Archive for the ‘Hardware’ Category

Tips To Maximize The Performance Of Windows XP

May 22nd, 2011 by admin
Tips To Maximize The Performance Of Windows XP Are you a fan of Windows XP? You can increase the efficiency of your system with some simple adjustments. You can also get help from a supplier of computer repair services to perform this task. There are many computer repair companies that offer operating systems. In this article, you will find some of the best tips to increase the efficiency of your operating system Windows XP.
The first thing to do is change the FAT32, NTFS. This file system was much better security and speed of your computer. At the end of this task, open the command prompt by going to ‘Start \ Run and type cmd. “You must type’ convert (drive letter): / fs: ntfs” to convert the disk to NTFS. For example, convert the C: drive, type “c: / fs: ntfs” prompt.
It is also recommended to disable the hibernation feature. The option of sleep for Windows XP operating system provides a copy of the contents of memory on your hard disk before closing. And the user can resume exactly where it left off. To save this information, the computer reserves space on your hard drive. If you do not use the hibernation feature, it is best to disable this feature. To disable hibernation, with the “Start / Control Panel / Performance and Maintenance / Power Options. “Go Go on” Hibernate tab and uncheck “Enable Hibernation” check box.
Should also reduce the Recycle Bin reserved space. Windows XP reserves 10 percent of each hard drive to store deleted files. Usually not necessary and can reduce the size of the disk. Click the Recycle Bin and select “Properties.” By default, the “global” is selected. However, reducing the percentage of each player is booked for the Recycle Bin and ‘OK’ button.
Another useful tweak to disable the theme service. Windows XP themes to spend a lot of system resources, and changing the traditional style of Windows, you can increase your computer’s performance. You just simply delete the “themes” in the service and restore classic Windows desktop appearance. To do this, click on “My Computer” and select “manage”. Then the Windows computer management, services and applications. “Next, select the” services “and the right window, highlight your service.” Right click and select “Property issues” and “Startup type” drop-down menu, select “Off”.
In addition to these improvements, you can also try a number of other issues, such as disabling the indexing service, defragmenting the hard drive (s), who writes the cache to the hard drives, hard drives spin down to stop and set the DMA for all drives. You should also remove the name and performance metrics, and to remove the page a file system.

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Tips To Install Windows 7 On An SSD

April 23rd, 2011 by admin

Tips To Install Windows 7 On An SSDWould you like to install Windows 7 operating system on an SSD? This will certainly make your computer perform much faster than installing the OS on a hard drive. But setting up Windows on an SSD requires some extra steps that you don’t need to follow a conventional hard disk. There are also some tune-up tweaks that make your PC perform lightening fast. In this article we will discuss about them. Computer repair services companies also offer tech support to the PC users to install Windows 7 on an SSD.

Having the latest firmware on your computer is important. Before installing the updates, you should back up all existing data beforehand. It is also important to set the disk controller to AHCI mode. Go to the system BIOS and set the SATA controller for Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) operation prior to installing Windows.

For the best performance you need to boot from the Windows media and begin the clean install. If you would like to create partition, it is recommended to use the Windows Setup utility. Is there partition created by using any other tool? If so, it is suggested to delete the partition and use the Windows 7 disk tools to create a new partition.

If you want your SSD to reset to its original, out-of-the-box state, you can take help of a Secure Erase utility. For a well-used drive, this is quite helpful. It is suggested not to perform a full format by using Windows disk management tools. If you are using Intel SSD then the Intel Solid State Drive Toolbox is a very good choice. On the other hand, for OCZ drives there is a Secure Erase utility.

You should also install the latest storage driver. For instance, if your computer has an Intel SATA controller, install the most recent version of the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver. Remember, updated driver ensures best performance.

Once the setup is complete you need to check the Windows Experience Index. For this, you have to click Start, click Computer, and click System Properties. While the System page is displayed, click Windows Experience Index. This will take you to the Performance Information and Tools page. If the primary hard disk is properly configured, then disk score should be more than 7.0.

You can install the free CrystalDiskInfo utility to check whether all the features of the SSD are working appropriately or not. If the installation is perfect, then features like Superfetch, Prefetch, and ReadyBoot will not be enabled. Even scheduled defragmentation operations for the SSD will also be disabled.

These are some simple things that you can do to install Windows 7 on a Solid State Drive.

HP Ink Cartridges Are the Leaders in the Market

February 18th, 2011 by admin

HP Ink CartridgesHewlett Packard (HP) ink cartridges, for over a decade in the ink cartridge market, have always set the standard for quality, economy and durability.

By using HP ink, you get the advantages of quality printouts and lots of prints per cartridge.  When you compare the number of prints you get with HP to other brands, HP will almost always give you more.

Consider your printing needs when deciding on the replacement printer  cartridge options that HP gives you.  Choose the one that gives the best value for the way you use your printer.  HP ink cartridges now come in colour-coded packages so you always know what you are getting and what you will be paying:

Blue is the standard capacity cartridgefor those who only print occasionally.
Green means this is the high capacity cartridge for those who do lots of printing.
Red is the ink cartridge for specialty photos requiring the highest photo quality.

Regardless of which printer you have, all of the cartridges should work interchangeably but do check your printer model to make sure it supports the cartridge option you’ve chosen.

To get the most from whichever cartridge you use and to reduce the amount of ink used for each print job, check the settings within print mode (usually found in the printer dialogue box under properties or options) and change to draft mode, greyscale or black only.  The quality will be slightly lower but if the prints are for in-house use only and don’t need to be of particularly high quality, save money instead.

HP ink cartridges can often be used in a number of printer models and the yields you get from a specific cartridge will vary from one printer to the next, although real differences are minimal.  The yields listed are based on the first printer to use that cartridge and the yields listed on the package may be different from what your printer does.  Quality and yield will also depend on the paper used but using original HP ink will almost always guarantee you excellent results.

HP uses advanced ink formulations and the technology that ensure you get a new print head every time you install a new Hewlett Packard ink cartridge.  Unlike many other brands of cartridge, HP maintains its quality by incorporating a new print head into each cartridge.  Other brands of printer have the print heads as part of the printer and they wear with use which reduces the quality of the print.

By replacing the print head each time, print quality is maintained.  Because of this innovation, the replacement cartridge is more expensive but then the cost of replacing the print head on other printers can take your breath away!

Disk Data Recovery Strategies And RAID

October 29th, 2010 by admin

Disk Data Recovery Strategies And RAIDOne of the more powerful forms of disk data recovery revolves around one of the technologies you just wouldn’t expect it would be necessary for. The platform in question is RAID servers, whether that be 0, 1, 5 or 10. RAID servers are extensively used in the corporate world for data storage. High end database servers like SQL, Oracle and other communication exchange devices use RAID as their main storage platform. It provides them with quickest possible access to data while providing a redundancy element which makes backing up nearly unnecessary.

RAID Server Failure

Although RAID servers are considered the best for data storage, there is one critical detail which usually gets ignored by most computer administrators. Although RAID servers are the most highly efficient and most technically sound system available today, these servers are still built on conventional technology. Whether it’s RAID 5 or 50, the fundamental weakness of RAID is in its components: hard disk drives. Since hard disk drives are made from mechanical parts, there is always the risk of failure or crash. When RAID servers are built on solid state drives, there are also risks of failure, albeit slightly different causes.

RAID Recovery Strategic Measures

When we talk about strategic measures we also mean long term strategies which also include contingency plans for single disk data recovery. Taking preventive measures and being proactive rather than reactive is always beneficial. Consider these measures to protect your IT assets:

1. Get Well Equipped: Knowing you have all the tools in the event of a catastrophic RAID drive crash is job number one for the wise administrator. Knowing the guts of your machines is key. Understanding everything from the small components like graphics cards to high end database server RAID configurations will help you in case of a panic situation.

2. Get To Know The “Guts”: Knowing what you have is actually different than knowing the issues behind those components. Support forums, manufacturer manuals and tech sites are something every administrator must compile “just in case”. This awareness will help you construct a contingency plan for disaster management and recovery. When maintaining RAID servers, it’s important to know the manufacturer of server as well as RAID controller card. The most prominent benefit of having the knowledge about your high end systems is that in case of RAID disk data recovery, the process will be much simpler, shorter and cheaper.

3. Being Ready For The Worst: Even if you have not come across a data recovery issue, it doesn’t mean that you’re invincible. You should have a list of disk data recovery repair providers on hand, and even consider a “fire drill” of sorts, where you would call a RAID system recovery provider and simulate a catastrophic failure. Better to know the process now than be flailing in the future.

RAID continues to be considered the best data storage device, but it is not infallible. Knowing this will be the difference between a future simple disk data recovery process, and an all-out catastrophic failure.

Wireless Computer Speakers – Buying Guide

October 26th, 2010 by admin

Wireless Computer SpeakersIf you are not really altogether certain what you’re shopping for, beneath is some fundamental data on speaker features and the most typical varieties of wireless computer speaker designs.

2. 0/2. 1, 5. 1, 7. 1

These are the most common speaker set ups. The number pertains to the quantity of speakers in the arrangement. 2. 0 – 2 satellite speakers, 2. 1 – 2 satellite speakers and 1 subwoofer, 5. 1 – 5 satellite speakers and 1 subwoofer, etc. The satellite speakers will play the full selection of audio frequency. While the sub will just play the low range, or bass, frequency. This is precisely why the sub is given the “. 1″ designation.

2 speaker set ups, having or with out a sub, are possibly a suitable improvement for many people today. For people who largely merely watch the periodic online video, or listen to music while doing work, this is the way to go. It will produce a pleasant enhancement in audio quality and is also the lowest priced solution. 5. 1 and 7. 1 surround set ups are for people who genuinely appreciate high quality audio. If your personal computer is the primary media player for your home, or office, this would also be a perfect option. If you watch a lot of movies, play games, or want to have music in numerous rooms, you’ll want to check out the 5. 1 and 7. 1 speaker reviews for the greatest package.

USB or Bluetooth

Whenever it comes to wireless computer speakers, presently there are at the moment 2 possibilities for transmitting the signal from your computer to the speakers, Rf USB and Bluetooth. Each are really easy to use, but some computers could possibly not be Bluetooth compatible. Most new desk top computers and laptops are, but it’s one thing that ought to be looked at prior to getting new wireless speakers. Both transmitters will be something, commonly simply a tiny drive, that will plug in a USB port on your computer. With a Bluetooth transmitter, the signal is not going to be impacted by obstacles such as walls or furniture. With a standard RF USB transmitter this may reduce the sound quality. Typically with Bluetooth the range is also a lot larger permitting you to position your speakers outside if you like.

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Managed IT Services – Find a Provider That Works for Your Business

October 23rd, 2010 by admin

Managed IT ServicesGood cases for adding a managed IT services provider to your roster of significant suppliers are not hard to find. Results, however, are what make the difference between a good business decision and one that leaves your employment hanging in the balance. Assessing your options is all about knowing what you need, and asking the right questions.

Across-the-board efficiencies, increased staff, administration and company-wide productivity, recovered time and resources, plus the security of minimal liabilities and a constantly updated IT infrastructure are the big attractions.

Managed service providers, by loose definition, provide businesses with information technology needs over the Internet. Ranging from network monitoring and security to data backup, Virtual Private Networks and VOIP services.

Allowing a business to focus on its core competencies goes a big way to providing competitive advantage in increasingly competitive marketplaces. For many companies – SMBs in particular – building an in-house resource of the size and capability that allows you to operate a first-class business machine is usually prohibitive, especially when you begin to count the cost of maintenance fees and 24/7 help desk services.

But there, again, we come to the danger of the unknown. A leading body in the Managed Service Providers field, the MSP Alliance, has stated that as little as 5 per cent of MSPs would qualify as ‘very good’. For companies searching for a reliable MSP with the skills, resources and experience to entrust an organisation’s day-to-day business with, there are some simple things to look out for.

Most major manufacturers, who usually provide the hardware and software behind the MSP’s package, have accredited Elite Partners or Preferred Partners lists, which will give a good indication of an MSPs experience.

Then there is the question of need. Some Managed Service Providers specialize in certain areas, as specific as diverse as Help desk Services, Sharepoint Services, Network management or Data Backup. Some MSPs cover a single or a couple of areas, others have expertise across the board. Understanding your organisation’s needs is a necessary step to finding the right managed service provider.

A major benefit of employing an MSP is cost. Not just the upfront investments in people, equipment and additional space required to house everything, but, more so, the expense of constant updating. A managed services partner will apply the latest technologies, encryptions, methodologies and protocols as standard. Because security is at the heart of an MSP’s business, that’s a major headache you never need to have. The big gain for large organizations is that, with an MSP, the expense is limited to money, as opposed to time and money.

Check list: How to pick a Managed Services Provider

o You’re looking for a professional service – so research like a professional
o Assess your business needs. Which areas can most benefit from cost and time savings by engaging an MSP?
o Check that the manufacturers used by the MSP (Microsoft, HP, etc.) work with your business.
o Check location. Ideally, you might on occasion need someone on location at short notice.
o Ask for a client list, and get some positive references.
o Credit check. It’s good to know that your MSP will stay the course and keep you running at all times.

Resolving Hard Drive Hardware Problems

October 20th, 2010 by admin

Resolving Hard Drive Hardware ProblemsHardware problems show up at two different times in the hard drive’s life cycle. You will often see hard drive errors after initially adding a new drive. Problems at this stage are usually caused by incorrect cabling or jumper selections. The first thing to do is to review your installation steps and verify that connections are properly seated, master and slave drives are jumpered and cabled properly and that your drive geometry is correct in your BIOS.

However, another common cause of hardware errors on new installations is that sometimes different brands of hard drives don’t play nice together in a master/slave relationship. Try keeping drives from different manufacturers on separate hard drive controllers. Some techs find that it is beneficial to keep all hard drives in any one system the same brand. I have had good experience mixing different brands in my systems, but I don’t slave one brand of drive to a master drive of a different brand.

The other time hardware errors show up is when there is a component that is failing. Typical hardware problems for hard disks have symptoms such as:

  • A dead drive (you can’t even hear it spin up)
  • Frequent errors during reads and/or writes
  • A “No Fixed Disk Present” error
  • Numeric errors 1701, 1780, 1781, 1790 or 1791 on startup
  • “Hard Disk Controller Failure” message

Some of the same rules apply as with a new drive. First, remove the case and verify that the data (ribbon) cable is properly seated at both the hard drive connection and the motherboard connection. Then check the power cable. If all cables are seated properly, try replacing the ribbon cable with a new one.

If the drive doesn’t seem to be getting power, try replacing the power cable. If the drive is connected using a Y power cable, try using a straight through cable instead.

A hard disk controller failure is usually just that. You can substitute an inexpensive expansion card containing a hard drive controller in most OS’ or you can replace the motherboard. Be sure that you have tried a new ribbon cable, though, as sometimes a bad cable can cause the system to think there’s a problem with the controller.

It’s okay to call in the professionals if you feel a bit over your head with any of this. The most important two things you can do as an ordinary user to minimize your risk of data loss due to a hard drive problem are:

  1. Back up regularly
  2. Run maintenance utilities on a regular basis

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Samsung S2 Portable Review

October 17th, 2010 by admin

Samsung S2 Portable ReviewSamsung has unleashed new affordably priced, portable hard disk in the form of the S series. The portable S2 hard disk is nearly similar to the S1 Mini. S2 is bit bigger than S1 Mini because of presence of two.5-inch hard drive. The S2 HD portable is accessible in 6 daring colours. S2′s 160GB model is accessible at a price of just $120. It also delivers lowest cost-per-gigabyte and it will provide good efficiency. Overall, this is a great hard-disk which we liked to recommend you.

Layout and characteristics

The S2 Portable’s body is in rectangular form identical as that of S1 Mini. It measures 4inches extended, 3 inches extensive and 1 inch thick, two.5inch hard-drive inside of helps make it slightly bigger than S1. Size truly does not make any difference considerably here and nonetheless you carry it wherever you need to.

The S2 comes in six hues, which looks decent. The grip is virtually similar towards the grip around the “Transcend StoreJet 25f” and on the back again of the unit it really is coated with all the sticky plastic to prevent it from slipping on the smoother locations.

The Samsung S2 transportable is powered from USB, which includes within the box. There is certainly a blue light present at the leading with the system that signifies the data transfer.

Samsung packs the S2 with two supplementary Windows program with drive: Car Backup application and Samsung SecretZone. The SecretZone is an imaging plan like Norton ghost, it also secures your passwords as well as other private info. This software program comes preloaded on the hard drive. You simply necessary to select password and specify just how much hard disk you would like to focused for the new picture.

The Auto-Backup computer software is depending on file program i.e. you have to specify the files and folder which are necessary to become saved. Its set up is straightforward and extremely simple to use. It provides total accessibility to file compression, backup scheduling, and edition handle. It also installs a tiny icon inside the Windows Taskbar, which exhibits the in depth information from the existing info around the drive. Sadly, each the system doesn’t function with Mac OS X.

Cost per gigabyte

The Samsung S2 provides excellent price per gigabyte. For 500GB, it costs around $0.2 per gigabyte and secures 1st location in this affordable drives class. The S2′s 640GB design price you just all around $120.

Efficiency

The Samsung S2 transportable challenging drive presented more quickly information transfer rate compared to almost all of the tough drives in its category and secured 2nd subsequent only G-Tech D-Drive Mobile USB challenging. It managed to read the data which has a fee of 28.89 megabytes per 2nd and wrote it back at 25.26 megabytes per second. The information transfer fee is superb. In fact, these data transfer is apparent only once you transferring info of 10GB or greater file and smaller file it does not matter much.

Service and assistance

Samsung backs the S2 portable HD having a 3 year guarantee, which guards against manufacture’s defects. Samsung will give alternative drive while you deliver your faulty drive for testing. Samsung also gives a detailed FAQ book, a consumer information, a glossary and handful of diagnostic tools to examine the drive for widespread mistakes ahead of contacting the service centre. It also supply email help and telephone help.

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Monitor Calibration for Beginners

October 14th, 2010 by admin

Monitor CalibrationI was in the pub last night, talking to a friend. I mentioned that I had been writing an article about Monitor Calibration and her immediate response was “What on earth is a monitor calibrator?”

I explained to her what a monitor calibration tool was, and how you would use it. Simply, I said “If you have a photo on your monitor it can look great but then when you print it, or get it printed, it doesn’t look the same and comes out muddy, over- or underexposed, or simply has a different color cast on it”. I was talking principally from the perspective of a professional photographer but to my surprise, without hesitation, she replied that she knew exactly what I meant, that this had happened to her, purely in respect of her own amateur photography, and that she had no idea what caused it or how to solve it.

I went on to explain that if her monitor is not calibrated correctly, then she is getting a false rendering of the photograph. Many monitors, just like TVs straight from the store, are set with the contrast and brightness way too high. This means, of course, that the prints which arrive will look very dark and gloomy in comparison. However, simply adjusting the monitor to correct values for brightness, color balance, gamma, etc. will mean she can adjust her photos and be sure that the prints she gets will match up.

There are plenty of free utilities and test cards available through the internet to help you with calibrating your monitor. Many of them will enable you to get a lot closer than your default settings. But, like most things in life, unfortunately if you want to get it right, you have to shell out a bit of cash. Not as much as you, or she, might think though. Monitor Calibration tools start at around $70 for a Datacolor Spyder 3 Express, which will be plenty for many amateur photographers, through to $450 for a ColorMunki Photo – suitable for the most demanding professional.

I think my friend will be looking to buy one of these sometime soon. It’s a relatively small price to pay, when you think about the money you might waste on ruined prints, especially if you’re thinking of making a very large print or canvas from one of your photos.

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Fujitsu: Computer Hardware, Software and IT Solutions

October 11th, 2010 by admin

Computer Hardware, Software and IT SolutionsFujitsu, a multinational corporation, based in Japan, is no stranger to the ever-changing world of technology, advanced computer hardware and IT solutions. Also known for their computer software and IT consulting services, Fujitsu Limited was ranked as claiming over a forty billion US dollar revenue base in late 2009. The many successes of Fujitsu did not begin so very long ago – from the first computer to the plasma screen, it has taken several steps to make them what they are today.

Headed by chairman Michiyoshi Mazuka, this Tokyo headquartered company is the world’s third largest provider of service for IT. With the their old slogan, “the possibilities are infinite”, this company has withstood the tests of time, developing innovative idea after innovative idea. This includes that of their new slogan, “shaping tomorrow with you”. Making for a more personalized direction of advertising and branding.

How did the success of Fujitsu all begin? In the nineteen thirties, with a company by the name Fuji Tsushinki Seizo, began the manufacturing of telecommunications equipment. After success in this arena, Fujitsu then developed the very first computer, which they entitled the FACOM 100. After the development of this first computer, and the models thereafter, Fujitsu purchased close to eighty percent of International Computers Limited.

The mix of Fujitsu and International Computers Limited (ICL) created a wave of technology across the globe, educating all types of individuals, companies and corporations about the uses of computer technology. With computer technology producing more efficiency within the corporate and personal worlds of tech users, Fujitsu took the time to make possible buys knowledgeable in computer’s assets. Without the world on-board for this enormous advancement in technology, Fujitsu could not moved forward.

In nineteen ninety-one Fujitsu acquired close to half of the Russian computer company KME-CS. Then in 1993 Fujitsu merged with another company to being operations involving flash memory. In the later nineteen nineties, the company started developing the multimedia base for personal computers, as well as a further development of advanced computer gaming.

Not only does Fujitsu have solutions for both hardware and software, but they also are known for their consulting services. Fujitsu Consulting (founded in 1973) is currently an international consulting firm that originally gained its footing in Canada. With products and services, Fujitsu has made itself a complete go-to corporation.

In 1992 Fujitsu was the first to also introduce the plasma screen. Now, on the top of every person’s Christmas list, if they do not already own a plasma screen television, the item has become quite popular. The initial design was twenty-one inches with full-color included.

It is interesting to see the mix of developments Fujitsu has dipped into over their many years of success and design; including chips worked into Oracle servers. Although, one always wonders what will be next on their list of amazing product designs, revolving around computer hardware, software and IT services/consulting.