John'z PC Hut

by E.S. Cromwell

In terms of job options to select from and career avenues to follow, of all the fields out there to pursue it is certain that within the IT working world not only are a slew of selections available, but a handful of opportunity is also provided.

Experience a side, no matter if you’re extremely well-versed in computer and/or information technologies, or are, on the other hand, out of the loop with the computing world - yet enthusiastically willing to learn - there’s an IT spot for you. And of the many choices available there is one that seems to be a shining choice, offering both promising results and lucrative outcomes.

This IT option is that of Comp TIA, specifically Comp TIA Network+ and Comp TIA Security+.

Comp TIA Network+ and Security+ - Both Are Fine Choices

So, whether you’re looking to get into networking or security operations, the Comp TIA realm of the IT working world can undoubtedly prove to be a beneficial pursuit to better your current work proficiency (as well as status) or even sturdily start you out as an IT certified professional. And it’s clear that being certified in the IT world is essential to making the most money, gaining the highest level of respect and attaining career-improving promotions.

Overall, gaining certifications in either of the Comp TIAs will be a great asset and accomplishment to have; this is so simply because both the networking and security work forces are constantly evolving and rapidly expanding, and as such, are continually requesting for a larger and much more adept workforce.

But, I’m sure you want to know just exactly what both the Comp TIA Network+ and Security+ certifications are all about first, right? Of course you do.

So, What Is This Comp TIA Network+ Certification?

As a vendor-neutral certification you’ll know that you have options in selecting which vendors to work for and under, such as Microsoft and Cisco. Now, what you’ll gain from such a certification is more or less a stamp of credibility to your specific title. In this case, you will gain competency in network administration and overall support.

So, what does this confirm about you once you’ve completed the certification? Well, a few things. Of the knowledge gained you will confirm to current and/or prospective employers that, as a technician, you have the aptitude of media and topologies, standards and protocols as well as network implementation and general network support.

Through the examination process, you will also gain such knowledge as all-purpose security, how to keep safety in mind as well as how to communicate well, in a professional and proper manner.

And, What of This Comp TIA Security+ Certification?

Again, being a vendor-neutral certification, you’ll have options. In terms of what you’ll gain here, expect to know everything about IT security. Through gaining this certification you will validate, from your technician stance, that you are fully knowledgeable of communication security, infrastructure security, operational security, cryptography and all other rudimentary and general security concepts.

Why is this a worthwhile certification to pursue? Due to the simple fact that most security breaches are caused by the lack of a refined security knowledge and overall human error, having a Comp TIA Security+ certification is comfort to the working IT community’s ears.

This is so simply because this certification proves that you have competency and credentials with IT security, and hopefully (”canceling” out human error) the knack to stop an infrastructure break in way before it’s even attempted.

With the above knowledge, all you have to do now is decide and research which Comp TIA Certification is best suited or most interesting to you. So, what are you waiting for, an IT invitation? Get to it.

E.S. Cromwell may be contacted at or e,s,cromwellian@gmail.com

Laptop LCD Screen Removal - Easy Step By Step Instructions
By Keri Cooper

When the LCD panel in a laptop gets cracked, there is not much more that you can do about it other than simply replacing it.

The cost for the LCD panel itself will likely be fairly expensive. The process involved will be only slightly different between laptop makes and models, so these step by step instructions will apply to the vast majority of laptops.

Before you ever work on any of the hardware inside a laptop computer, always make sure the laptop is not connected to any power source and that the battery has been removed.

Have you have ever noticed the little rubber dots along the plastic edge, bezel, of your laptop screen? Those are actually screw hole covers. Start by carefully removing these with the edge of a very fine flat head screw driver and set them aside.

You could also use any fine pointed tool or the tip of a small knife. You can now access and remove the bezel screws.

Once the screws have been removed you can remove the actual bezel itself. This can be tricky because these need to be snapped out, and it often can make you think that you are pulling too hard on the bezel.

It is usually best to start at the upper edge along the display screen until one corner has snapped out, and then work your way around the edge unsnapping the bezel as you go.

Once the bezel has been removed you will want to remove the very tiny screws along the frame of the LCD panel. These secure the LCD panel to the rest of the laptop. Once this has been done you will be able to lay the screen down and unplug the video cable.

The video cable is a wide flat cable that will be around one to two and half inches wide or so. Many times this cable will have a piece of yellow tape over it.

Next you can remove the inverter cable. This usually has two wires connecting to a plastic end piece which clips into the inverter. There is usually one pink wire, and one white wire.

The inverter itself is an elongated, narrow circuit board contained within a clear plastic cover. There may be a screw in the inverter will have to be removed in order to unplug the wires.

Some models may require the removal of hinge screws. If your laptop has built in wireless capability there will be an addition wire to remove from the back of the screen when you are removing the video cable.

When removing these parts and screws during this process, it is a good idea to set them aside in an organized fashion that will allow you to work your way backwards through these steps when it comes time to install the replacement LCD screen.

Always be extra careful when handling the new replacement laptop LCD panel as these are easily scratched during the installation process.

About the Author

Keri Cooper always has lots of great how-to advice on computer repair. Keri holds numerous industry standard computer network and security certifications and has worked as a technician for several of the largest computer manufactures in the world. Keri is currently Senior Consultant for http://priceit.biz

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keri_Cooper
http://EzineArticles.com/?Laptop-LCD-Screen-Removal—Easy-Step-By-Step-Instructions&id=1190015

Many of us have seen the ‘LifeLock’ commercials where this guy, Todd Davis dares someone to try to steal his identity.

What he claims is his social security number flashes on the screen, even having a truck drive around displaying his number during the commercial.

Well it turns out that several attempts (87) to steal his identity have occurred with one succeeding.

To make matters worse, Todd Davis is now being sued by several people in Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia, claiming his service didn’t work as promised basically accusing him of, because the service did not even work for him…Click here to read the article.

 Note: Security experts say complaints about the company reinforce the time-honored wisdom of keeping your Social Security number secret.

“There’s been a lot of marketing, a lot of hype about LifeLock,” said Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy with the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. “The question is, ‘How much protection does it really buy you?’”

“There is no company that can guarantee they can protect you (completely) against identity theft,” Stephens said. “Absolutely nobody can do that.”

A Must Read: How I lost $5,500 on the Internet!