Tag Archives: hardware

Laptop disassembly, internal cleaning, and fan lubrication (fix noisy fan)

The cooling fan in my Lenovo R61i has been getting noisy for the past few weeks. As a no-frills business laptop, it has served me very well and I would not hesitate to buy another Lenovo machine. However, I have … Continue reading

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What is primary storage and secondary storage?

Computer systems may use primary and secondary storage devices. Primary storage is also referred to as main storage or memory. Primary storage devices provide quick access and high transfer speeds. RAM (Random Access Memory) provides a convenient form of volatile … Continue reading

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Address bus, data bus, and control bus explained

Early computer buses used parallel electric wires to transfer data. For example, an 8-bit bus used eight wires plus ground. Modern computer buses can use parallel or serial connections but they essentially serve the same purpose of transporting binary data … Continue reading

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Cheap Samsung netbook (no Windows) for less than £180

Last week, I helped a friend select and purchase a new computer. Despite using the tagline Samsung recommends Windows 7, our new computer came pre-installed with DOS (think back to the 80s and early 90s) and no Microsoft Windows operating … Continue reading

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Memory upgrade for Lenovo R61i laptop computer

I do all my work on a Lenovo R61i laptop computer. Although not the fastest (it is nearly three years old) it has an excellent build quality and came with a free upgrade to a three year warranty. It also … Continue reading

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SOLVED: HP LaserJet 5N exhaust fan runs during PowerSave mode

Earlier this week I helped a friend install a secondhand HP LaserJet 5N printer purchased from eBay. The printer is working flawlessly but something we noticed is the exhaust fan always runs even when the printer is in power saving … Continue reading

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HP LaserJet 5N and cheap wireless printing

Earlier this week I helped a friend purchase a secondhand HP LaserJet 5N printer from eBay for less than two pounds. The printer was in excellent condition and was being sold because the owner had upgraded to a new computer … Continue reading

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