Computers and Technology

Upgrade Fever
By Andrew Brown

Most of us love new toys. In the adult world, that means new gadgets.

Yet, truthfully, we spend a lot of time and money on new computers, cell phones and software when our old tools will do the job just fine. A recent survey actually showed that almost $50 billion worth of older, unused gadgets are actually lying around our houses gathering dust.

That s not to say don t upgrade when you need to. But it s always prudent to step back, think about your business needs and make sure you can justify your decision to your boss — you — in a way that makes sense to the bottom line.

Think about it: will having that low lease payment for that laptop you just had to have feel just as great two years down the road?

Here s some additional compelling research. Figures from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) indicate that consumer electronics (CE) products (what we often refer to as “gadgets”) are more prevalent than ever.

According to the CEA, the average US household contains 26 CE products (up from 25 in 2005) and spent $1,200 buying them over the past 12 months. The top five growth sectors were MP3 players, digital cameras, car video entertainment systems, in-dash CD players and notebook PCs.

In the age of fast, fashion and cool, we re all victims. But when it comes to your business, you need to think twice, especially about the bottom line.

Ask yourself these questions to keep yourself in check when the new version of your favorite cellphone/ iPod /laptop comes out next week. (Note to reader: we re not criticizing, we have to ask ourselves these questions too).

1. Do you need the new features? Think long and hard about whether or not the new feature on your gadget of choice is going to benefit your business. Is it going to give you a different and better output? Is the speed so much faster that it is going to save you time at work? Or (gasp) is it simply the more fashionable model? Be honest.

2. Can you wait just a bit longer? If you simply must have the new XYZ, then think about waiting just a few months longer. Why buy the iPhone now when we know the capacity and battery life are going to improve in six months? Not to mention the price. A gadget s fashionable shelf life is short, so think of things in the long term that will still be usable and enjoyable six months or even years later.

3. Is there an alternative? Think about how much you are really willing to spend. Smart phones, for example, are pricey when compared to getting a phone upgrade from your cell phone service provider. And with a free upgrade every 12-18 months, you can easily stay current on the latest styles and features.

Take a moment, take a breath and really consider if you need it. Maybe you do. Or maybe it s just the next gizmo – that can wait.

Andrew Brown and Small Business Guru provide Coaching, Inspiration and Practical Advice for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs. Download the free report, 10 Mistakes Small business Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them) at http://www.small-business-guru.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Brown
http://EzineArticles.com/?Upgrade-Fever&id=1022249

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New Computer Filters Offer Simple, Inexpensive Dust Protection
By Erik Keranen

Computer filters offer dust and dirt protection for your PC. A common fear is that adding a computer filter to the air inlet port near the power supply fan may do little to block dust and dirt from entering the computer unit. New pcs have numerous internal fans and it is often not easy to figure out where air is supposed to enter the main unit and where air is intended to be exhausted. Some fans are used just to circulate internal air as well. A simple computer filter on the back of a PC is not going to work for the long term.

A better computer filter solution is one that is relatively new on the market. It is essentially a breathable filter bag that covers all inlet and outlet ports of a computer unit but still allows the computer to be cooled properly. New dust bag style computer filters protect the entire unit from dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants. They are designed in sizes to fit virtually any computer tower and can be installed in minutes. They work well for monitors and printers as well, both of which need clean filtered air to assure proper long-term operation.

Computer filters used on computer enclosures also do a poor job protecting your computer from dust and dirt in the long term. One reason is because most computer cabinets require you to open the cabinet to operate the computer, for instance to access the CDROM or floppy drive. These operational requirements allow dust to bypass the cabinet dust filter and traps dust within the cabinet which eventually will be pulled inside the PC and settle there. This is completely preventable with a dust bag filter.

It is very important to use computer filters with PCs used in industrial or workshop situations where dust and dirt can very rapidly reduce the reliability and lifespan of the computer. Critical computer components exposed to dust and dirt, particularly the mechanical components like the keyboard and CD-ROM, can cease to operate without warning, and many times cannot be repaired once damaged by these contaminants. Studies have shown that dust can fill an unprotected computer in a matter of days, causing it to overheat. And metal dust can cause circuits to short-out, introducing a new workshop hazard. Dust bag style computer filters can do a lot to minimize these issues.

A problem with traditional computer filters is that they are designed to capture dust without impacting the amount of air that can enter the computer for cooling. This requires them to be fairly porous with the filter designed to capture the larger dust particles and allowing smaller dust particles and other airborne particles to pass through. The small surface area of the standard filter means that the air-flow must be relatively high, and dust and dirt collecting in the filter material quickly begins to restrict air flow. This problem is ameliorated by the larger dust bag, where the huge surface area of the filter translates into lower air-flow speed and a larger area to spread the dust trying to enter the computer. The lower air-flow speed also ensures less dust makes it through the filter material, especially smaller dust particles and airborne mists.
A small investment in a dust filter can offer a level of insurance that your computer equipment will operate when you need it to, and not wear out before its time.
Dust bag style computer filters are especially effective, easy to install and inexpensive.

Computer Dust Solutions strives to provide the best computer filters and covers to protect your computer equipment in harsh, dusty conditions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erik_Keranen
http://EzineArticles.com/?New-Computer-Filters-Offer-Simple,-Inexpensive-Dust-Protection&id=1015598

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