10 tips for improving your wireless network

If Windows ever notifies you about a weak signal, it probably means your connection isn't as fast or as reliable as it could be. Worse, you might lose your connection entirely in some parts of your home. If you're looking to improve the signal for your wireless network, try some of these tips for extending your wireless range and improving your wireless network performance.

1. Position your wireless router (or wireless access point) in a central location. Read more

Upgrade Slow PC

There are many reasons for a slow computer, but upgrading the computer's hardware can help speed it up. The CPU and the RAM are two main components that can be upgraded to increase a computer's speed, though doing this may require replacing the motherboard as well.

Read more:

How to Remove spyware

The basic premise is that malware can be very good at defending itself, so the best way to remove it, is not to let it run in the first place. You can do this by booting an infected machine from a CD and running an operating system off the CD that treats the C disk as a data disk. You can then run anti-malware software either from the bootable CD (I like The Ultimate Boot CD for Windows) or from another machine on the network.

It turns out that this is a good first step, but is not sufficient as the only step (see Part 3). There is great news ahead however. Both MalwareBytes and SUPERAntiSpyware are working on being able to mount the registry as a registry, even when running outside the infected Operating System. This will be a big improvement and go further to making my scan-from-the-outside approach even better.

The Best Way to Remove Viruses, Spyware and other Malware (Part 1) May 19, 2009

How to Remove Malware: Booting from a CD (Part 2) June 16,2009

The Best Way to Remove Viruses and Malware: The Clean-Up (Part 3) July 20,2009. Read more

How to Backup and Restore Windows 7

Backup and Restore—improved for Windows 7—creates safety copies of your most important files, so if you lose something, it won't be lost forever.

Let Windows choose what to back up, or pick individual folders, libraries, or drives. Windows can back up files on whatever schedule you choose. Just set it and forget it. In Windows 7, you can back up files to another drive, your network, or a DVD. Backup and Restore for your personal PC and attached DVD or external hard drives comes with all editions of Windows.

If you want to backup to a network location, say on your company's central server, network attached storage, or another computer on your network, you'll need Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate.Read more

How to fix a computer that won't start

A computer that won't start is frustrating, but the problem is often easy to fix. The steps you take to troubleshoot the problem depend on your symptoms. Because different problems require different troubleshooting steps, it’s not necessary to read all of these instructions. Instead, click on the link that best describes your problem:Read more

How to properly remove viruses from your PC

If you use a computer, read the newspaper, or watch the news, you will know about computer viruses or other malware. These are those malicious programs that once they infect your machine will start causing havoc on your computer. What many people do not know is that there are many different types of infections that are categorized in the general category of Malware.

Malware - Malware is programming or files that are developed for the purpose of doing harm. Thus, malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, hijackers, and certain type of adware.

This article will focus on those malware that are considered viruses, trojans, worms, and viruses, though this information can be used to remove the other types of malware as well. We will not go into specific details about any one particular infection, but rather provide a broad overview of how these infections can be removed. For the most part these instructions should allow you to remove a good deal of infections, but there are some that need special steps to be removed and these won't be covered under this tutorial.

How to Set Up RAID on Your PC..Boost your hard-drive performance, add redundancy, or do both by converting your PC to use a RAID setup.

Configuring two or more hard drives in a RAID setup can speed up hard-drive performance and provide automatic protection against data loss from a drive failure. RAID used to be expensive, hard to implement, and limited to businesses with dedicated IT departments, but now even the motherboards on most budget PCs support it, making RAID easier to install and well within the price range of most tech-savvy PC users.

Note: After reading this article, watch our video for a visual tutorial on setting up RAID.

What level of RAID do I want?
RAID comes in a number of flavors--or levels--that offer data protection, enhanced hard-drive performance, or both. In addition to the seven core levels of RAID (RAID 0 through RAID 6), you'll encounter a slew of variants and combinations. Following are the RAID levels you'll find on affordable, consumer-level RAID adapters.Continue

How to Transfer Your Data From Your Old Drive to a New Drive

It happens eventually. With all the files your digital lifestyle includes – applications, movies, music, pictures, documents and more - the hard drive in your computer will eventually fill up and you'll need more space. Sure, you can burn some of those files to CD or DVD, but then you have a pile of discs laying around and finding which file is where is more hassle than most of us need.

Fortunately, there's an easier solution – upgrade to a bigger hard drive. It's a fairly straightforward process, that given a little time, a little patience and the correct tools, anybody can do.

So let's get to it!

What to do if your computer is already infected with a virus

Please note: Many virus infections cannot be detected or repaired from within the affected system while it is running.

The most effective way to remove an infection is to erase (format or "wipe") the entire system drive, and then reinstall and secure your operating system and needed applications.
For a more detailed guide: refer to the Safe Computing guide "Securing a Personal Machine", Part Three: Attempt to Repair an Infected Computer.

Preliminary Steps – To be done on a non-infected computer. NOTE: Do not try to plug an infected computer into a working Ethernet jack on campus.
If your computer does not have Symantec AntiVirus installed on it, download this at http://www.umn.edu/adcs/software/security/. When you download it, choose the option to save the file onto your computer.
Go to: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/download/pages/US-SAVCE.html. read more

How to Fix a Stuck Pixel on an LCD Monitor

If your LCD screen has a stuck or dead pixel (a point on the screen that is always lit or always dark), it is usually due to a transistor malfunction or uneven distribution of liquid in the liquid crystal display (TFT LCD). This can often be fixed.Continue

How to Upgrade Your MacBook's Hard Drive

What You Need
- Apple MacBook
- Backup software (SuperDuper!, $27.95)
- Phillips #0 Screwdriver
- Torx T8 Screwdriver
- A coin
- An internal hard drive (2.5 SATA)


Upgrading your MacBook's internal hard drive is a simple way to store more documents, music, movies, applications and other files on your new Apple portable.

Hard drives (or hard disk drives) are large capacity storage devices which store all of your data - everything from Mac OS X to your latest iTunes music album. Adding a larger capacity internal hard drive will allow you to store more data without having to plug in external devices. This can also help alleviate slow-downs, errors and other weirdness that can occur when your hard drive starts to get full. It's generally recommended that you keep 5% or 5GB of space free (whichever is larger) to alleviate such issues. If you're running out of space, it's time to consider an upgrade!;continue

5 ways to speed up your PC

By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your computer and keep it running smoothly. This article discusses how to use the tools available in Windows 7, Vista, and XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) to more efficiently maintain your computer and safeguard your privacy when you're online.

1. Free up disk space
The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk to improve the performance of your computer. The tool identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.Continue

How to Upgrade Processor Speed (CPU)

A computer's central processing unit, or CPU, is sometimes referred to as the brain of a computer. A CPU carries out the millions of calculations necessary for a computer to operate. The speed of a CPU has a direct impact on the speed a computer can run its programs. Upgrading a processor's output speed can increase a computer's performance.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Screwdriver
Extra case fans
A box fan or oscillating fan
New CPU heatsink and fan
A new CPU

Step 1
Limit start up applications. Many applications start up when your computer turns on that are unnecessary and slow down a CPU. Click "Start," then "Run," and type "msconfig" and click "OK." Go to the "Startup" tab and uncheck any startup services that you have installed since you got your computer but do not use. Programs like winamp, AIM, media players, and other programs often launch at startup, even though there is no need for them to do so.



Read more: How to Upgrade Processor Speed | eHow.com

How to fix BlueScreen (STOP) errors that cause Windows Vista to shut down

How to fix BlueScreen (STOP) errors that cause Windows Vista to shut down or restart unexpectedly

View products that this article applies to.
Support for Windows Vista without any service packs installed ended on April 13, 2010. To continue receiving security updates for Windows, make sure you're running Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 (SP2). For more information, refer to this Microsoft web page: Support is ending for some versions of Windows, continue

How to Upgrade your Laptop Memory

HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Resolving Startup Problems in Windows XP, Me, and 98

This document applies to all HP and Compaq desktop computers with Windows XP, Me, or 98.
Use the steps in this document when you’re having problems starting your computer. There are many causes that can prevent the computer from starting up correctly so it is important to further define the symptom so that HP can provide you with more relevant troubleshooting information.
NOTE: If your computer is able to open Windows, but you are receiving an error message or have a different problem, try searching HP Customer Care on the exact error or symptom that the computer is experiencing to find a more relevant support document.
Use the following steps, in sequence, until a solution is found.
Step 1: Begin troubleshooting by removing media and connected devices
Turn on the computer and remove any CDs and DVDs from their drives using the CD/DVD eject button on the outside of the CD/DVD drive.
If you are unable to turn on the computer and/or eject the discs, continue using these steps. Remember to remove the discs when the computer has power and you are able to open the drive door.
Read more-

How Do I Troubleshoot a Computer Freeze or Lockup in Microsoft® Windows®?

Try to move the mouse (pointer) across the screen.

The Mouse Moves
Most likely the freeze or lockup is confined to a single program. For troubleshooting assistance, refer to the Dell KB Article: "A Program Stops Responding or Hangs" Article ID: 317983.

The Mouse Does Not Move
If the mouse does not move at all across the screen, press the key once and then press the a few times.
If there is no movement on the screen, then the system is probably frozen meaning that all programs are locked up. Press and hold the computer's power button for 5 seconds until the computer shuts off, and then start the computer.
Notice:
You may lose any unsaved data. It is recommended that you only utilize this shutdown method only when absolutely necessary to minimize any data loss. Continue-

How to Clean Inside a PC

Contributor
By James Gapinski, eHow Contributing Writer

Though overlooked by some PC users, regular computer cleaning is important. Proper cleaning consists of more than just brushing the gunk off the mouse pad or disinfecting the keyboard surface. To ensure a long-lasting, well-functioning computer, you need to clean inside the PC, too. Fortunately, cleaning the inner workings of a PC is relatively easy with just a few simple tools and the proper safety precautions; even novice PC users can perform this basic, vital maintenance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Magnetic screwdriver
Can of compressed air with attached nozzle
Step 1
Turn off and unplug your computer to protect against accidental electric shock.

Step 2
Let the PC cool down if it was recently in use. Typically, the PC will cool down in less than one hour even if it is quite hot. A hot computer can cause accidental skin burns.

Step 3
Unscrew the main access panel on your computer. On tower PCs, this is often located on the side. For flat PCs, the top panel is typically removable; however, this panel often wraps around, encasing the sides as well, so you may still need to unscrew the sides to remove the top. If you use a magnetic screwdriver, you won't accidentally lose the screws or--even worse--drop them into the computer's internal components.



Read more: How to Clean Inside a PC | eHow.com

Your PC’s mortal enemies are Heat & Moisture

Excessive heat accelerate the deterioration of the delicate circuits in your system . The most common cause of overheating are dust & dirt: Clog vents and CPU cooling fans can keep heat dissipating air from moving through the case, even a thin coating of a dust or dirt can raise the temperature of your machine’s components.
Any grime, specially the residue of cigarettes smokes, can corrode exposed metal contacts. That’s why it pays to keep your system clean, inside and out.

Computer is running slow what steps can I do to fix it?

Cause:
This issue can be caused by any of the below possibilities.

1.Hard disk drive is short on available disk space.
2.Several software programs have been installed/uninstalled leaving behind bad files and/or confusing the software.
3.Data Corruption.
4.Missing Windows updates / Outdated drivers.
5.Computer is overheating.
6.Corrupt OS.
7.Bad Hardware.
Solution:

Below are steps for Microsoft Windows users that should help speed up the computer or determine why the computer is running slow.

Note: If it is just your Internet that is slow see document CH000986 for reasons why this may be happening.

Not enough hard disk drive space

Verify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard disk drive space. This available space allows the computer to have room for the swap file to increase in size as well as room for temporary files.

Steps on how to determine how much disk space your computer has can be found on document CH000369.
See document CH000528 for additional information about regaining lost hard disk drive space.
Hard drive corrupted or fragmented

Run Scandisk or something equivalent to help ensure that there is nothing physically wrong with the computer hard disk drive.

Run Defrag to help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible order.

Background programs

Remove or disable any TSRs or programs that automatically start each time the computer boots. See document CHTSR for additional information. If you're wanting to see what programs are running in the background, how much memory they're using, and their CPU usage open Task Manager. Also, if you are running Windows 7, you can run Resmon to find out which programs are taking up a lot of space.

If you've got an anti-virus scanner on the computer, spyware protection program, or other security utility make sure it's not running in the background as you're trying to work. Often when these programs begin to scan the computer it can decrease the overall performance of your computer.

Hardware conflicts

Verify that the Device Manager has no conflicts. If any exist resolve these issues as they could be the cause of your problem. Information about how to get into Device Manager can be found on document CH000833.

Update Windows

Make sure you have all the latest Windows updates installed in the computer. Additional information about making sure Windows is up-to-date can be found on document CH000545.

Update your drivers

Make sure you've got the latest drivers for your computer. Especially the latest video drivers. Having out-of-date drivers can cause an assortment of issues. See document CH000546 for additional information.

Computer or processor is overheating

Make sure your computer and processor is not overheating, excessive heat can cause a significant decrease in computer performance some processors will even lower the speed of the processor automatically to help compensate for the heat related issues. Additional information about your processor temperature and was of determining how hot it is can be found on document CH000687.