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What Remains to be Today’s Computer Forensics Problem?

What Remains to be Today’s Computer Forensics Problem?

Computer forensics is one the fields today which often gets updated. Many agencies have found the application of computer forensics very useful especially in the investigation of fraudulent actions and crimes. More so, computer forensics is the procedure that is applied when electronic devices such as the computer media is placed under careful investigation.

The process involves the discovery and analysis of any available data whether they have been hidden or deleted. These are among the evidences that will support the defense and claim of a particular individual or company as they file for any legal action.

Moreover, computer forensics specialists use the tools that recover both the accidentally and intentionally erased files and information. So whether the loss of the data is blamed to the untoward occurrences of hardware failure, there is a better chance of recuperating them. One of the biggest computer forensics problems though is how to retain the original data without the slightest alteration in them.

So much to say, even during the process of shutting down the computer system to transfer the data into another media may cause changes in them. It is important that the computer forensics expert has the skill to maintain the exact form of the data. Nobody can exactly say when the data may be altered but with the most apt tool and the specialist’s skills, it can be possibly prevented.

Computer forensics attracted the attention of the public during the height of the Enron scandal which prompted the widest-ranging computer forensics investigation marked in the world’s history. As computers these days are becoming an integral part of human life, big quantities of data are being stored in these electronic devices.

More so, crimes and other fraudulent acts are likewise increasing in intervals. Computer forensics investigations are also done in emails, websites visited, chat histories, and many other forms of electronic communications.

The advances in today’s technology have shaped the improvement of computer forensics. The developers continually upgrade their tools to meet the increasing intensities of computer forensics problems. Modern software and tools are coming out into the market which nonetheless makes the task easier for the computer forensics experts. Thus, data is found and restored faster and with more preciseness.

These evidences need to be in their original format especially when they are to be used as evidences in the court. These proofs are often gathered from all kinds of computer media such as the discs, Pen drives, tapes, memory sticks, logs, emails, PDAs, handhelds, deleted information, and hidden documents.

The people’s common notion is that when the data is deleted from its location, the file is already completely deleted and unfound. This makes you wrong though. Upon deletion, what is erased is only that of the data’s reference location but the actual document remains intact in your computer system.

It is easiest to tell that the data have been deleted but the common computer forensics problem is where and how to find it and how to recover them without making traces of changes. Thus, the solution to the dilemma will entirely depend on the computer forensics professional’s skills.

Computer data security is very important so it is also significant that they remain original. Part of the training of these professionals includes the molding of their skills to be careful when handling the recovery of the data at all times.

However, it is not for them to conclude when data may be altered or not. This remains as one of the top computer forensics problems to date.
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Things To Do When Your Computer Starts Developing Problems

Things To Do When Your Computer Starts Developing Problems

The introduction of the lap top has made computers portable and you can find them on planes, trains, buses and in cars. Computers are the latest method of communicating with nearly everyone, everywhere. That is until they start to develop problems. They are notorious for breaking down a few hours before you have to turn in your paper or make your office presentation.

Most computers have warranties covering service. There is usually probably a service where computer owners can get help over the phone or online. This service is essential to computer owners. If you have tried everything you know to resolve a computer problem and nothing is working, you can go online, at the computer manufacturer’s site, and do some simple diagnostic tests. Usually the site contains questions that commonly arise when computers fail. Simple solutions, from plugging in the equipment to rebooting a program, are available online.

If the online suggestions don’t work, you can call a service over the phone. The cable or phone company provider has this service available when you first are hooked-up to the Internet. A computer technician will listen to your complaint and then offer a variety of solutions. A pleasant, knowledgeable voice on the other end of the line can calm you down when you’re ready to pull your hair out or commit violent acts against your computer.

Sometimes, the phone technician can’t fix your problem. Then you need to call a repair service. There are companies that will dispatch computer technicians who will come to your home and, for a price, fix whatever is ailing your computer. Geek Squad is one such service. It will, on a 24/7 basis, provide upgrades, repairs and protection from spyware and viruses. If you think the problem is something you did as a result of not being familiar with a computer system, Geek Squad offers one- and two-hour personal instruction courses.

After it has been established that you don’t have a software problem, you now face the challenge of correcting a hardware problem. Then you have no choice but to open up the computer and do the repairs yourself. While most of us would pass on this option, it is not as difficult as it seems. There are less than 12 parts, including keyboard and mouse, in most computers. The number one cause of computer malfunctions is the AC power supply. Often, especially in cheaper models, replacing it solves all the problems.

There are some problems that you cannot solve without proper training, such as repairing the motherboard or the CPU or fixing video components and defective hard drives. Then you have to take your computer to a repair facility. There they can take your computer apart, run a diagnostic checkup and replace what needs to be replaced. They can install new hard drives, new components and programs, and replace any mechanical parts that are not working properly. They will also clean the inside of your computer, where dust and other smart particles have collected. If your computer is under warranty, you will probably get these services for free. If you have not purchased an extended warranty, you will have to pay for whatever is done.

If there is a hardware problem with your computer, you may not have to take it to the store where you bought it or a repair facility. There are facilities that come to you and, like Geek Squad, repair the malfunctioning equipment in your home.

Guide to buying a desktop computer

Guide to buying a desktop computer

With the rapid pace of technological developments, nothing has become as ubiquitous as the computer. Everyone’s got one. And they are used for all manner of endeavour, by people of all walks of life. So, do you simply buy the computer that someone’s selling? Or do you do some homework and figure out what detailed specifications are going to make some difference to you?

At Myshopping.com.au you can compare the prices of a wide range of different computers from different vendors and of different specifications. This guide will help you find what you’re looking for.

Mac or Windows (PC)

At the outset, you need to decide what you are going to use the computer for. This will help you make the fundamental decision of whether you should go Mac or PC. Although, with the advent of the dual core processor (an Intel chip now used by Mac) the differences are narrowed a little, there are still some choices that can help you favour one system over another. Historically, Mac computers have a reputation for greater stability that comes from a more robust operating system than Windows based computers. Largely for this reason, Macs have been the computer of choice for the graphic design industry, the music production industry and the video production industry. This has prompted the software manufacturers to make professional software packages for these disciplines that favour the Mac operating system. Although they have packages supporting the Windows operating system, they are often less capable.

Consequently, if you are engaged in these industries and need your computer for this type of work, you should consider Mac. Mac computers appear to attract fewer viruses and software malfunctions than do Windows based PCs. On the down side, there has always appeared to have been limited software support for Mac systems.

Another decision that may guide your choice is the aesthetics of the computer. If you have limited available space, there is nothing quite like the iMacs or the mini Macs for space saving. iMac’s all-in-one desktop units are compact and complete with all the connectivity you need. However, the look of other brands may be more to your taste, with many models available in compact packages and modern colour schemes to suit practically all dÊcor. Now that you’ve made that basic decision, you can start comparing the apples with apples.

The Components of Your Computer

The two factors that determine the price of your computer are size (yes it does matter) and speed. Either or both of these two dimensions are a factor of practically every component that makes up the machine. Naturally the highest price tags go with the combination of biggest and fastest.

CPU

The heart of the computer is the CPU (central processing unit). You need to decide which CPU you want driving your computer. These come from different manufacturers, and the current development of the technology is called Dual Core, which means that there are two processors on the one chip. Dual Core technology delivers more performance with less energy requirements. Intel and AMD are the two leading CPU manufacturers, and they offer different products under different names.

Current processing speeds range from about 1.4 GHz (gigahertz) through to 3.46 GHz. But it is not simply just a matter of speed. There are other considerations. Mac Operating Systems have a different architecture to Windows and will perform many functions faster with a slower speed CPU. A dual core chip at 1.4 GHz will deliver a better performance that a Pentium 4 chip at 1.8 GHz. A 1.4 GH dual core chip running a Mac with OSX Tiger, will perform better than a 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor running Windows. You need to decide what you want your computer to do, what your major software requirements are before you decide on the CPU processor.

However, for everyday use, a processor faster than 1.8 GHz will deliver excellent performance. As a rough rule of thumb, choose a Celeron for low cost computing, a Pentium 4 for mid-range budgets, or an AMD Athlon for bigger budgets. You can compare computers based on Pentium, Celeron, Athlon or Dual Core CPUs by searching those specifications on Myshopping.com.au and finding different vendors and brands using different processors.

RAM

This is where bigger definitely means better performance. RAM is the system memory that enables the computer to use its programs and swap data between the hard drive and the program functions. It’s important to match the speed of the RAM of your computer with the speed of the CPU. The more RAM you have available for your programs to work, the faster will your computer run. Most computers today come with at least 256 M (megabytes) of RAM. But memory is a relatively cheap component, and it costs little extra to upgrade to 512 M or greater.

HARD DRIVE

The hard drive of the computer stores your program files and your data. As computers have advanced, so has the need for more capacity to operate programs and store data. People working in media fields tend to work with very large files and require large storage space. Most computers in today’s market come with a minimum of 40G of hard drive space. However, this can be upgraded (usually in 20G chunks) to as much as 200G or more. The effectiveness of your hard drive also can depend on its physical speed (5400-7200 RPM) and the speed at which it can transfer data between the computer’s RAM and the hard drive. Faster means better performance.

REMOVABLE MEDIA

You will want to have a CD-R or (CD-RW) drive installed in your computer, and or possibly a DVD or DVD-R. For reading a CD ROM, all that is required is a CD drive and for watching DVD movies, a DVD ROM drive. However with a CD-R drive, you can record your own data and music CDs, and with a DVD-R drive, you can burn files in a DVD format, allowing you to store movies and data in far greater quantities. The CD-RW (DVD-RW) drives allow you to use re-recordable media. Your decision will depend on what you want to use your media drives for and what you want to store.

Other removable media will possibly include flash card storage, which is usually plugged in via the USB ports on the computer.

MONITORS

The monitor for your computer is integral to its function and aesthetics. If you are working in graphics you may want to stay with a CRT monitor. However most bundle offers these days are supplied with LCD monitors, which have the advantages of smaller space requirements, use lower energy and offer wider screen images. However they generally are more expensive (although prices are dropping everyday), can frequently be not as bright, have limited viewing angles and sometimes require a digital interface connector.

For graphics intensive work, LCD screens do not have the same capacity to render colours in gradients as CRT monitors. Once again, size matters. Bigger screens cost more than smaller ones.

VIDEO AND SOUND

For a detailed explanation of video cards, please see the article on Myshopping.com.au dedicated to Video Cards.

The interface between the CPU and the Monitor is provided by the video card. One of the basic decisions you need to make is whether you require a 3D or 2D card. Video cards come in two different types: those that use an AGP (accelerated graphics port) on the computer motherboard and those that use the PCI bus. Data transfer rate is critical to video performance. Faster video cards use an AGP, and this proves a faster data transfer than PCI cards. Most video cards also have their own video memory installed on the card, a feature that increases a computer’s memory performance. Today, these memories are often 128M or 256M, and can be more in the higher-end cards dedicated to sophisticated video work or gaming. Video cards performance is also affected by what is known as clock speed or clock rate, cards with a faster speed offer faster performance.

Cheaper computers, and laptops and notebooks, have an integrated graphics chip included in the motherboard instead of a discrete video card. This type of configuration is not as powerful or as fully functional as having a separate video card, which can allow more comprehensive gaming, the use of multiple monitors and faster and better rendering of images.

For a computer to reproduce the sounds recorded in games, movies and music products it requires a sound card. Quality of sound can be affected by the sound card your computer has installed. It’s important that you know how you want to use the sound reproduction processes of your computer. If you are a musician and want to record audio, then you will want to be sure that you have excellent connectivity, good midi access and at least 16-bit (CD quality) audio reproduction. Sound cards give you the possibilities of full cinema surround sound, and the many subtle effects employed by high-end games.

Nearly every computer comes with a set of stereo speakers. However it pays to have a good listen to what you’re buying. Make sure you listen to program that you are familiar with (take your own CD along) and compare the sound in a quiet environment. Many speaker systems for computers have poor frequency response and are underpowered. For desktop use that does not involve a quality listening environment this may be satisfactory. But if you want to listen to music and watch movies for the full effect, then you need to consider buying a good quality set of speakers. Use the search facility of Myshopping.com.au to compare specifications and prices of different speaker systems.

KEYBOARD AND MOUSE

The choice of keyboard and mouse are personal choices. Sometimes it depends on what you do on your computer, whether you have formal typing skills or whether you’re a two-finger hack. Serious writers may prefer an ergonomic keyboard. Keyboards frequently have different clicks and responses to others. You may prefer an infrared cordless keyboard and mouse. You may prefer an optical mouse on which you don’t have to clean the rollers. Optical mice have no rollerball, and can be used on most flat surfaces, but they are more expensive.

CONNECTIVITY

Today, connectivity is everything. Your computer can have wireless connections to all of your peripherals: printer, scanner, and other computers. Having an onboard modem will only be really important if you are using a dial up internet connection. Broadband modems tend to be peripherals and you can connect via USB, wireless or firewire. It does pay to consider how you will connect to the internet and other peripherals. It’s not always convenient to get behind your computer to plug something in or unplug it. Some sound cards have a front face panel with all the connections you need. The USB ports on Macs are conveniently located. Many PC manufacturers haven’t caught on to the fact that it’s important for some people to easily access the connections to their computers.

To compare the different bundle offers from different brands, and to compare the different components by their specifications, search the Myshopping.com.au database for exactly the specifications you are seeking. You can compare prices and vendors, and order what you need online with a few clicks.

How to Choose The Right Computer

How to Choose The Right Computer

How To Choose:

There are only a few main parts of the computer that truly make the difference between the others. As long as when you are looking for the right computer to buy, you pay attention to these parts and see what they are, and how fast they are, you will end up with the computer system you really want and need, instead of another computer that you will be looking at upgrading in the near future.

The Processor:

All computers only understand 1’s and 0’s which is the binary language. The processor does the calculations with these 1’s and 0’s to give you your windows, icons, folders, text, pictures, etc.. The faster your processor’s speed is, the faster it can do these calculations, the less wait time or “lag” you will have. Now that doesn’t mean that you have to get the latest and greatest of processors out. It just means that you have to make a decision based on understanding what that number next to the GHz means.

If you are a student or you are going to be using this computer for such purposes as: research, surfing the web, playing card games, word processing, book keeping, or anything of the like, it is recommended that you get a processor that is accommodating for these activities. You definitely do not need anything super fast, but you do not want to get too low end either, otherwise you will be left in the technological dust when the new processors come out and everyone you know upgrades. Typically a 2.6Ghz processor is as low end as you want to go, but with the new (M)obile technology that laptops have out this number changes. If you see “Mobile” or a “M” anywhere in the processor area when you are looking at a laptop, the low end in this case is around 1.7GHz.

If you are a gamer or a power user on the computer, or plan on being one, you will want to go with something a bit more powerful. Recommendation is definitely something over 3.0Ghz or 2.0Ghz(Mobile Technology) as a low end. If you are a gamer or power user you will want to be in a high end computer to best utilize the speed capabilities of your programs and games. This too does not necessarily mean you need the latest and greatest processor out there, but you do want something that will give you the power you need without killing your wallet, but also not leaving you having to upgrade as soon as the newest games or high-end programs come out. A good rule of thumb is to look around and compare a few different computer systems, and look for the best speed you can find, just before the price jumps up some crazy amount just for another 0.2 or 0.4Ghz.

Memory:

What is memory anyways? RAM or Random Access Memory is a type of computer storage where the content can be accessed in any order. It is primarily used in computer systems to hold information that you or your computer are actively using or actively changing. When you run a program or a game, all the information about that program or game are loaded into memory, but only certain parts of it are needed at a time. The computer sorts through the memory and pulls out this information as needed. The more memory you have to work with, the better off you are. Most companies now a days recommend a minimum of 256mb. This is only if you are on an extremely tight budget. The minimum of today is 512mb of memory, but it is recommended to get 1GB. Not being able to run a program or a game due to not enough memory, is one of the greatest heart breakers. Memory is fairly cheap in today’s computer market, so it is not worth going the cheap route in this area just to come up short later.

Hard Drive:

No matter what you have heard, you can never have enough hard drive space. A few years ago people would laugh when someone bought a 1GB hard drive, saying that they would never be able to fill that in a lifetime. Then people started getting 10, 20, even 40GB hard drives, thinking the same thing, they will never be able to fill up that much space. Well let’s face it, when it comes to our loved ones pictures, and our favorite songs, or videos, we as humans are packrats when it comes to storing things on the computer. We have the ability to burn things off on CD or even DVD now, but we want our “favorites” to be easily accessible. The computer itself uses some of this hard drive space to be able to function, with what is known as a swap file. Your computer will claim a section of your hard drive to use as “virtual memory” so it can access all your commonly used information faster than just your memory(RAM) alone. When choosing the size of your hard drive, remember this, because you will need enough storage space for all your programs, all your music, movies, games, pictures, plus the amount that your computer uses automatically. Make sure that you pay attention to the “rpm” of the drive or rotations per minute. This is how fast the information is read from the hard drive or written to the hard drive. This speed is generally either 5400, 7200, or 10000. The faster the rpm speed the better, but choose this speed based on how you are going to use your computer. If you are using the computer for games, video editing, or 3D modeling, you definitely want your hard drive to be as fast as possible.

Video Graphics:

The graphics capabilities of your computer is a very important factor to take into consideration, especially if you are to be doing gaming, 3D modeling, or video editing. All graphic cards have memory of their own, which enable them to process video graphics and render them to the screen as fast as possible, without slowing your computer system down by using some of its precious memory. Most computers today from major manufacturers have built in graphics cards. These can be upgraded if your needs call for it, but unless you are doing something that requires a major amount of video graphic capabilities, 64-128MB of graphic memory should be an ample amount. For the extreme gamers and 3D artists out there, it is recommended that you get nothing less than 256MB of video memory for optimal performance.

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How To Buy A Desktop Computer Online

How To Buy A Desktop Computer Online

The internet has ushered in a new way for companies and customers to do business. Where it once was considered rare to order a product online, it has now become the norm. The computer industry is made up of many quality companies that all offer their products online. But if you are in the market for a desktop computer, how can you be sure that you are making the right decision? In this article, we’ll simplify the process so that you know how to buy a desktop computer online.

The good news in buying desktop computers today is that you are able to get a lot of capabilities at a very affordable price. It wasn’t too long ago that desktop computers would cost thousands of dollars, but that is no longer the case. Now, you are able to receive a high quality desktop computer for as low as 0, sometimes even lower. Now that you know price won’t play too much of a factor, the first determination you have to make when buying a desktop computer online is what you intend to use the system for.

If you are planning on buying a computer for basic tasks such as word processing and surfing the internet, there is really no need to buy an expensive model. Most basic desktop computers offer 512MB RAM (memory), and this should be more than enough to serve your needs. With that being said, it is best to buy a desktop computer with atleast 1GB of RAM, because you may need it later on down the road. While you might pay a few extra dollars for the memory, it is well worth it.

However, if you plan on using the computer for optimized gaming and video, you will definitely need to boost the quality of your system. Most of these higher-end desktop computers still cost less than 00, and these babies can fly. If you are the type of person who doesn’t like to wait, then it is all about the processor. If you are ultra-serious about your gaming and video, you would be best served to buy a computer with a dual –core processor. Dual core processors allow for insanely fast multi-tasking, and are perfect for those people who have the need for speed. Intel makes several of these processors (4, D, and Extreme Edition being a few) as does Athlon (64 X2).

Frankly, the rest of the details regarding the desktop computer are of lesser importance, and they should be more than adequate depending upon your individual needs. One final note regarding your computer choice – it is recommended you buy an extra warranty. This could save you big money if something should go wrong with the computer down the line.

Now, let’s turn our attention towards the actual purchasing of the computer. It is vital that you choose the company wisely, and the best way is by doing an adequate amount of research. Most high-end companies (Dell, Gateway, HP) have products that can be trusted, but that’s not to say you should limit your thinking to only the major players. There are many quality computer companies out there that may be flying under the radar.

When placing an order online, it is important to protect your personal information at all times. It is best to only do business with companies that offer a secure server at the online checkout. There are several encryption services (VeriSign being one) that will make sure your personal information stays safe. Make sure the web site you order from has such a measure in place.

Hopefully, these tips on how to buy a desktop computer online will help you make the right choice based on your individual needs. Remember to get a desktop computer that has all the features you need, and do your homework before actually turning over your payment information. Good luck!

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