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When it comes to browsers there has always been a heated debate over which one is superior. When you buy a new computer it either comes with Internet Explorer, or Safari, depending on whether it’s a Microsoft or Apple operating system. Many people are quite happy to leave the browsers as they are without changing. But some find that the pre-installed browsers aren’t what they need.

For a long time Internet Explorer had been at the forefront of all browsers, accounting for almost 100% of browser activities. Now there are several companies offering browsers, giving the consumer more choice on how they view their webpages.

Advantages of Internet Explorer 9

• Simple user friendly interface
• Support for HTML5
• The browser will warn the user if an add on will slow down the browser
• Improved JavaScript Engine
• All the annoying status bars and tool bars are neatly tucked away leaving just the iconic Internet Explorer ‘e’ in its place
• Is compatible with all the latest web standards

Disadvantages of Internet Explorer 9

• Browser updates will require a restart
• The HD video performance isn’t as great as what other browsers are offering
• Some users might find the UI difficult to navigate

The new Internet Explorer is much better overall, than its predecessors. But like with any of the browsers, there are bound to be hidden bugs.

Advantages of Safari 5

• Support for HTML5
• Improved address bar
• Since the last version of Safari there have been 48 new security patches
• Dramatically improved performance
• New reader mode which allows the user to view articles in an easy to read ad free format

Disadvantages of Safari 5

• Reported crashing problems
• Can be slower to load than other browsers

The latest version of Safari 5 has seen a vast improvement in security.

There are many advantages and disadvantages with both the browsers. The decision is up to the consumer, depending on what the consumer wants or needs, will affect their choice.

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These days a lot of PC’s come with fairly good graphics when you buy them, but if your computer is getting a little old, or you want to play the latest games with the best graphics, then maybe it’s time to upgrade your graphics card.

What graphics card do I need?

Have a think about what you will be using your computer for. Do you play a lot of games? Do you edit videos or other media? These things will require a good graphics card, opposed to simple processes such as word documents and internet browsing.

Set yourself a price range.

Some graphics cards can be well over $500, so before you start hunting around, determine you maximum price range. The more expensive the graphics card, the better they can be. Although it is still best to research the brand and card thorough, price doesn’t always indicate quality.

Start your research!

Many of the graphics cards on the market have been mentioned in many forums. Users will be able to tell you if the card worked for them. So before buying, find out about other peoples experiences. There are also websites full of information about the capabilities of certain cards. You don’t want to buy something that has great reliable reviews, but doesn’t have enough power for what you need. Try to avoid cards which share RAM with your computer, cards with their own visual memory work the best.

Compatibility.

During your research you will find out about what the cards are compatible with. Whether they are Mac or PC. And what slots they will fit into. Having a fairly up to date computer will make this easy. An older PC might be more difficult to find compatible hardware.

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Linux is probably the most basic of operating systems. Unlike Windows and Snowleopard, Linux doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. It has often been said that Linux is for serious computer users, not for entry level users. You will often see Linux operating systems used for servers, mainframes and supercomputers, but they could be used on the home PC.

Linus Torvalds is the man responsible for Linux. In 1991 the first Linux operating system became available on the internet. Since then, we have seen many different versions of the software being released to the public. The great thing about Linux is that it is completely free, unless you are after the enterprise versions. Applications and programs can be written by anyone with the knowledge and are freely distributed.

Linux offers a lot more security than most other operating systems. Although it isn’t secure from everything, you won’t need an anti-virus. Linux isn’t susceptible to viruses that other operating systems are. For a Linux system it is understood that security isn’t a feature but a process. Users need to know how to tend to the security themselves.

Perhaps the most popular version of Linux is Ubunto. This is because of how user friendly it is, it almost looks like an early version of windows. Some die hard fans of Linux don’t like this version because of how user friendly it is. But if anything could see Linux into the homes of Americans it would probably be Ubuntu.

This new and improved phone, also known as a tablet, is hitting it world wide. Being on every teenagers must have wishlist, its perfect for simple and complex tasks. With the tablet just weighing one pound its easy to carry around for on the go, or to simple sit at home snuggled up surfing the web. With a 7-inch touchscreen, 1ghz processor and the 2.2 android operating system you couldn’t go wrong. With some of the main features including:

• Integrated GPS, so you will never get lost.
• Virtual keyboard so its just like your computer at home.
• Swipe input system which allows you to write a text message faster, by sliding your fingers from letter to letter, the technology then knows what word your trying to write.
• 3 megapixel camera for all those Kodak moments.
• 1.3 megapixel front facing camera to video call
• Fast wireless connections so you will never have to wait again.
• 3.0 bluetooth connectivity which not only allows you to send song threw wireless but also allows you to connect with wireless head phones and speaker docks.
• microSD card slot for when running you’re low on memory, you can expand your memory easily.
• 7 hours of battery life, for those moments you wish you had brought your charger.

While sending text message and checking emails, this amazing item also allows you to read books and magazines, watching movies (for all youtube fans out there) and playing games. Being cheaper than an iPad, which doesn’t include as much features, its becoming the first choice of buyers out there.

Now the question that is asked by most people, which is better? The ipad or tablet? This answer is simply answered by our experts out there. But if I had to chose I would always consider a tablet over a ipad. So a round of applause to Samsung for bringing out another amazing phone that does everything you would need in a phone and more.

Gone are the days of linear threads in processors. Intels Hyper-threading technology is a much more efficient way to run your processor. Before Hyper-threading, processors could only run along a linear line. They were limited to their CPU usage. Hyper-threading has been a standard in computers since the old pentium 4.

Hyper-threading duplicates certain parts of the processor, which would allow the CPU to operate two processes at the same time. This could give the user the feeling of operating two CPU’s in one. Intel has been boasting a 30% performance increase from a machine using the technology.

Since the technology came out in 2002 there has been a lot of discussion about the benefits and pitfalls of running hyper-threading. For those of us who didn’t realize it was even there, you probably don’t have to concern yourself with it too much. Hyper-threading, although is a great thing to have and be able to use if you are an expect in computing, has little effect to the home user. In fact, unless you are using intense programs, something like what a developer or experienced gamer would, you won’t even see its effects. You have to know what you are looking for. Because of it’s abilities to handle intense processes, the technology has been very popular with graphic designers.

In 2006 the technology was criticized for not being energy efficient. It was proven that the dual cores brought out at that time were more efficient. Dual cores are able to run two cores at the same time without hyper-threading.

AMD and Intel have been fighting for leadership in the processor market, and since hyper-threading was first released AMD have been bringing out bigger and better things to compete.

Computers and laptops are in almost every home. They are used for many things, but do you know the basic hardware that go together to make your computer function? Apart from basic knowledge, knowing this information can come in handy when looking for a new computer.

The computer hardware worth knowing even a little bit about are:

The CPU

This is technically the brain of the computer also known as the system unit. This is the computer as everything else is technically add-ons or peripheral devices.

Memory

Commonly called RAM (random Access Memory), this is the physical item on which programs and information are stored for use by the computer when it is turned on.

Hard drive

This component resides in the system unit. It shoulders most of the work your computer does. Here is stored information needed for the various software and hardware to work. A lot of the work done on a computer is stored to the hard drive unless you use external storage media such as a memory stick.

DVD and or CD-ROM Drive

This is a slot in the system that is used to play DVDs or to burn data onto blank DVDs or CD-ROMs.

The first three components of a PC or laptop are what help determine the quality of the system itself. For gamers and those who use graphics heavy programs, the monitor, or rather the screen is also important. Knowing the main terms used when discussing computers will make it easier when you have to talk about them with salesmen or even in the office. Having just a bit of knowledge will help make buying decisions so much easier.

For some computer users, choosing an operation system (OS) is a no-brainer. They just use the one that comes with their computer systems. New computer users may need a bit more information. This piece of software literally enables just about everything to happen on your computer. It is needed to access the Internet, use files and for connecting to peripheral devices to name a few.

The names of the three most common operating systems are:

Windows OS

This is the most well-known and used of the operating systems around. Of course, there are various versions such as Me, XP, VISTA and Windows 7.

Mac OS

There have been numerous versions of this OS as well. It is designed for use on Apple computers.

Linux OS

This open-source software is free to download. There are hardcore computer users who swear by it, but there are some downsides.

Of course, there are operation systems currently in use.

Choosing an OS

People have different needs when it comes to computing which help guide any operation system decision. The OS you choose will depend on a number of factors such as.

What you plan to do with your computer

When it comes to working with heavy video and graphics programs, MAC OS is the overwhelming choice. This is one reason why it is so popular with graphic designers and news organizations.

How important security is to you

MAC OS is viewed as one of the safest operating systems available today. It is not as attractive to hackers as are Windows and even Linux. It is a known fact that Windows has vulnerabilities that are frequently exploited.

Cost

Of course, cost will play a role in your choice. If money is a serious consideration, Linux may be worth a try. If money is no barrier and you are into graphics and video editing, the MAX OS beckons.

Not surprisingly there is still much debate as to which of the main operating systems is the best. Fans of Apple computers will no doubt give that honor to MAC OS.