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Friday, April 9, 2010

Speeding up Your Computer with PC Technical Support

All PC technical support executives have to face questions about making the computer work at a faster pace. There are some tricks that you can apply to help yourself out with PC technical support.

The first step to your PC technical support is to reinstall your operating system. You may be using Windows or any other operating system. Sometimes there are lots of unwanted messed up codes that clog up the working area of your operating system. When you uninstall it, these additional files created, gets deleted. The installation of a fresh operating system, free from all unwanted additional files, makes your computer feel light and trim. It reflects on the speed of its performance.

If you want to go for PC technical support without really reformatting your operating system, you can try out other alternative of computers support. Check out your control panel and weed out all programs and files that you do not use any more. They are just taking up storage space that you might use for other purposes to leave blank. You need not be a PC technical support expert to figure out that less data on your hard disk makes it faster.

Run a Disk Cleanup. You can find that option in Systems Tools on your Start menu. Get rid of items in the Recycle Bin. Run a Disk Defragmenter. This will get rid of all those old files that you don’t remember or need. It also reorganizes your data. Optimizing your computer will help you greatly with PC technical support.

There is another built-in PC technical support that you can use: MSCONFIG. Type this in your ‘Run’ option on the Start menu. This controls the items which you need to boot each time you switch on your computer. The MSCONFIG command gives you the list of items that boot. If you don’t want any of these items, you can uncheck the boxes by attached to them. With lesser items to boot, it goes without saying that your computer will run faster. Take a look at the icons beside the clock on your computer. They are the items that boot. If you want to get rid of any, right click your mouse on them and deselect them.

Other PC technical support ideas include upgrading your RAM to at least 1MB. You can update your video card. A modern video card does wonders to your computer speed. Check your motherboard compatibility first. Turn off the screen savers or the Aero Glass effects on Vista. Choose a minimalist theme. Check for malware and virus infections regularly. If you cannot afford an anti-virus, use the free versions available on the net. It is advisable that you tinker with your computer only after you have taken back-up copies of your work. Data loss is a serious issue and no one likes to endure one.

Why your slow PC running at a snail's pace? Multi-method to speed up your PC performance

Have you ever met these moments as you really want to throw your computer against the wall because you get the blue screen of death when you in the middle of fighting those MVP’s in your favorite online games, or the browser becomes more slower than usual or even no response when you just upload the video files on the YouTube, or you computer system crashed when you collect the important working data files that wasn’t to be saved yet .etc? Before you treat your computer as a trash, just hold on to think again, why your PC runs so tardily?

Common causes and solutions for a PC running slowly

There are many reasons caused the slow PC, maybe your PC affected by one or more. Basically there three categories can cause a slow PC that they are software, hardware and virus issues. As many people have been asking on the ask & answer websites or forums why their PC is slow, so, today we would like to list the common causes for your slow PC and also try and help you out.

Part 1: For the software cause

1. Startup overload

Time after time, as you add more and more programs on your PC, they are automatically and quietly adding themselves into your Windows start-up folder or even on a hidden area of your Windows star-up system without ask an agreement of you. Therefore, the more programs load on your PC start-up, the slower of your PC startup. Therefore, you should limit the number of start-up programs that is will considerablyspeed up your PC bootand increase overall system performance.

2.Improperly BIOS setting

Moreover, the improperly BIOS settings can impact your PC performance. Normally, the BIOS settings are quite universal, while others can be found on only the systems made with one type of BIOS or made by one manufacturer. This section lists the most common settings that are used in modern PCs, with full explanations as to what they are and how to set them.

3. Bloated windows registry

Over time people tend to install more and more software, and there are also a lot of registry becomes cluttered with redundant data when people use their PC again and again. Here, you just need a kind ofRegistry optimizer & Cleaners utilities that attempt to remove configuration data from the Windows Registry that is no longer in use or that is unwanted on the system. To clean the registry, you can find several different brands of cleaners on the market today. You do need to check online reviews if you are going to buy one of them. For safely clean registry to make my PC run error free, I use Wondershare registry optimizer.

Part 2: For the hardware cause

Apart from software problems like startup overload or bloated registry files, there are also a number of hardware issues that can cause your PC to run slowly. Meaning while, the most common of these is lack of memory (RAM).

1.Insufficient memory

RAM is a primarily responsible for your PC speed performance. Nowadays, the operating systems and applications require more and more capacities of PC memory. Memory upgrade is another method for you increase the PC performance. However, if your PC RAM is already at the maximum that the motherboard can support but it is still slow, you may need to buy a new motherboard with higher RAM support.

2.Badly Fragmented Hard Drive

After a long-time use, the files on your PC can be scattered over your hard drive that means your PC lead a badly fragmented hard drive and consume more and more time for you searches file than usual. However, Windows have a built-in tool to help you with hard drive fragmentation:

Step 1: Double-click My Computer
Step 2: Right click C drive (usually C) on the pop-out window, and then click properties
Step 3: Select Tools tab and choose the Defragment Now option and follow the step by step instructions.

3. For the CPU problem

1> CPU running in low power mode

You might be running your CPU in low power mode which will reduce the clock speed. So, just check the BIOS setting or the power settings in the windows control panel for this.

2> CPU is too hot
You CPU might be overheating and then throttling down to a slow speed, especially on summer days. So, please check your fans, heat sinks and CPU temperature. Always clean out any dust to prevent the fan outlets to be obstructed.

Part 3: For the Spyware & Viruses cause

Spyware & Viruses and other mal-ware is another reason for a slow PC. As the virus is notoriously known to eat up a lot of system resources, so you PC will become more and more slowdown. In surfing the internet, you are inevitable infect these viruses. Therefore, get a good antivirus and anti-spyware scanning program to remove these and then help to increase the PC performance.

These are the most prevalent reasons for a slow PC. However, they are not listed in any particular order or by their gravity. We hope we have been clear enough for you to understand these reasons and get to know how to fix them. Finally, we do hope you can enjoy a faster and healthier PC after you read this article.

Strengthen and Support Database Management with Remote Database Administration

A database is the foundation of the digital economy. A database organizes the huge amount of data created on a regular basis and even stores the information that runs a business. Recession has made IT companies to reduce their database administration staff in spite of huge database support requirement for sustaining its e-business infrastructure. With increase in databases size and complexity, the role of a database administrator is becoming increasingly difficult.

Selecting and implementing an effective database management plan of action is very important for distributing of information across all channels accurately and efficiently. This has made many companies to approach database outsourcing company through a remote database administrators. Remote database administrators specialize in delivering database administration services on a 24x7 basic.

Leading remote database administration vendors provide all the functions of a full-time database administration like database monitoring, maintenance, optimization, backup, recovery, and reporting. Remote DBAs helps companies to outsource certain database administration functions without investing on the resources needed to handle the database support in-house. IT analysts do agree with remote database administration services advantages over in-house which include low cost database support, improved system availability, and better utilization of internal database administrators towards plan of action goals.

Remote database administrators provide the best services which help in increasing productivity and reduce the cost of enterprise computing. The main remote administration service offers dedicated senior database administrators, support on call, best third party monitoring tools, and analytics, as well as case tracking and regular proactive system audits.

Above all, database outsourcing reduces the database management budget by approximately 40%. This explains why companies are opting remote database administration in lowering cost and increasing efficiency.

Second Generation Dell PowerVault 110T LTO-2 Tape Storage Drives

Data security and protection are most essential for the success of your organization. LTO-2 tape technology continues to be one of the most demanded, reliable and cost effective recording medium for mission critical data. Dell has engineered new advanced 110, LTO-2-L Power-Vault drives that are ideal for enterprise severs and mid-range environments. Dell 110T, LTO-2-L Power Vault tape drive is based on LTO-2 tape format. High speed Dell LTO-2 tape drive assures longer working life, exceptional disaster recovery and efficient reading/writing capability.

Dell LTO-2 PowerVault drive has native transfer speed of 86.4GB/hr with capacity reaching up to 200 GB on single Dell LTO2 tape. Dell LTO2 tape drives offer affordable storage solutions for small & medium businesses. Native data capacity of Dell LTO-2 drive is 200GB with 86.4 GB/hour transfer speed. Dell PowerVault tape drive is ideal option for small & medium enterprises. Dell LTO2 tape’s part number is 340-8701. Dell LTO2 tape drives are more cost efficient because their power consumption is lesser than other drives.

LTO-1 data tapes can also be used with second generation Dell tape drives. The Dell LTO2 drive provides more flexibility and benefits to its customers. Backup rate of Dell LTO2 tape drive has been improved by 62.5% over LTO-1 tape technology. Dell PowerVault LTO2 drive can read as well as write data onto the LTO-1 ultrium tape cartridges. This ensures protection of your prior technology investments. Highly durable Dell LTO backup tapes with their part numbers are given below: Dell LTO 1 tape ( 09W084 ), Dell LTO 2 tape ( 340-8701 ), Dell LTO 3 tape ( 0HC591 and 341-2647 ), Dell LTO 4 tape (341-4640 and 341-4647 ).

Dell LTO-2 tape drive features a new technology that prevents back-hitching. This new feature is called “data speed matching”. Dell LTO2 drive adjusts its transfer rate accordingly to the server’s data transfer speed. Digital speed matching capability results in increased data throughput and tape longevity. Dell 110T LTO-2 tape drive offers incredibly low ownership cost and exceptional value. Dell LTO 2 drives provide lowest cost per GB thus offering its customers a complete cost efficient backup solution. Fewer Dell LTO-2 media tape cartridges will be required than the LTO-1 tapes to accommodate greater data amounts.

Exceptional compatibility of Dell Power-Vault drives provides the IT mangers more benefits and flexibility. The data administrators can efficiently incorporate the Dell LTO-2 Power-Vault tape drives into their backup storage and server environment. You can configure these Dell LTO2 drives either externally or internally with your servers. Dell 110T LTO-2 drive comes with all the necessary equipments that ensure easy and quick installation, including quick start guide, SCSI terminator and SCSI cables. These high speed Dell tape drives support a vast range of software which includes Yosemite Tape-Ware, Comm-Vault Galaxy and Veritas Backup Exec. Intelligently designed tape head helps in stable tracking thus leading to smooth and efficient drive operations. Dell LTO2 tape drives provide you increased capacity, superior performance and outstanding compatibility.

Upcoming Video Games this Summers

Gaming is a niche and powerful industry. It has caught in the users of all age segments. The industry is catching up.

With rise in gaming industry, the consumers keep waiting for the upcoming editions of the video games. The article below lists various upcoming games:

Terminator Salvation
It is an upcoming third-person shooter action video game, slated for a release on May 19, 2009 to coincide with the release of the upcoming film of the same name on the same week. It is being developed by the Halcyon Company's gaming subsidiary, Halcyon Games, along with GRIN. The game is scheduled to be released for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, mobile, and iPhone OS.

Terminator Salvation is a third person shooter where the player needs to constantly move, flank, cover and utilize their squad to progress. The player must battle Skynet enemies from the upcoming film as well as new enemies specifically designed for the game.

Red Faction: Guerrilla
It is an upcoming third-person shooter video game in development by Volition, Inc. and published by THQ. The game is set to be released June 2, 2009 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Microsoft Windows platforms. The game is the third installment in the Red Faction series.

In the gameplay of Red Faction: Guerrilla, the protagonist, Alec Mason, will be able to run, jump, hijack vehicles, and use weapons to traverse across the open world of Mars and fight the EDF (Earth Defense Force). Weapons in the game will include: machine gun turrets, rocket turrets, remote charges, a sledgehammer, machine guns, and many others.

Prototype
Prototype is an upcoming sandbox-style action game in development by Radical Entertainment and based on an original IP developed in-house. The game is slated for release on June 9th, 2009 for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Microsoft Windows.

The gameplay in Prototype is centered around Alex Mercer's superhuman abilities. Alex has superhuman strength, speed, agility, durability, and healing as well as the abilities of consuming his fallen enemies, shape-shifting his body and easily moving in an open-world New York City environment.

Overlord II
Overlord II is an third-person action-adventure game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Codemasters for the Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 3. It is the sequel to the 2007 video game Overlord and expected to be launch on June, 23.

The gameplay of the first game, which consisted of controlling the Overlord who in turn sent his minions to do most of the work, has been retained for this sequel, but, it has been greatly expanded. The intelligence and destructiveness of the minions have been improved and the new AI is able to do more things than before, such as riding mounts, using war machines and sailing warships.

The Conduit
It is a futuristic first-person shooter game under development by High Voltage Software for the Wii console and expected to launch on June, 23. The Conduit was first revealed by IGN on April 17, 2008 and on October 29, 2008 the developer announced that Sega had signed on to be the game's official publisher.

High Voltage Software created the Quantum3 engine to make The Conduit a comparable experience visually to games on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 despite the Wii's hardware limitations. The Conduit will also support the recently announced Wii Speak peripheral, allowing online multiplayer gamers the ability to chat as they destroy aliens in each terrifying level.

The Conduit provides an experience typical of a first-person shooter, focusing on combat in a 3D environment and taking place from the first-person perspective of a playable character.

Fight Night Round 4
Fight Night Round 4 is a boxing video game developed by EA Sports. It is the sequel to EA Sports' previous boxing title, Fight Night Round 3, released in 2006. The game is scheduled for release on June 30th, 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Fight Night Round 4 will feature over 40 licensed fighters. There will be several new modes such as the Legacy Mode. The game's cover will feature Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.

Mac Undelete Files Data Recovery

It is a common mistake that may put you in big data loss trouble. If an updated backup is not in place, you need to Undelete Mac Files manually in such situations.

When you remove a file, it becomes invisible and inaccessible. However, it remains physically intact on the hard drive, but can not be found by the operating system.

What happens when you delete a file from Mac hard drive?

When you remove a file, it is not actually deleted. Only the pointer of the file is deleted. Mac OS X operating system uses the file pointer as a connection between hard drive index and file’s memory location. When you request the operating system to access a file, it locates the file with the file pointer and then extracts it from hard drive.

The deleted files can be recovered until they are overwritten by other files. When a file is deleted, Mac OS X operating system marks the disk space, occupied by the deleted file, as free.

Chances of Mac Data Recovery:

As Mac OS X does not re-use the disk space from the deleted files immediately, you can Undelete Mac Files. However the possibilities of successful recovery decreases, if you keep using the system and storing data on affected hard drive.

You are advised to not store more data on the hard drive from which you deleted the file. If your hard drive is almost full, you must not run the system. If you defragment the disk after deletion of file, it severely harms the chances of successful Mac data recovery.

How to Effectively Recovery Deleted Files?

For assured and safe recovery of precious Mac files, you should go for a reliable and powerful third-party application, known as mac file recovery Software. These tools are powerful enough to methodically scan whole hard drive and extract all deleted Mac files from it.

They can handle all file loss situations and efficiently recover documents, files, photos, videos, songs, directories, and hard drive volumes. The applications are totally safe and easy to use with their non-destructive conduct and interactive user interface.

Stellar Phoenix Macintosh Data Recovery software recovers deleted files from hard drive, memory card, USB drive, FireWire drive, and iPod. It supports Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, 10.5 Leopard, 10.4 Tiger, and 10.3.9 Panther. The software recovers data from HFS, HFS+, HFSX, HFS Wrapper, and FAT file system volumes.

Free Microsoft Certification training for MCDST

Microsoft has many computer certifications that appeal to a wide range of expert computer repair technicians to operating system geniuses. They also have certifications in administration and engineering. Microsoft Certified Professionals are a standard above in the field of information technology. Microsoft certification is widely accepted and recognized by the service and support industry. Microsoft curriculum has the practical knowledge that only an advanced developed company can provide.

MCDST is one of the most sought after Microsoft certifications on the market today. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician is a title that has much recognition for employers who want a highly qualified technician to work as a help desk specialist and give desktop support by phone and by servicing the individual station. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) on Microsoft Windows XP is a certification that validates the fundamental and higher skills needed to enter the IT industry as a support desk professional.

Because of the recognition that Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) receives many online and classroom IT schools are offering some free tutoring. You will find free information technology Microsoft computer training on the web almost as much as you will find pay certification training. There is a long list of online schools that offer free study guides, some free online tutoring and free practice exam questions in order to prepare you for your certification.

MCDST certification demonstrates valuable troubleshooting expertise with the Windows Desktop Operating System to employers and consumers. It provides a structure for learning the skills that support technicians need. As a desktop support technician, you will use excellent customer service skills, educate users, and solve hardware or software operation and application problems on the desktop. You will learn valuable skills and best practices consistent with networking and file sharing to maintaining DHCP communications devices and Domain name system for Internet system to translate names into IP addresses.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician certification validates the fundamental skills needed to enter the IT industry as a support professional. It communicates the technical skills of the individual to clients and employers and distinguishes career candidates from their peers. MCDST certification enhances job satisfaction through increased technical proficiency as you increase your knowledge and skills. MCDST certification helps advance support technician careers by providing a structured framework for learning skills, and provides a knowledge basis for additional Microsoft certifications, such as the MCSA and the MCSE.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician Certification Requirements on Microsoft Windows XP are to pass two core exams that provide a valid and dependable measure of technical proficiency. These exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations throughout the world. The two core exams are: Exam 70-271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System consisting of about 60 questions and Exam 70-272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System consisting of about 50 questions.

A candidate for Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician will need training for your Microsoft certification. There is free Microsoft training available online with free Microsoft practice exam questions, free study guides and free MCDST training to make your preparation less complicated. Free will only take you so far, you will need to purchase some Microsoft certification training in order to be fully prepared for your actual exam. Your training is not the objective but receiving your Microsoft certification. Learn how to pass your information technology certification exam. There are good resources accessible all you will need is a little searching. Visit billnaugle.com

The Top Ten USB Flash Drive Tips

There is a lot more you can do with a USB flash drive other than storage and data transfer.

Did you know that there are a host of portable applications that can be stored on pen drives and used from drives without being installed on a computer or portable device? It is easy to set up an MP3 player with your collection in a pen drive, handle email between computers using Thunderbird, and access productivity apps including a full office suite.

Of course using a pen drive is not without risks, unless you know how to set it up properly. Do you know you can encrypt a drive with the NTFS file system with some simple hardware tweaks, protect it from viruses using a anti-virus tool straight from a flash drive and get the jump on common concerns like data corruption.

To personalize your use of your flash memory drives, you can customize your desktop by using applications like MojoPac and then take it with you to any PC. If you are wondering you will lose your files once you delete it from a flash memory, the you can also install a portable Recycle Bin.

Pen drives are also great maintenance tools for your computer. They can be used for disk usage analysis and even to install an operating system!

There are some really cool apps and useful tips and tricks in our eBook The Top Ten USB Flash Drive Tips, which combines the best selection from our USB Tips section.