When your computer starts to break down, it can be difficult to decide between fixing your computer or getting a new one. Considerations such as time and budget restrictions have to be taken into account. In order to find the option that works best for you, here are some of the pros and cons of repairing or purchasing a computer.

Pros of Repairing a Computer

If you have been using your computer for a long time, it might have years’ worth of information and documents in it. Transferring all of that information into a new computer can be time consuming and frustrating. The good thing about repairing a device is that all of your pre-existing files stay in your machine. You do not have to extract any information or invest in external hard drives.

Another pro associated with repairing is the familiarity of the machine. Different makes and models vary slightly even if they perform the same functions. You might be used to your keyboard or you like how easy it is to navigate your computer’s internal software. When you repair your device, you keep your existing preferences.

Many technology experts also take matters into their own hands by taking older machines and creating super computers. They purchase old devices at a fraction of the cost and outfit them with extra storage, faster processors, and better graphics. If you have the money, it might be a good idea to take your existing device and custom make it into a super computer.

Cons of Repairing a Computer

The costs associated with repairs can often be more than the price of a new computer. Older computers might have internal components that are no longer manufactured. It is similar to finding the parts of a classic car. These parts will cost more because they are now rare and hard to find. For some people, it might be worthwhile to simply invest in a new machine.

New machines also have processing systems that are up-to-date and current. This means that they run faster, they process information quicker, and they can facilitate new software easier. Integrating new programs into an old machine can be difficult since older technology might not synch with new programs.

Whether or not you decide to repair your computer or purchase a new one is really based on your personal preferences. If you have a smaller budget, you can either do basic repairs or you can invest in a cheaper machine. If you can afford to pay more, you have the choice between creating a custom-made device or investing in an advanced new computer. Both options are viable and can help you with both business and with life.

Moving to a new country is a fun and exciting experience, but there can be numerous technology challenges associated with relocating abroad. If you own an Apple iMac computer, you may find replacing the main power cord a bit of a challenge.

Unlike most of Apple’s products, the iMac can’t use the popular World Traveler Kit, which comes with plug adapters for six different countries. Why can’t the iMac use the adapter kit? The iMac doesn’t have a removable plug (or the white box that plugs into the wall). Instead, it’s one thick power cord from the back of the computer/monitor to the wall.

What complicates the situation is the it isn’t possible to buy a European power cord for your iMac from Apple in the United States. It cannot be purchased in Apple stores, online or over the phone. If you aren’t in a rush to use your computer when you arrive, you can purchase a cord over the phone in your particular European country.

But, if you need to be up and running soon after arriving, it’s important to purchase your new cord for your iMac before departing. Thankfully, there are a handful of online retailers that provide access to generic European power sources and that can be purchased in the United States. The key is knowing the proper search terms to find and purchase the product.

Here are three search phrases we’ve used to find the right product:

• European power cord for computer
• PC european power cord
• Computer plug for use in Europe

Since it’s not possible to test your new power source before you leave, it may be prudent to visit a computer store in your new country of residence to ensure that you’ve purchased the correct product.

The avatar is something which has become a normal part of life in the 21st century. We use an avatar generator on many of the websites we visit. But each time we create an avatar we enter a new body and we can adopt an entirely new personality. We also interact with other people’s avatars. So with the avatar becoming such an important part of our lives, should we really start transitioning into these virtual bodies so quickly?

Why Avatars are Awesome

1. Branding

Avatars are a fantastic way to introduce yourself to people. You can hang up your skills and promote yourself all over the Internet. It prevents people from clashing with your personality and it allows you to set the tone for anything you do. For example, if you were writing about computer technology you could include something geeky in your avatar to match the audience.

2. Personality

Your avatar is an extension of your personality. If you’re a writer you can add a pen or a book to your avatar. Many sites now offer an avatar generator which can accommodate these additions.

3. Appealing

Avatars appeal to an audience. They make socialising far less intimidating and encourage people to mix. If a part of your avatar has something which matches your interests, you can go in with confidence. You don’t have to worry about potentially finding out you have nothing in common with the person in question.

Why Avatars are Not Worth the Hassle

1. Usability

When you create an avatar you nearly always ask yourself whether it’s worthwhile. If you’re talking to people you already know there’s not a lot of point in having an avatar. Furthermore, we are now revealing more and more details about ourselves. There’s rarely a reason to have a little figure which reveals our interests when we can just write them down. Another factor is the way the Internet, and life, moves. What was relevant in the morning isn’t necessarily relevant in the evening. Things change in our lives. We use multiple brands. We have different moods. An avatar just can’t keep up with these things.

2. Trust Issues

If you’re hiding behind an avatar your real face isn’t there. If they can’t see you why should they trust you? For all they know, the middle-aged office worker they think they’re talking to could turn out to be an old man sitting in a retirement home. There’s no way to discover the truth if someone is using an avatar generator.

3. Future Markets

The pull to ‘create an avatar’ remains just a fad like any other. It doesn’t have a permanent position in the world of the Internet, like email and instant messaging services. Eventually, the avatar will disappear. Customers and clients demand more from the people they speak to. They want to know they’re talking to a real person, and the only way to do this is to appear in person via webcam. With attitudes and desires changing, the future of the avatar as a widespread entity isn’t good.

World’s topmost company Microsoft Corporation developed a format better known as Windows Media Video or WMV in short which is basically used to view videos in a computer or laptop. This type of video format works well with any of the common players like Windows Media Player, Real Player, VLC Media Player, KM Player, Win amp and not to forget the giant Power DVD. The first version WMV 7 which was developed in the year 1999 and was successful.

One of the major reasons for using these files is that it allows mega capacity videos to be easily compressed without affecting their quality. These files can be played by the use of a set of codecs. A codec is a small program that can read a file, create video and audio formats from the data given.

WMV files when played on PC

There are few basic yet essential streps required that you need to follow to play such files in your personal computer.

1. If your computer already has a Windows Media Player program, WMP, then update its latest version so that you can play those video files properly. You can do this by downloading from the Microsoft Windows Media Player website. But, In case you are not able to view these on your system, then Windows can give you an error message mentioning that WMV files cannot be opened. For this, you need to identify which program can open those files or your registry may be damaged.

2. Now, open the Windows Media Player from your PC and select the video file to be played.

3. You can select multiple files to be played in WMP.

4. If you do not wish to use WMP, then you can use other players that support this format such as Win amp, Power DVD, VLC etc

WMV files when played on Linux

Windows Media Video can be played in Linux using a compatible media player. Linux supports Video LAN Client or VLC player through which you can play your files. VLC player supports format of WMV files directly. Some of common players usually used in Linx are Boxee, Real Player, Mplayer and Helix Player.

WMV files when played on Macintosh

You can also run your video files in the Mac OS using the Mac Version of Windows Media Player. Apple computer supports Apple Quicktime media player which can also play WMV files. For this, you need to install File4mac plugin. It is a freeware that can be downloaded from Microsoft website.

WMV files cannot be played on Vista since it is an operating system. It doesn’t play anything.

Happy tuning to all viewers!!