In this issue of Tech Tips, we will discuss RAM, what it is and why you need it.  We'll bring you information on why you should and how you can create strong passwords to keep your private information protected.  Christopher's Computers is also offering several specials, including RAM installation, Spring Cleaning and a new referral program for you and your friends and neighbors.  We'll also point out several great reasons why it is important to support local businesses. 

 

 

You've heard of RAM, or memory, right?  But what is it, how much do you need, and what does it cost? 

Let's start with an analogy: think of your office.  You have a filing cabinet and a desk.  Your filing cabinet is where you store your information.  This is akin to your Hard Drive.  The larger your Hard Drive, the more information you can store (such as pictures, movies, music, documents, etc).  Your desk is where you view and work on the information that you've taken from the filing cabinet.  Your desk, in this analogy, is your RAM.  If you have a small desk, there is only room for one or two pieces of paper to view at once.  A larger desk allows you to view multiple projects laid out.  The more RAM you have, the more information you can use, view, and work with on your computer simultaneously. It is when you have too many projects out on your "desk" which causes your computer to move more slowly, sometimes seize up, or even crash if you push it too far past its limits.  That's when you need more RAM.

Now for a more detailed explaination:

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. When you open a program, your computer processor pulls up files from the hard-drive, and then displays them on your desktop to view and manipulate.  These viewable files are now loaded into your RAM.  Large programs, like MS Word, or Excell, take up large amounts of RAM.  When you have several programs open and running at once, this will use up lots of your RAM, and thus make your computer more sluggish if you do not have enough to support everything. It is not uncommon to have word processing, spreadsheets, an email program, several browser windows, not to mention your Operating System -Windows- running all at once.  Even programs just waiting to run (for example, your screensaver, or anything sitting in your system tray like your antivirus) take up RAM resourses. Also note that the need for more RAM in your computer will increase as newer programs, with more bells and whistles, and games with beautiful video displays are being developed.  You may also see an error message that mentions "low virtual memory".  That means your computer is asking for more RAM to utilize (it does not have to do with the amount of room remaining on your hard drive).

How much RAM do you need and how much do you currently have?  The amount of RAM that you need is based upon how you use your computer, what types of programs you use, and how fast your processor is (a fast processor will not work as efficiently without parallel RAM support).  To check your computer's resources, simply go to START, then CONTROL PANEL, choose SYSTEM and view what operating system you're using, how much RAM is in your system, and other information.

Christopher's Computers is currently offering an In-House RAM special:  Bring to us your desktop or laptop, and we will upgrade your computer by 1 gb RAM for only $99. 

 

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In an effort to continue to pro-actively support all of our residential and business customers, we will be again offering our Big Spring Clean.  This service includes:

*Registry Cleanup

*Removing any Unnecessary Files and Programs

*Ensuring Critical Software Updated

*Free Anti-Virus Installation

*Optimization of Computer Resources

*Streamlining Software

*Data Back-up up to 4gb

 

We all know that having a strong password is invaluable when using sensitive personal data online.  We also know that there are hackers out there just itching to get to our information with highly sophisticated tools for breaking those passwords. 

In January, the major social software application database (RockYou, Inc. who writes programs for such services as FaceBook, MySpace, hi5, Friendster, etc.), was broken into and 32 million passwords and emails were stolen.  RockYou, Inc. then was sued by the Northern District of California for not properly protecting its customers' data.  There were no encryption programs in place in the database where all of this information was being stored. 

After this incident happened, studies were made as to how strong the passwords were that people used and the results supported the fact that people continue to use passwords which are easily guessed.

The risks for businesses are strong. If users don't up their security game by protecting their data with strong passwords, they put other people at risk.

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1. Keep Asheville Unique
Locally owned businesses cater to the culture of the neighborhoods they serve.  Unique businesses are vital to the diverse character of our community.

2. Get Better Service
Local businesses tend to hire people with some knowledge of the product and the customers they serve as well as knowledge of the area and other local businesses.  They tend to provide better customer care by giving special attention to the customers they serve.

3. Reduce Environmental Impact
Locally owned businesses are found within neighborhoods and in downtown as opposed to developing on the fringes of town.  They often result in less travel, thereby reducing air pollutants.  Restaurants tend to rely more (often solely) on local farms and organic quality. 

4. Invest in Our Community
Local business owners live in the community they serve and invest their resources here, in Asheville.

5. Create More Good Jobs
Local businesses, collectively, are one of the largest employers nationwide and local businesses provide jobs for residents in Asheville.

6. Conserve Local Tax Dollars
Small neighborhood and downtown businesses require less public infrastructure and make more efficient use of city services compared to big box stores and shopping centers.

7. Have More Choices
Buy what YOU want, not what someone else wants you to buy.  Independent businesses purchase products and cook the food that the local customers need and desire, not a national sales plan.  This guarantees a more diverse and innovative range of choices.

8. Support Our Community
Local businesses tend to invest on average more of their dollars, services and products back into the community via non-profits and the arts.  They also encourage entrepreneurial growth.

9. Ensure Asheville Stands Out from the Crowd
Asheville is a tourist destination and it is a large portion of our economy.  What makes Asheville unique is what brings people coming back to our town.

10. Buy Local – Support Yourself
For every $100 spent in locally owned stores $68 is reinvested in the Asheville.  If you spend it at a national chain only $43 stays here.  Spend it online and nothing comes home

 

Thank you for supporting your local, small businesses!  We greatly appreciate your continued patronage and referrals.

 

Christopher's Computers is a family owned and operated computer repair shop since 2004.  We strive to make lasting relationships with those who live and work in our community by being fair and ethical in our practice.

 

306 Stone Ridge Blvd

Asheville, NC, 28804

828.670.9800

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