For a long while, I would never use a magnetic screwdriver when working on a computer. I had an experience where a motherboard was working prior to the ‘repair’ and not working after. I had taken the usual precautions so I did not believe it was due to static, rather the magnetic screwdriver I was using. Since then I haven’t used one.

After doing some searching on the Internet regarding this subject, it appears my case was isolated to say the least. From what I can tell, they are used by just about everyone with no negative effects. I can certainly see why because dealing with tiny screws is difficult without one.

I imagine most of our readers use a magnetic screwdriver when working on computers. If you do, have you ever experienced a failure you would attribute to the use of one?

Compared to regular PCs, laptop upgrades are seriously simple to do. While you’d think the compact shape would make it more difficult to take apart and upgrade, this isn’t true.

In this article I’ll give you the how-to on three simple upgrades for major components – and how/where to get the parts you need.

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I have written in the past about how valuable a system memory selector tool is when you are looking to upgrade the amount of RAM in your system. For the most part, you just find the “type” of RAM you need and then buy it, of course if you do not know what type you need a system memory selector tool is invaluable.

The other day, I stumbled across Newegg’s “Memory Configurator” (not sure if that is even a word) which basically runs a search in their product database for all memory which is a fit for your system. Considering Newegg is, seemingly, the most popular online vendor with this site’s readers, this makes a great tool.

I have recently placed an order which resulted from use of this tool and plan to use it a lot more in the future.