Battery Backup
Check street prices Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“The Back-UPS ES offers affordable battery backup and surge protection for home computers. With enough power outlets to protect your entire system, built-in phone/fax/modem line (DSL compatible) protection and easy-to-install safe system shutdown software all make this power protection solution the best value for home and home office computers.”
Anchor Link Cool And Quiet
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
Author: Fred Langa
Published: 2004-02-23
A three-part article on PC cooling and quieting noisy fans. Part I is available via the Title Button, above.
Part II is here: ( Article – Part 2 )
and Part III here: ( Article – Part 3 ).
Anchor Link Fan Listening Room
Commercial Prices Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“Listen to every fan we sell here in Sidewinder Computers’ The Listening Room. All fan sounds were recorded in MP3 audio format (128kbps bit rate; 44.1kHz sample rate) and are ranked by apparent loudness. To hear them, you must have an MP3 player installed, such as Winamp, Sonique, Musicmatch and others.”
Anchor Link FCC ID Search
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
You are stuck with a mysterious piece of hardware, but unless you can determine the make and model you can’t find the drivers for it. Don’t throw it away. Most computer hardware has an FCC IDentification number. Go to this site and you may be able to match that number with a name.
Anchor Link Graphics Card Comparisons
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-04-18
Revision: 26.3 – Released: 2013-04-18
“These days, there are so many graphics card models that it has become quite impossible to keep up with the different configurations. Therefore, we decided to compile this guide to provide an easy reference for those who are interested in comparing the specifications of the various desktop GPUs in the market as well as those already obsolescent or obsolete.
“Currently covering over 529 desktop graphics cards, this comprehensive comparison will allow you to easily compare 23 different specifications for each and every card! We hope it will prove to be a useful reference. We will keep this guide updated regularly so do check back for the latest updates!”
Anchor Link Hardware Reviews
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“Legion Hardware is an independent internet based computer hardware review service. Legion Hardware aims to provide all computer users with objective, easy to read reviews and tips on the latest market hardware. Reviews are written in an uncomplicated format with the objective of providing practical and constructive information which can be easily comprehended by all computer users. Legion Hardware aims to provide fully independent and objective reviews based on a range of predetermined practical application tests.”
Anchor Link Intel Chipset Identification
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-03-12
Version: 6.0 – Released: 2011-07-13 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7
File Size: 232 KB
“This utility provides an easy way to identify the specific Intel chipset that is located on your motherboard. This information can be used to determine if your system supports software such as the Intel Application Accelerator, Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility, or Intel’s Graphics Drivers.
“Note: This utility will only identify your chipset, not your processor. To identify what type of Intel processor you have, download the Intel Processor Identification Utility.”
Anchor Link Intel Chipset Device Software
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-03-27
Version: 9.4.0.1017 – Released: 2013-03-27 Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8
File Size: 5.6 MB
“The Intel Chipset Device Software (Formerly Chipset Software Installation Utility) will ‘automatically’ tell you if you need to update your chipset INF file, and if so, will prompt you to install and you are done. This will save you a lot of time not only on your chipset download but the most common files needed for your system.
“The Intel Chipset Device Software installs the Windows INF files. An INF is a text file that provides the operating system with information about a piece of hardware on the system. In the case of the current Intel Chipset Device Software, that information is primarily the product name for the piece of hardware. This allows the operating system to show the correct name for that piece of hardware in Device Manager.”
Anchor Link Intel Processor Identification Utility
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-03-06
Version: 4.6.0 – Released: 2013-03-05 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8
File Size: 1.39 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“The Intel Processor Identification Utility was developed by Intel Corporation to identify the processor inside a system, assuring the processor contains intended technologies and is operating at the tested and rated frequency intended by Intel Corporation.
“The bootable version of the Processor Identification Utility is operating system independent. After the bootable disk is created, that disk can be used on any platform by rebooting the system with that disk in a bootable drive. Once the system boots, it will load the utility so the Intel processor can be identified.”
Anchor Link Iomega iConnect Data Station
List Price: $99.99 Last Reviewed: 2010-06-12
“The Iomega iConnect is a small box that enables users to connect up to four USB storage devices to their wired or wireless network. Those devices can be USB hard drives or even flash drives. The storage can be mixed and matched, and it’s available individually to every computer in your home. Additionally, you can set up iConnect with a dynamic DNS service that enables the sharing to work with any Internet-connected computer. Instructions are included for this type of setup.
“The iConnect can help you back up your Windows PC with included backup software. Macintosh users can use iConnect storage with their computer’s built-in Time Machine backup software. Users also can configure iConnect as an AV server to stream music, photos and video from the network storage to their computers or even a PS3 or Xbox 360 for playback on their TV.
“The iConnect’s USB ports also can share up to two USB printers on your network. The device uses gigabit Ethernet or 802.11 b/g/n wireless networking.”
Anchor Link Ironkey Flash Drive
Retail prices Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
Capacities: Available in 1GB thru 16GB Windows:
“IronKey, designed to be the world’s most secure USB flash drive, locks down your sensitive files and passwords with some of today’s most advanced security technologies, including hardware encryption for safeguarding your data and advanced Internet protection software and services for securing your passwords and web browsing. And even if your IronKey is lost or stolen, not only is your data still protected, but you can restore it from an encrypted backup to a new IronKey and be up and running again in no time.
“IronKey Enterprise Special Edition is designed for environments with strict limits on third-party software and external connectivity. It has:
♦ Hardware level access control.
♦ Always-on data encryption.
♦ Self-destruct sequences using advanced ‘Flash-Trash’ technology.
♦ Rugged metal casing to withstand extreme environments.
♦ Tamper-resistant and waterproof to MIL-STD-810F.
“IronKey Standard Edition has all the benefits of IronKey Enterprise Special Edition plus a suite of security applications and services:
♦ Mozilla Firefox Web Browser
♦ IronKey Password Manager
♦ Secure Sessions Service for safe and private web surfing
♦ Secure Backup software in case your IronKey is ever lost or stolen
♦ Secure Updates”
Anchor Link Keyboards
Various retail prices Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“Fentek Industries, Inc. is your single source for custom, standard, programmable, and ergonomic computer keyboards, computer keys, specialized keys and keysets, custom printed keytops, keycaps, keyboard templates, keytop and keyfront overlay labels, membrane graphics, large print and assistive keyboards, language keytop overlays and International language keyboards, keyboard accessories, keyboard protectors, and custom keyboard modifications.”
Anchor Link Microsoft Fingerprint Reader Stanley’s Pick
Street prices Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
Windows: XP, Vista
“Say goodbye to password hassles. Now you can log on to your computer and your favorite Web sites with the touch of your finger, without having to remember all those passwords — simply place your finger on the receiver whenever a password or username is required.
“Easy-to-use software makes replacing passwords with your fingerprint a snap. First, the Registration Wizard opens and helps you register your fingerprints. Then, when you visit a site that requires a password, just touch the Fingerprint Reader with any registered finger, enter your data, and then click OK — it’s the last time you need to enter that information. Now, you can browse to the Web site, and then log in with a swipe of the finger or log in with a click of the mouse via Quick Links. If you turn on Fast User Switching in Windows XP, you can use the Fingerprint Reader to switch between user accounts without actually logging off from the computer. With a touch of a finger, you can quickly switch between users without closing programs and files — and each user’s personal content stays personal.”
[ DigitalPersona Password Manager software, Version 2.0, is a free download; Ed. ]
( Click Here For Download )
Anchor Link ModemHelp
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“Init Strings| Drivers | Support Sites | HighSpeed | Product Reviews | Command Sets”
Anchor Link Motherboards
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“Your complete source for motherboard info: Reviews, ID Tools, Specs, Rankings, How To Guides, and more. Motherboards.org is committed to being the most comprehensive information/editorial site about motherboards on the Web. We are confident that you will not find another site that covers the subject in more detail than Motherboards.org. We also recognize that there is much more data that we can provide, and this is exactly what we spend our time doing. Gathering and publishing information for all to share and finding ways to present that data in an easy to find and use format.”
Anchor Link Notebook Cooler
$27.99 Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“Cooling system for Notebook/laptop computers. Features:
♦ Protect your valuable investment and reduce heat-related instability.
♦ USB-powered cooler with pass-through connector included.
♦ Draw power from any USB port without losing use of the USB port.
♦ Works great with both Macs and PCs.
♦ Low power consumption.
♦ No batteries or power adapter needed.
♦ 2 Double ball-bearing fans for reliability.
♦ Quieter than a whisper, only 25.9 dB(A).
♦ AQ3 Antec Quality three-year warranty.”
Anchor Link Optical Storage Reviews
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
Optical storage hardware reviews. Listed by manufacturer, storage type, speed, and latest additions.
Anchor Link PC Power and Cooling
Retail prices Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“For over 25 Years, PC Power & Cooling has been at the forefront of the high-performance computer power supply industry. We have produced many innovations along the way: the first CPU cooler, the first PC heat alarm, the first independently-regulated PC power supply, the first redundant power system, the first NVIDIA SLI Certified supply, the first 1000W computer power supply and the first—and still only company—to offer an individual certified test report with each power supply sold. We produce the world’s premier high-performance computer power supplies, all expertly engineered in San Diego, California.”
Anchor Link PCI Vendor and Device Lists
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“This page is primarily intended as an engineering resource for people who need to deal with computers built around the PCI bus. It’s reason for being is that there is no other centralized database of PCI device IDs. This database is entirely user-supported; all the data has been, and continues to be, furnished by those working in the PCI market. Feel free to add info for the use of others!
“What’s available here: PCI Vendor List By Name or by Vendor ID. From these lists, you can select a vendor, and get more information about either the vendor itself or the devices they manufacture. (These lists are long, and may take a little while to load). There are links available to add information to the database as well.”
Anchor Link Power Conditioners
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“Reviews – Articles – Discussions – Manufacturers – Shop for Power Conditioners. Comparison Shop – Power Conditioners – Find the lowest prices or compare power conditioners, surge supressors, and UPS.”
Anchor Link Power Wattage Calculator
Free Online Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“The Wattages listed are maximum peak wattages for each component. The total amount this calculator figures is for all devices running at peak utilization. It is important to bear in mind that this amount will never be reached under typical operation. However we feel that this tool will give you a better idea of how much power your system will need. After all when it comes to power, having too large of a power supply is never a bad thing! It is important to note that power listings for some video cards are only estimates: the video card industry rarely reveal how much power their cards are drawing.”
Anchor Link Removable Drive Drawers
Pricing: $22.00 and up Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“Removable drive drawers (mobile racks) are intended to give simple access and portability to computer hard drives. Drive drawers generally come in two pieces. One (the bay) is mounted in a standard 5.25 inch bay opening in the front of the computer. The other (the caddy) contains the hard drive. The movable caddy moves in or out of the bay on slides. When the caddy is seated in the bay and locked in place the connection between the hard drive and the computer IDE or SCSI port is completed and the hard drive operates normally. The ‘caddy’ is also called a tray, a case, a rack, a mobile drive, removable disk, etc. The ‘bay’ is variously called a frame, a dock, a slide etc. The most commonly used descriptions for the entire assembly are ‘drive drawers’ and ‘mobile racks’. The part fastened into the 5.25” bay is most generally called a ‘bay’, and the portable part is most commonly called a ‘caddy.’ These are the naming conventions we try to follow on our site.
“The Removable Hard Disk Drawer is perfect for educational use, where the same PC needs to run several different operating systems, high speed, high capacity backups, hot-swap server drives, or any mission critical PC where downtime must be minimized.”
Anchor Link Weekly Price Index
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-10
“The Tech Zone and Shopping.com is pleased to bring you this weekly hardware price index. You have no need to go searching the net for the best prices on your next piece of hardware. We have done all the work for you. The guide will be updated every Tuesday and Friday. Low prices are listed at the time of update from the highlighted vendor and may have changed. You can always get the latest prices by clicking on the ‘Check Prices’ link.”