One of the largest acts of chicanery in the technology world is the big-brand PC retail market, and you can quote me on that.  HP, Dell, Alienware, and all the rest are providing you with a service that takes only a few hours and minimal computer knowledge(relatively speaking), and the results are insane premiums drooped over your pricetag.  The average $1,500 PC can be bought unassembled from just about any online parts retailer (such as newegg) for under $1200.  Don’t believe me?  Lemme learn ya a thing or two.

In the first of a two-part series, I’ll talk about why it’s so beneficial to the consumer to build their own PC or have someone they know do it for them.  In my second article I’ll take a more in-depth look at the actual assembly of your own PC.  So lets get started.

(more…)

According to the BBC, some cyber criminals have recently been seeking out IT students for “underground employment.” As computers and the internet have become more advanced, so have the techniques in which information is compromised.

Anybody is capable of basic theft, but when it comes to cyber theft, it sometimes requires the skills of an outsider. What better place to look than at universities and tech schools? Some students are now being paid under the table while they study programming, networking, and other computer related fields of trade.

I’m not surprised to hear this at all. In fact this has probably been going on ever since computers existed. Big brother may or may not be watching, but what about that one guy who sits next to you in class? You never know…

Hacking pays extremely well, but it is also extremely illegal. So parents, if your IT student comes home for Christmas with a new Ferrari (or even a new video card these days!) this might be a sign that it’s time for a little talk.