FAQ
Virus and Spyware
- Do Viruses “Physically” damage components in your PC where they have to be replaced?
- What is the difference between “Viruses” and “Spyware”?
- Can I get Viruses if I’m not connected to the internet?
- Can I go online without Anti Virus protection?
Connections and Hardware
- When should I upgrade my PC and when should I replace it?
- Other than buying new components, is there anything I can do to make my PC faster?
- Can I have more than one computer on a dialup connection?
- Is it possible to save information on your PC after it has crashed?
- Why is the connection speed so slow or is freezing up?
- How can I backup (save) information from my PC?
- What should I look for in a Desktop PC?
- What should I look for in a Laptop PC?
- Should I sell my PC or Laptop to a Computer store that says it is un-reparable?
What is a:
Virus and Spyware
Do Viruses “Physically” damage components in your PC where they have to be replaced?
Yes and No. A virus is a type of software. While viruses can be extremely destructive to your data (sometimes resulting in complete data loss), they rarely damage your hardware. For the most part, a hard drive infected with a virus can be cleaned and used again. There are a rare few viruses out there which can command your Hard Drive to do certain things which could result in damage to itself and other components. These viruses, however, are extremely rare.
What is the difference between “Viruses” and “Spyware”?
Viruses are destructive software components that damage, destroy, or steal your data. Often, viruses multiply themselves to infect more computers. In this way, computer viruses function very much like real viruses such as the flu.
Spyware programs are software components as well, but they function differently than viruses. Spyware spies (hence the name) on your computer activity in order to send you unwanted ads, open up websites you didn’t want to go to, or even steal your personal information for criminal activity (some viruses can do this, too).
Can I get Viruses if I’m not connected to the internet?
Yes. It’s possible to catch a virus from sharing infected files or programs, even if you’re using a CD or DVD. This used to be very common in the early days of computer viruses. It’s still a threat today, but most viruses are transmitted via email or Internet downloads.
Can I go online without Anti Virus protection?
Yes, you’re free to go online without protection. However, you will likely be quickly infected by one or more viruses. Without spyware protection, it can only take a few seconds online before you’re infected with spyware.
Connections and Hardware
When should I upgrade my PC and when should I replace it?
A good rule of thumb is to replace your computer when it can no longer be upgraded to meet your needs. Technology and standards are almost always changing, and even the newest computer will only be able to keep up for three to five years at best. When your computer can no longer fulfill your business or entertainment needs, it’s time to upgrade. When you can’t upgrade anymore, it’s time to replace. Of course, hardware failure or physical damage may warrant upgrading or replacement before you might otherwise consider it.
Other than buying new components, is there anything I can do to make my PC faster?
Yes! Spyware and viruses can really slow down your machine. Also, an un-optimized system can bring things to a crawl. Sometimes, two or more programs running at the same time can cut performance. Not all programs play together nicely. This can cause software conflicts—a major source of computer crashes. Removing or repairing problem software can speed up your machine. And of course, spyware and viruses have to go!
Can I have more than one computer on a dialup connection?
Yes. A dialup connection can be networked just like a broadband (DSL or Cable) connection. However, two computers trying to use a dialup connection at the same time will have very slow Internet access—even with the best equipment.
Is it possible to retrive information from my PC after it has crashed?
Yes, Most of the time the hard drive can be removed from your PC, and scanned using NEOS state of the art technology. NEOS can retrieve all data so long as there is no physical damage to the magnetic disk inside the hard drive or the reader head. Applications and software programs will need to be reloaded from the original source because unlike you’re files and documents applications are not just a collection of files and must be registered with the operating system
Why the connection on my PC so slow or is freezing up?
There are many possible reasons for slow Internet connections or your computer freezing (crashing). Spyware and viruses are prime suspects! Also, software conflicts or outdated hardware can also slow your computer or cause it to crash. Slow Internet connections can also be because of your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and might not be a problem with your computer.
How can I backup (save) information from my PC?
There are several good software programs that will help you backup your data. You can backup to an external hard drive, a flash (USB) drive, or a CD/DVD. There are even companies who will backup your data through the Internet, so your data can be protected at a secure location.
What should I look for in a Desktop PC?
Desktop PC’s can be as basic or complex as the end user chooses. If you are just looking for a PC to access the internet then a 600 MHz processor, 256 MB of RAM, and a 40 GB hard drive, and Windows® 2000 may suffice. However, if you are looking to play videos, save music, play video games, or multitask then you will need much more powerful hardware to get the desired results. NEOS can help you choose the right computer to fit your needs now and allow you the ability to grow without losing functionality.
What should I look for in a Laptop PC?
Laptops are designed with portability in mind. Users have the ability to choose from a wide variety of options. Laptops are by definition the largest of the portable computers. There screen sizes range from 15 to 22 inches. Generally these machines are known for entertainment. Like all Portable PC’s, hardware and options very. Next, the notebook ranges from 12 to 14 inches. It is smaller and lighter than its cousin, the laptop, and is great for business meetings and school lectures. Tablets, 12 inches, are the lightest and smallest of all. They are designed with a screen that rotates 360 degrees and locks down face up across the keyboard. Technology installed allows the end user to write on the screen with a special pen called a stylus. Many people, on the go, enjoy the ability to document ideas and information while moving between patients, projects, and other mobile careers. NEOS can help you choose the right mobile device to fit your needs now and allow you the ability to grow without losing functionality.
Should I sell my PC or Laptop to a Computer store that says it is un-reparable?
Never! This is a common trick to convince you to sell your computer for less than it’s worth. Think about it: Why would a computer store want to pay for a machine that’s “un-repairable?” Chances are the shop will fix your computer and sell it, or strip it for valuable parts—after selling you a new (and overpriced) computer. Get a second opinion from another store.
What is a…
A computer chip that is the “heart and soul” of your machine. The processor does the actual computing work and determines the speed and power of your computer.
A solid, metal disk that magnetically stores all the data on your computer. The hard drive (HDD) is your computer’s master library with all of your programs and data. Because they are magnetic storage systems, hard drives are susceptible to electrical damage such as lightning.
Removable storage disks that use a laser to record and play back data. This is called optical storage. Virtually all computer software is sold on Compact Disk (CD). Movies and some computer games use Digital Video Disks (DVDs). Because CDs and DVDs don’t use magnetism to record data, they are immune to electrical damage. However, they can be easily scratched and must be handled carefully. “R/W” means that data can be erased from the disks so they can be used again. Early CDs could only be recorded once.
A connector on the outside of the computer used to hook up accessories (peripherals). Most computer accessories can be attached with Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections. The only accessories that are not attached with USB are monitors and speakers. Monitors have special video connections and speakers use audio cables.
A computer accessory that allows your machine to connect to a network. Most modern computers come with a factory-installed network card. If needed, nearly all computers can have a network card installed internally. Wireless network cards are also available. These are useful for connecting a desktop computer to a wireless network. Most modern laptop computers already have a wireless card built-in, but one can be added if needed.
Along with the processor, the memory is the most important computer component in determining your machine’s speed and power. There are many different types of Random Access Memory (RAM), but they all function the same way. Memory provides the space for processor computing to occur. Think of memory as the workbench on which the processor functions. The bigger the workbench, the faster the processor can accomplish its tasks. You should always have enough memory for your processor to work at its fullest potential. Some programs, such as Windows Vista or video editing software, require large amounts of memory so the processor can operate freely.
