Many times in helping people fix their computer problems, they complain about their computer randomly shutting down without warning. There could be several causes as to what is the cause of the problem, but often I discover that they've never cleaned their computers.
"What? I'm supposed to clean the computer?" they ask.
"Yes, probably at least once every few months." I tell them.
Nowadays most computers have a safe-guard feature built in so if the internal components start getting too hot, then the computer will automatically shut itself off. If over time dust and dirt builds up on the fans and venting areas, it can prevent the natural air-flow that would normally help to cool a computer, and then the computer can start to overheat. So, it's important to try and keep your computer clean and cool.
Tips for Cleaning a Desktop Computer:
Turn off the computer and unplug it. Unplug all of the devices and set your computer someplace with lots of space around it for easy access (such as on a table top).
Slide-off the cover of the computer. This can be a different procedure according to what type of computer model you have, but typically there are a few screws located at the back of the computer that holds the case on that you will need to remove. Once you have the screws out, then the casing cover, or part thereof, should easily slide off.
Look inside the computer and you can probably see lots of dust and dirt built-up on the various components if it hasn't been cleaned in a while. Have good lighting so you can see what you're doing.
Use a can of compressed-air (which most computer shops sell), and give a good blow throughout the inside of your computer, especially the fan(s) and venting areas. Don't hold the compressed air for too long in any one spot, as the compressed air is very cold and it's possible if concentrating on one spot for too long, that it could damage something, so keep moving the spray-can in gentle constant motion while using it so as to not overly "freeze" one spot.
You can use a dry cloth to wipe away dust and dirt, as well as a cotton-swab for those hard to reach areas.
If you have a vacuum-cleaner, you could put on a soft-attachment onto the end of the hose, and using it gently, suck away the dust and dirt.
Just go slow, careful and gentle with the whole cleaning process, and everything should be okay.
Once you're done, slide the cover back on, put the screws back in, plug everything back in, turn the computer on and it should be running a lot cooler now.
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For Laptops:
Pretty much the same advice I gave for cleaning a desktop computer, except removing the cover can be very difficult for a laptop, or for some laptops the cover is really not meant to be removed, so in this case you would need to try to clean it without removing the cover. So in this case, use a can of compressed air, give a good blow into all of the various openings, and you can still use a vacuum-cleaner on the vent areas to help suck out the dust and dirt too.
Also, in using a laptop, avoid placing it on any soft surfaces, such as carpet or a bed, as this can block the vent areas and cause the computer to overheat as well. When the computer is not being using, I would recommend to turn it off.
Some computer-shops may also sell a type of "cooling platform" that are made for laptops, so that is something else to consider if you use a laptop a lot.
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Well, there you have it. Keep your computer clean and cool. It will help to avoid overheating problems and extend the life of your computer.
Cheers! :)
Showing posts with label desktop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label desktop. Show all posts
Symantec unveils SMB protection suite
The Symantec Protection Suite Advanced Business Edition aims to offer SMB customers more choice in how they protect their business information. And in order to help those on a budget, the firm will lower the price of the suite by 40%.
As well as offering endpoint and messaging security, desktop, laptop and server backup and recovery, Symantec says it will also provide hosted options for email and web security. A 2009 Symantec survey found that SMBs 50% of SMBs do not have endpoint protection and 47% were not backing up their data.
The suite will protect endpoints like laptops and desktops, provide messaging security and prevent data loss with advanced content filtering at the mail gateway.
In case of an outbreak or a system failure, the suite's backup and recovery capabilities will help SMBs recover individual files and folders.
Source: techday.co.nz
As well as offering endpoint and messaging security, desktop, laptop and server backup and recovery, Symantec says it will also provide hosted options for email and web security. A 2009 Symantec survey found that SMBs 50% of SMBs do not have endpoint protection and 47% were not backing up their data.
The suite will protect endpoints like laptops and desktops, provide messaging security and prevent data loss with advanced content filtering at the mail gateway.
In case of an outbreak or a system failure, the suite's backup and recovery capabilities will help SMBs recover individual files and folders.
Source: techday.co.nz
Desktop PC Buying Guide: The Specs Explained
Once you've determined the type of desktop system you want--a compact PC, a budget system, a mainstream all-purpose model, or a performance crackerjack--you need to know what components to look for. The processor and graphics chip you choose will determine many of your machine's capabilities, as will the system's memory and hard drive. Understanding those components will help you get the performance you need, without paying for things you don't. (Our buying guide includes further shopping tips for purchasing a desktop PC.)You'll also want to consider details like the layout of the case, which can also make the difference between a pleasant workstation and a nightmare PC.
Windows Driver is not much of a problem for these new computers, they are well supported I presume.
Read full guide >> PCWorld
Secure Your Desktop Icons And Settings
Prevent your friends from playing with the desktop settings on your computer !
Type "regedit" in the Run Command and navigate to this :
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrrentVision\
Policies\Explorer
Here create a DWORD Value called NoSaveSettings.Set its value to 1.You'll need to restart Windows for the change to take place.
Type "regedit" in the Run Command and navigate to this :
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrrentVision\
Policies\Explorer
Here create a DWORD Value called NoSaveSettings.Set its value to 1.You'll need to restart Windows for the change to take place.
Desktop Buying Guide
So many choices and features to choose from, what is the best for you? Buying a desktop computer is highly dependent on the following 2 questions.
1. What is the purpose/usage of the PC?
2. What is your budget?
After answering those questions, type of computer/desktop is next. Below are the different types of Desktop computers with its advantages and disadvantages.
Compact PCs
This is the smallest form factor in desktop family.
Advantages:
1. Energy-efficiency
2. Quite operation
3. Space saving package
Disadvantages:
1. Limited computing power
2. Limited graphical feature. It’s highly dependent on its integrated GPU. Anything more complicated that flash game will be unplayable.
3. Limited connectivity option
All-in-One Desktops
This is new to entry in Desktop family. This type of PC is self-contained that all of its components are mounted behind its display.
Advantages:
1. Energy-efficiency
2. Quite operation
3. Space saving package
4. Touchscreen with multitouch gestures worked into Windows 7
5. Wireless mouse and keyboard
6. WiFi support
7. Out of the box plug and play setup
8. Big display
Disadvantages:
1. Expensive
2. May be harder to troubleshoot like laptop
Budget PCs
Use standard desktop components with minimum requirements.
Advantages:
1. Inexpensive
2. Good space for expandability
Disadvantages:
1. Being a budget PC it offers less computing power.
2. Low graphics support.
Mainstream PCs
Its like a budget PCs having more features and computing power.
Advantages:
1. More computing power than budget PC
2. Good for everyday ordinary game and office applications
Disadvantages:
1. More expensive than budget PC.
Performance PCs
Getting the highest end of the spectrum.
Advantages:
1. Best in performance
2. Equipped for demanding computing.
Disadvantages:
1. Expensive
Resources:
Windows Driver
1. What is the purpose/usage of the PC?
2. What is your budget?
After answering those questions, type of computer/desktop is next. Below are the different types of Desktop computers with its advantages and disadvantages.
Compact PCs
This is the smallest form factor in desktop family.
Advantages:
1. Energy-efficiency
2. Quite operation
3. Space saving package
Disadvantages:
1. Limited computing power
2. Limited graphical feature. It’s highly dependent on its integrated GPU. Anything more complicated that flash game will be unplayable.
3. Limited connectivity option
All-in-One Desktops
This is new to entry in Desktop family. This type of PC is self-contained that all of its components are mounted behind its display.
Advantages:
1. Energy-efficiency
2. Quite operation
3. Space saving package
4. Touchscreen with multitouch gestures worked into Windows 7
5. Wireless mouse and keyboard
6. WiFi support
7. Out of the box plug and play setup
8. Big display
Disadvantages:
1. Expensive
2. May be harder to troubleshoot like laptop
Budget PCs
Use standard desktop components with minimum requirements.
Advantages:
1. Inexpensive
2. Good space for expandability
Disadvantages:
1. Being a budget PC it offers less computing power.
2. Low graphics support.
Mainstream PCs
Its like a budget PCs having more features and computing power.
Advantages:
1. More computing power than budget PC
2. Good for everyday ordinary game and office applications
Disadvantages:
1. More expensive than budget PC.
Performance PCs
Getting the highest end of the spectrum.
Advantages:
1. Best in performance
2. Equipped for demanding computing.
Disadvantages:
1. Expensive
Resources:
Windows Driver
Motherboard Replacement for Intel E2200
On my previous post Is My Motherboard Dead? My 3rd computer is motherboard is dead. My board was MSI P6NGM with Intel E2200 processor. I was very lucky that only motherboard is broken, other parts are working and in good shape.So last Monday I visited my favorite computer store to check a replacement for it. Processor is the main consideration for motherboard selection, was happy that my Intel E2200 has found its new home with MSI G31TM-P31
Below are the specs.:
• Intel® G31 Chipset
- Supports FSB 800/1066/1333/1600* (OC) MHz.
- Supports dual channel, DDR2 667/800.
• Intel® ICH7 Chipset
- Hi-Speed USB (USB2.0) controller, 480Mb/sec, up to 8 ports.
- 4 SATA ports with transfer rate up to 3Gb/s.
- PCI Master v2.3, I/O APIC.
Main Memory
• Supports two unbuffered DIMM of 1.8 Volt DDR2 SDRAM
• Supports up to 8GB memory size.
• Supports dual channel DDR2 memory architecture.
• Supports DDR2 667/800 memory interface.
• Due to the limitation of G31 chipsets, dual channel support must meet some requirement in the specification of memory modules. please refer to Test Reports for detailed description.
On-Board IDE/SATA
• One Ultra DMA 66/100 IDE controller integrated in ICH7
- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation modes.
- Can connect up to two Ultra ATA drives.
• SATA controller integrated in ICH7
- Up to 3Gb/s transfer speed.
- Supports four SATA ports.
Audio
• Chip integrated by Realtek® ALC888S
- Flexible 7.1-channel audio with retasking
- Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec
- Meet Microsoft Vista Premium SPEC
• To reach the 8-channel sound effect, the 7th and 8th channels must be output from front panel if you purchase the mainboard with 3 audio jacks.
On-Board Pinheaders/ Connectors
- ATX 24-pin power connector
- ATX 4-pin 12V CPU power connector
- CPU / System x 2 FAN connectors
- CD-in connector
- Front panel audio connector
- Front panel connector
- Chassis intrusion switch connector
- 2 x USB 2.0 connector support additional 4 ports
- 1 x Floppy disk drive connector
- 4 x Serial ATA II connectors
- 1 x ATA133 IDE connector
- Clear CMOS jumper
- 1 x Serial port connector
- 1 x SPDIF-out header
- 1 x Parellel port connector
After installing my new motherboard and made sure that everything is OK I then booted the computer and was expecting a BSOD as it is a different chipset but to my surprise I got into the desktop with any issue. I just had to install Windows XP Drivers that comes with it. So my computer was back into business in just 20 minutes!
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