If all fails, then consider reformatting your computer. This would require you to wipe everything from your computer and restore it to how it was when you first got it. Before you do this, however, make sure you back up any file that you don’t want to lose, because after you do this, there isn’t anyway to get those files back. You should burn it into a disk or save it into another hard drive. Unless you built your own computer from scratch, most computers come with installation CDs just for this. They will reinstall Windows and any program it had when you first got it. Unless there is a problem with one of your computer hardware, your computer will run just like new, or as close as you can get to it.
Posts Tagged ‘information technology support’
Reformatting Your Computer
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009Don’t Overload Your Hard Drive
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009One reason a computer may be running slow is that they are overloaded with programs and files. A computer needs room to run, basically you can’t let the hard drive fill up. A computer is constantly creating and editing new files in its Temp folder, especially if you go online and surf the web. If your hard drive is full, it doesn’t have any where to put those temporary files it needs. Even if you aren’t online, your computer has to find ways “around” all those files to find the one you want, that is why it slows down. Saving old files into a disk or another hard drive can really go a long way as well as uninstalling any programs that you no longer use and/or have never used at all.
Google Chrome OS (GCos)
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
Google is making a noise in announcing a new project – the Google Chrome Operating System in its effort to venture into the world of operating systems alongside the giant Microsoft, Mac OSX from Apple, Fedora and Ubuntu from the open-source community. The new operating system attempts to challenge the dominance of Microsoft’s Windows system.
The Google Chrome OS (GCos) is now under development and will be an open-source, lightweight operating system that will be targeted toward netbooks – the smaller, no-frills, low-cost version of laptops. Netbooks are Atom- powered mini-computers such as ASUS EEEPC, MSI Wind and so on.
The new Google Chrome Operating System will be running on top of a Linux kernel and as Google announced it will be absolutely free as it will be open-source like Fedora and Ubuntu.
Google already has an existing operating system with a moniker “Android” which was designed to work across a variety of devices from phones, to set-top boxes to netbooks. If you want to give Google Android a try without buying a T-Mobile G1/G2/G3 or netbook, you can download a LiveCD disc image of the “Android” from the internet. Just burn the image to a disc, insert it in your CD or DVD ROM drive, reboot your computer and let it boot from the CD or DVD ROM drive so that you can check out Android without installing it or affecting any files on your PC. The image was also tested working on Virtual Machine, VirtualBox and VMware platforms.
The Google Chrome Operating System is targeted for people who spend most of their time on the internet, and is being designed to power computers ranging from netbooks to full-size desktop systems.
Speed, simplicity and security are the key factors of the new Google Chrome OS. The new OS will be designed to be fast and lightweight and to startup and get you on the web in a few seconds. The user interface will be minimal and as what they did in Google Chrome browser, they will be going back to the basics and completely redesigning underlying security of the new Operating System so that users don’t have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates.
I was able to test and use different distributions of open-source operating systems that are already available. Each one has its weaknesses and strong points. Google has a lot of work to do and will definitely need a lot of help from the open-source community to realize their vision.
This will create a lot of hype, but it will surely take some time before we see the new Google Chrome OS running on netbooks. Let’s wait and see what Google has to offer with this new Operating System. It’s going to be a tough job for Google, but let’s see if they will keep their word.
Google has plans to release their free open-source operating system during the second half of 2010.
Windows 7
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009Windows Vista and Windows 7 have much in common. They are based on the same architecture and share similar features, functions and programs. However, in Windows 7 Microsoft has fixed many of the issues found in Windows Vista that made many Windows XP users hesitant to upgrade. That means we shouldn’t see the compatibility hassles we saw with Vista. Microsoft has certainly addressed many of the complaints surrounding Vista, such as the lack of backward compatibility, the lengthy start-up and install times, the large disk and memory footprint. Microsoft has also added a number of new interface helpers that will make the new OS more pleasurable and efficient to use.
Windows 7 is the latest offering from Microsoft as its new operating system. It contains much of the functionality and features of Vista, but also is streamlined to run faster and avoid some of Vista’s problems. For those considering upgrading to Windows 7, it is important to understand what’s new with Windows 7 as well as what are the minimum requirements in order to have a successful upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7.
If you use Windows Vista right now, but are thinking of upgrading to Windows 7, you need to make sure that your current system has what it takes to run the new operating system. Depending on your hardware and current edition of Vista, you can make use of the Upgrade option during Windows 7 installation to upgrade from Windows Vista to a corresponding version of Windows 7.
Upgrading is the most convenient way to get Windows 7 up and running on our computer, because it keeps your files, settings and programs intact from where Vista is in place. Windows 7 offers a compelling combination of faster boot times, improved responsiveness, and several fun and practical user interface enhancements.
If your current edition of Windows Vista can’t be upgraded to the edition of Windows 7 that you want to use, you can still install Windows 7 by using the custom installation instead. Take note however, that the Custom installation doesn’t preserve your files, programs and settings. For the step-by-step guide on how to perform a custom installation by visiting Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation).
Systems running Microsoft Windows Vista OS, particularly the Home Premium most likely meet the current requirements of Windows 7.
Here are some installation options to upgrade to Windows 7.
Most desktops or laptops bought in 2006 or later should be able to run Windows 7 fine. If you want to make sure that your current system can run Windows 7 or if your desktop or laptops is on the borderline in terms of age and/or does not run Vista, you should first download and run Microsoft’s Upgrade Advisor. This tool will scan you current hardware, devices, and installed programs for known compatibility issues, gives you guidance on how to resolve potential issues found, and recommends what to do before you upgrade or if it’s a lost cause for your current system.
Also, visit the Windows 7 Compatibility Center to see what works with Windows 7 and find direct links to drivers, updates, and downloads.
Protect Your Computer
Monday, October 26th, 2009If you are not protected by any kind of anti-virus, there are a ton of disastrous things that could happen to your computer. Your hard drive could be wiped clean, files lost or damage, constant freezing, or worse, people could log on to your computer and steal your information. If any of this happens, more than likely you will have to replace any of your hardware that has been damaged. Even a simple free downgraded anti-virus can help prevent you from spending hundreds on replacement parts.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Voice Over IP
Thursday, September 17th, 2009
Q: What Are Some Advantages of VoIP?
A: Some VoIP services offer features and services that are not available with a traditional phone, or are available but only for an additional fee. You may also be able to avoid paying for both a broadband connection and a traditional telephone line.
Q: What Are Some Disadvantages of VoIP?
A: If you’re considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible differences:
• Some VoIP services don’t work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power.
• Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through 9-1-1. For additional information, see VoIP & 911 Advisory.
• VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings.
Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology. You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service.
From www.fcc.gov/voip
If I have Voice Over IP service, who can I call?
Thursday, September 17th, 2009Depending upon your service, you might be limited only to other subscribers to the service, or you may be able to call anyone who has a telephone number – including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. If you are calling someone who has a regular analog phone, that person does not need any special equipment to talk to you. Some VoIP services may allow you to speak with more than one person at a time.
Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology. You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service.
From www.fcc.gov/voip
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need for Voice Over IP?
Thursday, September 17th, 2009A broadband (high speed Internet) connection is required. This can be through a cable modem, or high speed services such as DSL or a local area network. A computer, adaptor, or specialized phone is required. Some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, while other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter. If you use your computer, you will need some software and an inexpensive microphone. Special VoIP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and operate largely like a traditional telephone. If you use a telephone with a VoIP adapter, you’ll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone.
Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology. You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service.
From www.fcc.gov/voip
How VoIP / Internet Voice Works
Thursday, September 17th, 2009VoIP services convert your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before it reaches the destination. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. In addition, wireless “hot spots” in locations such as airports, parks, and cafes allow you to connect to the Internet and may enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly.
Aspects of these considerations may change with new developments in internet technology. You should always check with the VoIP service provider you choose to confirm any advantages and limitations to their service.
From www.fcc.gov/voip
Registry Cleaners Advantages
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009There are many advantages in using a registry cleaner. It can improve the performance of your computer by getting rid of the unneeded files and information that is in the registry. Some registry cleaners also offer backup and restoration functions that allow the user to revert changes made by the registry cleaner, in case something goes wrong or it interferes with a program in your computer. For someone who often adds and removes programs from their computer, a registry cleaner can be useful.