What Are The Problems With Vm Ware
With the increasing popularity of Virtual Machines comes an issue that many may not be aware of. This problem is an age-old issue that has affected systems from the very early days of storage. It can cause hard drive failure leading to expensive data loss scenarios necessitating data recovery professionals. This problem is, of course, fragmentation.
If you are fortunate enough to have very deep pockets then you may be using SSD’s or solid state drives. These still remain expensive and are out of the reach of most users who still have to rely (although getting much faster) on the slowest and some would say the most vulnerable technology in your computer- the hard drive. Hard drive fragmentation can cause problems with virtual machines and in some cases even data loss.
Hard disk fragmentation occurs when files are split in to multiple chunks as they are slotted into spare space on the hard drive. If you are running a solitary OS chances are you have already noticed considerable slow down in your system since purchase. Just imagine two or more OS’s running causing the same file fragmentation! Pretty soon your system could come to a grinding halt.
Fragmentation will not only slow down your computer or server but due to the excessive and unwarranted extra movement of the heads, the life of your storage device(s) can be seriously reduced. The problem is not only limited to single drives however, even if you have a very well specked raid set up, fragmentation can get so severe that the only viable option is data recovery or server rebuild.
Each operating system will have it’s own method of dealing with file fragmentation (or not as the case may be). Whilst Mac OS X will automatically defragment a file under the size of 20mb, windows pays scant regard to how badly files are fragmented. Other systems use a variety of different methods to combat the problem.
Utilizing defragmentation tools can help to alleviate the problem but often the use of some of these tools is very invasive and will render your system virtually unusable while they are running so what other options do you have.
Use automated defragmentation routines: Dependent upon your OS you can normally, either directly in the OS itself or via third party software; schedule defrags to run at times convenient to yourself.
Invest in dedicated hardware. Not the cheapest solution but for business and power user home systems probably the most sensible route. Dedicated hardware could be an additional hard drive (internal or external) a dedicated raid array or even an SSD device. The actual solution will depend on how mission critical the application actually is.
Ensuring your systems are working in tip top condition is vital to maintaining a productive IT infrastructure. For more great computing tips visit the IT support Bolton , or click here for hard drive recovery information and raid data recovery advice.
Is Your Pen Drive A Data Loss Disaster Waiting To Happen
Mobile computing isn’t only restricted to laptops these days. Portability of data is increasing and it is becoming every more easier to carry around masses of data on USB memory sticks otherwise known as flash memory sticks or pen drives.
Sony patented the term “memory stick” when they came out with a new storage device for their digital cameras and digital files. Original drives were quite small but it was still cutting edge technology, but look where we are today?
Memory sticks allow Pc users to quickly and easily transfer data from one computer to another or to carry their data with them which is all well and good but one of the issues this raises is the sheer amount of data they can hold.
It is nothing to have 2,3 or even 4gb of data just sat on the memory stick dangling on the your key ring, This is more than the average hard drive was capable of holding even only 8 years ago, but every technology has a down side. Due to there portability even though they are quite robust it is quite common to damage a memory stick even to the point of losing all your data which for many is an absolute disaster.
Fortunately for the unlucky ones (which are more than you would guess) memory stick repair is a viable option so if the worse does happen it shouldn’t be the end of the world, even if your memory stick does contain all your data.
In the worse case scenario a good data recovery company can even retrieve data from a microwaved drive or even one that has be submersed,and in some cases even run over, which is a good thing when you consider the amount of data they can hold. There are of course no guarantees that USB memory stick recovery will work but the odds are good so don’t panic if you break your pen drive or memory stick as the situation may not be as bad as it first seems.
Learning About Computer Memory
Nowadays,almost everyone, we cannot live without computers. Some of us really fanned to latest model from different manufacturer. We always hop online and search for either desktop computer or small notebook computer.
Well, you know one thing for sure that is going to happen. You can avoid it. At times, you may have problem with your computer. Then, you would rush the machine off to the repair specialist. Somehow, the cost of repairs may a bit high in accord to the cost of the computer, and yet you might not know what was actually done.
If you are willing, you can learn computer basics and become your own PC doctor. It is vital to know what is going on inside the box. With a good understanding of the hardware or the causes of software problems, you can be more anticipative of what need to be repaired.
To start with, a good and comprehensive source of technical knowledge is important. You can always ask at your local computer outlet or friends that are willing to share. There is a fantastic book available called ‘Upgrading and Repairing PCs’ written by Scott Mueller. This book is easy and most readable on ‘how-to’ that I have found.
Next, you need to start a few projects in order to get ordinary with the hardware. The best way to your skills is to pull your PC completely apart, and then put it back together. If it works after resembling, then I would happy for you for that. You may be thinking ‘Wait a minute, No way am I going to play with fire messing with my PC. It might cost me even more’.
Please calm down, as a beginner, you definitely should not. However, you can get one old computers to be tear apart and rebuild. Old computers are seen as worthless, and you can try your Pentium 1 and 2 machines to do that, even though they are still in good working order. Or Obtain a Pentium 3 that can be bought very cheaply. Here is a good news for you. You will be shocked how many 486s and older are sitting in cartons in your friends and relatives’ garages and basements. I believe they are more than willing to give you their collection of computer junk.
Get ordinary with the different parts of the computer, and how they put together. Try to learn on defining different styles of processor chip, RAM, disk drives, ports and other components.
Even though the computer components themselves operate at low voltages, you still have the mains strength voltage coming into the back of the computer. Always power off and unplug when you are working on the computer, and be aware of any signs of overheating or of burning smells. Enjoy the learning process. If you need further help, always search for computer training site for latest computer advancement.
Why A Desktop Computer May Your Best Choice
If you are in the market for a new computer, you may be considering making the move from a desktop to a laptop. While not portable like a laptop, desktop computers offer many advantages over their mobile cousins.
Since desktops have larger cases, repairs are simpler since you have an easier time getting to the various components. Laptops are notoriously difficult to work on, especially for novice users. This is due to the components being housed in a small area, often right on top of each other.
Besides repairs, desktops offer more upgrade options. Often, laptops have several parts that are combined with the motherboard. While some cheap desktops are also built in this manner, the more expensive units will offer features such as separate sound cards and video cards that can be upgraded relatively easily.
Although the price gap is narrowing, desktops are usually cheaper than laptops and offer more features for the price. The easier repairs and upgrades will factor favorably into the overall cost of owning the desktop PC. Also, desktops average fewer problems than mobile computers.
Laptops are more prone to damage or loss. Whether knocked around in your car or accidentally dropped, mobile computers usually get quite a bit of abuse. And, they are a favorite target for thieves. The average desktop stays in one place which helps to protect your investment. Visit Laptop Repairs in Cape Town
Desktops often come with higher resolution and larger monitors than laptops. While you can hook up your laptop to a bigger monitor and use that monitor’s screen instead of the one on your mobile computer, this requires an extra purchase for the monitor and the extra hassle of plugging in and out cords.
If you have children, a desktop can be a wise choice. Besides the propensity for laptops to get lost or damaged, you may want to keep an eye on what your kids are viewing. A desktop will cut down on the your child’s temptation to cart the device to his or her room to view objectionable material.
If you really need Laptop Repairs in Cape Town & mobile computing capability, consider the option of getting a smartphone. Some have the ability to view and edit Microsoft Office documents and all can keep track of calendars and contacts. Email access is also available. Some devices have the option of adding a separate keyboard if you find using the included keyboard or touchscreen too difficult.
Also, minilaptops are becoming more common. These often run on the Linux operating system which means that your favorite applications may not be available. But, you get much of the same functionality with software designed to run on Linux. Then, you could have a desktop at home as your main system for heavy-duty use.
While laptops have many advantages, they are not the right choice for everyone. Be sure to consider the desktop computer option when selecting the best system for you. Try Laptop Repairs in Cape Town
Laptop Computers
I think lap top computers are some of the coolest inventions since sliced bread and penicillin. How can you not like the idea of a computer in your lap? While I don’t think they’ll ever replace desktops, they make for a great compliment to a desktop based office and give you loads of flexibility, freedom, and convenience.
At first, the idea of a lap top computer was a novelty, and worthy of some interest, but in the face of high prices, poor performance, and loads of bugs I wasn’t all that excited about the first waves of lap top computers. It wasn’t until recently with the release of wireless internet technology that lap top computers have really begun to shine and realize their full potential. Being able to hop on the internet while sitting at a coffee shop or restaurant is great, and I bring my lap top computer with me everywhere these days.
I’ve been using the Toshiba Satellite model of lap top computer now for several years, and I’ve been very happy with them. When they first came out, the whole idea of a wireless lap top computer was a new and state of the art concept, but of course now its pretty much a standard. However, the Toshiba Satellites have been around and have come pretty close to perfecting wireless capable lap top computers over the years. At the very least, they’ve been improving a lot. Visit Laptop Repairs in Cape Town
Toshiba Satellites are also fairly high performance lap top computers as well, so you get more than just a lat top that can get you online. The new and current Toshiba Satellites are always pretty much packed with state of the art technology, and are very good over all lap top computers. Of course, I prefer to buy the model of lap top computer that was state of the art just last year. Generally, these slightly older models are much less expensive and yet are almost as good as the newest ones. Laptop Repairs in Cape Town
There are a lot of other great lap top computers out there as well, but I’m just one of those brand loyal people. Lap top computers are getting smaller and lighter all the time, yet are being packed with more and more powerful chips and hardware. I have to admit, the newest lap top computers have me a little baffled. The P4 chip in my desktop has a heat sync the size of a football and an equally large fan hooked onto it as well. How do lap top computers manage to stay cool? I’m always waiting for my lap top computer to suddenly burst into flames and turn into a pile of goo, but it never does. Laptop Repairs in Cape Town
Power Computing - Using 64 Bit Computers
There is still a degree of confusion in the market place as to what exactly 64 - bit computing is, where it fits in and what it is used for.
Whilst many processors are 64- bit ready unless you have a 64- bit operating system they are more or less redundant as using a standard version of windows XP or Vista (both of which are 32-bit) will not allow you to access the existing power in your Pc or Cad workstation.
This is not necessarily a bad thing however as a vast majority of users for the foreseeable future will never need to use the benefit of this technology.
Essentially they have a car that has all the fittings for a turbo but only a select few will ever need to buy one.
Let us explain a little further.
Your standard operating system used by a majority of the population has not been designed to use in reality much over 3 GB of ram at the very outside and for a majority of users 2 GB will be ample although many will be running with far less than this.
32-bit architectures theoretically address up to 4GB of memory. In reality, even if you have 4GB of RAM onboard and are using standard XP or Vista, you still can’t benefit from it all.
This is because in some instances your motherboard will not have been designed to utilise that much memory (see Computer Workstations) and even if it has, all of your hardware—your graphics card, your I/O cards etc. has to be mapped into that 4GB of memory space reducing the amount available to the applications (software) you use even further.
Most average users (non CAD and home users) will probably only have 1GB and in most cases far less in their machine and will not for the foreseeable future need to address massive amounts of ram, as the programs they use do not and often cannot use more than 1GB or 2GB of memory anyway.
If you have got less than 1Gb though it will be highly advantageous to upgrade your memory as this can give your system a much needed boost, even for a home users.
If you have a local friendly computer services and support company you can also ask them about memory upgrades as well if you don’t want to do one yourself
Even if you have a multi-core processors and have a number of applications (programs) running together, chances are high that you will not use much more than 1 -1.5 GB of physical memory.
So for the average user 64 – bit computing is a bit of a white elephant and something they have no need to worry about.
For more great computing advice and articles visit the Computer Support and Repair blog.
Why You Shouldn’t Try Data Recovery Yourself
In the world of computers, data recovery is something we all know and rely on to recover lost of missing data. The process of data recovery is very complicated, one that you should never attempt to do yourself. Hard drives especially, are very fragile and need extra special care when they are worked on. You have to be careful with the small components inside of them, which is why only a trained specialist should be attempting data recovery.
Why You Shouldn’t Try Data Recovery Yourself
When you first take your hard drive to a specialist, they will perform an evaluation then get back to you and tell you the problem, as well as the cost. When most people get their price quote, they immediately think the price is too high. As this happens, the individual will decide to try their own data recovery. This isnt the smartest idea, as it normally results in your data being lost forever. In most cases, where individuals attempt data recovery themselves, the data is so far gone that even the best data recovery specialist cant bring it back.
When the hard drive crashes and data cannot be accessed, most people will think about using a disk repair utility. This isnt a good idea, as the software will normally write to the disk, causing the data that is currently stored to be overwritten. These types of software programs can be very complex, and in most cases, wont fix the problem. They should be avoided at all costs, for the simple fact that they wont bring back your data - they will only make things worse.
Another common mistake people make, that should never be attempted, is to open up the hard drive and try to rebuilt it. Hard drives are full of very delicate components, many of which are very small, and very fragile. The platters are the most sensitive inside of the hard drive, as they are small and contain a layer of magnetized material. This material is very fragile, and sensitive to debris, dust, and especially your fingerprints.
If you dont know how to handle the platters, you can easily scratch their surface, which could indeed damage them forever. There is a spindle inside of the drive, which constantly moves the platters. A motor is there as well, which determines the speed that the platters revolve. The platters store data for the entire drive, which is accessed by an actuator arm. When the hard drive is in operation, the platters and the actuator arm move at very fast speeds, which is why everything has to be perfect.
If you go to tamper with the drive and attempt to rebuild it yourself, youll more than likely damage something. The technicians that work with data recovery on a daily basis are experts with hard drives, and know exactly how to handle the devices. They know how to handle the platters, the actuator arm, and how to put everything back in a complete working fashion. More about Data Recovery.
Where To Go For Data Recovery
All computer owners out there know that hard drives can and probably will fail at some point in time. Even though hard drives are built to last and withstand a lot of things, crashes are something that hard drives dont handle well. Although the loss of data is something to be expected - data recovery ensures that your hard drive doesnt fail you when you need it the most.
Where To Go For Data Recovery
Your hard drive is very important. It stores all of your data and files, and keeps all of your important computer documents. Hard drives have rotating gears, an aperture arm, and 4 platters that store data. No matter how great a hard drive is built, failure is bound to happen one day.
When your hard drive crashes or you lose all of your information, there are things you can do to get back your data. The best way to get back your data, is to take your hard drive to a specialist in your area or send it off to a company. This way, tests can be ran on it and the specialists there can recover your data, which may require rebuilding your hard drive.
If you happen to have multiple hard drives or a RAID configuration, then all you need to do is replace the broken hard drive, and the data that you thought you lost will be regenerated among the other drives. If all of the hard drives in the RAID or mirror configuration have crashed, then youll need to send them off together.
Those of you who decide to on the task of fixing the hard drive yourself, should rethink about it. Repairing a hard drive takes a lot of time, effort, and research. If you have no experience with hard drives, it is definitely something that you dont want to get into. Even if you have a neighbor who is very experienced with computers and hard drives, you should still look into taking your hard drive to a professional - and get it done right the first time.
Data Recovery
In the rare cases where the hard drive cannot be repaired, the experts will let you know. They will tell you that there is nothing you can do, the hard drive is completely destroyed. This way, you dont waste time or money on something that simply cannot be fixed.