Technology Metro

“Not Responding” …..”Operation Timed Out”….frozen screens and God knows what other problems we face everyday on our computers. These issues are always on the back of your head when working, but the most problematic issue that you want to get rid of would be the slow speed of your computer. I always thought why my notebook was slow, and sought ways to speed up my overall performance in any way I could. Alas my worries are now over with just following some advice from a friend.

Unfortunately instead of adjusting a few things, people believe they need to buy a new computer in order to increase laptop speed. My views were initially the same but this just isn’t true. You can. Speed up your laptop in a few easy steps. This I definitely would like to share with you.

Step 1

It is preferred you start by defragging your system files. A disk defragmenter helps in accessing information in a much more speedy way. Whenever you want to process some information or access some file that you usually might not use, your operating system needs to jump from one place to another until it gets the desired file from it’s location. Defragging allows your system to stream information through a single path. This will definitely trigger your laptop computers ability to access and run several programs.

Step 2

On the next step you should consider removing startup programs, as many as possible. Whenever you install some program, it usually has default options which enable it to automatically start a program as soon as the computer starts. These settings slow down the speed with which your computer can start up or shut down. These programs steal another important space known as RAM, which adds immensely to the sluggishness of your computer. Eliminate all those programs that you usually do not use or just go to run button on your Start button and remove all checks that any kind of programs might have on the startup sequence.

Step 3

Third step could be applied by removing all those registry congestions on your system files. This is the most important step that you should follow under any circumstance if you really want to get your computer’s speed boost up. As we download, install new or remove our old programs our registries get flooded with useless and often redundant files. This is the biggest clot your system experiences. These may include any .exe file you used to install or maybe some temporary files required during installation like while installing Ms Office. You get rid of these files and not only do you speed it up but it will not hang (unless of spyware) and neither is it hopefully going to crash in future.

These step are really going to make your computer as if it just appeared to be brought out of it’s box. And if you really are a novice at your computing and configuration, I prefer you use a registry cleaner software that does all the work for you and tweak your computer for better performance.

It goes with out saying that RAM is an extremely important part of your computer. The consequences of a faulty RAM ranges from BSODs, computer lockups, file system corruption and data loss. The above mentioned problems that may crop up if RAM is faulty. That is reason enough for you to diagnose your RAM. It can be hard to tell with great conviction that a problem is occurring because of faulty RAM or because of another component of the computer. You have to test your RAM to see whether it is still functioning properly.

When you begin your testing of your, RAM make sure that you test the RAM modules one by one. Interchange the RAM modules positions to ones that they did not occupy before you started testing. The reason why you should do so is to check whether the RAM slot does not have a fault as well. Be advised that they are many ways to test for faulty ram but the easier ones are explained below.

The first method is using the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. The windows program from Microsoft has a tool that helps you to check you RAM. To get the tool you have to log on to the Microsoft website and download the tool on Microsoft online crash analysis website. When you have installed the software onto your computer you then choose between saving a cd image to the disk or you create a start up disk. The first is a Bootable CD and the latter is a bootable floppy disk but their capabilities do not differ.

You then reboot your computer using the reboot disk that you choose and youR RAM will be scanned for any faults and errors. The best way for you to know with great certainty that you RAM does not contain any errors is for you to, check the modules of RAM on the port that is indicating a faulty error.

The second method is MemTest 86+ utility. This method is very similar to the above mentioned method but its reliability is unquestionable. This method has set the standard for testing for any faults in RAM. The execution of the procedure is the same. First you have to load the bootable media and then you can choose what you want. The testing modes in this method can be time consuming. Use the c key to switch between testing modes.

The third method that we are looking into is ; using the Simmtester software. This is the first choice for many and it has been around the block for a long time now. The biggest disadvantage that this program has is its failure to move with the times. you can only install the software through a floppy drive and floppy disks are fast becoming part of history of the computer. The procedure is the same as of the two above mentioned methods of testing for faulty RAM. The three above methods are the most common for testing for faulty RAM. You should use them if your computer hangs or you get frequent BSODs.

I believe everyone among us would prefer to have a laptop computer rather than a traditional home based desktop pc. If you ask me what makes a laptop computer a better option than regular desktop computer, it’s the mobility it offers and uncountable advantages that comes along with usage and experience. It is simply nothing but a blessing for all of us!

People on the go make the maximum use of laptop computers’ mobility as it is designed to work on batteries and through direct power supply. Its lets you stay connected to your office, home, business even from distantly remote places, be it in other countries or other continents. Who might think of getting a desktop computer on a plane? while you could use a laptop to look after your multiple business. (You might not be a millionaire but a man can dream can’t he?)

Without laptops, monitoring businesses miles away would have been very difficult. This mobility feature of a laptop gives us the freedom and ability to use computers anywhere. Be it in a restaurant, in a car or places we feel comfortable, we can use laptops as long as we do not disturb others and go beyond rules.

The high-tech features such as built-in camera, speakers, Bluetooth, WiFi device, and infrared and its compact design makes it different and adds to its uncountable benefits which normally doesn’t come in a small package in a desktop computers. However if such features are to be added in a desktop it requires individual purchases and manual installation for both hardware and software.

The size really does matter. When it comes to Mobile Computing, Smaller the better. The computing power of laptop makes it really evident. Small-sized components, architecture of laptop computers are very much distinct from that of desktop computers. However, the performance and operations are in no way affected by the size of computer. Be it a Core 2 duo for your new desktop, the same technology is available on a small laptop.

The new addition to the laptop family known as the wonderful tablet pc has much more to offer. These super small and powerful computers have emerged to revolutionize computing. Energy saving is another feature of laptops as they don’t use up a lot of electricity as compared to CRT and LCD monitors of desktop. Some features such as display difference. Ultra portable laptop or tablet is a major and advance addition to the mobile computers. Emergence of such high-tech, micro and powerful computers has revolutionized the industry to a great deal.

Well there have been instances with a couple of my old high school friends who always complained the slow performance and short battery life of their notebooks. Some of you reading this might give their assent on this comment, but before you even think about giving a bad name to the laptop technology please be sure that you have the adequate configuration to synchronize with your work too. A laptop without graphics card will definitely not show you good gaming results now, would it?

ZoneAlarm is a firewall that anyone can download for free from ZoneLab. It’s small in size, just 208KB, but protects as well or better as commercial firewalls. This basic, simple to operate firewall protects your computer from malicious programs, Trojans and hackers without interfering with the computer’s speed or other functions.

Once installation is complete, ZoneAlarm blocks the computer’s ports and initiates Stealth Mode; your computer is invisible to any program or hacker cruising the internet looking for a place to wreak havoc. The only thing allowed past ZoneAlarm is what you personally authorize when you install it. Of course, you can adjust the settings later if you feel the need.

ZoneAlarm lets you customize your security levels and keeps all of your information secure. It gets rid of adware cookies, prevents pop-ups and integrates smoothly with any antivirus software you may have installed. There is no programming required and the steps are very clear and simple. If you like, you can take a tour when you first install it or save it for later.

ZoneLab’s technology is apparent in the Application Control, which monitor’s your computer’s outbound traffic and prevents your data being sent anywhere past its walls. For instance, if you open an attachment you received via email that might begin sending your information to an outside source. ZoneAlarm will immediately block that action, will cause an alert to pop up and tell you appropriate actions you can take. You can elect to do nothing or you can follow its advice. You are also alerted when any application on your computer attempts to access the internet and are given a choice whether to block it or let it continue.

ZoneAlarm can be configured to lock your computer after it’s idle for a certain time. This will prevent any internet activity and shut down all applications except those that you specify should keep running. You can also choose to share or block your computer if there are other users on your network.

One of the best things about ZoneAlarm is the frequency of new detection rules. ZoneLab is conscientious about keeping up with the latest security threats and it’s fast and easy to download them. This firewall is designed for Windows 2000 and Windows XP and available only for personal use or by non-profit organizations. A Vista version is also available.

You can download a FREE version of ZoneAlarm Firewall here. You can Download ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009 for FREE using this torrent.

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Reimage is a software that repairs damaged Windows XP operating system. Most of us still use Windows XP as the preferred operating system as Windows Vista has a lot of problems. As time passes Windows XP becomes slower and takes a lot of time to load, compared to when you first installed Windows XP. We install lot of softwares and these tend to slow the operating system down plus all the malwares, spywares and viruses that infect your operating system when we use the internet and share files with others. These malwares, spywares and viruses damage your operating system and degrade its health.

Reimage kind of works like Windows own system restore function. Reimage works in a bit of a different way than Windows’ System restore. Reimage diagnoses your operating system and looks for any missing system files fixes it whereas system restore just inserts all the files from the previous backup point. Some spywares, malwares and viruses eat up important system files. This makes your PC slow, it also takes up unnecessary memory space, corrupts important files, changes registry settings. I can go on and on about the bad this malware, spyware and virus cause but this post is not about how malware harms your system but instead it is about how to solve these problems and many other problems an operating system faces.

Reimage Home Edition repairs you PC without any Hassel and you don’t need to be a tech savvy person to use it. Even a novice can use Reimage and not face a problem while doing so. Reimage is a web based software so you don’t need to install anything on your PC. Reimage uses a technology that does things like a person would do. Reimage will identify and repair the damaged file. Reimage is much better than any antispyware softwares and better than some antivirus softwares. Your operating system’s registry also needs repair and there are products that claim to fix it but most of them are just scams. Personally I don’t use any registry cleaning software except one called CCleaner. It is not the best solution though.

Read through the Reimage Blog for more information on Reimage software. If you are a bit lazy and don’t want to read,watch this Video: How the technology works. Use Reimage to make your old operating system run as new (like a freshly installed one) without needing to format and install an OS.

It all began with Microsoft Flight Simulator in 1983, software that allowed people to actually feel as if they were in the cockpit of an airplane, piloting it across hills and valleys, through clouds and blue skies. Now, with Flight Simulator X, Microsoft has once again topped itself. Sim X has busier, more challenging airports and new aircraft that you can fly all over a very, very realistic world.

Microsoft has outdone itself in giving the gamer an experience that feels like real life. While flying anything from jet liners to sailplanes, the user flies over a world of livestock, roads, schools, traffic, tundras and deserts. Where the first MS Flight Simulator was rather stark, this latest version has the user admiring whale pods and herds of gazelles, penguins and traffic jams as they maneuver in a very realistic and detailed pilot’s seat.

The new software lets several gamers fly together or separately from airports all over the globe. You can be an air traffic controller or talk to one as a pilot. Flight Simulator includes several different missions you can undertake such as a role in an air show or a drag race with other fliers. It has search and rescue missions as well as other favorite features from older editions, but updated and much more realistic.

Previous editions of Flight Sim required a joystick but it is now optional. You can use your keyboard, mouse or an Xbox controller to fly your aircraft. Many people like the game controller, as it feels a little more natural to them and provides better control of the aircraft.

Microsoft Flight Simulator has aircraft, cities, very detailed airports and nearly forty missions. The deluxe edition includes those features, too, but has a tower controller and a glass canopied cockpit if you want it. People interested can download a Flight Simulator trial version at no charge.
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Wouldn’t it be just great if you could view as well as work with your favorite movies and also edit it to your liking and share it with others? Well… look no further because Mac has brought about its latest application, the iMovie. This software is reliable to a great extent and gives a satisfying performance no matter the size of the project.

The main feature of the iMovie is its built in library which stores away your image files consisting of movies, clips or photos so that they are available at the click of a mouse. You can also browse through its library and create your own movies. iMovie allows you to upload movies to YouTube or any website and it also aids in creating movie clips, or to edit and combine videos for your Apple TV, phone, iPod or iPhone.

Students consider this software a great asset because of its cool features which enable a lot of special effects like scrolling or titles. This actually makes it possible to come out with innovative projects or movies automatically. Extremely easy to use, this software comes with features like the effects palette which makes it possible to add a variety of sound effects or music and also promises a very fast and simple upload of your image files. By routing your movies via iMovie to iTunes, it is possible to synchronize it with the iPhone and iPod.

The latest version of iMovie has incorporated a feature called ‘skimming’ by which it is possible to view each frame of the movie which has been created simply by directing the mouse pointer over the icon of the video clip. Separating individual shots from the clip is easily accomplished by the process of clicking and dragging it to the required project window. This is a great way to enhance your creativity.

It is to Apple’s credit that both standard as well as high definition videos are supported by iMovie. Online help and tutorial is also provided by them so that any doubts and queries are readily met with.

Download iMovie ‘08 Torrent and start making your own movies. The torrent is of the iMovie Stand-alone package so it doesn’t include any other applications found in iLife ‘08. The iMovie software package is about 100MB in size so if you have a slow internet connection, you might just want to buy the DVD itself. After you install iMovie in your system, don’t forget to run all updates, otherwise iMovie might not work properly.

While you are at it, why not sign up for a Digital Video Editing Magazine , ITS FREE!.

P S: For Newbies, to open and start downloading from this Torrent file, you need to first download a torrent client software. There are lots of torrent client softwares like uTorrent, Bitlord etc, personally I use Bittorrent. Download Bittorrent from here.
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As the name implies, FlightGear is a simulation application that can be run on Windows, Linux, UNIX, or Mac easily. This 172MB open source flight simulator is quite versatile in the fact that it has got a lot of features not found in other similar software. As it is a open source software, FlightGear Flight Simulator is free to download. FlightGear works on all the popular operating systems.

FlightGear is a downloadable flight simulator application which can take you to a whole new world of flying. Aircrafts from the first airplane by the Wright Brothers to the latest in the aviation sector is made available in this software and it boasts of excellent graphics by which you can even create airports, aircrafts etc. Navigation is very easy and can be done with a joystick or mouse. The sky is the limit and the FlightGear definitely takes your imagination to higher flights of fantasy.

There is really no need to sweat over the learning part because ample tutorials and links are available in the website which will cater to all your requirements and will clarify your doubts. In fact, all options are available on the screen itself so that the problem of searching through menus is eliminated. This application lets the pilot control various aspects of the flight like weather, and other simulated effects like dodging traffic, shadowing another plane, chase, etc.

In comparison to other similar softwares, FlightGear seems to be at par especially considering its superior graphics and general performance which is really excellent. The audio part is a bit lacking and so are the ground handling features. Another point where it scores less than its competitors is its lack of collision detection mechanism which is quite of a disadvantage.

But on the whole FlightGear is a very thrilling application which provides a whole lot of features not found in other similar products and gives a thrilling experience to its users for FREE.

This is considered by many to be the most expensive and the safest solution for power Surge Protection. The summer weather is lovely and it is the time most people wish for when it is winter but it does come with its own troubles. Heat in summer time can do wonders; power utilities will adjust their power output and this has an effect as it may cause power sags which affect computer software as well as hardware. There are various ways in which one can protect themselves and their electronic goods from power surges. The ways that one can do so are through buying of devices but a device I would recommend is the UPS. The device continues to provide power to the electronic device from a battery if power utility is no longer available. The Uninterruptible Power Supplies is connected to the power source and the load which it is protecting. Power protection from the unit automatically happens when the utility power goes off. The unit is usually used on computers but its use is not restricted to computers only.

There are three different types of UPS systems that one can find on the market. The first is the offline type this type only starts working when the power utility goes off and then it subsequently takes power from its source. Secondly, the line interactive and thirdly, on-line this type of unit protects the load from its reserves at the same time adding more power to its reserves by taking power from the power utility. This type of unit is also known as line conditioner or power conditioner

These devices were very much expensive when they first hit the market but have since become affordable for everyone. It is for this reason that personal computer and sound systems are being protected using the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies). Some of the faults that are protected by the unit are power failure many of us will be familiar with this especially in summer. Voltage sag, this is when you lights start to sag. Over and under voltage, the former cause’s light bulbs to burn out and the later can lead to overheating of motors. The units are put into categories by manufacturers according to the problems that they solve.

The units are used by companies as well for example a web hosting provider uses the unit to power the up-time of internet connection. The unit is always being improved especially for the large electronic devices; in such cases a dynamic power supply is used. There are fuel cell UPS that has been developed using fuel cell and hydrogen. The fuel cell is the replacement for battery cells in the normal unit.

The unit is a great device to have as it can save you a lot of money both in repairs and replacements of the equipment that has been affected by power problems. Power protection is what the device does best. You can rest assured that the UPS does the job for you. The product is already so good but there are improvement that are going on and that only means one thing and that is better products in the future.

There are quite a lots of laptops people can choose from but not all of them offer the best value for money. One of the most popular laptops today is HP branded. HP laptops looks sleek and performance is not bad either. HP laptops are lot cheaper than Sony laptops and the hardware is not that far off either so it is better to get HP laptop than to get a Sony laptop. Dell on the other hand don’t make sleek laptops, the hardware is great but the looks should put some people off. Dell laptops are usually dull. I also have one, a Dell Vostro 1500. It is great in terms of performance and value for money but it suffers a lot in terms of looks. I wrote about a Dell XPS M1330 laptop some time ago and it is for me one of the best looking laptops Dell has produced till date. You can customize this laptop according to your computing needs and get it for decent price.

If you don’t need lot of computing power, I suggest you get an all purpose laptop with decent hardware inside it. I got my Dell Vostro 1500 for relatively cheap price ($699 after taxes) and I don’t regret buying it except, I should have got a bigger hard drive. If you are looking for pure performance then it will cost you some money. Here are some of the best laptops performance wise for the year 2007. Now as it is a year older, you will be able to purchase it at a lot less price and get a decent performing laptop for it. It won’t be able to compete with todays top end performance laptops but it should be more than good enough for most of us. Which laptop would you go for, a top end high performance laptop or an all purpose one?

You should see a lot of changes in terms of technologies inside a laptop as they are beginning to outsell desktops now. There is a valid reason for this. First off, laptops are portable and has hardwares derived from lot of research as they need to be a lot more smaller than a desktop hardware has to be. Here is some laptops 2009 news for you. According to Intel, one billion people own laptops and the laptop sale will surpass desktop sell by 2009. Intel are also looking to bring technologies to laptops that will make it affordable for the masses.

P S: If you are looking to buy a laptop right now, just hold on. There is a new coupon which will give you a $200 off on $999+ of purchase on most customizable HP laptops. Here is the $200 off HP coupon (HP coupon code “NB2390“). This coupon can be stacked with other instant rebate offers.