5 Dec 2024

Decoding Computer Jargon: A Guide for Buyers

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Purchasing a computer can be a daunting task, especially when you’re bombarded with the technical jargon in computer ads and the information at the store. This blog will help to demystify the common terms you’ll encounter and help you make an informed decision.

Let’s dig into the most common terms you’ll see in computer ads and what they mean.

Processor or central processing unit (CPU):

The CPU is the primary component of a computer that processes instructions. It runs the operating system and applications, constantly receiving input from the user or active software programs. The CPU processes the data and produces outputs, which may be stored by an application or displayed on the screen. Depending on what you plan to do with the computer will determine how powerful a processor you need. Gaming, video editing, and serious data processing will require more powerful processors.

When purchasing a computer, you’ll see the following information about the CPU:

  • GHz (Gigahertz): This measures the clock speed of the CPU. The higher the GHz means faster processing of data even with multiple applications running.
  • Cores: Modern CPUs have multiple cores, allowing them to process more tasks simultaneously. Common configurations include dual-core, quad-core, and octa-core.
  • Threads: Threads are virtual cores that help in multitasking. More threads can improve performance in multi-threaded applications.

Memory (RAM):

  • GB (Gigabytes): The amount of RAM, which affects how many tasks your computer can process at once. More RAM is better for multitasking. Most computers for home and business use will have between 8 to 16 GB of RAM. For most home and business uses, 8 to 16 GB of RAM is sufficient.
  • DDR4/DDR5: Types of RAM. DDR5 is the latest and fastest, but DDR4 is still widely used and sufficient for most users. When looking at computers for home and small office uses (web browsing, accounting, and streaming), DDR4 will be the most common memory in those machines. Gaming computers and computers used for graphics, video and music editing, and intensive data processing should have DDR5 memory.

Storage:

  • HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Traditional storage with moving parts. It’s cheaper but slower. Not as common now as it has been. But may still be a component in lower cost computers.
  • SSD (Solid State Drive): Faster and more reliable storage with no moving parts. More expensive but significantly improves performance.
  • TB (Terabytes) and GB (Gigabytes): Measures of storage capacity. 1 TB = 1000 GB. Common drive capacities in mid-range computers will be 256 or 512 GB.

Graphics Card (GPU):

  • Integrated Graphics: Built into the CPU, suitable for basic tasks and light gaming. This type of graphics card shares the RAM used for processing which can affect performance but is not an issue for basic applications.
  • Dedicated Graphics: Separate GPU with its own memory (VRAM), essential for gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.
  • VRAM (Video RAM): Memory used by the Dedicated Graphics Card or GPU. More VRAM is better for handling high-resolution textures and complex graphics.

Display:

  • Resolution: The number of pixels on the screen. Resolution expressed as the number of horizontal and vertical pixels on a display screen. Higher resolutions mean more pixels and greater clarity. Common resolutions include Full HD (1920×1080), 4K (3840×2160).
  • Refresh Rate: Measured in Hz (Hertz), it indicates how many times the screen refreshes per second. Higher refresh rates (120Hz, 144Hz) are better for gaming and streaming of video.

Ports and Connectivity:

  • USB (Universal Serial Bus): Common interface for connecting peripherals. USB 3.0 and USB-C are faster than the older versions. Look for computers that have both types of USB ports.
  • HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): Used for transmitting video and audio to monitors and TVs.
  • Display Port: A newer digital audio and video interface for connecting to monitors and projectors.
  • Ethernet: Wired network connection, faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.

Operating System (OS):

  • Windows: Versatile and widely used, compatible with most software.
  • macOS: Exclusive to Apple computers, known for its sleek design and integration with other Apple products.
  • Chrome OS: Lightweight and web-focused, found on Chromebooks.

Battery Life (for Laptops):

  • mAh (Milliamp Hours): Measures battery capacity. Higher mAh means longer battery life.
  • Hours of Usage: Estimated battery life based on typical usage.

Wireless Networking:

  • Wi-Fi: Wireless networking technology. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest standard, offering faster speeds and better performance in crowded areas.
  • Bluetooth: Wireless technology for connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, and headphones.

Understanding the terms in computer ads or listed by computers in the store will allow you to make a more informed decision when purchasing a computer. Whether you’re a casual user, a gamer, or a professional, knowing what to look for can help you find the perfect machine for your needs.

Helpful Links:

Laptop Buying Guide (2024): – https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-buy-the-right-laptop-for-you/

Best Desktop Computer Buying Guide – https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/computers/buying-guide/

Here’s everything to consider when buying a CPU in 2024 – https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/cpu-buying-guide/

Dedicated Graphics Card vs. Integrated Graphics: Which is Better? – https://techguided.com/dedicated-graphics-card-vs-integrated-graphics/

27 Nov 2024

Beyond the Smartphone:

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Why Accessing Online Applications and Information requires more than a phone!

Our smartphones have become our gateway to a vast world of online applications and information from any location, at any time. Whether it’s social media, news updates, or business tools, these devices have transformed the way we interact with the world. However, relying solely on a smartphone for accessing online applications and information comes with inherent limitations. Let’s discuss why you need more than a phone to access the services and information available on the internet today.

Smartphones come in various screen sizes, ranging from compact to large displays. While they offer portability, reading lengthy documents, editing spreadsheets, or designing presentations may be cumbersome on smaller screens. Larger screens, like tablets or desktop monitors provide better readability, space for multitasking, and ergonomic advantages for prolonged use.

Typing extensively on a smartphone’s touchscreen keyboard can be slower and less accurate compared to physical keyboards or styluses available with tablets or laptops. Devices with dedicated keyboards facilitate faster typing, enhancing productivity for tasks like drafting emails, writing reports, or coding.

Web applications can vary in their design and functionality. While mobile apps are built specifically for the smartphone format, web apps need to be responsive and adaptable to different screen sizes and systems. Responsive Design means that web apps are not confined to a single device type and can be accessed through various devices, including tablets, laptops, and desktops, providing users with a seamless experience regardless of the device used. Even if a web application has a responsive design, some functions do not work as well and some not at all on a smartphone.

Certain tasks are accomplished more efficiently on devices other than smartphones. Typing long documents, creating complex spreadsheets, or designing intricate presentations are more comfortably and effectively done on a device with a full-sized keyboard and larger display area. The nature of some applications can demand more robust computing power or a larger screen size than what smartphones offer.

Accessing online applications and information often necessitates reliable and high-speed internet connectivity. While smartphones offer mobile data and Wi-Fi capabilities, network coverage can be inconsistent in certain areas. Devices like laptops or tablets can connect to wired networks or offer stronger Wi-Fi antennas for more stable internet access, crucial for uninterrupted work or streaming.

Multitasking capabilities are essential for professionals juggling multiple applications simultaneously. Smartphones, while capable of multitasking to a certain extent, may not provide the same efficiency as larger devices with split-screen capabilities or multiple windows. Moreover, prolonged use of smartphones may strain eyesight and posture compared to larger screens with adjustable setups.

Security concerns are paramount when accessing sensitive information or using online applications for financial transactions. Devices like laptops or desktops offer more robust security features such as encryption, firewalls, and secure boot options. They also provide better control over data privacy settings and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Tablets, laptops, or Chromebooks do not have to be expensive to provide the size and functionality you need to fully access services and information on the Internet. Take a look at some of these articles that discuss low-cost options for tablets and laptops:

The best cheap tablets of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed | ZDNET –

https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-cheap-tablet/

The best cheap tablets in 2024 – our top picks | Tom’s Guide (tomsguide.com) –

https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-cheap-tablets

The Best Cheap Tablets for 2024 | PCMag –

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-cheap-tablets

If you are having trouble affording a tablet, Chromebook, or laptop, PCs for People (https://www.pcsforpeople.org/) may be able to help.  You can also check with local organizations such as the community action agencies that provide community support to see if they provide help in acquiring a tablet or laptop. Local libraries may have computers available to use for services that might be better accessed on a larger screen and with the functionality of a browser on a tablet or computer.

To fully utilize the power and functionality of the applications available online, more than a phone is needed. The cost of the additional tools does not have to break the bank for you to be able to take advantage of all the Internet has to offer.

26 Jun 2024

Best Practices to Use Fitness Apps and Trackers Securely

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Fitness apps and trackers are becoming more popular as people seek to improve their health and wellness. These devices can monitor various body metrics, such as heart rate, sleep quality, calories burned, and steps taken. They can also provide personalized feedback, coaching, and motivation to help users achieve their fitness goals.

However, fitness apps and trackers also pose some security risks that users should be aware of. These devices collect and store sensitive personal data, such as location, biometrics, health conditions, and habits. This data can be valuable for hackers, advertisers, insurers, employers, or other third parties who may want to access it for malicious or commercial purposes. 

If this data is compromised, leaked, or misused, it can have serious consequences for users’ privacy, safety, identity, reputation, or finances. For example, hackers could use location data to track users’ movements, stalk them, or rob their homes. Advertisers could use health data to target users with personalized ads or offers based on their conditions or behaviors. Insurers or employers could use fitness data to assess users’ risk profiles or performance and adjust their premiums or salaries accordingly.

Therefore, it is essential for fitness app and tracker users to take some precautions to protect their data and devices from unauthorized access or exposure. Here are some best practices to securely use fitness apps and trackers:

  • Choose a reputable brand: When buying a fitness app or tracker, it is advisable to choose a well-known and trusted brand that has a good reputation for security and privacy. A reputable brand is more likely to design secure devices, update them regularly, fix vulnerabilities promptly, and notify users of any breaches or incidents. A lesser-known brand may offer cheaper or more attractive features, but it may also have weaker security measures, less accountability, or more hidden risks. You can review the different fitness trackers from articles at PC Magazine and CNET.
  • Read the privacy policy: Before using a fitness app or tracker, it is important to read and understand its privacy policy. The privacy policy should explain what data the app or tracker collects, how it uses it, with whom it shares it, how long it retains it, and how it protects it. The privacy policy should also inform users of their rights and choices regarding their data, such as opting out of certain features or deleting their accounts. Users should avoid apps or trackers that have vague, unclear, or invasive privacy policies.
  • Adjust the settings: Most fitness apps and trackers have settings that allow users to customize their preferences and control their data sharing. Users should review these settings carefully and adjust them according to their needs and comfort levels. For example, users can disable location tracking when not needed, limit the access of third-party apps or services to their data, enable notifications or alerts for suspicious activities, and revoke permissions for unused features.
  • Secure the account: Users should also secure their accounts by using strong passwords that they don’t use with other accounts and enabling two-factor authentication for the associated app. They should also avoid sharing their credentials with anyone else or logging in from untrusted devices or networks. Users should also monitor their accounts regularly and report any unusual or unauthorized activities.
  • Update the device: Users should keep their devices updated with the latest software and firmware versions. These updates often contain security patches that fix bugs or vulnerabilities that could expose users’ data or devices to hackers. Users should also install antivirus software on their smartphones if they use them to sync with their fitness apps or trackers.
  • Be careful with social media: Some fitness apps and trackers have social media features that allow users to share their progress, achievements, or challenges with other users or friends. While these features can be fun and motivating, they can also expose users’ data or location to strangers or unwanted audiences. Users should be careful with what they share on social media and who they share it with. They should also check the privacy settings of their social media accounts and limit the visibility of their posts.

By following these practices, fitness app and tracker users can enjoy the benefits of these devices while minimizing the risks of compromising their data or devices.

Additional reading and Information:

The biggest risks of using fitness trackers to monitor health (cnbc.com)

Unwrapping the Safety of Fitness Trackers: A Comprehensive Guide | by Lifestyle, Decor & Travel Insights | Medium

How to make sure your fitness trackers are secure – The Verge