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Selecting an Appropriate Processor
2007-09-25 00:28:00
Central Processing Units (CPUs, Processors)Often called the brains of the computer, the CPU is the device that performs the calculations that make computing possible. Although there are several CPU manufacturers, Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) make the vast majority of processors used in Windows-based PCs, so we will limit our discussion mostly to Intel Celeron and Pentium II, III, and 4 processors, and AMD K6-2, K6-3, Athlon, and Duron processors. For more information, go to intel.com or amd.com. One other processor family worth mentioning is the very inexpensive VIA C3 family from VIA Technologies (via.com.tw), which has started to show up in some similarly inexpensive systems. Time will tell if the quality will match that of Intel or AMD. Selecting an Appropriate ProcessorWhen selecting a processor, the first consideration is compatibility with the motherboard.Motherboard-CPU CompatibilityA given motherboard can accept certain CPUs. The most obvious limitation is whether the


Tips: How Installing Hardisk
2007-09-23 21:06:00
There are several steps you need to take depending on whether the drive is new or you are reinstalling an existing drive. Setting JumpersThe first thing you'll want to do before installing a hard drive is to decide whether you want it to be a primary or secondary, master or slave, based on the other EIDE devices that are or will be installed in the machine. Then, make sure the jumpers are set correctly for master, slave, or cable select. Figure 6.6 shows a jumper panel that is set for the drive to be a master. Cable Select is a setting that allows the slave or master condition to be determined by which connector on the ribbon cable the EIDE device is connected to. The cable and motherboard or IDE controller must support cable select in order to use it. Cables that do support cable select have three different colored connectors: black at one end for master, gray in the middle for slave, and blue at the other end for the motherboard. Other cables with three connectors might support cab


Tips: How Diagnosing Video Problems
2007-09-23 20:27:00
The best thing about video problems is that you know immediately if your computer has them An additional plus is that it is usually easy to troubleshoot video problems; compared to many other categories of computer problems, there aren't that many things that can go wrong. Here ome lists many common video problems and possible solutions. 1. Problem : No video Solution : Make sure the monitor is powered on, connected to the computer, and that the brightness control is not turned all the way down. If the power indicator is blinking or glows orange, that means there is no video signal coming from the computer. Try another monitor or connect the dark monitor to a different computer. If there is no video at boot, listen for the POST beep code and/or use a POST card see Bios beep code for complete code of Beep code. Try removing the hard drive and scanning for viruses. Try installing a known good video adapter.2. Problem : Video at low resolution with splotchy colors Solution : Try to


Notebook Computer Memory Installation
2007-09-22 22:03:00
Check the documentation for the notebook to find the memory slot. They are usually on the bottom—with the power off, remove the screw(s) to access the slot. Insert the modules at an angle and then straighten out. General Rules for Memory Installation First Use the correct memory for the motherboard.Second Follow all instructions from the computer/motherboard and memory manufacturers.Third Make sure all the memory modules match as described earlier in the chapter.Fourth Start at the lowest number memory slot, either 0 or 1. Fifth Insert the memory in capacity order starting with the highest-capacity module in the lowest number slot.After you have installed the memory, boot the computer and check the memory. If you don't have a diagnostic program, run some memory-intensive programs such as office programs, photo or video, or games with a lot of graphics.For more help with memory installation, go to kingston.com and select Install Guides from the Support menu. Motherboards with the Inte
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I can connet, but I can't open web pages
2007-09-22 21:24:00
I Can Connect to the internet, but I Can't Open Web PagesThe first thing to do in this situation is to call the ISP. There might be a glitch on their end. Barring that, three types of situations can cause this type of problem: ConfigurationMalwareVirus infectionTurning off FirewallsA firewall is a program or hardware device that keeps hostile attackers from accessing a computer's data. Firewalls can help prevent virus transmission, and overall, they are good to have. Unfortunately, configuration of some firewalls can be painstaking. Without proper configuration, certain firewalls can block all Internet access.Certain products come with firewalls. For example, Linksys routers act as firewalls, but the router firmware also makes available a trial version of a software-based firewall. Trend Micro's PC-Cillin antivirus program comes with a firewall that, at least in recent versions, won't deactivate even when the program settings indicate that it is disabled. (To disable it in 2000 or


Solution for PC error
2007-09-22 21:20:00
Solution and tips for your PC TroubleshotingHeres some simple tips to try with a malfunctioning computer that can save a great deal of time if they work:1. Check for power. Reboot (after removing the floppy).If the computer is locked up, you'll have to turn off the power, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. On ATX systems, which have a soft power switch, holding down the power button for at least four seconds will almost always shut the computer off. Boot from a boot floppy.Reinstall or roll back a device driver.Reseat expansion cards.Disconnect and reconnect connections.Clean adapter card contacts with a pencil eraser.Replace the power supply.Run ScanDisk and Defrag.Check Windows Device Manager.Check for a software patch or update, or update hardware's firmware..Review,Software,Blogspot,Download
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Tips : Disable 8.3 Name Creation in NTFS
2007-09-21 16:31:00
Disable 8.3 Name Creation in NTFSFiles that use the 8.3 naming convention can degrade NTFS drive performance. Unless you have a good reason for keeping the 8.3 naming convention intact (such as if you're using 16-bit programs), a performance gain can be achieved by disabling it: Set the Registry DWORD key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlFileSystemNtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation to 1. Exit the Registry and reboot. .Review,Software,Blogspot,Download
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Tips : Alter Prefetch Parameters
2007-09-21 16:30:00
Alter Prefetch ParametersPrefetching (the reading of system boot files into a cache for faster loading) is a commonly overlooked component that can have a significant impact on system boot time. This tweak allows you to select which components will make use of the prefetch parameters. To see which files are gathered using each of the settings, clear the prefetch cache located at C:WindowsPrefetch and then enable one of the settings listed in this hack. Clear the cache and repeat for each setting. Set the Registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSession ManagerMemory ManagementPrefetchParametersEnablePrefetcher to 0 to disable prefetching, 1 to prefetch application launch files, 2 to prefetch boot files, or 3 to prefetch as many files as possible..Review,Software,Blogspot,Download
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Tips : Place Windows Kernel into RAM
2007-09-21 16:28:00
Place Windows Kernel into RAMIt's a given that anything that runs in RAM will be faster than an item that has to access the hard drive and virtual memory. Rather than have the kernel that is the foundation of XP using the slower Paging Executive functions, use this hack to create and set the DisablePagingExecutive DWORD to a value of 1. Edit the Registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSession ManagerMemory ManagementDisablePagingExecutive to 1 to disable paging and have the kernel run in RAM (set the value to 0 to undo this hack). Exit the Registry and reboot.Note :Perform this hack only if the system has 256 MB or more of installed RAM!.Review,Software,Blogspot,Download
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Tips : Fastening Menu Speed
2007-09-21 16:27:00
When XP first appeared, there was a lot of conversation about the new interface, both good and bad. In spite of the initial complaints, most users stick with the default settings rather than reverting to the Classic interface found in previous Windows versions. But you may want to change the delay you notice when you click on the Start Menu. I see no reason for there to be any delay when I click on the Start Menu. Effects are pretty, but I wouldn't click on it if I didn't have business inside, so let's get it open and get moving. The default speed can be adjusted with a quick Registry hack. Go to the Registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktopMenuShowDelay. The default value is 400. Set it to 0 to remove the delay completely, but if you do that it will be nearly impossible to move the mouse fast enough not to activate All Programs if you mouse over it en route to your final selection. Pick a number that suits your style, make the change, then test it until you find a good
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Checking for Viruses
2007-09-19 03:44:00
A computer virus can do many miserable things:- It can keep your PC from booting up properly or loading Windows. - It can make it impossible to run or open any files on your system. - It can prevent your PC from recognizing certain types of hardware, including your hard drive. - It can make Swiss cheese of your BIOS configuration, and it can surreptitiously send out infection-spreading e-mail to people in your address book. - It can even disable your virus protection software, and in fact, many viruses are smart enough to do just that. New viruses are being released out to the Internet each and every day. On a regular basis, you see viruses appear that exploit software and hardware flaws almost as soon as they hit the market. Corporate and school networks can grind to a halt under the sheer volume of viruses being proliferated in their systems.With that said, computer viruses are usually more hype than horror, meaning that while they certainly have the potential to do damage, many of t
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Cleaning Up the Environment
2007-09-19 03:40:00
You already know that your work environment plays a major role in the quality of your life and work. Your work environment also affects your PC setup, and it can impact your productivity as well as the life span of your equipment. This section looks at some of the major environmental factors and asks you to look at your PC setup area with a new, analytical eye. Finding the Best LocationFor too many users, the “best location” for a PC is wherever there’s an available outlet and enough free surface space. In other words, users often don’t give the subject a great deal of thought. After they get the system set up and working, they often don’t give the space much thought at all.But they should, because location of the PC can matter, especially in a physical disaster. The location of your PC also help ward off some disasters-in-the-making created by the workspace.The best way to approach this is for you to leave your PC setup (if you’re sitting right there), and enter the room
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Disk Maintenance Utilities that Come with Windows
2007-09-19 03:37:00
Let’s take a moment to look at some of the software that comes with Windows to help you maintain the file structure health of your hard drive, one of the hardest working pieces of hardware on your system. The three major tools—most of them scaled-down versions of other products—included in Windows XP (and most other versions of Windows) are : CHKDSK (for Check Disk) in Windows XP and ScanDisk for Windows Millennium and earlier Disk CleanupDisk Defragmenter (disk optimizer)ScanDiskAs its name implies, the job of ScanDisk is to look carefully at the overall structure and working of your hard drive and analyze it for problems. ScanDisk runs automatically on the next start whenever your system hasn’t shut down properly. An improper shutdown is one of the culprits in creating file and disk confusion since not all open files may get saved and closed before the system is turned off or restarted. You should always let ScanDisk run to completion when this occurs because it may save you
Read more: Maintenance , Utilities

Maintaining Software
2007-09-19 03:31:00
Walk into the utility section of any large software or computer store and you’ll likely find at least a half dozen choices for programs that promise to make your system easier to manage or otherwise take care of some important function you may not know how to do. Likewise, many online download sites offer both free software as well as demos and shareware versions of some utilities. Some of the functions these packages perform include:Finding and removing duplicate filesRemoving unused software and device driversExecuting performance tests on various parts of your system, including memory, video, and hard drive testsDisk cleanup and optimization (where the drive’s file storage gets rebuilt for better organization)Scanning for and removing viruses or other contaminantsMake sure that any utilities you use specifically state that they work with your version of Windows. Utilities written for earlier versions of Windows may not load at all; if they do, they can sometimes have catastrophi
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Choose your DVD Movies Program
2007-09-18 03:21:00
If you are running Windows XP with a DVD-equipped computer, you probably have some sort of DVD movie functionality. This could take two forms: a third-party application, such as Cyberlink Power DVD, or a third-party add-on for the Player that allows that application to play back DVDs. This isn’t a feature of the Player out of the box; if you purchased a retail version of Windows XP, it does not include native DVD playback capabilities. Some DVD program : Sonic Foundry’s VideoFactoryUlead’s VideoStudioAdobe PremiereCyberLink’s PowerDVD SE and Power DVD XPInterVideo’s DVD XPackSonic Solutions’ CineMaster DVD DecoderAhead Software’s NeroUlead’s MovieFactoryIf you purchased a computer with Windows XP preloaded, it might have included a bundled DVD player; check the manufacturer’s specifications.To determine whether the Player can play back DVD movies, open the Options dialog box by selecting Options from the Tools menu, and then check if there is a DVD tab. If there is,
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Protecting Your Data with Passwords
2007-09-18 03:14:00
Protecting Your Data with PasswordsPasswords offer a powerful security measure for keeping intruders away from your data. Passwords are an easier way to share a sensitive document than EFS, because any user to whom you give the password can open the file, while a user who wants to open an encrypted file must have an EFS certificate.In this section, we discuss how passwords work and explore their weaknesses. In addition, we cover the tasks required to add a password to a document created in some popular Windows software applications. Understanding Software PasswordsMany software applications let you secure data with passwords. Depending on the program, you can apply password protection for a range of tasks. For example, you can use a password to prevent unauthorized users from opening a file, to prevent users from changing a file they’re able to open, or to keep users out of certain parts of a large application (for example, a database or accounting program).When any user attempts to
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How to use Backup from command line
2007-09-18 03:09:00
Running the Backup Utility from Batch Files and the Command LineIn addition to operating the Backup utility interactively from the Windows XP graphical interface, you can run it from the command prompt window. More important, you can use a text editor to create batch files that run the Backup utility. Virtually all the features of the Backup utility are available programmatically from the command line and in batch files. To display the command-line reference, including a list of all the available command-line switches and their meanings, type ntbackup /? at a command prompt and then press Enter. Windows XP launches the command-line reference and displays the page on Ntbackup. You can run the Ntbackup command from within batch files, invoking most of the features that are available interactively through the Windows XP graphical interface. Using Ntbackup and batch files, you can even control additional features, such as the media pool from which to use data.The following example performs


DVD data markings (pits and lands) versus those of a standard CD.
2007-09-17 05:58:00
DVD drives use a shorter wavelength laser to read these smaller pits and lands . A DVD can have nearly double the initial capacity by using two separate layers on one side of a disc and double it again by using both sides of the disc. The second data layer is written to a separate substrate below the first layer, which is then made semireflective to enable the laser to penetrate to the substrate beneath it. By focusing the laser on one of the two layers, the drive can read roughly twice the amount of data from the same surface area.DVD Tracks and SectorsThe pits are stamped into a single spiral track (per layer) with a spacing of 0.74 microns between turns, corresponding to a track density of 1,351 turns per millimeter or 34,324 turns per inch. This equates to a total of 49,324 turns and a total track length of 11.8km or 7.35 miles in length. The track is comprised of sectors, with each sector containing 2,048 bytes of data. The disc is divided into four main areas:Hub clamp area— The
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DVD Construction and Technology
2007-09-17 05:18:00
DVD technology is similar to CD technology. Both use the same size (120mm diameter, 1.2mm thick, with a 15mm hole in the center) discs with pits and lands stamped in a polycarbonate base. Unlike a CD, though, DVDs can have two layers of recordings on a side and can be double-sided as well. Each layer is separately stamped, and they are all bonded together to make the final 1.2mm-thick disc. The manufacturing process is largely the same, with the exception that each layer on each side is stamped from a separate piece of polycarbonate plastic and then both sides are bonded together to form the completed disc. The main difference between CD and DVD is that DVD is a higher-density recording read by a laser with a shorter wavelength, focused more closely to the disc, which enables more information to be stored. Also, whereas CDs are single-sided and have only one layer of stamped pits and lands, DVDs can have up to two layers per side and can have information on both sides. As with CDs, eac
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The Best PC Desktop Troubleshooting Methods
2007-09-16 20:46:00
Much of the detective work and troubleshooting occurs not inside the PC case but right inside your Windows desktop. This assumes, of course, that your PC starts well enough to load Windows. Let’s look at some of the ways you can troubleshoot and potentially cure some problems right from bootup and Windows. Watch Your Bootup ScreenIf you’re like many of us, you often turn on the PC and then waste a few minutes refreshing your coffee cup or pulling files or papers together while waiting for it to boot. But when you’re troubleshooting or even if you just suspect a problem, watch the bootup screen carefully for any errors that may display there well before Windows loads. The BIOS, as part of its work, checks the PC’s many components and, if it finds one that is unresponsive or otherwise problematic, it issues a report to your screen. The initial phases of the operating system loading may also report something that can be a critical clue in discovering why something isn’t operat
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Hardisk Partitions and Drive Letters
2007-10-01 00:58:00
Here are definitions of the terms :Active partition: This is the partition that needs to contain the OS's boot files because the BIOS looks to this partition for them. You can, however, designate any partition as the active partition; if it is the wrong one, the computer won't be able to boot from the hard drive. Basic disk: A physical disk that is accessible by any version of Windows.Dynamic disk: A disk used in 2000 or XP that can use special features such as logical disk volumes that span more than one physical disk.Extended partition: A partition that can exist only on a drive containing the master boot record. An extended partition does not get a drive letter. To use an extended partition, you must create one or more logical drives on it; logical drives are assigned drive letters. There can be only one extended partition on a physical disk and you cannot install an OS on an extended partition. The only reason to create an extended partition is if you want to have more than four
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Internal vs. External Modems
2007-10-01 00:44:00
Internal modems are PCI or ISA expansion cards. They tend to be simple to install; just follow the manufacturer's directions if available. They receive their power from the slot. External modems are less common today, but are still around because internal modems are often optional these days. External modems traditionally plug into a serial port on the computer, although there are USB modems available today as well. The advantages to external modems are that you don't have to be a technician to install one and they can easily be moved from computer to computer. The disadvantages to serial-port external modems are that they require external power and are more expensive. Most or all USB modems are powered by the USB ports and aren't as expensive as serial port modems. here shows a PCI modem, a USB modem, and an external serial port modem. PC-Card modems are designed for laptops without built-in modems, or those whose built-in modems are broken. They tend to be expensive. Many of thes
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Addonics CardBus Serial ATA adapter
2007-09-28 21:40:00
The configuration of Serial ATA devices is much simplerbecause the master/slave or cable select jumper settings used with Parallel ATA are no longer necessary.Serial ATA is ideal for laptop and notebook systems, and it will eventually replace Parallel ATA in those systems as well. In late 2002, Fujitsu demonstrated a prototype 2.5-inch SATA drive. Most 2.5-inch hard drive manufacturers are waiting for mobile chipsets supporting SATA to be delivered before officially introducing mobile SATA drives. It is expected that during 2004 many of the mobile chipsets will incorporate SATA. Even if your laptop system does not support SATA internally, you can add an SATA interface externally via a PC Card, such as the Addonics CardBus Serial ATA adapter. This card adds two high-speed Serial ATA ports to any laptop or notebook computer via a PC Card slot. This enables you to connect drives with 2.5 times the data-transfer rate of USB 2.0. The card plus an external cable sells for under $100..Review,


How to Release Laptop Battery
2007-09-28 21:18:00
Main BatteryAlthough laptop systems aren't as standardized as most desktop systems with respect to motherboard form factors and such, there is still a lot of commonality among modern laptop systems. They are a bit trickier to disassemble, upgrade or repair, and then reassemble, but it's nothing you can't handle if you use some common sense, experience, and a little care. Of course, it helps to have a service or maintenance manual with detailed step-by-step procedures, but unfortunately, as mentioned earlier, that type of documentation is normally available for IBM and Dell systems, but not from most other manufacturers.Here the steps:To remove the battery, flip the system over, pull the battery latch away from the battery with your index finger, and lift the battery out.Removing the main battery.1 Slide the battery latch to the side.2 Remove the main battery. .Review,Software,Blogspot,Download
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New models LCD sporting glossy screens
2007-10-12 03:34:00
IF YOU’VE BEEN shopping for a new LCD monitor, you may have noticed new models sporting glossy screens that deliver extra-bright pictures. HP is leading the packby incorporating this feature into all of its consumer LCD monitors.Glossy screens offer richer colors, enhanced saturation, and deeper blacks, which isideal for videos and games.But they also reflect light and can’t handle glare as well as matte (or antiglare) displays, which have traditionally been used in notebooks and desktopLCD monitors. This isn’t an issue if a glossy screen is used in dark environments,but it can be a nuisance if the monitor is used under certain types of natural or artificial light. Also, glossy screens are more expensive to produce than matte displays. HP, however, says its research shows that customers perceive aglossy monitor to carryadded value. Accordingly,the company has implemented the feature across its consumerline, including its new 24-inch w2408 display.“We were the first to market [t


Reducing or Eliminating Computer Instability
2007-10-11 14:38:00
Some techniques, such as using Windows Update, can prevent these pesky problems from appearing. Heres lists some of the common problems you may see with Windows and suggests ways you might resolve them.Windows Problems and How to Investigate Them Problem : Display degrades as you workWhat to investigate/do : This problem is often the fault of an out-of-date video adapter driver. It can also indicate low desktop resources. First, restart your system. If that doesn’t resolve it, check for a video driver update. Problem : Freezing when you try to run programsWhat to investigate/do : This could be the result of low hard disk space (you would need to make some available), failing or incompatible memory “When Upgrades Go Wrong”, corrupted applications (reinstall them), or a virus (perform a complete virus scan). Missing file errorsThis is most likely tied to a file you deleted without properly uninstalling or removing it from Windows. You may need to reinstall the program the file i
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Common Causes of Windows Instability
2007-10-11 14:36:00
You’ll discover that many of the usual suspects in PC problems are also most likely to create instability in Windows . These include the following:Improper or corrupted original Windows installationContinuing to run a beta or pre-release version of Windows well past the time the full version is releasedA history of unsuccessful upgrades (you’ve tried and failed to upgrade Windows)Hardware and drivers that are not compatible with your current version of Windows Using the wrong driver for a piece of hardware or softwareFailing or failed hardwareConflicts between different hardware components (for example, a sound card and network interface card sharing the same resources), usually seen as a yellow mark on a listed device in Device ManagerConflicts between two or more applications that are runningPoor system maintenance (You don’t defragment the hard drive, you don’t clean up temporary files on the drive, or you don’t use ScanDisk in earlier versions of Windows or Chkdsk in Windo
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Problems Upgrading or Replacing a Motherboard
2007-10-11 14:32:00
Replacing a motherboard is no simple task. I tend to think of it as the PC equivalent of heart transplant surgery because there are so many connections into and out of the motherboard, just as there are with a heart. In fact, it may be one of the toughest upgrades or replacements a PC owner can perform. Part of what makes replacing a motherboard so difficult is that the documentation accompanying a new motherboard is often poorly written or translated. For example, I bought an off-brand motherboard two years ago and got a package that contained only Asian-language instructions. When the company sent a replacement in English, it made almost as little sense to me as the Asian version. In addition, I’ve found that diagrams of the motherboard represented in the documentation get reversed too often, which makes it no fun trying to orient yourself and the motherboard during the replacement procedure.While I’m not trying to frighten you away from replacing or upgrading your motherboard, c


New Memory Causes Problems
2007-10-11 14:29:00
Memory can be one of the toughest nuts to crack in terms of troubleshooting because it displays misbehavior in so many different ways, including:Unstable applicationsPC hangs and crashesSlowness in multitaskingPC won’t start (or in some odd cases, bad memory can make it tougher to shut down)Page faults, blue screen of death crashes, and similar serious errors and warningsMany of these ways may not give you any hint that it’s the memory to blame. Instead, memory crashes applications, garbles files, can confuse your video display, and may tell you other issues are to blame.However, when you have just recently installed new memory, remind yourself that you’ve done so should a problem or instability arise. Look at that new memory first when troubleshooting that problem.Note Windows XP, compared to other versions of Windows, seems to be finicky about having enough memory installed (think 128MB if you have less) and the overall quality of the memory used..Review,Software,Blogspot,Down
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Limiting Your Risks When Upgrading Computer
2007-10-11 14:27:00
Obviously, the best type of upgrade doesn’t involve the words “disaster” or “recovery.” Common sense, combined with a little study time and a bit of applied effort, can usually help you avoid the worst catastrophes and the usual pitfalls.Here are some of the best techniques for ensuring a successful upgrade. Following these instructions can limit your damage or downtime should you encounter an unwanted hitch. Protect your data by backing it up first.Don’t upgrade in a distracting environment; wait until things are reasonably calm.Perform one upgrade at a time and verify that the last one is working well before you perform the next.Read the documentation that accompanies the upgrade—especially the special notes and warnings. Check the manufacturer’s or publisher’s web site for additional details or to ask questions before you perform the upgrade.Follow the instructions you just read. I know this step seems obvious, but informal studies suggest that even among those PC
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