Computer TNT

How Do I Backup My Computer ? This is a very common asked by so many of my clients. There are dozens of ways to backup your computer and in this article I’m going to show you how to perform 3 of them. And they are…..

1. Backing up to CD or DVD.
2. Backing up to an external hard drive.
3. Backing up to secure online storage.

All 3 of these methods are not free, however they won’t “break the bank” either.

CD’s and DVD’s are very cheap (sometimes free), external hard drives can be found for less than $100 now and online backups are only about $50/year.

Not all backup methods are created equal. I’ll give you the pro’s and con’s for each one of them.

Why You Need To Backup Your Computer

Currently, hard drives in desktops or laptops have a limited lifespan and WILL fail after 2-3 years (sometimes earlier than that). When your hard drive fails there is a pretty good chance all your data will be unretrievable.

Hard drive failure isn’t the only reason to backup your computer, other data disasters can happen such as:

* fire
* flood
* theft
* accidental file modification
* accidental or intetentional file deletions

Those are just a few of the ways you can lose all your documents, pictures, music and so on.

Backup Your Computer To CD or DVD

Backing up to CD or DVD involves copying data such as your pictures to a blank CD or DVD disc.

Requirements:

* CD or DVD burner drive. Most computers that were made in the last 5 years usually have at least a CD burner. DVD burners are very affordable (some are as cheap as $40.00).
* Blank CD’s – Holds 700 Megabytes
* Single Layer DVD’s – 4.4 Gigabytes
* Dual Layer DVD’s – 8.5 Gigabytes

Pros:

* It’s cheap. CD’s and DVD’s cost almost nothing these days. Burners are very affordable as well.
* It’s very easy to burn a few files or folders.
* Backups are small and portable.
* Backups are safely accessable for 5 years.

Cons:

* It’s not automatic.
* Disc’s are easily scratched and may become unreadable if not taken care of properly.
* Succeptable to fire, flood, theft and damage.
* Large backups can take an hour or more.

How to burn a file or folder (easily):

1. Insert a blank CD or DVD into your burner.
2. Right click a file, folder or group of files and folders then select “Send To” and choose your CD \ DVD RW drive.
3. A prompt will pop up asking you to give the disc a name. Give it name and click Next.
4. Windows will now format the disc and begin burning it.
5. Eject the disc to complete the burning process.
6. Congratulations! You’ve just burned data to a disc. You may continue to add data to the disc until it’s full (see disc limits above).

Backup Your Computer To An External Hard Drive

Backing up your computer to an external USB hard drive is one of the most popular ways to backup these days. Simply purchase an external USB hard drive, plug it into a USB port on your computer and boom…instant storage!

There are 2 types of external USB hard drives. One drive requires an AC adapter and the other does not (it’s simply powered by the USB cable). Drives that require an AC adapter are usually larger and faster.

Requirements:

* 1 external USB hard drive.
* 1 USB cable.
* 1 USB 2.0 port on your computer.
* AC Adapter if the hard drive came with one.

How to install your external USB drive:

1. Plugin the USB cable to the back of the external hard drive.
2. Plugin the other end of the USB cable to an open USB 2.0 port on your computer.
3. If necessary plugin the AC adapter to a power strip and connect the other end to the external hard drive.
4. If there is an ON/OFF switch make sure it’s set to the ON position.
5. You may now hear your computer make some “found new device” sounds and you’ll see some balloon popups saying that your computer is installing a new device.
6. After the balloon messages go away (about 30-60 seconds) open your “My Computer” in Windows XP or “Computer” in Windows Vista and you should see your external hard drive. It’s most likely labeled D:\ or E:\ but can be any drive letter.

How to backup files and folders to your external USB hard drive:

1. Now it’s time to perform our first backup. Please keep in mind that there are many ways to backup data to your external hard drive and I’m going to show you one of the easiest ones.
2. Right Click any file or folder and select “Send To”, then choose your external hard drive. Windows will now copy that file or folder to your external hard drive.
3. Simple huh! Just remember to backup your important files and folders often. If you’re asked to overwrite backed up files and folders just say yes or “copy and replace”.

Pros:

* You can backup lots and lots of files.
* External hard drives are portable.
* Very easy to install and use.
* 1 time fee.

Cons:

* It’s not automatic.
* Prone to hard drive failure…it’s just a hard drive after all.
* Often infected by USB worms if you “pass it around”.
* Susceptible to fire, flood, theft and damage.

Backup Your Computer To Online Storage

Backing up your computer online is the latest (and greatest) form of personal backup. Let’s go over all the pros and cons first.

Pros:

* Automatic Backups ensure you’ll never have to remember to do that backup. Everytime you add a new file to your computer, Carbonite (my online backup software), will immediately back it up.
* All files are encrypted. Only you can access, download and read your files.
* Unlimited space. Backup as much as you want!
* Backups are “off site”. You’ll never have to worry about fire, floods, theft, damage and file deletions.
* Does not require any expensive equipment.
* It’s cheap, at only $49.99 per year for unlimited secure storage!
* Files will have little green dots on them so you know they are backed up.

Cons:

* requires a broadband internet connection

How to get started with Carbonite Online Backup:

1. Go to Carbonite.com.
2. Look over to the right and you’ll see “Start Your Risk-Free Trial”.
3. Enter your email address and any password you’d like to use (twice).
4. Click “Start Your Free Trial”.
5. Enter how you heard about Carbonite.
6. Click the “Install Now” Button.
7. Click Run.
8. Click Run again.
9. Click the OK button to refresh your desktop.
10. Click Next on the Welcome To Carbonite window.
11. Click Next again to have Carbonite backup your documents folder (this folder contains documents, pictures, music and videos) and desktop.
12. Click Next 2 more times and then click the done button.
13. Now you’ll notice a little yellow lock in your system tray. The yellow lock indicates that Carbonite is backing up your “My documents” folder and Desktop. Once the backup is complete that lock will turn green.

Note: Your first backup can take days (or even weeks) depending on how many files you are backing up. After that initial backup future backups will only take a few minutes.

Computers are innovative and they are very effective to man. It the medical field, computer has lighten the load of the hospital staffs. Medical assistants must be well verse with different computer applications since they are the ones who use the computer system most of the time. During the job interview, the hiring manager must assess the applicant’s knowledge regarding computer applications. This is to check if the applicant has expert or basic knowledge on computers.

Following are some of the best reasons why medical assistants must be proficient in computer applications:

Reason Number 1: The Medical Records Of Patients Are Held in reserve In Computer’s Database

Since medical assistants are in charge of filing and organization of data, computers are defining tool in their job. Since most medical institutions keep their patient’s medical record safe in computer’s storage file, medical assistants consider this innovative tool as their best friend. Documentation can be done quickly in just a couple of mouse clicks. Only authorized person can access the medical records. In such case it is easy to secure and maintain hospital and patients records.

Besides, patients’ schedules are encoded and recorded in the computer database. One can simply track the date, time and the type of medical service the patient is and will be receiving. Doctors organizer are also recorded in the computer. The medical assistant will survey the computer before scheduling a patient to see if the surgeon is available or not.

Hospitals are composed of several departments. All files are encoded in the computer for easy organization and access. One can easily find the patient’s records including the schedule and time of medicine and special orders. In case that a patient was not able to take the treatment a note is entered, including the reason or reasons why the client was not able to take the tablets. Thus the next medical staff on duty will distinguish who has not taken the medicine and the reason behind so that necessary action will be done. Admission and dismissal of patients from the area are also docomented.

Reason Number 2: Medical Billings Are Automated
Computerized medical billing is now the craze. Claiming of payment from insurance companies are easier. Before a service is done to a client, the medical assistant can effortlessly acquire relevant information as to what is covered and not by the insurance of the patient. This is done through the computer. The hassle of going back and forth to the insurance company is now made easy by the mainframe.

Reason Number 3: Hospital Documents Are Computerized
With the improvement of technology, most of the hospital documents are computerized. The records are filed and encoded in the computer database. It is now easier and effortless to search and find items. One can just key in the fundamental keywords and voila! All information that is needed is made available.

Medical assistatns must be efficient in organizing files and documents. They must be adept to computer applications as well. Most hospitals and infirmaries are using high end computer database to make work light and easier. If you are keen to apply as a medical assistant in your hospital, be sure that you know even the basic computer applications. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert yet. Just practice and be eager to learn and surely you will be on your feet in no time.

When playing computer games, there are some required specifications before you can run game software such as: large memory storage, best graphics and resolution, good processor speed, large hard disk drive capacity, and speedy CD-ROM.

It is always recommended to know your computer specs to be able to tell what software can run through it. For games application, you need to have the following to make them run in your PC:

Large memory storage

Random Accessory Memory (RAM) is a temporary internal storage of a computer that can be easily retrieved anytime. As a comparison, a RAM is like your work table where you do various tasks while, the hard disk is a storage cabinet where you store data. The moment your work area is filled with many things you can’t continue working unless you clear some of the mess or add extra space as an extension. Same applies with RAM wherein, you need to add more when it becomes full to be able to continue with its purpose.

Normally, most of the computers sold have 64MB as the minimum; however, the requirement for ordinary usage like encoding is at least 128MB. But if you want optimum performance for your computer games, Auto-CAD, photo editing, and database application; you need to upgrade it to at least 256MB to avoid interruption. The more RAM you have, the better the performance will be especially when running a program. To determine the amount of RAM your computer has, simply go to start button, settings, control panel, system, and then general tab. From there, you will find the amount of RAM available.

Best graphics and resolution

To get a good view and resolution in your monitor, you need to have the best Video Random Access Memory (VRAM) to compliment with your video card. Most of the built-in VRAM is at 16MB, but for better graphics and “make-believe”; you must go for a 32MB. You can choose from various kinds of VRAM that would suit the game you are playing.

Good processor speed

From the word itself, a processor is part of the PC that carries out instructions, which is expressed on hertz. The faster the processor speed is, such as the Intel core 2 duo, Pentium, and dual core; the quicker will be the reaction time.

Large hard disk drive capacity

Since not all games require the same amount of disc capacity, it is better to invest in disc drive with higher bytes. To see how much space is used as well as how much is available, go to My Computer.

Speedy CD-ROM

Although this is not a major requirement when running games in your PC; good speed is necessary if you are using a CD to install games. The faster your CD ROM works, the lesser time will be consumed when doing installation.

Always remember that if you want to upgrade any computer features, make sure that they are supported by your computer specs since any application will not run if it does not meet the minimum requirements set by the software.

Most computer animators hardly have anything like a typical day. Their work varies depending upon the project they are working on. Moreover, the computer animators specialize in different fields. Depending upon their field of specialization their work varies a lot.

Some computer animators work as game designers, some as web designers, some work for movies and television, and some for designing and creating cartoons. A computer animator is required not just to sit in front of computer and create visuals and characters, they also have to attend meetings with their clients in order to understand their requirements. Once the details of the project are available to them, they create storyboard on the basis of which the animation work starts. All animators are not involved in every aspect of creating animation. A person might work only on choreography, composting, or modeling.

The work of computer animators also depends on the industry they work in. The freelancers work on different types of projects, the ones in gaming industry are involved in the creation of games, and those in film industry are required to give special effects and visuals to the films. The animators also work in web designing companies where they are involved in the development of web sites. Advertising industry also employ computer animators for designing and creating advertisements. If a person loves teaching, he can easily become an instructor at a computer animation institute.

One should choose the industry he wants to work in, depending upon his skills and interests. Actually, the animators working in gaming industry enjoy more freedom. They can use their own imagination while creating games for different age groups, but such types of freedom are seldom available in film industry or product designing.

A computer animator also has to spend a considerable amount of time on sharpening his skills and knowledge. The world of animation is really competitive and the person should possess knowledge of the latest software that is being used by the people in this field. Since the technology changes very fast, a person will have to spend sufficient time to keep abreast of the latest technology. He might have to undergo training from time to time for this purpose.

The work of the computer animator also varies depending upon his experience. While most freshers work on computers creating visuals, special effects, and characters, the experienced ones are more involved in the business aspect like interacting with clients, accepting and rejecting business proposals, and handling teams.

For getting a good job in this field, qualifications are not just sufficient. A person should also have strong writing and drawing skills to succeed in this field. He should have the ability to visualize things and an eye for detail. One should be able to play with colors and discipline and positive attitude is must to meet deadlines.

Depending upon skills and expertise, a person could earn anything between $40,000 and $60,000 per annum. If one starts his own business or works as a freelancer, then he could earn much more, as the demand for computer animators is quite high.

Nowadays, film makers are able to portray practically impossible things in their movies. Thanks to Computer Graphics technology for making this happen. With the help of Computer Graphics (CG) it is possible for film directors to show any unbelievable and mind blowing scenes in their films.

Computer Graphics helped to many comical characters to get life and real. In those days, enjoyed the stunts of superman, spider-man from the comic books, but today, you can enjoy their stunts more lively from their movies. Many people were just surprised and got goose bumps when they saw spider-man swinging amidst the building of New York City. And in fact many people though that actor was really doing the stunts.

But the fact is, nearly 95% of the stunts made by Spiderman are not performed by actually by a stunt master. It is made using advanced Computer Graphics Technology. The technology is such advanced that film makers are able to create such awesome and impossible stunts as very realistic one.

Spider-man film is just one example, but there are plenty movies that made using computer graphics. Some of other movies that used advanced computer graphics are The Chronicles of Narnia, The Transformers, Avatar, Titanic, Matrix Reloaded, etc.

Apart from cinemas, Computer Graphics are used by other fields and industries as well. For example, most of the business uses Computer Graphics to make attractive presentation. As people are always highly attracted by visuals, Computer Graphics are often used as a great tool for marketing and advertising.

Unlike those days, making Computer Graphics has become much easier and quicker. Thanks to various advanced graphics rendering software that made rendering computer graphics easily and quickly. These software has various tools and pre-defined models which helps the graphic artist to create graphics by using the pre-defined models and tools.

Apart from Graphics software, there is also another reason that helped to render graphics very easily and that is Render Farm. It is nothing but a high performance computer that helps to render the graphic artist to render Computer Graphics easily.

In those days, it was very difficult for CG studios to render high-definition and advanced Computer Graphics with ordinary computer. As such process was extremely complex and big, it was quite for ordinary stand-alone computer to handle such load. With Render Farm, it is easy to render Computer Graphics easily in less time.

With the help of render farm, CG studios are able to deliver CG in massive number. There are many varieties of render farm available intended for different purpose. For example, cinema 4d render farm is a type of render farm that designed for those who render graphics with cinema 4d. Likewise, maxwell render farm is designed for those who are rendering software with Maxwell software.