How we select an ATM?
There is no such defined formula that can assurance you about the security of the ATM selection. Therefore, the ATM user needs to exercise some carefulness when selecting an ATM.
There are some steps to fellow:
•Always go for banking in daylight hours and specially avoid to visiting ATM at weekend night.
•Always choose ATM location which you are most familiar, most nearest point from your home or heavily traveled areas.
•First observe the surroundings of ATM before make any transaction, if there are any person looking you then tries to avoid using ATM this time.
•The best practice is that always go for ATM with any family member or with your best friend.
•Avoid using if you find any other machine or code reader attached with the ATM machine.
•Always select the ATM that is monitored by bank security or with security camera.
Using an ATM.
•Be careful when any strangers offer to help you at an ATM, even if your card is block by machine or you are experiencing difficulty with the transaction.
•Check your surrounding any other person in the queue keep an acceptable distance from you.
•Stand very close to the ATM and shield the keypad with your hand when keying in your PIN code otherwise any other person can guess your number.
•Press the Cancel key on keyboard when you find the ATM is not working properly and withdraw your card. Avoid force your card into the card slot.
•Always keep your printed transaction record so that you can compare your ATM receipts to your monthly statement.
•If your card jammed in ATM, report this immediately to the bank.
Manner to use your ATM.
•Try to memorize your PIN code and avoid writing it down on public access book, doing so on secret book.
•Never tell your PIN to any third person, whether to family member, office staff.
•Avoid using easily guessable numbers for your PIN code for example your date of birth, your phone number and others.
•Change your PIN code on weekly basis.
•Weekly check your account balance and bank statements if you find any problem, contact to your bank immediately.
Friday, November 20, 2009
How to protect your computer with advanced backup and recovery?
A backup is a duplicate copy of a file, program or disk that can be used if the original copy is lost, damaged, or destroyed. Thus, if you regularly take backups of your sensitive data or programs and update them as and when needed, system failures can be covered easily through these backups. For example, in Norton Ghost, you can takes backup of your complete system within minute. Norton Ghost by Symantec provides us a complete solution of system backup. Norton Ghost has a very simple wizard base control panel to help the all level of users. Norton Ghost offerings with the full system backup and restore, partition backup, file and folders backup, backup using compression and encryption and incremental backups also.
Using Norton Ghost, you can create the image of full hard disk to another hard disk, or image of one partition to other partitions. You can store this image to almost any media CD/DVD, USB, external storage device, zip drive and network drive also. You can download this tool for any windows version using Symantec website. Download it and run the easy setup.
Using Norton Ghost, you can create the image of full hard disk to another hard disk, or image of one partition to other partitions. You can store this image to almost any media CD/DVD, USB, external storage device, zip drive and network drive also. You can download this tool for any windows version using Symantec website. Download it and run the easy setup.
GENERAL CLEANING TIPS
You can save your computer maintenance cost if you clean your computer on the regular basis. This will improve the cooling and performance of the computer components. Your computer components could damage, if you do not keep it clean on periodically basis, because dust is the main cause to heat up your system and heat link to hardware failure.
•Never place your computer on the ground, always use computer table or shelf for this purpose.
•To clean computer case first unplugs your system power from the electrical outlet. Remove all cables and connectors from the back side of your computer.
•Now blow the air around all the hardware components and keeping away your blower nozzle 4 to 5 inches away from main board components. You can use vacuum cleaner also for this purpose but compressed air is the better solution to clean a system.
•At the end using lightly dampened cloth or spray any cleaning fluids on the computer case and use paper towel to dry it.
•Never clean inside computer components or other circuit board with damp or wet cloth.
•Always be careful to eat or drink around the computer.
•Never place your computer on the ground, always use computer table or shelf for this purpose.
•To clean computer case first unplugs your system power from the electrical outlet. Remove all cables and connectors from the back side of your computer.
•Now blow the air around all the hardware components and keeping away your blower nozzle 4 to 5 inches away from main board components. You can use vacuum cleaner also for this purpose but compressed air is the better solution to clean a system.
•At the end using lightly dampened cloth or spray any cleaning fluids on the computer case and use paper towel to dry it.
•Never clean inside computer components or other circuit board with damp or wet cloth.
•Always be careful to eat or drink around the computer.
How to Choose The Right Laptop Accessories?
The notebook computer is coming of age. For the first time in history, notebooks or laptops are out-selling their bigger cousins, desktop computers.
The rise in popularity of the notebook computer can be contributed to many factors: drop in prices, stiff competition, aggressive marketing, but perhaps the biggest factor -- increased performance.
With each new generation of notebooks, we are seeing some novel breakthroughs: dual core notebooks, PCI Express, Sonoma Chipset, increased storage, increased RAM, faster CPUs, better battery life and better wireless access including a Cellular Modem Connection. All these new innovations are making for a more powerful computer embodied in a sleeker smaller package that consumers want.
However, as most notebook enthusiasts know, to get full enjoyment from your laptop or notebook computer you must have certain essential accessories. These laptop accessories will greatly enhance your notebook experience and make for a much more satisfying all-around 'complete laptop'.
Here's a wish list of laptop accessories you may want to consider purchasing:
1. Carrying Bag or Backpack This is essential if you will be doing a lot of traveling. You might even want to consider a wheeled bag for those heavier laptops. Try to purchase a laptop carrying bag that has plenty of compartments for all those notebook peripherals. Always check to see if your laptop or notebook will fit!
2. Extra Battery Since most batteries last less than 5 hours you will need an extra battery or two. You should also check out bringing along an external battery for your laptop.
3. Port Replicator This is one essential you should consider buying for your laptop or notebook computer. It's a real hassle dealing with all those wires and connections on your laptop, that's where your port replicator or docking station solves your problem. Plug all your peripherals into the docking station or port replicator -- connect and disconnect your laptop with ease without having to deal with all those wires and connections. A must have!
4. Auto and Airplane ac adapter Another essential laptop accessory if you do a lot traveling, battery life on most notebooks is not great so having a handy source of ac power from your auto or from an airplane is a 'no-brainer'!
5. USB Hub Some older model notebooks come with only one or two USB ports; if you need more -- try a handy USB hub. It will give you more options.
6. Wireless Card Most laptops and notebooks now come with a wireless card. Many top brands have 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or all three! If your notebook doesn't have a wireless card, you can get a rather inexpensive 802.11b Linksys PC Card adapter for under $50.
You may also want to check out the new Sony VAIO VGN-T350P -- it has the world's first 'Cellular Modem Built In'-- access the Internet thru your cell phone. It has an Integrated EDGE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for the ultimate in wireless networking.
EDGE stands for 'Enhanced Data for Global Evolution' thru the Cingular Wireless national network.
7. Optional External Hard Drive Most notebooks or laptops now come with a 40 to 100 gig hard drives, but still if you download and save a lot of movies or songs you will take up that storage space quicker than you ever thought possible. If you need an extra hard drive for storage or back-up, try an external hard drive.
8. Optional External DVD Burner Many laptops now come with a built in DVD drive but in case you need this extra for or DVD burning (movies, songs, videos, etc.) try an external DVD burner for your notebook. For maximum compatibility, try to get one that supports both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW formats.
9. Optional Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Might sound strange suggesting this option since most laptops already come with a keyboard! But depending on your notebook make and model, the keyboards on most notebooks are not the greatest to type with. It all has to do with the wrong angles and the shape of the laptop, so if you want a wireless desktop style keyboard and mouse, it is relatively cheap to buy.
10. Insurance! If you do a lot of traveling, you may want to invest in some laptop insurance. Laptop theft is still a big problem and it's better to be safe than sorry.
Acquiring any of these laptop accessories will greatly improve your notebook computer, making for a hassle-free computing experience that you will appreciate and enjoy much more. So don't skimp, instead, bring your laptop enjoyment up to its highest level by purchasing some of these much needed laptop accessories.
You will thank yourself later!
The rise in popularity of the notebook computer can be contributed to many factors: drop in prices, stiff competition, aggressive marketing, but perhaps the biggest factor -- increased performance.
With each new generation of notebooks, we are seeing some novel breakthroughs: dual core notebooks, PCI Express, Sonoma Chipset, increased storage, increased RAM, faster CPUs, better battery life and better wireless access including a Cellular Modem Connection. All these new innovations are making for a more powerful computer embodied in a sleeker smaller package that consumers want.
However, as most notebook enthusiasts know, to get full enjoyment from your laptop or notebook computer you must have certain essential accessories. These laptop accessories will greatly enhance your notebook experience and make for a much more satisfying all-around 'complete laptop'.
Here's a wish list of laptop accessories you may want to consider purchasing:
1. Carrying Bag or Backpack This is essential if you will be doing a lot of traveling. You might even want to consider a wheeled bag for those heavier laptops. Try to purchase a laptop carrying bag that has plenty of compartments for all those notebook peripherals. Always check to see if your laptop or notebook will fit!
2. Extra Battery Since most batteries last less than 5 hours you will need an extra battery or two. You should also check out bringing along an external battery for your laptop.
3. Port Replicator This is one essential you should consider buying for your laptop or notebook computer. It's a real hassle dealing with all those wires and connections on your laptop, that's where your port replicator or docking station solves your problem. Plug all your peripherals into the docking station or port replicator -- connect and disconnect your laptop with ease without having to deal with all those wires and connections. A must have!
4. Auto and Airplane ac adapter Another essential laptop accessory if you do a lot traveling, battery life on most notebooks is not great so having a handy source of ac power from your auto or from an airplane is a 'no-brainer'!
5. USB Hub Some older model notebooks come with only one or two USB ports; if you need more -- try a handy USB hub. It will give you more options.
6. Wireless Card Most laptops and notebooks now come with a wireless card. Many top brands have 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or all three! If your notebook doesn't have a wireless card, you can get a rather inexpensive 802.11b Linksys PC Card adapter for under $50.
You may also want to check out the new Sony VAIO VGN-T350P -- it has the world's first 'Cellular Modem Built In'-- access the Internet thru your cell phone. It has an Integrated EDGE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for the ultimate in wireless networking.
EDGE stands for 'Enhanced Data for Global Evolution' thru the Cingular Wireless national network.
7. Optional External Hard Drive Most notebooks or laptops now come with a 40 to 100 gig hard drives, but still if you download and save a lot of movies or songs you will take up that storage space quicker than you ever thought possible. If you need an extra hard drive for storage or back-up, try an external hard drive.
8. Optional External DVD Burner Many laptops now come with a built in DVD drive but in case you need this extra for or DVD burning (movies, songs, videos, etc.) try an external DVD burner for your notebook. For maximum compatibility, try to get one that supports both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW formats.
9. Optional Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Might sound strange suggesting this option since most laptops already come with a keyboard! But depending on your notebook make and model, the keyboards on most notebooks are not the greatest to type with. It all has to do with the wrong angles and the shape of the laptop, so if you want a wireless desktop style keyboard and mouse, it is relatively cheap to buy.
10. Insurance! If you do a lot of traveling, you may want to invest in some laptop insurance. Laptop theft is still a big problem and it's better to be safe than sorry.
Acquiring any of these laptop accessories will greatly improve your notebook computer, making for a hassle-free computing experience that you will appreciate and enjoy much more. So don't skimp, instead, bring your laptop enjoyment up to its highest level by purchasing some of these much needed laptop accessories.
You will thank yourself later!
How To Correct A Slow Running Computer?
You push the power button on your computer and 5 minutes later you're finally ready to start computing.It seems as though it takes forever and a day for your computer to get going,Why?
Most likely,the main reason your system is dragging the ground is because of all the junk that runs in the background that you don't see.These are applications you may have installed over time.
Such utilities as scanner drivers, and hard drive monitors can swallow up memory and cpu processes,not to mention adware and spyware creeping into your system.These affect both your computer's bootup process and performance during normal operations.
Another reason for slow pc bootup and performance may be the simple fact that your computer is aging. Computers running Windows 98 and Windows Me with cpu speeds of 500mhz or less are good candidates for slow operation.These system often have inadequate RAM Memory as well.
OK,so you,re no doubt asking, how can you correct this ever present,nagging problem.If your system was purchase when dinosaurs roamed the earth,consider upgrading by adding more memory,a larger hard drive,and if possible a faster cpu.
You can free up hard drive space by deleting files and applications you don't use often.Improve performance by not overlooking basic pc maintenance.Running scandisk and Defragment are crucial to pc preformance.And try third party memory management programs.
Running scandisk will find and attempt to correct errors on your hard drive.System Defragment will free up hard drive space by re-arranging files in an orderly manner.This allows the cpu to find files much faster and not have to roam all over the hard drive to load files into memory.
You can get more bang for your buck by purchasing a faster computer however.When adding the costs of components and the increase in speed and performance you will gain,you may come out better to purchase another system.
Windows operating system have a utility named Msconfig that can display programs that bootup and instantly run on your computer. To start Msconfig,select Start,Run,and type "msconfig" without the quotes,in the Run dialog box.Msconfig does not show all programs running in the background however.
If you have Windows XP as your operating system, try to delete all files in the prefetch directory. Windows XP Professional monitors files that are used when the computer starts and when you start programs.
When Windows XP Professional monitor these files, it prefetches them.Prefetching data is the process whereby data that is expected to be requested is read ahead into the cache. Prefetching boot files and applications decreases the time needed to start Windows XP Professional and start applications.
These files if not deleted will lower system resources and slow pc performance by loading programs that are no longer being used.To delete these files,open C,your system drive, and go to windows/prefetch.Delete all files or at least those more than 3 weeks old and, reboot.
Try to check to see if your computer and the CPU Chip are not overheating. Excessive heat will cause your system to perform much closer.Make sure your computer is well ventilated
A really neat and free utility that does a great job at displaying all programs is Merijins free startup utility which configure programs at http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml.This utility is simple to use and should not add more burden to your computer.
Another utility called Process Explorer ,Sysinternals Tutoring at http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html can be used and this utility allow you to disable each program.
And when it comes to correcting slow computer performance, you can be your own worst enemy.And just how is this? The word procrastination means to put off today what we can do tomorrow. Such simple tasks as running scandisk and defrag are often put off until a more convenient time.
Don't let procrastination or anything else get in the way of boosting the performance of your computer. You'll thank yourself many times over when you see the results. You will also have the knowledge to help others boost their computer's performance as well.And that can always be a blessing to someone.
Most likely,the main reason your system is dragging the ground is because of all the junk that runs in the background that you don't see.These are applications you may have installed over time.
Such utilities as scanner drivers, and hard drive monitors can swallow up memory and cpu processes,not to mention adware and spyware creeping into your system.These affect both your computer's bootup process and performance during normal operations.
Another reason for slow pc bootup and performance may be the simple fact that your computer is aging. Computers running Windows 98 and Windows Me with cpu speeds of 500mhz or less are good candidates for slow operation.These system often have inadequate RAM Memory as well.
OK,so you,re no doubt asking, how can you correct this ever present,nagging problem.If your system was purchase when dinosaurs roamed the earth,consider upgrading by adding more memory,a larger hard drive,and if possible a faster cpu.
You can free up hard drive space by deleting files and applications you don't use often.Improve performance by not overlooking basic pc maintenance.Running scandisk and Defragment are crucial to pc preformance.And try third party memory management programs.
Running scandisk will find and attempt to correct errors on your hard drive.System Defragment will free up hard drive space by re-arranging files in an orderly manner.This allows the cpu to find files much faster and not have to roam all over the hard drive to load files into memory.
You can get more bang for your buck by purchasing a faster computer however.When adding the costs of components and the increase in speed and performance you will gain,you may come out better to purchase another system.
Windows operating system have a utility named Msconfig that can display programs that bootup and instantly run on your computer. To start Msconfig,select Start,Run,and type "msconfig" without the quotes,in the Run dialog box.Msconfig does not show all programs running in the background however.
If you have Windows XP as your operating system, try to delete all files in the prefetch directory. Windows XP Professional monitors files that are used when the computer starts and when you start programs.
When Windows XP Professional monitor these files, it prefetches them.Prefetching data is the process whereby data that is expected to be requested is read ahead into the cache. Prefetching boot files and applications decreases the time needed to start Windows XP Professional and start applications.
These files if not deleted will lower system resources and slow pc performance by loading programs that are no longer being used.To delete these files,open C,your system drive, and go to windows/prefetch.Delete all files or at least those more than 3 weeks old and, reboot.
Try to check to see if your computer and the CPU Chip are not overheating. Excessive heat will cause your system to perform much closer.Make sure your computer is well ventilated
A really neat and free utility that does a great job at displaying all programs is Merijins free startup utility which configure programs at http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml.This utility is simple to use and should not add more burden to your computer.
Another utility called Process Explorer ,Sysinternals Tutoring at http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html can be used and this utility allow you to disable each program.
And when it comes to correcting slow computer performance, you can be your own worst enemy.And just how is this? The word procrastination means to put off today what we can do tomorrow. Such simple tasks as running scandisk and defrag are often put off until a more convenient time.
Don't let procrastination or anything else get in the way of boosting the performance of your computer. You'll thank yourself many times over when you see the results. You will also have the knowledge to help others boost their computer's performance as well.And that can always be a blessing to someone.
Keeping Your Computer Happy.
Does your computer last for only a year or so, hangs every so often, and gets struck by virus most of the time? Are you giving it enough hours of rest? Is it cool enough most of the times? Can its memory handle all the applications that you use?
If you still don't know it by now, computers are like people too! Yep, you read it right, computers may not feel like we do but it also suffers from stress that is brought by overworking and can break down if without proper care - computers, like people, also needs to be looked after to get the right productivity that you expect from it. This article aims to shed some light on how to make your computer happy and efficient that will last for a long time.
Invest on quality hardware, repairs or upgrades as well as up-to-date and original software programs.
One of the mistakes that people make is that whenever they encounter a problem with their computer like hanging and viruses is that they would usually leave it and would not perform any diagnostic tests at all. If you are one of these people, stop the habit for remember, prevention is always better than cure. We have to remember to treat our computers like we would to ourselves whenever we're sick. We would not just let ourselves be consumed by stress... right?
Investing does not mean keeping up with what's "the latest", the "hippest" and the most expensive gadget the market has to offer. It's basically just giving your computer what it needs for it to function as fast as you want it to be. One thing though, you have to make sure it's one of the best (but still budget-friendly) so you're not putting money down the drain.
Same goes with software programs, pirated software programs may be cheap when you bought it some where, however, the end result will make you wish you had just settled with the real thing. One of the downsides of having pirated programs is that because it's pirated you are not given the opportunity for support as well as the freebies that is available to legal users. Another downside of using illegal programs is that because you are not given the right support, more viruses and other harmful scripts may be left unfiltered by your computer thus, causing more harm and making you shed more money for the cost of the repairs. So for me, it is better to put money out on one go rather than having to shed it one at a time due to screw ups.
Don't forget to run tests every week.
If your computer seems as if it takes years to boot and respond even to your simplest queries, then maybe you're not doing diagnostic tests frequently enough. Files need to be sorted accordingly to make some space for new files that you are about to create and to be able to increase the access speed; that is what Disk Defragmenter is for. It is usually bundled with several operating systems like Microsoft, utility systems like Norton Antivirus and several standalone defragmenter programs. It had to be run as often as once a week to achieve an optimum speed for your computer.
Running utility tests every week will be of big help to keep your computer virus and worm-free. Remember to keep your anti-virus programs updated to ensure that they will be able to protect your computer from the latest virus program on the web. In addition, sometimes, anti-virus programs are just not enough, and that means you have to have other software that will shield your computer from any malicious scripts and programs. Adding some pop-up blocker and spyware products won't hurt your budget since there are several applications in the web that are free for download.
Cool it.
If you go from one task to the next without the luxury of rest, the end result would be you would be overly strain and then just breakdown. Computers are not different; you have to let it rest for a couple of hours before resuming work especially if you do not have air conditioners within your workplace. In addition to this, you must also make sure that your computer has the necessary cooling solutions to keep your computer from overheating when you have to work overtime.
If you still don't know it by now, computers are like people too! Yep, you read it right, computers may not feel like we do but it also suffers from stress that is brought by overworking and can break down if without proper care - computers, like people, also needs to be looked after to get the right productivity that you expect from it. This article aims to shed some light on how to make your computer happy and efficient that will last for a long time.
Invest on quality hardware, repairs or upgrades as well as up-to-date and original software programs.
One of the mistakes that people make is that whenever they encounter a problem with their computer like hanging and viruses is that they would usually leave it and would not perform any diagnostic tests at all. If you are one of these people, stop the habit for remember, prevention is always better than cure. We have to remember to treat our computers like we would to ourselves whenever we're sick. We would not just let ourselves be consumed by stress... right?
Investing does not mean keeping up with what's "the latest", the "hippest" and the most expensive gadget the market has to offer. It's basically just giving your computer what it needs for it to function as fast as you want it to be. One thing though, you have to make sure it's one of the best (but still budget-friendly) so you're not putting money down the drain.
Same goes with software programs, pirated software programs may be cheap when you bought it some where, however, the end result will make you wish you had just settled with the real thing. One of the downsides of having pirated programs is that because it's pirated you are not given the opportunity for support as well as the freebies that is available to legal users. Another downside of using illegal programs is that because you are not given the right support, more viruses and other harmful scripts may be left unfiltered by your computer thus, causing more harm and making you shed more money for the cost of the repairs. So for me, it is better to put money out on one go rather than having to shed it one at a time due to screw ups.
Don't forget to run tests every week.
If your computer seems as if it takes years to boot and respond even to your simplest queries, then maybe you're not doing diagnostic tests frequently enough. Files need to be sorted accordingly to make some space for new files that you are about to create and to be able to increase the access speed; that is what Disk Defragmenter is for. It is usually bundled with several operating systems like Microsoft, utility systems like Norton Antivirus and several standalone defragmenter programs. It had to be run as often as once a week to achieve an optimum speed for your computer.
Running utility tests every week will be of big help to keep your computer virus and worm-free. Remember to keep your anti-virus programs updated to ensure that they will be able to protect your computer from the latest virus program on the web. In addition, sometimes, anti-virus programs are just not enough, and that means you have to have other software that will shield your computer from any malicious scripts and programs. Adding some pop-up blocker and spyware products won't hurt your budget since there are several applications in the web that are free for download.
Cool it.
If you go from one task to the next without the luxury of rest, the end result would be you would be overly strain and then just breakdown. Computers are not different; you have to let it rest for a couple of hours before resuming work especially if you do not have air conditioners within your workplace. In addition to this, you must also make sure that your computer has the necessary cooling solutions to keep your computer from overheating when you have to work overtime.
How To Properly Install A New Video Card?
Your video card is one of those components in your computer you want to both learn as much about it as possible and to learn how to remove the old one and install a new card quickly.Playing those awesome games will be that much more enjoyable with one of those muscle bound video cards boosting video performance to the max.
Having the most up to date video quality is without a doubt the number three upgrade consideration. Upgrading the Hard Drive and RAM Memory are in front of all others.
Learning to remove your system unit cover,locate your video card,removing the old card so you can install a faster one can be educational and make it fun in the process.
After choosing the video card that you know is compatible with your monitor,open the system unit after the system is turned off,unplugged, and all peripherals are disconnected.
You want to stop and remove any electrical static charge your yourself by touching a metal object.This reduces the chance of damaging any chips in the computer.
You may want to lay the system unit on its side for easier access to the empty expansion bays. Locate the empty AGP Slot to insert the video card and remove the cover plate at the rear of the case with a screwdriver.
Save the screw to secure the card later.Newer motherboards are now equipped with the PCI Express slot.Check your motherboard manual if you are in doubt as to which type of slot you have
Before removing the new card from its protective wrap,ground yourself to remove any and all electrical static charge from your body.Now you can carefully and firmly inserted the card into the Accelerated Graphics Port.
Aligned the card in the port and slowly but firmly pushed the card in the AGP Port.You may use a slight rocking back and forth motion to seat the card in the port.
Check to be sure it has been pushed all the way in the slot for a solid connection.Secure the card to the case with the screw you saved from the cover plate earlier.
Check and double check your installation process before replacing the cover onto the system unit case.With the cover replaced,reconnect peripherals and turn on the computer.
The operating system should detect the new video card and install the device driver software that will allow the card to talk to the computer.A cdrom should have come with the new card with the device drivers and other useful software.
And you should now be able to experience the ultimate in crisp,clear quality graphics on your monitor.Its that easy to install and setup your video card.
The new PCI Express technology comes with some other benefits as well. For one, the amount of trace routes on motherboards are reduced by the circuitry of motherboards. When using 4 routes instead of 32 for a basic connection, the motherboard manufacturerswill no doubt favor this technology.This greatly reduces the costs of producing motherboards in the long term.
PCI Express connectors are similar in appearance and connection method to 32-bit PCI slots. PCI Express 1X slots are about the size of current modem riser,close to 1" long.The X16 interface has 164-pins for graphics is very similar in appearance to the standard AGP port. The flexibility to adapt to PCI express devices of different bandwidths is built into the midrange X4 and X8 slots that we have seen.
The biggest impact that PCI Express has made on the desktop market is with the PCIe,the x16 graphics slot. Found in the latest Intel and AMD-based chipsets, This new technology has replaced AGP 8x as the platform of choice for graphics cards.You will want to understand the new PCI Express card as much as possible since it is the most recent video display technology.
When you purchase your next computer,forget the Advanced Graphics Port or the AGP card,be certain your new computer comes with the new PCI Express video card install.You will be glad you did especially if you love those new high resolution games they keep coming out with.
Having the most up to date video quality is without a doubt the number three upgrade consideration. Upgrading the Hard Drive and RAM Memory are in front of all others.
Learning to remove your system unit cover,locate your video card,removing the old card so you can install a faster one can be educational and make it fun in the process.
After choosing the video card that you know is compatible with your monitor,open the system unit after the system is turned off,unplugged, and all peripherals are disconnected.
You want to stop and remove any electrical static charge your yourself by touching a metal object.This reduces the chance of damaging any chips in the computer.
You may want to lay the system unit on its side for easier access to the empty expansion bays. Locate the empty AGP Slot to insert the video card and remove the cover plate at the rear of the case with a screwdriver.
Save the screw to secure the card later.Newer motherboards are now equipped with the PCI Express slot.Check your motherboard manual if you are in doubt as to which type of slot you have
Before removing the new card from its protective wrap,ground yourself to remove any and all electrical static charge from your body.Now you can carefully and firmly inserted the card into the Accelerated Graphics Port.
Aligned the card in the port and slowly but firmly pushed the card in the AGP Port.You may use a slight rocking back and forth motion to seat the card in the port.
Check to be sure it has been pushed all the way in the slot for a solid connection.Secure the card to the case with the screw you saved from the cover plate earlier.
Check and double check your installation process before replacing the cover onto the system unit case.With the cover replaced,reconnect peripherals and turn on the computer.
The operating system should detect the new video card and install the device driver software that will allow the card to talk to the computer.A cdrom should have come with the new card with the device drivers and other useful software.
And you should now be able to experience the ultimate in crisp,clear quality graphics on your monitor.Its that easy to install and setup your video card.
The new PCI Express technology comes with some other benefits as well. For one, the amount of trace routes on motherboards are reduced by the circuitry of motherboards. When using 4 routes instead of 32 for a basic connection, the motherboard manufacturerswill no doubt favor this technology.This greatly reduces the costs of producing motherboards in the long term.
PCI Express connectors are similar in appearance and connection method to 32-bit PCI slots. PCI Express 1X slots are about the size of current modem riser,close to 1" long.The X16 interface has 164-pins for graphics is very similar in appearance to the standard AGP port. The flexibility to adapt to PCI express devices of different bandwidths is built into the midrange X4 and X8 slots that we have seen.
The biggest impact that PCI Express has made on the desktop market is with the PCIe,the x16 graphics slot. Found in the latest Intel and AMD-based chipsets, This new technology has replaced AGP 8x as the platform of choice for graphics cards.You will want to understand the new PCI Express card as much as possible since it is the most recent video display technology.
When you purchase your next computer,forget the Advanced Graphics Port or the AGP card,be certain your new computer comes with the new PCI Express video card install.You will be glad you did especially if you love those new high resolution games they keep coming out with.
Why Choose A Core 2 Duo For Your CPU In Your New High End Computer ?
It must have been difficult for Intel to watch AMD's Athlon 64 and then the Athlon 64 X2 and FX pretty much take over the performance PC market, putting the once-untouchable chip giant into a position where its only competitive response was to cut prices. Those were dark days indeed. But now, with the release of the long-awaited codename "Conroe" -- the Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme processors -- Intel looks set to start a new age of desktop domination.
Most onlookers expected Intel to take back the performance crown from AMD, but few anticipated the sheer magnitude of this victory, or the nearly flawless style with which Intel performed it. And the Core 2 Duo is just the first strike in this battle, as Intel is also planning preemptive Pentium D price drops and has revamped its single-core Pentium 4 and Celeron D lines as well.
The Conroe excels in three areas, which add up to the very definition of what a current buyer expects from a top-end desktop CPU. These factors are price, performance, and power requirements, and the 65-nanometer-process Core 2 Duo and Extreme have surpassed their AMD counterparts in each, completing the same type of triple play that AMD had turned on the Pentium 4 and Pentium D.
The question of who's got the best performance is not even up for debate: The 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme X6800 is the fastest desktop processor on the planet, and the 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo E6700 is not far behind. Even the next-step-down 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo E6600 is an outstanding desktop performer that can outpace AMD's flagship Athlon 64 FX-62 in most tests.
Power and cooling requirements are also extremely low -- the Core 2 Duo line offers the lowest power draw of any dual-core processor, with the Core 2 Duo Extreme not far off. Prices are also extremely competitive. In fact, it's amazing that for such a competitive price , the Core 2 Duo E6600 can outrun AMD's entire desktop lineup. The lower-end Core 2 Duo E6300 and E6400 models are even more affordable, although their 2MB instead of 4MB of Level 2 cache mean their relative performance isn't as high.
Intel has accomplished this via a drastic shift away from the Pentium's NetBurst technology. Conroe's next-generation core performs more instructions per clock cycle (IPC), rather than having a longer and potentially less efficient pipeline that can be clocked into the stratosphere. Core 2 processors' 2MB or 4MB of 256-bit L2 cache feature what Intel calls Advanced Smart Cache, dynamically shared between the two cores for maximum efficiency rather than chaining half the cache to each core.
With IPC levels exceeding those of AMD plus clock speeds up to 2.93GHz and a 1066MHz front-side bus, Intel has moved well ahead in the performance game despite sticking with traditional CPU and chipset architecture rather than AMD's on-chip-memory-controller approach.
The Conroe design also reflects a need to keep power requirements and heat production down via various power-saving technologies. Since the basic architecture will be shared through all of Intel's processor lines (except the Itanium), including upcoming mobile CPUs, this translates into very power-efficient processing.
The Core 2 Duo and Extreme processors may offer industry-leading performance, but Intel's SpeedStep technology ensures that the chips can ramp down the multiplier and reduce clock speed to conserve battery power and/or lower core heat levels.
Moreover, new Intelligent Power Capability can go beyond slowing the CPU as a whole to turning various core functions on and off as required. These power-saving techniques don't get in the way of outright performance, as the Conroe instantly jumps back to top speed when required.
Through the use of technical expertise obtained through advanced CPU server technology and exprertise Intel has leapfrogged once again to a combination of power , low energy use and heat production and reliability especially since with advances in CPU speed can disabling and damaging hear.
The Core 2 Duo CPUs should be a major consideration in your next high end computer purchase.
Most onlookers expected Intel to take back the performance crown from AMD, but few anticipated the sheer magnitude of this victory, or the nearly flawless style with which Intel performed it. And the Core 2 Duo is just the first strike in this battle, as Intel is also planning preemptive Pentium D price drops and has revamped its single-core Pentium 4 and Celeron D lines as well.
The Conroe excels in three areas, which add up to the very definition of what a current buyer expects from a top-end desktop CPU. These factors are price, performance, and power requirements, and the 65-nanometer-process Core 2 Duo and Extreme have surpassed their AMD counterparts in each, completing the same type of triple play that AMD had turned on the Pentium 4 and Pentium D.
The question of who's got the best performance is not even up for debate: The 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme X6800 is the fastest desktop processor on the planet, and the 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo E6700 is not far behind. Even the next-step-down 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo E6600 is an outstanding desktop performer that can outpace AMD's flagship Athlon 64 FX-62 in most tests.
Power and cooling requirements are also extremely low -- the Core 2 Duo line offers the lowest power draw of any dual-core processor, with the Core 2 Duo Extreme not far off. Prices are also extremely competitive. In fact, it's amazing that for such a competitive price , the Core 2 Duo E6600 can outrun AMD's entire desktop lineup. The lower-end Core 2 Duo E6300 and E6400 models are even more affordable, although their 2MB instead of 4MB of Level 2 cache mean their relative performance isn't as high.
Intel has accomplished this via a drastic shift away from the Pentium's NetBurst technology. Conroe's next-generation core performs more instructions per clock cycle (IPC), rather than having a longer and potentially less efficient pipeline that can be clocked into the stratosphere. Core 2 processors' 2MB or 4MB of 256-bit L2 cache feature what Intel calls Advanced Smart Cache, dynamically shared between the two cores for maximum efficiency rather than chaining half the cache to each core.
With IPC levels exceeding those of AMD plus clock speeds up to 2.93GHz and a 1066MHz front-side bus, Intel has moved well ahead in the performance game despite sticking with traditional CPU and chipset architecture rather than AMD's on-chip-memory-controller approach.
The Conroe design also reflects a need to keep power requirements and heat production down via various power-saving technologies. Since the basic architecture will be shared through all of Intel's processor lines (except the Itanium), including upcoming mobile CPUs, this translates into very power-efficient processing.
The Core 2 Duo and Extreme processors may offer industry-leading performance, but Intel's SpeedStep technology ensures that the chips can ramp down the multiplier and reduce clock speed to conserve battery power and/or lower core heat levels.
Moreover, new Intelligent Power Capability can go beyond slowing the CPU as a whole to turning various core functions on and off as required. These power-saving techniques don't get in the way of outright performance, as the Conroe instantly jumps back to top speed when required.
Through the use of technical expertise obtained through advanced CPU server technology and exprertise Intel has leapfrogged once again to a combination of power , low energy use and heat production and reliability especially since with advances in CPU speed can disabling and damaging hear.
The Core 2 Duo CPUs should be a major consideration in your next high end computer purchase.
How To Speed Up Your PC.
One of the most annoying things I have noticed with personal computers is the noticeable drop off in speed and performance as the system gets older. When I first buy the system or when I have freshly installed Windows the whole system seems to zip along, programs open faster the system starts up faster. A few months of hard use later and I get more and more frustrated, I am forced to wait for everything as my PC grinds along apparently making hard work of the smallest task.
However, as I am about to explain there are reasons for this and there are ways to restore your PC to its former glory. All the time you are using your computer there are many tasks running in the background, things like task schedulers for various programs, animated desktops and icons, automatic update monitors and even worse many things that you don’t need or use at all. The longer you have your computer the more software applications you install, the more of these background tasks are running constantly while you work. All of these are competing for processor time. One extreme way to redress this is backup all you data, reformat your hard drive and install Windows from scratch, along with all your favourite applications. This is a very time consuming job and not for the faint hearted. There are some people who do this on a yearly basis, as this is a very efficient way of curing any Windows errors that have developed over time.
For those who would prefer not to go through this time consuming process here is a list of procedures you can follow regularly to keep your PC healthy and performing well.
Uninstall Unnecessary Software.
This is kind of obvious but many people don’t bother. As well as software which you purposely installed in the past and just don’t need any more, there are many applications which are installed without you asking for them at the same time as programs you wanted. Things like download managers, audio players, toolbars and other branded marketing gadgets that annoy the heck out of you. To uninstall these unwanted guests go to “Control Panel†then click “Add/Remove Software†and remove them.
Use Microsoft Disk Cleanup Utility.
When you install software or browse the internet your computer is storing “Temporary files†and “Temporary internet filesâ€, these files are left on your PC but are no linger needed. Over time your PC will amass a huge amount of these files and Disk Cleanup Utility will clean these out as well as compacting older files which are still needed. To start Disk Cleanup go to “Start†> “Accessories†> “System Tools†> “Disk Cleanupâ€.
Get Rid Of Viruses And Spyware.
Use a reputable antivirus application such as Norton Internet Securities to scan your PC. You can set most antivirus programs to perform a complete system scan at regular intervals or you can perform a scan manually if you prefer. Whichever way you choose this MUST be done regularly.
Use Windows Update.
Microsoft is constantly working on improvements and correcting flaws in there Windows operating system. Every now and then they will release update patches for your Windows system to improve performance, cure bugs, correct hardware compatibility problems and address any security issues which can be exploited by hackers. It is advisable to set windows to update automatically or to use Windows Update on a regular basis. To do this go to “Start†> “All Programs†> “Windows Updateâ€, You must be connected to the internet for this.
Clean Your Registry.
Your registry stores important information about your computers set-up and configuration. Over time the registry gets cluttered up with registry entries that are no long relevant and theses entries can confuse windows or just slow it down considerably.
It is not recommended that you make changes to the registry yourself unless you know what your are doing, so to clean it properly you will need registry cleaner software such as Error Doctor. A registry cleaner will scan your registry for redundant entries and remove them. It is very simple to use and I recommend it. For a detailed description of the registry and how to clean it visit:-
http://www.registry-cleaner-magic.com/error-doctor/registry-info.htm
Defragment Your Hard Disk.
Over time and with regular use the data on your hard disk gets scattered across the disk and stored in fragments. This will make your hard disk work much harder trying to find and access each fragment of information. To correct this problem your hard disk needs to be defragmented regularly. To do this go to “Start†> “All Programs†> “Accessories†> “System Tools†> “Disk Defragmenterâ€.
Reduce Your Startup Selections.
Ever time you start your computer there are many items, which begin running during the startup process. Because all of these are drawing from your processor this can slow down the startup time considerably. Many of theses will remain running in the background while the PC is on. Some of these startup items are not required and so can be switched of without any problems, so improving startup time and overall performance. To manage the list of startup programs, click on “Start†> “Run“, and type MSCONFIG. Press Enter, and select the Startup tab. If you see items in the list you know you don't need to run at startup time, Uncheck the box next each item and press Apply. If you are unsure about an item you can Uncheck it and reboot. If an application stops working just go back and recheck the box.
Buy More Memory.
As well as performing the above tasks at regular intervals you can make a huge difference to the speed of your computer by increasing the amount of memory it has.
When Windows is running it uses large amounts of memory to function. To avoid running out of physical memory in will use a portion of your hard disk as “virtual memoryâ€. The problem is that virtual memory is much slower than physical memory. So the more virtual memory it needs the slower your PC will run. To reduce the amount of virtual memory used it is necessary to increase your physical memory as much as you can afford. Increasing your memory size is probably one of the best ways to speed up your computer.
However, as I am about to explain there are reasons for this and there are ways to restore your PC to its former glory. All the time you are using your computer there are many tasks running in the background, things like task schedulers for various programs, animated desktops and icons, automatic update monitors and even worse many things that you don’t need or use at all. The longer you have your computer the more software applications you install, the more of these background tasks are running constantly while you work. All of these are competing for processor time. One extreme way to redress this is backup all you data, reformat your hard drive and install Windows from scratch, along with all your favourite applications. This is a very time consuming job and not for the faint hearted. There are some people who do this on a yearly basis, as this is a very efficient way of curing any Windows errors that have developed over time.
For those who would prefer not to go through this time consuming process here is a list of procedures you can follow regularly to keep your PC healthy and performing well.
Uninstall Unnecessary Software.
This is kind of obvious but many people don’t bother. As well as software which you purposely installed in the past and just don’t need any more, there are many applications which are installed without you asking for them at the same time as programs you wanted. Things like download managers, audio players, toolbars and other branded marketing gadgets that annoy the heck out of you. To uninstall these unwanted guests go to “Control Panel†then click “Add/Remove Software†and remove them.
Use Microsoft Disk Cleanup Utility.
When you install software or browse the internet your computer is storing “Temporary files†and “Temporary internet filesâ€, these files are left on your PC but are no linger needed. Over time your PC will amass a huge amount of these files and Disk Cleanup Utility will clean these out as well as compacting older files which are still needed. To start Disk Cleanup go to “Start†> “Accessories†> “System Tools†> “Disk Cleanupâ€.
Get Rid Of Viruses And Spyware.
Use a reputable antivirus application such as Norton Internet Securities to scan your PC. You can set most antivirus programs to perform a complete system scan at regular intervals or you can perform a scan manually if you prefer. Whichever way you choose this MUST be done regularly.
Use Windows Update.
Microsoft is constantly working on improvements and correcting flaws in there Windows operating system. Every now and then they will release update patches for your Windows system to improve performance, cure bugs, correct hardware compatibility problems and address any security issues which can be exploited by hackers. It is advisable to set windows to update automatically or to use Windows Update on a regular basis. To do this go to “Start†> “All Programs†> “Windows Updateâ€, You must be connected to the internet for this.
Clean Your Registry.
Your registry stores important information about your computers set-up and configuration. Over time the registry gets cluttered up with registry entries that are no long relevant and theses entries can confuse windows or just slow it down considerably.
It is not recommended that you make changes to the registry yourself unless you know what your are doing, so to clean it properly you will need registry cleaner software such as Error Doctor. A registry cleaner will scan your registry for redundant entries and remove them. It is very simple to use and I recommend it. For a detailed description of the registry and how to clean it visit:-
http://www.registry-cleaner-magic.com/error-doctor/registry-info.htm
Defragment Your Hard Disk.
Over time and with regular use the data on your hard disk gets scattered across the disk and stored in fragments. This will make your hard disk work much harder trying to find and access each fragment of information. To correct this problem your hard disk needs to be defragmented regularly. To do this go to “Start†> “All Programs†> “Accessories†> “System Tools†> “Disk Defragmenterâ€.
Reduce Your Startup Selections.
Ever time you start your computer there are many items, which begin running during the startup process. Because all of these are drawing from your processor this can slow down the startup time considerably. Many of theses will remain running in the background while the PC is on. Some of these startup items are not required and so can be switched of without any problems, so improving startup time and overall performance. To manage the list of startup programs, click on “Start†> “Run“, and type MSCONFIG. Press Enter, and select the Startup tab. If you see items in the list you know you don't need to run at startup time, Uncheck the box next each item and press Apply. If you are unsure about an item you can Uncheck it and reboot. If an application stops working just go back and recheck the box.
Buy More Memory.
As well as performing the above tasks at regular intervals you can make a huge difference to the speed of your computer by increasing the amount of memory it has.
When Windows is running it uses large amounts of memory to function. To avoid running out of physical memory in will use a portion of your hard disk as “virtual memoryâ€. The problem is that virtual memory is much slower than physical memory. So the more virtual memory it needs the slower your PC will run. To reduce the amount of virtual memory used it is necessary to increase your physical memory as much as you can afford. Increasing your memory size is probably one of the best ways to speed up your computer.
The Different Memory Cards And The Speed Of Some Of Them.
The MMC and Secure digital cards are not the same but are interchangeable. The difference has to do with copy protections of the disk volume on the SD card. This extra feature makes the SD attractive for people who use them in MP3 players. No other cards are interchangeable. The Canon Power shot A510 you described comes with only 16MB, so it would be best to invest in more memory capacity. What I would recommend is getting one memory card that you will be able to use, even as your need for the amount of pictures you want to take changes.
For this use I would recommend the SanDisk 1 GB Secure Digital Memory Card. Usually running around $90 this card will allow you transfer large files, take hundreds of photos, handle large movie files, and take pictures on the highest resolution setting. If you are looking for something with less storage space, but with an equally reduced cost. I would recommend the Kingston 512 MB SD Memory Card running from around $44. This card holds a significantly less amount of pictures, but still performs well.
Actually the Kodak cards are probably made by SanDisk anyway as Kodak manufacturers very little these days and subs most everything out. I use both Compact Flash and Secure Disc memory cards and I'd be hard pressed to see any difference between the quality of the files stored on different types of cards or brands. And I have never heard of a problem of loss of quality because of a memory card.
What I have experienced is the corruption of the files on a memory card. I have several digital cameras of different brands and one day loaded a CF card from one camera into another. I am not sure but I think that the second camera tried to overwrite the first's directory and caused the loss of some information and a few files to be corrupted. I would suggest that you get yourself a program like RescuPro. It is a program that both finds and recovers lost and corrupted files and it wipes and deletes images files from a memory card.
Besides the price and fancy name, the difference between each generation of SanDisk cards is speed. A lot of people aren't aware of this, but the speed at which you can take pictures and speed of transferring them to you your computer really depends on the type of memory card you have. Overall, SanDisk has a great reputation for making fast cards. The Sony A-100 has a burst rate of three frames per second, which is similar to my camera.
With a slower card you only may be able to write five or six frames before the card has to stop the camera. If you're into sports I suggest the III or IV, especially since you have 10.2 megapixels which will eat up write time.
Another thing is the speed you can transfer your pictures to your computer. The best setup is a card reader and a 2.0 USB port. It also makes a huge difference what type of card your pictures are stored on. If you're transferring 200 10.2MP RAW images the difference between the original and IV can be minutes. The type of card is really important. Personally, since you'll be saving large files like 10.2MP, I'd go for the III or IV, but it is completely up to you.
For this use I would recommend the SanDisk 1 GB Secure Digital Memory Card. Usually running around $90 this card will allow you transfer large files, take hundreds of photos, handle large movie files, and take pictures on the highest resolution setting. If you are looking for something with less storage space, but with an equally reduced cost. I would recommend the Kingston 512 MB SD Memory Card running from around $44. This card holds a significantly less amount of pictures, but still performs well.
Actually the Kodak cards are probably made by SanDisk anyway as Kodak manufacturers very little these days and subs most everything out. I use both Compact Flash and Secure Disc memory cards and I'd be hard pressed to see any difference between the quality of the files stored on different types of cards or brands. And I have never heard of a problem of loss of quality because of a memory card.
What I have experienced is the corruption of the files on a memory card. I have several digital cameras of different brands and one day loaded a CF card from one camera into another. I am not sure but I think that the second camera tried to overwrite the first's directory and caused the loss of some information and a few files to be corrupted. I would suggest that you get yourself a program like RescuPro. It is a program that both finds and recovers lost and corrupted files and it wipes and deletes images files from a memory card.
Besides the price and fancy name, the difference between each generation of SanDisk cards is speed. A lot of people aren't aware of this, but the speed at which you can take pictures and speed of transferring them to you your computer really depends on the type of memory card you have. Overall, SanDisk has a great reputation for making fast cards. The Sony A-100 has a burst rate of three frames per second, which is similar to my camera.
With a slower card you only may be able to write five or six frames before the card has to stop the camera. If you're into sports I suggest the III or IV, especially since you have 10.2 megapixels which will eat up write time.
Another thing is the speed you can transfer your pictures to your computer. The best setup is a card reader and a 2.0 USB port. It also makes a huge difference what type of card your pictures are stored on. If you're transferring 200 10.2MP RAW images the difference between the original and IV can be minutes. The type of card is really important. Personally, since you'll be saving large files like 10.2MP, I'd go for the III or IV, but it is completely up to you.
How To Repair LG 710E CRT Monitor With Power Blink Symptom.
The LG 710E 17†CRT Monitor came in with the complaint of power blink. A power blink problem can be cause by either in primary or secondary section or even in both sections.
A defective power IC, power fet breakdown when under load, high esr in electrolytic capacitor, increased in current sense resistor value, a shorted zener diode, a leaky transistor, open circuit or resistor has changed value in primary side can cause power to blink. As for the secondary side, a shorted secondary diode, flyback, HOT, horizontal yoke coil, damper diode, B+ fet, an open filter capacitor, shorted IC and etc can cause power to blink as well.
Normally what I do is to remove the B+ fet first and connect a light bulb to distinguish whether is the primary or after the B+ circuit components that caused power to blink. However in this case, I did not put the light bulb and I directly removed the B+ fet and power on the monitor. For your information, this B+ fet is the N-channel mosfet and this B+ fet is part of the boost circuit.
After removing the B+ fet, not only the power didn’t blink, there was display as well and the anode voltage reads about 12 Kilo volt (a good monitor should have about 24 KV). The reason why you got 12 kilo volts is because the boost circuit is not functioning due to the removal of the B+ fet. The display shown a small width and the horizontal size control is already set to the maximum (you can’t get maximum width because the anode voltage is only 12 KV). You can control or set everything in the On Screen Display (OSD) except you can’t bring horizontal size to maximum.
With having a display, it is a good clue to me because I knew that many circuits is working such as power section (so you don’t suspect primary side anymore), flyback transformer, yoke coils, micro-p, eeprom, horizontal and vertical circuit, color circuit and even the Osd circuit. Without the B+ fet, there is display but with B+ fet the power blink. In this case, one would always check the B+ fet first am I right? However the B+ fet turned out to be good!
Now where is the culprit hiding? Troubleshooting sometimes can be very frustrated and most of the time is always fun. One of my methods that I liked to use is to touch for any unusually hot components on board with my finger. (Please take note for all electronic repairers-switch off and unplug the power cable and discharge the big filter capacitor in primary side before you begin to touch any components).
Usually after power off, I would touch on the flyback first then to other components surrounding the high voltage section. While browsing the components with my finger I stumbled upon a resin coated ceramic disc capacitor which is quite hot. It is located near the flyback transformer and in fact the capacitor was there is to act as a filter capacitor for the 400 vdc line output as shown from the photo.
After the cap was removed and checked with an analog meter, it showed a shorted reading even in the X1 ohms range. A good capacitor should show a charge and discharge activity in the X10 k ohms range. A new capacitor replacement for this LG 710E 17†CRT Monitor cured the fault.
The reason why the monitor power blink is because the faulty capacitor become shorted when in full operating voltage (boost circuit is functioning and approximately 60 -70 vdc enter the B+ flyback pin). When the B+ fet was removed (boost circuit not working and only about 40 vdc enter the B+ pin of flyback) the monitor is not working under full operating voltage and the faulty capacitor can still tolerate (partial short) and became hot.
I believe if the monitor is switched “on†for a little longer, it would cause the capacitor to develop a direct short circuit and if this happen, removing the B+ fet to test the monitor would not make any different (the power would still blink).
A defective power IC, power fet breakdown when under load, high esr in electrolytic capacitor, increased in current sense resistor value, a shorted zener diode, a leaky transistor, open circuit or resistor has changed value in primary side can cause power to blink. As for the secondary side, a shorted secondary diode, flyback, HOT, horizontal yoke coil, damper diode, B+ fet, an open filter capacitor, shorted IC and etc can cause power to blink as well.
Normally what I do is to remove the B+ fet first and connect a light bulb to distinguish whether is the primary or after the B+ circuit components that caused power to blink. However in this case, I did not put the light bulb and I directly removed the B+ fet and power on the monitor. For your information, this B+ fet is the N-channel mosfet and this B+ fet is part of the boost circuit.
After removing the B+ fet, not only the power didn’t blink, there was display as well and the anode voltage reads about 12 Kilo volt (a good monitor should have about 24 KV). The reason why you got 12 kilo volts is because the boost circuit is not functioning due to the removal of the B+ fet. The display shown a small width and the horizontal size control is already set to the maximum (you can’t get maximum width because the anode voltage is only 12 KV). You can control or set everything in the On Screen Display (OSD) except you can’t bring horizontal size to maximum.
With having a display, it is a good clue to me because I knew that many circuits is working such as power section (so you don’t suspect primary side anymore), flyback transformer, yoke coils, micro-p, eeprom, horizontal and vertical circuit, color circuit and even the Osd circuit. Without the B+ fet, there is display but with B+ fet the power blink. In this case, one would always check the B+ fet first am I right? However the B+ fet turned out to be good!
Now where is the culprit hiding? Troubleshooting sometimes can be very frustrated and most of the time is always fun. One of my methods that I liked to use is to touch for any unusually hot components on board with my finger. (Please take note for all electronic repairers-switch off and unplug the power cable and discharge the big filter capacitor in primary side before you begin to touch any components).
Usually after power off, I would touch on the flyback first then to other components surrounding the high voltage section. While browsing the components with my finger I stumbled upon a resin coated ceramic disc capacitor which is quite hot. It is located near the flyback transformer and in fact the capacitor was there is to act as a filter capacitor for the 400 vdc line output as shown from the photo.
After the cap was removed and checked with an analog meter, it showed a shorted reading even in the X1 ohms range. A good capacitor should show a charge and discharge activity in the X10 k ohms range. A new capacitor replacement for this LG 710E 17†CRT Monitor cured the fault.
The reason why the monitor power blink is because the faulty capacitor become shorted when in full operating voltage (boost circuit is functioning and approximately 60 -70 vdc enter the B+ flyback pin). When the B+ fet was removed (boost circuit not working and only about 40 vdc enter the B+ pin of flyback) the monitor is not working under full operating voltage and the faulty capacitor can still tolerate (partial short) and became hot.
I believe if the monitor is switched “on†for a little longer, it would cause the capacitor to develop a direct short circuit and if this happen, removing the B+ fet to test the monitor would not make any different (the power would still blink).
Physical Damages of Hard disk.
When clicking sound starts coming from hard disk drive, this indicates that hard drive is facing some problem. This only happens when power fluctuate while you are working on the computer. This shows that your hard disk is physically damaged.
Hardware tips and tricks for Windows, Macs and Linux PCs.
This week I have more of my special tips and tricks, this time concentrating on hardware tips for all computer users.
1. Get rid of bad vibes. Put your computer where it won't be subject to vibration, shaking or accidental kicks. They can mess up your hard drive. If it's on top of your desk, make sure your desk can't rock (even slightly) from side to side or front to back; prop up any short legs if you need to. If it's on the floor, make a solid platform out of concrete blocks covered by a velvet cloth or an old sheet, whichever looks better.
2. Keep it cool. Don't cut off the flow of air to your computer. Depending on the design, your computer draws air in through vents in the front, sides or bottom. Keep everything at least an inch away from obvious vents. (Bonus tip: If your computer starts running hot, don't take off the case in an attempt to give it more airflow. That usually diffuses the air too much. Instead, find out why it's running hot and get it fixed.)
3. Save electricity. Modern computers are able to hibernate (go into deep sleep) after a period of inactivity. Look for a setting (in the Control Panel or in the computer's System Preferences) for power-saving adjustments. Hibernation is a good idea for families who use an always-on Internet connection, too, because it takes computers offline and thereby shields them from intruders.
4. Kill the old mouse. The best kind of mouse uses a red light beam and has no moving parts. Optical mice, as these designs are called, can't get messed up by dirt and cat fur. Do yourself a favor and replace the old gummy-ball critter with one that can't get cruddy. (Bonus tip: Just plug the new mouse in and forget the installation software that comes with it. You don't need it.)
5. Take the bus. If your computer uses more than two USB devices, buy a powered USB bus to take the load off your computer. Plug the first device into your computer and the others into the bus. Be sure it's a powered bus; non-powered ones simply add more of a drain. (USB is what modern computers use to connect the mouse, printer, digital camera, scanner and sometimes the keyboard.)
6. Save the screen the real way. Screen savers don't do much saving of your screen. They're fine for entertainment, but they keep your monitor running at full power and waste money. A much better idea is hidden away in the energy-management settings of your computer. If you took the advice in No. 3 to turn on hibernation, you might have seen an additional setting that puts your monitor to sleep after a few minutes while your computer is still running. This keeps the monitor slightly warm and ready to spring back to full power in a second or two. (Bonus tip: Why not simply turn the monitor off entirely? That's fine if you'll be away all day, but letting it go to sleep is gentler on the monitor's internal parts for on-again, off-again use.)
7. Let your drive spin down. If you have to turn your computer off and back on immediately (when it locks up, for example -- are you listening, Windows users?), wait 30 seconds after turning it off before you turn it back on. That gives the drive (or drives, if you have more than one) plenty of time to finish spinning and park their heads before they get the wake-up jolt. Otherwise the heads could damage the drive surface.
8. Light your way. Make sure your desk lamp (or whatever you use for lighting) shines only where you need it -- on the keyboard and mouse -- and not where it can cause glare. You'd probably be surprised to learn that most of us have too much light shining on our computer work area; your eyes don't need any extra light to see what's on the screen, and they don't need as much as you might think to see the keyboard and mouse. (That's done mostly by feel.) Everything on your screen looks more natural if you turn down the room lights.
9. Power up. If you have a new Windows PC or Macintosh, the on/off button probably isn't what you remember from the good old days. When your computer is running, giving the power button a quick tap probably won't turn off the machine. It might put the computer to sleep or it might do nothing at all. This isn't evidence of total incompetence from computer makers -- there's enough evidence elsewhere, so let's not hit them with this oddity!. More likely, it's evidence that you haven't read your computer manual.
Just about all new computers have smart power switches. Listen up: When the computer is off, pressing the power button turns it on. When the computer is on, holding the button in for at least seven seconds turns the computer off; giving the button a quick press might make the computer go to sleep or perform another power-saving feat. (You can select what happens in many computers in the Control Panel or in Preferences.) Go look in that manual; it should tell you more.
Why did the computer industry change things? To keep you and me from messing up our computers. On an old-style computer, pressing the power button usually zaps everything and messes up files unless the operating system is already shut down.
10. Splurge protection. Resist the temptation to buy an expensive surge protector. They're usually no better than cheap ones, and those cheap ones aren't much good anyway. Instead, get an uninterruptible power supply -- a UPS, which keeps your computer running on a big battery if the power goes out.
But be sure to get a continuous UPS and not a standby UPS. Reader Jim Stead points out that my original article failed to explain that a cheap UPS is likely to be a standby model, which does NOT provide surge protection.
Ready for a secret that just about nobody knows? An uninterruptible power supply isolates your computer from the wall current by running your computer off a battery ALL the time, not just when the power goes out. The battery is recharged all the time except when there's a power failure, and that's when it starts to run down. You get 20 minutes or more to shut things down yourself. So, since your computer is never actually plugged into the house current, it can't get any surges.
1. Get rid of bad vibes. Put your computer where it won't be subject to vibration, shaking or accidental kicks. They can mess up your hard drive. If it's on top of your desk, make sure your desk can't rock (even slightly) from side to side or front to back; prop up any short legs if you need to. If it's on the floor, make a solid platform out of concrete blocks covered by a velvet cloth or an old sheet, whichever looks better.
2. Keep it cool. Don't cut off the flow of air to your computer. Depending on the design, your computer draws air in through vents in the front, sides or bottom. Keep everything at least an inch away from obvious vents. (Bonus tip: If your computer starts running hot, don't take off the case in an attempt to give it more airflow. That usually diffuses the air too much. Instead, find out why it's running hot and get it fixed.)
3. Save electricity. Modern computers are able to hibernate (go into deep sleep) after a period of inactivity. Look for a setting (in the Control Panel or in the computer's System Preferences) for power-saving adjustments. Hibernation is a good idea for families who use an always-on Internet connection, too, because it takes computers offline and thereby shields them from intruders.
4. Kill the old mouse. The best kind of mouse uses a red light beam and has no moving parts. Optical mice, as these designs are called, can't get messed up by dirt and cat fur. Do yourself a favor and replace the old gummy-ball critter with one that can't get cruddy. (Bonus tip: Just plug the new mouse in and forget the installation software that comes with it. You don't need it.)
5. Take the bus. If your computer uses more than two USB devices, buy a powered USB bus to take the load off your computer. Plug the first device into your computer and the others into the bus. Be sure it's a powered bus; non-powered ones simply add more of a drain. (USB is what modern computers use to connect the mouse, printer, digital camera, scanner and sometimes the keyboard.)
6. Save the screen the real way. Screen savers don't do much saving of your screen. They're fine for entertainment, but they keep your monitor running at full power and waste money. A much better idea is hidden away in the energy-management settings of your computer. If you took the advice in No. 3 to turn on hibernation, you might have seen an additional setting that puts your monitor to sleep after a few minutes while your computer is still running. This keeps the monitor slightly warm and ready to spring back to full power in a second or two. (Bonus tip: Why not simply turn the monitor off entirely? That's fine if you'll be away all day, but letting it go to sleep is gentler on the monitor's internal parts for on-again, off-again use.)
7. Let your drive spin down. If you have to turn your computer off and back on immediately (when it locks up, for example -- are you listening, Windows users?), wait 30 seconds after turning it off before you turn it back on. That gives the drive (or drives, if you have more than one) plenty of time to finish spinning and park their heads before they get the wake-up jolt. Otherwise the heads could damage the drive surface.
8. Light your way. Make sure your desk lamp (or whatever you use for lighting) shines only where you need it -- on the keyboard and mouse -- and not where it can cause glare. You'd probably be surprised to learn that most of us have too much light shining on our computer work area; your eyes don't need any extra light to see what's on the screen, and they don't need as much as you might think to see the keyboard and mouse. (That's done mostly by feel.) Everything on your screen looks more natural if you turn down the room lights.
9. Power up. If you have a new Windows PC or Macintosh, the on/off button probably isn't what you remember from the good old days. When your computer is running, giving the power button a quick tap probably won't turn off the machine. It might put the computer to sleep or it might do nothing at all. This isn't evidence of total incompetence from computer makers -- there's enough evidence elsewhere, so let's not hit them with this oddity!. More likely, it's evidence that you haven't read your computer manual.
Just about all new computers have smart power switches. Listen up: When the computer is off, pressing the power button turns it on. When the computer is on, holding the button in for at least seven seconds turns the computer off; giving the button a quick press might make the computer go to sleep or perform another power-saving feat. (You can select what happens in many computers in the Control Panel or in Preferences.) Go look in that manual; it should tell you more.
Why did the computer industry change things? To keep you and me from messing up our computers. On an old-style computer, pressing the power button usually zaps everything and messes up files unless the operating system is already shut down.
10. Splurge protection. Resist the temptation to buy an expensive surge protector. They're usually no better than cheap ones, and those cheap ones aren't much good anyway. Instead, get an uninterruptible power supply -- a UPS, which keeps your computer running on a big battery if the power goes out.
But be sure to get a continuous UPS and not a standby UPS. Reader Jim Stead points out that my original article failed to explain that a cheap UPS is likely to be a standby model, which does NOT provide surge protection.
Ready for a secret that just about nobody knows? An uninterruptible power supply isolates your computer from the wall current by running your computer off a battery ALL the time, not just when the power goes out. The battery is recharged all the time except when there's a power failure, and that's when it starts to run down. You get 20 minutes or more to shut things down yourself. So, since your computer is never actually plugged into the house current, it can't get any surges.
How to manage startup or booting applications?
How to manage startup or booting applications?
Microsoft Windows use different places for booting processes and application. Microsoft Windows use Windows Registry, Boot.ini and Start up Menu for booting or start up applications.
To manage all start up applications is not an easy task but I will tell you an easy task. Microsoft Windows has built in utility for managing start up applications.
Open Run Command, type msconfig and press enter.
System Configuration Utility will load.
Note: Microsoft Windows 2000 does not support this utility.
After loading this utility click on Startup tab and manage all starting applications. If you want to disable any startup process then un check that process and click OK.
Windows will ask to reboot Windows. You can reboot your Windows.
Microsoft Windows use different places for booting processes and application. Microsoft Windows use Windows Registry, Boot.ini and Start up Menu for booting or start up applications.
To manage all start up applications is not an easy task but I will tell you an easy task. Microsoft Windows has built in utility for managing start up applications.
Open Run Command, type msconfig and press enter.
System Configuration Utility will load.
Note: Microsoft Windows 2000 does not support this utility.
After loading this utility click on Startup tab and manage all starting applications. If you want to disable any startup process then un check that process and click OK.
Windows will ask to reboot Windows. You can reboot your Windows.
How to secure your windows?
How to secure your windows?
Security of Microsoft Windows is a serious issue now a days. Without securing your Windows you can not survive on internet. Many people ask me about Windows security. They ask me about good anti virus, anti spy ware and firewall software.
There are lot of anti viruses available in market but i saw usually computer users are not satisfied with them. Some users say "Panda anti virus" is not good because "Panda anti virus" creates problem for my PC and my PC speed goes down. So I don't like that anti virus. Some users say "Panda anti virus" is a great anti virus. I am fully satisfied with that anti virus.
Personally I used "Panda anti virus" I am not happy with that anti virus. It really stuck my laptop and I am unable to open even a folder some times. So I uninstalled that anti virus.
Now I am using a combination of soft wares. I tried this combination on different type of computers. This is great combination I found ever. My laptop's speed is reasonable. I can do my work easily without any problem. I am using the following soft wares to secure my Windows.
•NOD32 anti virus (This is a great anti virus. It use less resources of your computer).
•Uniblue SpyErase (A good spy ware).
•Symantec Desktop Firewall.
I recommend you to use this combination to secure your Windows. I hope you will be satisfied. Remember one thing that every anti virus is useless if you are not updating anti virus's definitions from internet or via other sources.
Security of Microsoft Windows is a serious issue now a days. Without securing your Windows you can not survive on internet. Many people ask me about Windows security. They ask me about good anti virus, anti spy ware and firewall software.
There are lot of anti viruses available in market but i saw usually computer users are not satisfied with them. Some users say "Panda anti virus" is not good because "Panda anti virus" creates problem for my PC and my PC speed goes down. So I don't like that anti virus. Some users say "Panda anti virus" is a great anti virus. I am fully satisfied with that anti virus.
Personally I used "Panda anti virus" I am not happy with that anti virus. It really stuck my laptop and I am unable to open even a folder some times. So I uninstalled that anti virus.
Now I am using a combination of soft wares. I tried this combination on different type of computers. This is great combination I found ever. My laptop's speed is reasonable. I can do my work easily without any problem. I am using the following soft wares to secure my Windows.
•NOD32 anti virus (This is a great anti virus. It use less resources of your computer).
•Uniblue SpyErase (A good spy ware).
•Symantec Desktop Firewall.
I recommend you to use this combination to secure your Windows. I hope you will be satisfied. Remember one thing that every anti virus is useless if you are not updating anti virus's definitions from internet or via other sources.
Customize windows desktop
How to customize windows desktop?
You can customize your windows xp desktop according to your needs.
There are few steps of customizing your windows desktop.
1. Choose desktop icons
Follow the steps for choosing desktop icons.
•Right click on Desktop and click on Properties.
•Click on Desktop tab.
•Click on Customize Desktop button.
Now you can see section Desktop icons.
You can select "My Documents", "My Network Places", "Internet Explorer" and "My Computer" icons from this section. Checked icons will be displayed on Desktop of your logged on user.
2. Change default desktop icons
You can change default icons of "My Computer", "My Documents", "My Network Places", "Recycle Bin (full)" and "Recycle Bin (empty)" but you have to follow the steps below first.
•Right click on Desktop and click on Properties.
•Click on Desktop tab.
•Click on Customize Desktop button.
You can see all icons mentioned above. Select any icon and click on Change Icon button. Select your icon and click on OK button. Default icons will change.
Note: If you want to restore default icon then you can see another button Restore Default. Click on that button then default icon will appear.
3. Change background wallpaper of desktop
To change background wallpaper of windows desktop. Follow the steps below.
•Right click on Desktop and click on Properties.
•Click on Desktop tab.
Now you can see Background section. In this section you can see the list of images and pictures. Select any picture for background wallpaper. If you want to select your own picture except this list then click on Browse button and select your custom picture.
4. Change screen saver
To change your windows screen saver follow the steps below.
•Right click on Desktop and click on Properties.
•Click on Screen Saver tab.
Now you can see Screen saver section. You can select any screen saver from the drop down list. When you will select any screen saver then Preview and Settings buttons will active. You can test any screen saver by clicking on Preview button and you can change settings by clicking on Settings button.
5. Change color themes
You can change your desktop themes. A theme has ready made combination of font style, font size, font color and beautiful icons etc. You can download themes from internet too. Theme file has .theme extension. Microsoft provides theme at the following url.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/plus/default.mspx
To change the theme of your windows follow the steps below.
•Right click on Desktop and click on Properties.
•Click on Themes tab.
Now you can see the list of themes in a drop down list. You can save current theme with new name by clicking Save As button.
You can customize your windows xp desktop according to your needs.
There are few steps of customizing your windows desktop.
1. Choose desktop icons
Follow the steps for choosing desktop icons.
•Right click on Desktop and click on Properties.
•Click on Desktop tab.
•Click on Customize Desktop button.
Now you can see section Desktop icons.
You can select "My Documents", "My Network Places", "Internet Explorer" and "My Computer" icons from this section. Checked icons will be displayed on Desktop of your logged on user.
2. Change default desktop icons
You can change default icons of "My Computer", "My Documents", "My Network Places", "Recycle Bin (full)" and "Recycle Bin (empty)" but you have to follow the steps below first.
•Right click on Desktop and click on Properties.
•Click on Desktop tab.
•Click on Customize Desktop button.
You can see all icons mentioned above. Select any icon and click on Change Icon button. Select your icon and click on OK button. Default icons will change.
Note: If you want to restore default icon then you can see another button Restore Default. Click on that button then default icon will appear.
3. Change background wallpaper of desktop
To change background wallpaper of windows desktop. Follow the steps below.
•Right click on Desktop and click on Properties.
•Click on Desktop tab.
Now you can see Background section. In this section you can see the list of images and pictures. Select any picture for background wallpaper. If you want to select your own picture except this list then click on Browse button and select your custom picture.
4. Change screen saver
To change your windows screen saver follow the steps below.
•Right click on Desktop and click on Properties.
•Click on Screen Saver tab.
Now you can see Screen saver section. You can select any screen saver from the drop down list. When you will select any screen saver then Preview and Settings buttons will active. You can test any screen saver by clicking on Preview button and you can change settings by clicking on Settings button.
5. Change color themes
You can change your desktop themes. A theme has ready made combination of font style, font size, font color and beautiful icons etc. You can download themes from internet too. Theme file has .theme extension. Microsoft provides theme at the following url.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/plus/default.mspx
To change the theme of your windows follow the steps below.
•Right click on Desktop and click on Properties.
•Click on Themes tab.
Now you can see the list of themes in a drop down list. You can save current theme with new name by clicking Save As button.
General Tips about Windows XP
Windows XP General Tips | Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Home Edition Few general tips about Microsoft Windows XP.
There are two types of Windows used by single users. First one is Microsoft Windows XP Professional and 2nd is Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition.
If you are confused that which windows you are using. I'll tell you the procedure.
Click on "Start Menu"
Click on "Run Command"
Type "winver" (without quotes) and press Enter
A window will appear like above image. You can see Windows Full Name covered with red oval.
Windows XP Professional Edition provides more functionality over network while Windows XP Home Edition is designed only for home users who are not using networking.
Making Self Extractable Compressed File
Microsoft Windows XP has built-in utility to make self extractable compressed file. Its name is "IExpress". This utility is a useful utility for transfer multiple files from one computer to another computer. Advantage is that destination computer doesn't need any software for un-compression. This utility creates self extractable ".exe" file. See a snap shot below.
There are two types of Windows used by single users. First one is Microsoft Windows XP Professional and 2nd is Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition.
If you are confused that which windows you are using. I'll tell you the procedure.
Click on "Start Menu"
Click on "Run Command"
Type "winver" (without quotes) and press Enter
A window will appear like above image. You can see Windows Full Name covered with red oval.
Windows XP Professional Edition provides more functionality over network while Windows XP Home Edition is designed only for home users who are not using networking.
Making Self Extractable Compressed File
Microsoft Windows XP has built-in utility to make self extractable compressed file. Its name is "IExpress". This utility is a useful utility for transfer multiple files from one computer to another computer. Advantage is that destination computer doesn't need any software for un-compression. This utility creates self extractable ".exe" file. See a snap shot below.
General Functions of Windows Part 2
It is a special icon on the desktop. It is very important object used for interfacing: with computer. It enables user to see easily what is in his computer. You can access everything in your computer such as hardware devices and files & folders etc. It is opened by double clicking it. When “My Computer” is opened, a window is appeared, which displays the computer resources such as floppy, drive A, hard drives C, D,.. , CD-ROM drive, Control Panel, Printers etc. My Computer is very easy tool used to manage files and folders on the disk. Usually, files & folders are copied or moved from one location to another through “My Computer”.
Windows Explorer
Like My Computer icon, the Windows Explorer is also used to manage files and folders on the disk. It provides, the most efficient way to manage the computer resources. The management of files and folders by using “My Computer” is easier for beginners than by using “Windows Explorer”. The Windows, Explorer consists of window that contains menus, toolbar, an address bar etc.
The Windows Explorer window is divided into two panes by a vertical line called the split bar. The left pane of the window shows the computer resources and disk drives. The right pane shows the contents of the resource or drive (or folder) that is currently selected in the left pane.
When a resource or drive is selected in the left pane by clicking it, its contents are displayed in the right pane. It must be noted that:
* A + sign before the drive or folder in left pane shows that it contains additional items or sub-folders.
* A - sign shows that all the items are displayed.
To load the Windows Explorer, follow these steps.
1.Click Start Button to display Start Menu.
2.Select Programs option, a submenu appears.
3.Select the Accessories from submenu.
4.Select Windows Explorer from Accessories menu.
Windows Explorer
Like My Computer icon, the Windows Explorer is also used to manage files and folders on the disk. It provides, the most efficient way to manage the computer resources. The management of files and folders by using “My Computer” is easier for beginners than by using “Windows Explorer”. The Windows, Explorer consists of window that contains menus, toolbar, an address bar etc.
The Windows Explorer window is divided into two panes by a vertical line called the split bar. The left pane of the window shows the computer resources and disk drives. The right pane shows the contents of the resource or drive (or folder) that is currently selected in the left pane.
When a resource or drive is selected in the left pane by clicking it, its contents are displayed in the right pane. It must be noted that:
* A + sign before the drive or folder in left pane shows that it contains additional items or sub-folders.
* A - sign shows that all the items are displayed.
To load the Windows Explorer, follow these steps.
1.Click Start Button to display Start Menu.
2.Select Programs option, a submenu appears.
3.Select the Accessories from submenu.
4.Select Windows Explorer from Accessories menu.
General Functions of Windows Part 1
My Documents Icon
My Documents is also a special folder on the desktop. It is the standard folder of Windows 2000 and is automatically created when Windows 2000 is installed. When you save a document, graphic, or other file using an application program such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or Paint, the file is automatically saved in My Documents unless you choose a different location. You can directly open the document from “My Documents” folder by opening the folder and then double clicking the document you want to open.
My Documents folder is default folder to save and to open documents. You can change the default folder i.e. “My Document” with another folder.
To change default folder, follow these steps:
•Right-click My Documents, a popup menu will open.
•Click Properties, a dialog box will appear.
•In Target, select folder name where you want to save files.
Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin is a special folder of Windows on the hard disk and has an icon on desktop. It contains files and folders that are deleted from the hard disk. Any files and folders you delete from the hard disk are transferred to the Recycle Bin. These files or folders can be restored from the Recycle Bin to their original location if required for use. It must be noted that the files or folders that are deleted from floppy disk are not placed in the Recycle Bin.
The Recycle Bin is very useful for recovering the files or folders that are accidentally deleted. The Recycle Bin holds the files and folders that are deleted by the following methods or commands.
•Deleted files or folders by pressing Del key on keyboard.
•Dragged file or folder to the Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop.
•Deleted files or folders by choosing Delete command from the Popup menu or Edit menu.
When Delete command is applied, the Windows displays a dialog box for confirmation before to delete the file, or folder. The user confirms the deletion by clicking the Yes command button of dialog box.
Deleting File or Folder
To delete a file or folder follow these steps.
1.Select the file or folder by clicking it.
2.Press Del key or use Delete command from the Edit menu. A dialog box appears for confirmation.
3.Click Yes command button to confirm deletion. The file, or folder will be transferred to the Recycle Bin folder.
The files or folders stored in the Recycle Bin folder can also be deleted by following the above steps. The files or folders deleted from the Recycle Bin are permanently deleted from the hard disk and cannot be restored. To delete all files or folders in the Recycle Bin, click Empty Recycle Bin button or choose Empty Recycle Bin command from File menu of Recycle Bin opened window.
Restoring File or Folder
To restore file or folder from Recycle Bin, follow these steps.
•Open the Recycle Bin folder by double clicking it.
•Select the file or folder that is to be restored or un-deleted.
•Choose Restore command of File menu or click Restore button. The selected item goes back to its original location.
My Documents is also a special folder on the desktop. It is the standard folder of Windows 2000 and is automatically created when Windows 2000 is installed. When you save a document, graphic, or other file using an application program such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or Paint, the file is automatically saved in My Documents unless you choose a different location. You can directly open the document from “My Documents” folder by opening the folder and then double clicking the document you want to open.
My Documents folder is default folder to save and to open documents. You can change the default folder i.e. “My Document” with another folder.
To change default folder, follow these steps:
•Right-click My Documents, a popup menu will open.
•Click Properties, a dialog box will appear.
•In Target, select folder name where you want to save files.
Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin is a special folder of Windows on the hard disk and has an icon on desktop. It contains files and folders that are deleted from the hard disk. Any files and folders you delete from the hard disk are transferred to the Recycle Bin. These files or folders can be restored from the Recycle Bin to their original location if required for use. It must be noted that the files or folders that are deleted from floppy disk are not placed in the Recycle Bin.
The Recycle Bin is very useful for recovering the files or folders that are accidentally deleted. The Recycle Bin holds the files and folders that are deleted by the following methods or commands.
•Deleted files or folders by pressing Del key on keyboard.
•Dragged file or folder to the Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop.
•Deleted files or folders by choosing Delete command from the Popup menu or Edit menu.
When Delete command is applied, the Windows displays a dialog box for confirmation before to delete the file, or folder. The user confirms the deletion by clicking the Yes command button of dialog box.
Deleting File or Folder
To delete a file or folder follow these steps.
1.Select the file or folder by clicking it.
2.Press Del key or use Delete command from the Edit menu. A dialog box appears for confirmation.
3.Click Yes command button to confirm deletion. The file, or folder will be transferred to the Recycle Bin folder.
The files or folders stored in the Recycle Bin folder can also be deleted by following the above steps. The files or folders deleted from the Recycle Bin are permanently deleted from the hard disk and cannot be restored. To delete all files or folders in the Recycle Bin, click Empty Recycle Bin button or choose Empty Recycle Bin command from File menu of Recycle Bin opened window.
Restoring File or Folder
To restore file or folder from Recycle Bin, follow these steps.
•Open the Recycle Bin folder by double clicking it.
•Select the file or folder that is to be restored or un-deleted.
•Choose Restore command of File menu or click Restore button. The selected item goes back to its original location.
Managing Files and Folders Part 3
Copying and Moving Files and Folders
The most commonly used operations on files & folders are copying and moving. The difference between copying operation and moving operation is:
•In copying operation, selected file or folder is copied from one location to another. In this operation, selected file or folder remains in its original location and a duplicate copy is created at new location.
•In moving operation, selected file or folder is moved or shifted from one location to another. In this operation, selected file or folder is removed from its original location and is shifted to new location.
Files & Folders are copied or moved from one location to another by using one of the five methods.
•Using menu commands.
•Using standard toolbar icons
•Using popup menu commands.
•Using keyboard shortcuts.
•Using Drag & Drop.
1. Copying Files & Folders
To copy files or folders follow these steps.
•Select the files or folders.
•Copy the selected files or folders to clipboard by selecting one of the following commands.
•Click Copy command button on the toolbar.
OR
Select Copy command from the popup menu.
OR
Select Copy command from the Edit Drop down menu.
OR
From the keyboard press Ctrl + C
•Select the disk or folder where selected files or folders are to be copied and then select one of the following commands.
•Click Paste command button on the toolbar.
OR
Select Paste command from the popup menu.
OR
Select Paste command from the Edit Drop down menu.
OR
From the keyboard press Ctrl + V
Note: It must be noted that files or folders can be copied using drag & drop method. It is a shortcut method to copy files and folders. Follow these steps to copy files or folders from one location to destination.
•Select files or folders that are to be copied.
•Drag the files or folders by holding the Ctrl key, to the specific disk drive or folder and release the mouse button.
2. Moving Files & Folders
To move or shift files or folders follow these steps.
1.Select the files or folders that are to be shifted to another location.
2.Move the selected files or folders to clipboard by selecting one of the following commands.
◦Click Cut command button on the toolbar.
OR Select Cut command from the popup menu.
OR Select Cut command from the Edit Drop down menu.
OR From the keyboard press Ctrl + X
3.Select the disk or folder where selected files or folders are to be shifted and then select one of the following commands.
◦Click Paste command button on the toolbar.
OR Select Paste command from the popup menu.
OR Select Paste command from the Edit Drop down menu.
OR From the keyboard press Ctrl + V
Note: Like copying operation, files or folders can be moved using drag & drop method. Follow these steps to move files or folders from one location to destination.
•Select files or folders that are to be moved.
•Drag the files or folders (without holding the Ctrl key) to the specific disk drive or folder and release the mouse button.
The most commonly used operations on files & folders are copying and moving. The difference between copying operation and moving operation is:
•In copying operation, selected file or folder is copied from one location to another. In this operation, selected file or folder remains in its original location and a duplicate copy is created at new location.
•In moving operation, selected file or folder is moved or shifted from one location to another. In this operation, selected file or folder is removed from its original location and is shifted to new location.
Files & Folders are copied or moved from one location to another by using one of the five methods.
•Using menu commands.
•Using standard toolbar icons
•Using popup menu commands.
•Using keyboard shortcuts.
•Using Drag & Drop.
1. Copying Files & Folders
To copy files or folders follow these steps.
•Select the files or folders.
•Copy the selected files or folders to clipboard by selecting one of the following commands.
•Click Copy command button on the toolbar.
OR
Select Copy command from the popup menu.
OR
Select Copy command from the Edit Drop down menu.
OR
From the keyboard press Ctrl + C
•Select the disk or folder where selected files or folders are to be copied and then select one of the following commands.
•Click Paste command button on the toolbar.
OR
Select Paste command from the popup menu.
OR
Select Paste command from the Edit Drop down menu.
OR
From the keyboard press Ctrl + V
Note: It must be noted that files or folders can be copied using drag & drop method. It is a shortcut method to copy files and folders. Follow these steps to copy files or folders from one location to destination.
•Select files or folders that are to be copied.
•Drag the files or folders by holding the Ctrl key, to the specific disk drive or folder and release the mouse button.
2. Moving Files & Folders
To move or shift files or folders follow these steps.
1.Select the files or folders that are to be shifted to another location.
2.Move the selected files or folders to clipboard by selecting one of the following commands.
◦Click Cut command button on the toolbar.
OR Select Cut command from the popup menu.
OR Select Cut command from the Edit Drop down menu.
OR From the keyboard press Ctrl + X
3.Select the disk or folder where selected files or folders are to be shifted and then select one of the following commands.
◦Click Paste command button on the toolbar.
OR Select Paste command from the popup menu.
OR Select Paste command from the Edit Drop down menu.
OR From the keyboard press Ctrl + V
Note: Like copying operation, files or folders can be moved using drag & drop method. Follow these steps to move files or folders from one location to destination.
•Select files or folders that are to be moved.
•Drag the files or folders (without holding the Ctrl key) to the specific disk drive or folder and release the mouse button.
Managing Files and Folders Part 2
Creating Folders
The files are properly managed in folders. A folder can further have sub-folders. A folder is created on the disk before to copy files to it. You can also create folders on the desktop.
To create a new folder or sub-folder, follow these steps:
1.Open the drive or folder, in which you want to create folder or sub-folder.
2.On the File menu; point to “New” and then Click Folder.
OR
Right click on the empty space, a popup menu appears. Choose New and then select Folder. A folder with default name “New Folder” is created.
3.Type proper name for the new folder and then press Enter.
Selecting Files & Folders
In Windows, an object like file or folder is selected before performing any operation on it. Usually, when a file or folder is single clicked it is selected. To select multiple files or folders, procedure is given below.
1.To select more than one files or folders those are adjacent to one another:
◦Select the first file or folder.
◦Hold down the Shift key, and then select the last file or folder.
2.To select more than one files or folders those are not adjacent to one another:
◦Select the first file or folder.
◦Hold down the Ctrl key, and then select files or folders by clicking on their icons one by one.
3.To select all files or folders:
◦From Edit menu, Choose “Select All” command.
OR
◦Press Ctrl + A, shortcut key.
The files are properly managed in folders. A folder can further have sub-folders. A folder is created on the disk before to copy files to it. You can also create folders on the desktop.
To create a new folder or sub-folder, follow these steps:
1.Open the drive or folder, in which you want to create folder or sub-folder.
2.On the File menu; point to “New” and then Click Folder.
OR
Right click on the empty space, a popup menu appears. Choose New and then select Folder. A folder with default name “New Folder” is created.
3.Type proper name for the new folder and then press Enter.
Selecting Files & Folders
In Windows, an object like file or folder is selected before performing any operation on it. Usually, when a file or folder is single clicked it is selected. To select multiple files or folders, procedure is given below.
1.To select more than one files or folders those are adjacent to one another:
◦Select the first file or folder.
◦Hold down the Shift key, and then select the last file or folder.
2.To select more than one files or folders those are not adjacent to one another:
◦Select the first file or folder.
◦Hold down the Ctrl key, and then select files or folders by clicking on their icons one by one.
3.To select all files or folders:
◦From Edit menu, Choose “Select All” command.
OR
◦Press Ctrl + A, shortcut key.
Managing Files and Folders Part 1
The data (documents) and programs are stored permanently on the disk by giving a name called the filename. In Windows, a filename may contain maximum 255 characters including spaces. The characters "", ,"/", "?","<",">", "|" cannot be used in a filename or folder name. For example, “Student records” is a valid filename or document name.
A filename also has extension separated with dot. In Windows, all the application programs automatically add extension to the filename or document name. For example, extension of word document is “.doc”, text file is “.txt”, Excel file is “.xls” etc. The extension of filename identifies the type of file. It is suggested that a filename or document name should be related to the information that is stored in it.
A folder or directory contains a list of files stored on disk. It is just like a files cabinet that is used to keep the files. Each disk has a root directory or folder, which is automatically created when a disk is prepared to store data through operating system. The new folders are created under the root directory. The root directory is represented by ““ letter. A folder may have sub-folders and each sub-folder can further have sub- folders etc. The rules to give name to a folder or sub-folder are same as for filename. The user can easily manage files or documents in folders.
Windows operating system creates automatically some folders like “My Document”, “Recycle Bin”, “Windows” etc. Similarly, when a new application program is installed in your computer, a folder is created for that program and all program files & data files of that program are stored in it. The Windows 2000 operating system is also stored on hard disk with folder name “Windows”. The folders can be renamed, deleted or copied from one location to another.
In Windows Operating system, “My Computer” and “Windows Explorer” tools are used to manage files & folders. The files & folders can be copied or moved from one location to another, new files & folders can be created etc. Similarly these can be renamed or deleted etc.
The following points must be noted:
• - floppy drive is represented as “A:” or “B:” and icon for floppy drive is shown in figure.
• - “C:” to “Z:” are used for hard disk drive and icon for hard disk drive is shown in figure.
• - The icon for CD-ROM drive is shown in figure.
• - The icon for Folder is shown in figure.
• - The icon for File or document is shown in figure
A filename also has extension separated with dot. In Windows, all the application programs automatically add extension to the filename or document name. For example, extension of word document is “.doc”, text file is “.txt”, Excel file is “.xls” etc. The extension of filename identifies the type of file. It is suggested that a filename or document name should be related to the information that is stored in it.
A folder or directory contains a list of files stored on disk. It is just like a files cabinet that is used to keep the files. Each disk has a root directory or folder, which is automatically created when a disk is prepared to store data through operating system. The new folders are created under the root directory. The root directory is represented by ““ letter. A folder may have sub-folders and each sub-folder can further have sub- folders etc. The rules to give name to a folder or sub-folder are same as for filename. The user can easily manage files or documents in folders.
Windows operating system creates automatically some folders like “My Document”, “Recycle Bin”, “Windows” etc. Similarly, when a new application program is installed in your computer, a folder is created for that program and all program files & data files of that program are stored in it. The Windows 2000 operating system is also stored on hard disk with folder name “Windows”. The folders can be renamed, deleted or copied from one location to another.
In Windows Operating system, “My Computer” and “Windows Explorer” tools are used to manage files & folders. The files & folders can be copied or moved from one location to another, new files & folders can be created etc. Similarly these can be renamed or deleted etc.
The following points must be noted:
• - floppy drive is represented as “A:” or “B:” and icon for floppy drive is shown in figure.
• - “C:” to “Z:” are used for hard disk drive and icon for hard disk drive is shown in figure.
• - The icon for CD-ROM drive is shown in figure.
• - The icon for Folder is shown in figure.
• - The icon for File or document is shown in figure
Computer Virus
A small program that gets into your computer and disturbs the normal functions of the computer and destroys the important data stored in the computer is called computer virus. The computer virus cannot damage hardware, only data or software is corrupted. The computer file (data or program) to which a virus is attached is called infected file.
A program, which is infected by a virus, is known as infected program. When an infected program is loaded for execution, the virus automatically loaded into memory and attaches to all those programs that are in memory or loaded into memory.
Causes of Viruses
Following are the means through which viruses may be transferred from one computer to another.
(i) E-Mail
Now-a-days, most of the viruses spread due to receiving e-mail messages that contains viruses. When a user opens such an infected message, the virus is also loaded into the computer memory and attaches copies of it-self with many other program files loaded into the memory. This virus is also transferred to other computers when e-mail messages are sent from the infected computer to them.
(ii) Networks
Another way of spreading virus is by using Internet and other networks. For example, when you download some executable file or data on the Internet or from a shared disk on the Network, the infected files may be attached with the downloaded data that ultimately infects the computer.
(iii) Removable Storage Media
One important means of exchanging data is through the use of removable media like floppy disks, CDs and flash devices. So, when you copy the data from one computer to another by using a removable media, the infected files can be transferred to your computer.
(iv) Pirated Software
The virus can also infect your computer by using pirated software. The software, which is installed into your computer without license is referred to as pirated software. Some companies may intentionally attach some virus programs into their software. This program will only activate when it does not find some special file like license file on your computer.
A program, which is infected by a virus, is known as infected program. When an infected program is loaded for execution, the virus automatically loaded into memory and attaches to all those programs that are in memory or loaded into memory.
Causes of Viruses
Following are the means through which viruses may be transferred from one computer to another.
(i) E-Mail
Now-a-days, most of the viruses spread due to receiving e-mail messages that contains viruses. When a user opens such an infected message, the virus is also loaded into the computer memory and attaches copies of it-self with many other program files loaded into the memory. This virus is also transferred to other computers when e-mail messages are sent from the infected computer to them.
(ii) Networks
Another way of spreading virus is by using Internet and other networks. For example, when you download some executable file or data on the Internet or from a shared disk on the Network, the infected files may be attached with the downloaded data that ultimately infects the computer.
(iii) Removable Storage Media
One important means of exchanging data is through the use of removable media like floppy disks, CDs and flash devices. So, when you copy the data from one computer to another by using a removable media, the infected files can be transferred to your computer.
(iv) Pirated Software
The virus can also infect your computer by using pirated software. The software, which is installed into your computer without license is referred to as pirated software. Some companies may intentionally attach some virus programs into their software. This program will only activate when it does not find some special file like license file on your computer.
What is Search Engine?
Search engines are the special websites that provide facility to Internet users to search information on the Internet. A lot of information is available on the Internet in different websites. There are billions of websites on the Internet. The Internet users only browse the important website addresses. The other website addresses can be searched through search engines. The search engines keep the record of website addresses along with important words for description of each web page.
For example, if you want to get information about the “History of Internet”, give these words to any search engine. The search engine will search the given information and will provide a list of links of websites along with brief description about each website. Click one of the links of websites after reading the description.
The commonly used search engines and their URL addresses are:
GOOGLE http://www.google.com
YAHOO http://www.yahoo.com
ALTA VISTA
http://www.altavista.com
ASK http://www.ask.com
EXCITE http://www.excite.com
INFOSEEK http://www.infoseek.com
LYCOS http://www.lycos.com
For example, if you want to get information about the “History of Internet”, give these words to any search engine. The search engine will search the given information and will provide a list of links of websites along with brief description about each website. Click one of the links of websites after reading the description.
The commonly used search engines and their URL addresses are:
GOOGLE http://www.google.com
YAHOO http://www.yahoo.com
ALTA VISTA
http://www.altavista.com
ASK http://www.ask.com
EXCITE http://www.excite.com
INFOSEEK http://www.infoseek.com
LYCOS http://www.lycos.com
Benefits of Internet Web Sites
Benefits of Internet Web Sites
There are many benefits of the use of Web. Different types of organizations use the Web for different purposes. The major benefits of Internet web sites are:
1.A manufacturer provides you the information about its products, prices and where they are available for sale.
2.A shop provides you a list of goods available, price of each item.
3.An airport provides you the latest information about flights arriving and / or leaving the airport.
4.A television station provides you the information about its programs, the latest news etc.
5.Newspapers provide the up-to-date or latest news.
6.An encyclopedia publisher provides on-line facility to access or search any information on any topic in the world.
7.The weather forecasting departments of each country provide the latest forecasts of their countries.
8.A writer (author) provides you a list of his books, which are published or in print.
9.Film Actors/Actresses and sportsmen provide their introduction with pictures.
10.Search engines provide you a facility to search different information or other sites on the Internet.
11.Medical sites on the Internet provide information about diseases. These sites also let you consult a panel of doctors on-line who will advise you about any medical problem.
12.Online education web sites who taught about technology like free-comptuer-tips.info
There are many benefits of the use of Web. Different types of organizations use the Web for different purposes. The major benefits of Internet web sites are:
1.A manufacturer provides you the information about its products, prices and where they are available for sale.
2.A shop provides you a list of goods available, price of each item.
3.An airport provides you the latest information about flights arriving and / or leaving the airport.
4.A television station provides you the information about its programs, the latest news etc.
5.Newspapers provide the up-to-date or latest news.
6.An encyclopedia publisher provides on-line facility to access or search any information on any topic in the world.
7.The weather forecasting departments of each country provide the latest forecasts of their countries.
8.A writer (author) provides you a list of his books, which are published or in print.
9.Film Actors/Actresses and sportsmen provide their introduction with pictures.
10.Search engines provide you a facility to search different information or other sites on the Internet.
11.Medical sites on the Internet provide information about diseases. These sites also let you consult a panel of doctors on-line who will advise you about any medical problem.
12.Online education web sites who taught about technology like free-comptuer-tips.info
What is e-mail service or address?
What is e-mail service or address?
E-mail stands for electronic mail. It is the most popular service or facility provided by the Internet through which we can electronically send and receive messages anywhere in the world. E-mail is a fast and efficient method of communication. It is almost free of cost. The e-mail reaches to the destination in a few seconds. You can also send documents, pictures, audio and video files via e-mail by attaching the file with e-mail. It is also possible to send or receive e-mail messages through a mobile phone.
E-mail is a fast and efficient method of communication. You can also send your important data files or information to your own mail account and download these when required.
E-mail Address
E-mail -is sent and received with the reference of e-mail address. Therefore, each Internet user must have a unique e-mail account on an e-mail server, to send and receive e-mails. E-mail address consists of username and his address on the Internet. All ISP companies also provide the - e-mail address when theft membership is obtained. The general format of an e-mail address is:
username @ domain_name
Where
username - Specifies the name of user or organization.
Domain_name - Specifies the name of server or ISP of which the user is member. For example, "admin ® free-computer-tips.info" is e-mail address in which, "admin" is the name of user and “free-computer-tips.info” is the name of server.
You must type the correct e-mail address to send an e-mail, otherwise it is returned back. When some one sends e-mail to your e-mail address, it is stored in your mailbox. When you login to your account, you will usually be informed if you have new mail. Some mail systems will make sounds and tell you that you have new mail.
E-Mail Attachment
Attachment is a powerful feature of e-mail, which enables you to send additional files with your e-mail message. In this way, you can send and receive messages as well as document or program files. You can send documents, pictures or images, and audio & video files via e-mail, anywhere over the network. Attachment size varies from one e-mail service provider to the other.
How does E-mail work?
To create, send and receive e-mail, you need e-mail program, also called “email client”. Once you send the message, your computer connects to your e-mail server and transmits a copy of your message. E-mail Server is a host computer on the Internet, which keeps track of information about millions of e-mail account holders. The server checks the address you have typed and finds out where the recipient e-mail server is. It connects to that server and transmits another copy of the message. Once the receiving e-mail server has received the message, the recipient is able to retrieve the message when connected to the server.
E-mail stands for electronic mail. It is the most popular service or facility provided by the Internet through which we can electronically send and receive messages anywhere in the world. E-mail is a fast and efficient method of communication. It is almost free of cost. The e-mail reaches to the destination in a few seconds. You can also send documents, pictures, audio and video files via e-mail by attaching the file with e-mail. It is also possible to send or receive e-mail messages through a mobile phone.
E-mail is a fast and efficient method of communication. You can also send your important data files or information to your own mail account and download these when required.
E-mail Address
E-mail -is sent and received with the reference of e-mail address. Therefore, each Internet user must have a unique e-mail account on an e-mail server, to send and receive e-mails. E-mail address consists of username and his address on the Internet. All ISP companies also provide the - e-mail address when theft membership is obtained. The general format of an e-mail address is:
username @ domain_name
Where
username - Specifies the name of user or organization.
Domain_name - Specifies the name of server or ISP of which the user is member. For example, "admin ® free-computer-tips.info" is e-mail address in which, "admin" is the name of user and “free-computer-tips.info” is the name of server.
You must type the correct e-mail address to send an e-mail, otherwise it is returned back. When some one sends e-mail to your e-mail address, it is stored in your mailbox. When you login to your account, you will usually be informed if you have new mail. Some mail systems will make sounds and tell you that you have new mail.
E-Mail Attachment
Attachment is a powerful feature of e-mail, which enables you to send additional files with your e-mail message. In this way, you can send and receive messages as well as document or program files. You can send documents, pictures or images, and audio & video files via e-mail, anywhere over the network. Attachment size varies from one e-mail service provider to the other.
How does E-mail work?
To create, send and receive e-mail, you need e-mail program, also called “email client”. Once you send the message, your computer connects to your e-mail server and transmits a copy of your message. E-mail Server is a host computer on the Internet, which keeps track of information about millions of e-mail account holders. The server checks the address you have typed and finds out where the recipient e-mail server is. It connects to that server and transmits another copy of the message. Once the receiving e-mail server has received the message, the recipient is able to retrieve the message when connected to the server.
Computer Security Tips
Security Softwares - Computer System Security - How to secure Computer?
Computer security is a major problem of the day. There are uncountable security risks especially while you are surfing on internet. Without internet life is dump but unfortunately internet is a major source to spreading Computer viruses, Malwares, Trojans and Spywares so we are bound to use internet. These softwares are harmful and can damage your security. On one side many Viruses, Malwares, Trojans and Spywares are working while other side many Anti-Viruses, Anti Spywares and Anti Trojans are available to fight against security risks. Viruses can damage your data files and data files are much more important for corporate users and developers. Spywares can take and store your personal information and send to others. Trojans are more harmful or in other words Trojans are advanced form of Spywares. Trojans collect your personal information including your typed passwords and credit card information and send to others, this kind of information certainly harmful for everyone so you need to install security software like Anti Virus, Anti Spyware and Anti Trojans.
Computer security is a major problem of the day. There are uncountable security risks especially while you are surfing on internet. Without internet life is dump but unfortunately internet is a major source to spreading Computer viruses, Malwares, Trojans and Spywares so we are bound to use internet. These softwares are harmful and can damage your security. On one side many Viruses, Malwares, Trojans and Spywares are working while other side many Anti-Viruses, Anti Spywares and Anti Trojans are available to fight against security risks. Viruses can damage your data files and data files are much more important for corporate users and developers. Spywares can take and store your personal information and send to others. Trojans are more harmful or in other words Trojans are advanced form of Spywares. Trojans collect your personal information including your typed passwords and credit card information and send to others, this kind of information certainly harmful for everyone so you need to install security software like Anti Virus, Anti Spyware and Anti Trojans.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Best Computer Tips and Tricks: Ergonomics.
Care About the Chair.
Proper posture is crucial to ergonomic success. To keep your feet on the floor, arms parallel with the desk, head up, and back straight, invest in a quality office chair, such as the budget-friendly $149.99 OfficeMax Mesh Managers Chair. If you have short legs or a tall workstation, consider pairing your chair with a footrest.
Get Rid of Glare.
When ambient light hits your monitor screen, it produces a ton of eye-straining glare. To cut down on the damage, dim the overhead lights and install a desk lamp. Also, avoid positioning your screen in front of an uncovered window; instead, place your monitor perpendicular to the window and use blinds or curtains to cut down on outside light.
Perfect Your Peripherals.
The battle against carpal tunnel syndrome begins with an adjustable keyboard and an ergonomically friendly mouse. Also crucial is your peripheral positioning: Place your keyboard directly in front of you at a height that keeps your forearms parallel with the floor. Your mouse should be to the left or the right of the keyboard, but no more than a few inches away.
Take Stretch Breaks.
No matter how ergonomically awesome your workstation may be, your body still needs regular breaks from all that sitting, typing, staring, and mousing. Software programs like Stretch Break can issue alarms to remind you when to take a rest; it also runs through some easy exercises you can do at your desk.
Position Your Monitor.
A correctly positioned monitor leads to better productivity. Make sure your display is directly in front of you, not off to one side. Raise the screen so the top edge is roughly at eye level, and then tilt the display upward so you're not craning to see the bottom of the screen. Finally, position the monitor an arm's length away from your head.
The Best Computer Tips and Tricks: Data Security
Disable System Restore
You can gain a lot of drive space by disabling System Restore. (You should already have a backup regimen in place before you do this.) In Vista, right-click My Computer, select Advanced system settings, click the System Protection tab, and uncheck any drives. In XP, right-click My Computer, then under System Tasks, click on "View system information." Click on the System Restore tab and click the box next to "Turn off System Restore on all drives" to disable it.
Configure Windows Update.
Windows Update is great, but if it's set on autopilot, it will download updates that require a reboot, then pester you forever to install them, and eventually reboot on its own. Change the Windows Update settings (in the Windows Security section of the Control Panel) to download updates but ask you whether to install them.
Disable Delete Confirmation.
You can disable the confirmation that pops up whenever you delete something by right-clicking the Recycle Bin and selecting Properties. Uncheck the delete confirmation box, click Apply and then OK, and you're done. Also, you can bypass the Recycle Bin entirely by holding down the Shift key while deleting files.
Disable Windows Animations.
Sliding Window animations look cool, but you can improve system performance by disabling them completely. Right-click My Computer and go to Properties. In Vista, select Advanced system settings, or click the Advanced tab in XP. Click Settings in the performance box and uncheck any box that says animate, slide, or fade.
Create a Custom Toolbar.
If you're constantly accessing a particular folder, you can add it to your taskbar for quick access. Right-click the taskbar and scroll to Toolbars, then select New Toolbar. It will open an Explorer window, so browse to your folder and select it. It's also handy to add My Computer as a toolbar.
You can gain a lot of drive space by disabling System Restore. (You should already have a backup regimen in place before you do this.) In Vista, right-click My Computer, select Advanced system settings, click the System Protection tab, and uncheck any drives. In XP, right-click My Computer, then under System Tasks, click on "View system information." Click on the System Restore tab and click the box next to "Turn off System Restore on all drives" to disable it.
Configure Windows Update.
Windows Update is great, but if it's set on autopilot, it will download updates that require a reboot, then pester you forever to install them, and eventually reboot on its own. Change the Windows Update settings (in the Windows Security section of the Control Panel) to download updates but ask you whether to install them.
Disable Delete Confirmation.
You can disable the confirmation that pops up whenever you delete something by right-clicking the Recycle Bin and selecting Properties. Uncheck the delete confirmation box, click Apply and then OK, and you're done. Also, you can bypass the Recycle Bin entirely by holding down the Shift key while deleting files.
Disable Windows Animations.
Sliding Window animations look cool, but you can improve system performance by disabling them completely. Right-click My Computer and go to Properties. In Vista, select Advanced system settings, or click the Advanced tab in XP. Click Settings in the performance box and uncheck any box that says animate, slide, or fade.
Create a Custom Toolbar.
If you're constantly accessing a particular folder, you can add it to your taskbar for quick access. Right-click the taskbar and scroll to Toolbars, then select New Toolbar. It will open an Explorer window, so browse to your folder and select it. It's also handy to add My Computer as a toolbar.
The Best Computer Tips and Tricks: Windows Media Player 11
Clear Your History
Perhaps you don't want other users on your computer to know what type of music you listen to (or what videos you've been watching, nudge nudge). You can clear the history by going to the Privacy pane in the Options menu (Alt+T+O), and hit the Clear History button. You can also uncheck the "Save file and URL history in the Player" box.
Roll Back WMP
WMP 11 isn't doing it for you? If you are using Windows XP, you can roll back to a previous version simply by using the Change/Remove function in Add or Remove Programs, which is found in Control Panel. Just follow the prompts, and you're on your way to removing WMP 11
Watch DivX Movies
Want to watch DivX-encoded movies—including ones in 1080i and 1080p high definition—through WMP? You'll need to install the DivX codec. Download the codec, and you can turn WMP into a DivX player.
Turn on the Radio
In WMP 11, the Internet radio tuner hasn't disappeared; it's just been hidden. To find it, click the down arrow below the Online Stores tab. Then select the Media Guide, and click on the Internet Radio link.
Use WMP with Your iPod
If you'd prefer using WMP rather than iTunes with your iPod, all you need is MGTEK's Dopisp. This $19.95 plug-in (available in a downloadable free trial version) lets you sync MP3 and AAC audio and MPEG-4 video files between WMP and all iPod models, including the iPhone. Alas, it will not work with protected DRM music you've purchased.
Perhaps you don't want other users on your computer to know what type of music you listen to (or what videos you've been watching, nudge nudge). You can clear the history by going to the Privacy pane in the Options menu (Alt+T+O), and hit the Clear History button. You can also uncheck the "Save file and URL history in the Player" box.
Roll Back WMP
WMP 11 isn't doing it for you? If you are using Windows XP, you can roll back to a previous version simply by using the Change/Remove function in Add or Remove Programs, which is found in Control Panel. Just follow the prompts, and you're on your way to removing WMP 11
Watch DivX Movies
Want to watch DivX-encoded movies—including ones in 1080i and 1080p high definition—through WMP? You'll need to install the DivX codec. Download the codec, and you can turn WMP into a DivX player.
Turn on the Radio
In WMP 11, the Internet radio tuner hasn't disappeared; it's just been hidden. To find it, click the down arrow below the Online Stores tab. Then select the Media Guide, and click on the Internet Radio link.
Use WMP with Your iPod
If you'd prefer using WMP rather than iTunes with your iPod, all you need is MGTEK's Dopisp. This $19.95 plug-in (available in a downloadable free trial version) lets you sync MP3 and AAC audio and MPEG-4 video files between WMP and all iPod models, including the iPhone. Alas, it will not work with protected DRM music you've purchased.
The Best Computer Tips and Tricks: Laptops
Make Your Own Power Plan
Windows laptops include a few preset power plans for maximizing battery life, but you can also customize your operating system's power-management features (in Windows XP, under Power Options in the Control Panel; in Vista, under Mobile PC in the Control Panel). Setting aggressive targets for when the display turns off and when the machine goes into sleep or hibernate mode will help your battery last longer.
Limit Your Connection
When you aren't actively using your notebook's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WWAN, or other wireless connections, turn the radios off (via the hard switch, if your PC has one, or using the appropriate utility), so they don't run down the battery while they keep searching for a signal. Also, use USB-attached devices sparingly while you're mobile.
Track it down
Thousands of laptops are reported stolen every year. Our advice? Prepare for the worst by investing in tracking software like Absolute Software's Lojack for Laptops, CyberAngel Security, or the free TheLaptopLock. These utilities can pinpoint a registered notebook's location once it connects to the Web, increasing your chances of recovering your system.
Dim the display
A laptop's biggest battery-life-sucking component is its LCD display. To eke out more juice when you're off the plug, turn down your panel's brightness to the lowest level your eyes can stand. Most notebooks have a Function key combo—or even a dedicated hot key—for a quick crank-down. (You can also adjust brightness in Display Settings under Control Panel.)
Keep It Cool
Thanks to their small, cramped cases and tiny vents, laptops are prone to overheating. Unfortunately, using your notebook on your lap—or on top of a blanket that protects your lap from your scalding-hot notebook—can seriously stifle ventilation and make matters worse. To help keep temperatures in check, opt for a lap desk or a laptop cooling pad that won't conduct heat or block your laptop's vents.
Back Up Everything
Constant movement puts computer components at risk, and because of their portability, laptops suffer a lot more wear and tear than desktops. All of that on-the-go use increases the risk of hard drive failure, so make sure you back up the data on your laptop to an external hard drive, thumb drive, or home server on a regular basis. Portable hard drives like the Western Digital Passport Elite make it easy to back up your data on the road.
Cover Your Keyboard
Keep liquids away from laptops at all times. That rule often gets broken, of course, and accidents happen. Should that accident end up on your laptop's keyboard, however, you could end up with more than just a mess: Liquids that seep through your notebook's keys can fry its components. Protect your notebook from spills with a custom-built, plastic keyboard cover from ProtecT Laptop Covers.
Buy a Bag
If you plan to carry your notebook with you, the most useful accessory you can buy is a laptop bag. They're available in a number of styles and prices; for maximum protection, we recommend investing in a model with a built-in padded sleeve. If you want something less conspicuous (thieves have been known to target obvious-looking laptop bags), cover your laptop in stand-alone sleeve and stow it in your backpack or briefcase.
Let It Accumulate
When you move your laptop from a cold to a warm environment, and vice versa, don't boot up until your system reaches room temperature. Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to build up inside the notebook case; turn it on too quickly, and the moisture could damage your system's inner components.
Windows laptops include a few preset power plans for maximizing battery life, but you can also customize your operating system's power-management features (in Windows XP, under Power Options in the Control Panel; in Vista, under Mobile PC in the Control Panel). Setting aggressive targets for when the display turns off and when the machine goes into sleep or hibernate mode will help your battery last longer.
Limit Your Connection
When you aren't actively using your notebook's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WWAN, or other wireless connections, turn the radios off (via the hard switch, if your PC has one, or using the appropriate utility), so they don't run down the battery while they keep searching for a signal. Also, use USB-attached devices sparingly while you're mobile.
Track it down
Thousands of laptops are reported stolen every year. Our advice? Prepare for the worst by investing in tracking software like Absolute Software's Lojack for Laptops, CyberAngel Security, or the free TheLaptopLock. These utilities can pinpoint a registered notebook's location once it connects to the Web, increasing your chances of recovering your system.
Dim the display
A laptop's biggest battery-life-sucking component is its LCD display. To eke out more juice when you're off the plug, turn down your panel's brightness to the lowest level your eyes can stand. Most notebooks have a Function key combo—or even a dedicated hot key—for a quick crank-down. (You can also adjust brightness in Display Settings under Control Panel.)
Keep It Cool
Thanks to their small, cramped cases and tiny vents, laptops are prone to overheating. Unfortunately, using your notebook on your lap—or on top of a blanket that protects your lap from your scalding-hot notebook—can seriously stifle ventilation and make matters worse. To help keep temperatures in check, opt for a lap desk or a laptop cooling pad that won't conduct heat or block your laptop's vents.
Back Up Everything
Constant movement puts computer components at risk, and because of their portability, laptops suffer a lot more wear and tear than desktops. All of that on-the-go use increases the risk of hard drive failure, so make sure you back up the data on your laptop to an external hard drive, thumb drive, or home server on a regular basis. Portable hard drives like the Western Digital Passport Elite make it easy to back up your data on the road.
Cover Your Keyboard
Keep liquids away from laptops at all times. That rule often gets broken, of course, and accidents happen. Should that accident end up on your laptop's keyboard, however, you could end up with more than just a mess: Liquids that seep through your notebook's keys can fry its components. Protect your notebook from spills with a custom-built, plastic keyboard cover from ProtecT Laptop Covers.
Buy a Bag
If you plan to carry your notebook with you, the most useful accessory you can buy is a laptop bag. They're available in a number of styles and prices; for maximum protection, we recommend investing in a model with a built-in padded sleeve. If you want something less conspicuous (thieves have been known to target obvious-looking laptop bags), cover your laptop in stand-alone sleeve and stow it in your backpack or briefcase.
Let It Accumulate
When you move your laptop from a cold to a warm environment, and vice versa, don't boot up until your system reaches room temperature. Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to build up inside the notebook case; turn it on too quickly, and the moisture could damage your system's inner components.
The Best Computer Tips and Tricks: Internet Explorer 7
Disable Plug-ins
If IE runs too slowly, or if it freezes up on you a lot, try disabling some of its preinstalled add-ons. Click Tools > Manage Add-ons > Enable or Disable Add-ons to see which add-ons are enabled. Select an add-on you don't want preinstalled, then click the Disable radio button under Settings to deactivate it
Open Multiple Web Sites
Want IE to open two or more tabs when you start it up? Go to Tools > Internet Options, then type as many addresses as you want (on individual lines) in the "Home page" field.
Change Text Size
Hold the Ctrl key and roll the mouse wheel to change Web pages' text size: Rolling up makes it smaller, rolling down makes it bigger.
Tab Shortcuts
Hit Ctrl+T to open a tab so you can visit a new site without opening a new window; browse opened tabs without taking your hands off the keyboard by hitting Ctrl+Tab.
Create a Favorites Group
Want to group like-minded favorites in folders? Open new tabs to all the sites, then select "Add Tab Group to Favorites" under the Favorites menu, and then give the group a name. Now, when you go to the Favorites menu, just click on the folder to see all the related sites in one convenient place.
Redirect Pop-ups
Pop-ups usually open in a new window, but you can instruct IE to open them in a new tab instead. Go to Tools > Internet Options, and under the General tab, select Settings in the Tab section. Under "When a pop-up is encountered:" click the radio button labeled "Always open pop-ups in a new tab
Scrub Browser Cache
If you don't want your temporary files hanging around, you can instruct IE to delete them automatically every time you exit the browser. Go to Tools > Internet Options and open the Advanced tab. Scroll down to the Security section, then click the checkbox next to "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed."
Mouse-free Browsing
You don't need a mouse to surf the Web—many functions can be performed just with the keyboard. Hitting F11 will shift the browser into full-screen mode (and back again). Ctrl+E will move the text-entry cursor to the LiveSearch box. Hit Ctrl+D to instantly add the current site to your Favorites, and Alt+D to move you automatically to the location bar.
Disable Sounds in Web Pages
If you prefer your own digital music collection to the soundtracks to be found on some Web sites, you can tell IE to keep them quiet. Go to Tools > Internet Options and open the Advanced tab. Scroll down to the Multimedia section, and deselect the check box next to "Play sounds in web pages."
If IE runs too slowly, or if it freezes up on you a lot, try disabling some of its preinstalled add-ons. Click Tools > Manage Add-ons > Enable or Disable Add-ons to see which add-ons are enabled. Select an add-on you don't want preinstalled, then click the Disable radio button under Settings to deactivate it
Open Multiple Web Sites
Want IE to open two or more tabs when you start it up? Go to Tools > Internet Options, then type as many addresses as you want (on individual lines) in the "Home page" field.
Change Text Size
Hold the Ctrl key and roll the mouse wheel to change Web pages' text size: Rolling up makes it smaller, rolling down makes it bigger.
Tab Shortcuts
Hit Ctrl+T to open a tab so you can visit a new site without opening a new window; browse opened tabs without taking your hands off the keyboard by hitting Ctrl+Tab.
Create a Favorites Group
Want to group like-minded favorites in folders? Open new tabs to all the sites, then select "Add Tab Group to Favorites" under the Favorites menu, and then give the group a name. Now, when you go to the Favorites menu, just click on the folder to see all the related sites in one convenient place.
Redirect Pop-ups
Pop-ups usually open in a new window, but you can instruct IE to open them in a new tab instead. Go to Tools > Internet Options, and under the General tab, select Settings in the Tab section. Under "When a pop-up is encountered:" click the radio button labeled "Always open pop-ups in a new tab
Scrub Browser Cache
If you don't want your temporary files hanging around, you can instruct IE to delete them automatically every time you exit the browser. Go to Tools > Internet Options and open the Advanced tab. Scroll down to the Security section, then click the checkbox next to "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed."
Mouse-free Browsing
You don't need a mouse to surf the Web—many functions can be performed just with the keyboard. Hitting F11 will shift the browser into full-screen mode (and back again). Ctrl+E will move the text-entry cursor to the LiveSearch box. Hit Ctrl+D to instantly add the current site to your Favorites, and Alt+D to move you automatically to the location bar.
Disable Sounds in Web Pages
If you prefer your own digital music collection to the soundtracks to be found on some Web sites, you can tell IE to keep them quiet. Go to Tools > Internet Options and open the Advanced tab. Scroll down to the Multimedia section, and deselect the check box next to "Play sounds in web pages."
Aero Shake in Windows 7,get the trick.
No matter which version of Windows you have, it always seems we become victims of “desktop clutter” as one point or another. Well, Windows 7 has a fun and useful trick you can pull next time you want to focus on just one window. You have to shake it!
Yes, just grab the top of a window with your cursor and shake rapidly back and forth. All open windows (besides the one you just shook) will minimize; giving you a clear view of what you were trying to concentrate on! Want those windows back? Just shake again!
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