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Should I run my own web server, or use a remote hosting company?
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It really depends on a few factors. How popular is your website and what is your connection? If you run a site for a small audience and you have a permanent, reliable cable modem (or better) connection, you may want to run it off a small server at home or from your office. If your site is popular, or you don't have access to a fast connection, get it hosted: just make sure you select a hosting company that offers cheap bandwidth transfer so you don't pay too much.
The advantages of running it locally are instant access to technical issues (to allow fast repairs) and the ability to constantly supervise it. Disadvantages include expensive bandwidth costs for home/small office websites (until your site is popular enough to justify paying business rates) and, for the novice server operator, a difficult setup period. However, the latter of these can be overcome by using a familiar operating system to launch your server application.
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On my LAN, do my client computers have to use the same operating system as my server?
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Not necessarily. Of course, it would be impractical to run a Server Operating System on every machine (not to mention very expensive), but you need to ensure compatibility. As a general rule, recent Microsoft OSs will run on clients connected to a new Microsoft Server. RedHat computers will run on a RedHat-based server. There is no black-and-white answer, but usually a client OS will be cheaper than the server OS: check your server manufacturer's website or literature for more details.
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Do I have to buy several different servers to run all my office serving applications and peripherals?
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No. In fact, most entry-level/small business servers are made with multitasking in mind. Print, web, mail and data servers can all be run off the one server - just ensure it has enough memory and processing power to operate all your tasks. Spending a little more to get the best possible single server for your money can in fact save you in the long run if you run a home network or a small business. Just ensure that you can upgrade if necessary, and never rule out getting a second server (or even a full rack of servers) should your operation grow at an unanticipated rate.
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How do I keep my computer up to date?
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If you are using Microsoft Windows, there is a program called Windows Update which will automatically connect across the Internet to the Microsoft website and inform you which updates you need to install to keep your computer secure.
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What is a key logger?
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A key logger is a small program that runs in the background - where the user cannot see it, or know it is running - that records every key that is pressed on the keyboard. These key presses are stored in a file and can be read by the person who controls the key logger. This is most often used to obtain passwords.
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What is DPI (Dots Per Inch)?
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The DPI of a printer is the measure of how many dots there per inch on a page when printed. The more dots, the better quality but the higher the dots the slower the printer tends to be. Most printers today provide an average of 300 or 600 DPI.
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What is a duplex printer?
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A duplex printer allows the user to make a sheet double sided, so saves money on paper costs. Example: when printing a 200 page document you could cut down the amount of paper used to just 100 sheets.
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What is a photo printer?
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This is a new kind of printer only really on the market for the past few years. It allows you to print not only directly from your computer but also from a digital camera, Palmtop or other mobile device.
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Do I need a network in my home/business?
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It really depends on whether or not you have computer that need to have information shared. If you are using information on both computers then a network could help you save time and money.
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Which supplier should I use?
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Research is the key. Once you have decided what sort of network you require you can see what supplier can meet your requirements.
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How important is security?
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Very. Attacks from both inside and outside are common and good security is essential for protection of critical information.
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Can I do my own assessments?
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Definitely. You know your own needs and security issues so you are in the best position to assess them.
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Can I watch television on my monitor?
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Yes you can, although you will also need to own a TV tuner that the aerial plugs into. This gives you the advantage of using your hard disk as a video recorder.
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Can I connect a games console to a computer monitor?
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This is possible but you will need to purchase something called a VGA box. The image on your monitor will then depend upon the quality of the box you use to convert the video signal.
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Will I need a graphics card in order to make full use of my monitor?
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To get the best possible resolution from your monitor, it is wise to have a decent graphics card. This is essential for running 3D graphics and therefore computer games and DVD playback.
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What is a motherboard monitor?
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Well this is a completely different kind of monitor, in fact it is a type of software which will enable you to monitor various aspects of your computer i.e. fan and motherboard temperature.
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What is a network monitor?
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Again, a network monitor is a system tool rather then an actual monitor. This software enables you to keep an eye on the network resources such as servers and hosts.
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Is a laptop a desktop replacement?
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Definitely not, desktops are superior to laptops in all ways bar mobility. Desktops are cheaper and more powerful than a like-outfitted laptop.
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Are laptops easy to setup?
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After purchase, you shouldn't have to do anything to your laptop other than connect any external devices. However, you will need to connect them every time you move your laptop anywhere; otherwise they could cause damage during transport. So, ensure you know how to connect any external drives or devices.
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Can I connect to the internet with a laptop?
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Yes, either though wireless means through a standard modem or mobile phone, or through connecting to a phone line. A laptop is just a portable PC and can do pretty much anything that a standard desktop can.
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Why are laptops so expensive?
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Because they are smaller and lighter than standard computer hardware and because of that more research has gone into them, and the products used to produce them cost more. Even though the actual product is smaller, it's technically more powerful size to size.
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Why should I get a warranty?
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Because it effectively guarantees that your purchase will work for as long as the warranty. If you get a full warranty that acts like insurance as well, you will be covered for accident damage and theft, meaning that as long as you have a warranty, you will have a working laptop.
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Why are the keyboard symbols not working properly?
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Someone may have altered the default language settings on your computer, or perhaps you are in a non-English speaking country.
When using a keyboard abroad, you will often find that the main difference lies within the use of keyboard symbols and their placement on the keyboard. For instance in America the standard keyboard has a different number of keys and symbols such as @ and " are in different places. Therefore the easy solution is to change the language settings in the Windows control panel.
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Are keyboards compatible with game consoles?
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PC/Mac keyboards will not be compatible with PlayStation2, Xbox or Gamecube unless otherwise specified. In fact, only one manufacturer has announced a device that will work on PC/PlayStation2 and Gamecube though it is yet to be released. It is possible to order specific keyboards for the PlayStation2 and Gamecube from retailers in the Far East.
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Why is everything I type in capital letters?
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Quite simply, this occurs when the Caps Lock button is pressed. There will usually be a light on your keyboard that indicates if the Caps Lock, Num lock or Scroll lock are activated. They will effect how your keyboard functions.
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How can I improve my typing skills?
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You always have the option of investing in some touch-type training software to improve your keyboard skills. This will give you the ability to type quickly without looking at the keys, although it does take some practice. There are also plenty of free shareware programs on the Internet that allow you to learn this skill, as well as websites where you can train online.
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What if I haven't got a USB port?
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If you've got some hardware that requires a USB port and you don't have one, simply purchase a PCI USB and you'll be provided with several ports.
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Do I need a motherboard/processor/RAM/Hard disk/Graphics card?
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In short, yes. These are the essential parts of your PC, but you still need the rest of it as well, case, fan/cooler, power supply, monitor, keyboard and mouse for it to be of any use to you.
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How do I know how fast/powerful my hardware needs to be?
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A basic rule is to get the biggest/fastest/most powerful piece you can afford. If you get simply what you need now it will be out of date within a year or two, whereas if you get an overly powerful piece of hardware, it should keep up with technology for many years.
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Can Adult Computer Furniture Really Cause My Child Health Problems?
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Unfortunately this can be true. If you have no option but to install adult chairs and desks with your computer, then make sure your child does not use it for long periods of time.
Perhaps have a set of rules drawn up so that the child knows how to sit properly and minimise any potential problems. Try lowering the arm rests, raising the seat and make sure the child has a fully supported back, perhaps with the use of a pillow. Frequent breaks are advised to avoid eyestrain.
For more details, there are many websites on the Internet that deal with common computer injuries and how they relate to children.
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Can I Buy A Workstation Built Into Other Furniture?
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Yes. It is relatively easy to buy a modular system that will make the best use of what space you have i.e. a desk built into a bunk bed.
You can also buy desks and workstations that can be tailored made to blend in with any shelves of bookcases you might already have.
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Is It Wise To Upgrade Furniture Often?
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No, this is not usually necessary. As with any normal furniture, take good care of it and it should last you a goodly few years.
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Can I modify any case?
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In theory Yes. But some will take more work than others and may involve tampering with the case.
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Will modding affect guarantees etc?
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Almost certainly yes. It can also affect the guarantee on the components inside the PC as well.
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How do I know if the case will improve my performance?
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Look at the specs, most performance enhancing cases will say so, if not then it just looks good.
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Does the case material matter?
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Not really, it will only affect the heat dissipation.
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Do I really need a new mouse?
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Unless you use your mouse constantly, or have need for a special type of mouse, as long as your mouse moves the pointer around the screen efficiently and with minimal strain on your hand or arm, then you don't need to replace your mouse.
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How important is a mouse mat?
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A mouse mat will extend the life and usefulness of your mouse, as well as making it easier to use. As the mouse ball becomes clogged, the performance of the mouse degrades. A mouse mat helps reduce the amount of dirt the mouse picks up, as well as providing a smooth surface for the mouse to move across.
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What other accessories are there?
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There's a whole range of computer accessories designed to allow you to modify your computer's case and internal 'look'. For more information about these accessories, please see our detailed computer case guide.
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