Academic PCs Software Review

Putting the puzzle together

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/quick-start/service-packs.aspx

I have been working with SP2 for a while and have noticed that my system runs a whole lot smother.
They have come a long ways. I still love windows vista but I love windows 7 more. This release is a
must have. Download windows vista sp2 through windows update. For best results I would recommend
a fresh install of windows vista then do all of the system updates. There just nothing like a clean install.

Remember to backup all of your documents and files that are important to you before doing any
major update to your system.

Static electricity is the accumulation of an electric charge (produced by friction) on a non-grounded object. The static charge on the surface of a non-grounded object can jump when it contacts the surface of any grounded object. This electric discharge is known as electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD can be very destructive to a computer.
The threat of ESD begins when the fragile components (including the processor, memory, motherboard, and expansion cards) inside the computer are exposed. Damage can occur simply by placing a fingertip too close to a component inside an open computer case. ESD charges can travel through wires and into components, where the wires can explode or fuse together, causing the components to fail. There are two types of failure caused by ESD:

• Catastrophic failures cause components to fail. The only solution for a failed component is to replace it.
• Upset failures degrade components, leading to ongoing or intermittent problems or eventual failure. With these types of failures, it is difficult to identify the source of the intermittent problem or even know if damage has occurred.

• Use antistatic mats under the PC and on the floor.
• Discharge yourself before touching any computer component.
• When touching anything inside the computer, wear an antistatic wrist strap that is attached with an alligator clip to the metal PC chassis.
• Ground both yourself and the computer to the same ground. This provides a single path for the flow of electrical potential.
• Use static resistant materials to handle computer components.
• Never touch the metal connectors on a circuit board.
• Avoid dry air in the computer repair location.
• Keep computer repair location free of materials that accumulate electric charges (for example, plastic or Styrofoam).
• Store sensitive components in static shielded bags (usually tinted gray). Static resistant bags are not near as effective (usually tinted pink or blue). 
• If a wrist strap is unavailable, keep your body in constant contact with the metal frame when working inside the computer.
• Keep the relative humidity high (over 70%).