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Tactical Panda News & Updates
RAM - Random Access Memory
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The RAM chip is a slim plastic bit of hardware covered in micro-chips, about the same size and shape as a 6" ruler, and fits directly into the motherboard of your desktop computer. The RAM chip for a laptop is considerably smaller (about a third of the length of a desktop RAM chip), but does exactly the same job.
RAM, (short for Random Access Memory) is a temporary information holder, and next to the processor, is probably one of the most essential parts of your computer. Not only does it handle temporary commands and functions, but is arguably one of the principle components required in the constant battle to make a computer work faster! In days of old, the average XP computer left the factory with a 256Mb RAM chip installed, at the time this was considered sufficient to make Windows XP 'work'. Nowadays this is certainly not the case, and 256Mb or even 512Mb of RAM is considered 'starvation diet' for Windows XP. With Windows Vista, even 1024Mb (or 1Gb) or RAM is barely acceptable, with 2Gb now the normal requirement. Windows 7, like Vista, requires at least 2Gb of RAM as a 'must-have' requirement for the new operating system. |
The best way to check which memory chip you require is to look at the existing chips already installed in your computer. Nowadays RAM is of the DDR or DDR-2 variety, and many times they have a small label attached to the chip with a 'PC' number shown on the label. In more mature computers, this PC number will be something like PC100 or PC133.
Slightly less mature computers will have a PC number like 2100, 2700, 3200, the most common by far is PC3200. More up to date computers will have dual-channel RAM with numbers like PC2-3200, PC2-6400 and so on. In an nutshell, the more RAM you have installed the quicker and easier programmes will open, close and carry out the task you set it. Your computer will start-up and close down quicker, and the whole job will be performed with less strain on the computers' resources. As in all things, there are exceptions to the rule, but follow these guidelines and you won't go far wrong.
For more information on RAM (including how to install it) and much more, please click here.
Spyware
Just about every computer has some form of anti-virus software installed, but there is another threat out there that can be just as destructive - Spyware. So what is Spyware? The dictionary definition is: 'Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else'.
Scary stuff! But as always, there is a solution. There are many applications on the internet to combat Spyware, some are free, some you pay an annual subscription for, but they all do the same job. Unlike high-end anti-virus software (like Nod32), anti-spyware programmes require you to scan your computer regularly, and remove whatever it finds. A lot of the time the scan result produces 'cookies', usually harmless bits of information you collect every time you visit a website. Other times, the result show more sinister findings such as keystroke copying software which, in a worst case scenario, actually monitors your username and password inputs, copies them, then forwards this information to unscrupulous individuals.
That's the scary stuff out of the way, anti-spyware software can also help with your computer maintenance by removing the build up of cookies (as mentioned before) which have a habit of collecting in the computer and slowing it down. Very few computer users actually go into their 'Internet Options' link in the browser and empty the computer's record of visited websites, cookies, temporary internet files etc., a habit everyone should get into, and takes a few seconds to complete.
The topic of Spyware is dealt with in more detail on one of our Help Pages - to read more, please click here.
Remote Assistance
Sometimes your computer is online but 'playing up', it's not serious, but you want someone to take a quick look at the problem without having to visit your home - after all, it's not that serious! Welcome to the world of Remote Assistance, a very clever way of getting help from someone who can literally be on the other side of the world, but controlling your computer as if they were sat in front of it.
If you have Windows Live Messenger, then you are probably familiar with the idea anyway. By inviting someone to take over the controls of your computer, they can 'see' what you see on your screen, move the mouse and operate the keyboard - while you sit back and watch! Programmes can be opened and closed, the assistant can even shut down the computer for you.
So how is this done? You first arrange for the 'remote assistant' to be online when you are. If you don't use Live Messenger, then you will be asked to download and install a small piece of software after which a code displayed on your screen is given to the assistant. They in turn enters the code into their version of the software (slightly different version) and the connection is made. It's quick, easy and perfectly safe to use. You can terminate the connection at any time if you want to. On the subject of safety, the 'remote assistant' cannot re-connect to your computer without your permission.
Good software that can accomplish the task is freely available on the internet, we use 'Team Viewer' and we have had great success with it. As you may have guessed, Remote Assistance is available from Tactical Panda at no charge, but must be used by appointment only. We can take a look at the problem, help with diagnosis and suggest a possible remedy.
Safety Online
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With the huge amounts of online communications systems such as Windows Live Messenger, Google Mail, Yahoo Mail, Skype and so on, have you ever stopped to consider exactly who you, or more importantly, your children, are actually talking to when online? There has been much coverage in the press recently about Internet predators actively seeking out young people especially, and there have been many documented cases of wrong-doing by predators, some leading to unfortunate situations.
Whilst no one will dispute that social networks such as BeBo, Buzznet, MySpace, Facebook and so on have a use and are generally harmless fun, there is always a potential exploitation side available to every less-than-honest user. In April 2007, Rachael Bell hit the headlines when her MySpace organised party led to £20,000 worth of damage to her parent's house. Having personal details available for everyone to see is any thief's dream scenario so it is clear to see why these party invitations are causing such a worry. If you are having a huge party and your house is full, you may not realise if one stranger has managed to sneak in and is upstairs rummaging through your stuff. |
As well as leaving yourself open to theft, personal information can be used by identity thieves to open loans and credit cards in your name. Only a small amount of information is needed for these criminals. Even if your page is set to private, you can be subject to hacking.
The basic rule of thumb is to treat people online as you would offline. It is also good to be wary of what we upload in terms of images and videos. You don't want to put anything up that will come back to haunt you.
Still concerned about what's happening on your youngsters PC's (especially if they are kept in their bedroom)? There is software available that can monitor both activity (including recording keystrokes and websites visited), and/or allow you to dictate which websites are viewable, and more importantly, which ones aren't. This information can then be passed to you via a private e.mail which only you can access. If this seems a little 'over the top' for your taste, then speak to your children and advise them of the potential dangers, even better, visit our help pages at www.tacticalpanda.co.uk/safety for more help and advise on staying safe online.
WebCam's
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With the advent of Skype and Windows Live Messenger, there has been an upsurge in the number of Webcams being sold in the UK. The choice of Webcam is enormous, and a quick trip around the selection at your local computer hardware store will verify this. So what's the point in having a Webcam, and what does it do?
Some computer, particularly higher range laptops have a Webcam built into them. This is not usually the case with desktops and you have to buy one separately. Installation is simple enough, as the camera comes with an installation disc. Check first that the software is compatible with your operating system, as some are not yet available with Windows Vista drivers. Having said that, the mid to upper range of Webcams, from the likes of Microsoft and Logitech, are cross-OS compatible, so you shouldn't have any problems installing. A webcam is designed to let you see who you are talking to when using Live Messenger and Skype, the two most popular applications. Many Webcams have a built in microphone so an additional 'mic' isn't necessary. These are 'localised' microphones, so they should pick up your voice from their customary position on top of the monitor. |
The main criticism of Webcams is the image is sometime 'jerky', this is down to one or more of the following - bad connection to the internet; economy Webcam with a low built-in resolution; and/or a graphics card that cannot handle a very good video output. All three are easily remedied, but cost!
Using Messenger (and Skype) you will always have the option whether you want your 'image' to be seen by the person you are calling. To share an Webcam image you must first send a 'message' to the other person requesting they 'switch on' their Webcam. They can refuse of course, and there is not a lot you can do about that. But if you know the other person, then why not share the images online, after all it's free!
Back It Up!
One of the most common errors customers tell me about, after the event, is a catastrophic hardware failure resulting in the loss of data. By data, I mean photographs, documents, music and videos. Remembering to back up your data is a job often thought about after the damage has been done.
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Can you imagine a scenario where you lose the photographs of your silver wedding anniversary surprise party? Life wouldn't be worth living!
So when should you back up your data, and how? The simplest way is to 'burn' everything onto a CD or DVD. This is by far the most common way of backing up your precious documents and photos. Both Windows XP and Vista have built-in burning software enabling you to save everything to a CD or DVD quite easily. Commercial software is available to supplement or replace the Windows burning software, the most popular ones arguably being Nero, Alcohol 120% and Ashampoo. |
But how else can you back up your data? External hard drives (EHDD) are very popular as well. Bought from any computer retailer, the EHDD is usually mains powered and is connected to the PC via a USB cable. In effect the EHDD is an empty hard drive enclosed in a plastic case with cables - that's it! A lot of people back up data to a portable Flash Drive. Personally I don't recommend this as a permanent back-up solution.
How often should you back-up? Personally I run a complete back-up every week using specialised software from Genie-Soft, this not only backs-up all my documents, but e.mails from Outlook as well, and I save it all to an EHDD that does nothing else!
For the home user, I would recommend a full back-up at least once a month, more if you add a lot of photos or documents to your collection. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry - back-up today!
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