10 ways to speed up Windows
By MellowD / Tips and Advice / / 0 Comments

10 quick and easy ways to speed up your computer!

Many people are interested in making the most of their hardware. So here are 10 simple tips on how to make your Windows XP computer run faster without having to purchase additional hardware.

1. Defrag Disk to Speed Up Access to Data

One of the factors that slow the performance of the computer is disk fragmentation. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. To speed up the response time, you should monthly run Disk Defragmenter, a Windows utility that defrags and consolidates fragmented files for quicker computer response.

* Follow Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter
* Click the drives you want to defrag and click Analyze
* Click Defragment
2. Detect and Repair Disk Errors

Over time, your hard disk develops bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing difficult or even impossible. To detect and repair disk errors, Windows has a built-in tool called the Error Checking utility. It’ll search the hard disk for bad sectors and system errors and repair them for faster performance.

* Follow Start > My Computer
* In My Computer right-click the hard disk you want to scan and click Properties
* Click the Tools tab
* Click Check Now
* Select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box
* Click Start
3. Disable Indexing Services

Indexing Services is a little application that uses a lot of CPU. By indexing and updating lists of all the files on the computer, it helps you to do a search for something faster as it scans the index list. But if you know where your files are, you can disable this system service. It won’t do any harm to you machine, whether you search often or not very often.

* Go to Start
* Click Settings
* Click Control Panel
* Double-click Add/Remove Programs
* Click the Add/Remove Window Components
* Uncheck the Indexing services
* Click Next
4. Optimize Display Settings

Windows XP is a looker. But it costs you system resources that are used to display all the visual items and effects. Windows looks fine if you disable most of the settings and leave the following:

* Show shadows under menus
* Show shadows under mouse pointer
* Show translucent selection rectangle
* Use drop shadows for icons labels on the desktop
* Use visual styles on windows and buttons
6. Disable Performance Counters

Windows XP has a performance monitor utility which monitors several areas of your PC’s performance. These utilities take up system resources so disabling is a good idea.

* Download and install the Extensible Performance Counter List (http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/tools/existing/exctrlst-o.asp)
* Then select each counter in turn in the ‘Extensible performance counters’ window and clear the ‘performance counters enabled’ checkbox at the bottom button below
7. Optimize Your Pagefile

You can optimize your pagefile. Setting a fixed size to your pagefile saves the operating system from the need to resize the pagefile.

* Right click on My Computer and select Properties
* Select the Advanced tab
* Under Performance choose the Settings button
* Select the Advanced tab again and under Virtual Memory select Change

* Highlight the drive containing your page file and make the initial Size of the file the same as the Maximum Size of the file.
8. Remove Fonts for Speed

Fonts, especially TrueType fonts, use quite a bit of system resources. For optimal performance, trim your fonts down to just those that you need to use on a daily basis and fonts that applications may require.

* Open Control Panel
* Open Fonts folder
* Move fonts you don’t need to a temporary directory (e.g. C:\FONTBKUP?) just in case you need or want to bring a few of them back. The more fonts you uninstall, the more system resources you will gain.
9. Use a Flash Memory to Boost Performance

To improve performance, you need to install additional RAM memory. It’ll let you boot your OS much quicker and run many applications and access data quicker. There is no easiest and more technically elegant way to do it than use eBoostr (http://www.eboostr.com).

eBoostr is a little program that lets you improve a performance of any computer, powered by Windows XP in much the same way as Vista’s ReadyBoost. With eBoostr, if you have a flash drive, such as a USB flash thumb drive or an SD card, you can use it to make your computer run better. Simply plug in a flash drive through a USB socket and Windows XP will use eBoostr to utilize the flash memory to improve performance.

The product shows the best results for frequently used applications and data, which becomes a great feature for people who are using office programs, graphics applications or developer tools. It’ll surely attract a special attention of laptop owners as laptop upgrade is usually more complicated and laptop hard drives are by definition slower than those of desktops.
10. Perform a Boot Defragment

There’s a simple way to speed up XP startup: make your system do a boot defragment, which will put all the boot files next to one another on your hard disk. When boot files are in close proximity to one another, your system will start faster.

On most systems, boot defragment should be enabled by default, but it might not be on yours, or it might have been changed inadvertently. To make sure that boot defragment is enabled:
* Run the Registry Editor
* Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Dfrg\BootOptimizeFunction
* Set the Enable string value to Y if it is not already set to Y.
* Exit the Registry
* Reboot

By MellowD / Tips and Advice / / 0 Comments

How to protect your computer from malware attacks?

How to protect your computer from malware attacks?

Most of us have to deal with computer viruses or some other sort of malware. Dealing with the malware is annoying, frustrating and time consuming task.
Malware is malicious software which is programmed by attackers or hijackers to disrupt computer operation, steal personal information or gain access to your personal computer network.
Malware includes computer viruses, ransomware, worms, Trojan horses, rootkits, key loggers, dialers, spyware, adware, malicious BHOs, rogue security software, etc. Following are the various measures which can be adopted to protect your computer from malware attacks.
Installing anti-virus software/ malware software:
Installing anti-virus software seems to be an obvious step taken for protection from malware, but everyone doesn’t bother to have one especially for PCs or laptop at home. This step is must to make your system virus free.
Updating Anti- virus software:
Having a protection software is the first important step and the second is maintaining that software. Update your anti-virus software timely. Free version of such anti-virus software are better but you have to pay for updated versions.
Turn on Window firewall:
Window has in built firewall which protects your pc from unwanted attention via internet. Software firewall enabled by default and works alongside any hardware firewall that’s built into your home broadband router. Its setting can be check by typing “check firewall” in start menu.
Avoid opening suspicious emails:
Try avoid opening suspicious email attachments as they might contain malicious code. You can turn on the spam filter in your email inbox. Such mails get trapped by spam filters but if one does slip through and you click its link, your web browser should detect and block the site it takes you to.
Have the latest browser:
Web browser is one of the essential application of your system. But just like other software, it may also get affected by bugs. It becomes quite easy for hackers to exploit such affected browsers through malicious sites and steal information. To avoid this use latest version of browsers as anything other than this may be a security risk.
Secure your network:
Many of our computers gets connected to files, printers, or the Internet via a Wi-Fi connection and hence are at risk of getting affected by malicious code run by hackers. Make sure connection requires a password to access these devices and password used should be strong. Never broadcast an open Wi-Fi connection.

By MellowD / Tips and Advice / 0 Comments

Useful tips for fixing a faulty internet connection

Useful tips for fixing a faulty internet connection

Internet is for creating convenience in life, not to create troublesome headaches. It can be frustrating if you lose internet connection when you need it most. You could call up your Internet service provider but they provide little help over phone and if they send repair person then it would be a charged services.
Why wait for someone else to come and provide you a solution when you can fix it by yourself. Try following solution to fix your faulty internet connection.
Determine the problem is with your computer or network:
If devices other than your PC connected with the same network are able to access internet, then problem lies with your Computer. You should check for the internet settings of your PC to get access to internet. If no other device can connect to internet then problem resides in your network hardware or network configuration.
Try opening different website or program:
There can be chances that the website you looking for is down for certain reasons or the program you are using may have server problem on its end. Try opening some other website or program over internet to see if you can connect. If possible try opening websites in some other browser as there might be problem in settings of the browser you are using currently.
Restart your PC:
Restarting PC can be solution to fix majority of PC issues. It is the easiest way to configure all the PC settings. A simple restart can clear out bad issues causing connectivity issues. There may be a chances that nothing happen by doing this.
Reset network hardware:
If your network connection suddenly goes off then there may be fault in your network hardware and restarting / unplugging them can be helpful in restoring network connection. For this, unplug your router and modem cables, wait for some time and again plug them in. Wait till they get complete power supply then try loading web pages.
Boost your Wi-Fi signals:
If you experience problem with signals than it usually means there is issue with interference and distance of your Wi-Fi. There are various things which you can do to resolve this problem and get signals back.
Perform virus and malware scan as there may be certain malicious code hindering the ability of your pc to access internet. Virus can be tricky to get rid from, your computer would be much secure if you perform scan once in 15 days.

By MellowD / Tips and Advice / 0 Comments

Connecting 2 computers with Ethernet cables

Connecting 2 computers with Ethernet cables

Want to share files and other data with another computer. Most common and simplest way adopted for this is connecting 2 computers with the help of cables. Regular Ethernet cables can’t be used for such purpose as it requires category 5, or CAT 5, or later crossover cable to execute such operation.
Crossover cables look identical to straight-through cables, but have several wire pairs reversed at one end, so make sure you get the correct cable. Here are the steps for connecting 2 computers with Ethernet cables for Windows.
Step 1: Plug Ethernet cable
Plug one end of Ethernet cable into an Ethernet network port in one PC and repeat the same procedure for another computer by connecting it through another end of the cable. The connecting LEDs on both network card should flash green.
Step 2: Log into one of the computer
Go on to one of the computer and click on the ‘Start’ menu. Type ‘Network and Sharing Center’ in the search bar. Click on ‘Network and Sharing Center’ as soon it appears in the search results.
Step 3: Select multiple networks or unidentified network
Select and open the icon named “Unidentified network” from the network map at the top of the Network and Sharing Center window. This icon may display as “Multiple networks” if you have more than one network. For Window 8, click on change advanced sharing settings situated left side of the list.
Step 4: Turn on network discovery and file sharing
Click on the message that prompts you to change the network discovery and file sharing settings, then click on the option “Turn on network discovery and file sharing”.
Step 5: Provide with ‘Administrator’s Password’
Type administrator password for the computer if prompted to do so and press Enter after doing it. By doing this both computer would be displayed in Network and Sharing center window. This would enable you to make changes in both the computer at same time.
Now you are all set to use your both PC at same time. You can access files by double clicking the icon of the computer which you want to work with. Always check the type of cable you require for your system to get connected to other. For more information and detail about the cable you can contact to cable manufacturer.

By MellowD / Tips and Advice / 0 Comments

Areas to look for while choosing an internet browser

Areas to look for while choosing an internet browser

Now a days almost everything is done with the help of internet and working with internet browser is not such a difficult task. Web browser or internet browser is the software application which enables you to browse internet and access websites.
Determining which internet browser to choose can be a cumbersome task when all the companies present promise to deliver 99% uptime, unlimited resources, and knowledgeable support to their clients. Major areas which are looked while selecting browser are simplicity, speed and security. There are certain factors which can be helpful in deciding which web browser to opt for:
Speed and compatibility:
Web browser should load quickly and be compatible with all the major operating systems. Look for the uptime of the browser as it should be 99.5% and higher. There are many websites which has reviewed the speed of access of top web browsers, you can take help of them. It is being seen that fastest browser takes less than 2 seconds to load a website and it should be compatible with the operating system you are using.
Control panel:
It is called by various names by various hosts. There are certain common maintenance chores like changing passwords, adding or deleting any email account, etc. which are performed by every web user again and again. Check for the control panel provided by the host as it would be great hassle if it is not present. Absence of this panel will make you rely on their technical support to make the changes for you.
Reliability:
Web hosting services should be reliable and trustworthy. There are many online security measures taken but still working with internet involve security risks, especially small-scale attacks to hack electronic data and your personal information is also at risk. Security features like privacy settings, pop-up blockers and anti-spyware enable safe internet surfing and protects us from the threat of loss of information.
Help and support:
Most of the internet browser are open source and doesn’t provide dedicated technical support to the clients. But still there are many internet browsers that provide quality support in many other forms. When it comes to internet browser there are many form in which support can be provided i.e. in the form of FAQs, tutorials and email support user guides.
Understand what web hosting companies mean by what they say. Considering above factor would easily enable you to decide which hosting company and package suits best to your needs

By MellowD / Tips and Advice / / 0 Comments

Things to do with your old computer parts

Things to do with your old computer parts

After purchasing a new computer, you are all set to say bye to your old computer and switch to a new one. Your new computer will be having boatload of memory, lots of cores, and a fast, modern graphics card and your old pc would be sitting in the corner without getting used.
Here are the certain ideas which you can implement to make a good use of your old computer and its parts.
Converting it into a home server:
You can convert your old pc into a server if more than one user are using your home network. All pcs can’t be used for this purpose, ask your service provider before doing it. You can also use your old PC as a storage device for storing photos or important files and use it whenever you need them.
Donate it to educational institution:
If your PC is in working condition then donate it to the day care center or any local educational institution. Before donating install some necessary software which can be useful to the institution taking it. Also remove your personal data from and uninstall the programs you have installed earlier while using it. If your pc is not in working condition then you can donate it to the high schools for hardware testing purposes.
Turn it into an experimental box:
Your old PC can prove to be a good experimental box that can give wings to all your experiment of using new software and OS. You can partition windows of your old system with Linux (Ubuntu). There are many software that can work on Linux and can bring new experience for you.
Convert it into a gaming console:
If you love playing games than you can convert your PC into a gaming console by installing an emulator of your choice. This would enable you to play games on your TV screens. Adding emulator to your pc would allow you to play and enjoy the game from the time of your father.
Get it recycled through reputable recycling firm:
You can get your old PC recycled through a reputable recycling firm. As all electronics recycling programs are not created equally, you must go through net or take help of EPA guide to know about it.
If your PC is in working condition than it can be helpful in making money for you. You can sell your PC and earn money from it. You can also use it for making DIY projects.

By MellowD / Tips and Advice / • / 0 Comments

How to recover deleted data from PC easily?

How to recover deleted data from PC easily?

“You can now recover your lost or deleted data from PC easily on your own”. Sounds quite unusual, but you can recover your lost data or deleted data from PC that too very easily, if you discover the loss soon. Chances of recovering deleted or lost files lows down every time you write anything on hard drive. Try to minimize the use of computer until you recover complete data. Here’s how you can recover deleted data or files from the PC:
Look in the bin:
Windows store deleted data in Recycle bin as a safety measure. It is one of the obvious place to look for your deleted files. Sometime you may find your deleted files there and you can recover those files by dragging and dropping the files on desktop to restore them.
Use your backup:
It might be the case that you have deleted your files from recycle bin in order to remove trash from your PC or you might have the habit of using ‘Shift + Delete’ for deleting files. In such cases, recovering data from backup is another solution. If you have habit of backing up your hard drive or libraries then you can find you’re deleted files or data from there. If you don’t backup your files then sorry this solution is not for you.
Restore previous version:
You can also recover your deleted data or files by restoring previous version. Once your file gets deleted from the system, the space covered by that file is cleared and is marked as free space available for saving other things. But your computer won’t overwrite that space unless it has no other option available. If you are recovering anything through this process then don’t download or save anything at that time. You can do this by right clicking the location where your file was stored and selecting restoring previous version.
Try free recovery software:
As stated above, your computer don’t overwrite the space made available by deleting any file or data until it doesn’t have any other option is available for saving data. That’s why it is advised not to download or save any data while restoring deleted data. There are various software available for recovering deleted data and files. These software are easy to use and have good track of record in recovering deleted data. These are so portable that you don’t have to install if you want to use them.
If all the above methods fail or you are unable to recover data on your own, then land on the last resort i.e. hire a professional to recover data for you. With above methods you can recover your data and files from the PC which was deleted accidentally from your computer.

By MellowD / Tips and Advice / 0 Comments

Most prominent computer problems with their solutions

Most prominent computer problems with their solutions

Each and every person using computers face one or the other problems with his or her system and calling a technician for these problems can bring stress on their wallets.

Following are the most prominent computer problems with their appropriate solutions.
Slow computer:
It is one of the most common and frustrating problem faced by almost every user. Lack of maintenance, fragmented data, a corrupted registry, spyware and dozens of unnecessary programs running at the same time can be major causes. Keep track of your programs. Remove programs which you don’t use at all and always close the program once you have used it. Clean your registry with one of the many free or paid applications available for Windows or OS you use.
Slow internet connection:
If downloading, browsing or streaming videos and music online have to suffer because of slow speed internet. Troubleshooting methods for slow internet connection would be depending on the factors of problem you are facing. If you can’t reach any site then try rebooting your modem. Check for the programs running background and causing auto download of files.
Computer doesn’t turn ON:
Worst situation, you hit power button but machine doesn’t start. There are number of factors which can cause this computer problem to take place. It may be due to something as simple as a loose cord, or as serious as a dead power supply. Sometimes your PC gets started but it may be monitor who is the actual culprit. Check for the loose cables and fix them fast. If still the problem persist then call the technician for help.
Distorted display:
If your screen looks weird – random lines or psychedelic graphics randomly appears or display goes off as soon you switch on the PC. This means your graphic card or monitor is sick and needs an urgent action for smooth working. Look for the power supply to monitor and if there is any problem related to graphic card then get it changed by the experts.
Forgetting backup of data:
Most of the home users overlook the importance of backing up their data and files. Because of this they have to face when their important files and folders go missing from the saved location. Always back up your data until it is too late to recover them. There are various ways like restoring previous version, checking recycle bin for files, etc. to recover the lost data.