Computer Maintenance Tips

If you are experiencing some computer slow down and constant crashes let me suggest a few tips that will help to speed up your PC and clean from system parasites and any other harmful malware.

First of all - clean up your system drive (in many cases it is drive C) from all the junk and old files that you have. One reason why your computer might be experiencing speed problems is full drive C. As it is system drive, it always needs some extra space for page files and virtual memory. If you have just few megabytes - I am not surprised that your computer is so slow. You can easily perform your disk clean up by using the Windows tool:

For Windows 7 users:
Select "Start", then "All programs", then click "Accessories" then choose "System tools" and "Disk cleanup". Select the logical disk that you want to clean. In the "Disk Cleanup For" dialog box select the files lists that you want to delete permanently and click OK. The clean up will start and it will take some time to finish, depending on the quantity of file that you have.

For Windows XP users:
Click "Start" menu, select "All programs", and click on the "Accessories" and in the drop down box select "System tools". In another drop down box click on the "Disk clean up".

The "select drive" box option will appear and you will have to select which drive you want to clean up. Press OK and a calculation of potential free space will run for a few second, displaying "Disk Cleanup for (C:)" window. Select the files that you want to delete and click OK. The process will start.

Defragment your hard drive. Defragmenting the hard drive is necessary function, especially after a long usage of your system. As you open and edit your files, the bits and pieces of your files are scattered or fragmented through the system. Next time when you open the files, it is more difficult for the hard drive to locate all the bits of your file, and the response time becomes slower. Defragmenting puts the files’ and folders’ pieces back together on a disk to make a single space for each. The reading and writing of the hard drive becomes much quicker when all the files are in one place and additional space is gained.

Defragmenting in Windows 7:

Select "Start", then "All programs", then click "Accessories" then choose "System tools" and "Disk Defragmenter". In the dialog box "Disk Defragmenter" select the drive to be defragmented and click "Analyze". The analysis will show you whether you should make the disk defragment or not. Click on the "Defragment Disk" button and the process will start. You will be able to monitor the whole process.

Defragmenting in Windows XP:
Click "Start" menu, then "All programs", click the "Accessories" and in the drop down box select "System tools". Click on the "Disk Defragmenter" in another drop down box. The new window will appear, where you will have to choose the drive and click "Analyze" button. The pop up dialog box will show the information, if you need to make defragmenting or not. After that you can click the "Defragment" button.

You could also check your hard disk for errors. To do that you can right click on your drive (C: or D: or any other letter), select "Properties" and "Tools". Press "Check now" in the "Error checking" option.

Scan your system for any spyware, adware or viruses. Spyware process may dramatically slow down the whole system. I suggest installing and updating the newest antispyware or antivirus programs - it can be AVG, Avast or any other antivirus, besides those suggested are free of charge. Additionally you might as well install antispyware program and run updates. It searches more thoroughly for root kits and some of those can bypass antivirus scans. The best antispyware for me is Super Antispyware. Here is more information about the antispyware and computer diagnostics.

By Tomaz Greicion

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Laptop Battery Troubleshooting

The use of laptops is widely spread, and one certainly wouldn't be able to work on a business tour or vacation without these portable devices. Their continuous use, leads to several laptop problems, most common being a battery problem. Troubleshooting laptop battery problems can be a manageable task, if you are aware of the necessary steps to be followed. For laptop battery troubleshooting, just read on...

There are many laptop battery problems which can be solved with some simple troubleshooting steps, without even calling the laptop service people. Some troubleshooting methods are printed on the laptop manual itself, so it is necessary to refer to the manual before using the laptop for the first time. There is no average battery life provided by the manufacturers as the battery life depends largely on several factors like the size of the laptop screen, battery capacitance, and the kind of applications that are generally used.

In the case of a new laptop battery not functioning, firstly ensure that it has a full charge. When you get a new laptop from the shop, it generally comes with a discharged battery, and you need to charge it for further use. A new Li-Ion laptop battery is essentially required to be charged for nearly 12 hours before use. If it's an NiMH battery, it would need to be charged at least for 24 hours for proper functioning.

If you've done with a sufficient battery charge and still the laptop is not working, simply ensure, if the battery is decently inserted into the laptop. If the laptop turns off automatically, examine its power management settings, as the laptop may be set to automatically shut down, when the battery power becomes low.

If the laptop battery turns warm after using it for a while, you don't need to worry, as it's not a problem and is normal with all laptops. But if the battery turns hot or too hot, it might be a serious problem. In such a situation, just take the battery out from the laptop and allow it to cool down. If this problem occurs on a regular basis, the battery itself may be at fault and you may need to give it for replacement.

If the battery is not being charged when you connect it to an electric socket using the adapter, check the power source if it is providing sufficient power to charge. You may also try to charge the battery using the same adapter, but on a different power source socket. Interruption in the power supply may also be a problem which leaves the battery without power. Check all the power-related cord connections, such as the connection at the back of the notebook and at the transformer box. There are also possibilities of the adapter being defunct.

If you find any kind of notebook battery problems, just remove the battery from the notebook and check for any debris or dirt in or around the connections. The debris or dirt may restrict the notebook to get connected with the power components inside the battery compartments. Moreover, you also need to check if there are revealing signs such as any burn marks in the battery compartment.

Before taking any step to troubleshoot laptop battery, you need to be confirmed about the problem being persistent only in the battery and in no other part. If the above steps don't seem to work, the last option left is to call the laptop service person, and let him know about the problem and what all troubleshooting steps you've taken.

By Stephen Rampur

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Keyboard Problems

There are many hardware parts of the computer which can start giving problems. The keyboard is one such computer hardware which can give some problems, such as not being detected at all or some of the individual keys not working. If you face any problem with keyboard, it is suggested that you try out some troubleshooting steps first, before you decide to buy a new one. You will regret if you get a new one before realizing that the actual problem was just due to an improper connection.

Read more on:

• How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard
• How to Clean a Keyboard

Troubleshooting Keyboard Problems

If the computer keyboard is not working at all, you should check its connections to the CPU cabinet. Locate the back of the cabinet where the keyboard is plugged in, remove the plug from the slot, and reinsert it, and then check if it works. If it is still not working, restart the PC and check. You can check the functioning of your keyboard or PS/2 (or USB port) by connecting the keyboard to another desktop computer, or using another keyboard on your system.

If you notice there are some keys on the keyboard that are hard to press or not working, there can be possibilities of dust and debris accumulated in there. You then need to clean the debris off the keyboard by turning it upside down and shaking it or tapping it from above. You can even use a vacuum cleaner for taking the dirt off the keyboard. In order to prevent the keyboard from attracting dust, you can use a ready-made keyboard cover or simply make one at home by using a plastic sheet.

If some character keys on the keyboard do not work even after cleaning the keyboard, you may have to replace those particular keys. This problem may be experienced mostly on frequently used keys. If some kind of liquid falls on the keyboard, immediately disconnect the keyboard from its cabinet port. Turn it upside down and keep it for drying in the same position for a while under the fan or in sunlight. Check the working of the keyboard by connecting it back again only after you are sure that its completely dry.

Some keys on the keyboard might not even function due to the device being in a cold room for a considerable period of time or not used for a while. If you think this can be the reason for the keyboard not functioning, you should use the keyboard for some minutes. Check if it works, after typing few sentences in the notepad application.

If the keyboard still does not work, updating the respective drivers may solve the problem. For updating the drivers on Windows Vista, go via Start->Control Panel->Hardware and Sounds-> Keyboard->Hardware->Properties->General->Change Settings->Driver->Update Driver. Check if the keyboard functions after the drivers have been updated. Driver updation is a good method of getting rid of a keyboard problem. Wrong characters issue can be rectified by changing the settings for the input language and the keyboard layout.

Read more on:

• Keyboard Keys not Working
• Laptop Keyboard Problems
• Keyboard Repair: How to Repair a Keyboard

This was a general guide on troubleshooting keyboard problems. For you to not experience a keyboard problem, typing should be done softly, especially in the case of laptop computers. If your wireless keyboard is having functionality issues, a good troubleshooting step is to make sure that the batteries are not weak. It none of the steps seem to work, the last resort is to get a new one from the market.

By Stephen Rampur

READ MORE - Keyboard Problems

Mouse Troubleshooting

There are numerous reasons for an electronic mouse to malfunction. Most of these causes are minor, and can be fixed easily without any professional help. Mouse troubleshooting tips given below will help you to diagnose and repair mouse problems with ease.

An electronic mouse is one of the most essential component of a desktop PC. This device controls the cursor movements on the screen, thus facilitating swift and rapid selection and input of data. At times, you may come across situations wherein the mouse fails to perform normally. Such malfunctions in the mouse can be attributed to numerous hardware or software problems. Most of these computer mouse problems are minor, and can be corrected with ease, if you are well versed with simple mouse troubleshooting tips and tricks given in this article. Read more on history of computer mouse.

Mouse Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Loose Connection: This is the most common problem in case of any mouse, be it a PS/2 mouse, a USB mouse or a wireless mouse (its receiver). If you notice that the cursor is not responding to the mouse movements, check whether the connection between the mouse and the CPU has become loose. In case of a wireless mouse, check the connection of its receiver device, if it is loose, plug it in securely. If the mouse still does not respond, try connecting the receiver to another USB port. If the cursor still does not respond, reboot the PC by restarting it.

Accumulation of Dirt and Other Disturbance: Another common reason for a trackball mouse to malfunction is due to accumulation of fuzz in the trackball unit. If this is the problem you will have to open the chamber, and clean it as well as the trackball. Ideally you should use a clean cloth and alcohol to cleanse the same. Similarly in case of an optical mouse, you will need to clean the screen of the light-emitting diodes thoroughly so that dirt particles do not obstruct the light path that detects the movement of the surface below, which in turn causes the cursor movements on the screen. Also, an optical mouse may not work quite well if the surface below is shiny or transparent. Read more on mouse wheel not working.

Low Batteries: In case of a wireless mouse, the problem may be due to the batteries, interference or range. Instead of concluding that there is a major problem and opting for a mouse repair, the foremost thing you need to do is to check if the batteries are low, and charge or replace them as required. Other wireless mouse problems include any sort of interference in signals and range of the receiver. Interference may occur between the mouse and its receiver due to an object in the path of the signal or due to signals from some other device. You will have to make sure that no such interference exists. Be sure to place the pointing device, i.e. mouse within the specified range of its receiver. Read more on wireless mouse not working.

Virus and Configuration Problems: Virus can also be one of the reasons for the mouse working abnormally i.e. if the cursor jumps across the screen uncontrollably, clicking on its own, etc. There are few viruses that may corrupt the mouse driver files, and cause the mouse to malfunction. Mouse troubleshooting in this context will involve scanning the PC with a good antivirus in order to get rid of the virus. Also, try restoring the system configuration to that time when the mouse was working fine. It is possible that a certain change in the configuration or a certain software installation might have conflicted with the mouse settings and caused the mouse to malfunction.

Problems with the Port or Mouse Driver: To verify whether the trouble is with the mouse or the PC, connect the mouse to a different PC to check. If it functions perfectly on another PC, then there is probably some problem with the port where it was connected or with the mouse driver in the system. Check by connecting the mouse to another port. To check the mouse driver, go to Start > Control Panel > (In classic view) System/ (In category view) Performance and Maintenance (Select System) > Hardware Tab > Device Manager (Click) > Mice and Other Pointing Devices. If you notice a yellow icon, that means the mouse driver has problems. Either upgrade it to latest version (if the current version is not compatible) or uninstall it, install it again and reboot your computer. Read more on mouse not working.

More information on the other components of a computer:

• Desktop Computers
• Computer Keyboards

This was brief information about how to troubleshoot a mouse on your own. If none of the above mouse troubleshooting methods work, and the computer mouse does not work on any another PC, the only option left is to replace the mouse.

By Abhijit Naik

READ MORE - Mouse Troubleshooting

LCD Monitor Repair - Troubleshooting LCD Monitors

LCD monitor troubleshooting is not as tough as you may imagine it to be. With some simple tips, you can certainly fix the problems you encounter yourself. To know more on LCD monitor repair, read on…

Gone are the days when people used to have ordinary monitors on their desks. They have replaced ordinary monitors with monitors which are incorporated with an advanced technology known as Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). But these advanced monitors may also give some problems when used over time. LCD monitor troubleshooting is a step-by-step process wherein you eliminate prospective problem sources. If you are using an LCD monitor, you need to how it works and what all are the troubleshooting methods that can be used if it functions abnormally.

Power Supply

LCD monitor troubleshooting firstly requires some level of patience. If the monitor doesn't work, the primary thing you would need to do is to check if everything is plugged in properly. Ensure that the power cord is decently connected to the power source. Also examine if the cord which connects the monitor to the CPU is properly connected. You may even remove all power and CPU connections and put them back again in their respective sockets. But before doing so, just make sure that you know which cable needs to be connected in which socket. Also make sure that the power is switched off when you are in the process of removing and connecting the cables. In case of a working monitor, if the display is disturbed or there is a change in the picture quality when you touch or move the cable, the cable is at fault and needs to be replaced.

Operating System

There are some LCD issues that are partially related to the operating system, such as a flickering screen. For examining such issues, press the 'on' button on the CPU, and check if you see any problem before the OS boots. If you observe the problem when the PC is booting, the monitor is at fault. But if the problem is not observed until the OS boots, there may be an issue with the drivers, and you need to check the display settings or reinstall the monitor drivers. You also need to check if the problem lies in the video card. Try to use a another LCD monitor with the computer, if it works fine, then there is a possibility of driver issues. If the problems are still persistent with the replacement monitor, the video card is the culprit and needs to be replaced.

Other Problems

Some of the other problems with LCD monitors may include 'dead pixels', which are pixels that only display black or white colors regardless of the displayed image. If a larger part of the screen is covered with such pixels, you can do nothing to resolve the problem other than buying a new monitor. However, this type of problem is rarely found nowadays. If the screen is showing a lower picture quality, you may just need to check the selected resolution. The resolution settings may also be adjusted if the text is not displayed efficiently.

If the monitor doesn't work even after following all LCD monitor repair steps, then the last option would be taking assistance of a computer hardware engineer. If the monitor's condition is really bad, the engineer might even suggest to replace the monitor. For proper functioning of an LCD monitor, it is recommended to keep it covered to prevent dust from entering.

By Stephen Rampur

READ MORE - LCD Monitor Repair - Troubleshooting LCD Monitors

Computer Monitor Problems

"Damn it! The computer is working fine but this monitor is giving problems." This is a common complaint that everybody hears. Many a times, computer monitor problems are easy to solve, seeking the help of a professional will be a waste of money and time. This article will provide you with the most commonly faced computer problems and their solutions.

Computer monitor is like a magic window through which you can access the world. But what if this magic window suddenly breaks down or refuses to work or goes blank. It can be really frustrating when the computer is working fine but due to a problem in the computer monitor you are unable to perform an important work. The monitor is the most important part of the computer and any problem that occurs in the functioning of the monitor, poses a great difficulty before the user. Though computer problems may seem complicated to many, trouble shooting computer monitor problems can be an easy task. Knowing how to solve some of the common computer monitor problems will not only help to save your valuable time but also your hard earned money. In the following paragraphs some of the commonly faced computer monitor problems and solutions are discussed in detail.

Computer Monitor Problems - Monitor Remains Blank

Each one of us might have faced this problem many times. In such cases, first make sure that the monitor has power and the light on the monitor is on. If the light is off then check whether the power cable behind the monitor is not loose and is inserted tightly. You can also try rebooting your computer. Even if this isn't working then try connecting the monitor to a different PC. If its working, then may be you need to replace the faulty cable. Sometimes the problem may have come up as the video card has stopped functioning, so you need to replace it. Computer monitor color problems can also be solved by replacing the video card. If all these things are not helping then there might be major technical problem for which you would have to call a professional for computer repair.

Computer Monitor Problems - Correcting Display Settings

Computer monitor display problems are also common. Sometimes, bizarre patterns or lines are found on the screen. For solving this check for the cord connections. Also, try to adjust the menu options to sort out this problem. If the picture doesn't change then changing the cord might be helpful. Sometimes there will be a blurry appearance on the screen. For solving this firstly try to adjust the display settings. Also try to adjust the resolution or computer display size by using computer display settings. If this doesn't work then check the cables or use new cables altogether to connect the CPU with the monitor. Sometimes, appearance of horizontal lines when you switch on the monitor may indicate that the monitor has broke down and it will be impossible to repair it. Read more on computer display problems.

Computer Monitor Problems - Display is Upside Down

Many a times you may end up viewing a computer screen that is upside down. This can happen due to computer game you might have played. This is a easy problem to solve - Go to Start > Control Panel> Intel Extreme Graphics Applet> Rotation tab. Uncheck the Enable Rotation check box. Click Apply, then OK. This would solve the problem easily.

Computer Monitor Problems - Strange Noises in Monitor

Sometimes, high pitched loud squealing sounds may start coming out of your computer monitor. These sounds may radiate off the internal parts and may cause sounds of high frequency. Most of the times clicking sounds are harmless they occur due to the relays of the monitor opening and closing. This types of sound are common when you switch on or switch off the computer or when display setting is changed. Usually, moving or adjusting the height of the monitor or switching it on and off can solve this problem. But if this problem is continuing and getting worse then take a help of a professional.

Computer Monitor Problems - Cutting Down Screen Glare

The sharp reflection of light or glare from your computer may be reason that you may be facing recurrent headaches due to straining of your eyes. For reducing this glare maintain a proper screen to window angle of around 90 degrees. Make sure your monitor is facing away from the window. If you are sitting with your back towards the window and a bright sunlight is shining through your office windows onto your computer screen then either change the place or make sure you use a anti-glare screen to put on your monitor screen. Read more on LCD monitor repair - troubleshooting LCD monitors.

Most of the above computer monitor problems can be easily solved even if you are not a professional. But in case of complicated problems or persistent problems take the assistance of a computer hardware engineer. If the condition of the monitor is really bad, replacing the monitor will be necessary.

By Gaurav Shimpi

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Computer Hardware Repair and Maintenance

Numerous and varied technical failures can occur in a computer. Any error can be eliminated with careful and systematic repair. Here are a few computer hardware repair and maintenance tips...

What is computer hardware? The hardware components like monitor, keyboard, CPU (Central Processing Unit), mouse and other I/O (Input-Output) devices, constitute a computer. The working of the monitor, keyboard, mouse and I/O devices depends largely upon the CPU. Due to some minor causes like loose connections or dust saturation, either of them can stop functioning. A few troubleshooting tips can be followed to correct such minor errors.

Faults occurring in the CPU are most hazardous, as it has a very complicated structure. CPU is an assembly of the motherboard, hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM) drive and the floppy drive. Unless you are well-acquainted with the CPU hardware, it is extremely difficult to pinpoint exactly where the fault has occurred. If any one of these components fail to perform, there are a few repair tips that can be followed. In order to view the circuitry inside the CPU, its casing has to be removed.

Motherboard
The entire functioning of the computer depends on this component. The processor chip-set, that performs all the logical operations of the PC, is embedded in the motherboard. Ribbon cables, power supply, CPU and RAM are the things to be checked first on the motherboard. Check if any of the ribbon cables or the power supply cord is loose. Check if the RAM chip has been misplaced from its slot. The CPU (chip-set embedded in the board) will not show any marks on the outside if it is blown. The only way to check whether the CPU is working or not, is to test it by mounting it on the motherboard of another PC. The motherboard has a real-time clock, ROM BIOS, CMOS RAM, RAM sockets, CPU sockets or slots, cache RAM slots, keyboard controller, interrupts, internal connectors and external connectors mounted on it. Do not tamper with these components, unless you know each and every one of it well. Do not touch the motherboard without turning off the power.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Also known as hard drive, it is the long-term storage device of the system. If the hard drive cannot be detected for booting, check the jumper setting. The jumper setting can change the mode of the hard disk from master to slave or vice-versa. Make sure the Windows version being used for partitioning is consistent. Check that each drive has been assigned a drive-type. Make sure the pin numbers of the plug are attached to the corresponding pin numbers of the socket. Do not force the plug into the socket with extra force, the pins may bend. If the plug is not fitting perfectly in the socket, try inserting it again by flipping it over. Do not attempt to open the hard drive without enough knowledge of its components.

Random Access Memory (RAM)
It is the temporary memory of the PC. The data in the RAM is erased when the computer is shut down. Check if the RAM is misplaced from its slot. While replacing the RAM in its slot, check the small niche at the center of the chip (the niche indicates how the RAM is supposed to be placed in the slot and may not be at the exact mid position of the chip-strip). Do not forget to secure the side clips that hold the chip in place. If you are unable to secure them, it means that the chip is not placed correctly in the slot.

Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) Drive
Data stored on external storage device like compact disk (CD) is read by inserting the CD in the CD drive. If the CD drive is not functioning, check if the CD is scratched. If the CD works fine in another PC, check if the power cable of the former drive is loose. Check if the plug and socket pin numbers match. If the tray of the drive is not opening, right click on CD-ROM icon and select eject option. If the tray does not open, insert a straight thin metal pin into the edge and try to pull it open. Do not apply too much of force while doing so. Avoid connecting the CD-ROM drive on the same controller cable as the primary hard drive, this will slow down its performance.

Floppy Drive
If the floppy disk is not opening, try opening it in the floppy drive of another PC. If the disk does not open, then it is probably corrupt. If the disk is stuck in the drive, hold down the eject button for sometime or right click on floppy drive icon and select eject option. If the disk is still stuck, wiggle it up and down till it can be ejected or use tweezers to pull it out. Do not apply too much of force while doing so.

In order to avoid any kind of faults, following maintenance tips can be followed:

• Do not let dust saturate on the motherboard. Clean it with a vacuum cleaner or a hand broom once in 2-3 months.
• Hard drive mostly does not need any external cleaning, though by performing de-fragmentation and disk clean, it can be prevented from crashing.
• In the case of CD-ROM, do not pull the tray forcibly. Make use of the insert/eject button rather than pulling and pushing the tray.
• Clean the tray once in a while. Do not keep any heavy object on the tray. Avoid running scratched or damaged CDs in the CD-ROM.
• If the CPU fan is making too much noise, unmount it and oil the bearings.
• Do not attempt to start the PC if the fan is not in a working condition.
• If the fault persists, contact professional services. Also make a note of what exactly is happening when you start the PC. It makes the diagnosis a lot easier for the professional.

CPU is the brain of the computer. Proper maintenance of the CPU, as well as all other components enhances the computer performance.

By Aishwarya Nirmal

READ MORE - Computer Hardware Repair and Maintenance

Sound Card Installation

The sound card is a vital component of a computer, and you can learn how to install sound card all by yourself. This is a very simple task, and here's how you must go about doing it...

If you know how to install sound card on your computer you will be able to listen to all sorts of audio files. Music files, videos, movies and audio enhanced presentations are just some of the files that you can enjoy if you have an active sound card on your machine. Most computers that are available in the market today already have a sound card on them, but sometimes you may need to carry out sound card installation for yourself.

Laptop computers do not give you the option to open them up at will, and doing so nullifies the warranty. So laptops will always have the best sound card possible installed in them when you buy them. On the other hand, desktop computers can be opened any time you wish. If you know how to install sound card, all you need to do is open up the machine and go ahead and install it. Installing a sound card is as easy as it gets, and it only takes a few minutes.

How to Install Sound Card
First of all you need to be clear about why you are setting out on installation of sound card. If you are facing sound card problems, try some other solutions before you set out to replace it. But if your computer does not have a sound card at all, then you surely need to install it to enjoy all your multimedia features on the computer.

Go to a computer repair store and purchase a new sound card before you begin. Do some research before you carry out this purchase, and buy a sound card that belongs to a well reputed and reliable company. This will cost a few more dollars, but it will ultimately be worth it. If you carry out sound card installation with an inferior quality sound card, it will wear out faster and cause more problems in the future. Keeping all this in mind, let's now see how to install sound card.

• To begin with, you must go through the user manual that you received with your computer and read all that you can about opening up the computer and also about the sound card. The more you know about these, the better it will be for you.
• Now you must ensure that the drivers that come with the sound card are installed on your computer. When you purchase the sound card you will receive a CD containing the drivers along with it. Install these on your machine before you go ahead and physically install sound card. Alternately, you can even download these drivers from the website of the sound card manufacturer.
• Now switch off your computer completely, and turn off all power switches. Remove the side of the computer by unscrewing all the visible screws.
• Locate the old sound card, and unplug everything that is connected to it. Do not blindly pull out the sound card, you must carefully note all the cables that are attached to it and then release them one by one before you actually pull out the old sound card.
• Now insert the new sound card into the same slot in the same manner, and proceed to reconnect all the wires and cables that were attached to the old one, including those of the speakers if they were attached to the old sound card.
• Now close the side of the computer and switch on the machine.

You have now successfully managed to install sound card, and if you have done all this right, it will work instantly. Try playing an audio file to check if the sound card is functioning properly. In case it is not, it could either be a hardware problem or a software one. Installing the drivers properly is an integral part of sound card installation, and if this is not done properly, the sound card will not work.

Also see the following:

• Sound Card not Working
• Computer Problems and Solutions

One of the easiest things about computers is learning how to install sound card. Anyone with basic knowledge about computers can do this successfully, and it does not require any technical know how or experience.

By Rahul Thadani

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Easy Computer Safety Tips and Recommendations for Using Your Computer

A computer is virtually found anywhere in this generation. We see them in shops, in households, at schools, at offices, etc. But no matter how typical a personal computer may appear, and how often we use it in our daily lives; how many of us follow the computer health and safety principles? Or how much of us understand that guidelines for computer safety really exists?

No matter how stylish or corporate your workplace maybe, it's always best that you carry out health and safety training or guidelines for your employees. High quality health and safety training for your staff and employees will provide them with the proper guidelines and the right procedures on safety processes. With it they can also avoid any injury or harm know how to deal with any problematic situation or crisis in the workplace. One of the important topics that safety training also covers is computer safety in the area.

Computer safety training shows employees how to properly use their computers in a way to avoid risks of repetitive strain injury, back strain and eye strain.

To make sure that you are indeed following computer safety guidelines, start to follow these tips:
- Avoid glares. Place your computer away from the window to avoid glares on the computer screen. These glares happen when lights bounces off your screen into your eyes. This can affect your visibility, making it difficult and as a result, you strain your eyes and ability to effectively work on your job. If you cannot control the lighting or position, make sure that you use a computer screen or filter to protect your eyes from the glare.
- Check the setting of your screen brightness. It could strain your eyes, if the setting is too high.
- Check your distance. The distance between your screen and your seat should be at least 19 to 27 inches away.
- Make sure that your screen is at the eye level or below. If it is above the eye level, it will probably strain your neck and eyes.
- Make sure that your computer is not dusty and fingerprint free. Clean your monitor regularly. Dust, smudges and fingerprints will make it difficult to see the screen and work.
- When you use your mouse, move your whole arm instead of just your wrist.
- Take regular breaks to loosen your muscles and prevent strains on your eyes.
- To avoid stress on your lower spine choose a chair which supports your back.

Computer safety is really important when it comes down to your Health and Safety. If you are not following the proper guidelines, it could affect not only your performance in work but also your health and safety. Repetitive strain injury of the hands and wrists if just taken for granted can lead to a more severe case of strain injury called Carpal Tunnel disease. Follow these computer safety guidelines for a healthier practice in the workplace.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

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Touch Screen and Electrical Repairs

High on every business requires electronics and engineering to a certain extent, and as a result of the ubiquity of electronics, the risk of errors and breakdowns has also become ever present. Customers require a company to do the best they can at their job, and companies require this of any service they pay for to help their business run smoothly, too. The high cost of repair can lead to situations where we would rather completely replace a piece of equipment than get it repaired, but this not necessarily the case with industrial electronics.

Electronics repair services must exist in order to ensure the smooth running of industrial and commercial business. When choosing the repair service that is best for you, there are several things you must take into account. Is it a general or specialist repair? Do you just need new parts? If you do just need new parts, can your own employees install them, or will you require a electronics repair company to do it for you?

When it comes to industrial electronics repairs, it is always more advantageous to look into hiring an expert who will understand fully your industrial needs and can ensure that the job is completed as quickly as possible. There are a wide range of companies who specialise in industrial electronics repairs who will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and offer a good price in terms of repairs and any new components your equipment needs. In the instance that you do require a specialist repair, it is vital that you seek the advice and service of a specialist electronics repair business in order to ensure that the correct measures are taken to fix the issue at hand. If you choose to cut corners with a general repairs service, this could cause further
problems in the future and even damage your business as a whole. Finally, it is always worth having your employees trained in the basics of electronics repairs in the event that a minor repair is needed. Not only will this help to save your business money, but will also lower the time limit in which your equipment will be out of action for. Work with the electronics repair company of your choice to ensure that you are stocked with any small parts your trained employees may require for repairs. Ensure that all parts are specially designed for the equipment that you use, but do not allow inexperienced members of staff to tackle specialist repairs.

When it comes to choosing the best electronics repairs service for your business, it is as much about trust as it is the service and experience the business can provide you with. By doing the necessary research into the businesses which are available to you and how they can help you, you will be provided with high quality, professional electronic repairs and a partnership you can trust.

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Tips to Change the Battery in a Computer

Computer has battery or a special chip which retains computer (CMOS) settings and also runs the computer lock even after the computer itself is turned off. When you have to reset the date and the time on the computer every time you start it, you will need to replace the battery of your computer. This procedure is applied to IBM-compatible computers which have a replaceable battery or the connector for the space battery. At this time, this article is going to deliver several tips to change the battery in a computer. So, just check out the following tips.

The first thing that you should do is to record the settings of the current CMOS first. Then, you should turn on or restart the computer. When the computer settings are displayed on the screen, you have to press the Pause key or the Break key in a way to freeze the computer display.
The second thing that you need to do is to press the Print Screen key for printing the display, or just write the settings on paper. You should keep this information in case you are losing the settings of your computer.

The third thing is to turn off your computer and unplug it. After that, you should remove the cover.

The fourth thing that you need to do is to record the battery type which is currently installed, but do not remove it. The lithium or the alkaline batteries are in the holders attached to the motherboard. The built-in batteries are then soldered onto the motherboard, but the connector must be available for the space battery. In this step, you have to note the type of the connector.

The fifth thing is to buy a replacement battery.

The next thing is to remove your existing battery and then replace it with new battery in exactly the same configuration. Spare batteries with the connector usually fit one way only, but you should check the computer documentation.

Lastly, you should replace the computer cover, then plug in the power cord, and start the computer. Now you can reset the date and time of your computer.

There is also other devices that you may need for your car such as clamp meter and AC clamp meter. Just make sure that you find the device that you really need.

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Refill Ink Cartridges - Best Way to Avoid Ink Shortage in Printers

Today's world is entirely dependent on printers. Printers find a great use both at offices and homes. Printers make documents hassle free. Printers reduce the stress of tens of thousands of people around the world. If anything goes wrong with the printer, then it is going to be a serious business. One of the main problems that printer users face is the printer cartridge running out of ink. It is noted that a printer cannot function without a printer cartridge. This is an issue that forces a person into a dilemma. Apart from these, when one gets to know about the price of a printer cartridge his head will definitely start spinning. Today, the costs of printer cartridge surpass the cost of the hardware that uses it i.e. the printer. It always confuses people when it comes to purchase them. Especially, with the whole lot of variation in their types, it gets tougher. With the prices of it shooting up every day, many people find it hard to afford them. The best solution for this problem is ink cartridge refill. It has replaced more number of original usages. They are preferred by more number of people these days. Most of us find it hard to afford printer cartridges and try searching for alternatives.
Effective printer inks can be got if you refill ink cartridges. Rather than buying a new if you refill cartridges you can save a massive amount of money. It is not manufactured by the manufacturer of a printer but give an optimal performance. The cartridges that are manufactured by printer manufacturers are termed as OEM or

Original Equipment Manufacturer. It is not always possible to buy OEM cartridges as they are highly expensive. Hence, experts suggest cartridge users to refill cartridges.
Ink cartridge refill in which printer ink is refilled in the original cartridges instead of discarding them. When we refill cartridges, wastage is reduced and at the same time we can get a good performance from the printer without spending a large sum of money. Currently there are many commercial vendors who refill ink cartridges. They offer guaranteed service and also make use of the best quality inks. When you refill cartridges, they become compatible and can be used for a wide range of printers. It helps you to save more than 75% of your cartridge expenses.
 
Nowadays internet enlightens you about the most reliable vendors who refill ink cartridges. With them, you can avail the best cartridge refilling services possible. They also rated these based on the support and services that they offer. Apart from ink cartridge refill, another alternative of it is cheap ink cartridges. There are numerous cartridge providers who offer printer ink cartridges at a discounted rate. These discounts are the special offers that cartridge providers offer you. Cheap printer inks are very comfortable to use and are more advantageous than ink cartridge refill. Cheap printer cartridges are a boon for all of us out there who want to have a good printing experience.

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