Many people ask what is spyware and how do you know if your computer has been infected?

First off spyware and adware are software programs that are made with the intention of allowing individuals and companies to spy on your web browsing activities. These programs literally invade your privacy, slow down your system and annoy you with constant popups.

Secondly, many novice and beginner computer users have no idea that their computer has even been infected or even know how it became infected. A computer can be easily infected if there is no protection, because every time a file or program is downloaded, or if a pop up is clicked on the computer is at risk of downloading a parasite.

With so many programs out there to remove spyware one can find it difficult to obtain software that is effective and is actually worth the money. To find an effective product it needs to be user friendly, have free periodic updates that are installed automatically, and great 24 hour 7 day a week technical support. So many companies claim to have the best support, but fail to produce any results when you contact them with a problem. It can be very frustrating after spending anywhere from $20 to $60 and the product does not work properly and you are unable to get any support to get the problem fixed.

Another problem that you may run in to is downloading software that does not have regular updates. These updates are crucial to keeping your computer from downloading one of these parasites as there are new ones being created all the time. Without regular updates that are downloaded and installed automatically the software is more or less worthless because your computer can eventually become infected from a new version of a parasite.

Having worked in the computer industry for nearly a decade I have downloaded, used, tested, and purchased several different programs and have found many simply do not work as promised. I would install these programs on my customer’s computers and try to teach them how to use it and on many occasions the software would be to complex for them to use because they were just learning how to use a computer. I also would receive calls from my customers stating that after a few months their computer was running ‘slow’ again. I would then investigate and found that the software either needed to be reinstalled or there were no more updates and if they wanted the updates that had to pay for them.

So now you may be asking how you can keep your computer free of infections. To help keep your computer safe is to download a pop up blocker from Yahoo or Google or one of the major search engines. These work great and will help reduce popups and will not allow parasites to be downloaded. Another way is to keep your security settings high in your web browser. To do this you would open your browser and click on Tools> Internet Options> Security, set this to Medium or High. While you have that open click on General and select Delete Cookies and Delete Files. You should do this as often as you can this will keep personal information clear from your computer, use this especially if you do you banking and pay bills online. Then install a spyware and adware remover.

There is a program that I have had success using called SpywareRemover. I have personally purchased and have been using this software for a few months now. For the price it is a good deal. Not only is it able to remove spyware but it will also a program manager which allows you to remove unwanted programs that have been installed as well as a back up for your computer registry. You also can set it to run automatically and have the program perform a scan on a specific schedule. One very nice feature is a free download and free scan to see if the computer is actually infected then you will have the option to purchase the software. The scan is very fast but this will depend on the speed of the computer it is installed on, but it is the fastest I have used. However, there are a few problems with it.

One of the biggest problems is on their website they do not list a toll free number you can contact them by email only. If you require support you must email them and wait for a response. I did have a question and they responded within 24 hours which is the norm for most software companies. Another issue is that there is not an option for detailed reporting. I like to have an option to show a full report of what programs are installed that are infected and what files and folders have a parasite or appear to have a problem. There is a section that shows the files but a detailed report on one page would be helpful in finding the problem.

Over all this is a very fast, easy to use, and multi functional piece of software and is very inexpensive. If you want to try a free download I recommend it. For more information on this and other products go to www.officialspywarereview.com.

Do you think software is boring? Think again. Software companies have developed products that change your voice, make funny pictures and even predict your future. Curious? Read on.

AV Voice Changer (Avnex Ltd)

Browbeaten by bad chaps? Not allowed to play adult games? Want nobody to recognize your real identity? Now with AV Voice Changer Software, you not only can escape others’ threats but also do “haunt” them the other way round. Like a “ghost”, you can roam freely in voice chat rooms and online games. Being anonymous, you can play tricks on your buddies or, who knows, catch your hubby (or wife) in the act.

No matter they are male or female, young or old, you still can “catch” them with this online voice changer software. Now that you can disguise your voice, playing the role of a passionate gentle man, or a sexy chick, or a naughty teen gal is just as easy as apple pie.

How does this computer voice changer work? Thanks to its Pitch and Timbre table and Equalization settings, AV Voice Changer Software allows you to create unlimited number of pitch-timbre levels. Equalizer and Advanced Tuner can be adjusted accordingly to help normalize the new voice to make it more natural.

Free Download: http://www.deprice.com/avvoicechanger.htm

FantaMorph (Abrosoft)

FantaMorph is professional photo-animation software, and yes it’s also a valuable and sophisticated toy for personal entertainment. With Abrosoft FantaMorph, creating morphing movie has never been easier and faster! You can do everything a professional animation director does to create amazing images and animations. FantaMorph supports most image formats including BMP, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, TGA, PCX, and even professinal 32bit with alpha formats. Exporting to Image Sequence, AVI, Animated GIF, Flash, and other formats are supported. You can crop, rotate, flip and adjust source image, all with FantaMorph’s built-in tools, without having to go to any additional software. It’s just plain fun!

Free Download: http://www.deprice.com/abrosoftfantamorph.htm

CrazyTalk (Reallusion)

Your photos are brought to life in amazing animation by fitting them with CrazyTalk’s facial morphing technology. Sounds complicated, but CrazyTalk’s tools make animating any photo or image extremely easy. Simply match the 4 control points of inside the fitting wizard to the corresponding facial features of your photo. Once the fitting process is complete, CrazyTalk’s 3D expression morphing technology is able to apply unlimited expressions and gestures (such as smiling, frowning, crying and laughing) directly to the image.

CrazyTalk’s then gives a voice to your photos by allowing them to lipsync with audio recordings and spoken text messages. You can even record your own voice using the built-in audio recording function and your PC microphone. The automatic lipsync can be precisely refined using the CrazyTalk Media Studio Timeline editor allowing you easy access to each lip shape key-frame for custom editing control. Further edit audio once imported or recorded to the Timeline with the Audio Morphing Filter capable of disguising any voice or allowing you to fine tune the voice parameters for a perfect vocal. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop

Free Download: http://www.deprice.com/crazytalkhome.htm

John Deprice collects weird, unusual, offbeat or funny software. His collection is available at http://www.deprice.com

Microsoft Excel is still a powerful tool on the market because of its versatility. Almost any type of project can be built whether you are a beginner or an Excel wizard.

Whether it is a simple calendar or a call forecasting model for a customer service company, Excel provides every time.

Excel has a huge market; there is always someone out there who requires a product of some type or description.

Now my question to you

How often do you click on that little green X in your program files?

I’m sure I know the answer from most of you proficient users, but what about everyone else.

If you have never really taken to using Excel in your business or home, now is the time to shake of those virtual mothballs and learn. Within a short time you should start to gain confidence and realize how such a simple program can make some of your more difficult, time-consuming processes very easy.

Some of you may feel uncomfortable about taking up the challenge of learning something new. My suggestion is to look on the Internet or buy a book on Excel that includes little projects on building spreadsheets. This way you can be safe knowing you have a guide to help you through your learning experience.

This article was written by Guy Marlow, a professional in business tool creation. You can view his webpage at http://viralmarketinguk.com.

Introduction

This article provides a brief introduction into documenting software programs for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). Its aim is to provide clear guidance in the program documentation for PLC’s.

This article is based on the Ladder Logic format of PLC Programming, but many of the points also related to Instruction List (IL) and Function Block Diagram (FBD).

PLC Programs should be written and documented so that they can be easily maintained and modified by others than those who originally wrote the program. All PLC Programming Editors have increased documentation capabilities including Siemens, Modicon, Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi.

Documenting PLC Software
Early Programmable Logic Controllers had little or no capacity for the documentation of programs. For technicians to understand the logic the program had to be followed from inputs to outputs. This made fault finding or modifications to programs difficult.

As PLC’s have developed the programming packages have also improved, allowing for the software to be clearly annotated.

The programming tools available for most PLC’s allow for the following documentation.

Rung Title
Rung Comments
Symbols and Symbol Comments.
This article provides a practical guide to using these documentation techniques.

Symbols and Symbol Comments
The purpose of symbolic addressing is to allow the PLC programmer to write the software using meaningful symbols rather than having to remember addresses.

General rules for Input and Output symbols should be to use the tags from Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) or electrical drawing references. Where these are not available use of a simple description should be used.

For the above the following could be used.

Symbol Address Description
VAC01_STPB I 0.0 Vacuum Pump Start Pushbutton
VAC01_SPPB I 0.1 Vacuum Pump Stop Pushbutton
VAC01 Q 0.0 Vacuum Pump Run
VAC01_TRAL M 1.1 Vacuum Pump Trip Alarm (Latched)
VAC01_AL M 1.1 Vacuum Pump Alarm Latch (Failed to Start/Stop)

Although many program editors can allow for more characters within the symbols it is recommended to keep the symbol short and use the comments to provide further details. Our recommendation is to build the symbols from the blocks of two characters to represent the the meaning and to keep the length less than 10.

The numbers tell a tale of programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) firm entrenchment in control applications. For instance, hardware sales figures for 2001 show $80 million spent for open control (PCbased control), with $1.1 billion being spent on programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) solutions. Even as the trend is for both figures to grow by 2004, programmable logic controllers ( PLCs ) still have a sizable advantage over PCs.

Engineers these days are calling for networking capabilities. A programmable logic controllers ( PLCs ) are now low-cost dedicated controllers. They offer more processing power and have added networking capabilities with other programmable logic controllers ( PLCs ) through serial connections. A micro programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) has an Ethernet connection with optional DeviceNet or Profibus modules. So the total system is not just a stand-alone controller, but one that can network to bigger programmable logic controllers ( PLCs ). Also, increased processing speeds allow for any given programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) to do more. Because of these changes, the programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) remains a viable control option.

One trend is towards a so-called hybrid programmable logic controller ( PLCs ). These more common hybrid applications are challenging the capabilities of each control approach. Their number is growing because fewer applications are pure discrete or pure process installations. One example is a programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) on a board with sequence logic-controller functions. It plugs into a PC ISA slot and has the same programming and instruction set as a stand-alone programmable logic controller ( PLCs ). So if you already have a PC on the factory floor, you don’t need to buy a programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) in a box, just the board that plugs into the PC. It has a separate power supply so that if the PC crashes, the programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) keeps running. The board also has its own I/O connectors.

Another type of programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) is an industrially hardened gateway device. It comes with a number of ports and can be loaded with a soft programmable logic controller ( PLCs ). It has Ethernet, DeviceNet, and serial communications and serves as a bridge between protocols on the factory floor between legacy systems and current systems. For instance, data from serial devices such as bar code scanners can be connected to the gateway and through the soft programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) program.

After more than a decade of articles touting the benefits of PC-based control over a programmable logic controller and predictions of the PLC’s demise, this much is clear: both PCs and programmable logic controllers ( PLCs ) have their place in contemporary control systems. In many cases, they will work as a team.

In lower-end process industries such as food plants where the programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) is strongly entrenched, there is little interest in switching to PC-based control. The reason is the programmable logic controller’s ( PLCs ) suitability. Sequential logic control provided by a programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) is best suited for round-the-clock operations common in those industries. In particular, a programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) can offer repeatable, reliable control conducive to high-speed, repetitive processes. Dedicated performance and a high level of security are also benefits of a programmable logic controller (PLCs ). The packaging side of a food plant lends itself well to sequential logic control which makes a programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) the best choice for conveying and sorting applications.

Five years ago, the prediction was that PCs were going to take traditional programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) applications by storm. The reason they didn’t is that the programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) has continued to be a good, low-cost control option. For instance, a programmable logic controller ( PLCs ) with highspeed counter inputs, loop controls, analog points, and basic math calculations are available in the $200 to $400 range with 100 or more I/O and with options for expansion. On the other hand, even buying an inexpensive PC requires loading software, setting it up, and making sure it’s robust enough to not crash.

However, PC-based control has its merits. Specifically, it has greater number-crunching capability, more communication options, and is geared more toward data logging and trending, plant monitoring, report generation, and documentation. The key reasons to switch to PC-based control include networking the control system to higher-level applications such as ERP, handling complex mathematical applications such as vision inspection systems, and connecting to bar-code scanners, in-motion weigh scales, and other devices. In short, most users believe that when data must be transferred from the controller into a database for analysis, the transfer goes more smoothly when the data is already on a PC-based system.

Lucky

Broadband access is also known as high-speed internet access. The popularity of broadband access is increasing these days. It is because broadband access is much faster than a dial-up connection. There is no need of dialing. Consumers can use the phone line while they are connected to the internet. The downside is broadband access is more susceptible to hacker attacks. Therefore, a good firewall program is a must for broadband users.

Broadband users are more susceptible to hacker attacks because their internet connection is always on. This is true even when they do not open the e-mail program and web browser. Broadband connection usually has a static IP address with unprotected or “open” ports. Hackers or crackers can locate these unprotected computers easily using routine port scans.

Once they gain access to the computer, hackers can do different things. They can install an application in the computer, hijack the data files, steal confidential banking and identity data, or use the computer to hack another computer.

Although many computer users have antivirus and antispyware software installed, these programs cannot block hacker attacks.

A personal firewall is what broadband users need to protect their PCs from hackers. It does the job in different ways. A firewall program masks the IP address, making the computer invisible on the internet. PC users can use program controls to allow or deny internet access to programs. Sophisticated firewall software also have ID lock feature, which prevents personal information from leaving the computer without permission. Personal firewall can also block pop-up ads and cookies and provide other features for overall protection.

Kwan H Lo is the owner of http://software.4reviews.net, an online review site which promotes the best antivirus, antispyware and personal firewall software.

Fortunately, there are generous individuals and organizations who have the facilities to review the work of the Anti-spyware developers and make the results available for all of us everyday users of the Internet.

The challenge for us is to know where to go for these results and recommendations, and to know which of the anti-spyware and anti-virus programs to use on our computers.

There are many web masters, newsletter, and Blog publishers who constantly monitor the results published by the anti-spyware reviewers. Most of them pass these information alerts on to their readers and subscribers, often offering suggestions and advice based on their own personal experiences and expertise.

A real benefit for us is that most of the top rated anti-spyware and anti-virus programs are free, or available in Trial or Demo versions.

All we need do is find out where to get them. But first, we need to find the reviewers who post the alerts.

If subscribing to newsletters and Blogs isn’t your usual surfing activity, you can do a search for security alert newsletters or security alert blogs. For example, do a Yahoo search for "security alert newsletter" (use the quotation marks to get the most appropriate search results). Do the same for a Yahoo or Google search on "security alert blog". (Blogs are web logs).

Investigate the first and second pages of the search results and select three or four of the listings as a starting point. Many newsletters are published on a monthly schedule and may not contain the most current information. Some are published weekly. They may be better choices.

Blogs are usually much more current since Blog authors often post their information every couple of days - some even on a daily basis.

Blogs are riding a major wave of popularity. For the serious searchers of current information, this is a great benefit. There aren’t as many Blog sites as web sites yet, so it’s often much easier to find the information you’re looking for.

Many Blog authors make their publications available for RSS (Real Simple Syndication) readers. If you have added a RSS reader to your browser, you can get up-to-the-minute alerts presented to you automatically. You don’t need to go looking for them.

Many updated browsers, like Netscape 8 and Firefox include this feature as part of their package. Expect the newest Internet Explorer to have a RSS Reader, too.

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the information you get. After doing these searches and reviews once or twice, it will be a simple task to select what you need to keep yourself current.

For starters, it is generally accepted practice to select and use at least two anti-spyware programs. Choose from among the two or three that receive the highest recommendations and ratings from the newsletter and Blog authors. Be especially watchful for and select one of those programs that provides ‘Real Time’ monitoring. (Which means that they monitor and catch any incoming bugs that may try to infect your machine while you are online).

Downloading instructions are nearly always present with the reviews. If not, you’ll find sites like c|net.com to be a good source for download links.

Just don’t forget to check for and update your security software. The spyware writers won’t give you a break if you do.

Supportcave.com offers new and enhanced Spyware Removal Software. Not only will these programs effectively check and clean your computer from Spyware, once installed they will also shield your computer from future Spyware intrusions and browser hijacks - before the malevolent software even have a chance to enter you PC! Spyware Remover Software is an important function all computer users should rely on to ensure their computer is free from nosey software and their privacy protected.

The world has gone digital. And why not, with all the inherent benefits of information technology. Businesses have taken advantage of the digital revolution with computers making work a lot easier. Computer accounting is one such area that has transformed the business process.

The effect can be seen in how financial details are organized and managed. From the time a transaction takes place, all the details are processed and stored on the computer. The effect not only continues till the balance sheet is completed but it gets carried forward to the next accounting year in many cases.

The accounts receivable stand-alone software applications or accounts receivable module offers significant benefits. Today, it’s possible to manage all sales transactions easily and efficiently using accounts receivable software. Simply key in the customer’s information and the credit transaction and the software takes care of the rest.

It starts by giving unique invoice number to the transaction. The customer account is debited with that particular amount. It reminds when the payment is due. At a single glance, details can be viewed and attended to. This makes the process of accounts receivable easy to handle. What’s more, the software centralizes the process, which frees up staff for other responsibilities.

Any authorized official at the company can view the transaction or customer details and stay informed. A host of software applications are available in the market with varying features. Most of them have been designed to seamlessly integrate with the company’s existing platform. When compared with advantages they offer, the cost of these applications is negligible and proves to be cost-effective over a period of time.

Accounts Receivable provides detailed information about accounts receivable, accounts receivable process, accounts receivable collection, and more. Accounts Receivable is the sister site of Accounts Receivable Management.

Although this is a fairly basic question, not everyone is aware of exactly what spyware or ad-ware is. Spyware, usually in the form of cookies or server-side code, installs itself into your browser while you are visiting a certain website. It can also get onto your PC from peer-to-peer file sharing programs like Bearshare, Kazaa, etc. And did you know that Microsoft have actually put their own ad-ware program into Microsoft Windows?

I bet you didn’t. If you are getting annoying windows-like popups (and you just re-installed windows or formatted) that say how to stop popups, etc. Then you need to consult my article on how to disable Window’s built in ad-ware service.

Why ad-ware and spyware was invented is simple. For as long as their has been privacy, there has been those that mean to invade that piracy. It is a never ending cycle, much like how good battles evil. Companies that produce spyware usually have bad intentions. After all, how can software that resides on your PC monitoring what you do, or trying to access your personal information, be used for a good cause?

It most certainly is not. When you think about it, Spyware certainly could have been made as a preventative measure. Like helping police find pedophiles and logging their steps. Whether it was invented for good or evil, spyware will collect your personal information and sometimes attempt to transfer it without your knowing. If you think you have spyware or ad-ware, refer to my article on getting rid of it.

Ad-ware was created as an extension of online marketing. Likely some online marketing gurus were looking for another way to reach their users. You may remember programs that were popular some time ago, ones that you made money on by surfing the ‘net. I myself never made a cent on them, but the way you were paid was through advertising. A small banner would change ads rapidly at the bottom of your screen. The thinking behind this program was you clicked on an ad, and that company you clicked on paid the company who’s program you were running money per click. In other words, say you were using Company 45’s "Make money by surfing the ‘net" program. Company 45 displays random ads across your screen at the bottom. You click on company 1402’s ad, so company 1402 pays 45 for that click. And for every click on the ads at the bottom, company 45 collects revenue per click.

The thinking behind this model is you will visit these websites, possibly buy something, become a regular forum poster, whatever. No matter what, by visiting their website you are another user who contributes to the revenue to that site (or not). Although this method of traffic generation is simple, it was one of the first PPC (Pay Per Click) models on the Internet. (If you’re into Internet marketing, you’ll know this method of PCC is ineffective because the traffic is completely non-targeted).

Anyways, ad-ware works a lot like this model. A company is paid money to get the software onto your PC and then display the ads on your box. A very small percentage will actually visit the URL that appears in the ad-ware dialog boxes, so either the company displaying the ads makes the money through PPC or cost per million (CPM). CPM means every million ads displayed, the company makes a certain amount. PPC is a more effective model, but likely these companies are paid CPM because very very few users will click on the ads. This way the company displaying the ad makes money just by displaying it.

And that’s the skinny on ad-ware and spyware, and where they come from. Feel free to use this article on your website.

I am a young, aspiring computer engineer into Internet Marketing, hardware, software, web design, SEO and just about anything related to computers. Please come check out my growing PC forum at http://www.markspcforum.com

I wanted to learn how to edit and do more than just join together short digital movie clips. I had found an mpeg joiner program on the internet, but that really wasn’t enough to get the job done. Many digital movie clips were not in mpeg format so that program didn’t work on them. Also mpeg joiner did not allow any alterations to sound quality, lighting or the color of the digital video. Something much better was needed.

One day I ran across the Virtual Dub program. It allows you to modify mpeg, avi, and divx digital video formats. That seemed like it might be what I was looking for. The thing is, to use Virtual Dub, it’s like learning a whole new program but once you learn the basics of working with video, it is really quite easy to use. Virtual Dub has one big limitation. It does not work on Windows media video files. For legal reasons access to those files has been blocked.

Usually the best thing to start with, is to find out the information about the digital video file. Sometimes this can be done by highlighting the file on your computer screen, right clicking the mouse and selecting properties. This works on Windows 98, but not so well on Windows XP which just indicates a video file. If Virtual Dub cannot load the video, it will indicate the reason why it can’t.

If Virtual Dub will load the file, selecting the file menu, and then file information, will tell you all about the digital video file. The information provided is the frame size of the video, the number of frames in the video, how many frames per second are shown, how much time the video takes to run, and the decompressor used to make the video.

Say you want to load an mpeg digital video file, edit out some scenes, enlarge the frame size, lighten up the picture a little, and increase the volume level so it plays louder. This is how it is done, and demonstrates how to use Virtual Dub. To load the file go to the main Virtual Dub menu and select file, then open video file. Select the folder your movie is located in and select the movie. Then click the open box. The movie will load and the first frame will show on your screen.

To edit out a scene you can either play the movie to the point you want to start the cut out area, or left click your cursor arrow on the track marker and drag it along running the movie quickly to the point where you want to start the cut out area. At that point click the button with the little hook pointing to the left, to mark the starting point of your cut area. Play the movie again to the end of the area you wish to cut out. Click the little box stop button. At that point click the button with the little hook pointing to right, to mark the end of the cut out area. Then push your delete key on your key board. That’s it that part of the movie will be deleted in the copy you make.

To enlarge the frame size to make the video picture larger, on the main menu, click video, then filters. In the filters menu click add, then scroll down and select resize, and click, ok. We are going to increase the size to 384 pixels by 288 pixels. So type in 384 in the top box and 288 in the box below it. In the filter mode box select precise bicubic (a=0.60) and click, ok. While still in the filters menu click add, select levels, then click, ok.

Click the show preview button so you can see the changes to the brightness you are going to make to the video. Play with the two top sliding arrows on the right hand side of the screen. They will lighten or darken the picture depending on the direction you move them. When you like the brightness of the picture you have selected click the ok button. You are again on the main filters menu, so click ok again.

To increase the volume of the movie, on the main Virtual Dub menu, click audio, click full processing mode, and click volume. A box will open. Click the little box beside adjust volume of audio channels. Now you can move the track pointer to the right to increase the volume a bit. Click ok. Then play the movie to test the volume level. To adjust the movie sound again go back to the volume area again.

To save the movie the video must be compressed to save disk space. On the main Virtual Dub menu click video, then compression. Select Microsoft mpeg-4 VKI codec V2. Click the configure box, type in 5 for seconds, move the compression control to 75, toward the crispness end of the scale. Move the data rate to the middle of the scale to 2960. Then press the ok button. Press the ok button again.

The audio of the video also must be compressed to save disk space. On the main Virtual Dub menu select audio, then conversion. We are going to change the audio frequency and make it stereo. Select custom and type in 24000. Select stereo and click the ok box. Go back to the main Virtual Dub menu click audio and compression. Select mpeg layer-3. Select the top category 56 kbits/s 24000 hz stereo. Click the ok button.

That’s it. Now you’re ready to save your edited video clip. On the main Virtual Dub menu select file, then save as avi. A box will open. Select the folder to save the video in. Type in a name for the video. Click the save box. Your edited digital movie is now being saved.

You have just learned how to edit digital video files using Virtual Dub.

——————————————————-
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Digital Video
——————————————————-

Formatting or re-installing windows on a Dell system is much simpler then doing so on other machines. If for any reason you need to format your Dell system or re-install windows on it, read on.

Dell packages a CD with each of their systems. This CD will read "Dell windows XP home," "Dell windows XP pro," or something along those lines. This is a Dell version of Windows XP that when inserted into your CD-ROM drive at startup, will simply ask you if you need to format or re-install windows. It is a step-by-step dialog which is very simple, and is actually easier then the blue "Windows setup" screen. This blue screen is infamous; and is disliked by many PC users. It can be difficult to understand unless you are an advanced user.

The great thing about this disk is you won’t need to access the Dell BIOS/CMOS and change your boot sequence for your PC to read it before your hard drive (in most cases). If you put the CD into your drive, re-boot, and your box still loads windows instead of booting from the CD, you will need to change your boot sequence in your BIOS. This is not too difficult - just look for what key is "setup" at startup. Usually, this is delete, or one of the F keys like F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12.

Once in setup, look around the different menus for the boot sequence. Make sure it is set to boot to CD-ROM for first boot device, then hard drive as second (or third). As long as it is set to CD-ROM first, and hard drive is somewhere after that, it doesn’t matter what’s in there.

And that’s basically it for formatting or re-installing Windows on a Dell box. Dell kept it easy for their clients, in an effort to maintain user-friendliness in the most difficult of situations. Their stock goes up in my book.

I am a young, aspiring computer engineer into Internet Marketing, hardware, software, web design, SEO and just about anything related to computers. Please come check out my growing PC forum at http://www.markspcforum.com