Quick Encryption from the Windows XP Context Menu

There’s no doubt that computers and the internet have become a vital part of our lives. Although this has huge benefits, we can’t overlook downsides such as the vulnerability of data. It only takes seconds for sensitive information to get to the hands of the wrong person. To prevent this from happening, you can take certain security measures, one of which is encryption.

Encryption can be done using different software, but if you have Windows XP Pro and NTFS as your file system, you won’t need any additional software. To do this go to a file or folder’s properties and click Advanced. You’ll see an option that says “Encrypt contents to secure data”. This method works perfectly; however, if you use encryption very often, you might find it too many clicks away. I’ll show you a registry hack which will place the encryption option in the context menu for better accessibility.

Before I start, I must warn you that the registry is a crucial part of your system and messing around with it is dangerous. Although it can’t set off some nuclear reaction, improper use of the registry can severely damage your system. So, I only recommend registry hacks if you’re familiar with the registry or at least able to follow my instructions carefully.

1) Open Registry Editor: Click start Click Run… Type regedit Press Enter
2) Navigate to the following key (if it doesn’t exist, create it):
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3) Look for a DWORD value called EncryptionContextMenu (if it doesn’t exist, create it).
4) Change its value data to 1.
5) Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

Now if you right-click a file or folder, you should see “Encrypt” in the list. If, for some reason, you decide to remove “Encrypt” from the context menu, go back to the registry and change the value data of EncryptionContextMenu to 0.

Article Source: By Mohammad Yousef July 2005

Tips on Choosing a Gaming Laptop

Need more firepower to show your friends who is boss? Your dream gaming computer would rival Bill Gates wallet, so we will start a bit more realistic. A shortage of funds does not have to stop you from playing like a pro. The best gaming computer fits your needs, not what speed the manufacturer wants you to play.

How serious are you about a computer that is used strictly for games? Is your plan also to listen to music, chat, download movies, and check email? You are better off not spending extra money for a powerful system if you want it to perform simple multi-tasking that your Grandmother's computer could.

The processor, video card, and other components have to be powerful enough to allow many games to run without slow response times. Maximize your gaming experience in a customized build it yourself model. Computer retail giants do not want the word to get out how simple it is to make your own device, and cut into their huge profits.

Processor (CPU)

The most important part is the CPU, which determines the capabilities of the computer. A weak processor can slow down the performance. The best processor would be the Intel Core 2 Duo. It has a 4 MB of shared L2 cache and up to 1066MHz FSB. It is possible to buy a gaming computer processor for less than $200.

Video Card

Next in importance is the video card, which is responsible for the quality of the graphics. An excellent choice is the Nvidia 8800gt, to get the most fun out of your computer games.

Keep in mind that this is your design. Would you rather save hundreds on a graphics card to spend on a faster processor or more RAM? There is no need to break into your penny bank. You can pick up a GeForce 8600 for around $100.

Memory

The CPU and the memory go together like Mac -n- cheese. You cannot experience killer performance from the CPU without the support of the memory RAM. The bigger they are - the faster they go. The recommended speed is DDR2 800MHz dual channel 2GB.

Motherboard

The motherboard should support the latest technologies such as PCI Express, interfaces such as Socket 775 for Intel processor, and other features like SATA 2 interface for hard drive. Review what other gamers have to say about motherboards to decide which is best for your gaming computer. The cost for a decent motherboard does not have to go over $150.

Hard Drive

This is one time when size does not matter when it comes to performance. A 200GB hard drive is usually more than enough for the storage of your games and applications. The most suitable choice for an awesome gaming computer is the SATA-2 16MB buffer 200GB hard drive.

Alienware Area-51 7500 comes with the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700. It has been overclocked to 3.2 GHz core clock speed. The system is equipped with Quad Core processing. Loading times are amazing with four times the workload rate. Your days of stalling, and wasting time waiting are history. The NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX graphics card puts you right in the middle of the action. The visual effects will blow your competition away.

Computer retailers are more concerned about their bottom line than making the best gaming computer. Most of the parts in a typical computer are not suitable for game use. Within a few months, all of the top performers will be replaced with new products. It is up to you to keep up to date on technology to guarantee you have a blast!

Article by : Richard Neesal (http://www.freearticlesandcontent.com/article/202793/tips_on_choosing_a_gaming_laptop.php)

How to Speed up a Windows XP Computer

If not properly maintained, the performance of all Windows XP systems will eventually degrade. To counteract this slow-down, scheduling a computer shop visit isn't your only option; you can correct performance issues yourself. Save money and squeeze more speed out of Windows XP!

1. Remove Spyware and Viruses

• Spyware and viruses are a leading cause of computer slowing. See this article to learn how to remove them.
• Update and run your spyware and virus software at least weekly.
  If you do not have tools installed to protect against malware, spyware, and viruses, download a free copy of AVG Anti-Virus 8.0 (free for personal use). Also, Microsoft's Windows Defender is a widely-used anti-spyware tool that is currently distributed freely for users with a "Genuine" copy of Windows. Windows Defender is also included with other Microsoft services and products such as Live OneCare and Vista.
• Download and install Mozilla Firefox from http://www.mozilla.com/. It will allow you to import all of your Internet Explorer settings, and is much less prone to malware than Microsoft Internet Explorer. It will prompt you with a "Set as Default Browser" message. Check "Don't show this again" and click "Yes".
• If you have a particularly difficult infection, try using the Quick Virus Remover. It is a free utility that is not a replacement for commercial products, but can be helpful for removing some of the most common viruses.
  

2. Defragment Your Computer - This will place similar files physically closer on the hard disk to improve load speeds.

• Click start, again, then click run.
• Type, "dfrg.msc" in the text field.
• Click Defrag to start it.

3. Perform a disk clean up.

• Click start in the bottom left corner, then click run.
• Type, "cleanmgr.exe" in the text field.
• Press "okay". This can take a while if you have never done it before.

4. Remove unwanted software.

• Click start, then click control panel.
• Click add/remove programs.
• Highlight any old software you do not use and then click "remove".

5. Stop unwanted Start-Up programs.

• Run msconfig
• Choose startup box
• Select uncheck programs you don't want to run on startup
  OR
  Click here and download StartUpCPL.
• Install the software you have just downloaded.
• Open control panel, select Start up.
• Disable any programs you do not want load automatically.

• Disable Services you do not use or need. Open control panel, open Administrative Tools, and select Services. Disabling the wrong Services may lead to serious problems that you may not notice right away. Please consult a reference such as overclockersclub.comfor information on specific Windows XP Services.

6. Make Windows load faster

• Click Start, then Run.
• Type in 'msconfig' and press enter.
• Click on the BOOT.INI tab at the top.
• Over to the right there will be a box labeled Timeout with 30 in it. Change the 30 to a 3.

7. Speed Up Processing Time

• Turning off the fancy Windows XP graphics will noticeably increase the speed of your computer.
• Go to Start, (Settings), Control Panel, System. NOTE: You may need to 'Switch to Classic Mode' to see the System applet.
• Go to the Advanced tab. Click the Settings button under Performance.
• Select the 'Adjust for best performance' radio button, then Apply, and OK.
• The graphics aren't as flashy, but your computer will run a lot faster.

Article Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Speed-up-a-Windows-XP-Computer

Surplus and Discount Computers

Surplus computer means that manufacturer excess, overstock, and slightly obsolete inventories in huge quantities were purchased. What that means for you, our customer, is truly remarkable discount computer prices! These benefits and values of surplus computers were traditionally available to only large volume commercial buyers, dealers, and corporate level buyers. Also, discount computers are also sold retail so you can get all the benefits too.
The sellers of surplus computers and discount computers are committed to offering tremendous savings to you, the retail customer.

Desktop PCs, laptops, notebooks, barebones, whole computer systems, computer accessories, everything in computers you can find in surplus and discount computers.

Sometimes repackaged products are sold as surplus computers or discount computers but they are always evaluated, tested and quality assured, fully functional and repackaged for shipment.
Sometimes sold as surplus computers or discount computers are open Box products which are retested, quality assured, fully functional and complete. The customer can expect original manufacturer packaging.

About The AuthorBonnie Archer is a successful author and publisher of http://www.a1-computers.net./ A great source of information about computers and computer accessories. Check out our Blog! http://a1-computers.blogspot.com/

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

What To Look For When Buying Used:

1. Condition

The first thing that you should look at is the used computer’s condition. It has been recommended to stay away from laptops that are over 3 years old. The system will be outdated and may not be able to run some of the software and programs that are currently available. You may even want to stick to laptops that are less than 18 months old. Refurbished laptops do not have some of these concerns because they are newer and have been repaired and tuned up.

2. Features

The features offered on used laptops are the next important factor you should take under consideration. If you need speed, you need to keep in mind that used laptops run slower than desktops with the same processing systems. Do not buy used laptops with less than 128 MB of memory; it may not be able to run many of the applications and programs that are standard in today’s computers. You can get used laptops that are powered by anywhere from 20 GB to 80 GB depending on your processing and computing needs. The screen size, definition, and resolution are other important issues in laptops. Make sure that the laptop you are looking at has the capabilities to do what you need it to do media and entertainment-wise.

3. Portability

Portability of laptops is also an important issue. Laptops are getting thinner and lighter every day. Does the laptop you are looking at weigh a lot? Make sure you add in the weight of the case and any other accessories you will be carrying.

Remember:
When buying used laptops from a private seller or an acquaintance, be careful. Have the used laptops checked out thoroughly by a neutral party or professional. Every good bargain shopper knows that you can find deals by shopping for pre-owned items. Laptop computers are no exception. Educate yourself on your wants and needs and you will get what you want.
By Margarette Tustle. Find laptop resources for laptop computers at dnalaptop.com.

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

Why Not Know About The Advantages of The Laptop

Computer was developed to make calculations and programming easier and quicker. From the time of its invention until now, it has undergone number of progressive changes. Now, laptops, due to their attractive look and additional functions, catches the eyes of all the people. Would you like to get familiar with the advantages of the laptops? We can inform you about it, but first of all let us know what the laptop basically is.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Not-Know-About-The-Advantages-of-The-Laptop&id=854687 - Nov 28, 2007

PC Laptops - The World of Computers Has a Reliable Partner

The world of PC laptops has seen quite a few drastic changes; all these positive changes have contributed to the growth of the computer market of today. Important factors such as the emergence of market players, growing competition and the introduction of innovative technologies have contributed to the growth and popularity of the laptops in a significant manner.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?PC-Laptops---The-World-of-Computers-Has-a-Reliable-Partner&id=1240728 - Jun 12, 2008