In this section we examine PC problems, questions, and facts relating to hardware, software, networks and the Internet. FAQ in the computing world is a Frequently Asked Question.

Although marine computing is normally the focus here, of course most of it applies on land as well. The advantage of a marine-based perspective is that the sea takes no prisoners – you can't get away with sloppy installation and maintenance procedures aboard; and use at sea means utilising the most efficient ways of going about things, or frustration and failure will result. Faults are magnified and take on a larger significance; inability to comprehend the various options can make PC use harder. Occasionally there is a difference between marine-based and land-based best practice, and we point this out.

One of the most obvious differences between marine and land use is that the laptop rules onboard; a PC is only appropriate on a boat which has enough space for this to be installed for use in harbour, with the laptop used on passage. Naturally, this situation resolves itself at a boat length of 60-foot upward; as many other problems do, of course. Apart from the bills.

Anyway, having a PC and a laptop isn't an expensive option, since a cheap, older secondhand laptop is perfectly adequate for any passagemaking use, and will handle all marine programs without problems. A Pentium2 laptop from the late 90's, of say 500 MHz CPU speed, runs any eChart / eNav package in existence.

This section comprises a mixture of Information Pages, Data Sheets and Tutorials.








Technobabble
[deleted and hosted elsewhere]

Linux
 [deleted and hosted elsewhere]

Zip Programs
  – Zip and Unzip utilities are a vital tool for all PC users.

Internet Codes
[deleted and hosted elsewhere]

FDISK for Dummies
 [deleted and hosted elsewhere]

Email Technical Help
  – Anything you ever wanted to know (but limited by space restrictions).

What Are IPs?
  – A good question. Here's the Ins and Outs.

Firewalls
  – Do I need one? What type? Which ones are any good?
Which ones should be avoided?

Internet Tips
  – Some useful tips to help you surf safe, and download delightfully.

Defragging
  – There's more to it than meets the eye.

FTP
  – What is it, and do I need it?

Build a Cantenna
  – A homebrew microwave waveguide antenna for extending your laptop's WiFi range.

WarDriving (and WarSailing)
  – What on earth is that?

Windows v. Linux v. Mac
  – What's the Best Boat OS? And what's all this about Linux; and what about Macs too?

Download Managers
  – What they are and why you need one.

How To Switch Off Your PC
  – This is a joke, right? No, actually: you're probably doing it wrong,
and we explain the Right Way.

Installing and Securing WiFi Routers
  – selecting, installing, securing, and troubleshooting a WiFi router.

All-USB Laptops – a Good Idea?
  – cheap laptops now often come with only USB ports. Is this OK?

Firefox
  – great browser, shame about the bugs.

Burning a 'Real' CD from an Image File
  – what .iso and .nrg files are, and how to get CDs from them.

Firefox: Copy & Paste Problems
  – online clipboard functions are disabled by default – here's the fix.

P2P
  – what it is and how to use it safely.

Sending Large Files
  – deleted, hosted elsewhere.

Hard Resets
  – reboot / soft reset / hard reset: how to fix fix crashes and lockouts on your PC, laptop or router.

PC Astronav
  – how to use 21st century technology to solve 18th century problems. And have some fun as well.

How To Use Acronis True Image
  – deleted and hosted elsewhere

How To Port-Forward a Router
  – a quick tute on basic port-forwarding for webapps: how to get P2P working through your broadband router, for instance.

The Real Broadband Speed Chart
  – confused about what those ISPs' speed figures mean? You'll need this, then.

UPS
  – uninterruptible power supplies for the PC: what are the pros and cons of online and offline units? Got an inverter? Then build a homebrew UPS.

Thunderbird for email
  – how to change over to the T-bird email client: account setup and spam filters.





    Website Section


XAMPP
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Port Numbers
  – What are they, and why do I need them?

Buying a Domain Name               
  – Why? HowTo.

Website Hosting Packages         
  – The choices available.








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