RAM Failure

RAM Failure

Summary: -

If you see random application crashes, kernel panics, and failures in simple programs that have worked for a long time, it is possible you are experiencing RAM failure. 

Symptoms: -

When RAM starts going bad, what you write to an address is not what you get back when you read it later. This causes random corruption of data, programs that crash, and even kernel "oops"es and kernel panics. If it's only a small amount of RAM that is corrupt then few programs will fail, but something will eventually fail when that memory gets used.

Some kernel panics may bring the system to a halt. If they reoccur soon after the system is off for a while you can be more confident it isn't a heat-related issue.

Even small programs may fail if they happen to use the affected memory. If they work once but then fail on a different attempt, this can be a sign of memory failure, since the memory used will be different from run to run.

Diagnosis:-

When a computer is turned on, it goes through what is called a POST (power-on self test) routine.  This is a short diagnostic procedure incorporated into the boot sequence by the BIOS manufacture for troubleshooting purposes. 

Many times when there is an error in your boot sequence you will receive an on-screen error message. This error was printed by the video card. But, in some cases, the error is detected early in the boot process and the error cannot be received by the video card. The problem may even be caused by the video card or the monitor.  This is why the need for beep codes came to be. If there are three short beeps when you turn on your computer, it indicates ram failure.

Once you suspect RAM is failing, I recommend using Memtest86+ (To download Memtest86+ click here Memtest86+). The easiest way to use it is find an Ubuntu CD. One of the options when booting from the CD is to run a memory test. Let it run through at least one entire test suite, such that the Pass column increases to 1. Preferably let it run overnight to get many successful runs.

Computer POST / beep codes

Computer POST / beep codes

AMI BIOS beep codes:

Below are the AMI BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.

AWARD BIOS beep codes:

Below are Award BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.

Different Types of Computer Processors

Different Types of Computer Processors

Traditionally computer processor design and innovation has advanced at an exceedingly fast rate. As a corollary, the market for computer processors is vast and often times confusing to a first time explorer. However, learning the key feature sets and functions that set each processor apart from one another is not very difficult at all.

Brands

Since the inception of mainstream computing into the homes of society, but there has been consumer and commercial level computer processor manufacturers. The Intel Corporation is undoubtedly the first name when any consumer thinks of the word processor is mentioned. Intel has been producing the most top-line computer processors for several decades now. AMD or Advanced Micro Devices is Intel's only true competitor in the computer processor market producing computer processors, which rival the speed and power of Intel's.

Architecture

When considering the architecture of a computer processor, there are really only a few key factors to consider. Whether the processor has a 32-bit or 64-bit core determines whether or not the processor can run your software correctly. The amount of on die processor cache memory is also of importance, as this integrated memory space is where processor instructions are held before execution. Finally, is the system a single, dual or quad core processor? While multicore processors do have their advantages there is still a lack of software able to utilize multicore processors.

Clock Speed

The clock speed of a computer processor determines the rate at which a processor executes instructions on data. Today this rate of execution is expressed in billions of instructions per second. Though having a computer processor with a high clock speed is advantageous, it alone is not the only factor that dictates overall system performance. Higher clock speeds increase all system tasks, such as web browsing, movie encoding, and system utilities like anti-virus software.

Maintenance

Computer processors must be maintained according to their manufacturer's specifications in order to perform at their full potential. All too often consumers will pick an expensive cutting edge processor while neglecting support hardware for their processor. Different processors require different power supplies, proper heat sink/ fan combos, and adequate memory in order to function correctly. Above all, different processors require different cooling solutions. Each processor has its own TDP (Thermal Design Power) which is an indication of heat output which must be dissipated.

Current Models

The most recent offerings from Intel and AMD are the Core i7 quad core and Phenom II quad core processors respectively. The Core i7 supersedes the Core 2 series of dual and quad core Intel processors and the Phenom II supersedes the Phenom I dual and quad core model AMD processors. Outside of extreme gaming or high-end 3D graphics applications, even the Phenom II and Core 2 older model processors are more than adequate for the home user and come at a much lower price point in most cases.

How to Install a Sound Card on a Computer

How to Install a Sound Card on a Computer

1). Shut down the computer.

2). Unplug machine from the surge protector.

3). Disconnect all peripherals from the computer.

4). Remove the cover of the chassis and lay computer on its side if it is a tower.

5). Ground yourself to the computer. If you have a grounding strap, put it on and follow its directions. Otherwise, ground yourself by touching a metal part of the chassis.

6). Remove the back panel, if necessary.

7). Locate the existing sound card if there is one already installed. If it is screwed in on the side of the slot hole, unscrew it and pull the card out firmly.

8). If the computer doesn't already have a sound card, find an open slot.

9). Knock out or unscrew the metal plate on the card's slot holder on the back panel.

10). Insert the sound card gently but firmly into the slot. Rock it into position if necessary, but don't force it. Don't touch any connectors on the card.

11). Connect cables from the CD-ROM drive to the sound card.

12). Replace the back panel and any removed screws. Screw sound card into slot holder if it has a screw hole.

13). Reconnect monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Connect speakers to the sound card's ports.

14). Turn on the speakers and restart the computer.

15). If Windows detects the sound card upon startup, follow instructions to install the card's driver and additional software. If Windows doesn't detect sound card, manually complete the installation using the Add New Hardware control panel.

16). Play music CD to test sound card.

17). Shut down computer.

18). Replace cover of computer. Reboot computer.

How to install wireless mouse?

How to install wireless mouse?

Unpack the Equipment: -

Installing a wireless keyboard and mouse begins with unpacking all of the equipment from the box. If you purchased this as part of a rebate program, be sure to keep the UPC from the box.

Your product box will probably contain the following items:

•Wireless keyboard

•Wireless mouse

•Wireless receiver(s)

•Batteries (if not, you may have to supply these)

•Software (usually on a CD)

•Manufacturer instructions

If you are missing anything, contact either the retailer where you purchased the equipment or the manufacturer. Different products have different requirements so check the included instructions if you have them.

Setup the Keyboard & Mouse: -

Since the keyboard and mouse you're installing are wireless, they can not receive power from the computer like wired keyboards and mice can which is why they require batteries. Turn the keyboard and mouse over and remove the battery compartment covers. Insert new batteries in the directions shown (match + with the + on the battery and visa-a-versa).

Place the keyboard and mouse wherever comfortable on your desk. Please keep in mind proper ergonomics when deciding where to position your new equipment. Making the correct decision now can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in the future.

Position the Wireless Receiver: -

The wireless receiver is the component that physically connects to your computer and picks up the wireless signals from your keyboard and mouse, allowing it to communicate with your system.

Note:- Some setups will have two wireless receivers - one for the keyboard and the other for the mouse but the setup instructions will otherwise be the same.

While the specific requirements vary from brand to brand, there are two considerations to keep in mind when choosing where to position the receiver:

•Distance from Interference: Keep the receiver at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from sources of interference such as the computer monitor and computer case and other items that may cause interference such as fans, fluorescent lights, metal filing cabinets, etc.

•Distance from Keyboard and Mouse: The receiver should be positioned somewhere between 8 inches (20 cm) and 6 feet (1.8 m) from the keyboard and mouse.

Important:- Do not connect the receiver to the computer quite yet. This is a future step when installing the wireless keyboard and mouse.

Install the Software: -

Almost all new hardware has accompanying software that must be installed. This software contains drivers that tell the operating system on the computer how to work with the new hardware.

The software provided for wireless keyboards and mice differ greatly between manufacturers so check with the instructions included with your purchase for specifics. Generally, though, all installation software is fairly straightforward:

1. Insert the CD into the drive. The installation software should start automatically.
2. Read the on-screen instructions. If you're not sure how to answer some questions during the setup process, accepting the default suggestions are a safe bet.

Note:- If you do not have an existing mouse or keyboard or they are not functioning, this step should be your last one. Software is nearly impossible to install without a working keyboard and mouse!

Connect the Receiver to the Computer: -

Finally, with your computer turned on, plug the USB connector at the end of the receiver into a free USB port on the back (or front if need be) of your computer case.

Note:- If you have no free USB ports, you may need to purchase a USB Hub which will give your computer access to additional USB ports.

After plugging in the receiver, your computer will begin to configure the hardware for your computer to use. When the configuration is complete, you will probably see a message on the screen similar to "Your new hardware is now ready to use."

Test the New Keyboard & Mouse: -

Test the keyboard and mouse by opening some programs with your mouse and typing some text with your keyboard. It's a good idea to test every key to ensure there were no issues during the manufacture of your new keyboard.

If the keyboard and/or mouse do not function, check to make sure there is no interference and that the equipment is in range of the receiver. Also, check the troubleshooting information probably included with your manufacturer instructions.

Remove the old keyboard and mouse from the computer if they are still connected.

If you plan on disposing of your old equipment, check with IBM PC Recycling Service or Amandi Inc. for recycling information. If your keyboard or mouse is Dell-branded, they offer a completely free recycling service by mail (yes, Dell covers the postage) that I highly recommend you take advantage of.

Printer goes offline on reboot

On reboot computer, the printer in Windows 7 XP mode goes offline

1). In Control Panel, Printers, delete offline printers. If they wont delete, it may be because there are pending print jobs in the queue. Open the printer and Cancel the jobs..

 

2). In Printer properties, Ports tab, delete the previously installed printers (offline status) that appear as Client Side Rendering Provider under the Description column.

To do this, highlight the port, then click on Delete Port button. Click Apply.

3). Restart your PC.

4). Now reinstall the printers as follows:

         1). Open Control panel, Printers, and click Add a printer.

         2). Click Add a local printer.

         3). Select the "Use an existing port" radio button, and select LPT1: (Printer Port). Click Next.

        4). Install the printer driver. Mine were found in the list inlcuded with Vista. Select the manufacturer and the printer. Click Next.

          5). In the next window, accept the printer name or type in a new name. Leave the "Set as default printer" box unchecked. Click Next.

5). Vista should now install the printer. A window should open saying "You've successfully added printer name.

6). DO NOT Print a test page at this time, because nothing is connected to the LPT1 port on the laptop. Just press Finish. The printer you just added should appear in the Printers window.

7). Click ONCE on the newly added printer to highlight it, then right-click and open Properties.

8). On the Ports tab, click Add Port “select Local Port, then click New Port”

9). When the Port Name window open, Enter a port name as follows: \computername\printername (replace computername with the name of your PC acting as print server, and printername with the name of your printer). Click OK.

10). You should now have a new port listed on the Ports tab of the printer Properties, but now the Description should be Local Port, instead of Client Side Rendering Provider. Click OK.

11). Now you can go to the General tab, and Print a Test Page.