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Overclocking is the process of making a computer component run at higher clock rates rather than the standard clock rates.It is basically of three types Processor , Graphics Card and RAM .In the following article overclocking of a processor is shown by taking amd 2800+ as the base. Processor overclocking is the most common type of overclocking done by Pc users these days.

It is achieved by manipulating the CPU Multiplier and the FSB(front side bus of the motherboard).Increasing the FSB is your main aim as it allows you to take more juice out of your CPU. While Overclocking several measures have to be taken , foremost being that there should be enough power supply to deal with the increased FSB.

Second consideration that should be kept in mind is about the temperature of the CPU.You dont want your CPU to run at 90C as it will result in burning of your motherboard and nothing else. In order to overclock you should know how the bus speed is calculated. All processor speeds are based upon two distinct factors, bus speed and multiplier. The bus speed is the clock rate at which the CPU communicated with the memory and I/O devices. The bus speed is commonly measured in MHz. The multiplier is the multiple that the processor will run at compared to the bus speed. Lets explain this by taking an e.g. of a P4 machine.

133 MHz x 18 multiplier = 2394MHz or 2.4 GHz

Some more examples are provided below.

CPU Model Multiplier Bus Speed CPU Clock Speed
Athlon XP 2500+ 11x 166 MHz 1.83 GHz
Athlon XP 2800+ 12.5x 166 MHz 2.08 GHz
Athlon XP 3000+ 13x 166 MHz 2.17 GHz
Athlon XP 3200+ 11x 200 MHz 2.20 GHz

For overclocking your processor you should have Everest and Prime95 installed on your pc and Memtest86+ burnt on CD .Your next step is to open
Everest, go to Motherboard then SPD and just below CPUID, look at the Real Clock Value and take it down. Then look at your HyperTransportClock value.

Now you have on SPD which is just below Memory on the left hand menu. Take a look at the Memory Timings part, look at the values that your Ram can operate at and take them down.

Now next step is to restart your pc and enter your BIOS. After entering the BIOS go to that part which allows you to select the FSB of your CPU (different across different motherboards). The most basic way to overclock your CPU is to increase it in short increments.

The value should be increased by multiples of 5.So the first value after increment should be 205. Save and exit the BIOS and then restart the computer. Make sure your pc is set to boot from CD and have Memtest86+ disc in the drive. After restarting the Memtest will start. Make sure that you dont abort in between of any test as the errors are shown in the later tests. I recommend running the whole program just to guarantee absolute stability. After all the tests are complete restart your pc and boot into windows , open Everest in the background and start prime95.In Prime95 choose the Torture Test option and let it run for a few minutes.

If Prime95 was able to run good for a long time and no errors were found, then press escape key and congrats, you have just overclocked your PC.Go back to the bios and increase it a further 5 MHz, to 210. Then run memtest again, if it still passes then boot into windows then use the Stress Test on Prime95 again. Continue this until either Memtest or Prime95 returns an error, and then revert back to the last value that passed both tests.

There are lots of chances that the first test i.e. Memtest fails. This is because your ram has reached its absolute maximum operating frequency. To resolve this problem, we setup a divider in between the CPU and RAM ratio. In order to this restart your pc and go into that part of your Bios that lest you modify the RAM timing.

Once you have found that you need to change it from 200Mhz.Change it to the next lowest value, mine is 166 MHz. Now, because we are going to further increase the FSB, the HyperTransportClock is going to also increase even more. So in order to combat this, we lower it in the BIOS. I’ll change mine from 800 MHz to the next lower value which is 600 MHz for me.

Now increase the FSB up to the next value i.e. 205 MHz. If it works, then go back to the Bios and keep trying the values until you get an error in either memtest or Prime95. If once again Memtest returns an error before Prime95, you can just knock the Memclock Index Value down to the next value i.e. 133mhz. Using this technique you will be able to safely determine the maximum speed for your processor to run at, as long as you run Memtest and Prime95 to verify that there are no problems. Once Prime 95 returns an error, it means that is the “max” for your CPU, but there is a way to squeeze a bit more out of it, but that method will produce a bit more heat.
Go into your BIOS and increase your CPU VCore temp. This will produce more heat, but will also give the CPU a bit more room to increase the FSB.

In this article till now we have talked about how to overclock the CPU.However there are lots of factors which decide whether the CPU can be overclocked or not. The first and foremost is a motherboard and chipset that has a BIOS that allows the user to modify the settings. Without this overclocking isn’t possible as you won’t be able to change the clock rates i.e. FSB.These days the trend is that most of the computers offered by major brands disable this option, as a result overclocking also gets disabled. Due to this people interested in overclocking tend to buy specific parts and build their own systems or from integrators who sell the parts that make it possible to overclock.Despite the chipsets ability to change the clock rates other components such as RAM should be able to handle these changes. So if someone tends to overclock the CPU synchronously with the RAM then the RAM should be able to work at higher clock rates.

Another important consideration which has to be taken regarding overclocking is the voltage. Every computer part works for a specified range of voltages. It is possible that while overclocking voltage goes out of range for a particular part and hence the pc becomes unstable. When overclocking the bus or multiplier speeds, the signals are more likely to get interference. To combat this, one can increase the voltages to the CPU core, memory or AGP bus. There is a particular limit on the amount of additional voltage that can be applied on the CPU.If too high voltage is applied then the circuits inside the CPU can break or melt down easily.

The main problem which arises as a result of overclocking is heat. Today’s high-speed computer systems already produce a large amount of heat. Overclocking a computer system just compounds these problems. Hence anyone interested in overclocking should first research on the different cooling options available. Cooling can be of the form of CPU heat sinks and fans, heat spreaders on memory, fans on video cards and case fans. Key to good cooling performance is the clean airflow of hot air-Cooling is of two types air cooling and liquid cooling. Air cooling is the cooling described above. Liquid cooling is far more complex than air cooling. However liquid cooling provides a higher performance and generates less amount of noise. The chances of short circuiting increases when liquid cooling is used as decent amount of liquid flows between the pipes of the cooling equipment which is spread all around the cabinet.

Overclocking is a very tricky process and should be carried out extremely carefully. It is not advised to overclock your CPU straight away to higher clock rates. You should increase your FSB by small amounts. It is best to test the system fully in a taxing application for an extended period of time to ensure the system is stable at that speed. This process is repeated until the system does not test fully stable. The performance boost after overclocking can be substantial but a lot of considerations should be taken before trying out the steps used for overclocking.It is important to know the risks involved, the steps that must be done to obtain the results and a clear understanding that results will very greatly.

As told before Graphics cards can also be overclocked.Overclocking the graphic cards is a much easy option as they are generally done with the help of software’s such as NVIDIA’s cool bits or Riva tuner. Graphics card generate enormous amount of heat and without any proper cooling overclocking of graphic cards should be avoided. Below overclocking of a graphics card is explained by taking ATI 9800 pro as the base.

In order to overclock ATI cards you must have Riva tuner which can be downloaded from here.

The first step in overclocking your graphics card is to click the button next to customize word which is low level system settings. Now a new screen pops up which shows the Core Clock and Memory Clock speeds.

Now you simply have to change the core clock speed and the memory clock speed little by little and keep testing them. Click on the checkbox at the top that is labeled “Enable low-level hardware overclocking”.Also Make sure that the “Apply overclocking at Windows startup” box is TICKED.

So that was in brief about how to overclock a graphics card. Now we will have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of overclocking in general.

Advantages

1) Allows you to make your lower end CPU run at higher clock rates which reduces the need of buying a high end CPU.

2) Performance in games, encoding video applications increases drastically.

3) Benchmarks of your CPU and GFX card increase significantly. It makes sure that full juice is taken out of the CPU and GFX.

Disadvantages

1) The lifespan of the processor decreases. It is said that if you overclock your processor to a great extent then it lives 8-9 months less than its lifespan.

2) Considerable amount of heat is generated and without any proper cooling this can be dangerous. Several cases have been recorded where the Processor or GFX card has burnt out.

3) High performance fans and high quality cooling systems provide great amount of noise. The noise is pretty loud to disturb someone listening to a song at low volume.

4)Overclocking will result in the termination of the warranty of the product. So if anytime any problem arises it will be difficult for you to get the product replaced or repaired.

Peter Rosenblum ia a Overclocking expert. He has had many years experience in this arena. Check out the site

http://www.hotoverclocking.com

A Notebook or commonly referred to as a laptop computer is a smaller version of the desktop computer. But its advantages are that all of its components it comes in one neat mobile notebook shaped digital display box, and is easily portable. It usually weighs around 2 to 17 pounds (1 to 8 kgs) depending on the make, materials and different other factors that come into play such as the parent company etc.

Notebooks run on a singular battery from (usually) an external AC/DC adapter. It charges the battery and in the meanwhile supplies power to the laptop too. Numerous `notebooks` have a 3 volt back-up cell to supply power during power failures and when in places where there is no steady power supply. Notebooks, as personal computers are worthy and capable of doing the same work as of desktop computers. But they are less powerful than their desktop counterparts at the same price. This is because of the fact that most parts used in desktop computers are miniaturized to fit into the slim notebook version of the machine.

Notebooks usually have LCD (liquid crystal displays) and they use separate memory modules for their RAM. Notebooks usually have a touchpad (or trackpad) for a mouse and an in-built keyboard. But external installments of these can also be attached if the user wants to do so.

The first commercially available laptop (the name notebook was not feasible at that time as they were much bigger than the versions available now) was the Osborne I in 1981. Though it was much heavier and had only a tiny CRT monitor, yet it had a revolutionary effect on the business and industrial sectors. The idea of taking back work to home was given a full new meaning. A better installment of the laptop or the `notebook` came in 1983. Compaq Portable was the first tech-product of Compaq and was a notebook version of the then hugely popular IBM Personal Computer. It became a hit as it was more IBM-compatible than portable from its predecessors!

But the first notebook was arguably the GRiD Compass 1101, released in 1982 by Bill Moggridge. The `clamshell` design, or the `notebook` design, where the LCD monitor remains shut against the keypad, was introduced. It was enclosed in a magnesium case, and could run on batteries. The first commercially successful notebooks were from the SupersPort series from Zenith Data Systems (ZDS), which competed with several other companies such as IBM, Toshiba, Compaq and others to notch up a deal with the U.S. Air Force for a contract of supplying 200,000 notebooks in 1987. This made the laptop popular and penetrative to the business and affordable price ranges to the common consumers.

Even though the notebook might seem a powerful and mobile genius of this age, it has its fallacies too. The major ones may be listed below.

Standardizing and weaker parts:

Parts of the notebook are miniaturized parts of desktop computers themselves and hence are weaker in comparison. The miniaturization process also takes a toll on the prices of the notebooks, which are generally higher priced than their desktop counterparts. Also, notebooks count a lot on steady power supply, even though supposed to be mobile, for a decent performance. Though, today technology has improved this negative facet of notebooks.

Durability Issues:

The portability, make, integrated composite structure and design of the notebooks make them more liable to shock, wear and physical damage than desktop computers. And the worst part is that the purchase value of a new LCD screen or motherboard, if damaged, is more than the whole purchasing value of the notebook itself!

Performance Issues:

Desktop computers are generally high performing machines when compared to notebooks of the same price range. This even though is being abolished slowly by improving cutting edge technology, this will not hold true. As energy and portability are prioritized goals for a notebook than absolute performance.

All in all, notebooks are the rage of the new generation today. And slowly but surely, the era of desktop computers is fading into oblivion.

This article can be accessed in portuguese from the Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/notebook.php

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br

Computers are an essential part of everyday life. Weather it is used for school, business or just fun, almost everyone today has or knows how to use a computer.

The majority of people use Windows based operating systems and the newest operating system to come from Windows is Windows Vista.

Keeping your computer clean and running smooth is the best way to increase productivity and decrease the frustration of having a slow computer when you are working on an important task. One of the best ways to keep your computer running great is by cleaning the registry with a Windows Vista Registry cleaner.

Vista Certified?

Many of the registry cleaners, even some big name ones, are still not yet ready for Vista yet. So, be careful when choosing a registry cleaner to avoid these if you have Windows Vista as your operating system.

A good registry cleaner has the ability to clean the registry in order to get your computer‘s speed up speed up and have it run smoother with little to no errors. Registry cleaners also get rid of those pesky spyware files that hog a majority of your system’s resources and steal information from your computer.

The Windows Vista operating system is very different from the previous version so it is important to use a genuine Vista registry cleaner.

Vista certified means it has been given Microsoft’s seal of approval, but when you think about it, this is not a really big deal. If a reputable company feels its cleaner is ready to deal with Vista that is good enough for me. What Microsoft thinks and why they think it is secondary.

Registry optimization

Using the registry cleaner is very simple, pretty much as simple as opening the program and hitting a button to run it. Once it runs, it does all the work by itself, checking for problems and fixing them. The best registry cleaners also compress, or optimize the data as well and this is where a majority of the speed boost comes from.

It keeps the registry up to date and removes all the unnecessary and outdated files not used by your computer anymore. New to Vista registry cleaners, it can also deal with viruses and trojans as well, which not only slow down your computer but are also very harmful to it as well.

Newer operating systems

Technology has progressed and the use of the computer has increased drastically. With all the things you can do, like listen to music, watch videos, surf the net, write papers and more, you need more resources to be able to do all this efficiently.

Cleaning the registry on a regular basis allows you to be able to do all of this without slowing down your computer. This is because it doesn’t have to work as hard to run all of these things. We live in an age where we are used to having things right now and very fast and it gets frustrating when we don’t have this luxury.

So cleaning the registry is one of the best ways to be sure you’re up to speed when working with a Windows operating system, especially one of the newer ones like XP and Vista. Also if using Vista make sure the registry cleaner is Vista ready or Vista compatible. However, whether or not Microsoft has actually certified the cleaner for Vista it is not that important.

The author is a comp TIA A+/Network+ certified computer technician familiar with the operation, repair and upkeep of today’s PC’s. Get free computer tips at his free sites: http://registryrepaircompare.com and http://registryrepairtools.net.

We would be lost without our computers. Businesses are able to operate, keep track of their inventory and order new supplies all through the use of computers. Personal computers keep track of our finances, allow us to surf the World Wide Web and provide ways to relax us through the use of video games.

Computer memory is the most vital component that makes your pc run. Did you not know that? Do not feel bad because most computer users know just enough about their personal and work computers to know when something goes wrong.

You can get ahead of the pack by this article. You can learn what computer memory is and how it affects the performance of your business or personal pc/laptop.

How can I tell how much RAM I have on my computer?

If you do not automatically know… what is wrong with you? That is a joke of course. Most people do not know the technical aspects of their computer right off hand. Most never need to know as long as it is working correctly but there is a way to find out very quickly.

Simply find the My Computer or Computer icon on your desktop and right click once. A window will pop up, scroll to the bottom where it reads “Properties.” Left click on Properties and a window will pop up with all of your technical information. You can look under “System” to find your processor speed and your memory.

What is volatile storage?

Volatile storage is any storage or items that were temporarily stored that will be cleared when you power down your computer. RAM is cleared each time you power your computer down and volatile storage acts in the same manner. It is the opposite of non-volatile storage where information is permanently saved to the hard drive of your desktop or laptop computer.

What is Random and Sequential Access?

Random access is the ability of the pc to draw on different storage randomly. The data does not have to travel a set path in order to be stored or accessed. Sequential access is the direct opposite. There must be a set data path in order for the computer to be able to access the information it needs in order to run properly.

Can the information found in a computer memory be changed?

Yes, information found in a computer‘s memory can be changed. RAM is deleted and cleared whenever you restart your pc. Long term storage can be deleted and changed to meet your specifications. If you do not know how to change your data, you can always seek out message boards specializing in data storage.

Can different computers use the same memory?

As long as the computer has the same base components, it can use different memory module options. Some computers on a network may be able to be connected together so that they can use a larger RAM database. The database would have to be pretty large for more than one computer to be connected and all of them using the RAM.

Enrich your knowledge further about the computer memory from Mike Selvon portal at http://computermemory.mininicherecommends.com/. We appreciate your feedback at our blog at http://www.mynicheportal.com/computer-electronics/ where a free gift awaits you.

Accounting software is rapidly becoming an essential element for a vast number of businesses. With so many accounting packages on the market today with a huge array of different software applications, the choices can be almost limitless. Some of these software packages are suited for use by large corporations while others are perfect for personal accounting functions. Software that is available ranges from the sublimely simple to the ultimately complex; it is important to recognise your needs before making any purchase.

Accounting software is usually categorised by the functions it performs. These different functions are usually referred to as core modules, the following gives definitions of these functions and which should be included in your package.

One function your software should perform involves accounting transactions. The core module labelled ‘accounts receivable’ is the billing of customers automatically. This would normally done by sending out invoices and the like, it is possible with accounting software to optimise the process so less time is spent calculating charges and all you simply must do is pop it in the post.

Another accounting function is the ‘accounts payable’ module. This works in much the same way as the accounts receivable but instead of customers it is the funds that must be paid to suppliers of energy. Put simply it is the expenses that your company must pay out.

A ‘general ledger’ is also referred to as a nominal ledger. Put simply this is the main accounting record for a business and in most cases will use a double entry bookkeeping method. Included are figures for fixed and current assets liabilities, revenue and expenses. With use of efficient software it should be able to surmise your businesses gains or losses from the general ledger.

Billing is another function that accounting software should possess, this is generally the production of bills and receipts for customers. Invoices also fall into this category and should be used by businesses that do a lot of delivery orders as part of their commercial operation.

Accounting software should also be able to help with stocktaking and inventories. By recording and updating a list of stock constantly the software should be able to produce a list of all the items you currently hold in stock.

So far we have looked at the fundamental applications your software package should include. There are however peripheral functions that the package should be able to carry out.

One of these functions is ‘debt collection’; where the software is able to track any debts that may be owed to the company. Some software packages will also be able to record information on customer enquiries including what kind of goods and services they were looking to buy.

Payroll information should be included in your accounting software package. Put simply this is the recording of all the salaries and wages that are paid to staff members, including information on tax paid, bonuses and any deductions that may have to be made.

Naturally not all accounting software will include these applications. Depending on your business requirements it may not be essential to use all of these functions. Packages usually come dedicated to the size of the business. Usually in terms of large, medium or small business operations; while the small business software may be cheap it doesn’t always fulfil your needs while larger businesses will benefit from the extensive range of applications contained in top flight packages.

It is worth remembering that when you are looking at buying an accounting software package to factor in the growth of your business. Packages can be expensive and if you do not get one that is efficient enough to cope with the growth of your business for a number of years you may find yourself upgrading in six or twelve months time. Considering the functions your need the software to carry out is important, make sure the package suits your immediate needs and can cope with growth. By following this advice you should be able to find a package to suit your business requirements perfectly.

Financial expert Thomas Pretty looks into the functions and applications that your accounting software package should perform for efficient business practices. To find out more please visit http://www.scottadam.co.uk/manage-finances.html

Recently, an Apple Computer commercial for the Mac featured a down and out “Windows guy” who sheepishly confessed that he was taking the unlikely step of uninstalling his recent Windows Vista upgrade and returning to the former Windows XP system. While a clever scenario for an advertisement, it seems it was not at all far from the truth. In the course of extensive tests, some independent computer researchers found that XP did much better than Vista in all of the tests they conducted.

Interestingly, these surprising results that came from comparing the performance of XP against the “latest and greatest” Windows Vista were consistent regardless of which versions of the operating systems were used or the amount of RAM memory that was installed on the pc. The tests clearly showed that even when the Vista installation was upgraded to the most recent “Service Pack Beta One” package, Vista still consistently proved to be sluggish.

In order to run comprehensive tests, the researchers installed both patched and unpatched versions of the two systems, namely Windows XP and Vista. They were run on a Dell laptop with a dual-core processor and they used the Microsoft Office application with each version of these operating systems.

The test results showed the time it took for each of the system configurations to complete a number of given tasks in Office. These tasks included creating a complex document and creating a series of presentation slides. The times to complete these tasks under XP and under Vista were then carefully noted and compared against each other.

The results were not at all what the researchers were expecting to report. Not only were all of the tested functions faster with the XP operating system installed, but the testers were surprised to find that XP proved to be approximately twice as fast as the operations performed in Vista, in almost all of the tests.

This is a significant difference in speed and undoubtedly is a difference that will be noticeable to even casual pc users. For power users, such a drastic reduction in speed is not only frustrating but simply unacceptable. Because of this, many people who had “upgraded” to Vista have subsequently gone back and reinstalled XP on their machines.

It is no wonder that the folks at Apple grabbed the opportunity to poke fun at the latest “upgrade” offered to Microsoft Windows users.

On top of the bad news that came out of those speed comparisons of XP versus Vista, the other testing delivered some additional blows. The experiments with the two operating systems also clearly showed that Vista demonstrated a tendency to be “resource-hungry” and gobbled up virtually all of the extra RAM memory that might be added to a computer. When testers doubled the memory in the test machine from one gigabyte to two gigabytes, the result was a measly 4% improvement in performance.

Even if there were not performance issues with Vista, at the moment there have not been any important new programs that have been produced to run only on Vista. But, with these two factors combined, people are not feeling compelled to spend the money and go through the hassle of leaving Windows XP to switch.

Browse to Mike Selvon portal at http://software.micronicherecommends.com/ to find out more about windows xp. We greatly appreciate your feedback at our blog at http://www.mynicheportal.com/computer-electronics/.

So you just got back from Best Buy or Circuit City with your new PSP or it just arrived in the mail after you ordered it online. It’s not every day that you spend that kind of money on a cool new toy, so now it’s time to get some cool games for your new toy. The only problem is that you are a little confused about where to go and get some games so you can get started playing.

Maybe you even picked up a game or two at the store where you bought the PSP. You soon realize that buying games for your PSP is going to cost more than you think, because you are always going to want the latest titles. Not to mention the need to watch movies on the PSP if you ever travel. So how can you possibly afford to use this new to its fullest?

You’re so frustrated that you even consider returning it to the store for fear you will get in too much debt trying to keep up with all the latest games out there. Well don’t fret! There are tons of websites all over the internet that offer plethora of PSP game downloads. Not to mention these same websites offer free music and movies for your new PSP device.

Okay, so where do you find these nice sites? It’s as simple going online and opening up Google or any other search engine and running a search for free PSP games. From there you can begin comparing some of the different services available to find which is best for your PSP. Good luck deciding on the right one and there are tons and tons to choose from. You probably had no idea.

Since you’re bank account is hurting after your purchase of your new PSP, you will probably be looking most at the sites offering free PSP game downloads. After all, what’s better free or paying for something? I hate to break it to you but the free sites are not your best bet source when it comes to getting these games. Once you download a game there is a huge risk that its files will be hacked into. These sites can bring harmful spyware, malware, and viruses to your computers as well as your PSP device. Trust me, you want to avoid these sites. Free is great, but some things will really hurt you in the long run if you don’t pay for quality.

So you really need to do your homework and choose a site from a trusted source. One that has been in business a while and thousands of satisfied users. One that is secure and virus free. If you follow those guidelines you should be fine. Most of these types of sites will offer free PSP downloads after you pay a one time membership fee that is usually about the price of a single game. Well worth the money and the peace of mind.

Chris McCann is an avid gamer who is crazy about the Sony PSP. He has reviewed dozens of websites for PSP downloads and has uncovered the top 3. You can view his findings at his website.

http://www.shop4coolstuff.com/PSP.html