Computer Repair Bolton

Introduction

All LCD monitors have hundreds of thousands of pixels, each made up of three color cells. It is rare for every cell in every pixel to be working properly. Monitor manufacturers have a minimum number of dead and stuck pixels that each of their monitors can have, even when they are brand new. If your monitor is no longer under warranty or your manufacturer won’t support the number of pixels you have problems with, there are still solutions. Read on to learn how to fix a stuck pixel on an LCD monitor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step One

Identify your pixel problem. A stuck pixel is one where one or more of the cells is stuck on (so you have a bright, oddly coloured, point of light) or off (you have an oddly dark spot). A dead pixel that no longer works will appear as a black spot.

Step Two

Try running pixel fixing software. This method is the safest for the health of your monitor so it should always be the first thing you attempt. There are several pixel testing programs out there and most of them are free. The software will rapidly turn pixels on and off. Cycling through the various colours very rapidly will sometimes “unstick” the pixels and fix the problem.

Step Three

Memorize the location of the pixel and turn off your monitor. Using a pointed, but dull, object (such as a screwdriver) poke your monitor gently at the point of the stuck pixel. You may want to use a protective cloth so the object doesn’t directly touch the screen. While poking, turn the monitor on and continue to poke for a few seconds. This may fix the pixel.

Step Four

Tap on the stuck pixel with a soft but pointed object such as the edge of a pencil eraser. You will need to do this hard enough to create a discolouration at the point of impact but not so hard as to hurt the screen. After tapping the monitor five to 10 times, the pixel may start to behave normally.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don’t find success with any of the pressure methods, you can try working on the pixels around the damaged one. This is a last ditch effort and is potentially damaging to the monitor.

• When working with stuck pixels, it is best to use a completely black or completely white background. This make the pixels stand out the best.

• Be very careful with any method that requires you to touch your screen. You may not fix the problem and you may create more stuck or dead pixels in the process.

written by admin \\ tags: dead pixels, stuck

Introduction

If a CD or CD-ROM gets scratched, it often becomes unplayable. Don’t write off your favorite album or computer game yet, though.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need

• Commercial Disc-repair Solution

• Very Mild Abrasive Cleaner

• Mild Soap Such As Dish washing Liquid

• Soft Cloth

Step One

Clean your disc so that you can see where the scratches are. Holding the disc by its edges, wash it with mild soap and water and pat it dry (don’t rub it or you’ll make more scratches). Sometimes this is enough to make a disc playable again.

Step Two

Examine the clean disc carefully under a good light. Scratches that are likely to affect disc play run parallel to the edge of the disc. Vertical scratches that run between the centre hole and the edge are usually not a problem.

Step Three

For minor scratches, carefully clean the clear plastic that protects the aluminium inside the disc. Use a soft, damp cloth and a small amount of very mild abrasive cleaner–plain white toothpaste, metal cleaner or plastic cleaner. The key is not to make new scratches. When polishing or cleaning, always rub gently from the inside of the disc to the outside (see illustration). That way, any scratches you make will be the harmless vertical kind.

Step Four

After wiping away a scratch, clean the disc again, let it dry and try playing it again. If it still skips, repeat the process.

Step Five

If your disc is severely scratched, try using a combination abrasion and waxing technique with a commercial disc-repair solution.

written by admin \\ tags: cd scratched

Introduction

A wireless router allows you to be able to work from anywhere. Being able to access a printer through a wireless router makes your work environment even more flexible. There are three different ways to accomplish printing through a wireless router, so you can choose the solution that best fits your network.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Print Using a Wireless Router With a USB Port

Things You’ll Need

• Wireless router

• USB and/or network cables

• Printer

Step One

Purchase one of the many wireless routers which have a USB port for a printer. This is a feature to look for when purchasing a new wireless router, as it allows for better flexibility (and price) than other methods of printing from a wireless network.

Step Two

Install and configure the wireless router. The wireless router must be functioning correctly before you can effectively print through it.

Step Three

Plug the printer into the wireless router by attaching the printer’s USB cable into the USB port on the router. All computers that have previously used this printer must now have access to the wireless network or a bridged wired network to continue being able to print.

Print Using a Network-Capable Printer

Step One

Purchase a printer with a network port, a port that is designed to be used in networked environments. This feature is primarily for printers designed for use in an office environment, so this solution is likely to be more expensive but more flexible.

Step Two

Install and configure the wireless router to your computer and network.

Step Three

Connect the printer’s network cable to a wired port on the wireless router. This will also work if the printer is on another attached network.

Print Using File and Print Sharing in a Windows Operating System

Step One

Install and configure the printer on a computer that has WiFi or is connected to the wireless router.

Step Two

Ensure the printer is working correctly.

Step Three

Install “File and Print Sharing” on the computer with the printer. This will allow the printer to be shared across the network. However, the computer with the printer will have to be on in order for wireless clients to print through the router. It’s not the most flexible solution, but it will work with existing equipment.

Step Four

Click on “Start -> Control Panel -> Printers and Faxes.”

Step Five

Select the printer to be shared and right-click on it.

Step Six

Select “Sharing.”

Step Seven

Put a check mark in the “Share This Printer” option and give it a descriptive share name.

Step Eight

Click “OK.”

Step Nine

Click on “Start -> Control Panel -> Printers and Faxes” on the computer that needs print access through the wireless router.

Step Ten

Select “Add a Printer,” then hit the “Next” button.

Step Eleven

Choose “A Network Printer” and hit the “Next” button again.

Step Twelve

Click “Browse for a Printer,” then “Next.”

Step Thirteen

Find the printer you want to print to, then click “Next.”

Step Fourteen

Follow the instructions on the screen to finish setting up the printer.

written by admin \\ tags: wireless printing

You have moved, and moved everything successfully except your printer cable. And now you’ve found out that a printer is not much good without its corresponding cable. Or, maybe your cat has chewed through your cable. Whatever has happened, it’s a cinch to replace a printer cable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need

Owner’s manual or packaging

Computer

Printer

Step One

Determine what kind of printer cable you have. If it has been too long or you never knew in the first place, you have to find out what you need to replace.

Step Two

Look for a parallel port. It is wide and relatively thin. This is the most common printer cable type on older models.

Step Three

Look for a serial port. It looks somewhat similar to a parallel port, but usually smaller. This is used only on Macintosh-compatible printers, and is also more common on older printers

Step Four

Look for a USB port. This is almost the only type of connection you find on modern printers. It is much smaller than parallel or serial ports and does not involve pins at all. It’s a port about ¾ of an inch in size.

Step Five

Look at the owner’s manual or packaging to determine the kind of cable you’ll be replacing.

Step Six

Go to the store or find an online retailer that can sell you the cable for a reasonable price

written by admin \\ tags: printer cable

Tips for Successful Data Recovery

There follows a number of tips for safeguarding data against additional damage in the event of data loss. Perhaps the most important tip is to never assume that data is irrecoverable. Professional data recovery services offer the expertise and tools required to recover data quickly and successfully.

Physical Damage

Physical damage can manifest itself in many forms including clicking, grinding, spinning or other strange noises. If you suspects physical damage, these tips can help reduce further data loss:

• Do not shake, disassemble or attempt to clean any hard drive or server that has been damaged – improper handling can jeopardise the data recovery process

• Never attempt to operate any visibly damaged devices

• Turn off computer immediately – further operation may damage data beyond repair

• Do not use recovery software since it may destroy what was otherwise recoverable data

• Do not place a fire-damaged drive in refrigerator to cool media and do not try to remove hard drive – ship entire computer for recovery

• Never attempt to dry water damaged media by exposing it to heat. Instead, place the media in a container that will keep it damp before shipping

Physical damage, no matter what the cause, requires clean room attention.

Non-physical Damage

• Users may see messages such as “No OS found”, “Corrupt Volume” or may simply be missing files and folders

• Shut the computer down immediately. The longer a damaged hard drive is left running, the more data that can be irretrievably lost

• Do not run “CHKDSK” or “VRepair”

written by dave \\ tags: Recovery

The continual penning and circulating of computer viruses and of panic about them grants the sellers of commercial antivirus software a financial interest in the ongoing existence of viruses. A few suppose that antivirus companies have fiscal links to virus authors, to generate their own marketplace, though there’s actually no evidence that we know of. Some of the antivirus software can reduce computer performance considerably.

Users can disable the antivirus protection to get over the performance loss, therefore raising the danger of infection. For the greatest protection the antivirus software requires to be enabled at all times-often at the cost of more sluggish performance. It’s also all important to recognise that an individual shouldn’t have more than one antivirus software package set up on an individual computer at any given time. This may severely cripple your computer and cause additional damage.

It is essential to temporarily disable computer virus security while you set up major updates such as Windows Service Packs or updating graphics card drivers. Having antivirus protection functioning at the same time as installation of a major update might keep the update from installing correctly or even installing at all. Once you do make up your mind to buy antivirus software, the arrangement might include a clause that your subscription will be automatically renewed, and your credit card automatically charged at the time you’re supposed to renew without you authorising it.

For instance, Mcafee expects you to subscribe at least sixty days prior to the expiration of your present subscription, Whenever that’s the case, the subscriber could contest the charges with the credit card issuer, but this course of action is probably to be of no help to you if as a matter of fact the subscriber had cleared such a “uninterrupted payment authority”.

A few anti-virus programs are in reality malware masquerading as anti-virus software. It’s to your advantage to ascertain that the software package which you’re downloading is really a genuine antivirus program. A few commercial antivirus software programs hold adware,

For instance, the home/small business edition of a CA Anti-Virus 2008 exhibits an advertisement for CA products whenever the desktop is unlocked after a period of time while the computing machine isn’t active. It will be no surprise when computer viruses that plague the desktop and the laptop computer world rapidly migrate to mobile devices. Increasingly sellers in this space are providing solutions to combat this.

Antivirus programs arrive in a lot of various forms and range from affordable to very costly but believe me, without an anti-virus program you’re going to finish up worse off money-wise in the end because of the expenses of reviving or replacing your computer. You are able to locate a lot of these types of programs for your home computing machine or office computer right here on the World Wide Web or in some computer shop in your region.

Good luck with keeping your computer up and running correctly and if you don’t already have an antivirus program for your computing system, please look at opting to buy yourself one without delay. Article Source: My Articles Directory About the Author: Discover more about antivirus programs at anti-virus guide

written by admin \\ tags: virus

These annoying bugs have become a bane for internet browsers worldwide. They have become a normal occurrence that we sometimes tend to ignore but God forbid we should never accept.

Spyware is computer software that spies on your internet usage. It collects highly personal and confidential information like credit card numbers, IPs and even addresses. The spyware program gets the credit card entries as the user logs them on a web form or an online application. Some spyware are even programmed to record your usage of the internet, what sites you visit, what files you download and how long you stay online.

The information are then sent or sold to advertisers which make good use of them for advertising campaigns that targets specific markets or audience. Usually, Spyware records IP addresses and shopping habits covertly or without the knowledge or consent of users. They do that in a number of ways. Some uses logging keystrokes to get information while some access the documents found in your computer’s hard disk.

The term spyware first came to use in 1995 but the adoption of its present meaning came five years later. Spyware has been identified as the top security threats to computers using the Microsoft Windows operating systems. And Internet Explorer users were found to be the ones more susceptible to spyware attacks. Because of the popularity of IE and Windows, spyware programs were created to specifically attack and find its way from the internet into IE and into the important parts of the Windows operating system.

The threats are real and that’s why the anti-spyware industry is flourishing. For every new spyware discovered, an anti-spyware program or update is created. These anti-spyware products usually disable or remove the existing spyware from the user’s computer system. Once installed, they also provide protection preventing a variety of spyware programs from installing themselves in your computer.

However, there’s a need to update these anti-spyware programs regularly. The World Wide Web is a fast pace medium. Everything in there changes quickly and even sporadically. The same goes with spyware. You never know when advertisers, web developers or even the government will come out with newer versions of spyware or adware that have improved ways of accessing your files and personal information. Some spyware program offer an uninstall option together with the program.

Most of the time, however, these uninstall options don’t work. Some even installs more spyware instead of removing that particular one. So, it is best that you rely on services of anti-spyware programs to fully remove them from your operating system.

But while it is good that there are various anti-spyware programs at your disposal, it is better that you prevent the installation of these spyware in the first place. Some of the techniques that you could use are to disable the automatic installations of programs in your internet browsers and to install pop-up blockers.

Spyware and adware attaches themselves more frequently on those rather annoying advertising pop-ups. When accessing your email, it is a good practice to ignore mails that came from persons that you do not know or those that contain a vague subject. It is best that you delete these emails without opening them. It is quite cumbersome, but you really need to take time doing these things to make sure that your computers are free from spyware.

To Remove the Worse You Need the Best (best free spyware adware removal)

Imagine yourself walking along a busy street, minding your own business. You stop by a men’s clothing store. You look at the window display, point at a new pair of shoes. After a few minutes of gawking at the window display you move on home.

As you go inside your house, you noticed a flyer on your porch. The flyer is on the exact pair of shoes that you saw in the men’s store. How did they know? Was it coincidence? If this all happened in the internet, then it’s probably not a coincidence. Your computer has been watched and your “movement” in the Web has been recorded. Your operating system has some spyware in it.

Spyware are computer programs that attach themselves in whatever things you download online. They are designed to track you wherever you go online. Spyware is a little different from adware. Adware are also referred to as freeware and are basically ads that pop-up when you open a website or webpage or open a program.

Spyware are similar in that they are also freeware, however, spyware programs have embedded tracking programs which reports your activity in the internet to the spyware agent which in turn provides the information to advertisers and web developers. With this information, advertisers and web developers and even the government can feed your computers with any information they want without your consent and even without you noticing it.

It is best, therefore that you employ some precautionary measures yourselves to stay free from spyware and adware attacks. First you need to disable auto installation of software programs in your internet browsers and you need use pop-up blockers and firewall protection.

This is your first line of defense against such spyware programs. The next thing to do is to get decent anti-spyware programs. It shouldn’t be too hard, there are a lot of them nowadays and most of them are free or at the very least have free trial accounts.

Among the most popular free anti-spyware and adware programs are Ad Aware and Active Shield. Ad Aware offers advanced protection against Data-mining, Parasites, aggressive advertising, Scumware and some traditional viruses and tracking systems like Trojans, Dialers, Malware and Browser hijackers. Active Shield on the other hand targets trojans and spyware.

Other popular anti-spyware software include Spy-Ad Exterminator Free which searches the computer’s memory, hard drives, and registry for spyware, adware, worms, hijacks, keyloggers, among others; Spy Cleaner Lite which identifies and removes programs that has been covertly installed in your systems; Spyware Doctor is an advanced adware and spyware removal program; Free Spyware Scanner tells the user how their computer got infected and the best solution for spyware removal; Doctor Alex Antispyware; Spyware Begone; 1-2-3 Spyware Free; and Easy Spyware Scanner.

Most of the time, these anti-spyware scanners and removal utilities will locate spyware and adware in your computer and will delete, ignore, or quarantine each and every one of them. Some anti-spyware programs will remove spyware automatically while other provides a user interface option where you can customize specific actions the anti-spyware would perform.

Some other popular spyware removal software includes Anti-Hijacker, Spyware & Adware Removal, Max Secure Spyware Detector, and Deluxe Spy-Kill utilities. These are just some of the more popular spyware removal software. It’s up to you which one you choose, but try to look for reputable ones. Look at reviews and ask for referrals from friends.
Article Source: My Articles Directory
About the Author: Matthew Meyer is an internet marketer who manages http://www.thefreeadforum.com where you can post your permanent free advertising to over 50,000 members daily. Click here to visit http://www.thefreeadforum.com

written by admin \\ tags: adaware

We would be lost without our computers. Businesses are able to operate, keep track of their inventory and order new supplies all through the use of computers. Personal computers keep track of our finances, allow us to surf the World Wide Web and provide ways to relax us through the use of video games

Computer memory is the most vital component that makes your pc run. Did you not know that? Do not feel bad because most computer users know just enough about their personal and work computers to know when something goes wrong.

You can get ahead of the pack by this article. You can learn what computer memory is and how it affects the performance of your business or personal pc/laptop.

How can I tell how much RAM I have on my computer?

If you do not automatically know… what is wrong with you? That is a joke of course. Most people do not know the technical aspects of their computer right off hand. Most never need to know as long as it is working correctly but there is a way to find out very quickly.

Simply find the My Computer or Computer icon on your desktop and right click once. A window will pop up, scroll to the bottom where it reads “Properties.” Left click on Properties and a window will pop up with all of your technical information. You can look under “System” to find your processor speed and your memory.

What is volatile storage?

Volatile storage is any storage or items that were temporarily stored that will be cleared when you power down your computer. RAM is cleared each time you power your computer down and volatile storage acts in the same manner. It is the opposite of non-volatile storage where information is permanently saved to the hard drive of your desktop or laptop computer.

What is Random and Sequential Access?

Random access is the ability of the pc to draw on different storage randomly. The data does not have to travel a set path in order to be stored or accessed. Sequential access is the direct opposite. There must be a set data path in order for the computer to be able to access the information it needs in order to run properly.

Can the information found in a computer memory be changed?

Yes, information found in a computer’s memory can be changed. RAM is deleted and cleared whenever you restart your pc. Long term storage can be deleted and changed to meet your specifications. If you do not know how to change your data, you can always seek out message boards specializing in data storage.

Can different computers use the same memory?

As long as the computer has the same base components, it can use different memory module options. Some computers on a network may be able to be connected together so that they can use a larger RAM database. The database would have to be pretty large for more than one computer to be connected and all of them using the RAM. Article Source: My Articles Directory About the Author: Enrich your knowledge further about the computer memory from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our discount computer memory blog where a free gift awaits you.

written by admin \\ tags: Memory

Digital memory devices let you store and retrieve data whenever you need. They are compatible with most electronic goods. Many consumers prefer digital memory devices because of their small size, durability and portability. There are many different types of digital memory devices in the market. It is always good to consider which kind of digital memory device is compatible with your electronics before choosing one.

How does a memory card store data?

A memory card functions electronically and uses flash memory, also called flash RAM, to store data on non-volatile memory chips. Memory cards have the ability to electrically erase or reprogram any recorded data.

What are the different types of memory devices available in the market?

CompactFlash (CF):

CompactFlash is in the size of a matchbox and is used in a variety of electronic devices, including PDAs, digital cameras, digital voice recorders and set-top television boxes. There are two models: Type I and Type II. The latter is thicker and provides expandable memory options. Type I cards will often fit in a standard laptop PC slot with the use of an inexpensive adapter and are also compatible with Compact Flash Type II slots. CompactFlash cards can be used in a PCMCIA slot if you have an adaptor. Otherwise, you need a device with a CompactFlash Type I slot.

SmartMedia (SM):

The SmartMedia is often called as SSFDC cards (Solid-State Flash Digital Cards). They are as thin as credit cards and about the size of a matchbox. They are specifically designed for portable digital devices such as digital cameras, portable MP3 players, PDAs and the like. SmartMedia is available with storage capacities of up to 128 megabytes. Some devices have slots for both Smart Media and CompactFlash cards. If this is not the case, you need a SmartMedia slot to use a SmartMedia card.

MultiMedia Card (MMC):

The MMC is a postage stamp-sized card used in mobile phones, pagers, video cameras, global positioning systems, portable MP3 players and PDAs. Their storage capacity ranges from 256 MB to 4 GB. Devices that use Secure Digital cards will also accept MultiMedia Cards.

Secure Digital (SD):

The Secure Digital memory card succeeded the MMC card. It is slightly thicker than the MMC card, has additional storage capacity and a digital copyright security scheme to store copyrighted data. This digital memory device is popular among many new PDAs, organizers, phones, and MP3 players. Devices that use MultiMedia Cards may also accept Secure Digital cards.

Memory Stick:

The memory stick is a storage device developed exclusively by Sony. It is most compatible with Sony products like digital cameras, portable MP3 players and PDAs. They have a storage capacity of 256 MB to 8 GB and support 1.1 and 2.0 USB for better connectivity. There is a special version of the Memory Stick with digital-rights management features for certain devices. This card is known by one of the following names - Magic Gate Memory Stick, MagicGate Memory Stick Duo Media, or Memory Stick PRO Duo Media. Users can share and transport data via their computer’s USB port with the help of Micro Vault USB Storage Media.

xD Picture Card:

The xD-Picture card is the smallest storage format developed for recording, storing and transporting audio-visual information. In addition, xD-Picture Cards are designed to minimize power consumption and extend the battery life of your digital devices. You can use xD cards in a CompactFlash slot if you have an adaptor. Some devices have slots for both xD and SmartMedia cards. If the device does not have both slots, only a device with an xD slot will work with an xD Picture card.

What are Memory Card Readers and Adapters?

Memory card adapters maximize a memory card’s performance by increasing data transfer speeds to 60 MB/sec. Besides the potential for expansion, memory card adapters have the ability to transfer data without having to connect the device to your computer with a cable. The memory card readers read most of the memory cards including all SD cards, CF cards, MMC series and much more. Most of the readers also offer writing capability and thus they function as a pen drive.

Which brands are most popular?

Memory cards produced by digital device manufacturers, like Sony and Olympus, tend to be quite popular with consumers. If you are concerned about the speed of your digital memory device, opt for brands like Lexar, SimpleTech or SanDisk. Lexar high speed cards, SimpleTech ProX cards and SanDisk Ultra cards have significantly higher speeds than most standard memory cards.

What are the handling instructions for using a memory card?

Do not remove a memory card from a device while data is being processed. It is advisable to switch off the operating device before removing a memory card. Also, you should remove a memory card from any device that is low in battery charge. Avoid touching the metal connectors of memory cards, especially those on Secure Digital cards, Smart Media cards and XD cards, to avoid electrostatic discharge of data. Article Source: My Articles Directory About the Author: Bob Shanty has been researching and writing articles that help shoppers make more educated buying decisions and buy portable memory storage devices for online shopping
mega store BIGshop for years. For more articles by Bob please visit http://www.bigshop.com.au.

written by admin \\ tags: digital memory

CPU-Z

CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system.

CPU

• Name and number.
• Core stepping and process.
• Package.
• Core voltage.
• Internal and external clocks, clock multiplier.
• Supported instructions sets.
• Cache information.

Mainboard

• Vendor, model and revision.
• BIOS model and date.
• Chipset (northbridge and southbridge) and sensor.
• Graphic interface.

Memory

• Frequency and timings.
• Module(s) specification using SPD (Serial Presence Detect) : vendor, serial number, timings table.

System

• Windows and DirectX version.

written by admin \\ tags: overclock