Over the years of searching the information superhighway, or the internet as most of you may know it as, I have found that no matter what you do, there will always be that one time where your computer will become infested with some sort of virus, malware or spyware. As with many of the people I speak to, I hear the same thing over and over again... "My computer is running so slow, I'm not sure whats wrong with it". Well, to beging with, I find out that "someone" has been on the computer and downloaded something from some website offering "free" stuff, then I find out through the rest of the conversation that they have this "security" program(s) installed on their computer and they are sure its not a virus because the software should have picked it up, right? Wrong.
Now, notice I put an (s) after the word program above. Why? you ask, here is a simple explanation. Having more than 1 security program on your computer is like mixing water and oil... it doesn't work well together. What you may be experiencing is your computer running very slow when booting up and/or when you are just trying to use your computer. (Example, when you turn your computer on and you have a couple different programs to fight viruses, spyware and malware installed, they all begin scanning the computer immediately for what they are "supposed" to be looking for. So right away you are dealing with having to wait a bit longer for the rest of your computers software to finish loading). Normally, your computer should boot up and be ready for use within 30 - 60 seconds.
So what can you do? Use only 1 good security program. This way you can ensure your computer will function properly and efficiently.
Here are some "DONT'S" to remember when you consider installing security software...
1. Don't use more than 1 computer security program
2. Don't use anti-spyware software
3. Don't use anti-malware
4. Don't download "free" security software from the internet
5. Don't give out your IP address to any software company.
These are mainly suggestions and should be highly considered when dealing with this type of software, or any other type of software for your computer.
If you do decide to install internet security on your computer, make sure that you purchase the software that will be compatible with your computer from a retail store. You will get the program new in the box with an installation disc, a license key and instruction manual for that product.
One last tip, surf the internet for the top security software on the market today. It may take you some time to do some comparison shopping but remember, it is your computer we are talking about and you want to make sure you get the software that will operate with you system.
**know what your computer system setting are before you run out to the store, it will help.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Simple Networking Tips-n-Tricks...
Im sure that most of you have experienced the frustration of trying to link up your modem to the new wireless router you just purchased. In this posting, you will go through wireless routing 101 and these simple steps will ensure that you can connect to your wireless router, even if you have never thought of yourself as "a technical person".
To begin, you must be sure that all the obvious steps are out of the way.
1. Make sure you have a good internet connection, via cable modem or dsl etc.
2. Be sure that the machine (computer) you plan to network with the wireless router has a wireless nic card installed or if you are going to use a laptop, be sure the built in wireless card is enabled. ( If you have an older laptop that doesnt have a built in network card, you should be able to purchase network adapters that could be inserted into the pcm slot or open usb ports).
3. Once the network cards have been installed or enabled, be sure that you become familiar with how the computer will search for your router. (You can check this through your network connections on your computer.
a. Start > Control Panel > Network Connections
You will see the various types of connectivity available on your computer. What you will be looking for is the icon that says "Wireless Network Connection"
This is an example of Windows XP
Vista users have a different view and you will need to follow this...
a. Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing
Ok, so after you have verified that you have a wireless network connection available on your computer, you can go on to these simple steps to log into your wireless router.
First of all, the important thing to remember when you are attempting to hook up all your equipment, you should unplug the power from your modem. Doing this, will reset the IP address connection between the modem and the router.
The router should have come with an ethernet chord, a power supply, (sometimes a usb chord) and an installation cd with an instruction manual.
Next, you will need to unplug the ethernet chord from your computer if this is how you have been connecting to the internet before. Plug one end of the ethernet chord into the back of the modem and the other into the back of the wireless router. *there are several different types of routers on the market, so be sure the ethernet chord gets plugged into the port labeled "Internet", like this example below.
If you are unsure still and this is the type of router you have, notice the single port and the then the group of four ports together... It goes into the single port.
Now you are ready to power up the modem and the router. Be sure to give them approximately 2 - 3 minutes to ensure connectivity between the two.
Once this has been done, for Windows XP users, the wireless utility will notify you of wireless networks that are available and Vista users will see the network icon on the start bar located on the bottom right corner show the two computers with a globe between them. If you don't see this, then revert back to the above section for Vista Network and Sharing.
A side note for making wireless connections...
Some routers require you to configure them the first time it is being set up. Its always best to make sure that when you go through this step, to connect your computer with an ethernet chord because you cannot effectively manage your router with a wireless connection. (If you plan to setup a password on the router, this is very important to have the ethernet connection because when you save the changes on the router, it will disconnect you and make it difficult to reconnect).
To troubleshoot your wireless connection, follow these steps again, or simply revert to the instruction manual to reset the router back to factory settings and start from the beginning.
We hope this helped you make the wireless connection you need. Thanks for stopping by...
To begin, you must be sure that all the obvious steps are out of the way.
1. Make sure you have a good internet connection, via cable modem or dsl etc.
2. Be sure that the machine (computer) you plan to network with the wireless router has a wireless nic card installed or if you are going to use a laptop, be sure the built in wireless card is enabled. ( If you have an older laptop that doesnt have a built in network card, you should be able to purchase network adapters that could be inserted into the pcm slot or open usb ports).
3. Once the network cards have been installed or enabled, be sure that you become familiar with how the computer will search for your router. (You can check this through your network connections on your computer.
a. Start > Control Panel > Network Connections
You will see the various types of connectivity available on your computer. What you will be looking for is the icon that says "Wireless Network Connection"
This is an example of Windows XP
Vista users have a different view and you will need to follow this...
a. Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing
Ok, so after you have verified that you have a wireless network connection available on your computer, you can go on to these simple steps to log into your wireless router.
First of all, the important thing to remember when you are attempting to hook up all your equipment, you should unplug the power from your modem. Doing this, will reset the IP address connection between the modem and the router.
The router should have come with an ethernet chord, a power supply, (sometimes a usb chord) and an installation cd with an instruction manual.
Next, you will need to unplug the ethernet chord from your computer if this is how you have been connecting to the internet before. Plug one end of the ethernet chord into the back of the modem and the other into the back of the wireless router. *there are several different types of routers on the market, so be sure the ethernet chord gets plugged into the port labeled "Internet", like this example below.
If you are unsure still and this is the type of router you have, notice the single port and the then the group of four ports together... It goes into the single port.
Now you are ready to power up the modem and the router. Be sure to give them approximately 2 - 3 minutes to ensure connectivity between the two.
Once this has been done, for Windows XP users, the wireless utility will notify you of wireless networks that are available and Vista users will see the network icon on the start bar located on the bottom right corner show the two computers with a globe between them. If you don't see this, then revert back to the above section for Vista Network and Sharing.
A side note for making wireless connections...
Some routers require you to configure them the first time it is being set up. Its always best to make sure that when you go through this step, to connect your computer with an ethernet chord because you cannot effectively manage your router with a wireless connection. (If you plan to setup a password on the router, this is very important to have the ethernet connection because when you save the changes on the router, it will disconnect you and make it difficult to reconnect).
To troubleshoot your wireless connection, follow these steps again, or simply revert to the instruction manual to reset the router back to factory settings and start from the beginning.
We hope this helped you make the wireless connection you need. Thanks for stopping by...
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Welcome to Techbiff
For those of you who have questions regarding most anything about electronics, this is the place to be, to find whatever help you may need. Whether its questions about how to repair something, or how to put something together, you could find what you need here.
I tend to get a lot of questions regarding how to repair an ipod, (if its at allpossible). To those of you who have asked or just dont know if you can or not... I will tell you that it is possible to reapir an ipod.
First of all, its important not to worry too much because most ipod parts and accessories can be found to do the repairs. You just need to know where to look. Unfortunately, they arent at the local electronics store, at least the parts arent. If you decide to buy the accessories at the local stores, they usually wind up being mostly overpriced and not exactly what you may be looking for.
Here are a few tips to consider when something happens to your ipod and not sure what to do next.
1. As I already said... Dont worry too much, (95% of it is easy to fix)
2. Dont throw it away, (parts are cheaper to buy than to buy a new one)
3. Remember what happened to it before it stopped working to narrow down the parts options
4. Locate an ipod parts store and place an order
5. Do the repair
Yea, I know, it sounds simple but it really is that simple. The one place I found to order all my ipod parts is here... http://www.ifixit.com/. They have the largest selection of parts and accessories and the service is great. The last time I ordered a part from there was last week and when the shipping was configured, it said roughly 7 days before I would receive it. Granted that was ground shipping, but not too bad considering they are located in California and I am in Ohio. The moral of the story is, I received it 4 days after my order was placed. I own a 5th generation ipod, which at the time I purchased for $300 at a local retailer. (yea I know, not too smart). But the issues I have had with mine has been the headphone jack going out on the left side. I thought, ok how can I fix this. I always try my way first and that didn't work out so I went looking for the part. To my surprise, ifixit.com had the part I needed for $25. That's a much better deal than putting it a drawer and forgetting about it or throwing it away and buying a new one I think.
So as you can see, getting the parts is easy. "How do you put them in" you ask? That's easy too. Although some things do need to be considered when taking apart you ipod, fortunately, they have information on everything you need to do after you get your parts and are ready to do the repairs.
One last thing to remember when looking for ipod parts, you should know what type of ipod you have. Yes there are many to choose from and knowing which one it is you do have makes it easier to find the correct parts to bring your ipod back to life.
Thanks for listening and see you next time...
I tend to get a lot of questions regarding how to repair an ipod, (if its at allpossible). To those of you who have asked or just dont know if you can or not... I will tell you that it is possible to reapir an ipod.
First of all, its important not to worry too much because most ipod parts and accessories can be found to do the repairs. You just need to know where to look. Unfortunately, they arent at the local electronics store, at least the parts arent. If you decide to buy the accessories at the local stores, they usually wind up being mostly overpriced and not exactly what you may be looking for.
Here are a few tips to consider when something happens to your ipod and not sure what to do next.
1. As I already said... Dont worry too much, (95% of it is easy to fix)
2. Dont throw it away, (parts are cheaper to buy than to buy a new one)
3. Remember what happened to it before it stopped working to narrow down the parts options
4. Locate an ipod parts store and place an order
5. Do the repair
Yea, I know, it sounds simple but it really is that simple. The one place I found to order all my ipod parts is here... http://www.ifixit.com/. They have the largest selection of parts and accessories and the service is great. The last time I ordered a part from there was last week and when the shipping was configured, it said roughly 7 days before I would receive it. Granted that was ground shipping, but not too bad considering they are located in California and I am in Ohio. The moral of the story is, I received it 4 days after my order was placed. I own a 5th generation ipod, which at the time I purchased for $300 at a local retailer. (yea I know, not too smart). But the issues I have had with mine has been the headphone jack going out on the left side. I thought, ok how can I fix this. I always try my way first and that didn't work out so I went looking for the part. To my surprise, ifixit.com had the part I needed for $25. That's a much better deal than putting it a drawer and forgetting about it or throwing it away and buying a new one I think.
So as you can see, getting the parts is easy. "How do you put them in" you ask? That's easy too. Although some things do need to be considered when taking apart you ipod, fortunately, they have information on everything you need to do after you get your parts and are ready to do the repairs.
One last thing to remember when looking for ipod parts, you should know what type of ipod you have. Yes there are many to choose from and knowing which one it is you do have makes it easier to find the correct parts to bring your ipod back to life.
Thanks for listening and see you next time...
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