It's been happening for years but is more common with the faster CD drives. New CD Drives can rotate the CD at a much higher speed than a few years ago. But some CDs weren't designed to be rotated at high speed. If there is the slightest imperfection in the CD, the spinning will amplify it to such an extent that it will become unsteady and slam with great force into the wall of the CD drive. At those speeds they don't just shatter, they explode with such force that the shards can smash open the CD drive door and hurt somebody. 

Things to look for. 
1. Does the CD look uneven?
2. Are there any minor cracks in the middle of the CD? 
3. Does the CD have a label that is just a small sticker on one part? 
4. If the label is inked on, is the ink thicker on some parts than on others? 
5. Is your drive a 52x speed or greater? 

If you look out for these problems and be wary of using cheap CDs, you will have a good chance of avoiding the problem. Other things you can do: Make sure that the CD drive is not at eye level. Put the computer under the table if you can or turn it around if you are sitting your monitor on it so that the cd drive drawer faces away from you. For more information, try and get hold of back issue copies of Australian PC User April 2003.

2. Specialised Surge Protection for your computer.

Many computer owners use their personal computer for surfing the net, writing letters, or just some minor catch up work. If you're one of these people then you're probably happy with your computer being attached to a simple surge protected power board. If, on the other hand, you use your computer as a home office, you really need to invest in a UPS.

A UPS protects your computer system, not only from power surges, but also from losing that report you've been working on when the power goes. 

How they work. UPS' vary in size but the most common ones for home or small business are about half the size of a mid 1990s computer case, depending on the model you buy. They contain a rechargeable battery that charges while it is plugged in as well as sockets for your computer, your phone line and your network cable if you have one. They usually give you at least 3 minutes to save your work and shut down your computer. The battery sustains your computer for those crucial minutes after the blackout happens, allowing you to safely save your work. Without it, it would be likely that you would have lost whatever you were working on. Also, blackouts aren't very good to computers and will lead to a build up of temporary files and other problems. 

Another thing that some of the UPS do that doesn't happen with your regular $6.00 surge button power board is that it will compensate for changes in the electricity current. Electricity fluctuates due to a variety of reasons. This sort of fluctuation can lead to damaged circuits, corrupted files and a faulty modem. While this may not seem such a risk on a computer just used for home use, if you're storing important files on your system you really need a UPS to make sure they're protected. The electricity fluctuation protection comes in the more expensive models but if you plan on protecting your business computers, you might as well get the best one for the job. 

We recommend the APC series of SmartUps. If you're interested in getting a surge protector for your computer, contact us to arrange a quote.

3. Smart Screens are here. 

Microsoft has a new type of computer screen called a Smart Screen. It is not a laptop or Tablet PC, rather it is a portable touch screen with a wireless connection to your home computer. You would be able to sit by the pool and check the latest news or pass around the family digital photos at the dinner table. You can take the screen anywhere in your house. Some development is needed regarding the network speed so watching movies on it could be a bit jumpy, but if you're wanting to sit on the lounge and read your emails between the ad breaks this is ideal. Please note that it will only run on computers with wireless connections and is only compatible with Windows XP Professional. 

Update 2004. Microsoft has discontinued the Smart Screen due to poor sales.

That's it for this March issue. Hope you have a great Easter season.

------------------------------------------------ 

Please keep the following boring stuff attached if passing this email on. Copyright 2003 Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 54 065 417 665 Mention of products, services, ideas, articles, news etc is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither a recommendation nor an endorsement. Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of these products, services or information. Unless otherwise indicated all pricing is RRP in Australian dollars correct at time of publication. All URL's are correct at time of emailing. Product specifications are subject to change. No responsibility is taken for information read from the off site links. 
Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd