernet 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter - MMC, SD, MS, MS Pro, xD 1 ExpressCard Slot (34/54 Slot) 4 USB 2.0, 1 Headphone out; 1 Microphone-in, 1 VGA, 1 TV-Out (S-Video), 1 IEEE-1394, 1 RJ-11, 1 RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions - 14.3 (W) x 10.6 (D) x 1.55 (H) Approximate Unit Weight - 5.78lbs

Computer storage devices are used to store data so that it can be accessed later on. One of best examples of a storage device is the hard disk. In the earlier days, hard disks were not the de facto standard part in a personal computer. However, these days you cannot find a personal computer that doesn’t have a hard disk. The technology involved behind hard disks has improved tremendously. 10 years back, it was difficult to find hard disks exceeding a capacity of 2-3 GB, but now hard disks with 250 GB capacity have become very common. This is the way technology has progressed.

RAM i.e. Random Access Memory is another example of a computer storage device. The RAM is where the computer stores the data that is is executing. As the name suggests, data stored in the RAM can be randomly accessed by the microprocessor and that too at a much faster rate when compared to other means of storage like the hard disk.

Other common computer storage devices include the CD, DVD and the USB drive. In servers, tape drives are also used to back up data. Years ago when main-frame computers were in use, tape drives are used extensively. However, now tape drives are no longer popular as other means of mass storage like CDs and DVDs are more advantageous.

In the years to come, computer storage devices will become more and more efficient. Their capacities will also increase tremendously. We are already about to see hard disks with capacities ranging into terabytes (i.e. 1024 GB). Other storage devices like USB disks and optical media are also predicted to go into the terabyte range.