Author Archive
November 29, 2011
Uncategorized
Computer technology is a wonderful thing until the day that you lose all your files and you do not have a back up. You might think that this scenario may never happen to you, but it only takes your PC to overheat or a Trojan to stop normal functioning of your machine to totally destroy sometimes years of files and documents. Thankfully learning how to backup computer files to disc or external drive is easy, even for the computer novice.
As much as you may take your computer granted, you need to be vigilant with your important documents, as you just never know when the day you go to turn your laptop on and nothing happens will arise. If however you periodically back up your system, either onto CDs, DVDs or and external USB memory port, then if the day arises when your PC fails you, you will not have lost all your important data.
These days an external hard drive that plugs into your PC via an external USB port is by far the most popular way of backing up your files, CDs being rather impractical as apart from the expensive versions they cannot be rewritten and you will also need multiple discs in order to store all your files. DVDs are a good alternative if you do not own a backup drive, although they can become misplaced or even scratched.
To back up computer files to an external drive or discs is actually remarkably easy and whether you have Windows or Mac running on your machine, it takes only minutes to get started. Firstly make sure you have enough discs to make the back up or preferably an external drive of twice the memory capacity you have stored in files on your PC.
As soon as you plug in an external drive to your PC via a USB port, your machine will recognise the external drive. Your PC will actually ask you if you wish to use the drive you have plugged in to back up your files and data; if you are not asked this question, simply type backup into the dialog box and select back up and restore.
If you manually chose the drive to where you will make the back up, then you can select either your external drive “E”, or alternatively “D” for DVDs or CDs. After selecting the appropriate drive, simply hit next. Do not change any of the default settings when you are prompted, and simply move onto the next screen.
Your PC will guide you through all the stages of creating your backup and it really could not be any easier. Each screen will give you step by step instructions that will allow even the total novice to complete the task with no foreseeable problems or hiccups. If you are happy with how your PC is performing, resist the temptation to tweak the default setting for Windows or Mac; it is totally unnecessary.
Once you are guided through to the last screen, you simply need to hit the button for saving settings and create backup. Windows will make its first backup of your drive, and can be programmed to periodically make new backups also. During the backup process it is important that you do not turn your machine off, and best that you do touch or use your PC until it is finished.
If you are tuning your PC on Mac or Linux, then the process for backup is remarkably similar and just as easy to complete. Once again, when you plug in your external drive you will generally be asked if you wish to use it to make a back up; if not, simply type in backup and restore and manually chose the drive and follow the step by step instructions given.
If you lose files in the future, retrieving them from your backup could not be any simpler; just type backup and restore in the dialog box and click on “restore my files”. Having a back up of all your important files is crucial, not just for businesses but for all home PCs; it is not until you lose your files that you realize just how many you had stored on your machine. Learning how to backup computer files really is that easy, so you never have an excuse to lose a file ever again.
August 28, 2011
Uncategorized
The computer is a device that make part of our daily life, we us it every day for several tasks, work, game, entertainment etc. More than any other device computer need a good and continues maintenance, to keep it running well and fast, doing all the tasks we need. Actually there are several menaces that can harm our computer. The most of them are coming from the internet, when we connect to the internet we are a target of virus, adware and malwares that can harm our computes, the majority of people that have basic skills in computing thinks that installing an antivirus resole all problems, this is false, even with the best antivirus out there we still in risk.
The proper functioning of any computer depends on the software installed, the memory used and the user itself.
Before talking about the problem of the internet and the virus, we need to know that even without internet we can have problem with our computer. In order to keep your computer healthy and fast you need to do some basics step periodically, if you have programs that you never use uninstall theme.
When you use your computer don´t open a lot of windows, people like let a lot of windows open even they don´t make use of theme, all open windows consume memory so if your computer have a enough memory this can slow down your machine. It is a good practice to defragment your disc to make the file system reorganized for simplifying file access and make it fast when you shut down your computer shut it down with the proper shutdown program and not with unplugging the energy cable, because this can damage your system file and generate a no starting of the system.
Before connecting to the internet it is important to install antivirus to protect your system and your data.
Configure your antivirus to scan your computer periodically; instead you can do it manually on running the antivirus scan. Some sites on the internet are harmful and install a malware script in your computer, it is better to no open this kind of sites (pornographic sites are an example).
Browsers like Google Chrome and Internet Explorer advise you about bad sites.
Internet is not the only place you can get a virus, if you are in a network or you use unknown pen drive or external disk you risk to get your computer infected, so before e connecting any external device to your computer it is recommended to scan it with your antivirus first.
If you are a beginner or do not give winds to your curiosity, don´t try to configure, delete, or change system file (for example register editing) Don´t forget to search for upgrades to keep you system with the last fixes, it is better to set automatic upgrade.
Before Installing any hardware (like camera, mouse or other devices) read the manual and be sure that the device you are installing is compatible with your computer. The use of the computer is personnel; this is why the PC means Personnel computer, so if you let other people use your computer the risk to your computer is damaged is higher.
Periodically it is a good practice to delete temporary and unused files.
If your computer run several services that you never use in the startup, it is better to deactivate those services or programs, this make your computer startup faster. On installing new software read carefully the instruction during the installation, because some software comes with third party plugin like browser toolbars that are checked by default and that will be installed with the software even you will never use them.
It is not recommended to install toolbars in the browser if you do not use theme for any purpose. When you navigate on the web do not install downloaded programs if you done know the publisher.
Following these steps you will keep your computer healthy for a long time without any problem, and if you have trouble with your computer download this tool and let it fix your computer for you automatically.
January 24, 2011
IT Security
They say that a dog is a man’s best friend, but how often do we come home to find a mess on the living room carpet? Similarly you might say that the computer is mans’ best utensil, but almost all of us have experienced that gut wrenching moment when our system crashes and our unsaved work is lost or vital documents are accidentally deleted. It is for this reason that as far as IT Support goes, a remote backup system is a real priority.
Commercially, incidents like this can cause mayhem and may result in lost revenue or worse. A business’s data is its life blood and otherwise trade would be impossible, which is why it is so important to produce a secure back up of all of this data. A backup is a method of storage whereby files and important information can be recovered in the event of a network failure or similar scenario, ensuring that your company can maintain its daily running following an IT service breakdown . What is also as vitally important is that this storage of ‘backedup’ information is accumulated securely, off-site and away from the primary data; in the case of a fire or an act of theft it would be catastrophic if both your original files and your backup data were corrupted, damaged or stolen.
Traditionally, these processes where carried out using reams and reams of tape that would be archived and stored so as to be available for future use. The implantation of a physical device such as this had numerous disadvantages: users often complained that the tape had become corrupted after one or more uses; it was also a worry that data was being physically stored, as vulnerable to bodily harm as anything so that mishandling or dropping of the tapes could cause data loss as well as the possibility of a disaster befalling the storage site, natural or otherwise.
What remote online backup provides is an automated IT service which negates the use of expensive tapes and will synchronise servers to routinely backup data across the network. Securely stored in data centres this information is both protected and easily accessible.
October 16, 2010
Uncategorized
ScummVM is a cross-platform interpreter for several point-and-click adventure engines. This includes all SCUMM-based adventures by LucasArts, Simon the Sorcerer 1&2 by AdventureSoft, Beneath a Steel Sky and Broken Sword 1&2 by Revolution, and many more.
ScummVM is a collection of game engine recreations. Originally designed to play LucasArts adventure games that use the SCUMM system (the VM in the name stands for virtual machine), it now also supports a variety of non-SCUMM games by companies like Revolution Software and Adventure Soft. It was originally written by Ludvig Strigeus. Released under the terms of the GNU General Public License, ScummVM is free software.
ScummVM is a reimplementation of the part of the software used to interpret the scripting languages such games used to describe the game world rather than emulating the hardware the games ran on; as such, ScummVM allows the games it supports to be played on platforms other than those for which they were originally released.
Download links:
sourceforge.net/projects/scummvm/ | www.scummvm.org
October 14, 2010
Uncategorized
Choosing the right computer can be confusing. Netbook or Notebook? Desk top or laptop? What to do?
Here are some tips to choose the right computer…
What will I use it for? A computer for email, web surfing and word processing need not be as powerful as a computer designed for gaming, video editing or creating animation. Analyze your needs and narrow down your choices.
Portability: Many prefer laptops because it is portability and comes with wireless connectivity. Netbooks are smaller and cheaper than laptops don’t provide a lot of power. Netbooks don’t have a DVD drive and their smaller keyboard might not be as comfortable to type on compared to a full-sized laptop.
Desktop computers are ideal for younger students as they’re less likely to be damaged and stolen. They also pack more power for the same price as a laptop. Tablets e.g. the iPad are trendy but may not be as comfortable for a lot of typing.
Branded vs. assembled: Mainstream computer companies such as Dell, HP and Toshiba offer good deals, but computers are often less expensive when assembled by buying the components individually. You may not get tech support and customer service. But if you are tech-savvy a non-branded computer may be for you.
Windows vs. Mac: Macs are generally more expensive than Windows-based PCs, but they’re more stylish and less prone to viruses, spyware and hackers. Windows has a far greater selection of software including many more games. Today’s Intel-powered Macs can also run the Windows operating system via programs such as Boot Camp or Parallels.
New vs. used: Used computers can save you lots of cash. You find some terrific deals online. But be careful with used computers as they may be problematic.
October 10, 2010
Uncategorized
Google’s free call-handing service, Google Voice, can be used to record calls as MP3 audio files for free.
Google can only record calls you receive via Google Voice. To set up call recording, you must create a Google Voice account. If you’ve already got a Gmail or an iGoogle account, you can use your existing user name and password.
You can also create an account when you first use Google Voice with your browser. The service will give you a Google phone number, with an area code that may differ from the one on your phone.
Recording is easy. At any time during an incoming call, press 4 on your phone. You will hear, “This call is now being recorded.” Continue with your call. After you hang up, Google Voice, whose interface looks a lot like Gmail, will create an inbox entry for the recorded call.
You can click to play it in your browser, or download it to your computer as a plain old MP3 file.
September 17, 2010
Uncategorized
It is in our nature to love the puzzle. We are obsessed. The lot of us. We love puzzles. We love the challenge. We thrive on finding the answer. We hate disarray. It bothers us deep in our soul.
We love the accolades. We love to be seen as the digital white knight fixed the server, the computer, the email, and anything else that life depends on.
We love it so much, we sometimes make horrible decisions. Sometimes, we work “FOR FREE.”
We’ve all done it. A friend, a neighbor, a relative, a good client, a bad client, a pretty girl… Whoever it was, and for whatever reason, we all threw them a technological bone and fixed something for free. In rare instances, it can be a rewarding experience. Perhaps your buddy gave you a beer. Maybe someone said thank you. Maybe there was a smile on their face, and that was rewarding enough.
More likely, however, that five minute task you thought you were signing up for turned into 40 minutes, then an hour, then a commitment. Wow. You didn’t see that coming.
There are 5 reasons you should ALWAYS hand out a bill.
- 1
-
You Break it You Bought it.
When you sit down to fix a problem that presented as a simple one you are creating a contract. Not a legal contract, but a social one. The computer owner is trusting their computer with you. It’s their baby, and you’re the doctor. So you sit down, and begin to fix a problem.
In the process, something else breaks. You fixed one thing, but something else goes awry. What’s the best part? Neither you nor the user notice it is broken until a day later when they call you to blame you for breaking something else.
“I thought you were going to fix it.” They complain.
This is the primary reason you charge money to fix something. You break it, you bought it. The user / owner will expect you to warranty your service even though THEY received all the value of your time, and you received nothing in exchange.
- 2
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People don’t respect things that are free.
I learned that quote from a man who runs a non-profit organization. Image that. A man who solicits donations for a living candidly told me “people don’t respect things that are free.” You know what? He’s right.
Free advice. Free upgrade. Free entry. None are valued. Free advice is seldom wanted. Free upgrade was something you were going to get anyway. Free entry? The band playing tonight must not be any good.
People associate the value of service with the amount of money that is exchanged for it. How else do you think that lawyer can get away with charging $400 an hour? People naturally make the assumption that if it costs an arm and a leg, then it must be worth it.
So, if customers and friends will assume that the most expensive car is the best one, what will they assume of the free car? Do you want the heart surgeon who charges $500,000 per surgery or the one who works for beer to operate on your mother?
- 3
-
They will expect it forever.
In law, the concept of a precedent is vitally important. Judges and lawyers look to previous cases to decide what the interpretation of the law was because if a case was settled one way before, chances are, it will be settled that way again.
Gamblers playing craps look at the past behavior of the dice to, mistakenly, assume that the good luck will continue.
Users will figure if you fixed it once for free, you’ll do it forever for free. There is no reason why they should respect the thousands of hours you have spent learning and researching the art of computer science. There is no reason that they should respect the certifications you hold. There is no reason that they should honor your abilities by paying your fees. Why? Because you did it for free. Once!
When they come back and you try to get fees, they will meet you with resistance in the form of guilt. “I thought we were friends” they cry. “You didn’t charge me anything last time.” They argue.
Setup the expectation that they are going to pay (or barter) from the onset. Demand the respect that you deserve. Make sure they understand you are a professional. After all, that is the difference between a professional and an amateur. Professionals get compensated for their skills.
- 4
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The demands will only grow with time.
Give them an inch, and they will take you through three operating system upgrades, two virus infections, and a crashed hard drive. Once you’ve set the precedent and created the expectation that you are their knight in shining armor, they will begin to call you for everything. They will suck up your time and resources. They will not be grateful. They will involve you in 30 minute hypothetical conversations then disagree with your expertise.
- 5
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It Weakens Your Backbone
Working for free is not only unprofitable, it weakens your constitution as a professional consultant. For many consultants, asking for money is difficult. They email out a silent invoice after the fact and hope they get paid. This practice can lead to unbalanced books, debt, and a going out of business sign. The simple fact is: if you don’t ask for your money, you’re not going to get paid. No one just hands out checks.
Setting up the expectation, especially when you fix a computer for the first time for a client, is vitally important in establishing boundaries that ensure you are paid in a timely fashion. Working for free, throwing out freebies, “comp”-ing your time hurts your ability to ask for the sale. It hurts your credibility because the client will assume that if you’re not charging them for a given task, you didn’t know what you were doing or you made mistakes.
It may give you butterflies, but ask for the money. Do it openly and notoriously. Your clients will take it as a sign of confidence.
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September 4, 2010
Uncategorized
Computer errors can be very difficult to fix. In some cases, the cause of the error might be very insignificant and seemingly easy. However, it may elude you and so you will be left clueless as to what to do next.
The best way to troubleshoot computer errors is to be systematic. Remember, Google is your best friend. Here are some pointers…
Don’t neglect error messages: Most of the time, when there is a computer error, you will see a dialog box appear with the error message (and in some cases, with an error code). Error codes are designed to assist you to troubleshoot and fix the error. What you have to do, is copy the error message/error code and search in Google. This way, you can find a fix to the problem in no time.
Use safe mode: In some cases, errors may be due to hardware drivers and other conflicting software. In such cases, you can use safe mode to identify the errors. In safe mode, only the bare minimum components and loaded and so conflicting software will not start automatically. Many errors can only fixed in safe mode. So, this is really a handy feature.
Use System Restore: Certain errors occur due to changes which you might have inadvertently made. It often happens that you make some changes and you forget what changes were made. Thus the resulting error cannot be easily fixed. In such cases, you can use System Restore to get your computer to earlier configuration.
Apart from these, you can also update your computer and apply all the hotfixes. Updating your software to the latest versions and applying hotfixes can solve many problems because bugs will get fixed. In fact, hotfixes are meant to fix bugs and vulnerabilities in your software.
August 28, 2010
Uncategorized
There are several reasons why computers become slow over time. If your computer has become slow lately, you can restore its speed by using the following tips:
* Perform a registry scan: The windows registry is crucial part of the operating system. It contains important information to keep track of everything on your computer. When you use your computer, various dead keys start accumulating in the registry and cause your computer to slow down. The best way to remove these errors and restore the speed on your computer is to use a registry scanner. There are many paid registry scanners out there, but we recommend “CCleaner”. CCleaner also comes with many useful tools to make your computer faster.
* Use portable software: Installing and uninstalling software on your computer can make a mess out of the registry. The best way to prevent this is to use portable software. Almost all open source Windows applications have portable versions now. Just Google for “portable apps” for more information.
* Clean your computer: Spyware and viruses can make your computer sluggish and unstable by utilizing resources. Install a good antivirus solution and scan your computer. We recommend Avira Antivirus and Spyware Terminator. You can also download anti-virus software from www.download.com.
If none of these tips work, the best solution is to reinstall your operating system. If you have a branded computer/laptop, you can restore it to factory settings to reinstall the OS.
August 23, 2010
Uncategorized
Top 10 Internet Safety Rules
The internet has made many things easier for us, but it has also created a whole new venue for con-men. We hope to improve your safety while on the internet with this list of rules. Crooks can destroy our computers or access our personal information unless we learn to protect ourselves. Here’s how to do that.
Bookmark these internet safety rules !
1. Make sure your computer has a firewall.
Most computers come with a firewall installed. You should customize the privacy
settings, before you start browsing the internet using a new computer. If you have
several computers in your home, you can protect them all using a router with a firewall
installed. Some homeowners find that a secure router is more convenient. Firewalls help
prevent hackers from accessing the information stored in your computer’s memory.
2. Install an anti-virus software program.
Anti-virus software protects against viruses. Viruses are basically a kind of vandalism.
They serve no real purpose. The codes for many viruses are written by practical
jokesters. Once your computer is “infected”, everything seems to slow down.
Other programs may act strangely. Eventually, your system may crash all together.
3. Install an anti-spyware program.
Spyware and viruses are similar, but the purpose is not the same. People install spyware
in order to gain access to your personal information or to use your email address to send
spam to all of your friends.
4. Regularly upgrade the security features of your operating system.
Depending on the type of operating system that you have and the type of web browser
you use, you may receive notifications when upgrades or updates are available. You
should choose the “install now” option. The programs are upgraded regularly, because
hackers are constantly changing the ways they operate. You have to change, too.
These internet safety rules can help you avoid a lot of the common issues people get.
5. Regularly upgrade all of the security software programs mentioned above.
Programs are available to automatically upgrade or update, whenever a new patch or anti-
virus becomes available. If you don’t have an automatic version, you will need to install
the upgrades yourself. Hopefully, the system will notify you when one is available.
6. Choose good passwords and keep them in secure locations.
This might be number six, but it is one of the most important of the top 10 ways to
keep your computer safe online. Hackers have to figure out your passwords in order to
gain access to your system. There are cheap programs that allow them to do that. One
program tries every word in the dictionary.
A robber could enter your home and transfer money from your bank account or steal your
personal information, if they can find your passwords. Either keep your passwords on
your person at all times or store them in a locking box or safe.
Use different passwords for different websites. This will help limit the amount of
information stolen in case you are hacked. You can easily pick the first half of any name
and append a special number to the end to create passwords on the fly that you can recall
easily. Never use your debit pin number for anything online though.
Of all these internet safety rules this one is really important.
Passwords should be 8-10 characters long. Numbers and/or symbols should be included
along with lower case and upper case letters. Don’t use your kid’s names or anything
else that would be easy for a thief to figure out.
Change your passwords every three to six months just to be safe. You can use a
password auto-generator if you can’t come up with unique, difficult to crack passwords
on your own.
7. Invest in an external hard drive just in case.
No matter how good your security system or how unusual your passwords, no system
can be 100% safe. That’s why you need a backup system. You could store important
information on removable discs, but storing those discs becomes a problem. An
external hard drive is a good solution. It is not connected to the internet, can be
stored in a safe location and should have enough memory to serve all of your needs.
8. Think twice about file sharing.
File sharing can be tempting. Other internet users offer free software programs and other
downloads. But the files can easily contain viruses or spyware. Just think twice before
you accept these offers.
9. Learn to identify and avoid phishing scams.
Of all our internet safety rules, this one is very important. Phishing scams are used by individuals
and bogus companies to get your personal information. Social security numbers, bank account
numbers and credit card numbers are among the things they may ask for.
The emails they send typically look very authentic. It will appear to come from a creditor
that you do business with. You will be advised to click on a link included in the email to
verify your information.
The email may indicate that failure to click on the link and verify your info immediately
could result in your account being closed or cause other problems. Do not click on the
links. Call the creditor’s number that appears on your statement and explain the situation.
10. Read their privacy policies before dealing with an online merchant and look for a
security icon.
Although some scammers have become quite good at forging security icons, they usually
lack a page confirming their privacy policy. There may also be some differences in the
appearance of the icon, which usually resembles a shield.
In addition, you can look at the website address. Website addresses of non-secure sites
begin with “http”. As with most internet safety rules, this one is important too. Secure site
addresses begin with “https”. The “s” stands for secure.
These internet safety rules can really help you protect yourself online. Another great
post we have made to help you protect yourself is our Top 10 ways to prevent Identity Theft.
These internet safety rules can really help you protect yourself and your identity online.
Don’t forget to
Bookmark the top 10 internet safety rules.
Bookmark at:
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