Viruses become a common thing in the Internet. But it should not be a common thing in your computer. Computer viruses behave the same as health viruses.

They start small, propagate, and invade the body causing it to cripple and unable to perform well.

Microsoft is constantly updating its operating system software to make it virus free. But even computer virus evolves.

It is keeping up with the times and the numerous security updates. It keeps on looking for holes where it can break into.

PC Virus threats are classified into different levels. These levels are standard and are followed by the major anti-virus software manufacturer.

To understand what the different virus levels are, read on:

1. Critical Level

Critical level means the worm or the virus has the ability to create damage worldwide. It can easily spread globally and cannot be contained in an instant. This also means that the virus is widespread and that it can target everyone, including common home computer users. Malware and spyware are good examples of these.

2. Severe Level

A virus alert is tagged severe if the worm can target both patched and unpatched computer systems. It is also worldwide in nature, and has the potential to spread rampantly and swiftly, but has not done so just yet.

3. Elevated Level

This level alert is given out when a worm or a virus has the ability to spread globally and attack both patch and unpatched systems. But the virus cannot penetrate or propagate by itself. User intervention is usually needed.

4. Low Level

With a low alert level, there is no direct danger to systems that were successfully patched. The virus, malware, or spyware under this alert are in a controlled level and there are new activity reported.

These are the four personal computer virus threat levels. Your anti-virus software can use any one of these alert levels when they post new updates about recently discovered viruses and spyware.

So the next time you inspect the virus bulletin from your mail or from the anti-virus website itself, try to check out the PC virus level first. That alone will give you a faint idea as to how worse the situation can be.

But the bottom line is that viruses, whatever their alert level maybe should be given absolute attention. Do not take viruses for granted. Remember that a single one of them penetrating your computer system will cause it to crash.

Computer maintenance is one way to keep your laptop or PC working like new five years from now. Many people don’t think about maintenance until something catastrophic happens, but you have the good fortune to be thinking about it now. One part of the maintenance process is keeping your computer running at tiptop speed.

There are many reasons that computers begin to run slow: viruses, not enough memory, too many applications (goes along with insufficient memory) or a lot of files. Whatever the reason, something needs to be done so you don’t have to work at a snail’s pace.

Behind the scenes on your computer, many things are going on. If you get on the Internet, your computer may be allowing “cookie” files to be stored to remember where you’ve been. We download any and everything from music to videos to eBooks from the Internet. There are temporary files created for some of your downloaded items that can accumulate over time.

Sometimes, the hard drive just needs to be cleaned up a bit. With the defrag process, the computer finds ways to free up space on your hard drive. This cleaning process ensures optimal performance from your computer when something else is not the problem. Defragmenting your computer is a good first step when performance is not at its best.

If you are having a hard time navigating the various files on your computer, the proper name of the process used to correct this is “Disk Defragmenter.” You can use your program search bar on the Start Menu to find it easily. The defragmenter takes fragmented files and consolidates them or gets rid of them completely depending on what they are and if they’re needed.

This is not something that you need to do every day. Remember, you are maintaining here. Performing the operation once a week is good for those who use their computer every day and create a lot of documents and files. The best thing about Windows is that these maintenance operations can be set up on a schedule so that they work behind the scenes like Santa at Christmas. Schedule maintenance operations at odd times like early in the morning or in the middle of the night, when you are not at work on your computer in order to keep them from slowing down your PC while you’re trying to work.

In a nutshell, disk defragmentation is important for everyone. Scheduling the operation leaves your brain free to think about other things. If the defragmentation process does its job, your computer will continue working well for you without any hitches or glitches.

For those that have decided to walk into the world of technology, they may be overwhelmed by the types of knowledge that are available.

There are several code languages and words as well as different areas that you can move into.  If you are a beginner in technology, you can find programs that will help you to move past the first level.

Learning basic PC skills through IT Certification is an easy way to begin to understand the several levels and languages of technology.

However, before deciding to get IT Certification for basic PC skills, you will want to narrow down which types of PC skills you will want to get.

The first types of basic skills that you will be able to get are related to PC fundamentals.  A PC is short for personal computer, meaning that you will learn everything about the computer that you need to use.

This will teach you the basics of how to use a computer.  It will also allow you to understand how the computers can function and what types of things they can do.  If you have never used a computer before, you can also become certified with a keyboarding class.

This not only helps to learn the basics to make typing easier, but can also allow you tips and techniques to build your speed when typing.  This certification is also good to look into if you are in a work area that requires a certain speed when typing.

If you have already moved past the basics of PC skills, then there are other classes that you may be interested in.  Several vendors that offer the IT Certification will also provide classes on expanding basic knowledge for certain types of software.

One of these areas will focus on learning how to file different types of information with the best programs.  You may also be able to learn easier ways to compute, with specific tools given in relation to programs available on your computer.

There are various types of software and hardware that make saving and receiving information easier to put into the computer and save.

Basic PC skills may also offer beginning areas that will lead to the other courses being offered.  For example, if you are interested in graphics, the basic PC skills can offer you introductory courses to what is available.

You may also be able to find quick guides for things such as how to use a digital camera or how to use other external sources for your personal computer.  These can all help you to begin to move into the world of technology.

Within each of these types of classes are also several ways that you can study the courses and take the exam to move to the next level.

Vendors will offer quick guides for technology areas that don’t take as much.  They will also offer self learning courses that will allow you to read the material and take the test without any help.

For those that are more interested in a different type of learning, online courses or courses at a local community college or university are also available.

If you are noticing the changes in technology, as well as realize you need this skill, then getting IT Certification for basic PC skills is a good place to start.

Normally the sound of your prepackaged speakers or your laptop speakers are awful.  The are tinny, lacking depth, and most commonly don’t allow much volume.

If you’re really wanting to get the highest quality sound possible from your MP3′s, and online videos, you will need to invest in a set of high quality speakers.

The speakers I bought are the Logitech Z-5500 Digital Speakers with 5.1 Surround sound, these speakers are even THX certified, and with over 500 watts of power they can really get your music cranking.

These are higher end speakers, but worth every penny.  But if you’re wanting to save some money and still have great sound, then I’d recommend the Creative Gigaworks T20.  The T20′s have much lower power, and only include two speakers, by they do sound fabulous.

It’s not always the speakers that are holding down your sound quality, often it is the sound card itself.  On a desktop PC, you can quickly fix this by putting in a new sound card, like the Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio, it is specially designed to make music and movies rock.

If you’re on a notebook, you still can add a higher quality sound card, by getting a Creative SB1100 USB sound card, to add higher quality sound to your notebook.

By adding great speakers, and upgrading your sound card, you can take a terrible sounding PC, and make it a wild, great sounding entertainment and gaming center.

I get asked all the time, “What video card should I buy?”, and I always have to answer, “What are you using your PC for?”.

Depending on whether your needs are for business, watching movies, or for extreme gaming can change the answer greatly.

For most of us common users, we are most interested in having great speed while watching our movies, and videos, with a card that can do a little gaming.

If you are a hardcore gamer, then you know you need to match your games to your video card.  Often many games only support certain video chipsets.

So, if you have a favorite game, make sure you buy your video card based upon their recommended chipset.

For us home users who love to watch our TV, Videos, and Movies on our PC, we will want a card to do Hi-Def, and possibly Blu-Ray decoding.

My current favorite is ATI’s HD4670 chipset.  These cards are fantastic for watching all kinds of movie formats, whether streaming, HD-DVD, or Blu-ray.  You can find cards with the HD4670 from manufacturers like Diamond, Sapphire, and Asus.

If you are one of the hardcore gamers, I’m sure you’re well aware of the constant battle between Nvidia and ATI for being the speed champion.

I’ve always been happy with Nvidia for gaming.  If you want to be on the cutting edge, be prepared to shell out $500 for a great gaming card from either Nvidia or ATI.  For most games, you can get buy with slightly older chipsets, and keep your price down around $100.

Has your PC started showing it’s age, and is feeling slow?  Here’s a few things you can do to get some additional speed.

First let’s make sure how much memory you have.  If you’re not sure, click on Start, then right click on My Computer, and choose properties.

On this information page you will see how much RAM you have in your PC.  If you have less than 1GB of memory, the best thing you can do is upgrade your RAM.  For Windows XP the sweet spot for memory starts at 1GB.

For Windows Vista, you’ll want to have 2GB or more.  Adding memory to your PC is very easy, and will give you a great boost in speed.

You also want to check your hard drive fragmentation, to make sure your operating system, programs, and data files can be accessed as quickly as possible.

On a windows system, you can find your disk drefragmenter in your All Programs, under Accessories, and System Tools.  You should run your disk drefragmenter every month or two.

If your PC is really feeling sluggish, it is very possible you have a malware infection.  You can try running the Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool or Windows Defender as your first try to clean up you PC.

Malware, extra toolbars, and other little programs you may have added, can take a big bite out of your performance.  Go through your Add/Remove programs in the Control Panel, and uninstall any programs you no longer use.

If you follow these few simple things, you will gain back some of the speed of your PC.

Many of us have online friends around the world, or maybe old classmates or family that have gone overseas to work.

Many times we avoid calling them because of the expense of international calling. If you use your PC, and free software, you can talk to them for no per minute fees, and usually clearer than the traditional phone call.

Most of today’s popular instant messaging programs included a voice option, which usually work quite well, but my preferred program is Skype.

Skype uses the best voice system available today, giving you extremely clear voice without chewing up all your bandwidth.

The quality of your calls will depend greatly on the equipment you choose. My preferred choice for Skype is a USB Headset.

USB Headsets are usually clearer and quieter than traditional headsets. Logitech makes a wide variety of headsets, my favorite is the Clearchat Pro USB, it is extremely clear, with great volume controls, and very inexpensive.

You can also buy telephones specifically for Skype, that allow you to still feel like you are using a phone. I prefer the headset, since to me, it sounds better.

If you add a webcam, you can have a great video call with your friends, Skype also has the clearest video of any of the instant messengers.

Skype also offers a paid service called Skype-Out, which lets you call phones overseas, if your friends do not have Skype. To some countries the calls are very cheap, to others they are still fairly high.

I have made many overseas calls, and none of my phone calls have been as clear as Skype. Download it and give it a try.

Personal Computers are always the best choice! Technology today offers a lot of microprocessor systems, and one of which is your Personal Computer.

But Personal Computers offer a greater performance than all the others. So here are some considerable tips on buying a Personal Computer.

Tips:

• Know your purpose – will you use it for office use, games, etc…
• Canvass before you buy
• Don’t listen to sales talk, probably they’re just sales
• Assembled and customizable computers are better than branded PCs with fixed components
• Choose LCD monitors rather than CRT monitors – LCD is more energy efficient, or check out some of the advantages and disadvantages between the two
• When you buy computer parts, make sure they are all compatible with each other
• List your products well, read some reviews, and ask some knowledgeable friend or an expert

These are some of the tips on buying a Personal Computer. It is always good to study and learn things first before you put your investment on it.

Computers have a lifespan of about three to five years the most, depending on the manufacturer of each component.

The durability of each component usually depends on the manufacturer. At some point, the cheaper it gets, the weaker the component is. But that’s not always the situation. That’s why you need to seek out reviews or seek for some tips on buying a Personal Computer.

Always have the attitude of comparing products when you buy computers. When you do compare, you see the advantages and disadvantages of each component that you want to buy.

Therefore you have a greater list of choices to choose from. This makes it easy for you to pay for the right kind of thing. Remember to buy only what you need and not want you wanted.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could simply open up your brain and add more space so you could remember everything? Oh well, you can’t do that but you can add more memory to your PC or laptop if the need arises.

When you buy a computer, it comes with a certain amount of memory already loaded on. This storage is where you can save files, applications, music, videos, pictures and anything else you’d like. It would be great to have unlimited memory but that is not always the case.

Maybe you have noticed that your computer is running slower than usual. You have used Disk Defragmenter to combine files and get rid of others that you don’t need. A computer that still runs slow may need a memory boost.

You can check the memory capacity on your hard drive. If you go to Start Menu, click on Computer. You’ll see a visual representation of your hard disk drives (C and D). The C drive is what you are looking at. It will show you how much of the total memory is still free, such as “231GB free of 285.”

When you need more memory, it’s not that hard to find. The quickest way is to check with your manufacturer. Most name brand computers have websites where you can find everything you need with a few clicks.

Let’s use Dell for example. On the bottom of a Dell laptop or on the Dell PC tower is your service tag number. With that number, you can access all of the information about the computer that they built for you. Now, you can find out which memory options you have for that model.

Memory comes in different configurations depending on the age of your computer. It doesn’t require an expert, but you will need to pay attention to the instructions carefully to get it right. For a laptop, the memory can be inserted in the underside of the device.

In either case, be sure that the device is turned off and everything is unplugged before beginning. Working on a kitchen table away from carpeted flooring is best to avoid problems with static electricity. Be sure that you are grounded to avoid shock.

Read all instructions before beginning. There are dedicated slots for memory expansion in both devices. Before you purchase a new computer, see if it is more feasible to add memory for better performance.

If you find yourself constantly combating frustrating computer errors that seem to creep out of nowhere and spend a significant time in troubleshooting them, it might be time to set your computer in order once and for all.

One of the main reasons that computer errors tend to recur frequently is that often an error is repaired superficially and not completely eradicated.

Other times, the error may be removed but not enough prevention measures are taken so the error comes back quickly.

What you need is an iron-tight troubleshooting mechanism that puts an end to your woes by taking care of both removing errors from the root and preventing further recurrence.

One of the commonly recurring PC errors that harass users all over the world are DLL errors. This article will provide you an insight into ending these frustrating errors.

DLL or Dynamic Link Library are commonly used files in Windows. These files comprise codes and functions that are required by various applications to perform specific tasks.

There are hundreds of DLL files on your Windows computer and each file has its own purpose. Let us have a look at some examples.

• Msvcr71.dll: A Microsoft Visual C Runtime Library that is used in Windows to control and display items, such as drop-down menus, buttons, scroll bars and mouse events.
• Ntdll.dll: A core Windows operating system file that performs various NT kernel functions on your computer.
• Xvidcore.dll: An XviD codec file that is required to play XviD media on your Windows computer.

There are hundreds of DLL files on any Windows computer and the most common DLL error that you may come across is the missing DLL errors.

Although frustrating, these errors can be easily prevented if you are a little vigilant about the way you use your computer.

Here are a few simple things that you can do to ensure that you never have to face missing DLL errors on your computer.

• Be extremely careful while installing and uninstalling applications on your computer

Never overwrite or remove a file that is being shared by other programs on your computer. In case you do commit a mistake, try to reverse the action you performed to fix the errors.

You may also try to perform a system restore to roll back system files and settings to the time when it was free from any errors.

• Ensure that software on your computer is updated on a regular basis

Some simple tools, such as the Windows Automatic Update and third-party driver update tools simplify this activity by automating the task of downloading and installing software and driver updates on your computer.

• Implement efficient security for your computer. Some of the tasks you can do are:

Increase the security settings of your Internet Explorer.

Install robust antivirus and antispyware tools and configure them to perform automatic PC scanning, download the latest definition updates and provide real-time protection.

Implement an efficient firewall to protect your PC from unauthorized access.

• Scan and fix registry errors

Invalid and corrupt registry entries are known to generate DLL errors too. An easy and dependable way to quickly fix registry errors is to use a reliable registry tool to scan the registry, detect the errors and then repair them.