Computer 101: Do a PRO-Active Computer Maintenance Approach.

Do a PRO-Active Computer Maintenance Approach, what, how to you do that well in simple terms, if you are a computer technical support at your work places or just happen to own one of things called a computer then you can do a pro-active approached in maintaining your computer.  Do not wait for your computer to show sign of problems. Most of the times doing a preventive maintenance in any machine is more effective than solving or trouble-shooting the problem itself. But I do not have the necessary tools to that? Well that not true especially for windows based system. Practically speaking it has all the tools you will ever need to do preventive maintenance. I will not go into details with those tools because I have already blog about each one of them.

The things that I am suggesting here is that you as a computer technical support needs to change the habit of waiting for the problems to show up before acting on it.  But most problems a computer could have is a result of the user of that computer not using the computer properly. Like downloading almost anything on the web from music, to files to picture and going from one website to another. Then when their computer has problem as a result of that usage they always will shout that their computer has a bug on it. To combat this you need to educate all the people in your work places regarding the harmful effects uncontrolled web surfing or downloading. It really pays to educate the workforce to make them aware of the danger they face when they surf the web and click on emails that are suspicious.

Speaking of email that are suspicious, you as the guy who knows not to click emails like that should always educate your co-workers about the risk of opening emails that they believe came from an unknown source. For clicking on this kind of emails will always result in a virus infecting the computer where it has been opened and will spread on the network where that computer is connected locally. But they always say that their computer has an anti-virus to deal with virus. This is also another dangerous mind set. Because not all anti-virus can protect the computer from unwanted malicious program that tries to enter the computer via emails. Again to combat these make sure you explain the real world truth running a programs via clicking and email ink is very-very dangerous even if the computer has an anti virus installed.  

Also educate them on what to do if they suddenly receive an email that came from an unknown source even if the email tell them to click  on the link because they have won a very large sum of money and needs to be verified. These are the kinds of line that most of us get our computer infected. Another is just using a simple message lines like from your love ones you now follow by click the link to see the message send to you. Educate them by saying if your love ones sent you a message would it be more special is he or she just email it clearly to you rather than telling you to click on the link. For male part of the workforce sometime it is very easy to have them click on the link jus by saying free nude picture of a known celebrity they know. Yup one of the most common trick for male person to click is using the word free nude picture, that really gets the adrenalin flowing. Then after clicking the link the virus or malware gets activated and your computer is now infected. Sadly even the anti-virus installed is now been disabled by the action of clicking the link.

To be pro-active is to educate the user who uses the computer. Educating them will take time and effort but the result is very rewarding and productive. Remember knowledge is power, the more they now things or stuff the better it is for them to always on guard and the more better for you as a  computer technical support because your work will be more productive and beneficial for all. 

How about you any pro-active ways that you want to share?

Computer 101: The Importance of System Restore in Windows.

First for those who are not familiar with System Restore here is a description of what it does in Windows based system. The function of System Restore is to restore your computer's system files to an earlier point in time. What does this means; it means every time that we used the computer an automatic system configuration image is created on that particular day. Also if we install new software in the computer most of the time the computer activates the system restore function before the new software is installed. Sometimes, the installation of a program or a driver can cause an unexpected change to your computer or cause Windows to behave unpredictably. Usually, uninstalling the program or driver corrects the problem. If uninstalling doesn't fix the problem, you can try restoring your computer's system to an earlier date when everything worked correctly. Furthermore it's a way to undo system changes to your computer without affecting your personal files, such as e‑mail, documents, or photos.

System Restore works by using the restore points to return your system files and settings to an earlier point in time without affecting personal files. Restore points are created automatically every week, and just before significant system events, such as the installation of a program or device driver. You can also create a restore point manually. System Restore automatically recommends the most recent restore point created before a significant change, such as installing a program. You can also choose from a list of restore points. Try using restore points created just before the date and time you started noticing problems. The descriptions of the restore points that are created automatically correspond with the name of an event, such as Windows Update installing an update. System Restore returns your computer to the state that it was in before the restore point that you chose. 

There are three methods you can use to access the system restore functionality. 

You can access the System Restore Wizard through the Start menu. To access the System Restore Wizard, click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click System Restore. 

 You can access System Restore through Control Panel. To open the System Restore Wizard, click Start, Control Panel and double-click System. Click the System Restore tab and click More information about System Restore. Help and Support, click Performance and Maintenance, click Using System Restore to undo changes, then click Run the System Restore Wizard. 

You can access System Restore through Help and Support. To access the System Restore Wizard, click Start, and then click Help and Support. Click Performance and Maintenance; click Using System Restore to undo changes, then click Run the System Restore Wizard.

The more system restore points we have in our computer the better, because the more option the computer has in correcting windows error by using system restore the better. The system restore is a very important tool in fixing problems encountered by windows based system after installing a new program or a new driver for a particular hardware. By restoring the computer system configuration to an earlier state without affecting your personal files and documents to fix the windows abnormal behavior we have a tool that is very easy to use and very effective in solving software related error. System Restore uses a feature called system protection to regularly create and save restore points on your computer. These restore points contain information about registry settings and other system information that Windows uses. You can also create restore points manually.

Where do you find the System Restore tool? There are several ways on how to locate the system restore tool. The first is to go to the Start Menu and right click on the My computer and from the full down menu click on the Properties Tab, after clicking on the properties the system information will appear. On the Upper-Left hand side of the System information under the control panel home, click on the system protection. After clicking on the system protection the system properties dialog box will appear. There are five tabs on the system properties please locate the system protection tab. To start or create a system restore point manually just click the create button and then read and follow all the instruction to create system restore point manually.

System image backups stored on hard disks can also be used for System Restore, just like the restore points created by system protection. Even though system image backups contain your system files and personal data, your data files will not be affected by System Restore. System Restore isn't intended for backing up personal files, so it cannot help you recover a personal file that has been deleted or damaged. You should regularly back up your personal files and important data using a backup program. Another way of starting the system restore point manually is by opening the control panel and clicking the system icon to open the control panel and clicking the system protection. So if ever you find that your computer behaves abnormally after installing a program or update existing driver and removal of the newly installed program does not solve the problem then that is the time to use the tool called system restore.

I would like to hear you thought about system restore?

Computer 101: Maintaining and keeping your laptop from unwanted Abuse Part 2

Good day to all I hope you’re having nice weekdays and weekends which is just around the corner. To continue, I have blog about the important of having your laptop battery fully charge whenever and wherever possible if you’re preparing for an important event that will require you to use the mobile computer. Also this will greatly help your laptop battery to have more life on it. As also previously mentioned this is my number ONE (1) rule. Now let’s go to my number TWO (2) rules which are to always make sure that your laptop is properly protected from the element and un-warranted physical hits via falling from the floor or being accidentally hit by any object. Unless your laptop is design to take such punishment. But to those of us who can only afford the regular to mid-range laptop. We should always bear in mind that our laptop are not design to take physical punishment like being dropped on the floor even if inside your case or bag. Maybe once or twice in accidental manner is enough but to do it on a regular basis then might as well get a hammer and pound your laptop. Dropping is not the only physical punishment your laptop will encounter, there is the hitting of different type of objects that the user can came across with. Another is just simple putting your laptop on the table but in a very rude or angry way. Another punishment that your laptop can encounter is liquid abuse, via the drinking water, coffee, soda and all other human consumable liquid form. One of the most dangerous habit that we have develop over the years of using our laptop is the of habit and eating and drinking with it during at work and while at school or at home.

How do we abuse our laptop physically? Well as I mentioned above aside from being dropped accidentally on the floor, there is also the spilling of liquid into the laptop. Liquid and electricity do not mix together. Spilling liquid into your laptop will certainly short-out the electronic inside. Remember your laptop contains electronic devices that are very sensitive to so. The connections of each circuit inside your laptop are very sensitive. Once enough force is applied to disrupt that connection, the flow of data and electricity will also greatly be affected thereby resulting to a malfunction system. There are only a few screws that held your laptop together. Unlike in the desktop category wherein almost all components can be tightly fixed unto a position by a screw or a locking pin. There is only a minimal of this to maintain the portability of the laptop. Ever notice why only the screw is fixed outside the laptop casing. All system are built-in the motherboard of the laptop. Applying enough force on the laptop will certainly disrupt that physical connection inside.

Also spilling a little amount of liquid will short-out electronic inside your laptop. Also another result of all this physical punishment is that the outside makeup or appearance of your laptop will not be appealing most especially to the user. A friend of mine asked to check on his laptop because some kid was able to hit his laptop with the bare hands for several times. Before she could stop the hitting it was already to late. The laptop would not operate normally only DOS both sequence would be initiated and after that nothing follow. The kid that did the hitting was a toddler. The intention was to play or press that keyboard. Another aspect of keeping your laptop from being physically abuse is the cost that comes with the repair. Laptops are not cheap to buy and so is the repair. Doing a major repair on a laptop will always cost more, sometimes those the technician will advice you that it is better to buy a new one that to repair the current laptop. Some of the reason for this is the replacement parts is more than half of the original cost of a brand new laptop.

Also it will take weeks and even a month to get your laptop back from the Service Center.  Also there is a lot of lousy costumer support on some service center. They will charge you without explaining what those charges are or they may have explained it but there is hidden charge not included in you billing. Another very important thing if your laptop goes south is all that data inside the hard drive of your laptop will also cost if what them retrieve properly and transferred to a new laptop. More headaches is the usual side effect of not taking care of your laptop properly and keeping them away from UN-warranted physical abuse ad mi-used. So next time you’re using your laptop at work, home, and school or in public places be sure to always on the alert for possible physical abuse it may encounter.

Computer 101: Maintaining and keeping your laptop from unwanted Abuse.

Hello again, wow this is my second article for this month. Pardon me, I'm just happy to be back blogging. As i mention on my previous blog, last year i just acquire my very first laptop. I've been using it to monitor and manage this blogs site. Having  my own laptop is very handy indeed. Whenever I am able to use it, I'd take the chance. Also i  have to keep in mind that having a laptop also comes with responsibility of maintaining and keeping it safe from un-wanted abuse and mis-use as I go about me daily routine. Yup if i want to make my very first laptop in top condition for a long time then i have to always keep in minds several ways to make that happen. I have come up with some very basic rule on how to maintain and keep my laptop in top form. I have come to develop this simple rule based on years of experience of talking and observing other real life people who have their own laptop.

Okay here we go my number one (1) rule is When in use always make sure that the battery does not run out of charge. In the past some of my friends and a lot of other people would ask me to check there computer there desktop computer. While doing it then they would ask me to also do a check on there laptop and based on this most the time the problem i encountered is battery failure, especially if the laptop is more than a year old. Now how come this is always the problem with laptop. This is also the problem with mobile phone, I don't care how advance your mobile phone is, If it has a battery then chances are that battery will be one of the most abuse part of your mobile phone. Why well the main way to abuse a cellphone over charging. Keeping plug-in the whole day or night when two to three hours should be enough. In laptop if over charging is also possible but the main causes of battery abused is under charging. 

Image via Wikipedia

Since the laptop is supposed to be a mobile computer a lot of people really take it the hilt that they tend to forget that the battery of most laptop when not connected to an electrical outlet has a limited charge. They keep om using it and ignoring warning that it's about time to charge the battery. I know how busy we are, but that is not an excuse to just abused the battery of our very handy mobile computer. Always keep in mind to monitor the electrical charge percentage of you battery to make sure it does not run-out on you when you will need it the most let's say during office meeting with your boss and co-worker. Take time to watch the charge percentage and do a little calculation on your own.

I mean you know your own schedule make sure that before it start, charge the battery of your laptop or better still plug it to the nearest electrical outlet the whole duration your meeting. Always under-chr\arging the battery of your laptop will using will shorten the life-span of the battery. Another unseen cause of laptop not functioning properly is the heat generated by the battery is it not plug in while in use. Since the battery is functioning and giving out its stored electrical supply to the laptop then more heat heat is generated as it is being use compare to that when the laptop is plug on an electrical outlet while also in use. Notice also that some major application needs more power than others. This will really lessen the staying power of your battery when not plug-in.

Image by Ivo Sandoval via Flickr

The heat generated by the battery when in used can affect those micro-circuit inside the laptop. This will cause them to wear faster by over-heating and in the long run this will cause the affected circuit not to function properly and in the long run will affect the performance of your laptop. It's better to take the necessary measures now or to see yourself always in the service center and paying the technician for service which in the first should have been avoided if did the right thing of taking care of the battery and using it properly.

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Self Computer Maintenance: Part 3 Using the Defragmentation Tools

Greeting to all, to continue on this series another way of accessing the scan disk tool is by pointing your mouse on the my computer picture or icon then double click to access the item of the icon, then select the hard disk drive you want to be fixed. After selecting the hard disk point the mouse on the disk and press the mouse right button or just press the right click button. From here a menu will appear from that menu select the properties tab at the bottom of the menu and the dialog box for the my computer icon will appear. Then select the TOOLS tab which contain the Scan-disk, Defragmentation and Back-up tools. Then select Scan-disk and press start. Again if it needs to be scheduled then just followed the instruction on the screen.

Now after finishing the repair and diagnostic of the scan-disk, your hard disk is now ready for the defragmentation tools. Now you may ask, what the heck is that tool and what does it do. First of all your hard disk files tend to be fragmented from all those usage day in and day out. You sometimes notice that the response time of your computer has become increasing slow this past days, weeks and months. And your wondering what is going on with this computer, it seems fine, it boot-up well there was no error or problems encounter in its operations. But when i try to access my files they seems a bit slow and yes it boot up well but its a little bit slower compare last week or last months.

So what is going on inside there. Remember your hard needs to spin in order to work and to access data, during that operation sometime your file tend tend to be separated from its component. What????, well actually your file is compose of several parts which i not go into to detail because it will become to technical and will defeat the purpose of this blog. Just know that a file store on the hard disk has many parts okay, and this part seems to be separated from the whole because when where using our computer, some other files is also being used. And there are plenty of them. The job of the defragmentation tool is to correct this error so that you can access your files much faster or same as before. Its put the file most used in the hard disk location where is can be accessed easily and can be loaded mush faster, the other files that is not being used much is put on the farthest part, well something like that. The fragmentation of the hard disk as a whole and your files as well is also fix.

Image by jmehre via Flickr

Well anyhow before is actually begins the fixing of the problem, it first analysis your computer hard disk drive to see how large is the fragmentation. After doing this it will display a report about this in percent like telling you that your hard drive is 50% fragmented and its recommendation of proceeding with the used of the tool to correct this error. Oh i need to mentioned that when your going to this, you cannot used your computer while deffragging is going on. So this one need to be scheduled as well. Now how long will it take to do this stuff. Primarily it defends on your hard disk size and how much files is there to check. If you have a very large amount of files to check.

Image via Wikipedia

You can do this before you go home, set-it up and start the tools, of course leave it alone once it has begun to work. Just turn off the monitor of you computer and let it be. Another thing If this is your scheduled you report this to you Tech Support Staff so that they will now what your doing and can monitor your machine first thing in the morning. If  your going to do this on your home computer then scheduled it before you go to sleep. Just do as mentioned above and check it the next day to see if its done. I hope i was able to help you in this little way on how to used this tool which is available to you. You don't need buy other tool and software for maintenance purposes. This two will suffice. But again for a more serious problem you need to consult a qualified technician to help you out on your computer problem.