LOOSE LAPTOP JACK
If your notebook has a loose laptop jack, minimally the jack must need to be resoldered. You cannot continue to giggle it with the hope that it will always work.
PRINTER INK CARTRIDGE REFILLS
If you are considering using less expensive third party printer ink cartridge refills because of cost, attempt to find out how the cartridges are filled and their guarantee. The most successful process for refilling ink cartridges is vacuum filling. Using this process, the cap is removed from the top of the cartridge and the ink is placed inside. The cap is then re-glued. Some refilling process involve drilling into the cartridge. Either is more reliable than using a needle or syringe.
QUICK LAPTOP NO TURN ON TEST
If your laptop doesn't power up, physically remove the battery from the laptop and attempt to turn on again with ac power only. Sometimes if a battery is totally drained or dead, it will keep the laptop from powering up.
DOES YOUR WINDOWS NEED TO BE RE-INSTALLED?
If you are having trouble with your Windows loading, this simple test will tell you how serious of a problem you have. Turn off the computer, turn it back on and press the F8 key during the turn on process. This will make the computer start in WINDOWS SAFE MODE. Select SAFE MODE. If the computer doesn't start up in safe mode, your Windows will probably have to be reinstalled.
BE GREEN AND SAVE $$$BY SAVING POWER
To save on your power bill, connect surge protectors to your electronic equipment and turn off the power from the surge protector. Other ways to save include using the power saving features on your computer(s) and lower the brightness settings on your LCDs and TVs.
IS FREE SOFTWARE REALLY FREE?
Many software downloads claim to be free, but that isn't always so. In some cases, the free version of a software package is less powerful or has less capacity than the pay version of the same program. The company hopes that using the free version will convince you to upgrade and buy the pay version. Trailware is software that you can use for a limited period of time before it shuts down. Once the trial period is up, you must either pay for the software or stop using it. Shareware, like trial ware is free for a period of time and will be functional even after the trial period. The shareware company relies on the honor system to get paid. Good sites to visit for free software are www.shareware.com and www.freeware.com.
INKJET PRINTER REPAIR - IS IT WORTH IT?
In most cases, NO. Printer manufacturers sell the printers at or below their cost in order to get them into your hands so they make their money on the ink. If you think a gallon of gas was expensive last summer, figure out what a gallon of printer ink would cost you. If a printer breaks the minimum part replacement cost would be at least $50 plus labor. It's cheaper to replace the printer with a new one. If your printer is not under manufacturer warranty and you have tried running the printer cleaning utility at least three times, REPLACE IT. Don't even waste your time buying a set of replacement cartridges to test with because if they don't work, you're stuck with a set of ink cartridges that you can't return.
USEFUL WEBSITES - YAHOO ANSWERS
This is the first in a series of useful websites. Yahoo Answers is a great question and answer site. People ask questions on any topic and other people answer. Place your question under the appropriate topic category. Other visitors rate the answers and the best answer earns points. 10/17/08
LIVEMOCHA
Livemocha (www.livemocha.com) is a new, free approach to learning languages. You sign up and select the language you are proficient in and the language you want to learn.
WIRELESS PROBLEM TIP
If you wireless connection isn't working, first restart the computer with the wireless problem. If that doesn't work, shut down the wireless router and restart it. If that doesn't work shut down the high-speed modem and restart that.
HOW TO REMOVE A STUCK CD FROM A CD DRIVE
Most CD and DVD drives have a small pin-sized hole located on the front of the drive. That hole acts as an emergency EJECT drive in the event that the CD drive door doesn't open. TO OPEN: straighten a paper clip and SLOWLY insert the clip into the hole. Keep pushing even when you begin to feel resistance. The CD drive should eventually pop open. 10/17/08
ANTIVIRUS 2008 SPYWARE
A nasty spyware program called ANTIVIRUS 2008 tricks you into downloading it onto your computer. It uses different names and could be called Vista 2008, Microsoft 2008 (or 09), or other name. It usually has the familiar Windows blue template. A message states that you have a virus on your computer and to remove the virus you should download this program. It will request a minimum $50 payment (have seen $80) to download. DO NOT DOWNLOAD. This spyware is very difficult to remove and many times the computer Windows operating system must be restored and all your files will be lost. Rely on your own updated antivirus program to keep your computer clean and safe. A good general rule to follow: NEVER DOWNLOAD ANY PROGRAM TO YOUR COMPUTER IF THEY INITIATE THE CONTACT ON THE INTERNET. 10/10/08.
FREE AVG 8.0 Upgrade
AVG has upgraded their free antivirus software to version 8.01. The software is available by typing in free.grisoft.com. You will then be directed to a CNET site where you can download their software. After downloading, make sure to get the latest updates. This newer version is more invasive than their older versions, again demonstrating that you do pay one way or the other, even with free software. Overall AVG is a very good free antivirus program.
09/15/08
TECH TIPS - WHEN YOU'VE PICKED UP YOUR COMPUTER FROM SERVICE.
You've just picked up your computer from the service department. When you get it home:
1. First check to see if the problem was corrected (unless the problem was internet - do not go on internet yet).
2. Back up any important data off the computer onto a separate backup drive or flash drive.
3. If your computer does not have anti-virus or anti-spyware software installed, do so PRIOR TO GOING ON INTERNET.
4. Reload your printer and software applications.
5. Test getting on the internet.
6. If your problem was virus or spyware related limit your time on the internet initially.
This section will discuss taking preventative measures to protect yourself when (not if) you have computer problems.
LESSON ONE
YOU WILL (not may) HAVE A COMPUTER PROBLEM AT SOME POINT.
LESSON TWO
The first item is so important, it is listed as FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD.
- Make sure to CONSISTANTLY BACKUP your MY DOCUMENTS folder and any other important data or picture files to something EXTERNAL TO THE COMPUTER. Copy your music files and pictures onto CDs. Save important information to a storage area separate from the computer hard drive.
LESSON THREE
Make sure that your computer uses UPDATED virus and spyware protection software. It’s a good idea to manually check for updates at least once a month (even if your program is automatically set to update).
Do not open any email attachments unless they are first scanned for a virus.
Do not download any software that appears in a Popup and claims to protect your computer.
Use a surge protector with at least a 1000-joule rating to protect against power problems.
Do not plug or unplug any cables with the computer on.
Disconnect your computer from your surge protector during an electrical storm.
Never give social security number or checking account information over the Internet.
Do not move your laptop while it is on. Power it down first.
Print at least one page from your inkjet printer at least once a week.
DON’T BE FIRST
Don’t be swayed to be the first on the block to put that brand new operating system on your computer or buy that brand new computer with the new fastest chip on the block.
The first release of any new software product or program is going to have more problems then the following upgrade. Unless the manufacturer is paying you to be a beta test for their problems WAIT AT LEAST 6 MONTHS to upgrade any operating system upgrade or any hardware upgrade.
DON'T BECOME DEPENDENT ON ILLEGAL SOFTWARE.
You just purchased a computer but didn't want to spend an extra $150-200 to get a copy of Microsoft Office, so your friend, neighbor, relative whoever says they have a copy and will load it onto your computer. If you ever have to reload your computer you'll have to obtain that illegal software again. Protect yourself by purchasing legal copies of software. Get them on DVD (don't download).
THE 10 MOST COMMON PROBLEMS.
Listed below are the 10 most common computer related problems and what to check for each one. Take two aspirin and email me in the morning.
NO PICTURE ON THE SCREEN.
Check power to the computer. Is there a power light?
Check the monitor.
Is monitor getting power?
Is monitor connected to computer?
Is the monitor light solid green (indicates ok) or flashing green or amber (indicates a connection problem).
If there are multiple computers in the house, try a different monitor on the computer.
COMPUTER STARTS BUT DOESN’T START WINDOWS.
Try to run Virus and or Spyware Removal programs.
Restart the computer in SAFE MODE (Press f8 on startup). If the computer goes into SAFE MODE, you probably have a software or device driver problem. If computer goes into SAFE MODE, try to run your virus program first and spyware removal program after. THEY MAY NOT RUN.
If the computer starts up in SAFE MODE, check the video settings under DISPLAY. Change the RESOLUTION or NUMBER OF COLORS and restart the computer.
If the computer DOES NOT start into SAFE MODE, you probably have corrupt Windows and will need either a WINDOWS REPAIR or WINDOWS RELOAD.
Make sure there isn’t a BOOTABLE CD in the CD DRIVE. Whatever is in the CD drive may be affecting the turn on process.
COMPUTER RUNS SLOW.
Was the computer always slow or did it slow up recently?. If it was always slow, you may need more memory or a faster processor.
Check your system specifications – do you have enough memory and free hard drive space?
Scan computer for viruses or spyware.
RUN SCANDISK on your hard drive.
Run tests to check your hard drive.
Determine what programs can be removed from your system or startup file (advanced).
4. CANNOT GET ON THE INTERNET
Check for SPYWARE first, then viruses.
If you have multiple computers or a wireless network, first try a different computer.
If you have a ROUTER in your setup: RESET THE ROUTER (turn off the power for 20 seconds).
RESET THE HIGH SPEED MODEM (Turn off for 20 seconds) NOTE: With some modems you actually have to remove the backup battery AND then turn the modem off in order to properly reset).
IF THE PROBLEM IS COMPUTER RELATED:
Check in DEVICE MANAGER (under CONTROL PANEL) and see if there are any QUESTION MARKS or EXCLAIMATION MARKS on DEVICES. If there is either one under NETWORK SETTINGS or MODEM settings, delete the device and click REFRESH – let Windows try to reconfigure the device.
Turn off all programs in your STARTUP FILE.
Try a different computer with your Internet connection.
If wireless, take your computer or laptop to a different internet HOTSPOT and try to connect.
.POPUPS APPEAR WHEN ON THE INTERNET.
Turn off the Internet connection.
Scan for viruses and spyware.
After removing spyware, if the popups reappear when back on the Internet your computer should probably BE RELOADED.
5.WIRELESS CONNECTION PROBLEMS
Try to isolate if problem is with router or laptop / desktop.
Run NETWORK REPAIR.
If laptop, make sure network switch is on (if your unit has one).
Uninstall any manufacturer networking software and let Windows handle your wireless networking.
6.YOUR PASSWORD NO LONGER LOGS YOU ONTO THE COMPUTER.
There are two types of passwords – A password setup in the system BIOS and a password you setup in WINDOWS. For you security conscious people, you can have a CMOS password on startup and a second password when Windows starts. In Windows, each individual user can have their own password so other users on the same computer won’t have access to each other’s information.
If password is in WINDOWS (XP)
Press F8 on startup.
Log into ADMINISTRATOR
Go under
Under VISTA, the password is harder to remove.
????
- IF THE PASSWORD IS A CMOS PASSWORD (BEFORE YOU SEE WINDOWS) Try to remove CMOS battery on MB and let sit.
7. NO SOUND.
Make sure speaker connector cable is plugged into correct spot (green color, SPK or OUT)
Make sure speakers have power, are turned on and volume control knob is mid way.
Make sure that you haven’t accidentally MUTED the sound in Windows. Make sure the little speaker icon on the Taskbar is MUTED.
Check the SOUND settings under CONTROL PANEL. Make sure nothing is turned off.
Check DEVICE MANAGER and make sure there isn’t any exclamation marks or question marks under SOUND. If there are, delete the device and REFRESH or let windows FIND NEW HARDWARE. It may set the sound up properly.
8. A DEVICE – NETWORK CARD/ MODEM / SOUNDCARD / etc DOESN’T WORK
Check Device Manager for any conflicts. If the part has a question mark or exclamation point, either the part is failed or the driver is corrupted.
Try to install the device letting Windows find the device during installation.
Install the device using the manufacturer's driver.
Contact the manufacturer for an updated driver.
Try the device in a different slot or with different cables.
Try a replacement device.
9. LAPTOP WON’T POWER UP.
Physically remove the laptop battery and try to turn on the laptop with the battery outside the unit.
See if the AC charger is getting a solid green light on the square transformer. If not try a replacement power supply BUT MAKE SURE THE VOLTAGES MATCH AND THE AMPERAGE IS NOT HIGHER.
Plug the laptop into an external monitor and try to turn on again. Press the FUNCTION KEY and the DUAL MONITOR KEYS simultaneously. If the laptop is working properly, it will switch the image from the laptop to the external monitor.
10. PRINTER DOESN’T PRINT
Make sure the tape was taken off the ink cartridge(s).
Run the printer cleaning option under the printer software three consecutive times.
Cartridge is out of ink. Try a different cartridge.
Try a printer self test without using the computer. If the printer prints, your problem is with the computer or printer cable.
