For over three decades, computers have been the driving force behind the modern business environment. There have been many changes over the years and sometimes it's hard to keep up with the latest information about this technology. In this article, we take a step back and answer the internet's most frequently asked questions about computing hardware.
Providing everything from large scale application integration to configuration of desktop workstations, Tarsus Distribution assesses your technology requirements and works with you to build a strategic approach that can be rapidly implemented within your time and budget requirements. To find out more about computing solutions from Tarsus Distribution, click here.
What Are The Different Computing Operating Systems Used In Business?
What Do I Do If My Hard Disk Fails To Work?
How Do I Choose The Right Computer For Work?
Do I Really Need Antivirus Software For Computing?
What Computing Solutions Does Tarsus Distribution Offer?
The operating system (OS) is a program that manages a computer’s resources, especially the allocation of those resources among other programs. Typical resources include the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory, file storage, input/output (I/O) devices, and network connections. Management tasks include scheduling resource use to avoid conflicts and interference between programs. Unlike most programs, which complete a task and terminate, an operating system runs indefinitely and terminates only when the computer is turned off.
From smartphones to cars, supercomputers and home appliances, home desktops to enterprise servers, the Linux operating system is everywhere. Linux has been around since the mid-1990s and has since reached a user base that spans the globe. Linux is actually everywhere: It’s in your phones, your thermostats, in your cars, refrigerators, Roku devices, and televisions. It also runs most of the Internet, all of the world’s top 500 supercomputers, and the world’s stock exchanges. But besides being the platform of choice to run desktops, servers, and embedded systems across the globe, Linux is one of the most reliable, secure and worry-free operating systems available.
Microsoft Windows (also referred to as Windows or Win) is a graphical operating system developed and published by Microsoft. It provides a way to store files, run the software, play games, watch videos, and connect to the Internet. Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world and is used by most businesses globally. It is also the base system for Microsoft Office 365 which comprises Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and much more.
macOS is a Unix-like operating system developed and marketed by Apple Inc. since 2001. It is the primary operating system for Apple's Mac computers. Within the market of desktop and laptop computers, it is the second most widely used desktop OS, after Microsoft Windows and ahead of Chrome OS. macOS succeeded the classic Mac OS, a Macintosh operating system with nine releases from 1984 to 1999. During this time, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had left Apple and started another company, NeXT, developing the NeXTSTEP platform that would later be acquired by Apple to form the basis of macOS.
As with most computer errors, your first step is to shut down your computer and restart it. This will help you determine whether or not you actually have a hard disk problem. If the disk is severely damaged then your computer will probably fail to restart properly. If this is the case then contact MCWare IT Solutions, this is a job for professionals.
Just like a hammer has its place in a toolbox so does the type of computer you use. It all boils down to what you want to use your machine for. Are you a desk jockey slinging Excel sheets or a designer in need of extra processing power? This all needs to be kept in mind when purchasing a work machine.
It goes without saying that if you're glued to a desk then a desktop PC would be your starting point, and if you move around a lot then something more portable like a laptop would be ideal. With the first box ticked, let's take a closer look at the different components of a computer and walk you through the specs so that you can make a more informed choice when it comes to purchasing time.
Your processor is the engine for your computer. Anything you ask your system to do will be managed through the processor on your motherboard (more on the motherboard later). Computer processor speed is measured in gigahertz (abbreviated as GHz). Today’s computers are typically powered by processors rated in GHz speeds such as 2.4 GHz, 3.5 GHz, etc. 1 GHz means that the processor can execute 1 billion cycles per second. That being the case, the higher the GHz rating, the higher the performance (power) of the processor.
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the volatile, temporary memory your computer uses to hold your applications and the documents or web pages you’re working with. RAM is typically installed directly on the motherboard and is measured in gigabytes (GB), with 1 GB equaling roughly 1 billion bytes or characters. For basic computing such as browsing the web or working with simple documents, simple computers and devices such as Chromebooks computing can get by with 4GB. Most users who expect to have several web pages and multiple documents open at the same time will benefit greatly from 8GB, with 16GB being even better for heavy computer applications such as gaming, editing, or 3D applications.
Also called the graphics card, the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) deals with everything you see on screen. Computers without dedicated GPUs make use of the integrated graphics capabilities of the processors. These often can only handle basic graphic instructions and aren't powerful enough to run design or editing programs. f your computer use calls for intensive gaming and complex 3D applications, installing a graphics card from a leading manufacturer such as NVIDIA can significantly impact your performance and gaming experience.
We've all run into a situation on our computers or even smartphones where we run out of storage space, and this is why having enough of it can make or break a purchase down the line. Storage is now available in two major formats:
Although more is better, it should be noted that better spec comes with bigger prices. In the end, it's all about getting the necessary machine for the job.
Some PC makers will pre-load antivirus software and try to coerce you into signing up for it because that's how they make money. But you shouldn't ever feel pressured, and you likely don't need whatever it is they're shilling.
The fact that we still refer to this type of software as "antivirus" is out of date. No longer do we have to be worried only about nasty viruses infecting our computers and wiping out our personal data. Malware is perhaps more common today, with a different tactic to achieve a still-nefarious goal.
Microsoft takes your security and safety in this permanently-online world very seriously, and it built some very important tools into Windows 10 to keep you safe. And, because it's integrated into the OS, it doesn't hog any additional resources. Microsoft also updates it frequently with new data definitions, all the while looking to keep the latest threats at bay.
Since 2009, Apple has included XProtect, Apple’s proprietary antivirus software, on all Macs. XProtect scans all applications and files for viruses and malware using a database of threats that Apple updates daily. If XProtect detects malware on a file or application, it notifies the user and blocks the download. Since threats are always changing, the Mac Malware Removal Tool also scans your computer regularly to check that nothing sneaks past XProtect. If the tool identifies malware, it will notify you and remove the dangerous files.
Though these operating systems ship with their own antivirus software built in, it is in more cases not enough.
Tarsus offers a full end-to-end cybersecurity solution. Resellers who want to give their clients a holistic, centralised and one-stop solution to protecting their data, networks, and devices partner with us because not only do we uncomplicate everything – we make sure that you are able to sell the most state-of-the-art cybersecurity solution simply and with the technical support you need.
Almost all companies, large or small, rely on computers to get the job done. Tarsus Distribution has a team of tech wizards who are on hand to evaluate your needs and can let you know which options will work for you now and in the future. If you find yourself in the decision phase of your purchasing journey, then click here to find out what computing solutions Tarsus Distribution has to offer.
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