Beeping Computer

Test and Tag Computers

2021-03-15T23:06:00.002-07:00

Beepingcomputer offers Test and Tag services for the domestic and commercial areas in the Illawarra region of NSW. We also offer the sale of a wide variety of computer related products including PC components, laptops and printers.

Expired Domains Help

2017-10-12T01:48:00.000-07:00

Expired Domain. What happens?   What to do?

It can take two months or longer to rescue an expired Domain name from its' suspended state. If it is left alone it will end up in the basket of Domains were  forgotten domains finally end up. And there they are up for purchase.

Panic sets in when the domain expires but there's a time even after it expires where it can be saved from the   ravages of the broker basket. Yes people trade in domain names like many other commodities. This is why if the domain expires it is a good idea to do your best to hold on it because there is no preferences given to the previous owner once the domain reaches the domain pool. It might get scooped up by someone and that is it. Gone. You might be lucky and it comes back to market very soon In   which case you would be able to purchase the domain again if someone hasn't got to first, that is.

When a domain expires the registrant has  up to 45 days recover it. After that there is a 30 day redemption grace period. After that it cannot be recovered. Expired Domain

"Once your domain has expired, it will be in Auto-Renew Grace Period (for 0-45 days), followed by a 30-day Redemption Grace Period. At the end of the Redemption Grace Period, you will not be able to renew your domain name. Your domain name will be released for registration by third parties.".

According to Google 30 days time is allowed to renew after expiry without charge. After that another 30 days is allowed for renewal but with a charge. after that period is over the domain name expires. The domain can still be recovered after 60 to 90 days but their is a fee.

Godaddy allows 18 days for renewal without charge after expiry. And then payment must be made for renewal after that period not exceeding 40 days. After that the domain cannot be recovered.

Losing your domain can really hurt. One important thing to check is  your credit card number that is registered with   GoDaddy or Google for auto renewal purposes. For different reasons a credit or MasterCard number can change. Auto renewal if selected with the domain provider will not happen in this case.

A.I.

2017-06-01T00:52:00.000-07:00

Has that computer beat you at that game. Have you just been defeated by an inanimate robot . A machine designed to do just this one thing.

You are not alone.

Take comfort in the fact that some of the best game players in the world are defeated by computer programs.

2017-01-08T22:54:00.001-08:00

Light Globes

There was a time when changing a light globe was simple    matter. Push and turn    anticlockwise and it came out of the socket. Push and turn clockwise and the globe was replaced. That was for a bayonet style. But the Bayonets come in two different sizes and then there are the screw types. They come in different sizes as well.

If that doesn't make things awkward enough there are a few different types. There are LED's, CFLs, CFTs and Halogens. Each with a    different fitting. Some are powered by mains voltage and some are powered through transformers.

For industrial applications there are Mercury vapour lamps that are being superceded by LED simply because they use much less power and have the added benefit of  producing light immediately. Mercury Vapour Lamps take some time to warm up before producing light.

The B22

This style of globe has the traditional bayonet fitting. Round with two small pins protruding that help to lock the light in position.

http://edisonlightglobes.com/Shop/product-tag/b22/

SES or B15

This looks very similar to the B22 . It just has a smaller diameter.. Meaning that it will not fit into a B22 socket. No way. So the next time you go shopping for a bayonet globe don't just pick the first one you see. It might be too big or too small for the place it has to fit into. It's like going shopping for cream and returning home with full   CREAM milk. Hmmmmm!

http://www.nulighting.com.au/b15-sbc/

The E27 (medium)

This is starting to drive me nuts. The E27 is a classified as a medium Edison Screw. It's a light globe with a thread where the bayonet should be. But it doesn't end there....
There are several "E" globes all with threads of different diameter. And that seems ok if the larger globe must delivery significantly more light. But that is not the case. Some size differ by only a couple of millimeters. Why?  Maybe the we all need    more globes of endless different sizes to make our lives more complete. And if you can't find the right size globe it may be "completely" in the dark.

https://www.lightingillusions.com.au/definition/6/e27

LED lamps

These little buggers have crept up out of nowhere. And now they want to claim the stage. Brighter white light on a shoe string budget output. But I kind of liked that yellowish hue of the Mercury vapour lamps and that slow creep up to full light. It sort of emulated how I feel in the early morning. It's like yeh man I know how you feel crawling out of bed in the morning and as if in sympathy,  it lights' itself up nice and slow.

http://www.lighting.philips.com.au/prof/lamps/led-lamps-and-systems/led-lamps

LED    Tubes

They use less power and therefore cost less to run. They produce less light comparatively but concentrate light better. Fluoro's disperse light more. So better for covering larger areas with light. When I take one down I always imagine   a scene form Star Wars and that my Fluuro is a Light Sabre.

https://forums.energymatters.com.au/energy-efficiency/topic2189.html
http://www.premierltg.com/should-you-replace-your-t8-fluorescent-lamps-with-t8-led-tubes-2/

Compact Fluorescents CFLs E17 and E27 Compact Fluorescent Tubes   CFTs G23

These bulbs are rated at less wattage and produce more light. They are more efficient.

https://www.lightbulbs.com/category/twist-candelabra-screw-base-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs
http://www.energyrating.gov.au/products/lighting/cfl
http://www.rpc.com.au/catalog/fluorescent-light-bulb-edison-screw-17mm-c-3_326.html
https://www.tradezone.com.au/category/2-pin-compact-fluorescent-tubes-319.html

Halogens

These lights run hot. Do not touch when running because they may cause severe burns. Oil from the skin can cause an imbalance in the globe and cause to    explode. These lights are beings superceded by LEDs.

http://www.edisontechcenter.org/halogen.html

http://www.philips.com.au/c-m-li/halogen-light-bulbs/

http://lightingpro.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=26_36&products_id=74&RD=LPHomTxtG9HalogenGlobes

Light Globe Help

Cable Identification

2016-11-12T14:49:00.001-08:00

http://www.cablestogo.com/learning/connector-guides/usb#a-type

2016-06-23T02:51:00.003-07:00

Glasses to help blind people.

What a great innovation. Look forward to further developments in this area.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=glasses+for+the+blind+youtube+microsoft&view=detail&mid=BF458FF95EEEBDFC6D75BF458FF95EEEBDFC6D75&FORM=VIRE

Hard Drive Bearing

2016-04-23T17:38:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder what rotates inside a computer hard drive?

2016-04-14T03:19:00.001-07:00

Downgrade from windows 10 ---- Rules

https://www.microsoft.com/OEM/en/licensing/sblicensing/Pages/downgrade_rights.aspx#fbid=qYb3tfB9J8h

Cloud Computing

2016-04-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

What is Cloud Computing?

It provides a place to store data, and use applications that are in the cloud, without having to actually save the program on your hard drive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHltC0ZEQnE

https://www.dropbox.com/help/1968

What to consider when upgrading a tower PC

2016-03-25T19:31:00.002-07:00

26th March 2016

Lets take the Gigabyte GA H61M motherboard and take a closer look.
First of all the main socket for the processor has 1155 pins. The motherboards that came afterwards had different pin counts. Which means that their processors have different pin quantities. This makes fitting a more recent processor to an older board impossible. The H61M also known as socket H2 supports the Sandy Bridge processor. After the year 2011 the socket configuration changed. There was socket R with 2011 pins. Then socket G2 with 988. And So on until currently there is the Intel Skylake with 1151 pins. There doesn't seem to be any pattern in the number of pin counts used throughout the last few years. It's just that it is not possible to put a modern processor onto an older motherboard. So upgrading this board is limited to the processors that were produced at the time and designed to fit.

Upgrading RAM follows the same path as the processors. Currently there is DDR4 RAM available for the latest machines. DDR4 will not fit on DDR3 machines. Just like DDR 1,2 and 3 are all physically different. It just doesn't fit. Upgrading these boards is limited to the chips that are designed to fit that specific location. And the latest chips just do not work with the older boards.

Power supplies are one thing that can be upgraded. Using an increased wattage does not draw more power. The only power drawn is the power needed to run the circuits. Leaning to a larger power supply is generally good advice because future upgrades that draw more power will still be within the range of that PSU to supply effectively.

The PCI cards on motherboards can be upgraded. Firstly make sure that the card has the space to fit in the case. Secondly, if running a low end processor like a Celeron then that may end up being a problem. As said above choose a power supply above the necessary wattage rating for the whole system and pick a PSU that's reputable. Do the homework here. Read the fine print. I prefer full modular units. They cost more but there are no left over cables in the case. Just use what's needed. The case internals look much neater and just easier to work with.

http://www.pcgamer.com/how-to-buy-a-graphics-card-six-things-you-must-know-about-gpus/

Finally there is the case. All the gear has to fit in and it has to look great. However if the whole case has to fit into a certain area it may be too big. Measure up first. Full ATX is the way to go for gamers.

Botnet

2016-03-05T22:35:00.000-08:00

Some info on computer infections

Software Security

2016-01-27T00:31:00.001-08:00

What NOT to do when   your terminal seizes and there is a big sign saying your files are locked until payment is made.

1. The first rule is Do NOT panic
2. Do NOT pay the service being offered. They may have have planted that Malware.
3. Do NOT attempt   a wild fix. For example .. Putting the whole laptop in the fridge is not  really going to help the hot situation.
4. Do NOT remove the Security software. There's a chance that the software was removed before the Malware occurred. It's generally a good idea to maintain an up to date internet security package.

Sometimes the files are not encrypted but its a basic Malware program saying it is, in a   ruse to extract payment. Do not fall for this trap.

If it is Ransomware then the problem is potentially more serious. There is still a chance however that the files can be retrieved legitimately with current software.

Selling on Ebay - Fees

2015-12-19T01:04:00.000-08:00

Fees when selling on Ebay can take quite a large chunk out of a sale. If in business then it's important to add on that extra cost. However that extra cost may not make the product very attractive to a buyer. There seems to be a fee for everything. Ebay is no different.

Just starting out without a store then expect to 9.9 % of the entire  takings to Ebay plus the insertion fee. It  varies depending on the value of the product. It's $1.50 for sales under $100 and $3.50 if it's over $100. The insertion fee is waivered for the first 40 auctions or fixed sales per month. And then there is the Paypal fee. About 2.9 %    of the sale price. Don't forget postage. It can take a very large chunk.   So the basic picture is that for a product that is sold for $100 about a 1/3 of that goes to fees and postage.

A basic store   will cost about 9.5 % for tech  products plus   $20    per month. There are 200 listings with free insertion. More listings than that and the insertion fee is 50 cents or 5 cents for media categories. The final value fee is capped at $250. So the higher the value of the product sold the less is payed in fees in percentage terms.

There are two other types of stores. The featured store and the Anchor. The  former cost around $50 per month and the latter costs around $500 a month. The final value fee is still 4 % for items over $200 in Technology items and home appliance categories and 7.5 % for the fashion section in the Anchor store.

To sum it all up.
There are fees. Then there are the fees of the    fees. Then there are the  fees of the   fee fees!

Powerline Mini Adapter Dlink

2015-11-27T20:43:00.001-08:00

The DHP-600AV PowerLine AV2 1000 Gigabit Adapter uses your home�s existing electrical wiring to create a network or extend your existing network.1 Share the Internet connection in your study with a game console in your lounge, or connect two PCs in different rooms, all without the need to install additional network cabling.

Data Transmission Over Electrical Wiring
Ideal For Bandwidth-Intensive Applications
Convenient Setup And Secure Operation

Matrox Triple Head

2015-11-26T20:56:00.002-08:00

Model	Matrox TripleHead2Go
Edition	DP Edition
Platform	Multi Display
Classification	Consumer
GPU Base Clock (MHz)	Video Card Dependant
GPU Over Clock OC (MHz)	Video Card Dependant
GPU Processor Cores (#)	Video Card Dependant
Multi-GPU Support	Supports NVIDIA/AMD Multi-GPU. Multi GXM support under Windows
GPU Physics Support	Video Card Dependant
Max Active Displays (#)	3
Display Configuration	Stretch, Clone, Surround Gaming, Bezel Management*
DVI Outputs (#)	0
DVI Type	Max Res: 3 x 1920x1080 or 2 x 1920x1200 via DP to DVI Adapter
HDMI Outputs (#)	0
Display Port Outputs (#)	3
Display Port Type	3 x DP Type A v1.1 (Max Res: 3 x 1920x1080 or 2 x 1920x1200)
VGA Outputs (#)	Not Supported
Inputs	1 x DP Type A v1.1
3D Video Support	Video Card Dependant
HDMI Audio	Not Supported
Form Factor	External USB
Interface	USB 2.0
Cooler Type	Passive Heatsink
Cooler Fans (#)	0
Cooler Heatpipes (#)	0
Unit Width	Not Applicable
Unit Dimensions (L x H x D mm)	8.9 x 2.8 x 9.7
Min PSU Requirements (Watts)	External Power
Supplementary Power Connectors	USB Powered
Compatibility	Visit www.matrox.com/graphics/en/support/gxm_main/
DirectX Version	Video Card Dependant
OpenGL Version	Video Card Dependant
Software	Matrox PowerDesk
Package Contents	DP to DP 2ft Cable (1), mDP to DP Cable (1), USB Cable (1)

Mobile Phone Suction Cup Holders

2015-11-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

What's the best way to deal with a suction cup holder that attaches to your windscreen? Throw it in the bin before it falls of while driving, and hits you straight in the face.

With the introduction of mobile phones has come the convenience of using this device all over. While driving however this is unsafe and has steep penalties attached for driving while using the device without "hands free".

Purchased what was seemingly a reputable brand suction holder and attached to the windscreen. Stays for while and then it falls off. It is almost impossible to find a supplier of suction devices to stipulate exactly how long these products are supposed to stay attached. And so it becomes a trial and error exercise. These are products that should be tested and warranted. Under the law they are but suppliers can also say, just reattach the device. So reattachment is a gamble as well. Sometimes it sticks for a while.. Sometimes it sticks for longer giving you that feeling that yes maybe I did make a decent purchase. And all those hopes are dashed. That sunken feeling returns as in the morning its just resting there on the dash, having parted company with the windscreen sometime during the night.

I should be grateful it did not decide to unstick itself while I'm just driving. Distract me from what I'm doing, and run into the driver in front me. It should be no surprise really that these suction devices only last temporarily. The idea is that a vacuum is maintained within the cup area . This relies heavily on sealing. Hot sun, cold weather work against the sealing effect until the vacuum is depleted and then, well, no more suction.

So what to do with this product? How can I make it stick to the windscreen?
I tried glue. And it works. Resistant to heat ,cold and UV. My mobile phone clamp is likely to be there when the whole car finally retires.

On the upside the device clamps the mobile phone really well, and opens up for different sizes. A nifty ratchet clamping mechanism holds on tight.

So, do I recommend these clamps ? I recommend one that doesn't fall off the windscreen. Good luck finding one that lasts a year under weather extremes and different conditions.

http://www.flyingmag.com/technique/tip-week/mounting-external-camera-suction-cup

2015-08-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

Beeping Toyota Camry Sportivo

If there is beeping coming from the area near the radio consider that the problem may be the clock. Press and hold the mode button until it beeps once then release. Problem should be gone.

Diagnosis of this type of problem is made worse when the clock lights do not work at all or intermittently.

2015-07-17T22:27:00.002-07:00

Removing Virus Mysearch123

1. Uninstall at control Panel
2. Change Browser settings
3. Run Anti Malware software
4. Remove from services, shortcuts and programs that start automatically.

This malware can be very annoying. It can be removed in part but will return if the machine has not been completely disinfected. Its probably a good idea to run an anti Malware software package first.

2015-04-06T00:26:00.002-07:00

Hadron-Collider

2015-01-27T21:44:00.003-08:00

Review - Dell Inspiron 3531 2.16 GHZ

1. Basic model
2. No Fan to cool processor.
3. Processor soldered. No socket.
4. No Graphics chip.
5. This model came with no CD Drive. Had a plastic box inserted where the Cd drive should be located. Port for a CD drive is available. This is not a netbook.
6. This motherboard came with a buckle on the processor. Caused possibly due to overheating.

Advantages

1. Relatively inexpensive
2. Can perform most basic tasks adequately
3. 15.6 screen

Solidworks Models

2014-12-05T01:31:00.000-08:00

2014-06-12T03:18:00.000-07:00

What is this thing called quartz ?

The comedian Paul Hogan once did a comedy sketch of a quartz digital watch.
Inside the watch was a production factory of tiny people shuffling cards about in a frantic endeavour to show the time. Since then the digital age has progressed to the point where computers are, to carry forward the analogy, a virtual city of tiny people shuffling information.

It is very likely that computer do not have millions of tiny slaves organising information for the pleasure of the exterior giants then that leaves us with the question still of what is quartz. And what does it do?

Passing by a local bookshop recently I noticed a book for sale on crystals. It purported the healing qualities of the crystals. And here I am thinking that they are just rocks, Ok, ok for those of you that disagree with my assessment ......... coloured rocks. These stones all vibrate at different frequencies when power is applied. The practitioner of this type of healing believe that the power of the crystals can heal. With no power applied. So what if power is applied. What frequency can cure my current condition of scepticism.

There are lots of scientific facts backed by hard evidence regarding crystals

One section deals with power applied to different types of crystals and their frequencies. Here is list courtesy wikipedia. ₁

The list however does not show the type of crystal and its corresponding frequency. Quartz is a very common mineral on earth and the types vary as shown in the next list. ₂The vibration when AC power is applied depends upon the thickness and cut of the wafer crystal. _3,4For a demonstration of what happens when a crystal is deformed.₅

After examining all the footnotes what is the conclusion. What is quartz?

Its a crystal used in digital electronics to keep accurate time as long as electrical power is applied. Its also something some people believe can heal their aches and pains through the output of its natural energy. But my favourite is that it can also be a group of tiny workers shuffling numbers around for the benefit of users !!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahLADrh8hSI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_oscillator_frequencies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartz

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/quartz-info.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_oscillator

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoelectricity

2014-06-12T00:11:00.002-07:00

How to Clone a hard Drive

Use a software program like Clonezilla from a live CD.
This software works well when upgrading a hard drive that is full. A full hard drive will slow down a computer so it is well worth upgrading.

Once a live CD has been downloaded connect the new internal hard drive with USB cable and then reboot computer. BIOS setup may need to be changed if normally set to boot from the hard drive. Set to boot from CD or USB. Wherever the Live software is located.

Once the software is loaded run and follow the prompts. There are a few steps that may seem confusing but it works. Takes quite some time to complete so a stable power environment is essential. Laptop running of a battery with adapter connected should be Ok. If battery runs alone without AC back up it may run out.

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/how-do-i-clone-a-hard-drive-with-clonezilla/

2014-05-02T00:21:00.000-07:00

Genuine Computer Products

I would be doing very well if I had a dollar for every time a client asked
or through implication stated that a product I had on offer or a product they had seen elsewhere was significantly cheaper than what I was offering. There is OEM. There are pirated copies. There's overly priced products and there is genuine.

OEM Software.

This is software supplied to dealers in computer hardware. The intention is that the software is loaded onto the computer and sold. There is a cost benefit here for the seller and buyer because the software is identical to retail. However, it must be sold with computer hardware.

Pirated Copies

These are, initially, very inexpensive software copies from sites like Pirate Bay and on Ebay. Risky at best. Most is not genuine. Does not come with support and most likely contains malicious material. At best it will constantly supply a glaring message every time the computer is turned on. It may state something along the lines of the copy is not valid, please click her to validate your copy. If the copy was paid for, then it will have to be bought again.

Overpriced Products

There are genuine products that are overpriced. One needs to just shop around but care taken not to fall into the too cheap trap.

Genuine

These are the products that beeping computer supplies. The prices reasonable. The support is there and the the client has the satisfaction and peace of mind in knowing that the products will not deliver problems stemming from counterfeit software.

When a product has a price tag that is significantly cheaper than usual the question should be asked, why? Shopping around for the best price leads to a healthy competitive economy. It can also lead to pitfalls. Time can be saved by simply buying genuine products.

Acer Aspire Laptop - Hinge Broken

2014-01-14T17:01:00.003-08:00

Repairing a laptop with broken hinges
can be a lot of fun. Or it can be a frustrating project that may tempt you to put on your old footy boots for one last kick. Lets discuss the Acer Aspire 5742 laptop.

When the hinge broke on this machine it wasn't just the hinge that needed replacing, it was the base as well. The mounting points where the hinge attaches are not solid points of contact but small columns of plastic with metal threads inserted. When the torque in the hinge becomes greater to turn because of wear the stress increases on the base causing cracks. Combine this with the fact that a mobile laptop takes a few knocks from time to time and damage can come easily.

Repairing requires the laptop to be completely dismantled. Be aware that there a LOTS of screws with slightly different sizes that need to go in their proper place. I like to lay them all out on a sticky pad so that they all go go exactly from where they came at reassembly time.

Prices for parts vary enormously. Ebay is usually the cheapest but not the most thorough and the wrong base can roll up on your doorstep. Then there is the whole attempting to get a refund thing which can be difficult. Not all laptops carrying he same model number have the exactly the same base. The same is true for most of the parts within a laptop.

Assuming all the parts are right reassembly can be uneventful or stressful. Say for example the wireless card wires crimp points are damaged. What then? Soldering iron? Use care because the
heat can damage the circuits.

One important note. Use an anti static strap. Its cheap insurance.

If you have a laptop and sitting in front of you in a very sad pile. And you're feeling kind of down because for some reason its gotten out of hand. Ask for help, especially if the information on the HDD is of crucial importance to you. I like to use youtube for help but sometimes they just make it look so easy when in actual fact its not.

My Acer is now fully assembled working fine. But Microsoft does not sell replacement stickers. The original sticker is glued on well. There are two options. The first is to leave it as it is and the second is to try a blow dryer to loosen the glue. Either way I believe the licence is still valid for that machine. Just keep the old base.

So there you go. If you're thinking about tackling that laptop with broken hinges watch out for the pitfalls.