PC or Laptop : Top Five Tips to Improve Your Laptop Battery Life

PC or Laptop

Compared with the desktop computers, laptop computers battery is not only an integral part of the computer, but also to a large extent determines its ease of use. There are three types of batteries for laptop computers: Nickel-hydrogen batteries, Nickel-cadmium batteries and Li-ion batteries.

Certain NiCd batteries gradually lose their maximum energy capacity if they are repeatedly recharged after being only partially discharged. Most of the laptops use Li-ion batteries, because of its high voltage, low weight, high-energy, no memory effect, and best of all, can be recharged at any time. If all conditions are identical, the same weight of the lithium-ion battery can hold 5% more power than nickel-hydrogen batteries.

There are some choices to help you develop good habits to extend your laptop battery life.

1. Defragment the hard disk from time to time: the smoother the hard disc works, the less power it consumes. But if you use Linux or MacOSX, the defragment can be ignored, because they are more efficient on disk management than Windows , so they have little debris.

2. Reduce the brightness of your monitor. It's good for power-saving, and most laptop computers support you to adjust the brightness of the display.

3. Turn off all unnecessary processes. Unplug the USB external equipment and disable WiFi equipment when you don't need them.

4. Use the hard drive instead of DVD / CD drive. Copy the CD-ROM data into the hard drive and use the virtual drive software, that is convenient and better for energy saving.

5. When you use the battery, do not deal with reports, Email, Mp3 at the same time. Try to focus on one task. If you do not do so, you are not going to complete any one thing before you used up all the power.

Laptops become more and more popular than desktops , because there are laptop deals every where.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Underwood

PC or Laptop : Watching Television Through Your PC or Laptop

PC or Laptop

If You want to watch television through your PC, you have 2 options, PCTV hardware or software for satellite TV. Although both will enable your desktop or laptop computer to stream live TV channels, they differ in terms of cost, number of channels offered and portability.

So what is a PCTV device? It is a piece of hardware that comes in the form of PCI/PCI Express cards that is to be installed onto the motherboard of desktop computers. It can also come as an external gadget in the form of USB device. In order to watch television through your pc or laptop with it, you will need a broadband wired connection.

How about satellite tv software? Well, it is a piece of software that has the feature to stream live channels using broadband internet.

So how is it different from using PCTV device to watch television through your pc? Firstly, no additional hardware is needed. That means no need to install any card into the PC and no additional USB device to be plugged into you laptop. Secondly, a typical PCTV device will give you access to hundreds of television channels, but with satellite tv software, you can choose from thousands of channels worldwide in different languages. Thirdly, a good software will cost no more than $50 compared to a PCTV device which will set you back by at least a hundred dollars. Lastly, with the software, you are not restricted to using wired internet connection. It works fine with wireless connections and thus you can enjoy live cable channels anywhere in the world.

Both software and hardware solution have one major advantage over conventional cable television packages, you will only pay a one-time fee. Yes, a one time fee. You only pay for the purchase of software/hardware and can watch television through your pc for as long as you like, free of charge.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Tho

PC or Laptop : Remote Computer Support - Must Know Facts

PC or Laptop

Remote computer support is needed if you can not get the local computer help, you want someone to fix the problem with your laptop quickly, or you do not have enough money to pay for a home technicians.

In this article, I'll address:

-What is remote repair?
-How do I find the best remote support technicians?
-How can I leverage free remote help options?

What is remote computer support?
This basically happens via the internet - thus you must have a computer internet connection, preferably broadband, cable, ISDN, etc.

Remote computer help requires teleconferencing a technician to take over your computer and fix problems as if they were sitting in front of your laptop or desktop.

At the same time, support personnel will be talking to you on the phone or via VOIP for you to describe the problems and help aid in the solution.

Remote laptop and desktop help works best for software issues - hardware is very hard to solve over the phone or internet.

How do I find the best remote laptop support technicians?
Start with Google Search. Look for the following keywords:

-remote laptop repair
-distance desktop inspection
-online PC installation
-best PC technicians
-remote PC technicians
-internet laptop repair

That's just a start. When finding remote diagnostic options, you need to consider price, availability, expertise, and references.

Don't be scammed - often online inspection personnel will take over your computer and steal personal information such as credit cards, insurance, passwords, etc.

Whether laptop or desktop, PC or mac, best Anti-virus or no Anti-virus, they can still do this.

How can I leverage free remote support options?

#1 is to ask friends and family. They are more trustworthy, and the computer help is usually free.

#2 is to ask desktop forums specific questions. They will tell you how to solve your software problems, without needing to remotely take control of your PC.

#3 is to find free electronics forums - there are plenty of these through Google and Yahoo! search. Setup a Skype account, and a video teleconferencing account, and you can get started on free repair support!

Anything else I need to know about distance desktop repair?

There are many options - from online assistance over phone, to support by videoconferencing, to support by technicians taking control of your desktop through a remote portal.

Consider variables mentioned earlier - price, reliability, and availability. With all computer problems, you want them fixed fast! It's frustrating dealing with very slow computers and not knowing how to troubleshoot computers when needed.

Finally, think about local repair centers. These are not much more expensive and can be much more reliable. These local shops and support stores are brick-and-mortar, so you worry less about scams.

It's just another option if you're not 100% sure of remote computer support.

Hope that helps, best of luck in solving all of your hardware and software problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JD_Chang

PC or Laptop : Criteria For Choosing Laptop Computers

PC or Laptop

Nowdays is the world's mobile phone, laptop computer needs to improve in their luxury after that. This is especially true for entrepreneurs, students and professionals who want to take their information and communication anywhere and anytime.

However, the large number of brands on the market can be very confusing for the newbie in the mobile computer. Not every laptop is created equal. Characteristics, both physical and storage, catering to different markets, different needs, and different layers. With that, this is a case that should be remembered when considering the purchase of a laptop

Faster Processor

Ideally, the processor must be the fastest in its segment to enable computing speeds that will keep up with your equally fast lifestyle. Most tech geeks will recommend Intel Core 2 Duo as the fastest in the market at present.

Higher Memory Capacity

Often, it is better to opt for the higher memory capacity because you will be saving yourself the trouble of upgrades, not to mention the costs, later on. Although 1GB is sufficient and 2GB is better, opt for 4GB if your budget allows it.

Again, the higher the capacity and the faster the speed of the hard disk, the better. You will need the extra space when your data (i.e., software, photos, videos, documents) increase with constant use.

Preferred Screen Size and Resolution

When it comes to the laptop computers' screens, you will have more leeway as it basically boils down to your preferences. You will be confused with tech-geek terminologies like screen resolution, passive/active screens and aspect ratio so the best thing to do is to test drive the laptops until you find one that suits your viewing needs.

Longer Battery Life

Your laptop will only be as good as its battery. Nowadays, the normal battery life is 2-3 hours although the MacBook Pro can last as long as 5 hours. Just remember that the more batteries your laptop has, the more expensive it becomes but the price will be worth it.

Wireless and Wired Mobile Connectivity

Ideally, your laptop must have mobile connectivity options in both the wireless (WiFi) and wired networks. You will have more opportunities to connect to the virtual world when you have both options, which will make your life easier especially when telecommuting.

Multi-Media Options

Nowadays, laptop computers are becoming an all-in-one entertainment-cum-business device. As such, you will need sufficient ports to plug in external devices like a mouse and printer, a memory stick and scanner, and even your digital camera must be accommodated by your laptop. And if you are a movie fan, you should consider buying a laptop with a built-in CD/DVD drive.

Physical Appearance

Fortunately, the physical appearance of laptops nowadays is unquestionably becoming more and more fashionable. You can virtually drool over their sleek, smooth and stylish aesthetics that laptop covers, sleeves and bags are often necessary evils. And with designs in various colors, textures and prints, you will definitely find a laptop that appeal to your personal sense of style!

When purchasing a mobile computer just remember these criteria and you will ultimately find your perfect laptop.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yavindra_S._Rajpaul

PC or Laptop : Watch Satellite TV Channels on PC Or Laptop

PC or Laptop

Actually there are 2 ways to watch satellite TV channels on your PC. Both solutions offer the ability to stream live cable / satellite channels anywhere on the Internet.

PCTV Cards

This is a hardware that streams live channels over the internet to your PC. Just connect or install it onto your PC, plug the network cable into it and you are set to go. Of course, you will need to install the driver and software that comes with it before you can start to enjoy live TV. The device comes in internal PCI/PCI Express and external USB versions. You can find it at any major PC hardware stores for a few hundred dollars.

Satellite Television Software

You can also watch satellite TV channels on PC or your laptop using satellite television software. The software, once downloaded and installed, streams thousands of channels all over the world over internet and turn your PC into an entertainment powerhouse instantly.

No matter which solutions you choose to watch satellite TV channels on PC, a one-time cost for the purchase of the PCTV card or the satellite television software is all that you need to stream live cable channels. They do not come with any monthly fees or pay-per-view fees. Satellite television software costs no more than $50 and offers more than 3000 channels. In terms of cost and number of channels offered, it gives more value than PCTV cards.

Portability wise, USB version of PCTV cards will enable you to watch satellite TV channels on PC, especially laptops, anywhere. The same goes for satellite television software but the advantage of software solution is that no hardware is required.

When purchasing a PCTV card or the software, please make sure that they are supported by the operating system of your laptop. Windows Vista or Windows XP are generally fine but Mac users should check with the product vendor or read the FAQs before buying.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Tho

PC or Laptop : Watch Satellite TV on PC - Desktop or Laptop

PC or Laptop

Technology has made it possible for us to watch satellite TV on PC. This is a dream fulfilled for. Not long ago, people argued and still torn between two choices - satellite TV and cable TV. Although the competition is that we see in these two major entertainment Titans and compare before deciding whether we should take one or maybe to watch satellite TV on PC would be our choice

Before we look at the option to watch satellite TV on PC, let us try to understand the background of satellite TV and cable TV. There are clearly two groups of TV viewers, one of them who are subscribers of cable TV, while the other watch satellite TV. Satellite television has always been thought to be more outstanding in terms of TV program quality. Cable TV on the other hand has so far gained an upper hand in terms of TV package pricing. One common grouse of satellite TV viewers is its complicated and not so easy satellite dish installation. To set up the satellite TV, you need to install a satellite dish of suitable size, receiver, cabling, mount and other equipment in order to start receiving satellite TV programs. Fortunately since most satellite service providers also provide free satellite dish installation as part of the package you subscribe for, it saves a great deal of trouble for satellite TV subscribers.

In terms of its availability in different geographical states, both are almost equal. Satellite TV viewers sometimes complain about the occasional disruptions in the TV transmission during bad weather conditions but just in case you are thinking cable TV viewers are spared, they are not either. This flaw is a common issue both groups of TV viewers have to contend with. This effectively levels the playing field for the two titans.

Satellite TV and cable TV are expected to continue to compete in terms of availability of service, quality and selection of TV programs and pricing. But in the midst of it, statistics are revealing that satellite TV is fast growing to become the choice of many viewers. Other than local TV entertainment, satellite TV viewers are pampered with a wide selection of entertainment, information, movies and traditional channels of satellite TV. Anyone can get to watch any program from world news, comedy to TV series, sports games and events and science documentaries using satellite TV. Your children would be entertained by the educational kids channels and cartoons.

These are essentially the two most widely accepted ways to watch TV. You might not be aware but to watch satellite TV on PC is like bringing the best out of the two popular TV entertainment methods. With a broadband internet connection, a computer that can be a desktop or laptop and proprietary PC satellite TV software installed onto your PC, you can instantly watch satellite TV on PC within minutes. This totally eliminates the need for complicated installation of the satellite dish system.

As you know, broadband internet connection is seldom interrupted and this also means that your TV viewing experience would not be interrupted and the TV picture quality is unlikely to experience distortion. You no longer have to miss any exciting episode of your favorite TV show because of a broken transmission of the TV feeds. One greatest benefit to be mentioned is the cost to watch satellite TV on PC. The only investment you are going to fork out is the one-time software cost in order to watch satellite TV on PC.

Looking at the many benefits that PC satellite TV has to offer, this modern TV viewing mode looks set to take the crown in the TV entertainment industry. Read up my satellite TV blog on more information about the software that has enabled many TV viewers to watch satellite TV on PC.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Davion_Wong

PC or Laptop : Using a Laptop to Control a PC Tower

PC or Laptop

I want to be cured of my monitor once and replaced with an LCD monitor. But like most of us, it not only in the budget. I have a laptop and connect to my home network. I have a network to share internet connection with my son.

So I thought, it would it be great if I could use the laptop to run my tower. That is when I discovered what the Remote Desktop Connection can be used for. This program is included in the Windows XP Professional version. To start with, the Host Computer (the pc tower with XP Pro) should be running and connected to a router or hub.

To set up Remote Desktop Connection

(RDC) on the host:

Start > Control Panel > System Select the Remote Tab.

Check the box to Allow users to connect remotely to this computer. Note the Full computer name, this will be needed for the laptop to find the host computer.

You will also need to set up an user account with password for the remote connection to work. This may be already set up for you, if you have to enter a password to login to your desktop computer. Then the Client (the laptop with XP Pro) should be running and connected to a router or hub. If your laptop is not XP Pro, you will have to download the client portion of Remote Desktop. This program allows other versions of Windows to remotely connect to a computer running Windows XP Professional with Remote Desktop enabled. On the laptop, start the RDC client program, enter the host computer name in the drop box marked computer. Then enter your username and password, the one you use to login to the host computer normally.

Press the connect button and watch what happens next. Your laptop will act like it is connected directly to your pc tower. You will see the entire desktop screen, just as if you were looking at the monitor connected to the computer. This is great for older laptops with a small hard drive and slow processor. The host computer does all the hard work and can even store the files created during the remote connection. Have fun and enjoy this practical laptop trick!!

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