Beeping Computer

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.

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

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

Downgrade from windows 10 ---- Rules

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

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.

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

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.

The Acer Ultrabook

2013-05-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

Acer Ultrabook MS 2346

Can you fix my computer?
It has a white screen. That is the initial contact point and then the work begins. I've has white screens before and sometimes its a relatively simple matter of reconnecting a wire that has come loose. It could be a bent pin on a connection for example. Without that pin there is no clear signal and white screen is displayed.

In the case of the Ultrabook the whole screen needs to be changed. The main display connector is under the mother board so a full removal is recommended. This is tedious work as the components are very small and easy to break.

The price for genuine screen including module is about 220 dollars. There is always ebay, luck may be on your side. The genuine article however comes with warranty, service and a reputable company backed by Acer.

So the screen is changed and all is well. Customer pays for the product and service and was content. Two and half months go by and a call is received. The Acer is giving problems. Another white screen. I immediately assume that there is a white screen because of a loose connection. Customer hands over the machine and I set it down on my bench.

Two hours go by and this ominous looking machine is beckoning me over to do some repair. So I turn it on. Nothing. No white screen. No logo. No cursor. Not even very fine faded words or pictures in the background. There is some sound.and pressing CTRL ALT DEL seems to be rebooting the computer but this assumption is coming from the fact that the machine sounds like it is rebooting.

Try another monitor ................. Nothing there either
Remove the battery which in the case of the Ultrabook is a delicate task. Depress the power button and hold for a while to let remaining power drain. Attach adapter without installed battery and still nothing.
Could it be the adapter itself? No. tested adapter with multimeter and outputting a steady 19.6 volts.

At this point. since there is no removable graphics card or RAM, the option becomes one of swapping the motherboard. Prices fluctuate from just below to just over 200 dollars on ebay. From an Acer supplier it would probably be around 700 to 750 dollars.

How do I break the new to my customer? Uneconomical to repair if the information on the machine is not important is how I'll break the news. It never is one thing that I enjoy doing but that is just the way it is. There is one final option and that is for the customer to wait for a used motherboard that is still in good working order and to use that to repair the machine.

Why the motherboard failed i do not know. There could be several reasons including static discharge, knocks and bumps or simply a faulty component. The original machine cost $1800 dollars. That is a lot to pay for sleek compactness which is the big selling point of the Ultrabook. Unfortunately the minimal space means that components need to be smaller and smaller generally equates to more delicate and difficult to fix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO9YXLW7FdA

Using computers to warp space

2013-03-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

This short piece of writing might very well be equally placed within the area of science fiction.
My aim is to explore the idea of travelling to the stars and to do so within a fifty year time frame.

Ok, some of you are snickering others rolling around on the floor laughing. Lets be clear. I know little if anything about Physics and even less about Chemistry but those elements of science have always been a fascination and are key to moving ahead to the stars.

There are three elements that I would like people to respond to, and that is using computing to "crunch " space to create a passage, engineering design of vehicles for artificial gravity and craft propulsion.

Crunching space?

Whenever I look out at the stars I am absolutely overwhelmed by the distances between our small planet Earth and other worlds. So arriving at one of these planets would take an exceptional amount of time travelling in the conventional method. So another method needs to be found. What is required is for a machine that literally grabs space and stretches it to the point where entry is possible within the void that is created. Easier said than done. Computing power to control such an action is here but the mechanism may not be and needs to be found.

Artificial Gravity

Spin it and the force in the spinning object will have some gravity for those located within it. Problem is that it needs to be large. So creating a real life craft with gravity inside may very well be outside the economic reach of the entire planet put together. This hurdle is just something else for humanity to overcome.

Propulsion.

Propulsion would not be an issue if the idea of crunching space could be overcome. Propulsion is an element that is required in conventional travel and would only be necessary after the travel through crunched space zone has been created.

Making this work is not a small order. I appreciate the difficulty in the task but the excitement of other worlds awaits. Exploring is in the core nature of humanity and therefore travel to the stars is in our future. I wish I could be there to see it.

Care Before Jumping In

2012-08-24T00:48:00.001-07:00

A great customer with whom dealing is a pleasure opens their case one day and says " the Laptop DVD does not play movies". My first impression was that the issue was codec related and that the matter would be solved simply by finding the right codec. Not so simple and a headache during one evening.

The laptop computer is presented to back me after a month of use. The machine was pristine to start with. So a software issue is suspected immediately. The machine is picked up and returned to beeping computer headquarters for diagnosis and work. It is essential to keep breathing when in the midst of problem solving, What can look like the problem is not necessarily the case. This can lead to more holding of breath and more frustration. So breath! Long slow breaths. Another technique is to leave the job altogether. Stretch the legs and you may find a new better way.

So now I am located back at the work bench. The machine is turned on and there is a beautiful blue screen asking for a password. Fortunately I knew the administrator password because I was the one that set it. Changing the password seemed like a good idea. Removing it altogether , even better. So the machine was rebooted. The BIOS was entered and what I thought would be simple was not. The BIOS would not accept a blank space for a password. So the enter key was pressed and then save. This is where one begins to question their existance. Breathing patterns beging to increase. I cannot find the password. The original is gone and the new one is unknown. At this point I remember an old saying. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. How true! But now the small dilema of password remains. What does one do now?

To remove an administrator password the machine must be virtually completely dismantled. If this is you then be ready for lots of small screws of different lengths that must be returned to their respective screw holes when reassembling. Store them in a container. Label them if you must. Just remember to put them all back. So what is the object of dismantling? It is to remove the small battery that looks like a coin. It must be removed for the NVRAM to loose the password and go back to defaults

After some time away I return to the bench and reaasemble the laptop. There is some good news. the machine starts up and the administrator password is gone. The next step is the login password. Was given permission to crack the password by the owner of the laptop who gave it to their son. Attempted to use Ophcrack but the password is too long and it will not unravel the code. A quick call and the code is received. The machine reaches the desktop. Now breath!

The original problem was the laptop could not play commecial movies. A quick try with one and that is correct. The assumption that the problem is a driver is incorrect. The driver is fine and there are no drivers that are better. Codecs installed would not assist in the playing of DVD movies even though it plays them using a thumb drive. Looking more closely at the drive and it is noticed that the drive is labelled DVD - RW. This is leading to the conclusion that DVDs cannot be played because a DVD +/- drive is required. The DVD runs CDs and some DVDs just fine just not commecial movies.

Upon coming to this conclusion my head bends over forward and leans into the wall. Breath I think, take another breath and relax. All that was required from the begining is to realise that the DVD player is just not meant to play commecial movies.

For those that have read this article, this far, and know somewhat more than I about this issue please comment.

Laptop with White Screen

2012-02-02T23:27:00.002-08:00

Presented with a laptop that has a flickering screen my first assumption is that there is a loose cable.
Dismantle and repair connection. Put it all back together and there is a worrying sensation when there is nothing but a white screen. At this point the mind can go blank in a panic as the customer walks through the door. What caused the screen to become white?

Retracing steps back is a very good way to start. This most recent part that was inspected was the cable connecting the screen to the motherboard. A wiggle and fingers crossed, all is better. Reassemble and reboot but still there is a white screen. Revisiting the cable connection and my memory kicks in and reminds me that the connector had been removed and reinserted. What is wrong? A very close inspection of the pins shows that two of them are not connecting properly. This is a very awkward job to fix. A good magnifying glass and light are essential. Attempt to straighten the pins using the utmost care and then replace the connector. Hope that the pins do not break. Reassemble the laptop and the screen should display the desktop.

If the problem is on a PC the method for resolution is similar. Most likely there are wires that are not connecting. Attempt to find the fault by tracing back starting from the screen. It's beneficial to have a spare screen to try on a PC or laptop for when screens go blank. There are Fn switching keys on laptops that allow switching between monitors. Check the service manual here for details because laptop key positions are usually different. On a pc simply disconnect and apply the testing screen. If the testing screen works fine then the problem is most likely with the monitor. If not check the cable connection and closely inspect the pins. Take care when straightening pins on the motherboard. It can make future repair uneconomical and difficult to explain to a customer.

If no pins need straightening then consider swapping the cable for another. The last piece of hardware to suspect is the graphics card. Since it is the main part responsible for delivering graphics, problems with it can rise into the hundreds of dollars but flickering is generally not a symptom of a faulty card. That is a classic loose cable fault.

Laptop Dead - What Are The Options?

2011-12-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

Press the start button and the laptop does nothing. What are the next steps to recovery?

Try these things first
1.Swap the adapter for another.
2. The power jack could be broken.
3. Reset RAM modules and swap with one good chip.
4. Remove battery and run on charger only.

If the machine is still not working then the options are to inspect motherboard or take to a repair shop. Assuming this is a "do it yourself" task then remove all the screws in the back. Remove keyboard as well because there could be screws under there holding the back. Before going any further consider there are lots of bits for removal and replacing them is expensive. Laptop parts are not interchangeable between each other unless they are similar models. They are definitely not like PC's where the parts from one manufacturer to the next are the same.

So the laptop has the cover removed and the motherboard ready for inspection. Check the power jack first for a loose connection. In fact do a general inspection for loose connections. Look at the motherboard chips and circuitry. If any of the parts look damaged then repair is probably not worth pursuing. It really is a matter for the particular situation.

Look at the processor. It is difficult to test without another to insert and they are expensive to buy. At this point consider saving the information to another computer. Fortunately there are converters that allow transfer of information from a 2.5 inch laptop hard drive to the larger PC hard drives. Buy a connector, they are very inexpensive, connect and transfer the data.

So now that the data is useable through another computer the option left for the broken one is to recycle or to pursue some form of repair. If pursuing the issue, one option would be to scout around for laptops of the same model that are being discard for reasons such as broken screen or damaged hard drive. This is the kind of machine that would be ideal to use in the repair of the original laptop computer since the parts are interchangeable and the price reasonable. Once that is all done the computer is serviceable once more.

Pursuing the last option as one can see is a long process and requires patience for an ideal machine to become available to make repair within a reasonable price. In most cases it is just simpler to buy a new or newer model, however that shouldn't stop the enthusiast or learner of computer repair.

Repairing Laptops

2011-12-16T22:57:00.000-08:00

"Have a look at this" my work colleague says. On a wooden pallet
there would have been at least thirty laptops. The company had decided to throw them away. Christmas had come all at once, but alas it wasn't to be, not quite anyway, all the hard drives had been removed together with their saddles. Hmm. So I picked what I thought were the best and repaired those. The profit margins are small if any in this kind of activity, but for an enthusiast or someone who wants a working inexpensive laptop it is feasible. So how is it repaired?

Unlike PCs laptops have 2.5 inch drives with lots of different connections. The drives are more expensive per gigabyte than their 3.5inch counterparts and so care needs to be taken when buying a new drive. Research the subject. Use the model number of the computer and match this to available drives on eBay of other reputable sellers. Remember that the connections in laptops are varied and that it is most likely that one drive of a laptop will not fit another. Compounded by the fact that some require extra adapters to work.

So the drive is ready to be inserted. What holds it? A saddle or bracket is necessary. Easily available over the net or your local computer store. It is essential that it be held firmly or else there is the risk that the pins will break. It's possible to fix the drive firmly on some laptops with homemade articles and it should still work but it will not look very professional. It all depends on what the machine is meant for and how much your willing to spend to restore it.

Assuming the new drive complete with saddle is properly inserted the last remaining feature is the operating system. Since the laptops had their drives removed and most likely destroyed, a new operating system is required. At this point questions might be asked as to whether it is worth doing from a financial point of view. An operating system like XP is an extra cost. Is it still worth while to repair? Yes it is. Use Ubuntu as an operating system. It is a free system available for download over the net. It has some drawbacks such as the playing of DVDs because of legal restrictions but in many other ways it works perfectly. It plays YouTube videos, burns cds, and comes with games and office operating software. It is a great open system for those who wish to operate a machine for general browsing, basic games and office products.

There is one element of the Ubuntu system that is different from the windows system and that is the way that it is set up. Windows has the software as a complete unit when purchased while Linux Ubuntu requires a download for certain systems to operate. The typing in of code at the terminal could be a bit "off putting" for some that require downloads but that is reasonable considering the system is open source.

With discarded items there is always the possibility that there might something badly wrong with the machine. In the above case it was a company that simply decided to upgrade all machines whether working or not. Check the machine first before investing in hardware to repair. Use a boot disc to check the screen, RAM motherboard and battery. Only then decide whether its worth while to repair and use.

Slow Computer

2011-12-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

There's that great feeling
when you buy a new computer. Turn it on and it zips straight to the desktop. Use it for a few years and it starts to slow. Sometimes very slowly. So why does this happen and how can it be repaired?

A computer is one great big filing cabinet with auto retrieval system that doesn't always organise the cabinet in an efficient way during operation. In one sense it basically drops information into the cabinet wherever it can find a space and then leaves a little yellow sticker at top so that anyone searching for the info doesn't have to delve into the file but simply scan the sticker. If a real paper cabinet was run this way there are two ways of looking at it. Sit down and laugh or loose your rocker. I prefer sit down and laugh although I wouldn't want it to be my cabinet.

Real computer hard drives that store information have to be able to find that information. The tools for retrieval are in the registry. A damaged registry occurs through software and hardware malfunctions. Hard malfunctions are fixed by using new physical parts. Software errors are resolved by using registry cleaner or if confident and skilled entering the registry and making changes.

Look at it this way. Your business filing cabinet has been organised like a corrupted hard drive.What do you do? Files required in a hurry just aren't going to happen. You will need the person who put the files there to retrieve, hoping that they remember where things are or to go through every single file and reorganise it. A long winded and laborious task. Fortunately electronic hard drives are usually repairable using registry cleaners or by using UBCD.

A slow computer may not be completely corrupted but may need reorganising of the files because they are literally scattered all over the drive. Run the disk de-fragmenter. If it runs very slowly attempt a registry clean first. Use a decent cleaner. There are many on the market. Download a trial and pay for the upgrade if satisfied with the performance.

For further details relating to registries
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ms724877(v=vs.85).aspx

Be aware that unskilled manipulation of the registry can adversely affect a computer.

Customising your Blog's Background

2011-12-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

Blogger provides lots of backgrounds
and they all cater for different tastes and styles. Lets say however that you would like to place your own original background picture. Here will list two ways. The first is through uploading and the other is through CSS. Both are done using the blogger template platform.

The first is the easiest. Go to template designer then background, click on the button that says upload new. This will direct to your choice of picture from your hard drive.

Another way is to use CSS. This involves registering with someone like photobucket.com and send your pictures there. Copy the required code form that site. It will be needed to insert into your CSS code which goess in the CSS frame. CSS is found in the advanced section of the template designer folder

Use this code to transfer background pictures from photobucket to your blog's background.

.body-fauxcolumn-outer {

background: url( direct link between these brackets );

}

.body-fauxcolumn-outer div {

background: none;

}

Once the code is complete then click accept and your new background picture will display on your blog.

One difficulty I'm having is to place animated parts on the background that weave underneath the blog posts within a set prescribed pattern. Tried using powerpoint presentation and then tranfering but the file is too big to tranfer. Would appreciate a clue in how to do this.

Factors in Upgrading a PC

2011-12-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Turn on your PC and it seems to take forever to load.
Then there might be the occasional blue screen that can be difficult to read as it zooms past leaving the screen frozen with no details. If this sounds familiar then an upgrade may be the answer.

Firstly consider the age of the machine. If its old it may not be worth upgrading. Spares for older models are discontinued and therefore a new computer is the way to go.

One of the simplest ways to upgrade is to add RAM, that is if there are any more ram slots available. Another way is to install a larger and faster hard drive. Consider employing an SSD, they cost more at the moment for less storage but are generally faster.

RAM and hard drive are the main core upgradeable items. Other than those there are DVD drives that increase performance and finally a new motherboard. Depending on the original case containing all the electronics serious consideration should be given as to how far an upgrade should go. Its uneconomical in certain cases to push an ageing system with overclocking and faster drives because it will always be working on its limit, and with the fast progress of technology it would not be long before the limit has been surpassed and you are back to "square one".

Placing more components in a machine will draw more power. It is advisable to veer on the side of a larger power supply than a smaller one or one on the margin. It allows for expansion and provides a more stable system. When buying ensure that the correct model is selected for the case. Sometimes the mounting holes doe not line up.

In summary the main components that should be considered for upgrade before buying an entirely new system is the power supply, RAM and hard drive.

Laptop Hotkeys - Laptop Repair and Rescue

2011-11-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

Frequently problems arise with the use of laptop keyboards.
Knowledge of hotkeys allows access to several features in the system and all avaliable from the keyboard. Sometimes a customer may call worried that their computer is dead. The screen is completely black. A good idea is to eliminate the simplest possible errors first. It is possible to turn the backlight in the monitor off to save power. This gives the impression that the system is dead. If the hotkeys where pressed accidentally it can give the false impression of serious errors. Hot keys are activated by pressing the Fn keys. To turn the screen blank or back on pressing (Fn + F6) will activate the monitor for the required setting. This works for Acer laptop computers.

One problem with laptops is a cursor that jumps about and is usually attirbuted to a faulty touchpad. Some people advise to cover the pad with cardboard and then continue typing but it is also possible to turn the touchpad off using hotkeys. Just press (Fn+ F7) and that will disable the touchpad. Install a regular mouse with cable for stability.

There are times when computer uses cannot enter into their operating system and the mouse refuses to work. By pressing the windows and F key the search window opens allowing typing. This supplies access to recovery software that is built into the system. Such a program is called System Restore. This key is not a Hotkey but is nonetheless an access point to recovery.

There are many other hotkeys that supply access to different areas and are readily available through the manufacturers website. They are features that just simply make life easier.

http://www.acer.com.au/ac/en/AU/content/products

http://hotkeyslist.com/

Beeping computer quick tip

2011-11-11T00:57:00.000-08:00

There are days when your computer just does not want to play ball.
One of its ways of telling you this is by releasing a series of annoying beeps. To the uninitiated they are just sounds that must go away, but to a tech they are codes that point to a specific area to repair. Blue screens are another way of communicating a malfunction. Those codes seem endless and are worse than looking at an airport flight booking that has been cancelled. Maybe! But they are tedious to look at and interpret. There are code lists, but few if any actually say exactly how to fix.They simply supply more jargon that is perfectly relevant and sensible to the experienced computer tech.

A simple way to understand beep codes is by recalling Morse Code. Three dashes followed by three dot repeated means SOS. A famous emergency code. Morse code and beep codes are complete unrelated but the idea of communicating with series of short and long strokes is the same as in computers. Beeps codes, unlike Morse Code, vary according to supplier. Which means that similar or identical beeps could mean completely different things. The main supplier of the codes are AMI, IBM ,Phoenix, and Award. Ensure that codes match the correct supplier for best interpretation.

When first booting your computer a BIOS should be listed on the first screen. That is normally the supplier of the codes. That supplier should be referred in the charts for diagnostic assistance. Its handy to know your BIOS before any problems do occur that way diagnostic can be implemented immediately. Basically after that chart interpreted the PC is opened and repaired. After that the beeps should be gone. Yippee!

But what if the screen is blue, with lots of numbers and letters. A basic cure for this ailment is to enter Safe Mode. If all seems to be running ok in Safe Mode then update the drivers. If not it could be a hardware issue. A hardware issue usually shows up with beeps. Some computers do not have those internal warning speakers. Left out because that are just so annoying. Attempt to fix this error by booting from the installation disc, navigating to repair, click repair and let the process continue.

Computers and Time - Special Relativity

2011-11-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

In one of my previous Posts i explained how
to replace a lithium battery. The battery manages the time on the computer and retains the CMOS settings. Today I'd like to reflect on the puzzling issue that occurs when objects move really fast and how computers are affected by that.

The original idea was brought forward by Einstein with the general theory of relativity and is discussed by physicists the world over to this day. So what happens to the CMOS at speed. To be totally honest grasping the concept of relativity is mind blowing. Simply accepting it like I accept the sun rises is much easier. Even so curiosity gets the better of me and so the question is asked.

Lets lay out the facts

1. CMOS battery keeps up the time

2. It also maintain the BIOS settings

3. Basic settings are held in a Solid State chip as a reserve.

4. All computers on earth revolve at generally the same speed. So "time lag", is not really an issue.

Lets assume one of the computers does a very fast trip to the moon. Its clock is set to exactly the same time as the one on earth from where it left. Upon return the time is different. The fast travelling machine's clock has slowed down. Assuming that a program had to be changed during travel from earth and that synchronising was dependent on exact time then compensation would have to be made. As this phenomena seems to have been proved repeatedly it shows that the world does not move in a single time but rather in multiple zones. It could perhaps be said that all people are in slightly different time zones, and not in the greenich mean time sense, but in the relativity sense.

Computers are functioning machines with logic at the core. It is either yes or no. One or zero. It is a perplexing puzzle how such a machine can be modified externally simply by speed. The CMOS battery has not changed. It still outputs its steady voltage yet the time changes. This is proof that we live in a marvelous puzzle of a universe.

http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast162/Unit5/gps.html

http://beepingcomputer.blogspot.com/2011/06/computer-clock-and-cmos-settings.html#more

Computer Diagnostics with PLC

2011-11-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

Look inside nearly any industrial complex these days and you will find a miriad of computers
all busy crunching numbers. One look at a server with all its blinking lights and you could be forgiven for thinking that they, the machines, have taken over. Examine the factory floor and most certainly there will be some computing usually in the form of a PLC with interaction to a PC. Open a cabinet that contains an operating PLC and its blinking lights are its way of saying, I'm working, each light corresponding to a particular sensor and output. programming these machines can leave the novice programmer scratching their head wondering how to complete a logic circuit but all it needs is a methodical approach with safety and efficiency being key elements in the operation.

Look at any electrical circuit and it will usually look like a ladder. Each rung of that ladder contains instructions and are followed in sequence down the ladder and then repeated continuously during the operation. On those rungs the instructions can be either on or off. A completed rung where the elements are true will output a go function. That leads to another process. And moves forward in that way. This process can get quite complex and worries me at times when I know that critcal aspects are controlled by minute but very essential programs.

Here are some tips

1. Trial and test and double test every program in the field. Run all the cycles so that the system is foolproof.

2. Do not assume that a functioning program that works is going to be safe. It might be, and might not!

3. Be aware that as the law requires people to be responsible for their work. So check and recheck.

Uploading

So your program is written and and its time to load. Press the load button and it doesn't work. Great! That's what I need, an uncooperative computer, or rather multiple computers. So now its time to diagnose why its not working. A frustrating experience for the novive under pressure.

Here a some basic hints

1. Does the PLC have power. It is turned on

2. Is the PLC in program mode or run mode. A toggle switch on the PLC changes this around.

3. Is the ethernet cable properly connected. The sockets need to be inserted tightly so that they make good contact.

4. Ensure all other necessary cables are connected.

Having a preference to use the mouse with my left hand I'm constantly bring the mouse from public computers over to the left side because I always find them on the right. Sometimes the mouse cable pops out and there is an error on the screen. Don't panic. Look back at the last thing that was done and check it. Its happened to me few times. Cable always seems to be too short to reach the left side. So alwsays check the cables.

Software or Hardware Problems

Once the external hardware is firmly fixed, swap with working models if not, malfunctioning computers can have a miraid of problems like blue screens, beeping, black screens and just plain dead screen.

Lets assume here that PLC program written with say Actwin or Allen Bradely software has been configured correctly and the computer set up is still not working. The easiest way from here is to ask for a computer tech because its getting away from the main task of programming the PLC and distracting your attention from making that PLC program work well. Here is a few tips if a tech is not available

1. Beeping computers usually indicates a hardware fault. Check the beep codes and rectify

2. Blue screens sometimes just go away after rebooting. If not run in SAFE MODE and use the diagnostic facilities avaliable there

3. Black screen with lights or minimal light is usually a power supply failure. It could also be in power saving mode.

It can be exasperating at times when multiple problems occur at once making diagnostics difficult. Tackle the simplest tasks first. Remember to always backup data and maintain a strong anti virus anti malware system. Reduce the stress and ask for advice from an expert when needed. If a problem can't be found in a set amount of time, extra time spent on that task becomes a waste of your time.

Computer Beeping Problems

Laptop Restart Problems - Quick Tip

2011-10-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

Laptop Restarts before logo appears

Try entering safe mode by starting and holding f8 key. Release when in safe mode.
If safe mode ok go to

My Computer/Properties/ Advanced tab / Settings / Startup and Recovery
System Failure/ Uncheck auto restart.

When booting there may be a blue screen. Note down the codes. Use the codes for further diagnosis.

Laptop restarts after around 5 minutes of operation

Could be the battery. Remove battery and run from the power adapter only. If works ok then battery needs replacing.

Try a different adapter. It could be the problem

The connection jack could be faulty. Try wiggling the power connection to gainn better contact

Suspect the main power supply socket. Test with another appliance

Machine could be overheating because fans are not working. If confident on computer repair dismantle machine. otherwise take to computer store

http://www.answersthatwork.com/Download_…

Sound Not Working - Windows 7 Quick Tip

2011-10-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

Try System restore

1.Control panel
2. System
3. System protection
4. System restore

This should restore your system to a time when all systems functioned.

Check your device manager for yellow exclamation mark warnings.

1. Control panel
2. Device manager
3. Sound
4. Audio device
5. Driver
6. Driver update

Beeping Printer

2011-09-29T23:10:00.000-07:00

Computers beep. But now I find that printers beep as well.
And when they do it together they must drive the operator insane. So printer, why are you beeping? Hmm. What have I done wrong? Have I not fed you with paper and ink. Isn't it up to scratch.

No matter how much I talk to it, nicely even, it doesn't reply with oh yes there's a problem in the print queue, its all banked up. Major traffic jam, please reset me. Oh no its just beep beep.........So I cleared the print queue and tryed again. The result is more of the same. The next step is to remove the power cord. Plug it straight into the wall. Sometimes the electric power company decides that they are only going to deliver power in short bursts, that causes beeps. If the beeps are gone then breath a sigh of relief and carry on but wait what if ......?

There is something else. There is the possibility that the printer is trying to send a fax. Beeping results. Stop the fax and the beeps disappear.

Viruses. The word conjours up visions of the black death and unending aches. If your printer has gained a virus it may have corrupted your software drivers. Assuming the computer still works it is worth trying to uninstall the software and then try to reinstall. Time consuming and a pain but worth a try.

Mechanical troubles are possible and most likely difficult to find. A quick inspection of the cartridges and how they are mounted could unravel an obvious fault like a screw missing or a broken support bracket. Aside from what is in plain view it is necessary to consider how much time is worth spending repairing a printer. Some investment of time is ok but too long and thats just uneconomical.

That brings up the last point.There is always the rubbish tip. Dispose of thoughfully. Electronic components have dangerous elements inside them that can leach into the environment. Call your local council for advice. Its worth the effort to protect where we live. Its the only planet we have.
http://beepingcomputer.blogspot.com/p/computer-disposal_08.html

Epson Codes (fx 890)
http://files.support.epson.com/pdf/fx890_/fx890_u1.pdf

Computer Maintenance and Upgrade

2011-09-26T22:33:00.000-07:00