Nearly 95% of households in American have at least one desktop personal computer (Desktop PC) or laptop. Buying the perfect PC to fit your needs requires some planning on your part. Do you need a gaming machine or a cheap computer for surfing websites, uploading documents or photos, and playing games such as those on Facebook?

Almost everyone has a computer these days. Computers are just about as popular as televisions in most households. In fact they even take the place of most other forms of entertainment in the majority of American households. Thanks to streaming video sites such as Netflix, YouTube, and most news websites; many people watch their favorite movies and television shows directly from their computer.

You must know which features are important when you plan to buy a computer. Let’s go over some of the most important features right now:

Required Features

RAM: RAM is the memory that makes things happen on your computer screen. More RAM means better performance for programs, graphics and surfing the internet. 4GB of RAM is the minimum recommendation for surfing, watching streaming videos and playing multimedia games. Many people who play computer games with 3D graphics prefer at least 8GB to 12GB of RAM.

HDD: The HDD or Hard Drive Disk (or simply HD or Hard Drive) is where all of your programs and data are stored. Unlike RAM, the HDD holds programs long term and stores things until the data is destroyed or deleted. The minimum recommended hard drive size is 500GB; many people who play computer games prefer 1TB or higher.

GHz: Gigahertz, or GHz, describes the speed of the processor that actually processes information within the computer. The minimum recommended is 2GHz; people who play video games or run other taxing programs on their computer usually need 3 or 4GHz for effective performance.

Graphics Cards: Most “out of the box” computers have an onboard graphics card built in; this simply means it can display 2D games, videos, and websites with ease. Some may even be able to display 3D graphics, but this is often very taxing on the computer. Gamers often purchase a graphics card separately.

Other Peripherals: A CD or DVD drive is required if you intend to install programs on your new computer; which is the objective, right? Look for the ability to write, rewrite and read. Terms like 16X means 16 speed; look for something with at least 16X to 32X so you can write to CDs and DVDs quickly.

Operating System: The most important part to consider when you plan to buy a computer is the operating system. Most companies include a copy of the latest operating system such as Windows 7 Home, Windows 7 Home Premium, or Windows Vista.

Stick to a Trusted Name Brand

Don’t fall prey to the hype! Many off-brand names offer some incredible “deals” on computers; the problems begin when you realize the computer needs some work but the company you purchased from is out of business. Always buy from a trusted, reliable source that you know has been in business for a long time.

Read all reviews about the computer before you buy it. Don’t just buy something because it’s cheap. If all else fails, ask a trusted friend or advisor before you buy a computer. Show them the ad and ask them to help make sure you’re buying something that won’t make you regret it later.

Acer is one of the most trusted brands of computer, hands down. This little, light-weight PC has everything you’d need to surf the web, play games, upload, download and everything in between. 4GB of DDR3 RAM would keep the PC running smoothly while you have multiple browser tabs open or even multiple programs running simultaneously. 640GB of hard drive space is more than enough for most people to store MP3s, programs and other files.

This PC deal includes:

• 3GHz Intel Pentium Processor (E5700 dual-core)
• Onboard graphics card (X4500HD)
• 16x DVDR/RW SuperMulti Drive
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Trusted Acer name
• Gigabit Ethernet Card
• 9 USB 2.0 Ports
• 1 eSATA Port
• 2 PS/2 ports for Keyboard and Mouse (included)

Additional Features and Additions

• Headphone and Microphone jacks
• Digital Audio Output
• HDMI and VGA outputs
• McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial)
• Microsoft Office Starter 2010
• One Year Warranty

Tablets are some of the most popular handheld gadgets on the market today. They usually range in size from 7″ to 10.1″ and are available from a wide variety of manufacturers. The Motorola Xoom is quickly becoming a favorite amongst tablet users due to its sleek design and out-of-the-box usability.

Some of the most popular features of the Motorola Xoom Tablet include:
Android 3.0 platform
1 GHz dual-core processor
Large 10.1-inch multi-touch HD display
Light weight, only 1.61 pounds
1 GB of DDR2 RAM
802.11b/g/n
5-megapixel rear-facing camera & 2-megapixel front-facing web cam
32GB PC Card hard drive
1280 x 800 pixel resolution, at 150p per inch

Click here to see the MOTOROLA XOOM Android Tablet (10.1-Inch, 32GB, Wi-Fi).

Yes, free virus protection is available, you just have to know where to look! Don’t simply trust every program that promotes itself as free virus protection. Some are actually rogue antivirus programs that put viruses onto your computer and then offer a paid service to remove them for you.

avast! is the free antivirus program of choice in our household. We have 6 computers that need continual protection but we do not operate as a business. We use avast! home edition for each individual computer on our LAN.

avast! Professional Edition is for businesses and includes licensing for up to 10 computers. In addition to everything you get with Home Edition plus a few perks for paid subscribers.

avast! Standard Suite is perfect for businesses with 10 to 199 computers. Receive the same great virus protection benefits as avast! Home Edition and avast! Professional Edition; Standard Suite has the added benefit of desktop and server protection with an easy to use central management system.

If you own a medium sized business and are looking for excellent virus protection for up to 199 computers, we highly recommend avast! Standard Suite. We’ve had nothing but good luck with avast! Home Edition.

No matter the number of computers you have, avast! has something to fit your needs and budget. Free antivirus software is often found lacking in a few areas. Fortunately, avast! is not one of those.

Simply download and register… the database is updated often and you are made aware of updates when the program says “Virus Database Has Been Updated.”

Just be sure that if you leave your computer on over night, you turn the speakers off. Being awakened by a strange man’s voice coming from your computer is quite unsettling!

Learning how to clean electronic equipment is the best way to extend the life of your electronic devices. Keeping dust and dirt out of your equipment will ensure that connections remain in good, working order.

A vacuum with a soft brush can be a great tool for removing dust from the inside of your case. Be careful not to hit any of the chips or electronic components directly to avoid damage.

When using liquid cleaner to clean electronics, make sure not to spray directly on your keyboard or computer. Compressed air is a better option for cleaning the interior.

Another important tip for cleaning electronics is remembering to touch the power supply and other metal parts periodically. This will allow the discharge of any static-electric buildup and prevent destruction of circuitry. Anti-static cleaning cloths are also available for purchase from any regular office supplier. It is important to be aware of static charge when cleaning as it can do a lot of damage to your machine.

Cyber Clean Hi-Tech Cleaning Compound or simply “Cyber Clean” is another great option for cleaning things like keyboards and buttons. It is a putty-like substance you can press into the cracks that attracts dirt and residue and removes it. Keeping your electronic equipment clean is important for extending usability.

I use Cyber Clean on my keyboard and cell phone to clean between the buttons. It keeps every-day dust and grime from settling between the buttons and causing typos or misdialed numbers. Just make sure you turn the PC or other device off first or you’ll end up typing random letters and numbers.

Contracting a computer virus can throw a huge wrench into your personal or business life. One of the most important things you can do when you get a new computer is install good antivirus software. Free antivirus software is available from many sources online.

When looking for the best option for your machine, it’s important to ensure you’re downloading legitimate software. Spybot Search and Destroy and Malwarebytes are two popular free antivirus software options. They are easily installed on your machine and will help protect against spyware and damaging viruses.

Avast is another great free option. It focuses on a traditional search and destroy method for detecting computer viruses. Microsoft Security Essentials is another very simple option for protecting your machine. It is available for home and home business users of Windows XP and beyond.

If you’re looking for free antivirus software and you’re not sure where to look, do some research. You can search the name of the software on Wikipedia and find good information. This will also most likely allow you to discover if the software is rogue antivirus software. This is fake software that will not really protect your machine.

As you can easily see, there are many ways to protect your system from a computer virus. Always do your due diligence and research each antivirus program you consider. Some programs look legitimate on the outside but are in fact viruses that trick you into installing them. Check our website for more on Rogue Antivirus Software.

Computers are an essential part of many people’s day to day lives. Contracting a computer virus can cripple your ability to communicate with others or earn a living. Luckily many sources are available to find free antivirus software that will allow you to protect your investment.

Sources for finding free antivirus software online are plentiful. Here are some suggestions for the best free software to prevent computer viruses.

Spybot Search and Destroy and Malwarebytes are two very popular antivirus programs which are available for free download. They are targeted towards spyware and Trojans. These types of programs are less visible to the naked eye than some viruses. They can be downloaded without your knowledge and hidden on your computer.

Another great option for antivirus software is Avast. Avast is geared more towards traditional viruses and operates through a search and destroy type method of virus hunting. A product like Avast can work well in tandem with software like Spybot and Malwarebytes. Installing both types of programs can provide extra protection for your computer. Searching for all types of damaging programs increases your protection.

If you’re unsure about downloading software and consider yourself a very basic computer user, Microsft Security Essentials can be a great option. It is a brand new product from Microsoft that combines spyware and antivirus protection. The program is free for home and home business users of Windows XP and beyond. It runs itself and does a good job without much interaction.

If you’re a more tech savvy user, a product like Comodo Antivirus can be very effective. This program is very vocal, and pops up a lot of messages for permissions when you’re using your computer. If you’re using Windows Vista you have probably noticed the numerous permissions pop ups. If you dislike them or are annoyed by them, this probably isn’t the best antivirus software for you.

Finding legitimate sources for free antivirus software can be a challenge. It is important to make sure you are downloading a reputable, trustworthy program. Rogue anti-virus software usually appears as a fake Windows warning on your computer. It will tell you about the dozens or hundreds of viruses it’s detected, and ask you to purchase the full version of the antivirus software.

In reality, if you click to purchase, you will be downloading what is also known as scareware or malware. It’s a program specifically designed to damage or disrupt your computer system. In addition, they are trying to take your money through an unsecure credit card purchase. The best way to avoid downloading rogue anti-virus software is to know which antivirus software you installed, and avoid purchasing or clicking on any notifications that are not from that software.

What should you do if you ever get a pop up or notification that looks legitimate but does not look like the antivirus software you use? Immediately scan your computer using your legitimate antivirus software. It’s important to know which programs you’ve installed on your computer since people who make viruses and rogue software are very good at making them look legitimate.

What if you suspect that your computer has already contracted a virus? You can download the free versions of Spybot Search and Destroy, Malwarebytes or Spyware Doctor and run them. They will not interfere with your current or previously installed antivirus programs.

Super Antispyware is a good program to download if you suspect you already have a virus. It can be more effective at evading detection by spyware that is already on your machine. If you run a spyware scan and your computer locks up, shuts down, or the program closes, it is a good idea to seek immediate technical support.

If you’re unsure which free antivirus software to choose, message boards, forums and reviews are a great source. Find people who use their computer similarly to how you do, and see what they’ve found to work best. That way you can get good information and start protecting your computer immediately.

A computer virus is a relatively small piece of computer software. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it? A computer virus spreads from one computer to another in much the same way a cold, or the rhino virus, spreads from person to person.

What a computer virus can do to your computer:

make it run slowly
share your personal information
aid in identity theft
delete information
destroy vital data
shut down your computer

Many different types of viruses are created on a daily basis. The reason for creating computer viruses is unknown unless you think like a criminal. Why would you need access to someone’s private information? It’s pretty simple: to steal something or destroy something they own.

Computer viruses are never easy to remove. They’re often designed to move and rename their own files when they’re tampered with by an antivirus program. Consider it like witness protection for harmful files.

Scan, Locate and Destroy Viruses and Malware

Malwarebytes is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get rid of computer viruses. In fact, Malwarebytes is a free virus removal program. Simply download, update, scan and follow the onscreen instructions.

The paid version of Malwarebytes is well worth the money and provides real time scanning, scheduled scans and scheduled updates. The free version does not provide these benefits but may be used any time.

Whatever virus removal program you use, be sure to update it regularly before each scan. Computer viruses are always being created and modified in attempt to wreak havoc on your computer. Stay a step ahead with Malwarebyes – whether you choose to use the free version or the paid version – you won’t be sorry.

How many times have you listened in on a technical conversation and felt completely out of the loop? Are you up to date on computer and internet terminology? Here are a few basic terms you should be familiar with. We’ll continue to update over time.

Browser: A program that allows you to access websites on the Internet. Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Safari are good examples of an Internet Browser.

Address Bar: The address bar is the long white bar at the top of your browser. It allows you to type in a web address and go directly to it after you hit Enter on your keyboard.

Search Bar: this is my Google Search Bar in the upper right corner of my browser. Many programs install multiple search bars if you allow them. Pay attention to each program you install so your browser doesn’t become flooded with search bars.

Dot: New computers users often get confused when they hear www dot. They look at their keyboard and there is no “dot” key. A period (.) is referred to as a “dot” when reading a website address.

At: Press and hold the shift key on your keyboard and tap the number 2 key near the top of the keyboard. You should see the @ symbol. You may release the shift key any time after you tap the 2 key.

Icon: An “icon” is the small image on your desktop that relates to a corresponding program. For example: The big blue “e” is an icon for Internet Explorer or the red fox encircling the globe is an icon for Mozilla Firefox. All programs have a corresponding icon for ease of use from your desktop.

CD-ROM: A CD-ROM is the drive that opens, usually from the front of a PC or from the side of a laptop, and allows you to insert a CD.

CPU: The Central Processing Unit; ultimately the brains of the computer.

Cursor: A cursor is the little flashing vertical line that shows you where you’re about to type. For example: use your mouse and click in the search bar to the right of this article. See the flashing vertical line? That is your cursor.

Hard Disk Drive: Often called a hard drive or disk drive, hdd or hd for short. This is where all data is stored for programs or files you wish to keep. Consider this type of storage similar to a human’s long-term memory.

Memory: Your computer’s memory, or RAM, is not the same as its storage on the hard drive. Consider memory like your short-term memory. This type of memory stores the data you’re currently viewing or working with, allowing faster multitasking capabilities.

Download: The process of saving a file to your computer from a website or another computer user. Even the process of viewing a website downloads temporary files to your computer.

Upload: The process of sending information to a website or another computer user. For example: when you share a photograph with someone on Facebook, Myspace, Shutterbug or any other picture sharing service, you must first upload the picture to the website from your computer.

Multitasking: Your computer’s ability to run multiple programs at once. Many people don’t truly understand their computer’s full potential. Just for laughs, open 3 different programs on your computer. You may interact with each of them at different times and close them any time you wish.

Data Measurement

1 Bit is 1 number (1 or 0)

8 bits is 1 byte

1024 bytes is 1 kilobyte or K

1024 kilobytes is 1 megabyte or MB, often called a meg

1024 megabytes is 1 gigabyte or GB, often called a gig

1024 gigabytes is 1 terabyte or TB

Rogue antivirus software usually appears on your computer as a fake Windows pop up warning. Like many viruses or online scams, the window looks legitimate. It will tell you that your machine is infected with dozens of computer viruses. Then it asks you to purchase a full version of the software to get rid of them.

In reality, if you click through the rogue antivirus software’s purchase link you’ll be installing malware onto your computer. Rogue antivirus software is designed specifically to damage and disrupt your computer system. In addition, you will be making an unsecured credit card purchase and losing money.

If you followed all of those steps, you just paid to have your computer infected with a virus. Unfortunately thousands of people fall victim to rogue antivirus software scams every week. Unless you install a specific antivirus program, nothing is scanning or protecting your computer.

The best way to avoid rogue antivirus software is by preemptively downloading legitimate free antivirus software. There are many programs to help prevent you from getting a computer virus. Some of the most popular include Spybot Search and Destroy, Malwarebytes, Avast, and Microsoft Security Essentials. By protecting yourself in advance, you can avoid rogue antivirus software invading your computer.