Computer problems are never this cute.
Sometimes our computers don't quite run like they used to. Like a rusty machine, they aren't as fresh as they were "off the factory line," and if you only bought your computer a year or two, this can be a pretty discouraging fact. But just because your computer is running slow doesn't mean you can't salvage its usability. In fact, you might be able to clear out a lot of the unnecessary information and processes that have been taking up your computer's memory. So how do you do it? Follow these simple steps.
Uninstall unneeded programs. How do you know which programs to uninstall, or even which program you can run that will actually find these unneeded programs? If you're a Windows user, click over to your Control Panel. Here, you should see an Add or Remove icon. Click that, and you'll see a list of the programs you've added to your computer. It should give you the option to remove these programs.
There are two ways to know which programs to uninstall. First, look at the memory that's being taken up on your computer. You can do this by clicking into your Task Manager, clicking the "Processes" tab, and then sorting each process by the most memory taken up. Try to find the programs that you never seem to use but seem to be using your computer. These are programs you might want to target for deletion.
You can also scan the "Add or Remove" list to find which programs you never use - your computer should show you how long it's been since you last opened up the program. If you find yourself suddenly reminded about certain programs you haven't used in a while, you might want to clear these ones out.
Control when your programs run. You don't have to remove an entire program to free up memory space on your computer. Instead, you can set a program to run only when you click on it - not automatically upon startup. Many programs, once installed, will set themselves to automatically pop up once you've booted the computer. This can make the booting process a five-minute long endeavor, so if you want a faster computer, make sure to find out which programs these are and change their settings.
Many of the icons that show up in the lower-right section of your computer are the programs you'll want to modify. You can also try another Task Manager diagnosis to see which programs are volunteering themselves open.
Photo Credits: anomalous4
Originally posted 2009-09-17 03:20:23.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on January 11, 2012 in
Computer, Tech Repair
Take care of your laptop.
So you’ve just bought a new laptop and you have no idea how to
properly maintain it? Laptops are foreign to most people as they’re
seen as unreliable and have simply not caught on as the standard due
to pricing and overheating. They’re very popular though because of
their portability, and use in schools and businesses. So how can you
take good care of your new laptop? This article will provide a few
tips to keep your laptop factory fresh.
1. Keep Your Laptop Ventilated.
As said in the above paragraph,
laptops are subject to overheating and if your processor is constantly
being exposed to high level applications it will become very hot.
It’s extremely important that you never block the fan, as laptops
often only have one exit for air to leave from making them very prone
to heat failure if that exit is blocked. It’s suggested to have a fan
on nearby your laptop, or to buy a laptop cooler to reduce the strain
your laptop feels from the heat.
2. Protect Your Screen.
Laptop LCD’s are very sensitive to being
smudged, so try as hard as you can to not touch it with your fingers.
It’s inevitable that you will touch your screen with your hands
however, so just make sure when you’re going to wipe off the screen
that you do it with a cloth and not your hand. It’s also important to
remember that when you close your laptop you don’t want any items that
could possibly damage the screen to remain inside. This includes
pens, pencils and paper as they would be pressed against the screen
after it was closed and could possibly cause damage.
3. Avoid Beverages.
This seems like a very common sense tip, but it’s
on here because of how common the problem really is. Laptop spills
are not hated because they’re annoying to clean up, but because they
can cause permanent damage to the components of your computer. Most
of the components are stored under the area where the keyboard is, so
when you spill a drink into the keyboard, they sop right into the
components causing short circuits and possibly corrupting data.
4. Keep The Hard Drive Clean.
It’s not only important to keep the
hardware clean, but it’s also important to keep the contents on the
inside of your computer safe. It’s never a bad idea to run routine
virus and spyware checks to ensure that your computer has not been
slowed down or affected by a virus. Always make sure to turn your
firewall on, and that you’re careful about which websites you visit
and who you accept files form.
Much of the advice given in this article seems cliché, but you only
hear a lot of this advice repeated constantly because it’s true. Just
remember to be very careful with your laptop because laptops are often
more expensive than your desktop, and are also prone to many more
types of damage.
Photo Credits: John Althouse Cohen
Originally posted 2009-09-21 03:09:24.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on December 28, 2011 in
Computer, Tech Repair
How To Make Windows Vista Less Annoying
When Windows Vista was first released it was a disaster. It was filled with bugs and felt like a beta release of software, and perhaps it was. Now that’s mostly bug free, why is the OS still so annoying? Well, there are many aspects of Vista that are designed to help you, the user, but instead they just end up being even more of an annoyance. This article will outline a few of the things in Vista that can drive a person mad and how to fix them.
* UAC (User Account Control) - UAC was a feature that Microsoft added to their Windows OS with the newest iteration, Windows Vista. UAC was designed to keep the user safer, due to the increasingly loud voice of people complaining about viruses and virus protection, but instead UAC has been more of an annoyance than a helper. So how do I get rid of the annoying UAC messages EVERY time I try to run something? If you’re annoyed by the UAC settings in Vista, they can be removed by: going to control panel then User Account and Family Settings, Add or Remove User Accounts, Go to Main User Account page, Change Security settings, and then uncheck UAC. If you ever need to turn the UAC features back on, you just have to follow those instructions and click the checkmark again, but trust me, you won’t want too.
* Compatibility- Compatibility of programs was one of the biggest initially complaints of Vista, and it still is! So what can you do to run programs that don’t run well under Vista? Well luckily, Microsoft added a nifty feature called compatibility mode which lets you choose to run an option under XP capability. To run a Vista application in XP compatibility mode, simply right click the exe, go to properties then compatibility mode, and under the drop down box select XP mode and apply. This will help you run older software that didn’t translate well in the jump to XP to Vista.
* Disable the Clicking Noises- One of the most aggravating things that Microsoft decided to include in Vista was a clicking noise that you may have noticed while generally using your computer. Well you’re in luck, because there is a way to disable them! All you need to do is go into your start menu and in the start box type mmsys.cpl and then move over to the sounds tab. Browse the list until you find the ‘Start Navigation’ sound and then simply click ‘none’ under the sounds tab and click apply. This will solve your clicking problem permanently.
Vista can be an annoying OS, but these three fixes should help you immensely in making your experience a better one. If all else fails you can simply reinstall Windows XP and Windows 7 is right around the corner!
Photo Credits: Alan_D
Originally posted 2009-10-09 03:25:11.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on December 16, 2011 in
Computer
General Mac Advice
Mac machines are generally stable, but there are always times when any computer is seemingly a little under the weather. If you’re normally a Windows user though, you probably have no idea how to diagnose or begin to fix any problem that Macs may experience. So what can you do if your computer starts causing you trouble? This article will list a few pieces of general advice that will have your machine up and running at one-hundred percent again.
1. Restart- While this may sound like ‘duh’ advice, many times you can solve most of your problems by just restarting your computer. A fresh restart can make your computer fix itself instead of causing further headache.
2. Force Quit- Similarly to Windows, sometimes an application may become ‘stuck’ and unable to shut down. In Windows at this point you’d hit ctl-alt-delete and try to force the program to quit, but what do you do on a Mac? It works almost the same way on your Mac! All you need to do is bring up the force quit menu by pressing command-alt-escape and choosing what application to shut down. If you’re unable to relaunch the application after causing it to force quit simply try to restart your computer.
3. Delete Preferences File- The preferences file keeps track of your particular preferences for a certain application. Sounds great right? Well it is, until it causes your application to repeatedly crash that is! Don’t fear though, because there is a very easy way to fix this problem, delete your preferences! To delete preferences: open the finder and select your username, open the library folder and select preferences, work through the folder and find the preference files associated with your application, when found control click them to delete. Preference files will have the extension .plist and it should be noted that you should NEVER deleted a preference file if you can’t figure out what it’s used for.
4. Support- If all else fails, never be afraid to ask for support for your problems. Your first step should be going to your favorite search engine and asking for help to your problem. If that fails you don’t hesitate to call Apple or go to your closest Mac store. This may cause you to have to lose your computer for a short time, but at least it will work again, right?
Macs seem to have a totally different realm of problems than PC’s. That can be very scary for a new Mac user who understands nothing of how the OS works. Remember never to delete anything that you can’t identify and don’t be afraid of asking for help.
Photo Credits: kyz
Originally posted 2009-10-14 03:52:03.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on December 11, 2011 in
Computer
Need a new computer?
Things to Consider When Buying A Printer
Printing papers, copying, faxing and the like has become almost required in this day and age even to function in normal everyday life. Whether you’re doing it for work, or doing it for hobby purposes, having a quality printer is essential. What do you look for when you buy a printer though? Are there certain features that make one printer better than another, or are the all in the same league? This article aims to guide you into making a purchase on a printer that you will not regret.
1. Consider Your Needs- It’s important before you do anything that you consider your needs and why you’re buying this printer. If you’re buying for a company, it might be a good choice to make sure that this printer has a high volume of ink and that it has wireless access as well as the ability to fax. If you’re buying a printer for home, however, you might just want a simple printer that is less costly and fits your basic needs. It can even be questions like do you want to print in color or do you only need black and white text? The price of printers varies greatly, but unusual capabilities such as fax and wireless networking tend to make printers cost more.
2. Consider the Amount of Use- This may seem like an odd piece of advice, but this can drastically change the price of which you pay for your printer. If you’re printing multiple pages quickly, or if you need them quickly, you may want a higher PPM (page per minute) ratio than if you’re just using your printer to print a few pages every few days. Considering how much use is also important when comparing what kinds of ink each printer uses. Ink is often expensive and annoying to come across after you’ve bought your computer, this means that if you’re a power user you may want to find a printer that consumes less ink or that gets more out of the ink it uses.
3. Consider Brands and Companies- It’s always important to note where you’re buying your technology from, as some companies are more reputable than others. You not only want a good value from the company you look at, but you’re also hunting for good service and support for once you’ve actually acquired your printer. Prices on Amazon or from company websites are often cheaper than buying them in a retail store, making online purchases from a company more desirable.
If you get nothing else out of this article, please take away with you that it’s important to consider what you need when you purchase new technology. If you get more features than you’ll actually use, then it’s apparent that you overpaid for your printer.
Photo Credits: krossbow
Originally posted 2009-09-29 03:14:35.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on December 7, 2011 in
Computer, How to Fix
If you’ve ever worked with a computer extensively, you’ve
probably experienced every single one of these problems at least once.
Computers by nature become outdated and will have to be worked on to
fix the common problems that occur during their life cycle. This
article will address the three most common computer problems and how
you should go about fixing them. If you’ve had any experience at all
with a computer, you’ve probably at least seen one of these issues.
1. Computer Speed and Performance Slowed.
This is probably the most
common complaint that users have with their computers today. There
are many reasons why computers slow down overtime, but the most common
reason is lack of proper housekeeping. If your computer has slowed
down, try to remove any programs you don’t use anymore. It’s also a
good idea to clear the recycle bin and clear out any temporary
internet files that you may have retained. It’s also extremely
important to make sure that you don’t have spyware or adware on your
computer, so run virus/spyware checks often. If none of the other
fixes seem to increase your computers speed, try to defrag your
computer.
2. Computer Keeps Rebooting.
This problem is usually associated with
overheating or faulty hardware. If your computer is overheating, the
computer will recognize that there is a problem and shut it will shut
itself off when it reaches an unsafe temperature. You must first
identify what’s causing the computer to overheat. Make sure that your
computer has plenty of ventilation room and try cleaning the insides
out before restarting. If the above didn’t work, make sure you’re not
overclocking any parts, and if you’re not try to install new methods
of cooling within your computer. If all else fails consult an expert
about possibly diagnosing the specific part and replacing the problem
altogether.
3. Blue Screen of Death.
There are almost an infinite number of
reasons that you could be seeing the blue screen of death, so it’s
very hard to recommend a course of action. The most standard actions
you should take however, is making sure you don’t have a virus by
running a virus scanner and removing anything suspicious you may find.
If this does not solve your problem, it’s time to call professional
support, as it could be something very minor that only an expert could
handle.
Most of the problems mentioned in this article can be prevented
by maintaining good house keeping with your computer. Remember to
keep your virus and spyware applications up to date and contact tech
support if you feel any problem is out of your grasp.
Photo Credits: russelljsmith
Originally posted 2009-09-16 03:17:16.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on December 6, 2011 in
Computer, Tech Repair
Is your computer on fire?
Overheating is a serious issue with PC’s today, especially with
the new powerful graphics cards and processors on the market today.
It’s no coincidence that more and more fans and liquid cooling options
have emerged, it’s very common for your computer today to shut itself
off to protect you from the damage that overheating can cause. How
can you prevent the overheating from happening though? This article
will give you a few surefire ways to prevent your PC from overheating.
Clean Your Computer
That’s right; it could be as simple as cleaning. Clearing the
dust out of your computer is one of the best ways of decreasing the
heat that your computer is putting off. Dust can accumulate to a
point where it slows down the speed of computers fans, and it even can
stop them! You can’t stop dust from getting into your computer
either; even if you leave the computer case closed dust will still
find its way into your computer.
When cleaning your computer it’s important to remember to turn it
off. This ensures that the fans won’t be moving and that you won’t
cause any unwanted damage to your system. It’s also important to know
what areas you’re looking for. There will be a fan on your CPU, your
power supply, as one located on the back of the side of your case.
There are many ways to clean these fans off but one that’s often
recommended is the use of canned air.
Reduce Overclocking
Overclocking is the term used for when you’re running a computer
component at a higher speed or rate it was intended to run at.
Overclocking is more popular among high-end and gaming PC’s, so if you
didn’t know what overclocking was it’s safe to assume you’re not doing
it.
Overclocking not only decreases the life of the component being
overclocked, but it also increases the temperature that the part runs
at tremendously. Therefore, if your computer is having overheating
issues, it’s never a bad idea to investigate if there is any
overclocking occurring within your PC.
Control Air Flow
It’s important to make sure that your computer has room to breathe.
If you’re cramming objects against the computer or putting it inside a
desk, you will cause it to retain more heat that it normally would.
You should also pay extra attention to the cables inside of your
computer. Many manufacturers let them run wild inside your computer,
which could mean that the cables are rubbing against other parts of
your computers or even slowing the fans down. This can easily be
solved by organizing them with Velcro cable ties.
Computer overheating is a serious problem, but it almost always
has a direct cause. This article outlines a few tips that should get
you on the right track to returning your PC to its intended
temperature level.
Photo Credits: rust.bucket
Originally posted 2009-09-08 03:54:33.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on December 4, 2011 in
Computer, Tech Repair
Wired Vs. Wireless Accessories
As technology has continued to improve, so has the wealth of options available to us for keyboards, mice, and other accessories. One of the biggest changes in this new age is the increased accessibility of wireless technology. Just because new technology is wireless though, doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily better. This article will outline the pros and cons of using wireless technology and hopefully make you make a decision on which you should use.
Wired
The older and more available wired technology is often praised because it’s extremely reliable and responsive and is less likely to stop working in a crucial moment. With USB mice, all you need to do is ‘plug and play’ and your mouse is already ready to go and you can begin to use it. The reason a wired mouse is less likely to stop working is because it doesn’t require batteries or a charger like a wireless mouse does, meaning that it will never go out on you unless the cord is damaged or the mouse completely dies. Wired mice are also much more responsive than wireless mice because they don’t experience a wireless delay, though this is likely to change as technology improves. One reason that people don’t like to use wired mice is the hassle of having another cable. Wired mice often have non-tangle proof cables that become a hassle in a small space and gather dust. On the other hand, your cable might not even reach the desired length to your computer meaning that you have to go out of your way to make sure you can use your computer.
Wireless
Wireless mice and other accessories are a newer development when it comes to personal home use. One positive thing about wireless technology is its portability. There is no need to struggle with cords when all you need to do is hook in the mouse and use it wherever you please. This portability makes wireless mice extremely popular with laptops, as many people don’t like using the laptops touch pad. Wireless technology is also praised for its USB connections, which are the most common connections in new computers. While the new wireless technology has some extremely practical applications, it is not without its faults. Wireless mice are often less responsive because of the delay they suffer traveling over a wireless network, as well as the fact that being wireless causes them to use batteries. These problems are likely to change; however, as ever improving technology solves these concerns.
As of now it looks like wired connections have a vast majority of advantages over wireless technology. Many of the problems that wireless technology faces, however, can be solved through ever increasing technological advantages.
Photo Credits: ºDaines
Originally posted 2009-10-07 03:17:37.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on November 30, 2011 in
Computer
Busted, broken, and beat up.
Beyond repair? Here are some things to consider when buying a computer monitor:
Resolution
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)? Confused yet? You’re not alone; buying a computer monitor can be a daunting task for someone who doesn’t understand what any of the above terms mean. Monitors are much more than meets the eye, and while the market may seem oversaturated with seemingly similar monitors, there are key differences that should be noted.
CRT or LCD
Whether a monitor is a CRT or an LCD is the easiest thing to notice when you’re purchasing your monitor, as CRTs often have backs and LCDs are flat. Being flat, LCDs weigh much less than CRT monitors, making them ideal for transportation or for those who need to fit a monitor into a small space. In terms of cost however, the CRT wins hands down as its older technology and less desirable design makes them less sought after. It’s important to note however that LCD monitors come down in price with every breathing moment. One advantage that CRT monitors hold against LCDs is their color rendering ability. Many graphic designers and artists feel that the colors presented with a CRT monitor are of higher quality, which is true in most cases. LCD color quality is quickly improving, however, and it’s hard to tell if the CRTs will hold this advantage much longer.
Response Time
Response time, or refresh rate, refers to the ability of the monitor to update the color that a pixel must represent as quickly as possible. It’s actually so quick that this quality is measured in milliseconds. So why does this concern you, the buyer? Response time is very important for people who’re playing video games, as they require a quick response time, as well as video editors. High response times can cause more than lagging your game though because bad response time is often seen as the cause for image ghosting and blurring.
Your Needs
The most important thing to consider when purchasing a new monitor is what it’s that you actually need. If you play video games then you may want to spend extra time looking for a monitor with a high response time and resolution. On the same note, people who just check their emails need not worry with things like a high response time. It’s also important to note what kind of connection your video card uses and what kind can fit into the back of the monitor. Messing with converters can be annoying!
Photo Credits: binarydreams
Buying a Monitor can seem like a challenge for the computer illiterate, but it’s actually quite easy with a little help. Make sure to talk to a store expert if you find yourself in a jam, and consider your needs so that you do not pay for pointless extra features.
Originally posted 2009-09-23 03:31:14.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on November 29, 2011 in
Computer, Tech Repair
Shiny new computer.
So it’s about time for you to finally upgrade your computer, but
wait, what details should you look for while shopping? This article
is not for an IT student or a computer science major; this article
aims to help the computer illiterate into making a choice that he or
she won’t regret. Most of the advice in this article can be applied
to both desktop and laptop computers.
Warranty
While at the store looking for your new computer, make sure you ask
and search for any warranty options that may be available to you. Not
only search to make sure that the computer you’re interested in has a
warranty, but also make sure that it covers as much as it possibly
can. A limited warranty that only covers an overheating part won’t do
you much good when you spill coffee all over your laptop. It’s
important to note that many computers come with a one year limited
warranty that covers basic damage, though many people don’t feel safe
enough with this warranty.
Prioritize RAM
If you’re looking for a basic computer that will let you: play music,
let you surf the internet, and run most applications then RAM (Random
Access Memory) is your best friend. With new operating systems such
as Windows Vista becoming the standard, RAM is increasingly more
important so that you don’t feel that clunky slowdown. An ideal
amount of ram for a Windows Vista machine is 2GB (gigabytes). While
processor speed and hard drive space are important, they are usually
not as big of a factor in small end machines and therefore won’t be as
important to you.
Your Needs
What are you using this computer for? This is a question you should
constantly ask yourself when buying a new computer. If you’re buying
a machine just to check your email, then you don’t need the best and
most expensive computer parts to achieve your goals. If you’re trying
to build a machine that can play top of the line video games, or run a
large amount of applications at once; then it’s then more important to
invest a larger sum of money on your video card (GPU) and processor
(CPU) units. If you’re unsure about what parts will fulfill your
needs, you have many options to educate yourself. Ask the store
specialists, search online blogs and articles, or even asking an
online forum will net you a sufficient amount of answers to any
questions you may have.
Remember when buying a new computer to always think of what you will
be using the computer for. This will help you not end up with a
machine that is less than what you needed, but it will also help you
not to overpay for a machine that offers much more than you wanted it
to.
Photo Credits: thelastminute
Originally posted 2009-09-11 03:05:53.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on October 30, 2011 in
Computer, Tech Repair
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