How to Help Prevent Junking Up Your Computer

My technicians and I work on a lot of client computers. Our goal is to always have those computers that we support working in their tip top shape. Sometimes what our computer support team discovers can really slow down the computer, cause computer issues and errors and can just clutter the computer screen. This article helps address some of the issues we find and shows how to correct or prevent them from happening.

Junk Programs Installed

We define a junk program as a piece of software that gets installed on your computer my accident (most of the time) that doesn't need to be installed and is serving you no purpose on being on your computer. Some of these programs try and accomplish what another program or Windows itself is already doing. This can cause role conflicts, errors, or slow down the computer. Some of these programs get installed when you are trying to install a different program.

An example would be Google Toolbar. For most people running Windows 7, this is a redundant program and simply makes your internet browser load more slowly and can cause internet browsing problems. This is a popular program that also gets installed when installing other programs such as Adobe Reader. If you go to the download page for Adobe Reader, Adobe tries to sneak in Google Chrome and Google Toolbar automatically. You have to read closely and uncheck the box so that it is not automatically installed.

Some other programs try to install McAfee Security Scan Plus. This software simply tells you if you antivirus program is not up-to-date, firewall is turned off and other alerts. This is already done by your antivirus program itself and Windows. No need for this program to be installed.

Even brand new computers can have junk programs included with them. When you buy a Lenovo, HP and other computers, they will usually include a lot of non-needed programs. These programs start when Windows loads and can conflict with other programs and simply slow down the computer.

Removing these junk programs can really help your Windows experience. If you know which programs are needed and which ones are not, you can simply go to your Add and Remove programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows 7) and uninstall ones you do not need. You can also use the msconfig command from the Run window and tell programs not to load when Windows starts. You then simply run them when you need them.

If you are not sure what programs are Junk on your computer, give us a call and we can assist further. We can also monitor your computers with our managed IT service for certain programs that you do not want to be installed. If they do get installed on your computers we will receive an alert and can remove them.

If you need help with a slow computer or removing a virus, contact us at http://www.bigskycs.com/.

View the original article here

Top Tips for Buying a New Computer

So you want to buy a new computer? Maybe this is your first computer or maybe it's an upgrade from an old relic you've had for a while. Whatever the reason for the new computer, this article will help you make some key decisions around what to look for in your new computer.

1. Desktop or Laptop? This is always a huge question and there are whole articles discussing just this very thing. For me it comes down to one question: Does it need to be portable? Laptops are great for people on the move. They are awesome if you don't have a lot of space to put a big desktop computer. But they are disposable. They are hard to repair and expensive if you decide to repair them. They aren't upgradeable either. The desktop computer will last you longer, you can upgrade it and if it does break, the part is easily replaced. Make this decision based on your own needs and preferences.

2. What am I going to use it for? You need a lot more power to play online games such as World of Warcraft than you do to write a letter in Microsoft Word. Decide what you will use it for first and then pick a computer that fits that need. Remember that they make computers specifically for gaming. They are high powered computers with expensive video and sound cards and a lot of processing power. You don't need all that to check the news your standard desktop computer will do just fine.

3. How much money do I have to spend? This determines everything! You can get a desktop computer for $300 if you want. These are perfectly good computers. They probably won't play your online role playing game, but they are good for surfing the web and doing some word processing. On the other extreme you can spend $2000, $3000 or even $5000 on a brand new system that does everything and will play any game you throw at it. So decide whether you're getting a laptop or a desktop and what your intended usage is and then pick a budget that fits your needs.

4. How do I pick once I've narrowed down my choices?

a. Look at processing power first. We are up to iCore7 and counting. You may not need an iCore7 for your purposes now, but if you can afford a little extra juice it will help extend the life of your computer.

b. Then look at the amount of RAM you need. I suggest no less than 4 GB of RAM. Make sure the computer will handle at least 6 or 8 GB though. This gives you some upgrade room when you need it.

c. Now decide how much storage you need. Most computers come with at least 200 or 300 GB now and many with much more than that. Storage space is easy to expand as needed with external hard drives and USB thumb drives so it's not a crisis if your hard drive is a little small.

d. Lastly look at the extras like DVD burners, a fancy mouse or keyboard, video cards and sound cards. Unless you're watching a lot of movies or listening to a lot of music or playing those games we talked about, the video card and sound card that are in the computer will be fine. Often these are referred to as "onboard video" or "onboard sound." All that means is that they are part of the motherboard, not an extra card like you can buy at any computer store.

When you finally decide on a computer make sure you have all of the cables you need to hook up your monitor and printer if you have one. Keep the receipt in case it doesn't work for some reason or you're missing pieces and make sure you keep the box for a while. Often the box is your warranty. Many manufacturers require you to send the computer back in the original box for repair if it's needed. Once the warranty period ends you can throw out the box.

Print this article in case you need it and have fun shopping! Buying a new computer is a lot of fun once you learn a little bit about what you're buying and what you need. Getting the right computer for your needs takes a little research, but it's worth the effort. When you get a computer that can keep up to your needs it makes your life a lot easier. Enjoy!

Offering computer workshops and seminars for individuals and businesses.
http://www.laurabungarz.ca/

View the original article here

Things to Think of Before Deciding on a Laptop Repair Service Provider

Laptops have become an integral part of our lives and most of us cannot even imagine waking up to a day without one. Maintaining and keeping your laptop updated is probably one of the things highest on our list of priorities. It's our portal into the world of possibilities and a way to connect with all that's out there. Whether it's a job, your business or studies, laptop is the all important tool that we need today to equip ourselves with, for this vast unlimited world of opportunities and to achieve all that we aim for. The day to day communications, whether personal or work related, are now totally dependent on the virtual world. The simulated virtual world has come to hold a high importance in carrying out even the smallest of activities.

It is quite common for the laptops to break down due to poor upkeep or careless usage by the users or in some cases accidental breakages. In such particular cases it becomes all important to call on some kind of specialised services for laptop repair or upkeep. These days there are excellent services to take care of all kinds of repair or any thinkable requirement in this regard. The nature and extent of services vary depending on the service provider and the client requirement.

Whenever that ill-fated breakdown happens - we are at a loss, as to whom to go to? We pull our hair and bite our nails to somehow succeed in finding the best suited service provider and still fail to find a satisfying solution to it. But the question here that eludes everyone is - How to choose the best laptop repair services. There are so many questions that flood our minds instantaneously. What is it that you are going to end up spending for the service? How much to pay for the required services? If there is any guarantee for success in fixing the problem(s)? Expected time needed for the repair of the laptop? Who should you prefer to go to - the local guy or online? Whether there would be any additional charges? However, we can make it simpler for you by some small suggestions. The first thing that you should take care of while choosing your service provider is to carry out a small research of your own keeping a few points in mind:

- it is important that you know whether the laptop repair service is actually capable of handling the particular problem that you encountered
- a comparative price list of various service providers in the area
- your own geographical location and whether the service provider covers your area well
- the extent of experience the service provider has in solving the problem you are facing
- go through some customer reviews about the service provider

These are some of the factors that might help you make an effort at reaching a well informed decision. We all face the same troubles and we all can help each other overcome them by sharing. The article, here is written to help you confront these small problems and choose a solution that is based on well grounded information, instead of just speculation.

A2Z PC service is a Laptop repair company located in Toronto, Ontario. We service all laptop brands in our shop. We are proud to carry the name of Laptop repair Toronto.

View the original article here

Can an iPad Help Organize Your Daily Life?

iPad is not just another gadget that is meant for entertainment only. It is an empowering tablet that enables you to increase your productivity and manage your personal life better. Listed here are a few essential apps that will help you get more out of your iPad and organize your life better.

Manage your expenses

It is not easy to keep a log of all your expenses especially when you have to manage things within a given budget. For managing your expenses and keeping a track of the exact amount and the date on which it was spent, simply download the iXpenselt app. This app will also allow you to keep a track of your transaction type.

This app makes it easy to figure out your expenses and plan a budget that suits you. You can choose to download the free version or a paid full version at $4.99. The full version will help you in keeping a track of your daily expenses. You can manage your work related expenses by its special feature that allows in taking screen shots of your receipts. You will have a good view of your expenses at the end of the month. Additionally, you can even generate reports of the expenditure that comes handy for getting reimbursements as well.

Scribble your notes

If you are the one who constantly needs to keep everything on writing then the Notes Plus app is just for you. Prices at $4.99 it will help you to scribble immediately using your stylus or take audio notes. You can even switch between the writing and recording mode as per your convenience with one touch. Notes Plus also allows you changing the font of your writing if in case you want to e-mail it or organize it into proper documents. Other things include the eraser tool to remove the text and text editing options like italics, rearranging text order, etc.

Cloud storage of data

Cloud storage is the best way to store large content. With the introduction of Dropbox and SugarSync, you can freely avail the service for uploading files and pictures. You can access your content at anytime and from any device including your iPhone, Mac or PC. Choosing Dropbox offers you the advantage of better security of your data. SugarSync allows you to share you content across various media.

Creating shopping list

It is usual practice to write down the articles that you need to buy but you often forget to carry they list itself. A digital version like, ShoppingList for $2.99 is just what you require. With this app, you can categorically make a note including canned, dairy and grocery items. This way you will be easily able to pick items under one category without missing out on any of it. Additionally, if you are looking for a specific brand then scan the barcode of the item with the barcode scanner of this app to register it. The next time when you visit the supermarket you just need to access the scanner and restock it. You can even share the list via e-mail.

All-in-one tool

If you want a tool that will help you manage all then Bento is the one for you. Download it for $4.99 and organize your stuff with customizable templates. You are provided a variety of templates like, event planning, recipes, contacts and even vehicle maintenance. You can choose any one or all as per your needs and make changes accordingly as per your needs. You can do the same on your Mac too and even sync data with your iPad.

Using any of the above given apps will help you organize your daily chores easily.

She is a Technology writer who is keen on any new emerging technology updates. She is working with Qresolve as a Technical Support Engineer. Semeli Karen McPherson has been offering online tech support to global customers for issues related to laptops, desktops, Mac and devices including iPods, tablets, iPhones, computer support and more. She caters to the segment of core technology and provides viable solutions to any issues related to technology and software. Her expertise and skills in handling key technology issues is immaculate and quick result bearing. Through her articles and postings she aims to provide knowledge and solutions to common technology issues that a user faces.

View the original article here

Removing an Operating System From a Dual - Boot Setup

Having two operating systems in your computer can be fun. You get tired of one and you reboot your computer and switch to another. But what happens when you get tired of one or the other or you simply want to go back to just one? Here's how you remove an operating system when you're done with it.

When you installed the second operating system you had to partition your hard drive or divide the drive into at least 2 sections. This makes removing the one you don't want relatively simple.

1. Boot your computer into the operating system you want to keep.

2. Make sure all your files are backed up from all partitions. Heaven forbid something happens and you end up starting over entirely. Make sure you have a way to install an operating system, preferably the one you want to keep, in case you end up formatting the entire hard drive.

3. Assuming you are in some version of Windows, you'll be able to go to the disk manager and use it to format the partition the other operating system is on. Remember that when you format you erase everything. If it wasn't backed up it's been deleted permanently. To get to the Disk Manager go into your Start Menu and click on the Control Panel. Go into System and Security and then into the Administrative Tools. From there you will find the Computer Management or Disk Management Tools. Right click and format the correct drive. Fortunately it won't let you format the drive you're using. If you make a mistake doing this, the worst thing that will happen is you will format your backup drive. If the drive is being used as storage space after, format it as NTFS, which will be the same as your Windows drive.

4. As for the boot loader that allowed you to pick between operating systems, you may find you need to put in the disk of the remaining operating system and use bootrec.exe to fix the boot loader. Another option is to go to "run" in the Start Menu, type "msconfig", go to the "Boot Tab" and delete the entry you no longer need. There are actually a number of ways to remove unneeded entries from the boot loader, these are just two ways you can use.

5. If you have multiple empty partitions at this point you can use the Disk Manager to merge some of those empty partitions into one bigger partition. You could also install an entirely different operating system at this point. The choice is yours.

This is actually easier to do than formatting and installing was originally. Print this out to help you along the way. Remember not to be afraid of this process. It's fun to play and try new things. As long as you have your files backed up you'll be alright. Have fun!

Offering computer workshops and seminars for individuals and businesses.
http://www.laurabungarz.ca/

View the original article here