Tips: University Computer

Department of the College for the first time can be scary enough without the added inconvenience additional materials such as computers can provide. Learn to use your computer properly can help you avoid a lot of wasted time and money. In college, you should worry about making the grade and do not make your computer work.

Setting up your computer is not as difficult as you think it is. Your brand new computer usually comes with software installed, you will find very useful as you work at it. If you use the PC, you probably have an operating system installed, such as Windows XP or Vista. Some even throw in the Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. all of which will be very useful in writing and creating presentations. Another feature that is usually already installed is your Internet browser such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera or any other application used to surf the Web for research and e-mail.

If you do not already have the software you need to do your tasks on the campus, you must purchase and install themselves. The software comes with easy to install instructions. But you have to make sure first that your computer can handle each software system requirements. Take note of processor speed, operating system, memory or RAM and hard disk space.

Another very important program, you need an antivirus program installed. Whether it's AVG, McAfee, or any other application, it is always good to be protected. Updates are usually available online from the merchant site so it is better to check for updates once in a while.

Apart from the software needed to perform certain tasks, college students should also invest in the following computer peripherals:

* Printer. You need a to print reports, essays, term papers, and ultimately your thesis. Hard copies are still the norm in schools despite Green's peace bid on a "paperless society". Although some merchants give you a free printer, if you buy a computer for them, you would still have to buy ink cartridges and paper.
* CD / DVD drive. Most computers ship with a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. It is important to have one when you need to install software that usually comes on a CD. Can also consider investing in a CD burner or writer, so you can store your files on CDs and clear out space in your computer for faster processing speed. This would also prevent the loss of files, so the computer crashes.
* USB drive or Stick. This little baby comes in handy to copy and store files from your computer. Faster than to burn your files on CD, USB drives, depending on the brand, can store up to 4 GB, you need to copy. Since it no longer anything new, they're not at all expensive and can be carried around your neck as a necklace with a 2-inch appendage. Please note that that if you remove the drive without stopping first use all of your files in the drive may be erased or damaged.