Note: all new tips will be added at the top of this file. Also please check back regularly as this page is updated often.
The information here has been gathered from the online version of Smart Computing Magazine daily emails, which I subscribe.
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So your computer is apparently infected with malware, but running a scan with your usual security software hasn't rooted out the culprit. By all means, don't give up on the software you're using. Make sure it has received all of the recently released updates by selecting the "check for updates" or similarly named option (typically found in a program's Help menu) or by heading to the support section of the manufacturer's Web site. Also use Windows Update to install any Windows security patches you may have missed. Once you're sure your security software and OS (operating system) are both up-to-date, run the scan one more time. If your computer is still showing signs of an infection, it's time to move on to other methods. Just because your security software didn't find the problem, that doesn't mean other programs won't. You can download a program such as Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (www.malwarebytes.org) to scan your computer a second time to see if it can catch something your program missed. Always perform a full scan as opposed to a quick scan when you suspect your computer has been infected. And be sure to turn off all other security software you have on your computer, because sometimes programs can interfere with each other.
Your machine’s CPU is literally its core, and an underpowered processor will slow you down. Especially in portables, though, the optimum processor generally requires a balance of speed, power, energy consumption, and heat production. You want as much of the first two as you can get and as little of the last two as possible. Chipmakers offer CPUs designed specifically to provide that balance. Intel's new 2010 Core processors, for example, offer an impressive combination of speed and power, coupled with low energy consumption.
Streaming is playing a video or audio file that resides on the Internet or on a different computer across a network. Internet radio, video sharing, and movie rental sites use streaming. If your Internet streaming is constantly being interrupted, shut down other downloads, restart the streaming application, and try again. If conditions don't improve, try restarting the stream later on. Broadband is essential, at least for video streams. With a fast connection, you should be able to view video at its highest resolution available.
Also known as 802.11n, Wireless N routers support data transfer speeds up to 300Mbps (megabits per second). Besides faster downloads and transfers, the speed increase means that the network is fast enough to stream videos and music. With a Wireless G router, the connection may occasionally drop out and create a choppy viewing or listening experience. All wireless N routers operate on the 2.4GHz frequency, so the signal is backward-compatible with any device that has an 802.11b/g/n adapter. You can also invest in a dual-band wireless N router, which sends out signals over both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, to help you avoid interference that can slow down your transmission speeds.
Shopping for a laptop? Note that laptops are classified into types, or categories. Here's a quick look at some of the most popular groupings. Desktop replacement. These laptops pack the power of a larger desktop PC, yet in a more portable form factor.
Mainstream. General users who need an all-purpose notebook without a lot of bells and whistles should consider a mainstream model.
Ultra portable. If portability is key, look for an ultra-portable model that weighs only a few pounds.
Netbooks. As small as a paperback book, netbooks are extremely easy to tote around, although they don't always have the same power as their bigger brothers.
Tablet PCs. Take digital notes using a tablet PC’s stylus. Convertible tablets look a lot like a traditional laptop with a twistable screen.
Most PCs use traditional hard drives for file storage. Over time, the continual data writes and deletions of everyday PC usage start to take a toll on a drive's data transfer speed. As a hard drive's capacity fills with files, it stores new information on parts of the disks that are slower to write and read. Moreover, a very full drive will pose problems for the OS (operating system), which requires a certain amount of free drive space to run properly. Therefore, you should occasionally run a utility, such as Windows' Disk Cleanup or Piriform's CCleaner (www.piriform.com) to get rid of "junk" files. While you're at it, uninstall programs you no longer need.
Also, as free space dwindles into small chunks, a drive starts to store large files in fragments. This bogs down reads and writes, too. Use an automatic defragmentation utility to keep your computers sprightly.
Occasionally, you may be unable to access a Web site that you visited previously without any troubles. This can happen if the Web site's ISP (Internet service provider) temporarily disabled the site, if the administrator failed to renew the Web registry data, or if too many people try accessing the site at the same time. Often when a site you access is unavailable, you will receive the "HTTP 404 Not Found" error message. One way to know if a site is temporarily down is to check another commercial site to see if your Internet connection is active. If you can access some sites but not one particular site, you may simply need to try accessing the site at a later time. You can also try deleting your Internet temporary files. To do this in Internet Explorer 8, for instance, open the Tools menu and select Internet Options. Next, click the Delete button under the Browsing History section, make sure the select Temporary Internet Files, and click Delete again. When you delete these temporary files, IE can access Web sites instead of using possibly outdated local files on your computer for a particular site.
If it's essential that the data on a notebook not fall into the wrong hands, consider a service that allows you to remotely trace the location of your notebook and delete the contents of the hard drive. For instance, Absolute Software's LoJack For Laptops ($59.99 for Premium Edition; www.absolute.com) can watch for a lost computer, identify it when it connects to the Internet, analyze the data, and provide information that will help law enforcement officials recover and return the lost notebook to you. The Premium Edition of LoJack also allows Absolute Software to remotely erase the sensitive files on your hard drive.
Because many accessories, including mice, portable storage devices (such as a flash drive or a portable hard drive), and a variety of adapters require a USB port, be sure the notebook you choose has at least four. Additionally, a built-in memory card reader will let you transfer media right from the card to the computer, without having to pack a memory card reader in order to work with photos and videos from a conference or other event. When it comes to choosing among video ports such as VGA (Video Graphics Array), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), and DisplayPort, consider both your future and legacy products. VGA and DVI are older video graphics technologies, while HDMI and DisplayPort were created within the past few years to accommodate high-definition and high-resolution video. Having both HDMI and DisplayPort connections is important, because each technology supports different types of video products, such as cameras, high-definition camcorders, Blu-ray Disc players, HDTVs, and monitors.
Additionally, an eSATA (external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) port and a FireWire port are handy for some external hard drives and optical drives (although you'll find fewer and fewer FireWire devices as that interface is fading quickly from view). The eSATA standard is ideal for transferring large amounts of information to storage because it's faster than both USB and FireWire technologies.
A powerline network relies on a network that all homes already include by default, the power network. The electrical system in your home consists of one or more fuse boxes and copper wiring that runs between each power outlet to give your electronics the current they require to operate. A powerline network simply taps into this existing network and uses the copper wiring to pass data bits between powerline network adapters. Powerline adapters utilize a technology called OFDM (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing), which enables the copper wiring to carry multiple data streams even while powering appliances and devices throughout your home. The latest devices also work independent of line voltage and current frequency to provide a consistent and reliable networking experience. This Internet access solution makes a lot of sense because there's always an outlet near the computer and another outlet near the Internet-enabled devices you'll likely be using. And if you can plug in a power adapter and an Ethernet cable, you can install and configure a powerline network yourself in minutes.
For prolonged storage, charge your battery to about 40% and place it in the refrigerator (not the freezer). Be sure to allow it to warm up to room temperature before use in order to avoid condensation; otherwise moisture on the battery might get into your notebook. If you have a spare battery, use one normally and store the other in the refrigerator until it's needed.
The most effective way to maximize your battery life is to avoid heat. Use notebook cooling pads and stands, and don't store the computer in your car on hot days. Some experts recommend removing the battery when you’re running under fixed power, but that doesn't always work: Some notebooks won't run at all without a battery present, and some manufacturers worry that the empty battery compartment might collect moisture or dust.
• A dual-band router creates two 802.11n wireless networks, one in the 2.4GHz band and one in the 5GHz band. You can configure each one with different passwords and security credentials. • Because the 5GHz frequency will be relatively free of interference, it will provide faster Wi-Fi speeds. Thus, you should connect to it for streaming video or audio, downloading music, playing online games, copying files over your Wi-Fi network, or other tasks that require a speedy connection. • Connect to the 2.4GHz network when you're checking email or browsing the Web. If there are multiple computers on your home network, the 2.4GHz frequency may seem faster than it used to, because you aren't sharing the connection with another computer that's downloading files or streaming video on the 5GHz frequency.
The Start Search field at the bottom of the Start menu lets you access a powerful search tool in Windows Vista and Windows 7. Type a few letters of any file (or word contained in a file) you wish to find, and Instant Search will immediately supply possibilities in the Start menu's Search window. Windows looks for matches even in file contents and attributes, not just file names, so you may be surprised by some of the odd results it suggests. The number of possibilities will decrease the more specific your search becomes, meaning the more characters you type.
Buried within the Control Panel's Action Center is the Reliability Monitor. (Type reliability monitor in the Start Search field and press ENTER.) As the name implies, the monitor itself won't improve Windows performance, but it will give you clues to help troubleshoot Windows application problems and find a remedy so Windows can perform better in the future. Windows ranks overall reliability on a scale from 1 (lowest reliability) to 10. The line graph and numerical ratings don't give you much information, apart from confirming your worst fears. ("I knew this system was falling apart!") More useful is being able to corroborate informational events, shown with an "i" in a blue circle with subsequent increases in application failures. For instance, if you see that Windows installed a security update on Monday followed by a significant increase in app crashes, you can probably guess that the update is to blame and then roll back the software change.
There are always dust particles floating around in the air, and it’s not difficult to notice when they settle on the tops of our electronics. But we tend to forget that those same dust particles that create dusting chores also circulate through our computer cases and settle on the components inside. When you get around to dusting the computer room, don’t forget to occasionally pop open the computer case and, with a can of compressed air, blow away the dust that has accumulated on the components. Clean cases provide better airflow and ultimately fewer overheating issues.
After years of being pestered by Windows' pop-up notification messages in the System Tray, we now have in Windows 7 more granular control over the warnings that really matter. In the Start menu Search box, type Action Center to bring up this console. Click the Action Center Settings link to see options for toggling off or on different security and maintenance messages.
Windows bogs down over time, burdened with all of those background programs that load during startup. Some of those you need, but some just take up unnecessary boot seconds and are never used during an average Windows session. To disable unnecessary items, type msconfig in the Start Search field, select msconfig, and go to the System Configuration window's Startup tab. Uncheck anything that isn't useful or necessary. Some entries are pretty cryptic and require Web searching to figure out.
For many years, Microsoft has tried to make Windows look as silky and smooth as possible. But looking good soaks up system resources. If you can live without some of the visual bells and whistles, you can regain a bit of lost performance. Dig into Start, Control Panel, System And Security, System, and Advanced System Settings. Click the Settings button in the Performance section. In the Performance Options pop-up window, you'll see a long list of visual elements and effects within Windows 7, most of which are enabled by default as part of the Let Windows Choose What's Best For My Computer option. You can select Custom, then pick and choose which items to disable. For a fast, slash-and-burn approach, pick Adjust For Best Performance to turn off all effects. This will result in a blander interface but better response times, particularly if you use integrated graphics or a trailing-edge graphics card.
If you see a Device Is Not Ready message when trying to print, check your connections. This message indicates that Windows does not recognize the printer as being ready to accept data. Check the printer power and cable and make sure it is turned on and online. If you are using a network printer, make sure the network is up and you have the appropriate print permissions. (NOTE: There are other, similar variants to this message, as well.)
To ensure that your computer is fully protected, you should use both an antivirus and antispyware program on your PC. These two utilities will cover most of your security needs. Antivirus software will block worms, Trojans, and other nasty files from taking root in your computer's hard drive, while antispyware software will scan your computer for potential threats, such as keyloggers and phishing scams, so that your sensitive information isn't compromised. Many security utilities include both an antivirus and antispyware program in one package, though each of these programs can also be found separately.
If you have a lot of data on your PC, adding an external hard drive to your notebook or desktop setup could help improve your PC's performance. You'll be able to avoid bogging your system down with additional files. This will help save your computer's main hard drive from normal wear and tear, thus helping it last longer.
Hooking up a number of devices to the back of your PC in addition to all of the plugs you need to connect to a surge protector can quickly become a tangled and confusing mess. To maintain a cleaner appearance and to keep all of your cables quickly identifiable, use Velcro straps that wrap around your extra cords and label them with masking tape.
Similar to your computer, a graphics card comes with its own memory, so it can store video data and effectively render images at millions of pixels per second. The more memory the video card offers, the higher the video resolution your PC can handle. That being said, if you don't play video games at the highest settings or render video at HD quality, a graphics card with 512MB (or less) of video memory will be sufficient. Graphics cards also feature an internal processor. Look for a card with a core clock with better than 500MHz clock speed for best results.
Some desktop computers may not have a graphics card. Instead, the computer’s motherboard has a chip that performs the video processing. The biggest downside to integrated graphics is that the video chip shares your computer's memory, otherwise known as RAM, which degrades the PC's overall and video processing performance.
One puzzle for Windows 7 users is how to open a new instance of a program that already has an open window, because pressing the icon on the Taskbar simply highlights the open window. For mouse users, the answer is found in clicking the middle mouse button or depressing the scroll wheel on a program’s Taskbar icon. For a pure keyboard alternative, use the SHIFT-WIN (the Windows logo key)-number combo to open a new instance of the program that matches the number slot on the Taskbar.
Here are some preventive rules you can follow to ensure that all of your passwords are reliable.
• Don't reuse the same password on different sites. For instance, don't use your Facebook password to log in to your bank account.
• Do change your password regularly. Updating it will give you an extra security boost.
• Don't share your passwords with others. If someone wants to use your computer, ask them to log on as a Guest.
• Do mix upper and lowercase characters and symbols if possible.
• Don't choose passwords that would be obviously vulnerable, such as your name, birth date, spouse's name, or car statistics.
Without warning, your notebook may reboot itself or shut down completely. Although a number of different issues could be the cause, there are three common possibilities. First, if you upgraded the hardware in your notebook, some components may be incompatible, causing the system to shut down to avoid damage. If you are experienced in notebook components, you may try removing or replacing a newly installed component to see if the shutdown error persists. If you are certain that the failure is not hardware-related, check to make sure that the air intake fans are not impeded or blocked with dust or debris. Blocked fans decrease the amount of cool airflow into your notebook, and if the computer gets too hot, it will shut itself down as a precautionary measure to prevent component damage.
Automatic reboots or shutdowns could also be the result of a virus. If you have an antivirus program installed on your notebook, make sure it is up-to-date and then run a full scan of the hard drive. If you don't have an antivirus program, buy one or download a free program such as AVG Free Anti-Virus (free.avg.com). Once your antivirus program is ready to go, run a full scan to search for any malware. The antivirus program may find several issues, and hopefully the shutdown culprit will be one of them. When the scan is complete, follow the program's instructions to remove or quarantine any discovered malware.
Today, many consumer electronics devices are networkable, and each has one or more reasons to go online. Once the sole province of computers, your network is now part of a vast entertainment grid. For instance, many new TVs can show you useful info through widgets (small programs) as well as longer content from third-party vendors. For instance, you could get a morning heads up on your busy day with a local weather widget on your TV screen. Later, after work, you could relax with a streaming movie download, thanks to your HDTV's support for your Netflix subscription.
Windows XP and Windows Vista were available in 64-bit versions that promised to deliver snappier performance and an increase in available memory space, but both operating systems suffered from poor driver and application support. WinXP also suffered from the lack of available 64-bit compatible hardware.
Win7 is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions, but you don't need to figure out in advance which one you want. Microsoft ships both versions in retail copies of Win7, letting you pick the one you want to install. These days, 64-bit processors and systems are the norm, at least for desktops and most laptops, so 64-bit compatible drivers and applications are readily available.
Common hard drive speeds you might come across are 4,200rpm, 5,400rpm, 7,200rpm, and 10,000rpm. Keep in mind that faster drives tend to be more expensive, although cost is also mitigated by how much storage capacity a drive has. For example, a 60GB drive rated at 7,200rpm may actually cost less than a 500GB drive rated at 5,400rpm. When shopping for a computer or hard drive, keep in mind what you need the hard drive for. If you're looking for an external hard drive or a second internal hard drive with lots of backup storage for all your files, a slower drive (4,200rpm or 5,400rpm) with a large capacity—say, 500GB or more—is just fine.
However, if you're looking for a hard drive to boost your system's overall performance, opt for a drive with a smaller capacity that's clocked at 7,200rpm or 10,000rpm.
If you don’t want that irritating confirmation dialog box popping up every time you try to delete something, you can turn it off. To do so, right-click the Recycle Bin, select Properties, and deselect the Display Delete Confirmation Dialog checkbox.
Occasionally, you may need to use Administrative credentials to run a program. To do so in Vista, right-click the program and choose Run As Administrator. This same option is available in Windows 7. Hold down the SHIFT key while right-clicking in Win7, and you’ll also see an option for running the program as a different user on the system. Click here and you’ll be prompted to log in with a username and password.
By default, the Recycle Bin uses approximately 10% of the available space on your hard drive. When you exceed this allocation, the Recycle Bin will automatically delete its older files to make room for the newly deleted ones. The files that have been in the Recycle Bin the longest are the first to go. If you want to increase the size of the Recycle Bin to avoid this, or if you want to reduce its size to recapture unused disk space, right-click the Recycle Bin and select Properties. To separately configure each drive's Recycle Bin, make sure you select the radio button next to Configure Drives Independently. Click the tab associated with the drive you'd like to make changes on. Finally, move the slider to the correct size (given as a percentage of overall drive space) and click Apply.
The hottest Internet connectivity technology these days is 3G. Smartphones and some netbooks and laptops include 3G chips. Whereas wired Ethernet access is gained by subscribing to a cable-based service, 3G coverage comes from mobile phone companies; thus, you subscribe to 3G through your mobile service provider, not a cable provider. Many service providers offer unlimited use for a monthly fee, not unlike how you pay for wired Ethernet service. Others allow users to pay for a certain amount of usage each month and pay ala carte for additional 3G use, similar to many mobile phone payment plans.
Although slower than a typical Wi-Fi network, 3G offers acceptable Internet performance for mobile devices. The primary benefit of 3G is that coverage is far greater than Wi-Fi. Instead of being confined to a hotspot built on a wired Ethernet connection, 3G Internet access is available anywhere your mobile service provider offers coverage.
Noise cancelation is one of the key features to look for in a Bluetooth headset. Most office environments are noisy, and factory and road environments can be even worse. Car noise can drown out just about anything you're saying to the person on the other end of your phone call. Such noise won't do much for your ability to hear them, either.
Noise cancelation comes in two common flavors: basic systems that use a single microphone for voice pickup and noise cancelation and twin-mic systems, which usually do a better job of squelching noise by comparing the signal levels received at each mic. If the levels are identical, it's considered a background noise that can be removed. Dual-mic headsets may be the better choice for factory or driving environments. Single-mic systems are less expensive and a good choice for office environments.
With Windows 7, Microsoft consolidates the many warnings of Windows into one place and usually only gets in your face with a little Action Center flag icon located in the Notification Area. If you'd like to open the Action Center, type action center in the Start search field and press ENTER. If you have third-party backup, antispyware, network access protection, or other apps handling certain tasks, feel free to turn off Windows’ integrated nagging about these items. Everybody’s favorite item to crank down is the User Account Control slider. We don't recommend going below the second-lowest setting.
Reading errors are usually due to smudged, scratched, or defective discs. Clean a troublesome disc with a CD/DVD cleaning spray from a consumer electronics store. The water vapor from your breath can do in a pinch. Wipe the disc's recorded surface in straight lines from the inner hole to the outside edge with a clean, soft cloth. Never rub a disc sideways or in circles. Any contact with a cloth leaves microscopic scratches on a disc, but scratches that run radially from the center of the disc outward usually won't cause skips like ones that follow the spiral track of data around the disc. Occasionally run a special lens-cleaning disc through your drive or disc player to remove dust from the laser lens. If all else fails, try reading the disc in a different drive.
Sensitive information may find its way into the wrong hands in various ways: A netbook may be lost; an unauthorized user might remove data from the stolen system; or an employee could transfer data using a USB drive to an unsecure PC on the corporate network and, consequently, put confidential data at risk. Encrypting your netbook is one security measure that can help protect you against data loss. Full disk encryption is the safest call for your work and personal information. If the netbook contains data or information you don't want anyone to see, you should consider running encryption software that, at the very least, has a secured storage area where you can save sensitive data.
Regardless of how well you password-protect a netbook, you also should never underestimate physical safeguards. Don't set your netbook down where someone could easily snatch it if you should turn your back for a few minutes. And make note that some people report netbooks are easy to misplace because of their miniature sizes.
When vendors make drives tougher than normal, they describe them as "ruggedized." A ruggedized drive should, in theory, be able to take a harder knock than a typical drive without losing your data. Ruggedized drives usually have tough enclosures with shock-absorbing material inside. Hard drive manufacturers do their part by adding accelerometers to certain models. When the accelerometers sense that the drive is falling, they tell the read/write heads to park on special ramps off the disk(s). With the heads parked, there's less of a chance of data loss because the heads can't smash into the sensitive recording layer on the disk(s) on impact.
In general, most flash-based drives have a higher shock tolerance (in Gs, or multiples of gravity) than most portable hard drives.
Truth be told, most laptops have more than enough processing speed for typical mobile computing tasks. In the vast majority of usage scenarios, you’ll spend most of your time waiting on either your main storage drive or a network/Internet connection. You’ll only notice the benefits of additional processing horsepower when you’re doing personal tasks such as encoding media files, playing games, or editing video. As for memory types (such as DDR2 and DDR3) and clock speeds (such as 1,066MHz), higher numbers are better. We recommend at least a dual-core processor. Bear in mind, though, that CPUs with more cores and higher clock speeds (in GHz) tend to reduce battery life.
Network connections can stop working every once in awhile. Network connections will inexplicably fail sometimes but can usually be restored simply by turning off your router for a few moments and then turning it back on. If Internet access is affected (and it isn’t your service provider’s fault), turn off your modem, too; after its connection is re-established, turn your router back on.
In Windows 7, your Windows key can be very powerful. Learn some of these primary combos for great mouse-free interface control.
WIN (the Windows logo key)-Down arrow: Restore down a maximized window or minimize an open window that is not maximized
WIN-Left/Right arrow: Snaps current window to the left or right edge of the Desktop and sizes it to fill half the screen
WIN-G: Show Gadgets
WIN-T: Activates Taskbar. Use directional keys to navigate Tasks. Pressing ENTER will open the program or switch to its open task.
If you're in the market for a new router, here are a few things to keep in mind.
• Nearly all wireless routers also offer some wired ports.
• 802.11n routers deliver Wi-Fi faster than 802.11g routers.
• Wireless routers with MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology feature a longer range and improved signal strength.
• A model with a built-in firewall will help keep cybercriminals from reaching your PCs.
If you're having trouble connecting to a wireless network with your notebook, you should eliminate the easiest problems first. Check to see if wireless capabilities are enabled on your notebook. Many notebooks have a switch to turn this feature on or off. If your computer can't detect a wireless signal, check to make sure this switch didn’t slide into the Off position accidentally.
You probably know that the CTRL-ALT-DELETE key combo brings up a full screen of options that includes logging off, switching a user, changing a password, and calling up the Task Manager. Of course, most of us press the three-button combo to access the all-important Task Manager, where we can abort hanging programs and processes. You can circumvent this time-consuming interim screen altogether and bring up the Task Manager directly by using the CTRL-SHIFT-ESC combination instead. This command will call up the Task Manager directly.
In Windows 7, if you have several open windows, grab the top of the frame of one window, and shake it back and forth. The rest of the open windows will minimize. The keyboard shortcut for the same function is WIN (the Windows logo key)-Home. Now press WIN-Down arrow to minimize the current window and WIN-Up arrow to maximize it. Pressing WIN-Right arrow or Left arrow will dock the current window to the right or left edge of your Desktop.
When it comes to searching for any file on your PC, you only need to click the Start button and enter a word or two in Windows 7. Windows Search will generate a list of relevant results that are categorized by keywords, such as Programs, Music, and Control Panel, to make it easier to locate what you're looking for. Windows 7 also introduces a feature called Jump Lists, which displays the most common actions you perform within a particular program. For example, when you right-click the Internet Explorer icon, you'll see your most frequently and recently visited Web sites, while Microsoft Word will display the documents you access regularly.
Wi-Fi, whose technical label is 802.11, uses four possible standards: a, b, g, and n. The latest standard is 802.11n, which provides the best combination of transmission speed, range, security, and flexibility. If you have a choice, go with 802.11n.
Keep your Wi-Fi network private by activating your router's password-protected encryption. By following the directions included in your router's users manual, you can set up a password on your router to prevent strangers from wirelessly connecting to your network. Such uninvited guests will leech part of your bandwidth and may also have more nefarious schemes in mind, such as exploring files on your hard drive or using your service for illegal activity.
Surge Protectors ensure the electrical current running to your desktop or laptop computer doesn't exceed proper levels. Plugging your computer into a surge protector will protect it from potentially serious damage. Portable models will protect your laptop when you're on the go for work or play.
Most new systems come with 3GB or more, which will let operating systems such as Windows Vista or Windows 7 run smoothly. However, 1GB is acceptable for scaled-down PC systems, such as netbooks.
Windows 7 gives the user direct access to all of the internal troubleshooting tools so you can run them any time. To find this feature, open the Control Panel. In the Explorer Address bar, click the arrow to the right of Control Panel and click All Control Panel Items. Click Troubleshooting. The first time you do this, Win7 offers you the option to get the latest troubleshooting information and apps from Microsoft. Agreeing to this will give you access to both locally installed apps and online data. In the task pane to the left, click View All to see all of the programs you can troubleshoot. If you’re having a problem with one of the items on the list, click it and follow the on-screen troubleshooting steps.
Windows 7 tries to fix the bothersome User Account Control as well as update pop-ups that Vista introduced, but you can further tweak the notification policies easily. In the Start search box, type Action Center and press ENTER to open a console that presents a wide range of customization options, including Change Action Center Settings, which manages the pop-up balloon notices for all of your Windows Updates, and Change User Account Control Settings, which gives you a slider to adjust the sensitivity of the UAC warnings.
For the computer guru who loves to tinker under her computer's hood, upgrading her PC's internal hard drive to a higher-capacity model can provide more room for digital collections and computer games, with storage capacities that can reach into the terabyte range. Internal drives boast high read and write speeds, which make them a more efficient option than external models. Available connections for internal models include EIDE (Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics), Ultra ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment), and SATA (Serial ATA). SATA will offer maximum transfer rates, but EIDE and Ultra ATA are compatible with older computers.
You can never be too careful with your personal information. Some Web sites will disguise themselves as sites you trust and use phishing tactics to steal sensitive information you enter, and if your computer downloads a keylogger, it will attempt to obtain passwords, logins, PINs, and more by recording every keystroke you make. To fend off these Web nasties, look for antivirus and antispyware software that protects your computer while you surf the Web by blocking potentially infected Web sites.
Never click links in email messages or download attachments if you're not 100% certain that it's from a reliable source. Even so, if the email seems odd, double check with the sender before proceeding—it's possible that his email account has been hacked by a spammer.
In order to avoid a data loss disaster, invest in an external hard drive. This device will serve as a separate location where you can save your PC's photos, music, and important documents from a data loss disaster. Most external hard drives have preloaded backup software that will help you choose the files or folders you want to automatically back up, so be sure to look for that feature.
This depends on what devices you want to network and your connection preferences. If you value the flexibility of connecting electronics without wires and being able to access a connection anywhere in your house, go with a wireless network. A wired network connection is more reliable, but your device support is limited by the number of ports on the router. A Wi-Fi network can be secured with WEP (Wired Equivalency Privacy) or WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). However, a wired network, or an Ethernet-connected network, provides a more secure data transfer, as only the devices that are plugged in can access the connection.
Although we highly recommend having an antivirus program installed, updated, and running on your computer, especially when using email, some antivirus programs will stop you from opening certain types of attachments. When you can't open a legitimate file, check your antivirus' security settings. You may have to go as far as disabling the program temporarily. When you're finished viewing the attachment, make sure you re-enable the antivirus program and restore any security settings you may have changed.
A quick and easy way to keep unruly cords under control is to use plastic zip ties to bundle cables together. Loosely gather cords, making sure not to create too much tension where they join their respective components, and group them together using a zip tie. Also be careful not to pull the zip tie too tight. You don't want to kink any cords. While you're back there, it's also a good idea to label cords so you can easily determine which one goes where if you ever need to change things around. Taking the time to organize now can save you a tremendous amount of time and frustration in the future.
The next time you need to have two Web pages open at once, or you want to be able to easily backtrack to a page you've already visited, utilize your Web browser's tabbed browsing option. Instead of opening an entirely new window for each Web page you have open, this feature (available in most browsers) will add a tab to the top of your current Web browser window with another Web site page opened. When you want to toggle between the different Web sites you've visited, simply click on the tabbed Web page you want to see. Most Web browsers will let you open a new browser tab by pressing CTRL-T.
Using a laptop for long periods of time can cause it's components to heat up, which isn't comfortable for your legs and puts stress on your system. To prevent potential damage from overheated components, use a cooling stand underneath your notebook. Not only will this allow you to compute without a hot device sitting in your lap, but it will also allow air to circulate underneath your laptop and to cool it as it operates.
Invest in a good printer if you plan on using it a lot for a variety of projects. Be sure to invest in quality ink and paper, as well, if you're printing out important documents, such as wedding invites, programs, resumes, or important presentations. A printer with scanning and fax capabilities will ensure your printer will meet all of your needs with just one device.
There are good reasons to turn in your desktops for laptops. You can look at things in terms of either total power draw or total efficiency, meaning performance per watt. According to EfficientProducts.org, "the average desktop computer (without its accompanying monitor) now consumes 200 to 400kWh per year of electricity (nearly as much as a highly efficient refrigerator). Laptops consume about 80 to 140kWh per year." But although a laptop consumes one-third to one-quarter of the power of a desktop, it definitely offers more than one-third of the performance. CPU and graphics manufacturers have made tremendous strides in bringing their mobile products to parity or near-parity with desktop components. Chip cores are often made using the exact same architectures. Only customizable details, such as frequency, amount of memory, and bus speeds, tend to vary between desktop and mobile processors.
Vista organizes all information and applications pertaining to networking in its handy Network And Sharing Center, which you can access through the Control Panel. In the Classic View, just double-click the Network And Sharing Center icon. In the Vista view, click Network And Internet and then click Network And Sharing Center. You can also just type Network And Sharing Center in the Search box after you click the Start button. From here, you'll be able to set up a new network, monitor your network, and add any new devices to your network.
If you have too many CDs lying around, transfer them onto your computer to digital form. You can then store them on an MP3 player or a media extender. It will be easy to search and organize your music and take it with you on long road trips, plus you’ll have a backup of your music collection, should a CD get lost or stolen.
Most users could enhance their online security by doing the following:
1. Install and configure a firewall.
2. Turn off unnecessary networking software.
3. Download and install Windows updates on a regular basis.
4. Secure your Web browser by using such options as setting its "security zones."
Before you begin opening your computer to clean internal dust, turn the system's power off and unplug the main power cord. You may also want to disconnect the mouse and keyboard cords and other cables from the back of the PC if there is heavy dust present. You'll need to remove at least one side panel from the case (both, if possible) using a screwdriver if needed. An antistatic wrist strap will help discharge the electricity that's built up in the PC. If you don't have one, touching a metal portion of the case should discharge built-up electricity. To get most of the dust out of your PC, a can of compressed air works great. Compressed air cans are just a few dollars each, readily available, and also work well for cleaning keyboards. Inside the case, use short bursts of air to blow the debris from the inside out toward the vents and grilles. Moving from top to bottom, hold the can several inches from any components to prevent condensation from forming. Don't blow compressed air directly into a CD, DVD, or floppy diskette drive. Be sure to clear the dust from fan blades.
If you plan to use an external hard drive as a storage device for your photos or videos, look for a model that offers multiple inputs and outputs, such as FireWire or HDMI. This will let you directly connect your camera or camcorder to the hard drive, helping you speed up the file upload process. With a few added ports, you'll be able to make device connections quickly, and you won't have to dig around the back of your PC's tower or use up the few ports available on your laptop.
Reading errors with CDs or DVDs are usually due to smudged, scratched, or defective discs. Clean a troublesome disc with a CD/DVD cleaning spray from a consumer electronics store. The water vapor from your breath can do in a pinch. Wipe the disc's recorded surface in straight lines from the inner hole to the outside edge with a clean, soft cloth. Never rub a disc sideways or in circles. Any contact with a cloth leaves microscopic scratches on a disc, but scratches that run radially from the center of the disc outward usually won't cause skips like ones that follow the spiral track of data around the disc. Occasionally run a special lens-cleaning disc through your drive or disc player to remove dust from the laser lens. If all else fails, try reading the disc in a different drive.
If your computer can't find your scanner, the first thing to do is check that it is plugged into a power source and properly linked to the computer. If your scanner is connected to the computer with a USB cable, use the cable that came with the scanner. If you are using a different USB cable, it should be no more than 6 feet long. Try plugging the USB cable into a different USB port on the PC. If the USB cable is plugged into a USB hub, try connecting the cable directly to the computer. If you have another compatible cable, try replacing the current cable.
As a precautionary measure that will help protect your hearing, many MP3 players offer an audio level limit. To help save your hearing for years down the road, take a look in your MP3 player's menu settings and adjust this option. Your ears will be thankful.
The Recycle Bin consumes a lot of hard drive space by default. You can control this by right-clicking Recycle Bin on your Desktop and clicking Properties. Select the drive you want to adjust, select the Custom Size radio button, type in the number of megabytes you want to reserve for the Recycle Bin in the appropriate field, and click Apply. Bear in mind that 1,024MB equals 1GB.
Note that even when their power switch is in the off position, some electronic components aren't actually turned completely off. Instead, they continue to draw a small amount of current, sometimes referred to as vampire power. If a component has an LED display that's always on, or if it spends its downtime in standby mode, ready to receive a signal from a remote control, then it's continually sipping electricity. To keep these devices from using electricity, it is often necessary to unplug them completely.
When upgrading consumer electronic or computing devices, be careful about how you dispose of old items. If you can't sell them, and they're still operable, donate devices to a school, church, or civic group. If they're broken and beyond repair, check out the recycling program at your local CE retailer. Electronic devices often contain chemicals, so simply throwing them in the trash is often a bad choice.
If you're constantly out and about, you may not find time to recharge your mobile devices, such as a cell phone, digital audio player, or digicam. There are many universal charging products available that can help you power up a dying electronic device, and your options will vary. From an AC adapter for your car cigarette lighter to solar panels that are earth-friendly, consider a portable power option that will keep your devices ready at all times.
Instead of endlessly clicking the Refresh button in your Web browser with your mouse, just hit F5. This will automatically reload the Web page you're trying to access with one simple press of a key.
Regardless of the fact that you, like everyone else, have dozens of passwords and PINs to remember, never write them down or keep them in a Word document. If someone were ever to locate that document, you'd be in serious trouble. Instead, use a password manager program. Or, better yet, come up with a code you use for every password. For example, perhaps you use a few of the same characters for every password but add in something unique for the rest of each password. If you have a structure for creating passwords in place, you won't have to remember a password—just your own system.
Just as you need to destroy paper documents with sensitive information to protect yourself from identity theft, so should you be careful to destroy other media before you toss it. This is especially true of computer hard drives. Even if you erase your hard drive when you give it away, sell it, or discard it, that data is still there and can be retrieved by an enterprising thief. Be sure you overwrite that data with a DoD (Department of Defense)-approved program. You can also degauss the drive (using magnetism to wipe the drive clean) if you have the right equipment or simply smash it to bits with a hammer in a pinch.
Although a list of things to check won't catch every PC problem you encounter, you'll be surprised at how often simple steps can lead to troubleshooting success. Whether you're kicking off a troubleshooting session or at your wits' end after hours of fruitless research, here are some good tips to try.
Is the PC's power supply switch turned on? Some PCs have a power switch at the back. Make sure it hasn't been switched off.
Are all cables connected? Loose connections regularly cause headaches. Remove and reconnect each plug firmly, even if you're sure it's connected.
Are all peripherals turned on? Make sure a powered-off print server isn't preventing your printer from working.
Does the Device Manager display any problems? Check this tool for red Xs, which indicate a malfunctioning or disabled device.
Is there a new driver? Updated drivers often fix hardware problems. If you can't find new drivers (check the manufacturer's Web site), try reinstalling your existing driver.
Have you installed software updates? Software publishers sometimes release patches via their Web sites. Also, check to see if your software recently installed updates automatically. In rare cases, a software update may introduce problems.
You should never click links in email messages or download attachments if you're not 100% certain that it's from a reliable source. Clicking such links or opening such atachements could make your computer vulnerable to outside threats. Even if you recognize the sender, but the email seems odd, double-check with the sender before proceeding—it's possible that his email account has been hacked by a spammer.
Unfortunately, you have very little control over the people managing a hotspot. What you can do is safeguard your computer so you can use hotspots without fear of opening your computer to everyone. The first step to protecting your computer is making sure that your firewall and anti-malware software is running and has all the latest updates. Your firewall will keep intruders from gaining access to your computer—just be sure to set your firewall to block all incoming traffic—and your anti-malware software will stave off most attacks. Also, keeping your notebook's operating system and software updated with security patches and other updates will give your computer an additional layer of protection.
You can adjust the color surrounding windows by right-clicking an empty area of the Desktop, clicking Personalize, and clicking Window Color And Appearance. You can create a custom color simply by clicking the Show Color Mixer drop-down menu and adjusting the sliders until you get the color you want. Click OK when you finish.
Laptops are designed for portability, which means we handle them a lot. Smudges and fingerprints are a common sight on most laptop screens, but you don't have to put up with them. Using a tissue or the sleeve of your shirt is one option, but it's not a good one. Screens can be easily scratched if you use the wrong material to wipe them down. Instead, spend a few bucks on a cleaning cloth that's specifically designed for computer monitors. Tuck it away in your laptop bag, and you can easily deal with a smudgy screen.
The TV stand is a staple item in most media rooms. When making your selection, be sure to keep the size and the weight of your TV in mind, as well as features that may be useful. For example, consider ventilation provisions, which help prevent overheating, and cable wire management, which can help keep wires neat and tidy. Properly managed cables can also make it easier to figure out which cable belongs to each home-theater component, in turn simplifying cleaning and adding or removing components.
Reduce the number of automatic saves in word processors and other software, if your productivity won't suffer for doing so. Auto-saving can cause your hard drive to work harder than it needs to, resulting in more power consumption.
Netbooks, ultra-compact portable computers, are a good fit for many computer users. The basic, often inexpensive space-savers appeal to many users. Keep in mind that they have limited post-purchase expandability, though. To ensure ease of portability in netbooks, space is at a premium, and interior components fit together like a puzzle. Netbook makers don't use motherboards with big footprints, so these devices can't accommodate many internal tweaks.
Of all the peripherals attached to your computer, the display draws the most power. Go green and dim the brightness of your screen to help save energy. Many monitors have display brightness adjustment buttons on the bottom or side of the display. Some computers will even let you adjust the brightness automatically. For example, the Energy Saver screen on Mac computers has a feature that will automatically reduce the brightness of the display before the display goes to sleep. Refer to your computer's user manual for instructions specific to your screen. Although reducing the brightness too much may cause eyestrain, there's certainly no harm done by darkening the screen when you're not using it.
Portable USB hubs let you connect a few extra peripherals to your laptop while you're out of the office or even to your desktop system. USB ports let you connect all sorts of electronic goodies to your computer, but what if you have more gadgets than ports? A USB hub is an affordable way to ensure you can connect all of your peripherals.
If you're looking to lighten the load for your Vista system, consider turning off or disabling some of Vista's built-in features that are going unused. Click the Start Orb and type features in the Start Search field. Press ENTER, and the Programs And Features control panel will open. In the Programs And Features control panel, click the Turn Windows Features On Or Off link to the left. You'll be presented with a list of all of Vista's features; the items that are checked are enabled. Browse through the list and remove the check mark from the items you don't use, such as Windows Meeting Space, Optional Tablet PC Components, or the Fax And Scan tools. If your not sure what a feature does, do some research before opting to disable it.
Given the increasing importance of wireless connectivity, be sure you can add the necessary cards to communicate with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, if they aren't already built into your machine. And if visual imaging or gaming is a priority, you may want to be able to upgrade the graphics card or add another. With some forward thinking, you can be sure your new computer will deliver peak performance for years to come.
Contrast ratio is a measurement of a computer monitor's darkest black compared to its brightest white. Avoid purchasing a monitor with a ratio lower than 500:1. The higher the ratio (1,000:1, for instance), the more details you will see in photos and games.
The first thing you should check when your cable modem connection goes down is whether or not your television is working. Because the coaxial cable is bringing both the TV and Internet signals down the same pipe to your home, turning on your cable TV is a quick way to make sure there's not a major problem with your cable provider. If your cable television is working, then check all the connections to and from your cable modem to make sure that a cable hasn't been unplugged. The indicator lights can give you some clues about which cables to check. If all the lights are on and all the cables are snugly affixed, reboot your PC. This can solve a good chunk of computer problems.
If this doesn't help, you can also reset the modem at the same time. Resetting the modem is easy if there's a reset button (usually you just hold it down for five seconds or so, or use a paper clip to press it if it's a recessed button), but you may want to follow these steps to ensure a proper "hard" reset. First, unplug the power cord from the back of the modem. Next, unplug the connection to your PC, either USB or Ethernet. Then, wait a couple of minutes. You can reboot your PC again during this time just to ensure you're working with a clean slate. Finally, reconnect the power cord and PC connection. You'll need to wait a minute or two while the cable modem re-establishes communication with your provider and your PC. This step often does the trick when your connection is down.
If you still don't have a connection to the Internet, call your provider to find out what's going on.
Although easy to forget, your scanner, printer, and other peripherals attached to your computer draw power from one source or another. Many of us turn off our computers regularly but forget about these extra devices. By getting in the habit of shutting down these extra items regularly, you'll save some energy.
To protect your privacy on a computer that's used by many people, when logging in to a site, uncheck any option such as "Remember My Password" or "Remember Me," since it may not be you who's using the computer tomorrow. Similarly, if the Web browser offers to remember a login or password, choose "No" or the equivalent, and make sure you completely log out of anything you've logged in to, for the same reason. When finished, tell your browser to forget as much about you as possible: In Internet Explorer 7, choose Delete Browsing History from the Tools menu. In Firefox, select Clear Private Data from the Tools menu.
If you have a home network, only share what is necessary instead of flagging entire drives for sharing. To do this in Vista, click Start, click Computer, and right-click the hard drive. Select the Sharing tab, click Advanced Sharing, and remove the check from the Share This Folder box before clicking Apply to disable sharing for the drive. Click the Network And Sharing Center link in that tab to adjust the Sharing And Discovery options. The links at the bottom let you see which files and folders are currently being shared, and the options in the Sharing And Discovery section let you fine-tune your settings.
Troubleshooting to determine whether a cable or connector is the culprit is straightforward and involves two simple steps. First, always check to make sure the connector at the end of a cable is securely and correctly in place. Typically, connectors attach to their components, plugs, or slots in only one way (in other words, many connectors are keyed). If properly reinserting a connector solves your issue, you're done! A word of warning: Inserting or plugging a connector into the right spot should not require much force. If you are struggling with a connector and find yourself tempted to force it in place, make sure you are inserting the connector properly. Forcing a connector to connect incorrectly will most likely result in a broken connector or component.
The second step is determining whether a cable is at the root of a problem you may be experiencing. Sometimes although be it rarely a cable is defective. The best way to determine if a cable is defective is to simply replace it with another cable. If the problem is solved, you've successfully determined that the cause of your issue is a faulty cable. If not, then you have some more troubleshooting to do.
When you set up your computer, spend some time managing the cables. Route wires so that they have a little slack and make sure that they don't hang over one another and create a trip-hazard. Bundle wires together and tie then with a twist-tie or Velcro tie (which can be found at electronics and hardware stores). Wind up any excess wires so that they don't collect dust. Your computer area will not only look nicer, but also benefit your computer, as well-routed wires can help with proper air flow around your computer.
The new computer you received for Christmas is great. Now all you need is a computer desk so you can keep all your work materials in one convenient place. When looking at computer desks, hutches, armoires, and work centers, keep in mind that your computer needs room to breathe. Avoid purchasing a desk that forces you to place your computer tower into a cubby hole where the airflow is greatly reduced. Without the proper airflow, computer components can heat up and won't perform their best. Cubby holes with an opening in the front and back are generally OK.
If you suspect your PC has a virus and there are any files you don't want to lose, resist the temptation to hunt for that virus right away. Although your antivirus software may be able to remove the problem without disturbing your OS (operating system), you can't predict the sorts of trouble you may run into. This is an especially important step if you haven't yet installed antivirus software. Although most program installations go smoothly, we've experienced more than our fair share of software and hardware installations that crippled our test PCs' operating systems. Back up your files to a CD, DVD, or other removable media—not to another PC. Some viruses infect documents and other popular file types, which means that your own files may carry the virus to the removable media. You'll need to scan your backup media with an antivirus program before you return the files to your computer or move them to another PC.
When you have a home computer that the whole family uses, it's not surprising that you have various software programs that you buy to create projects and accomplish tasks. There's your card-making software, the genealogy software, photo-editing software, and software for your digital camera, printer, word-processing program, and recovery software for your computer. Needless to say, you have a lot of discs to keep track of. It's a good idea to choose a designated place to store your software discs. You'll always know where to find the disc you need, and because they are always put away, you can avoid potential damage to your discs.
These devices are designed to minimize muscle strain and other problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomic keyboards and mice are ideal for those who use their computers for several hours a day.
Many users log off their computer every night as a way to try to keep unwanted people from accessing their files on the computer. Instead of logging off of your computer every night, restart it. In doing so, you will enable Windows to refresh itself and remove temporary files. It will also let your computer free memory and other resources that some of your hardware and software will not release, thereby making your computer work more smoothly and at a faster rate.
You can make the overall text size in Vista larger or smaller by right-clicking an empty portion of the Desktop, clicking Personalize, and clicking Adjust Font Size (DPI) on the left column. Click the Larger Scale (120 DPI) radio button to make text larger or click the Custom DPI button and use the slider to fine-tune text. Click OK to accept your changes.
The intuitive Search field in Vista replaces the Run command that graces Windows XP's Start menu. If you want to add the familiar Run command to your Start menu, right-click the Taskbar, select Properties, and click the Start Menu tab. Next, click Customize, select the Run Command checkbox, click OK, click Apply, and then click OK.
One of WinXP's nifty system-security features is the Roll Back Driver utility, which lets you uninstall problematic drivers for hardware and revert to the previous driver with a few mouse clicks. If you update the driver for a device and it begins causing problems, use this utility (you must be logged in at the Administrator level). Right-click the My Computer icon on your Desktop and select Properties. Select the Hardware tab and under the General tab, click the Device Manager button. Select the device with the problematic driver. Click the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.
When using the Internet at a hotspot, it's generally a good idea to stick to visiting secure Web sites. Try to avoid conducting any sensitive business, such as online banking, while using a public network. But, if you must complete that bank transaction, be sure you're on a secure site. One way to determine if a site is secure is if it has the small padlock icon on the bottom right of the screen. You can also check the URL; if it begins with https. it is secure.
Online storage and backup services have gained popularity in recent years, most likely due to the benefits of backing up and storing data online, and the cost to do so remains relatively low. Most companies offering online storage services charge monthly or yearly fees for using their server space, and some provide a small amount of free storage space while charging fees for larger storage capacities.
How portable is it? That's the paramount concern for a user on the go. Regarding external and removable storage gadgets, the smaller and slimmer they are, the better. Fingernail-sized USB flash drives and memory cards are about as tiny as storage devices get. Very few USB flash drives aren't comfortable to carry in your pocket. Some are built into stout aluminum cylinders for impact protection, while others come in keypad-protected security enclosures.
Most, but not all, portable hard drives can fit in a shirt pocket. Some drives are bulkier, especially those made with protective enclosures, but they still fit nicely into an accessory pouch in your laptop bag.
The majority of portable hard drives are bus-powered, meaning that they get all the power they need through one or two USB ports on your notebook. This is a major portability feature because it means that you don't have to carry around an AC adapter everywhere you go.
Finally, don't confuse "external" with "portable" in regard to hard drives. Although external models based on larger 3.5-inch drives have more storage space than portable drives, and cost less per gigabyte, they're too fragile to lug around. Leave them at home or at the office.
There are some easy ways to help keep your computer running healthy. First, configure your antispyware or antivirus program to run at least once a day. Most protection programs give you the option of choosing when the scan will occur, whether it's when the computer starts up, or at a specific time of day. Second, defragment your hard drive on a regular basis. Defragmenting combines fragmented files when possible, ultimately cleaning up your hard drive and making file access, and overall computer use, faster. Lastly, keeping your computer healthy means keeping your files safe. Regularly back up your most important files on an external hard drive or DVD, which ensures less data loss if something should happen to your computer.
Before you purchase computer software, such as a game or a greeting card creator, be sure to check the system requirements, which are generally listed on the side or bottom of the software box. Oftentimes, you will see two lists of system specifications: minimum system requirements and recommended system requirements. Verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the software, but try to take the recommended requirements into account. If you meet the recommended settings, the program will run more smoothly. Attempting to run the program on the minimum settings may result in slow response times, reduced graphics settings, and difficulty using the software’s most advanced features.
Users familiar with the Control Panel may find it easier to view all of the Vista Control Panel icons at once rather than grouped in categories. If you're in this camp, Vista lets you display the Control Panel in Classic View. Click Start, select Control Panel, and then click the Classic View link in the upper-left corner of the window. To return to Vista's category-style layout, click the Control Panel Home link.
To change your Vista mouse pointer to a more classic scheme, right-click an empty area on the Desktop, select Personalize, and then click Mouse Pointers. From the Pointers tab, select None from the drop-down menu, and click OK to exit.
Today's digital camcorders make it easy to transfer both standard-definition and high-definition video from the camcorder to the computer. Whether you're using a miniDV, DVD, flash drive, or hard-drive camcorder, the device will need a cable to connect to your computer. The type of cable you need to use (USB 2.0 or FireWire) will depend on the type of camcorder you have. For example, hard-drive camcorders use the USB 2.0 interface, while miniDVs use FireWire. If you don't have the connection you need on your computer, you can always add a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) card equipped with the requisite ports (for example, USB 2.0 or FireWire) to your computer.
Notebooks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are thinner and lighter but may not have the same hardware capabilities as their thicker, heavier counterparts. If you plan to use your notebook for travel, you'll likely want something that's easy to haul through the airport and onto the plane. If you plan to use your notebook around the office, in the meeting room, and at home, you may trade ultra-portability for extra features. Generally, most notebooks intended for business use will be of a respectable weight and size, making at least this portion of the decision-making process a little easier.
Also called RAM (random-access memory), memory is an important part of the functioning of any computer. Memory serves as a slate on which the temporary information that the computer needs to run an application is stored. The amount of memory in your computer is important because even if you have a fast processor, your computer will perform sluggishly if it doesn't have enough memory. Without enough memory to solve a task, your processor has to write and erase data several times, which takes much longer than if there is enough memory to store the necessary data. The more memory a potential notebook has, the better. Generally, 2GB or more of RAM will be plenty.
Processing power is one of the most important features to consider when looking at a notebook. The processor is, as it has often been called, the brain of the computer. It is the component that receives instructions and tells your computer what to do. In most cases, you’ll see processor speeds listed in GHz (gigahertz). The higher the GHz rating, the faster the computer will be able to process information. Most computers today have multicore processors, meaning the work given to your computer will be divided up between two or more execution cores, decreasing the load on any one core and making task completion much faster. So how fast should the processor be in your new notebook? As always, the answer depends on your uses. But for general business applications such as word processing, email and Internet, and general entertainment such as listening to music or watching movies, a 1.5GHz to 3GHz dual-core processor will suffice.
If your printer won't operate, start by checking the simplest things. Start by verifying that the power cable is plugged into the printer and a wall outlet, power strip, or surge protector. Next, make sure the printer's power button is turned on and that the printer's data cable is connected to both the printer and your PC.
Next, make sure there isn't a sheet of paper stuck in the printer. If there was a paper jam earlier, your printer may not even attempt to print any more documents until you remove the paper that's stuck.
When vendors make drives tougher than normal, they describe them as "ruggedized." A ruggedized drive should, in theory, be able to take a harder knock than a typical drive without losing your data. Ruggedized drives usually have tough enclosures with shock-absorbing material inside. Hard drive manufacturers do their part by adding accelerometers to certain models. When the accelerometers sense that the drive is falling, they tell the read/write heads to park on special ramps off the disk(s). With the heads parked, there's less of a chance of data loss because the heads can't smash into the sensitive recording layer on the disk(s) on impact.
In general, most flash-based drives have a higher shock tolerance (in Gs, or multiples of gravity) than most portable hard drives. As for more long-term service life, evidence suggests that a hard drive will probably outlast the current generation of flash-based drives, all else being equal. Manufacturers are working on ways to extend the life of flash media. You can expect a current SSD to last for several years, for example. High-capacity SSDs should last longer than smaller ones because they have more room to spread out the wear and tear of data writing.
For storage convenience, a laptop mouse is typically smaller than a mouse designed for a desktop computer. A wireless mouse can communicate via either RF (radio frequency) or Bluetooth technology. Typically, a wireless mouse includes a wireless receiver for your PC. Optical mice use an LED (light-emitting diode) to reflect images back into the mouse, while laser mice use a laser. Generally speaking, laser mice are more accurate.
Vista hides the Menu bar (File, Edit, View, Tools, and Help) from view to put more emphasis on the toolbar icons (when they’re available) and the context menus that appear when you right-click a file or folder. To temporarily make the Menu bar appear on windows, folders, and utilities that support it, press the ALT key. To permanently recover the Menu bar, open the Start menu, select Computer, click Organize in the upper-left corner of the window, select Layout, and then click Menu Bar. A check mark will appear to confirm your selection.
To get back to a more recognizable Start menu, right-click an open space on the Taskbar, select Properties, click the Start Menu tab, select the Classic Start Menu radio button, and then click Apply. For a little more control over what appears in the Start menu, click the Customize button to add or remove items. Click OK when you're finished.
To disable the graphics and CPU-hogging eye candy, of Vista's Aero interface, right-click any open space on the Vista Desktop, select Personalize, choose Windows Color And Appearance, and then click the Open Classic Appearance Properties For More Color Options link at the bottom of the window. In the Appearance Settings dialog box, choose Windows Vista Basic to retain the look of Vista, or click Windows Standard for more of a Windows 2000 look. For an even more dated feel, you can select Windows Classic to apply the old gray and blue color scheme. Click Apply to enable the changes and press OK to close the dialog box.
Although you may think you're paying for the specifications of a laptop, you're also paying for its size. In order to cram the same amount of computing power into a smaller case, ultra-portable models often cost more than mainstream models for sometimes-similar hardware capabilities. If you're not going to be toting the laptop everywhere you go, it may be worth accepting an extra pound or two to save some money.
If Fido decided to chew on your computer's power cord and miraculously managed to escape electrocution, replace the cord immediately! A damaged cord could lead to much bigger problems and cause irreversible damage to your system—or, worse yet, to you. And don't go digging into your box of surplus electronic cords and equipment for a new power cord. When it comes to your PC's power cabling, it's best to get a replacement directly from the manufacturer.
To put your icons in order of how recently you've used them, tell Vista to sort them that way starting in the upper-left corner. Right-click an empty space on the Desktop and then choose Sort By and Date Modified.
You can move an icon to another spot on your Desktop by clicking and dragging it. In Vista, if it "snaps back" to rejoin the rest of the icons, right-click the Desktop, click View, and click Auto Arrange to uncheck it. To move a group of icons on masse, first click near (not on) an icon on the outside corner of the group and then drag the mouse pointer toward the opposite corner to draw a virtual box around the icons. This will select them when you release the mouse button, allowing you to move the group with a click-and-drag.
If a Search for a missing file proves fruitless, check to see if Windows isn holding the file in the Recycle Bin (double-click the Recycle Bin Desktop icon). Most files you manually delete remain in the Recycle Bin, taking up hard drive space until you empty the bin (click File and Empty Recycle Bin if you wish to empty it). By default, the Recycle Bin uses 10% of your hard drive's capacity. (Change this by right-clicking Recycle Bin, clicking Properties, and adjusting the Maximum Size Of Recycle Bin slider.) When the capacity is full, Windows drops off older files as new ones are added. If you have a large-capacity hard drive, your files can remain in the bin for a long time. If an accidentally deleted file is in the Recycle Bin, highlight it, click File, and click Restore to retrieve it.
Most users could enhance their online security by doing the following:
1. Install and configure a firewall.
2. Turn off unnecessary networking software.
3. Download and install Windows updates on a regular basis.
4. Secure your Web browser by adjusting controls in its "security zone."
External hard drives are useful for backing up important data. They vary in storage capacity from 20GB or 40GB up to 2TB (terabytes). USB and FireWire are the most common interface types and offer decent transfer speeds, and some external hard drives will actually come packaged with backup software.
Although it may be overstating the obvious, the most effective way to protect your notebook from theft is to never let it out of your sight, not even for a few seconds. When people will rob convenience stores at gunpoint for less than $100 in cash, it shouldn't come as any surprise to learn that criminals specialize in separating travelers from their $2,000 computers.
To add shortcut icons to your Desktop in Windows XP, click Start and All Programs. Find the application for which you want a shortcut and right-click it. From the pop-up menu, click Create Shortcut. This will create a shortcut that you can drag to your Desktop. In Windows Vista, click Start and All Programs and find the application for which you want a shortcut. Next, right-click the application, choose Send To, and click Desktop (Create Shortcut) in the resulting menu.
If you installed a new mouse, but Windows won't recognize it, a driver conflict may be the problem. If you didn't uninstall the previous mouse, it may be causing a hardware or device driver conflict. Windows Device Manager can identify hardware conflicts and device driver problems, as well as remove problem devices from your computer. You can either connect the previous mouse or use your keyboard to open and view the Device Manager. Press the Windows key to bring up the Start menu. Use the arrow keys to highlight Settings and Control Panel and then press ENTER. Select the System icon, press ENTER, and use the arrow keys to select the Hardware tab. Press TAB until you select the Device Manager button and press ENTER. Press TAB and press the Down arrow key until the Mouse icon is highlighted. Use the Right arrow key to display the installed mouse. An exclamation point indicates that a mouse has a driver conflict.
If all of your WinXP computers can access the Internet via a shared router, but they can't see each other, don't panic. You can easily solve this problem by configuring your PCs to recognize each other (and share files, folders, and printers) over the network. Although your computers are physically networked, they may not yet belong to a specific network group and may lack other settings (such as file sharing settings). Some networking devices include file-sharing programs that let you configure your network, but don't worry if your equipment doesn't include such software. Windows has a built-in Network Setup Wizard that can configure your computers and put them into a network group. Once you complete the wizard on each networked PC, you'll be able to see all of your network computers' shared folders in the My Network Places window and access any shared printers. To start the wizard, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Network Setup Wizard, and then follow the Wizard's instructions.
To enable or disable the Sidebar in Vista, open Control Panel and double-click Windows Sidebar Properties. Deselect the Start Sidebar When Windows Starts checkbox to turn it off or select the checkbox to turn it on and then click Apply.
If you prefer to use WinXP's folder style in Vista, open Control Panel, double-click Folder Options, select the Use Windows Classic Folders radio button, and click Apply.
Vista has the built-in ability to set up an ad hoc or temporary network between two computers. (NOTE: ad hoc networks can only be set up wirelessly in Vista, so both PCs must have wireless capabilities and be within 30 feet of each other.) These direct networks are usually created for a short period of time in order to share files or an Internet connection. In order to set up an ad hoc network, click the Connect To A Network link under Tasks in the Network And Sharing Center. Click Set Up A Connection Or Network in the window that opens. Then click Set Up An Ad Hoc (Computer-To-Computer) Network, and a wizard will walk you through the steps.