Saturday, August 4, 2012

How to troubleshoot your computer.

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Why Is My PC Crashing? 
Nothing can put a damper on productivity quite like a Laptop Computer that crashes on a regular basis. Sometimes, a crash is preceded by the dreaded “blue screen of death” or another warning; other moment, a Pc simply shuts off without any warning at all. In either case, the end result is a whole lot of frustration, aggravation and lost work. If your pc has been crashing frequently, you’d probably like to put an end to it. Unfortunately, getting to the bottom of things if often easier said than done.


 The following tips about improving your computer’s performance, thugh, are excellent places to begin.

Possibility #1: Corrupted System Registry Files

Every Windows-based PC has something called a Windows registry. The registry contains several files that are integral to the process and operation of your computer. Over time, some of those files can become corrupted, be misplaced or get lost on the whole. When that happens, the system registry becomes compromised – and frequent crashes are all-too-common symptoms. The best way to rule this possibility in or out is by running a Windows registry cleaning program. Such programs scan your Windows registry for problems then automatically make repairs. If you run a registry cleaner and the crashes persist, they are probably being caused by a different issue.

Possibility #2: Disorganized Files

Windows operating systems handle file organization in a way that isn’t very intuitive. Basically, they break files up and fit them into gaps in the computer’s memory. As time goes by, these disorganized files can prompt frequent crashes. Luckily, a great optimization solution is built right into Windows-based PCs: the disk defragmentation utility. Though its location on a computer varies, you can generally locate it within the System and Safety section inside the Control Panel. By running a defrag once every few months, you may be able to keep those pesky computer crashes at bay.

Possibility #3: Malicious Software

Malicious software can take many different forms. Occasionally, it’s a virus that is accidentally unleashed after opening a strange email; other times, its ad ware that tags along with other information that is automatically downloaded from a website. Whatever type it is, there’s no question that malicious software can wreak havoc on a computer’s execution. Happily, there are many topnotch programs out there that regularly scan your computer for the presence of such problems – and that help guard against them, too. Buy one, install it and use it regularly; your crash issues may come to an end.

Possibility #4: Too Little Available Memory

When you buy a new computer, it feels like there’s no end to the quantity of memory that it has. Of course, this isn’t Right at all. As never-ending as the Free memory on your PC may initially seem, the fact is that it can be force with incredible speed. You can Discover by study for sure by checking the information within “My Computer.” If it appears that your available memory is low, you can use a PC cleanup program to remove not needed files; such programs remove things like temporary Internet files and other file debris that can suck away much-needed memory.

Possibility #5: Overheating

If you’ve run through all of the Importance possibilities and continue experiencing frequent crashes, a hardware issue could be to blame. An easy one to rule out is overheating. A computer’s CPU, or central demonstration unit, includes a fan that is designed to keep it running cool. Sometimes, the fan wears down and doesn’t work as efficiently; other times, it’s just not able to handle the work that your computer has to do. In either case, buying a bigger, better fan isn’t very expensive. If it puts an end to your PC crashing problem, it will have been more than worth it.

Don’t Put Up with Frequent Crashes!

As talk about, frequent computer crashes can be triggered by a wide variety of issues. fortunately, many of these issues are relatively not difficult to remedy. Work your way through the previous number of items; chances are, you’ll be able to pinpoint the matter and put an operative cure to work. Nine times out of ten, a computer simply needs a little bit of routine maintenance to get it back on track once more. In the future, keep these points in mind. Any time you buy a new computer, keep up with its basic maintenance right from the get-go. By doing that, you could avoid “blue screen of death” and crashing problems on the whole – and that’s something that you’re bound to appreciate!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

How can protect your laptop from theft


Looking for information about security features you can use on your laptop to keep your data safe while you travel?  If you’d like more general security suggestions (whether on the road or at the office), check out 10 ways to work more securely.
Use the tips to learn how you can help protect your laptop from theft when you're on the road or outdore.







1. Try to Avoid using computer bags.

Computer or laptop bags can make it obvious that you're carrying a laptop. Instead, try toting your laptop in something more common, like a padded briefcase or suitcase.

 

2.  Do not keep them in your laptop bag and Use strong passwords.

Hard passwords that are difficult to break or guess can thwart unauthorized access to individual files and even to the entire operating system. Learn how to create strong passwords:
You can check the strength of your password by typing it into a password checker like this free one offered by Microsoft Security.
Learn how to password-protect your files:
The strongest password in the world won’t help if you give it away to a thief. Keeping your password with your lapto is like leaving your keys in the car. Without your password or important access numbers, it will be more difficult for a thief to access your personal and corporate information.

3. Encrypt your data

If someone should get your laptop and gain access to your files, encryption can give you another layer of protection. With the Windows operating system, you can choose to encrypt files and folders. Then, even if someone gains access to an important file, they can't decrypt it and see your information. Learn more about how to encrypt your data:

4. Use a screen guard

These guards help prevent someone from seeing your screen—even if he or she peeks over your shoulder. They can be very useful if you need to work on sensitive information in a public place, and they are especially helpful when you're traveling or need to work in a crowded area. The screen guard from Secure-It is just one example of a screen guard you could use.

5. Carry your laptop with you

Always take your laptop on the plane or train rather than checking it with your luggage. It's easy to lose luggage and it's just as easy to lose your laptop. If you're traveling by car, keep your laptop out of sight. For example, lock it in the trunk when you're not using it.

6. Keep your eye on your laptop

When you go through airport or other security, don't lose sight of your bag. Hold your bag until the person in front of you has gone through the screening process. Many bags look alike, and yours can easily be lost in the shuffle.

7. Avoid setting your laptop on the floor

Putting your laptop on the floor is an easy way to forget or lose track of it as you talk at a ticket counter or order your latte. If you have to set it down, try to place it between your feet or leaning against your leg, so you're always aware of it.

8. Need to Buy a laptop security device or program

If you need to leave your laptop in a room or at your desk, use a laptop security cable to securely attach it to a heavy chair, table, or desk. The cable makes it more difficult for someone to take your laptop. There are also programs and devices that will report the location of a stolen laptop. These work when the laptop connects to the Internet and can report the laptop's exact physical location. Absolute Software’s LoJack and its line of Computrace products, for example, offer physical location tracing in addition to capabilities for remotely disabling a missing computer, retrieving or deleting data, and more. Search for more computer tracking and recovery solutions.

9. Try not to leave your laptop in your hotel room

Too many things have been lost in hotel rooms. These rooms may not be completely secure. If you must leave your laptop in your room, put the "Do not disturb" sign on the door to keep hotel staff out. Don’t leave your laptop at the front desk, either.

10. Affix your name and contact info to the laptop

Security experts advise that you affix your name and contact information, along with a promise of a "Reward if lost or stolen—no questions asked,” on the computer. These can help improve your odds of getting the computer back in the event of theft or a simple mix-up.