Cisco IT Essentials Virtual Desktop PC & Laptop

Standalone virtual learning tools have been developed to supplement PC Hardware and Software classroom instruction and provide opportunities for interactive “hands-on” learning. These tools: Virtual Desktop and Virtual Laptop, can support course delivery in environments with limited physical equipment by enabling students to virtually disassemble and reassemble desktops and laptops.

Computer Shopper Magazine

Computer Shopper Magazine | June 2010

Build Your Own PC

Multimedia Mouse

Multimedia Mouse is a useful and free application that will let you to play, pause, stop, go to the previous or next track and adjust volume levels using your mouse.

Mouseketeer

Mouseketeer is mouse clicking replacement software that can carry out left click, right click, double click, highlight and drag-drop actions using the keyboard.

Download Link: Mouseketeer

Kid-Key-Lock

 Kid-Key-Lock is a simple program to selectively lock specific keyboard and mouse functions. You can use kid-key-lock to lock any of the mouse buttons, double clicks and/or the mouse wheel. Kid-Key-Lock can be used to lock keyboard character keys, navigation keys, function keys and/or system shortcuts such as Alt-F4, Alt-Tab, "Start" key, etc.

Download Link: Kid-Key-Lock

Simple Computer Tune-up: Speed Up Your PC

Description

    * Forgoing the "techie-talk," CA explains how PC Pitstop Optimize performs four main functions: it removes "junk" files to free up disk space, adjusts Internet settings for better performance, removes invalid registry keys, and adjusts several registry settings that can
      improve overall performance
    * Also shows how PC Pitstop Optimize can revitalize system performance, regain hard drive space, rev up an Internet connection, and fix registry errors
   

Download Link: Simple Computer Tune-up: Speed Up Your PC

Do It Yourself - Computer Repair

Description: 

- How to go about upgrading the different components of your computer, from the power supply to the motherboard and beyond. You can completely update that old, tired computer with a substantial savings.

- Step by step instructions on what can be repaired and what has to be replaced and how to do the task. From the hard drive to memory to the power supply.

- What to look for when replacing a component.

- Step by step instructions on hardware replacement, and how to troubleshoot hardware errors.

- A list of troubleshooting techniques and individual component troubleshooting.

- Step by step instructions on what to look for when the computer has a problem.

- A glossary of terms and what they mean to the everyday user/business person. From the basic computer to the advanced terms used everyday by 'techs'.

- Tips and instructions on how to make your computer faster than the day it was unpacked.

- Laptops require a different approach to repair than desktops because all the components are packed into a very small, tight space. This portion of the book is all about laptop repair and care to keep it functional years after the warranty has ran out. Of course the rest of the book still applies, computers are computers after all, but this section addresses the specialized needs of notebooks and laptops.

- A special section that will assist you in how to decide where to back up your data, when to back up your data, and how often to back up your data.

- Do you have anti-virus protection? This section explains how viruses got started and what you need to do to protect one of your most valuable resources - YOUR DATA.

- All big corporations hire departments full of 'techs' and 'programmers' to protect their data and prepare for a disaster. The last thing they want is to lose business because their data is gone. You need to know how to protect your data and how to make an image of each of your hard drives.

- Over thirty different subjects covered in the how to section from creating a backup to why you need to have the Windows Firewall service running when you are on the road.

- Hiding Your Computer From Hackers / Thieves / Criminals!

- A properly configured router will block identity-stealing viruses and trojans written by people you really don't want knowing your name. Of course, we give step by step instructions.

- Over 350 pages full of tech know how, over 100 illustrations.

- No more searching the internet for hours on end to find an answer to your problem, you'll have it at your fingertips.

Download Link: Do It Yourself - Computer Repair

PC Hardware Tuning and Acceleration

From choosing overclocking tools and setting the optimal mode to allowing the fulfillment of the potential of a PC's components, this reference discusses solutions to the problem of computers not performing well enough to accommodate requested tasks. Examined are the particular features of using processors, memory, video adapters, and hard drives both in moderate and extreme modes while trying to obtain a substantial rise in performance for both old computers and computers that contain more modern components. The results of testing computers with various configurations that have overclocked components are also demonstrated. A list of helpful web sites pertaining to acceleration is provided, as well as a guide to choosing components. Also covered are several advanced overclocking topics such as ways of making the CPU and motherboard compatible and the problems with overclocking IDE devices.

Download Link:  PC Hardware Tuning and Acceleration