Archive for the ‘Personal Tech’ Category

How To Speed Up Windows 7

November 17th, 2010 by admin

Speed Up Windows 7If Windows 7 is running slowly, you have to be able to repair any of the possible problems that could be causing the slow speed to occur. We’ve found that there are a lot of potential issues that could have caused your PC to run slower, from having issues with the hardware of your system to having to deal with issues with its important settings. Despite what many people will say (that you “need to get new hardware”), the fact is that most instances of a slow Windows 7 PC can actually be fixed very easily by repairing any of the problems that Windows may have.

The way to make any Windows PC run faster is to basically repair any of the issues that will be leading your system to run slower… and for Windows 7, the main issue your system will have will be down to the “registry”. The registry is a large database that literally every Windows system will use to store all the important settings your system will require to run, and is what every computer uses to help it load up the likes of your desktop wallpaper, most recently installed programs and even your passwords. Despite the registry playing a vital role in the smooth operation of your computer, it’s continually causing Windows 7 to run slower thanks to the way it’s continually preventing your computer from being able to correctly process the various settings it needs to run.

The likely reason why your computer is running slow is because the registry database will have been corrupted or damaged through over-use. The good news is that because Windows 7 is so new & advanced, there are not many issues that will cause it to slow down, except having a corrupted registry. This means that in order to boost the speed of your system, you should start by downloading and running a registry cleaner. This is a software program that’s been specifically designed to fix any of the registry errors that your PC may have – allowing your computer to run much smoother and more reliably as a result.

The best fix for a slow Windows 7 PC is to use a registry repair program to fix any of the issues that your computer may have. This can be done by clicking onto a registry cleaner website, downloading the software and then letting it fix any of the problems that Windows has. We’ve found that a program called”Frontline Registry Cleaner” is able to speed up your PC in the most effective way.

Are You Ready For A Smart Tablet?

November 14th, 2010 by admin

Ready For A Smart TabletLike its older brother the iPhone, the Apple iPad is catching on like wildfire. As is normal to suit, competitors are cropping up with their own smart tablets with a myriad of functions, styles, and capabilities. If you’ve been on the outside cautiously looking in and think you may be ready to invest in one of these hi-tech new gadgets. Read on and find out exactly what you’re in for.

What should you expect in a Smart Tablet?

Endless access to software. Apple’s App Store and Google’s Android Market are expanding at exponential rates. Best thing regarding this is that there are thousands of useful and fully functional apps that are absolutely free.

It should be noted that most current generation apps were developed to work at the small resolution of smart phones, and not tablets. Some units, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab, will zoom in and enlarge the app interface to match the tablets screen size. A definite plus is that the applications still appear sharp without any jagged edges.

Expect to see developers begin to develop apps at native tablet size resolutions as the units’ adoption rates continue to rise.

Multimedia capabilities. While most tablets will work perfectly fine with a decent set of headphones or ear buds, don’t expect too much from the built-in speakers. They will get the job done, just not in any spectacular way. Sound will not carry clearly much farther from where they are.

Video, on the other hand, will shine with these devices. To compliment the typically great display panels, the ability to play almost any media file such as DivX, MP4, WMV, Xvid, and even HD H.264 files run very cleanly. Some units (again such as the Galaxy Tab), have hardware output options so you can dock the tablet to your HDMI enabled HDTV.

What should you not expect in a Smart Tablet?

Making phone calls. Realistically, these devices can range from 7 to 9 inches wide. Holding it up to your head would not only be uncomfortable, but also quite ridiculous looking. That being said, at the time of this writing, tablet devices are incapable of natively making voice calls. It should be noted that this is only true for North American units. A select few European models actually can make phone calls.

A cheap price. About as far from inexpensive as you can get for a hand-held gadget. Tablets typically range anywhere from $500 – $700, not including the monthly data plan you will need from a wireless service provider. Early adopters will always pay a premium.

Across the board compatibility. Units have differences in hardware that prevent standard accessories like USB data cables and AC chargers from being interchangeable, requiring you to buy specially made ones from the manufacturer. A so, a still hot topic of some regard is the iOS (for iPad) does not support the Flash Player.

Do your research.

To make an informed choice about getting a new smart tablet, invest some time reviewing the features. Make note of any hot selling points from the manufacturer, these may not always be of use to you. The best source of unbiased information will typically come from user forums and product reviews. Carefully read what others are saying about the tablet you may be interested in. Are there any known widespread issues that may affect the way you intended to use it? Overall is it worth the price?

Finally, keep in mind that a gadget is just that…a gadget. While you may feel like you absolutely had to have the gadget when you purchased it, may end up sitting around the house unused after a few months. Give it some thought.

Computer Is Turning Off By Itself

November 11th, 2010 by admin

Computer Is Turning Off By ItselfYour computer is turning off by itself and you are wondering how this problem can be fixed? Indeed it is a common problem which indicates that you do not have maintenance plan or you care less about PC health.

You need to be serious about it otherwise you can loose important computer data. Usually the problem that computer is turning off by itself is caused by following reasons.

A virus infection.
Corrupted Windows registry.
Hardware Failure.

Before trying to fix the computer turning off by itself you should know the actual cause. Look into your Event Viewer. Here are steps to do that.

Right click on My Computer.
In the drop down select Manage.
Then go to Event Viewer

Or

Go to Control Panel.
Double click on Administrative Tools.
And then select Event Viewer.
Open the System and Application tabs and look for X errors.
Click on the error for details.
You can post same information in search engine for better results.

Run Antivirus Scan:

If your computer is turning off by itself without any warning then you should run antivirus scan as some viruses are designed to turn off your system.

Fix Windows Registry:

If registry entries are damaged or corrupted then your applications won’t work properly and corrupter registry entries often result in some serious problems similar to computer turning off by itself. The best method to fix registry related problems is to repair it using registry cleaner and PC optimizer software.

Add/Change RAM:

Another reason behind the problem computer is turning off by itself could be RAM (Random Access Memory). Check whether your operating system is compatible with installed RAM. Not only operating system but some advanced applications also need more RAM. By adding RAM you can fix this issue.

Fix Error Codes on Your Own

November 8th, 2010 by admin

Fix Error Codes on Your OwnIsn’t it just devastating when you encounter error problems in your computer system? Well, it is indeed especially when it happens to you when your life depends on the report that you were doing when it happened. It is always a nightmare to deal with such errors especially when you don’t know how to fix error codes and you cannot find anybody who knows how to do it.

On the other hand, the question really is not on how to fix error codes but on the desire to fix the problem on your own. More often than not, when people encounter such types of errors in their computer system, they turn to computer technicians to fix the problem for them. It is not often that you find people who are willing to learn how to fix error codes by themselves by simply doing their research for possible solutions online. Of course, who wouldn’t want an easy way out of the problem? If the computer experts are working on it, you can have your computer system ready without any worries.

But then again, should computer users settle for just that? Wouldn’t it be better if you can fix the problem on your won because the next time it happens, you can fix it again and you won’t have to worry anymore? Then perhaps these steps can help you fix errors codes without paying so much on the computer technicians.

  1. First step is to prepare yourself of the possible hardships that may come your way while you are doing your research. Since there is so much information available online, it might be the cause of your confusion. It is important to stick to what you are looking for, learn what you can from those online and start working on it. Anyway, if it doesn’t work like how you want it to, you would know if you should abandon it and move to the next information. Perhaps the trial and error process can help you learn more.
  2. If you are wondering how experts fix error codes and where they start, then it is important to know that an essential part of the whole process is simply backing up the important files that you have saved in your computer system. Once this has been done, it is much easier to clean the computer because you are confident that even if it would mean erasing all the files you have got in your system.
  3. Clean your windows registry and that is the end of the process. Since it is in charge of keeping all your files, once it has been cleaned, you can be assured that those files that have been corrupted have been erased and your computer system is back to normal.

Black Computer Screen Problem – A Detailed Fix

November 5th, 2010 by admin

Black Computer Screen ProblemWhen you start Windows, it may stop responding and go into a black screen rather than booting up. The black screen is empty with no error. This indicates the corrupted state of your Windows 7 computer.

Why does the black computer screen appear?

1. Windows is trying to load startup information from the registry but problems occurred
2. The Master Boot Record is corrupted
3. Boot file was not found or is improperly modified
4. Your Windows installation is corrupted
5. Monitor is not properly plugged in
6. RAM is not properly inserted

Repair Startup Information in the Registry

When Windows is booted up, some information is retrieved from the registry database. Corrupted information in the registry may cause black computer screen.

You have to run your computer in the Safe Mode and repair the registry using a Registry Cleaner software. Download a System Utilities software that normally contains a Registry fixing feature as well.

Repair the Startup

The Boot File contains sensitive information about the operating systems installed on your computer, boot sequence and other boot related options. The boot file must be present at the root of the installation drive (usually drive C) or should not contain invalid instructions in order to run your operating system properly. If it is accidentally modified, deleted, moved or renamed, it may show you a black computer screen.

You have to restore the master boot record in order to fix the problem.

1. Insert the disc you used to install Microsoft Windows.
2. Restart the machine.
3. Press any key when prompted.
4. Click Install Now button.
5. Click Next button.
6. Click Repair my computer.
7. Select the option Use Recovery Tools… from the new dialog box opened.
8. Click Next button.
9. Click Startup Repair.
10. Follow the wizard on your screen.

Replace Corrupted System Files

The system files require to run your computer may be corrupted. A third party software, or a virus infection, has replaced the system files with others, or modified them improperly.

To fix black computer screen, you have to replace the corrupted system files using System File Checker.

1. Insert the disc you used to install Microsoft Windows.
2. Click Start | Run.
3. Type SFC /ScanNow and press ENTER.

Repair the Master Boot Record

A Master Boot Record (MBR) is a 512 byte boot sector used to store information about the primary partition table of a disk. Corrupted MBR or virus infection to MBR may result in black computer screen. You have to repair the MBR to fix the problem.

1. Insert the disc you used to install Microsoft Windows.
2. Restart the machine.
3. Press any key when prompted.
4. Click Install Now button.
5. Click Next button.
6. Click Repair my computer.
7. Click the option Command Prompt in the new dialog.
8. Type the following instructions one by one:
Diskpart
Select disk 0
List volume
Exit
J: (Please enter the name of your CD ROM Drive)
Cd boot
Dir
Bootsect /nt60 sys /mbr
9. After the process is successfully completed, type Exit and hit ENTER.
10. Click Shut down button.

Check Plugs Connected to your Monitor

Loose connections with your monitor may cause black computer screen. You have to make sure that the VGA and Power Cables are properly connected to your monitor.

Insert the RAM Properly

Black computer screen appears when there is no RAM inserted or the RAM is not properly inserted. You have to turn off your computer, open the CPU Cabinet and insert the RAM properly. This will resolve the issue.

A Computer Running Slow: A Must Know for PC Users

November 2nd, 2010 by admin

A Computer Running Slow: A Must Know for PC UsersEvery time you turn on your pc and do your daily thing, you always get upset of the sluggish performance of your computer. You always ask yourself, “Why is this computer running slow?”
There is a bright side in your situation. What is that? You are not alone. All over the world, people are having problems with their computer running slow. It is a common situation for a computer to get slow as it aged. In fact, old computers can be 10 times slower than it was new.

The problem in this predicament is that, we users have no idea how these machines end up so sluggish. We end up in an aftermath of an unknown event. The question again is, “Why is my computer running slow?”

Here are some of the reasons why your computer is running slow, and give you ideas on how to avoid it.

  • The most common cause in making your computer running slow is malwares and viruses. These are malicious programs that attached themselves to your precious files and replicate to clog your system. You can avoid these programs by neither not opening dubious emails nor visiting websites with malicious programs content and downloading files from unknown source. Try also to install security software to protect your pc and anti-virus and anti-malwares to clean those unwanted menace.
  • Slow running computer is also caused by too many programs installed in your pc. This makes your computer startup to overload. By removing unnecessary programs, this will help prevent the computer running slow scenario.
  • If the computer registry is corrupted, it will cause performance problems such as computer running slow, shutting down by itself, and disruption in the computer programs. Registries are the control codes in your operating system; it is usually damaged when a program is not deleted by Add and Remove Programs. To avoid this, try not to install programs that you do not need or will uninstall it immediately. If deleting the program cannot be avoided, always use the Add and Remove Programs in the control panel option of your operating system.
  • Too many junk files. Those trashes will really make your computer running slow. They occupy big space in your hard drive. If the storage is slow, it affects the performance of the system because operating systems also use space in the hard drive for virtual memory. To remove those unnecessary files, click the start icon, then all programs, then accessories, then system tools, and select disk cleanup.
  • Lastly, it must be the hardware that causes computer to run slow. Probably your hardware is already obsolete, and the programs you are using are already telling those are below system requirement. Or perhaps, it is because the wear and tear of your computer that makes its components not working efficiently. Have it maintained or probably it is time to purchase a new one.

These are just some of the reason why computer is running slow. Perhaps a further research will add some more to this reason.

3 Tips for Buying a USB

May 29th, 2010 by admin

Buying a USBMost people who use a computer know the importance of having a USB flash drive. This handy little gadget has replaced the floppy disk and does a lot more than it ever could imagine. In fact some flash drives with larger capacities can do as much as boot an entire operating system. If you are looking to replace your current USB or are about to buy one, then you are in the market for a USB and need to keep these tips in mind.

  1. Go For a Large Capacity – When Flash drives first came out into the market memory was quite limited. Now they are available not just in megabytes but in gigabytes. There is no use in getting something that will store very little. Go for the ones with a lot of memory. You will always be able to find something useful to store on it. If you are giving these out, clients will surely appreciate the generosity.
  2. Keep it Safe – There are numerous designs for USB flash drives. No matter what kind of design you pick the one thing you should remember is to choose something sturdy. You will be storing data and other things that are important to you so you want to make sure your USB isn’t fragile. Those with hard shells and caps are good choices. You can also decide to keep the files in the USB flash drive safe by picking one that has password protection. This way no one can access the files without knowing the password.
  3. Make it Handy – Since these things are not very big it can be easy to misplace or lose them. The last thing that you want is for your important files to be lost. You can avoid being in this situation by making sure that your USB flash drive has a lanyard or a key ring on it. This is one feature that goes really well if you are searching for a promotional USB flash drive to give out.

Xoom Vs iPad

May 26th, 2010 by admin

Xoom Vs iPadThis is a Xoom vs iPad head to head comparison. With Motorola’s Xoom scheduled to launch at any time, I thought it would be interesting to do a head to head comparions between it and the Apple iPad.

Motorola Xoom is among the latest tablet computing hand held devices in the market today being powered with a dual core processor and runs on the Android 3.0 operating system. Anybody trying to compare the features and flexibility offered between the Apple I Pad and the Motorola Xoom, has to critically examine the various technologies that come embedded with these electronic devices.

Display Screen

Motorola Xoom comes with a 10.1 inch screen and can provide a display resolution of 1280 X 800, it also has a wide screen ratio of 16:9 HD. On the other hand Apple I Pad comes with a 9.7 inch and a display resolution of 1024 X 768, with a widescreen ratio of 1:33.

Processing Power

Motorola Xoom comes powered with Nvidia’s Tegra 2.1 GHz dual core processor and 1 GB RAM, while Apple I Pad comes embedded with Cortex A8 which is also a single core. However, Apple Computers expects to release advanced version of its I Pad tablet device in future to compete directly with Motorola Xoom.

Systems Software

Motorola Xoom runs with Google’s Android 3.0 Honey comb which is also still being improved by developers and it is directly competing with Apples IOS 4.2 release. Honey comb is also quick than IOS. However, Apples IOS is very mature & stable and it is easier to find a number of games and applications that are compatible with the iPad and cannot be used in Xoom due to system software compatibility issues. Xoom also allows downloads that have not been developed by Google, but on the other hand Apple Corporation requires that applications meant to run on their system must be distributed by the company itself which limits on users options.

Connectivity and Flexibility

Xoom has enhanced flexibility and it is more compatible with most electronic devices. It also comes with Micro USB and Bluetooth connectivity for sharing data between devices. Its launch of a 4 G compatible version is also underway. I-Pad has does not come with USB connectivity which has not gone well with Apple fans.

Apple Loyalists find the comparison to be very alarming after comparing the various technologies between the two devices and so far Motorola Xoom is the most advanced tablet device on the market and best tablet devices for people who prefer media entertainment. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see who won this Xoom vs iPad showdown!

Repairing Electronic Devices

May 23rd, 2010 by admin

Repairing Electronic DevicesWith the way in which the world has grown over the past decades there has been an increased demand for people who know how to repair electronics. This is key to the success of technology and has become important for many businesses and households.

As with everything, nothing lasts forever and after a while things will need repairing by somebody who knows what they are doing.

This defeats the object a little of technology in a way because if people have to be involved in the technology then it stops the whole independence of the technology.

Which is obviously good in a way as it shows that people will always be needed no matter how advanced the world and technology becomes.

Before you give away your money it is always best to do some good research to try and find a company who you are happy with and don’t feel will take you for a ride. This can be done a number of ways. You could ask friends and family if they know of any reputable companies who may be able to help you with your touch screen repair issues. Most companies who specialise in electronic repairs will also give you a quote for the services you require. This will allow you to compare with the price and work done by the company who worked with a relative or friend.

There are only really a few companies who do this work, as you can imagine it is a highly skilled and specialist job. Therefore prices can sometimes be high, you just need to try and make sure that you are better off with getting something repaired instead of just buying a new one.

As electronic repair is quite an advanced and specific profession it can be quite costly to get any work done by a specialist company. This is why it is so important to carry out some research and ensure you find a company who are good at what they do and won’t cost you a fortune.

My PC Takes A Long Time To Boot

May 20th, 2010 by admin

My PC Takes A Long Time To BootSlow computer boot problems are a big issue that are preventing your system from being able to properly load up when you turn it on. There are a number of common issues that will prevent your computer from being able to boot up quickly – meaning that if you want to repair this problem, you have to be able to fix the various issues that could be leading it to show. The good news is that there are generally only a small number of potential issues that can make your computer take longer to load up – making it vital that you’re able to use the various steps outlined on this page to fix the issues that your computer may have.

What Causes Computers To Take Longer To Boot?

The bottom line is that your computer will not be able to load up the likes of:

  • You system settings will not load
  • Your PC’s options will not load
  • Your system’s programs will not load

Although there are a number of potential issues that can prevent your system from loading up properly, the fact is that there is one part of your system that will be contributing the most issue to the slow boot time – the “registry”. This is a central database which allows Windows uses to store all the important options it requires to run. It’s likely the case that your computer will not be able to load up the important settings it requires to run from the registry. The problem is that because Windows has to load up everything from your desktop wallpaper to your most recent emails from the registry, any problems with it will be preventing your system from loading the files it requires – leading it to run much slower.

How To Make Your PC Load Up Faster

The most effective & simple way to make a PC boot up faster is to use a piece of software called a “registry cleaner”. This software has been designed to fix any of the problems that the registry may have inside – allowing your computer to run much smoother as a result. You should download a registry repair tool from the Internet, install the trial and let it scan through your PC. If it finds over 400 errors, it suggests that your computer will have problems and should be repaired. We’ve found the best tool to do this is one called “Frontline Registry Cleaner”.