Debugging Computer

The Common Problem:

Take the following example:  You hop on your computer to check your email, start it up, and quickly realize your computer is running noticeably slower than it did yesterday.  So you decide to “Google” your problem, spending hours on various computer tech forums.  Unfortunately, this is an all too common scenario.

The Common Reason behind the Slowdown:

Although there could be many reasons behind the slowness of your computer, the majority of the time there is one main reason that is responsible for your sluggish computer--the registry.  Even though this may be a regular occurrence for many PC owners, many people are simply unaware of what a computer registry is, how it works, and most importantly how to fix it without causing further problems.

Computer Registry Basics:

A computer' registry is a highly sensitive area because this is the place where all the information that runs the computer's hardware and software is stored.  So every time you add, update, or remove a program, the chances increase that the registry will become cluttered with unneeded data and subsequently, the dreaded slow computer, freezes, blue screens, and error messages.

Fixing the Registry:

Thankfully, many times these computer headaches can be cleared up by simply cleaning the computer's registry system.  Is it complicated?  Absolutely.  However, there are quite a few outstanding registry cleaning programs you can install and use to clean your computer's registry.  Only a few moments of your time are required; the cleaner will take care of the rest.  However, no matter what, never attempt to fix a registry on your own because there is a good chance you will cause more problems.

An Alternative:

If running a registry scanner did not solve your problem, you need to try a different approach.  First, document the problem you are experiencing with your computer as well as other related problems and anything you are aware of that may have caused them.  Then, you need to make a list of the various solutions you will be trying.  After you try each solution, restart your computer so you can test it out again.  If a solution does not work, cross it off your list.

However, if you have tried every fix you can think of and have not experienced the desired results, you need to go back to the drawing board and consider trying solutions that do not seem as obvious.  Remember, your best bet is to run your computer's operating system with as little software and hardware as possible while troubleshooting.  The fewer programs you have running, the easier it will be for you to narrow down what is responsible for the issues you are experiencing.

Photo Credits: jitze

Originally posted 2010-05-23 03:32:36.

Open Office

OpenOffice.org Writer

Open office is a free alternative to Microsoft Word, often being touted as the ‘free word’ it has most of the features and capabilities that word has. In fact, Open Office has many advantages over Word such as more understandable header and footer tools, bulleted and numbered lists, and general ease of use. When you combine these positives with the fact that it’s open source you have one very powerful tool at your disposal. Open source refers to the fact that any with the knowledge to do so can code their own changes into the program and make it better for everyone.

AbiWord

AbiWord “wording processing for everyone” as their slogan suggests is a free word processor that has been gaining popularity over the years. AbiWord features just about every special feature word does including the ability to save to all different sorts of file types. AbiWord is also designed based on earlier versions of Word making is very easy for previous Word users to switch and instantly begin typing. Although it’s similar in style, AbiWord has an extremely clean interface that may be refreshing for older word users.

Qjot

Qjot isn’t a word processor like OpenOffice.org and AbiWord in a sense, but it can be used to edit Word .Doc files. This makes it an invaluable tool for people who are receiving Word documents but don’t have Word themselves to read and edit them. It’s important to note that this is all you can really do with Qjot, it’s not meant to be a program that can convert Word documents to .txt files and other extensions. Other features of Qjot include the ability to add images and other forms of multimedia into the document. While this isn’t meant to be a total replacement, it’s definitely worth mentioning.

Microsoft may have a monopoly on businesses and schools with its word processor, but that doesn’t mean that it’s required of you to use it for everyday tasks. Check out all of the above alternatives, especially considering that they’re free.

Photo Credits: tmolini

Originally posted 2009-11-06 03:35:33.

TV screen as computer monitor

Step1: First, decide what type of computer you have to hook to your TV. Is it a desktop computer or a laptop computer? Generally, most people will have a desktop in their house and office, so let’s take the desktop into consideration.

Step2: Now, the second thing that we need is to check which TV you are planning to use. Is it your CRT TV or HD TV (LCD)? Let’s take the CRT TV into consideration as most often that is what people use in their houses.

Step3: Now, you have to check what type of video output your computer has, the video output maybe one of three types: S-video output, VGA output or DVI output. However, most of the computers will have VGA output, but the latest computers might have DVI output. So, let’s take VGA (Video Graphics Array) output.

Step4: Check the input for your CRT TV, generally it has S-Video input.

Once you have verified all the above information it is very easy to hook computer to your TV. For that you will need a converter box which will help you to convert the VGA output from your computer to TV signals that can be connected through S-Video input in your CRT TV. You need two cables; one will be VGA cable and the second will be S-Video cable.

Here you can connect your computer to the converter box using the VGA cable and from the converter box you will have to use the S-video cable to connect your CRT TV input. This will complete the connection.

The main thing is to get audio. For that you need to have the 3.5 mm RCA cable. Connect the RCA cable from speaker out-port of you computer to the audio right/left which is at the back of CRT TV so that it will produce sound from your CRT TV instead of computer.

Once you hook the computer to your TV you need to adjust resolutions from your desktop so that you can get a better picture output.

Photo Credits: hpeguk

Originally posted 2010-04-08 03:46:40.

Gmail

Out with the old

Do not delete the old account before getting the new completely set up. In one window bring up your old Gmail account.

Bring up a new window and go to Gmail, but instead of signing into your account here click on the “Create an Account” button at the bottom right corner of the screen.

This choice takes you to the Get Started with Gmail screen. You will need to fill out your first and last name. In the Desired Login Name it will have an option typed in based on your name, but you don’t have to use this suggestion. You can type in something uniquely of your own design. When you have typed in the hoped for new identity then click the “Check availability” button.

Once you get the go ahead type in your password then retype it for the check. You can create a Security Question either from the drop down menu or write in the answer yourself. Complete the rest of the information and read through the Terms of Service. Select the “I accept. Create my account” button and you are at least done with the creation part of the new identity.

Now you need to look at your old account. You will need to go through all the setting to have the same services and features you have with the new account. Go back and forth between screens to check for this information and make changes where needed. You can’t import the contact information unfortunately so you will need to add this information. If you have any special notes in the contacts you will have to move these too.

The good news is that you can share your calendar with your old identity while you take your time set it up and putting in all of your scheduling information.

One point of concern is that among the settings you shouldn’t forget to run through the mobilize process and verify your cell phone number if you keep track of calendar changes or email notifications from your cell phone.

It can take awhile to move everything over to the new identity so it is a good idea to keep the old identity going for a while during this process. You will want to tell others of the change and encourage them to use the new address. Keep checking the old Gmail account frequently at first then try forwarding the old account mail to the new one. Taking up to a year to shut down the old identity isn’t uncommon if you had the old Gmail account for a long time.

Photo Credits: mlabowicz

Originally posted 2010-05-29 03:35:49.

New Hard Drive

To start off, open up your CPU’s body. Make sure you have unlocked all the locks that you usually get with branded computers. If the locks aren’t unlocked you won’t be able to replace the hard drive. Once you have done this the next step is to know where your hard drive is. If you don’t yet know where the hard drive is placed check your computer’s manual and it will tell you. Now, again check if there are any clips or locks surrounding the hard drive as in most of the computers the hard drive has extra clip to keep it secure.

Now you know where the hard drive is so start detaching it from the computer. If you are installing a new hard drive and your computer doesn’t have one so you need to trace where it should be fixed from the manual. Next check in the manual again to see which plugs are to be plugged in and where they go. If you are replacing your old hard drive then the process is simpler. All you need to do is to keep a track of the plugs that you removed and remember which slots they should be plugged into again.

Depending on the type of hard drive you are installing you will need to figure out the jumpers. SATA hard drives are easier to install as they come with their own wires. With an IDE hard drive you need to figure out an IDE channel from your motherboard. Of course you won’t use the same on that is connected to your DVD drive. Usually motherboards come with two IDE channels so it is easier to track the idle one.

When the home work is done all you need to do is to connect the wires and let the hard drive run. Properly connect the jumper and other wires and make sure your hard drive is properly fit in. Close all the locks or clips that you had open earlier to detach the hard drive. Do not close the cover of your CPU yet.

Turn on the computer and see if it’s working. If the new hard drive is not properly installed the computer won’t run and in the case of an additional hard drive you will need to manually go into my computer properties and check whether the new hard drive is showing up or not. If you have replaced your old hard drive with the new one then also your computer won’t start if it’s not properly connected.

Photo Credits: Tim Patterson

Originally posted 2010-04-23 03:39:15.

Recycling Computers

The Benefits:

There are many benefits of computer recycling.  First of all, if you choose a reputable computer recycling service, you can rest assured that all of your personal data is removed from your PC.  This is important as there are many people who look for discarded computers they can use to hijack financial and personal information from.

And of course, recycling a computer instead of throwing it away is considered to be environmentally responsible.  By doing this, you will keep one less item out of landfills and reduce the risk of contaminating precious water supplies.  The metal used to make certain computer components must be mined, which takes a toll on the environment too.  So when you a computer is recycled, these metals can be reused, preserving the metals that are still inside of the earth.

Even if your computer is broken, many times it can still be used if you decide to recycle it.  Many recyclers will take components from other computers considered to be a lost cause and use them to fix other components to make the recycled computer functional again.  This is an invaluable service appreciated by those who are unable to afford the cost of a brand new computer.  Often, refurbished computers are donated to charities.  This means you will not only be helping the environment, but also the community.  Try to find a computer recycling center that works with charities.

How the Process Works:

When you hand over your old computer to a recycling center, the first task they will complete is clearing the computer of all sensitive, personal information.  Then, the center will check the computer in order to find any parts worth reusing to build refurbished computers.  All parts made of metal and plastic that are unable to be reused will be broken down into their basic form.

The broken down components will be organized according to their category of material and turned over to a facility that smelts them or in other words, compacts them into small pieces and melts them to create new items.  During this process, the metals found in a computer's circuit board will be removed and reused instead of thrown away.

It is estimated that only 20% of consumer electronics and personal computers that are not longer in working order are recycled.  This means there is over one million tons of electronic waste in the earth's landfills.  So if you make the smart choice to be environmentally responsible and recycle your old, unused computer, you will be taking an important step to reducing these numbers.

Photo Credits: georgehotelling

Originally posted 2010-05-21 03:22:04.

Google Emoticons

Sign in to your Gmail account. If you don’t have a Gmail account yet setting this up is easy and your contacts can be moved over in a straightforward manner. Once you are in your Gmail account just select Settings from the options in the upper right corner. In the setting's box you will see options for Chat, and you need to select this option. This takes you to the Chat controls box. Second from the bottom you will see Emoticons. There are two buttons. One button says

“Emoticons on- When an emoticon is sent it will automatically animate”

or

“Emoticons off”

Choose Emoticons on. Save your changes by selecting the Save Changes button. Once everything is saved then back out to the Gmail main page.

Find a friend who is available to chat with, and who won’t mind being a test subject. Once you are in chat with this person send them a simple emoticon like or and hit enter. Give it a few seconds to appear on your friend’s screen. On your side once you hit enter you should see the Emoticon become a ‘real’ one and appear as animated.

You can find more emoticons by using Gmail. Go to Google.com and look at the What’s New Page. Scroll down to the “Emoticons-they’re not just for chat anymore” and choose learn more. Here you will find the Add to Toolbar option button. Select this and it will add a new toolbar when you sign in to your Gmail account. Using this option you only have to click on the Emoticon button of the tool bar to add emoticons. It will bring up a box from which you can make your choice of which emoticon to use. You will need to be in rich formatting mode to see the emoticon button on the toolbar.

Using emoticons in chat comes in handy when you are in a big hurry or when you are in a very causal mood. If you can’t speak face to face then communication can be a little stilted, but these fun faces with their animated antics can give you the same experience as a face to face conversation. You can communicate faster and show a sense of humor with the emoticons. They also add a splash of color to your chat.

Photo Credits: Todd Huffman

Originally posted 2010-06-01 03:51:19.

Is your computer slowing down?

One of the main reasons that computers may run slower than usual is a virus. We all use the computer for the internet. Opening unknown websites or unsecured websites automatically exposes your computer. You could be infected by viruses and unwanted programs without even realizing it. This can also happen by opening emails from unknown senders.

For this reason, it is important that you have an anti-virus program installed. The first thing that you should do is install a third-party firewall and an anti-virus program. After having done so, scan your entire computer. This may take a bit of time depending on how many files you have on your computer. Any viruses that are detected will automatically be removed and this should increase the speed of your computer.

You computer can run slower than usual because there may be too many unnecessary programs running during the start up. How can you overcome this problem? Start up your computer normally. After having done so, go and look in the bottom right hand corner of your computer. This is usually called the Taskbar. Check to see how many programs are running. At most you should only have four to five programs. If you have more than that number, it is advised that you change the settings of those excess programs to not start up automatically when the computer turns on.

In certain cases, your computer may be running slow due to a lack of efficient hardware. In such a case you would be required to buy a RAM (read only memory) card for your computer. This will also make your computer faster.

Photo Credits: brewbooks

Originally posted 2010-05-07 03:56:30.

It Lives!

It is very easy to restore a computer to the factory settings. You can either use the CDs that came with the computer, or use CDs you made yourself as a backup of your computer settings. There are also options in the Control Panel through which you can restore it to the original settings as good as the day you got it.

Restoring the computer to the factory settings should be done after making a backup of all the stuff that you currently have on your computer. When you restore the computer to the factory settings, all the current data is lost. You will never get this lost data back. This is why you MUST backup your computer before starting. It makes restoring the computer to the factory settings all the more frustrating but you will still have your stuff. Nowadays some computers don’t need CDs to restore the settings; it can be done within the options stored itself. But a complete back up has to be done before restoring the settings to avoid loss of data.

Restoring options are also available online. You need to get going with a step by step process which is easy and understandable. Everyone has different brands of computers and every computer has different settings. If you want to move forward with another easy process of restoring computer factory settings then you simply need to follow the Disc guide that is provided to you by the dealers through whom you have purchased the computer.

After completing the restoration to factory settings, the computer functions expediently and faster just like a brand new one. After restoring the computer it displays the date when the set up was done. Then you can transfer the data that you currently saved for our reference.

Photo Credits: cursedthing

Originally posted 2010-04-13 03:40:10.

Camera

1. You can use the email option in your phone to email your pictures to your computer. This is a very simple option if you have just a few pictures. However it is not very convenient if there are a bit too many pictures. It will consume lot of your time if you were to mail too many pictures to your computer. The emailing method can be costly as well. Most phone service providers charge a fee on a monthly basis for sending unlimited text and using the emailing services. If you have such plans for your phone, than mailing the pictures should not be a bad or expensive option. Check to make sure what’s covered in your plan before using.

2. The photos can also be sent to the computer with the use of data cables. Nowadays, almost all phones come with an option for using data cables. You can use the data cable option and connect the two, the computer and the phone or the camera, with the cable. It is an easier option and it hardly takes any time to do. It can upload loads of pictures onto your computer provided there is space in the computer for that.

The only problem with this system of sending pictures to your computer is that you will not be able to send pictures from a remote area or a distant place. The distant between the computer and the phone or the camera is determined by the length of the data cable. The longer the cable, the greater will be the distance. Sometimes, the length of these cables is so short that it becomes inconvenient at times to send the pictures to the computer with this data cable method. There is also software required to recognise the data coming in from the phone to the computer. The companies of most of these mobile phones have websites. If you’re not sure about the usage of data cables with that particular phone, then check out your phone’s website for instructions.

3. Bluetooth services are another way of uploading pictures into your computer from your phone. It is a wireless and a very hassle-free system. The requisites for this process are Bluetooth compatibilities for both the phone and the computer system. The problem though is that not many computers or desktops are computer enabled and this system does not work for every computer. There are lots of phones which are Bluetooth enabled and therefore the issue of Bluetooth availability will not come up with the phones ever. Check if your computer has this option and that it is turned on before trying to send your pictures through Bluetooth.

Photo Credits: pochacco20

Originally posted 2010-05-12 03:48:57.