Top 10 Tips to Improve Computer's Performance in Recession

Holding cash in hand is the mantra that all of us need to follow. But at the same time it should not hamper the work performance too. Improving our computer system's performance don't demand cash only. It can be achieved without spending much. The only thing is to know is how to harness the maximum out of the old hardware.

Without Spending a Single Penny
The Windows users must have noticed that with passing of time, the operating system keep slowing down and it does not perform as fast as it used to do earlier. It is a general problem that arises due to the lack of regular maintenance and can be resolved if we follow these tips:
1. Delete Temp Files: Erase the temporary files piled up on your hard disk. It can be done with the help of free tools available.
2. Clean up the Registry: Do not clean up the registry manually unless you are a master in dealing with registry. Registry cleaner tools are used for this purpose. You are strictly advised to create a back-up of your registry prior to modifying it because these tools may or may not back up your registry.
3. Defragment the Registry: After making a change to the registry, it is advised to defragment it so that the irregular space formed as the result of deletion of unused registry entries is discarded. It enhances the performance of Windows. Hard disk defragmentation can be used to achieve this.
4. Scan the System: Scanning the system for spyware and cleaning it make huge differences in enhancing your computer's performance. As a result a significant amount of CPU resource will be freed up.

Just Few Bucks & See the Difference
People who are willing to spend a bit to enhance their system's performance, will find these suggestions helpful.
5. Upgrade the RAM: The cost of RAM has decreased considerably in last three-four years, and that allow us to improve our system's performance by increasing the RAM. It is as cheap as chips and improving the RAM will definitely speed up your system. A 2GB RAM cost around £60. RAM up-gradation can be performed quite easily, and will not require a bios update at all.
6. Upgrade the Processor: If you can carry some more expenses for upgrading your computer, then you should look into upgrading the main processor. If your motherboard is not too old and is compatible with the new processor, then you can change the processor only. However if it is too old, change both of them.
7. Upgrade the Hard Disk: You might consider upgrade your hard disk. The cost of hard disks have come down dramatically in last few years. Increasing the rpm of your hard disk will add up to the speed of your system. If the current speed of you hard disk is 5400 rpm, you might want to look for a 7200 rpm version with the same capacity.

Few Other Tips
8. Remove the Unused Programs: A number of programs in our computer, that are pre-installed like image analysis software, processing software, audio processing software, etc., is not of any use and we never use them. Such programs should be deleted from the system. It will save valuable hard disk space and free up RAM usage dramatically.

9. Format the Root Drive: Even now if the above mentioned steps don't help you much, go for root drive formatting. Reinstall the required programs only. Though it takes some time but is definitely worthy looking at how much difference it makes. Make a back up of all your data files on the hard disk before going for this method.

10. If you are going for the formatting option, it is strongly advised to create an image of your hard disk after all the basic programs are installed. It will help dramatically reduce the time required to restore your computer to a basic configuration.

Install Security Cameras - Safety Guaranteed

In the present vulnerable scenario, security seems to have become the prime concern of the common people.

All those who do not have the liberty as well as the money to keep body guards should not worry. To tackle the problem of security, various types of security camera have been launched in the technological world. Security cameras are recognised as the standard in monitoring property and detection of criminals. Surveillance video is claimed to be the most successful home monitoring device by its ways to protect oneself against theft and violence. This is because these cameras are very effective in deterring criminals, thus protecting your house against theft and violence and further help them to catch those perpetrators.

Surveillance cameras that are primarily used for monitoring but today their scope has not been restricted to government offices or banks.

Today, these CCTV cameras are applicable in houses as well. Cities such as London have installed several surveillance cameras throughout the city as a means of deterring and capturing criminals. Car theft is one arena where these cameras are extremely helpful. So much so is the advantage of security cameras that even cities like New York and Chicago are beginning to use surveillance cameras throughout the city. Though some people argue that surveillance cameras evade the privacy of people, thus stripping them of their civil rights. Critics have also charged that surveillance cameras are used more for social control than as criminal deterrents. However, with the rise in many anti social happenings, these cameras have proven to be very useful.

Initially these security cameras were analogue, but the digital phase has taken over them now.

These digital security cameras transmit their data feed via WiFi technology to the Internet. From there a digital video recorder or a computer can view the feed with a specially configured Web browser. The video recorders are thus able to store data feed to a DVD-ROM.

Apart from the digital video security cameras that are present in a variety of options in the computer hardware industry, digital still surveillance cameras are also available. These cameras are equipped with motion detectors that alert the camera to take a photo when any activity occurs. This camera is very much in methodology like the digital cameras that hold hundreds of photographs at one time.

In this world where a new technology is born everyday, there are a wide variety of options to choose from in the security cameras segment as well.

There are spy cameras that are the smallest and most powerful covert spy camera/recorder in the world. The micro hidden camera, though looks like an air freshener, is ultra-covert with 2GB of RAM for fast-action snapshot video when motion is detected. Then there is the night vision camera that capture footage even in complete darkness. This type of motion-activated wireless night vision camera has a 150 foot night vision range, which is capable of recording anywhere, anytime.

Many popular companies like Sony, today, are involved in the manufacturing of these CCTV cameras.


All one needs to do is to choose the one that suits one's requirements. In recent times, they are used by many government branches, businesses and by private homeowners. Choose from Wireless Cameras, Hidden Cameras, Secure Recording Devices, and even Decoy Cameras to protect your home or office.

Computer Hardware Recycling : A Challenging Task on the Face of Earth

E waste is one of the most serious issues that has engulfed the whole world. The obsolete computers, if not treated properly can become a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing environmental concerns across the globe. Though many countries boast of technical solutions but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. E waste comprise 2% of America's total trash and 70 percent of overall toxic waste. In the United States, an estimated 70% of heavy metals in landfills come from discarded electronics.


Recycling is one of the most effective ways to prevent the hazard of e waste. Many material used in the construction of hardware can be recovered and recycled. Reuse of tin, silicon, iron, aluminum, and a variety of plastics – all present in bulk in computers – is possible and can reduce the costs of constructing new systems. Electronic devices like including audio-visual components (televisions, VCRs, stereo equipment), mobile phones and other hand-held devices, and computer components, also contain valuable elements and substances that are suitable for reclamation. Powering and cooling computers is an increasing contributor to global warming and the power it consumes also contribute to a negative effect on the environment.

In this regard, various government as well as non government agencies have taken significant initiatives to curb it. One of the main organisation that takes the responsibility of checking the e waste is CFA, that installs various measures to aware computer hardware manufacturers as well as consumers about the hazards of e-waste. Information on the dangers involved in improper disposal of computer hardware is provided to the computer labs. The supply of quality hardware is also restricted to beneficiaries only. CFA provides comprehensive on-site ICT support to beneficiaries, ensuring the equipment functions for the longest possible time with the greatest positive impact.


To counter this further, Userful desktops are being deployed all around the world with a typical configuration of six stations per computer. Research has shown that Userful products can reduce electronic waste by up to 80 percent, further decreasing its environmental footprint. It was supported by the data that stated that in the past year, Userful desktops have helped to minimise the computer hardware waste by 29,000 tons of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to taking more than 5,000 cars off the road.

The consumers too need to get sensitive about the whole issue when the impact of computer hardware on environment, is in discussion. We should look for eco friendly ways to dispose off the computer waste and follow the recycling programmes all over the country. There are various companies like Sony, Toshiba and Gateway that offer take back programmes that provide monetary incentives for recyclable and/or working technologies. One should go for reuse and up gradation of the present PC unless it is very essential to dispose off. Selling off the old computers to the used product market is another option.

Computer Hardware – Turn to The Greener Side

Many people know how to use a computer but only few are aware of the great need for disposing off the used parts of a computer, in a safe manner. Many IT organisations have failed to assume sufficient responsibility for the ultimate end of used PC. The first step to be taken towards greening the computer hardware should be initiated by the manufacturers and retailers end. Manufacturing and selling companies should take a closer look at the policy of the IT organisation, towards the PC and computer hardware take back, before even buying. They should also keep account of the Electronic Take back Coalition, and maintain a list of recyclers that have pledged to adhere to certain corporate responsibility standards, including incinerate e-waste.

Even the people who own computers at home should be not reckless regarding the disposition of their used computer hardware. They too should be conscious about utilizing waste in the right manner. The initial step is not to throw away any used or outdated computer hardware in the dumpster. Instead recycle it. Be it your hard drive, monitor, keyboard, mouse, or printer, one can dispose it by recycling it in the right manner. Today, there are many recycling centres like City of Lubbock Solid Waste Department in Texas. Here they inspect all the disposed parts of a computer to check whether any hardware is working or not. Special care is taken to assure hard drives are completely erased prior to refurbishing activities. They have their own group of engineers who refurbish these computer particles and offers them to the state agencies counties, cities or school districts at no charge.

Some other ways to make your computer hardware green are discussed below -

• Green Search – Instead of using the Google search engine, use Blackle.com. This is an eco friendly site that works on black resolution, thus saving less energy that is consumed by the white resolution. Further there is option for switching to black wallpapers and screen savers that consume lesser power than white or colored backgrounds.
  
• Use LCD Screen – Replacing your CRT monitors with LCD screen will help you save up to 70% of electricity and the lifespan of the LCD is also twice more than the CRT.
  
• Optimise Your PC's Power Setting With iYogi Toolbar – One can optimize energy consumption of a PC by switching it to the power saving mode. For this one can take the help of Yogi Green PC tool bar that can be installed on all Windows-based systems.
  
• Switch to Vista Green – Power consumption in Windows Vista is less than in Windows XP. Switching off to that mode will help one saving a lot of energy.
  
• Last but not the least, always remember to shut down the monitor when not in use. Always remember to unplug all the input as well as storage devices to save power.

Its time for everyone to realize the environment hampering that are caused by throwing the e particles into waste bins. The impact of that negligence on the environment worldwide can be huge. It is estimated that around 1.8 billion pounds of PCs are retired worldwide each year, but only about half —865 million pounds—are processed by recyclers, as per the report issued International Data Corp. Although some of the remaining 900 million pounds of computer hardware is rebuilt or reused, much of it is just plain discarded into landfills or incinerated. Incorporate the above few points, the next time you are thinking of discarding these unused or old parts of your computer.