Computer Help USA FAQ & How-To Library

Adding Memory

Add RAM to dramatically speed up an older computer.

Buying a Computer

Compare prepackaged and custom-built systems before you buy.

What Is Cache Memory?

How L1 and L2 cache affect your processor’s speed.

What Is a CPU?

Your processor, clock speed, and what really matters.

What Is a DMA Channel?

Direct memory access, channel assignments and conflicts.

Electrostatic Discharge

How static can destroy parts, and how to stop it.

What Is the BIOS?

The Basic Input/Output System, POST and flashing.

What Is the CMOS?

Battery-powered system settings and how to back them up.

Client-Server Networking

Central servers, security, and the costs involved.

What Costs Are Involved?

Design, domain, hosting and online store pricing.

About Web Design

Browsers, compatibility, and knowing your audience.

What Is a Domain Name?

Your website’s unique address and how to find one.

E-Commerce and You

Why selling online should be part of your business.

Who Hosts My Website?

How to choose a web host for your site.

Hubs, Switches & Routers

Understanding the building blocks of networking.

What Is an I/O Address?

How devices talk to your computer.

What Is an IRQ?

Interrupt requests and hardware conflicts.

Memory Types

The different kinds of RAM explained.

Do I Need a New Computer?

Upgrade or replace? A practical guide.

Peer-to-Peer Networking

Networking workstations without a central server.

What Is a Protocol?

How computers communicate over a network.

What Is RAM?

The working memory your computer relies on.

What Is ROM?

Read-only memory and its role in your PC.

What Is Safe Mode?

Diagnosing problems with minimal drivers.

Upgrading to Windows 2000

What to know before you upgrade.

Upgrading Your Hard Drive

Add capacity and speed to your system.

Upgrading Your Video Card

Improve graphics performance.

Upgrading to Windows XP

Considerations for moving to XP.

Can My Company Be “www.mycompany.com”?

Owning your own domain name.