Owner: Computer Knowledge Compendium URL:http://we-know-computers.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 11:22:44 -0500 Rating:1 Site Description: Computer questions, answers, and information. Site statistics:Click here
How do I maintain Mac OS X? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 There are many free programs available which will maintain Mac OS X for you. This is just a few of them that I have used...OnyxOnyx is an easy to use and well polished maintenance program. It also allows you to schedule the maintenance and customize several aspects of the system, such as putting a message on your login window and speeding up the Safari web page rendering. This program also lets you run the built in maintenance scripts, which are explained in more detail below.MacJanitorA really basic program that runs the three built in Unix maintenance scripts. These scripts are run at certain intervals (daily, weekly, and monthly) if you leave your computer on 24/7. Most people put their computer in sleep mode, or shut it down completely, thus the scripts are not executed when they should be.MainMenuAn easy to use "menu-bar" program that lets you perform the basic maintenance functions such as permissions repair.Tags: maintain - mac - os - x - apple - computer - system - unix
How do I maintain my Windows XP computer? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Defragment the driveIn a nutshell disk fragmentation is when a file on your hard drive is spread all over the place. Files are made up of sectors that may or may not be in order. A file could be made of sectors 1 through 3 or 1, 5, and 2. Fragmentation is when it is split up all over the place. The easiest way to defragment your drive is to use the built in Windows
XP tool...Open Start Menu->Accessories->System Tools->Disk Defragmentor or choose Run from the Start Menu and type "dfrg.msc". Click on your main hard drive (usually C) and then choose "Analyze". The program will tell you whether or not you should defragment your drive.Just a note: I would not recommend quitting in the middle of the defragging process as it can cause filesystem damage.Clean up your diskDisk cleanup is a built-in program that can delete temporary files and cookies stored on your computer. To run it open Start Menu->Accessories->System Tools->Disk Cleanup or choose Run from the Start menu and type "cleanmgr.ex
What is the IP address? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Short Definition: IP = Internet Protocol, an identifier of hardware connected to the InternetLong Definition:The IP address is an unique identifier of all Internet connections. Currently IP addresses are in the xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx form, where any group of 3 x's can be any number from 0 to 255. However, certain IP addresses are reserved for specific uses, thus they can't be used for an Internet connection. In the near future IP addresses will be much longer because of the explosion in the online-population.The new form of IP, called IPv6 (look familiar?), allows a large amount of IP addresses (I can't find the number right now, but its well into the octillions if I remember correctly). IPv4, which is the current system, allows only 4 or so billion addresses. When you think about it this number is fairly small, seeing as how nowadays people have all sorts of Internet-ready devices (like cell phones) which generally all have their own IP address.Tags: internet - connection - ipv4 - ipv6 -
What are some good alternative web browsers for my system? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 There are dozens of web browsers
on the market, many of which are more powerful than the default browser(s) that are included with modern operating systems. This is a list of just a few browsers that you can find for your specific system:Windows XPInternet Explorer (installed by default)FirefoxK-MeleonNetscapeOperaWindows 2000Internet Explorer (installed by default)FirefoxK-MeleonNetscapeOperaMac OS XSafari (installed by default)FirefoxNetscapeOperaCaminoTags: firefox - camino - safari - internet - opera - explorer - mac - windows
Where can I get a domain name? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I would recommend getting a domain
name from the same place as your hosting (if you have already chosen a web host, and if they provide that service), or at one of the more popular registrars such as http://www.register.com or http://www.godaddy.com. Generally the only difference between registrars (the places where you get your domain name) is the price. The features are usually the same, but the prices may be anywhere from as little as $1 to as much as $30. If you really want an extremely large list of Internet registrars then why not take a look at the official list?Tags: domain - register - name - godaddy - registrar - internet
What is the difference between L1 and L2 cache? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 L1 cache
is located directly on the CPU chip itself and is generally used for very short-term data storage of frequently accessed data (such as a chunk of data from the system memory). Level 1 cache is extremely fast (the speed of the processor usually), but is very small (usually only a few kilobytes). This is were the secondary cache comes in...L2 cache, depending on the processor's design and architecture, is usually located either on or near the CPU. L2 works with the processor's internal cache (L1) to provide even faster access to frequently used-data. L2 can also serve as a dumping point for data before it enters the front-side bus (and eventually the RAM). Level 2 cache runs pretty slow compared to Level 1, but it can be a few megabytes in size. There is also L3, or Level 3, cache which can be found on some processors, the most notable of which is the PowerPC G4. Recently L2 cache has been moving onto the processor itself, so system designers have used the extra space on the Read more:difference
What is most likely the cause of a CMOS Checksum failure message when a PC boots up? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Depending on the motherboard model the cause of the error could be many things, including:A bad or dying CMOS battery (most likely
the cause)A CMOS battery that somehow became loose, or got put in wrongLightning damageAn incorrectly installed module, such as a PCI/AGP card or RAMA power surgeA dying motherboardA bad real-time clockA recently-installed expansion card is not compatible with your computerThere really is no sure way to know exactly why it is displaying that error, but the likely cause is some sort of power failure
by the CMOS battery (which can be purchased at most electronics stores like Radio Shack). The battery is similar in size and shape to a watch battery and is located right on the motherboard.If you have recently upgraded your memory or video card, try removing it and see if that fixes the problem. If you still get the error then you may have to replace the motherboard.Of course if you dislike opening up your computer then bring it into a certified repair shop.Tags
What Are Some Ways To Speed Up Windows XP? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 There are many ways to speed up Windows
XP. Most of them are basic, but some of them require changing values inside the system registry. I would not recommend doing those unless you are comfortable with changing system registry settings.A) Disable indexing servicesYour Windows install may be set to automatically index the content of all your files. This is useful when searching for something, but can slow down your system.Go into start menu->settings->control panel.Then open the services program inside administrative tools.Once in here scroll down to Indexing Service and double click on it.If it is running click Stop, then select Disable or Manual from the Startup Type pop up menu.B) Disable unneeded visual effectsBy default Windows has a bunch of eye-candy turned on. If you are on a slower computer all of these effects can greatly decrease the performance.Right click on My Computer and select properties.Click on the advanced tab and them click Settings in the performance section.Once Read more:Speed
Should I Perform Updates As Soon As They Are Released? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This is a bit of an iffy question that gets asked quite often. My belief is if you absolutely need to update, for example if you are experiencing a serious bug that the update fixes, then perform it. If not, then wait a few days (or even weeks), to make sure there are no major issues with it, then update. This will ensure that your computer does not get messed up by it. If you do experience some sort of bug, waiting will at least let other people post fixes for it on forums and such.Chances are if you encounter a bug you are not the only person experiencing it. This is expecially true for system upgrades.Tags: update - upgrade - system
How Do I Back Up My Computer? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Backing up computers is as easy as 1-2-3. Below is a list of various methods for both Windows and Mac OS X.WindowsWindows Live OneCareNT Backup UtilityNorton GhostMac OS XManual Backup - Plug in an external drive or insert a blank CD/DVD and drag your home folder and Applications folder to the drive. In the case of a CD or DVD click the burn icon when done. For detailed instructions on burning a disc on OS X click hereCarbon Copy ClonerPlease note Mac OS X Leopard (to be released in 2007) will include "Time Machine", which is a built-in backup tool.Tags: backup - windows - mac - os x Read more:Computer
Yeah still here..... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Well, since I have recently recieved a bunch of emails (around 5 or so) from people asking computer questions I've decided to reopen this blog... Enjoy :)
What are some good photo sharing sites? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 FlickrDropShotsFotkiWebshotsand of course...PhotobucketMost photo sharing sites have similar restrictions and features, so there isn't that much of a different between them. I personally recommend Photobucket and Flickr, they are two of the more popular sites.Tags: flickr - photo - bucket - dropshot - fotki - webshot - picture - sharing
What should I do if my motherboard is dying? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Possibly be prepared to have a large paperweight.Whenever I troubleshoot a computer I go through a simple 5 step process:Check to make sure everything is plugged in, including any internal cables. Also make sure the power supply is working as it should be.Run the regular diagnostic tools such as disk check.Remove all of the extra, unneeded peripherals and cards to make sure it is not a conflict with them.Try taking out any extra RAM, swapping it...etc. Memory is often the cause of the problem.When all else has failed check online for a replacement part (luckily I have only hit this point once).If you have already gone threw a similar process then really the only thing left to do is to take it into a shop, check online for a replacement motherboard
, or get rid of the computer.Sadly hardware problems are one of those things that you can either solve or not solve, there are no little hacks or tweaks for hardware (like with software).
Where can I get GRUB for Windows? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 You can download a Windows
GRUB installer from this site, or you can visit the GRUB4DOS project page. GRUB4DOS is a newer project that was started to provide a graphical interface for Windows that allows you to manage GRUB.As always be sure you read ALL instructions from either of the sites before installing it. You can really mess up your computer if you don't follow the "read me" files.Tags: grub - windows - xp - install - text - document - how - to
How do I save a CD to an ISO image? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 For Windows I highly recommend a piece of software called "ISO Recorder". It is incredibly easy to use. Once it is installed all you have to do is right click on a CD to create an ISO image from it.On Mac OS you should use the built in Disk Utility program to make CD images. The program is located in /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility. To create an image select the disk's name in the list and goto File->New and then select the last option in the New menu.
What should I look for when searching for a web host? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 There are several things you should consider before you even begin the search, the #1 thing is overselling. 99% of the web hosts nowadays oversell their services, which means they offer more than they will actually give you. Now you may think, isn't that false advertising? Well its not. They will let you utilize all of the features, but only if you follow the Terms of Service/Use.Here's a list of some things you should look for in a host:Good ReputationI would recommend never signing up with a "nobody" company, as they are usually out to get you. Always go on to your favorite search engine and look for as many reviews as you can. Whenever I am at this stage I look for BAD reviews, not good ones. It is pretty easy for the company itself to put in a good review, or to pay another person to give a good review. You should always look for the worst possible reviews you can find and think to yourself, "Is this really that bad". Now some hosts have very little bad reviews, which is generall Read more:searching
How often should I defragment my hard drive? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 On Windows you should defragment, oh every month or so? It really all depends on how often you use your computer. If you use it a lot, then you may want to defrag (technical term) every two weeks.On Mac OS X you generally never have to defragment unless you are dealing with tons and tons of large files. The system will automatically defragment smaller files when needed. Read more:drive
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Hard Drive Dead 1970-01-01 00:59:59 My main computer's hard drive has just died, so it may be a few days (maybe a week or two!) until I can get it fixed and get back to my regular posting schedule. Rest in Peace iBook, you served me well.Thankfully I keep backups, and my external drive is fully bootable. Oh well.
What are some good online stores to get RAM at? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 http://www.crucial.comhttp://www.4allmemory.comand http://www.newegg.comThere are also a bunch of other places where you can get memory, as always Google is your friend. Read more:online
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How do I play Windows Media files on Mac OS X? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 You have a few choices to play Windows
Media files
on OS X:Flip4MacFlip4Mac is a free Windows media codec for QuickTime on OS X that allows you to play most Windows Media files. It runs kind of slow with bigger files, but overall I have had a good experience with it.VLC PlayerThis is a completely seperate player that can play QuickTime movies as well as many Windows Media movies. I usually use this if Flip4Mac and QuickTime run too slow.MPlayerMPlayer is the last decent option for playing Windows Media Files on OS X. I generally do not use this player but many people love it.
Sorry About Lack Of Posts 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Sorry about the lack of posts over the last couple weeks. I didn't have enough free time to work on this blog. Expect new posts soon.
How can I run old DOS games on Windows XP? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 DOSBox Game Launcher is a Java front end to the popular DOSBox program. Using DBGL you can run many (not all) old DOS games flawlessly. I currently use it to play Warcraft 2 and X-Com: UFO Defense. The only problem I have come across is it requires a very powerful computer because it is an emulator. Usually it runs the correct speed, but if you get to an area that requires a lot of screen redrawing your game can slow down very quickly.You can download DBGL here: http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/blankendaalr/dbgl/ Read more:Windows
How do I fix a scratched CD? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Brasso is the best solution I have found to fixing a scratched CD or DVD. You can get it at most hardware stores.To use it just get a soft cloth (like an old t-shirt), put some Brasso on it, and swirl it on the CD in a circular pattern. The liquid only takes minute or two to dry. Repeat if necessary.For really scratched CDs I usually try Brasso, then reburn the CD if possible.Hope this helps!
What is the best way to clean a dirty motherboard/circuit board? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 There are two ways to do it.Use compressed air to literally blow away any dustUse a qtip and a little bit of rubbing alcohol to remove any stuck-on stuffUsually the first will work fine, but if you have anything stuck on the board then you may want to do both of them. If you decide to use rubbing alcohol do not plug it in until it is dry, and make sure none of the qtip "fuzzies" are stuck anywhere!Note: Do not ever use water on a circuit board
, it will absolutely ruin it. Read more:motherboard
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Should I get an extended warranty? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 There are several aspects you should look at when deciding whether or not to get an extended warranty
for your computer (or any product).Warranties are not insurance policies. Accidental damage is not usually covered under most warranties.Companies do not have to fix your product under the warranty. They are well within their legal rights to not utilize your warranty. This generally only happens if they deem the damage to be accidental.If you have a laptop you should get a warranty. This is just my opinion, but imagine if your laptop's LCD screen died. They cost a couple hundred dollars to replace without a warranty.If your product has a bad history of manufacturing flaws, definitely get a warranty.If both the manufacturer and the store offer warranties, you should probably opt for the manufacturer's.Nobody can really tell you whether or not you should get a warranty, it is all up to you. Just do a quick searches through Google to see if your computer/device has any major flaws. Take
Is my computer a "lemon"? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Depending on what type of computer you have, the general rule of thumb is if you have three to four successive repairs done to your computer it is considered a lemon. If you do suspect your have a bad computer on your hands you should contact the manufacturer's consumer relations/support number and explain your situation. If they give you the run around just ask to speak to a manager.It may take four managers but eventually you will get your computer replaced or you will get refunded.
Is QuickTime Pro worth it? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 It depends on what you do. If you like to make video clips, edit sound tracks, make little movies, and want to watch movies in full screen then sure, it may be worth it for you. Otherwise no, it probably isn't.You can view Apple's QuickTime
page here.
What is the best web browser? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A while back I wrote up a list of different web browser
s for Mac OS and Windows. Some people don't like having that many choices, and they insist that I just flat out tell you which browser to use.I will not tell you which one to use, but I will tell you what my favorite browsers are for each system.For Mac OS X I prefer Safari (which is installed by default) and for Windows I prefer Firefox. Read more:web browser
How can I burn CD images on Mac OS X? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 You can burn disk images on Mac OS X by first opening Disk Utility, which is located in the Utilities folder inside your Applications folder. Once there go to the Images menu, select Burn, then find and choose the image you want to burn.
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