Computer and technology

computech magazine - OnToplist.com

2009-12-30T08:48:00.001-08:00

computech magazine - OnToplist.com

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Fix PC Errors with Ease, scan your pc free

2009-11-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

This will show you how to clean up your Microsoft Windows PC. With these steps, you'll "clean up" your system and help it operate better.

Steps

Do a Windows Update. This will be on your Start menu. If it isn't, then click on "All Programs", then "Accessories", then "System Tools". This will take you to the proper page. Alternatively, try http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com" rel="nofollow">windowsupdate.microsoft.com(not necessary with Vista). It is very important that you get all available security updates. Other updates may seem less critical, but are still recommended.

Set Windows to update automatically. Open System: click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System. Then click the Automatic Updates tab.

–or–If you are running Windows 2000, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Automatic Updates. Under Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them, select the day and time you want Windows to install updates.

#Get rid of cookies. These are the little crumbs that are left behind on your computer after you visit a website. This step may wipe out passwords for sites you visit. Be sure you know your password to these sites as you may be asked to enter it the next time you visit a site. Click on Start>Control Panel>Internet Options. The second row down will say Delete Cookies, click on that. Click on Delete Temporary file; when the little box comes up that says "delete offline," you don't have to click on that. Click on Delete temporary Files. Alternatively, download http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/" rel="nofollow">CCleaner and http://www.stevengould.org/index.php?Itemid=69&id=15&option=com_content&task=view" rel="nofollow">CleanUp! and run them both after installation. CCleaner does a very good job for a free program. Be sure to scan the registry by clicking on Registry and then scanning. This will take care of all of your wasted space (e.g cookies, internet cache files).

Complete Disk Cleanup. After clicking on "Start", move your cursor on "All Programs", then up to "Accessories", then "System Tools". Click on "Disk Cleanup" from the list that appears. Click the "More Options" tab at the top of the page, and select all three of the following: "Windows Components," "Installed Programs," and "System Restore". Clean up all three by clicking on their respective tabs. You may want to delete all but your most recent system restore point as you probably don't need the others.

Defragment your computer. Defragmenting your computer moves all your files to where they are supposed to be. You may want to download an independent defragmenter (e.g. http://www.filehippo.com/download_defraggler/" rel="nofollow">Defraggler by Piriform). It is small, concise, and more powerful, than the one distributed with Windows.

Remove adware, malware, and spyware. Use a search engine to find "Lavasoft AdAware 2008". This will take you to a site to download the software. Download and install this program. You can also use "Spybot Search & Destroy." http://www.filehippo.com/download_spywareblaster/" rel="nofollow">SpywareBlaster is a good preventative measure to use as well. All have easy-to-follow instructions. http://www.filehippo.com/download_superantispyware/" rel="nofollow">SUPERAnti-Spyware is yet another option. For malware, http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php" rel="nofollow">MBAM is yet another option.

Install anti-virus software. There are free products available for personal use, such as http://free.avg.com/" rel="nofollow">AVG, http://www.bitdefender.co.uk/media/html/trialpay_uk.html" rel="nofollow">Bitdefender and http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html" rel="nofollow">avast! Anti-Virus. You might also like to purchase such a product; the anti-virus market is fairly competitive, leading to many reasonably-priced products such as http://shop.symantecstore.com/store/symnahho/en_US/ContentTheme/ThemeID.1795800/pbPage.NAV09wide?ipd=InterstitialChall&ipln=true" rel="nofollow">Norton Antivirus, http://home.mcafee.com/Store/Package.aspx?pkgid=276" rel="nofollow">McAfee VirusScan, etc.

Go to My Computer. Now go to tools at the top. Folder Options... View, then check the box "Show Hidden Files and Folders" then go to Local Disk, Documents & Settings, Your Account, and delete everything in: My Recent Documents, Local Settings History (Do not delete everything in local settings, just delete everything in the history folder of local settings) (and while in Local Settings) Delete everything in temporary internet files.
- Remove unwanted programs by going to start, control panel, add/remove programs, then remove unwanted programs.
- When your computer is running in ship-shape, then go to start, all programs, accessories, system tools, then system restore. Create a restore point, and when your computer is running poorly, restore it to the day.
- If you haven't cleaned up your PC for a long time, you may need to clean your PC Registry with a http://www.pc-registry-repair.cc" rel="nofollow">System cleaner and Registry repair software

Tips

Don't use free tools, very few are that effective with the exception of MalwareBytes scan. Download Malwarebytes, rename the downloaded file before running it to say z9.exe (some spyware will not let you launch a know anti-virus program). Once installed it's recommended you change the name of the mbam program to something else before launching (again spyware will prevent execution with regular name). Now perform a full scan with malwarebytes and take the recommended steps. A reboot will probably be necessary. After that process is complete remove all anti-virus/spyware programs installed and then purchase and download Trend Micro antivirus + anti-spyware program from their web site. There are other choices available but this software does not pop-up info messages all the time and won't hinder the PC performance like Norton does. Free AVG is horrible at protecting the PC and a real pain to remove.

If using CCleaner, head over to Piriform's website (they make the program) and look for the "Other builds" link hanging around the Downloads link. Get the "Slim" version as the regular download includes adware you have to say no to, and it's smaller. Or get the portable version and unzip it to a USB flash drive to take it on the go. (Further tip: If English is your native language, don't unpack the LANG folder - it's just languages other than English.)

If you are new to computers, try to relax. You are likely to get a little stressed when you are not sure what is going on and wondering if your data is still okay. Try to find a computer-savvy friend to help you.

If you use Norton Antivirus, then set it to scan your computer as often as possible. (daily is best) To do this, click "scan for viruses" then click the button that has a clock on next to "scan my computer". This will take you to the scheduling window. It is best to schedule this when you are not using the computer, like when you're asleep, as it can take quite a few hours to finish, especially if you have a larger computer. This will cause it to detect many viruses, but also delete a lot a of spyware and adware, too.

Warnings

Be very careful of websites with pornography or free games. They are usually full of spyware that is difficult to get rid of. With some setups (e.g. Firefox with the proper extensions, easily found on any reputable website or forum (e.g. http://forum.piriform.com" rel="nofollow">http://forum.piriform.com) and the McAffee SiteAdvisor add-on) you'll be more secure, but always be wary.

Some programs come with spyware or adware. CCleaner and DAEMON Tools are very good programs to have, but during installation, you have to be careful and opt out of installing the adware that pays their bills. Chances are, they get paid just for offering the adware to you, but even if not, don't think you have to compromise your system's performance or security to pay their bills. If any program offers you a marketing option (might be disguised as search or something) always say no.

Not all cookies are bad. Basically cookies hold website settings. Most of the time you don't need the sites tracking you, but if you use a forum, the cookie(s) will save your login information so you don't have to put it in every time. Weather sites and other sites you enter your ZIP code for local data use cookies to retain this setting.

Deleting the wrong files may ruin your computer. Make sure when you are looking for old files that you don't want anymore, that these files you absolutely don't need, and have nothing to do with the way the system runs itself.

Registry Easy™ is an award-winning Windows Registry Cleaner that helps you scan your PC. Safely clean the errors & invalid entries which cause system slowdown, freezing and crashing! Repair registry problems! Improve your PC performance!

fix your xbox in less than 1hour

2009-11-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

Ever get the 3 red lights of death on your Xbox 360? This is a hardware issue that may only be fixed by Microsoft's repair facilities.

Steps

Call 1-800-469-9269 for Xbox support if your Xbox 360 shows the red lights of death. You'll first encounter an automated system.

Follow the instructions of the automated system to talk with an agent. They will be able to confirm your request and setup a ticket for repair service.

Look for a package to arrive in the mail. This will be a complimentary shipping box and materials you'll need in order to send back your defective Xbox. Pack up your Xbox and drop it off with a local parcel service (USPS, UPS, Fedex, etc.).

Be patient. It typically takes one and a half weeks for the repaired unit to be returned. follow instructions on what the agent says very carefully

Tips

When calling tech support try to use a land-line, as the reception is much better.

After the automated system guy Max started talking, just say the word agent to get routed to a tech support immediately if your in a hurry.

Make sure you have your X-box serial number handy.

The warranty only lasts 3 years.

click & get the guide to fix your XBOX 360 now

How to Buy a Mac Computer at a Discount?

2009-11-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Many people prefer Apple computers, but are turned off by the steep prices. Here are some tips on what to do, and what not to do to find a discount Apple computer.

Steps

What not to do

Do not walk into your local Apple or Best Buy store and pick up a system. They always charge full retail plus sales tax (where applicable). Of course, the friendly selection and purchase process at the Apple store might be worth a few hundred to some people, but it is recommended that your visits to the Apple store are to help pick which model to buy and choose between the glossy and matte screens, etc.

Do not buy a model near the end of its life. Check the MacRumors Buyers’ Guide to see whether the model will be replaced soon. Your best deal will be on discontinued models, but if you want the latest system, remember that Apple generally does not discount current models as they age. A notable exception was the recent price drop on the top-of-the-line MacBook Air with the solid-state disk.

Do not expect to get a dime knocked off a build-to-order system from Apple. You can sometimes get interesting configurations from resellers at some discount, however.

Do not buy a lot of RAM. Apple is notorious for gouging on RAM upgrades - they currently charge $200 for 4 GB of RAM, twice as much as you would pay for the chips alone. And it’s easy to upgrade RAM in almost all Apple systems.

Don’t bother spending extra for a larger hard drive. Here again, you can get a much better deal if you shop around, and you can probably buy a bigger drive than anything Apple offers, too.

Don’t waste your time looking for a great deal on MacBook batteries or power adapters. These things are notoriously unreliable and never discounted much. Just buy them from Apple.

Don't buy from anyone but an authorized retailer. Since customer support is such a major factor in the Apple switch, only buy from authorized resellers. You don’t want to get shafted with a grey-market device when you need service.

Getting Your Deal

Consider an “outdated” system. Apple continues making old models, and MacMall and MacConnection blow them out for about 20% less than their original price. This is your best source for discounted Apple computers!

Pick your system and configuration and stick to it. Find out the model number. It can get really confusing with different product generations sharing the same common name, but you can’t go wrong with the official MA/MB model number!

Check the Holy Trinity: Amazon, MacMall, and MacConnection. Price the whole thing out, including shipping and tax if applicable. One of these three will almost certainly have the best deal.

If you qualify for an educational discount, find out what the price would be and use this as a benchmark. For current systems, this is probably the best price.

Check apple’s online clearance store for good deals on refurbished systems. But you have to keep checking and act fast!

Watch out for rebates. Although they’re unreliable, and you have to stay on top of them to make sure you get the money, this is the primary discount vehicle for Apple systems. So you have to grin and bear it.

Consider bundles. Amazon offers discounted AppleCare, MacConnection offers free VMware Fusion, and MacMall offers free Parallels. If you want these things, this can seal the deal.

How to Buy a Laptop?

2009-11-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

Laptops are getting very popular. You can often times find people using them at Wi-Fi hotspots provided by local cafés and fast-food joins. They come in many sizes, colors, and types, but how do you find a laptop that is for you?

Steps

Know what you need. If you are going to be using your laptop just for emails, and internet browsing, you won't need to spend much money. But if you want to play games like Left 4 Dead or Far Cry 2, you are going to need to spend a bit more.
Find a store that sells laptops. You can get laptops online or a local store. If you know exactly what you need, buying online is better. If you don't know much about laptops, then buying in the store where someone like a salesperson can help you is better.
- If you want to purchase online, stores like Newegg and TigerDirect and Amazon are great places
- If you want to buy from a local store, places like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Staples, and Office Max are great places to buy from.
Try to avoid used, re-certified or refurbished products. They may be cheaper, but they are used, and may not have warranties, unlike new products that do.
After you find what you think you want, purchase or order it.
Once you have your laptop, take good care of it.

Tips

Great deals are mostly online, but can appear in stores like Wal-Mart and Best Buy.
Most laptops come with pre-installed software. You can remove it, but certain stuff should stay on there
Netbooks can be good but are not as good as laptops.
Top brands are Asus, Toshiba and Gateway. If you are a serious gamer, Alienware is great, but be ready for a hole in your wallet.

Warnings

Most of the time the better deals are online
If you do buy online, you may have to pay shipping charges.
If you are buying used from a site like eBay, read everything. See what is wrong with it. Review the person's feedback and make sure you do a clean install. You do not know what the previous owner may have on there.

how to clean up your PC

2009-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

How to Clean up a Slow Performing Computer

Many think that when a computer starts performing poorly that it's time to buy a new computer. This article will explain a few simple steps to clean up that computer and make it perform many times better.

Steps

Update your antivirus software, and run a full scan. Remove all viruses from your computer and restart.

Clear up some space on the hard drive. To do this, you need to right click on “My Computer,” then click on Disk Cleanup and check every box available and click “clean my computer”.

Uninstall useless or programs that you rarely use. Follow the “Start Menu” to “Settings” and then to “Control Panel”. From this screen click on “Add/Remove Programs” and uninstall programs that are no longer needed. Then double click on “My Documents”, which will be on your desktop screen, and just remove anything that you know for sure you “created” and just delete them; you can also delete pictures that you have on the computer. Remember to empty your Recycle Bin after deleting these files because they are still on the hard drive and taking up space; just right click the icon and navigate to “Empty Bin.”

Download and install a spyware removing program. It's suggested to get Spybot Search & Destroy; you can get it here "reimage home edition for windows"Install the program and run it; if you are not an advanced computer user, read the directions.

Defragment your hard drive; right click on “My Computer” and in the new screen click the “Tools” tab. From this tab just click on the defragment button and then run the program.

If this didn't work check if you have enough RAM (Random Access Memory). These are the memory chips. If there are not enough of them the computer will use your hardisk to store intermediate results, but this is a much slower process. The computer then appears always busy to write and read things from your harddisk. You can hear it, and the led on the computer itself will light up.
- Right click on the 'my computer' icon, then select properties, then read what is said on the 'General' tab. For Windows XP it should be 256 MB or more. If it is less then 1024 MB then it might be the problem.
- If RAM is the real problem, your computer will be slow whenever you start a new application. If your computer is only slow when you turn on your computer or reboot, it is more likely that it is some other problem.
- Before you rush out to get some additional RAM in a computer shop, make sure you know exactly what type fits in with your computer, and convince yourself that there are still empty slots (inside your computer) that can be used to put the RAM in.
- For most people it is best to make a computer repair shop responsable for all this. Bring in your computer.

Tips

Always preform a spy-ware scan and virus scan weekly if you do minimal file/program downloads. If you do many downloads weekly then I suggest that you perform it daily.

Make it an effort to defrag your computer weekly.

Never install software that you don't intend to use regularly.

Be careful about what you install; most free downloads from certain sites can/will come with some form of spy-ware/mal-ware/gray-ware or worse possibly a virus.

To insure safe broadband internet browsing install a firewall program, Micrsoft has one built in with XP, or buy an external firewall router.

Avoid creating unnecessary shortcuts

You probably don't need to use a registry cleaner.[1]The most common registry errors don't have a significant effect on performance.

Warnings

When using the spy-ware removal program; be sure to go over the directions thoroughly. Since this program makes changes to the registry you can actually make the computer preform worse than before. If you are not an avid computer user, just clean the detected items that appear in red, or just find a friend that knows more about computers.

When uninstalling programs be sure you don't need them; some programs are needed for the operation of the computer.

Things You'll Need

Antivirus software. If you don't have an antivirus, you can get one here

2009-10-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

Learn how to get 8GB iPhone 100% free

Dear gadget enthusiast,
Big companies like Microsoft, Apple, Nintendo, Sony and many others release some seriously cool gadgets, don't they? iPhones, Xboxes, PlayStations, PSPs, laptops, TVs, Wiis, iPods... the list goes on. They're the latest and greatest toys, and everyone wants them.
They only problem is they're HUGELY expensive. But not any more! You're about to discover how to slash the costs of these gadgets down to... wait for it...
$0.00! That's right, FREE.
You're probably already skeptical, right? That's OK, most people are. I'm used to it.
But would you do me a small favour? For the next few minutes, forget your skepticism so I can tell you about it. After that you can make up your own mind about whether you want to keep paying for your gadgets, or whether you want to become part of a very special group of people "on the inside"...
You see, there is a "dirty" secret that not many people know about, and today, I'm going to let it out. The secret which I'm going to expose will give you access to all the free gadgets you've ever wanted, now and forever.
Every single day, people all over the world are receiving their free stuff from the comfort of their own homes, without spending a penny.
You could be one of those people. The secret that I'm going to expose to you today gives you the power to play these big companies at their own game, and bend the system for YOUR benefit, not theirs!
They are literally giving this stuff away, all you've got to do is put yourself in the right place at the right time. It's easy when you know how, but you've got to get it right. You've got to do everything by the book, or you won't get what you want.
The whole process is so incredibly easy ANYONE can do it, regardless of the level of experience with computers, age or gender. Even your Gran could do it! I'm about to show you exactly how you can get all this stuff without getting out your wallet

This system works because huge companies have cash to burn, and they foolishly burn it by buying you free gadgets in the hope that you'll become their customer. But you don't have to - there's no obligations whatsoever, and that's why it's so great. All you've got to do is find the companies who are throwing money around, and the rest is simple.
The "Free Stuff Exposed" guide will teach you where the best opportunities are, and how to find tons more in the future. Plus the most important bit - exactly what the secret loophole is, and how you can exploit it to get free gadgets forever!
more information please click this link