Black Screen of Death

Encountered a Black Screen of Death with a client pc, that I haven't been able to fix - going to require reinstall of Vista. Installing a second hd with software, scanned the drive and found 937 infected files (with Avira). Yuck. Still couldn't access the drive with Vista explorer.

The good new - using SLAX, I was able to open the document directories, and found the files still intact. Still haven't been able to copy the files yet, but working on that.

I'd like to just load PCLinuxOS for the guy - give him a more trouble free, low maintenance experience. I wonder if he could handle it?

I installed a separate HD with XP, and put the files on a backup drive (on sale for $50 at Radio Shack Memorial Day sale), and ordered re-install disks from HP.
After a weekend of updating, it's now at Vista SP2 and running better than original.
Installed Avira personal, and put the files back on.

Basic Computer Skills Knowledge For Beginners - 3 Simple Tips to Boost Your Beginners Knowledge Fast

The need for each and everyone in our society today to acquire basic computer knowledge skills cannot be overlooked by anyone in this present day. Every computer beginner is now feeling the need to learn how to use a computer as faster as he or she can possibly afford to. Read on to discover three simple facts to speed up and boost your learning and gaining computer science knowledge skills faster from home.

1) Avoid using beginners' computer training books to learn about computers.

The use of computer basics training books to learn how to use computers by beginners in this modern world is one of the main reasons why so many people still spend months and even years, just to gain simple PC knowledge skills faster on their own. This system still works but certainly not for any beginner who wants to learn PC skills faster from home without attending beginners training classes.

2) Make use of beginners' video computer training lessons for learning about computers faster.

The use of PC training videos specifically designed for new computer users to learn how to use a computer is by far, the best way to gain computer knowledge skills faster from home. We all love to watch interesting movies, and we all keep good memories of any particular movie that interests us. So also will the memories of whatever computer science topic we learn while watching our video lessons will ever remain fresh in our minds till a long time to come.

3) Whenever Possible, use only beginners video lessons on DVDs and not on CDs for your studies.

Most people never care to give importance to the use of beginners PC training tutorials recorded on simple DVDs to learn computer basic skills from home. If you truly understand the great impact this simple trick could play with your learning about computers faster on your own, you'll never have to overlook this particular point. If you choose to use training lessons on DVDs instead of CDs, you can as well watch and learn your basic PC knowledge skills from your home DVD player, while practicing at the same time on your computer (if you have one at home). This is a hidden aspect of learning any new skills faster on your own which most people fail to give much importance.

So in conclusion, if you want to move from a computer beginners training class faster and master all your beginners computer basic knowledge skills in a matter of day, make use of video tutorials preferably on DVDs and not on CDs to learn about computers faster from home. You can easily master all your PC basics in just a matter of days and soonest be the envy of your friends. Good luck with your burning desire to learn and move from your computer beginner class to a semi-professional PC user faster!

Click this Link now for your Beginners Computer Knowledge training video lessons to learn basic computer skills faster from home. Click here for your Free Computer Beginners Lessons Online when you sign up for your PC basic skills tutorials.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fredrick_Ituma

Useful Tips to Maintain the Temperature of Your Notebook

Many notebook users neglect one of the most important aspects of using the gadget, i.e, protecting it from overheating. Maintaining the temperature of the laptop computers is another way of enhancing its performance. The user should know and understand the safest operating temperature for a notebook.

How to find the temperature:

The temperature of the laptop can affect the performance of the device. But, the prime aspect of consideration is to find the notebook temperature. Here are some of the useful ways how you find the notebook temperature so that you can avoid the causes responsible for overheat of the machine.

Usually the notebooks come with software to keep track of the temperature. While purchasing notebook, look for the utility software meant to find the notebook temperature. Generally, the software is not a part of the Operating System of the computer, but a part of software provided by the manufacturer.

Apart from the preinstalled software you can download free software from the Internet. They are available with instructions of using them and help you find the temperature of your laptop. Few laptop users with technical mind use thermal sensor to keep track of the temperature of their machines.

How to keep your notebook from overheat:

Now that you are able to find the temperature of your notebook, you have to take necessary steps to maintain the temperature and protect the machine from overheating to keep the machine cool. In fact, it is an effective and cost-effective way of increasing the notebook performance.

If you feel that your notebook is getting too hot, it is high time it needs a break. Shut down the machine and allow it to cool. Also, try to place your notebook on a flat surface. You can find rubber feet that allow airflow to the lower side of the notebook. When you are using the machine placing it on a bed or any other such surfaces chances are there your laptop may not get enough air.

Alternatively, you can work with your laptop placing it on your lap if want to work away from the desk to allow proper airflow. You can also place a towel underneath to avoid the heat. Also, try to raise your notebook from the surface allowing increase of airflow to the lower surface. You can even use a laptop stand to rest your laptop on it.

Many people keep their laptop on even after placing them inside the laptop case as it is convenient to take the machine out of the bag, open the screen and work immediately. But, the environment inside the notebook case is generally warm and it can get warmer with the already switched-on computer. It can cause harm to the hardware of your laptop. It is better to shutdown the notebook before placing it in the notebook case.

It is common among the laptop users to keep the computer plugged in throughout the working hours. The constant flow of electricity will not only reduce the performance of the battery but also increase the heat of the battery. It will eventually overheat the laptop. It is very essential to charge your computer as long as necessary, otherwise unplug the charger once the battery is full.

Another way you can keep your laptop from overheat is by buying a laptop cooler. Of course it is a pricy choice, but it can provide cool air to the underside of the notebook. Now, enhancing the performance of your notebook is in your hand. While using your notebook, make sure that it does not get overheat.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
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The Technology Trends For 2009

Improved Televisions
Let us start with the television. It has been a steady feature in the homes of many people and yet it is one thing that has probably changed the most throughout the years. Last year, the flat panel televisions that were only four inches deep were the big thing. As the thinnest televisions on market, people flocked to the electronics store so that they could have the very best.

But this year, there are televisions that are making their panels only one inch, and in some cases even less, which means there is a new version of the flat televisions on the market. Many of the big name companies such as JVC, LG, Sharp, Sony, Mitsubishi, Samsung, and Hitachi are all jumping on the bandwagon and creating a television that will truly make history with how deep it is, or rather how deep it isn't.

But why do the televisions have to be so thin? The biggest reason is because the thin television gives the consumers much more flexibility with where they put it. The flat televisions help to improve a home, as it is truly a space saver. With how small the televisions are becoming, how does a person hide their DVD players, the cable box receivers, and the connections to their satellite receivers? The lowboy was something that was rather popular in the 1960s and 1970s but is finally making its comeback in 2009. Even though there are other products on the market, the lowboy is certainly the item that is the trendiest for this year. It is deep enough for the flat panel televisions and it is able to hide all of those connections so that the aesthetics of the wall display are not lost.

Blu-Ray Enters More Homes
When it comes to Blu-ray, many people feel as though it is something of the past. The thing is though, there have never been as many choices and options as there are in 2009. People are trying to get their movies and their normal everyday television viewing into the best picture possible. Even though this could not be done before, there are products out there that can now deliver high definition content to several televisions throughout the house. Instead of just having one television with the best viewing or having to purchase separate HD systems for all of the televisions, you can now get great viewing from all TV's with the help of a video distribution system that is HD-compliant.

The least expensive models on the market come from Sony with a price tag of anywhere between two thousand to two thousand five hundred dollars. These systems are the basics. But what about the homes that about more then two televisions? For that, Sony has developed a system as well. The HomeShare HD system can send HD video to up to four televisions. The cost is about one to two thousand per room.

Netbooks
When it comes to wanting the best of the best, 2009 has something great to offer those who love laptops. The Eee PC 1000HE is certainly the largest of the Eee series to date but there are more benefits to it which over shadows the size with no problem. The high-speed wireless capabilities are incredible and the battery life will last a person all day. This truly means that someone can work all day out in the sun or in the local coffee shop without having to worry about plugging in.

The ten-inch display makes seeing what is on the screen incredibly easy and the keys on the keyboard are ninety two percent of the size that would commonly be found on a laptop. This means that the spacing between each key is similar to what would be found on the common desktop keyboard. All in all, this is the netbook that is the best buy. While it may not be as pretty as another laptop or as compact, the features on it far exceed anything else out there for 2009.

And when you are shopping for the latest technology in netbooks, the thing that will be on your mind is what it can do for your personal and business life, not how pretty it looks.

Can It Get Better Then This?
With all of the various things that have already hit the shelves throughout the world in 2009, one would wonder if it could still possibly get any better then it already is. As far as designers and engineers are concerned, there is always room for improvement. There can always be something a little better, a little faster, and a little smaller. 2009 is truly a year that has brought many surprises and will probably bring even more before it is all said and done.

And what will next year bring? A half-inch thick television? Televisions that think more like computers? No one in the general public really knows for sure. What is known though is that we will most likely be continue to be amazed with what technology brings our way.

Thomas Haugen http://www.tekblogger.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Haugen

Tips to Protect Windows Vista Operating System

So far, Windows Vista can be considered the safest operating system but not most perfect one. In its early configuration, Vista still uncovers the possibility of leaking out the user's data to Internet through Windows Firewall, or some bots which can change settings without letting you know.

Consult the WINDOWS SECURITY CENTER

In order to have an overview of security settings, come to Windows Security Center where you can see the status of firewall system, automatic updating, malware protection and other security settings. Press "Start" - "Control Panel" - "Security Center", or simply click the shield-shaped icon on the taskbar.

If there are any red or yellow entries, it means that you are not completely protected. If you have not installed antivirus software, for example, or the existing antivirus program is expired, the "Malware" entry in Security Center will be marked yellow. Windows does not integrate any antivirus software so that you have to install yourself.

Use WINDOWS DEFENDER as a diagnosis device

Malware entry in Security Center is also supposed to report the anti-spyware capacity, and Vista depends on Windows Defender to do this job. Although anti-spyware capacity in security or anti-virus utilities is usually better than that of Windows, there are some good reasons to maintain the existence of Windows Defender. One of those is that each spyware utility uses a different definition to identify the spyware. Therefore, an abundant protection sometimes brings about practical benefit.

Another reason to keep Windows Defender in standby status is diagnosis capacity. Click "Tools", select "Software Explorer". Here you will find a list of all programs by category: Currently Running Programs, Network Connected Programs and Winsock Service Providers, but Startup Programs seems to be the most useful. Click ant names in the left window, the full details will display on the right. By checking any listed program, you can uninstall, deactivate or reactivate that one.

Deactivate the Start Up

Windows Vista monitors all documents and programs you generate in Start Up. This is convenient for some users, but on the other hands, it can be harmful for your privacy if the computer is shared in office or family. Fortunately, Window Vista provides a simple way to change this setting. The steps should be taken as follow:

Right-click the taskbar and select Properties, then select "Start Menu" tab
Uncheck "Store and Display a list of recently opened files"
Uncheck "Store and Display a list of recently opened programs"
Press OK.

2-way Firewall

Almost every PC is equipped with Firewall software, currently. However, even when Security Center states that you are protected, you might not be protected at all.

The Windows Firewall function in Vista is able to "block" any input data which can endanger system, and that is really a good thing. Nevertheless, the off-line security function is not activated by default, so that this may be a dangerous situation if some new harmful software finds a way to break into your PC.

Microsoft has equipped Windows Vista with tools to deploy 2-way firewall feature, but finding these settings is a little complicated. In order to activate 2-way firewall feature of Windows Vista, press "Start", select "Run", then type "wf.msc", then press "Enter". Click the icon of "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security". This interface will display the principles of monitoring system inbound/outbound information. Select "Windows Firewalls Properties". You can see a dialog box containing some tabs. For the profiles: Domain, Private and Public, you should change the settings of "Block", then press "OK".

However, 2-way firewall activation can prevent all the applications from connecting to Internet. Therefore, before getting out of "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security", scroll down, select "Outbound Rules" and "New Rules" on the top right of the screen. Select "Program", on the next screen. Then select the path for Internet Explorer, iTunes or some of your applications requesting to connect to Internet. For each program, on the next screen, select "Allow the Connection", then name each principle/rule created. You will have to set a new rule for all applications which have access to the Internet.

Besides, you can use a firewall utility of third party such as Comodo Firewall Pro or ZoneAlarm, which are all free and able to offer other features in addition to firewall.

Close the doors to unexpected guests

If you share your computer with others (even if you don't), Windows Vista provides a good way to prevent unexpected guests from guessing your password of admin account. When you create a new user and assign someone to be admin (with full rights and authority), Windows Vista allows other users to guess your selected password. The following steps are to restrain the penetration of strangers:

Select "Start", type "Local Security Policy".
Press "Account Lockout Policy"
Select "Account Lockout Threshold"
At the prompt, fill the maximum allowed invalid log-on attempts (e.g.: 3).
Press "OK" and close the window.

Verify the attackers

With proper Account Lockout policy, you can activate the feature of verifying attempts to attack your account. In order to start verify the invalid log-on, the steps are as follow:

Select "Start", type "secpol.msc, click "secpol" icon.
Press Local Policies then press "Audit Policy"
Right-click "Audit account logon events policy" option and select "Properties".
Check the dialog box "Failure" and press OK
Close "Local Security Policy" window.
Now, you can use Event Viewer feature (by typing the command: eventvwr.msc) to view the log-on history recorded in Windows Logs and Security.

INTERNET EXPLORER settings security

Windows Security Center also has function of reporting if security status of Internet Explorer 7 and Internet Explorer 8 is as required or not. If the status is marked red, you should rapidly modify the IE settings

In the menu, select Tools, then select Internet Options
Select Security tab
Select Custom Level

Now you will see a window containing all options relating to IE's security issue. If the options are lower than required (can be changed by some malwares), those will be marked red. To modify a setting, click the corresponding one. In order to reset the original settings, press "Reset" button at the bottom of the tab. If you want, you can change the general security settings of the browser from Medium - High (by default) to High or Medium as required. Press "OK" to save these changes

Use OPEN DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) servers play the role of a telephone directory. When you type a domain name dantri.com.vn, for example, in the address bar, Internet Explorer will send the requirement of common domain name to DNS servers of the your ISP, then these servers are supposed to transform the character sequence to a string of numbers or an IP address. The DNS servers have been attacked over the past few years because the hackers have tried every possible way to redirect the common DNSs to the servers which they can control. A solution to prevent this abuse is to use Open DNS.

Click "Start" à "Control Panel" à "Network and Internet"
Select "Network and Sharing Center". Under the taskbars listed on the left, select "Manage Network Connections". In the window of "Manage Network Connections", follow these steps:
Right-click the icon of your network card
Select Properties.
Then select "Internet Protocol Version 4".
Click "Properties" in the next displayed screen.
Select "Use the following DNS server addresses".
Input 208.67.222.222 into the primary address
Input 208.67.220.220 into the secondary address
Press OK

Cohabit with USER ACCOUNT CONTROL

There is a setting status that some users want it marked red. That is Vista's User Account Control (UAC) - the controversial security function of Vista operating system.

Designed to prevent the remote malware/spyware from automatically installing or modifying system settings, UAC tends to block legal installations by stopping the ongoing process with unnecessary error messages. In Windows 7, you can set up UAC as you want. Up to then, you will have more options.

There is an option of invalidating UAC. However, you should consider this risky choice because UAC can warn you of potential dangers. Instead, install Tweak UAC - a free utility that allows you to turn on or turn off UAC and simultaneously provides an intermediate "quiet" mode (this mode keeps UAC on but suppresses administration elevation prompts). With TweakUAC in "quiet" mode, UAC seem to be turned off to those who use administration accounts, but those who use standard account will still receive the warning messages.

Verify the results

By modifying the security settings of Windows Vista, now you can monitor the safety of system via System Health Report. This diagnosis tool receives the input date from Performance and Reliability Monitor and transforms them into a report with general information. To some extent, this report can provides you with information of potential security issues.

Open Control Panel.
Click System.
In Tasks list, select Performance (near the bottom of the list).
In resulting Tasks list, click Advanced tools (near the top of the list).
Click the last item on the resulting Task list: Generate a system health report.
This report will list any missing drivers which can cause errors, reporting to you if the antivirus protection is installed or not, or if the UAC is on or off. To make sure of the best condition of your Pc, run this report monthly.

Dinh Cong Tuan is now working for a software company that provides IT solutions and software development services. If you want to know more about his work, visit the website: http://attsoftware.net see how he can optimize your business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dinh_Cong_Tuan

Strong Password Authentication Essential to Your Computer Security

1. Why Password?

Your computer and the websites you frequently visit contain a great deal of personal information about you. It is important, therefore to ensure that you do not allow your personal details to get into the wrong hands.
We do so much online these days: banking, shopping and social networking have become everyday activities. There are nasty people out there who want to steal from you. Not just your money, but your very identity. It is therefore very necessary to protect yourself by restricting access to your personal data. This is where passwords come in. They make sure that your personal details are only available to you.

2. Why a Strong Password?

We all like to keep things simple. Passwords can be a pain. So let us make it easy to remember and not complicate matters. Why not use the same password for all our safe sites. It is too much hassle remembering all those different passwords, after all.

Passwords can be seen as the weakest link between your data and those who could most benefit from access to your personal details. Once the password is cracked they are in. If you use the same password for different applications, your system is vulnerable, along with your online banking and credit card accounts.

Examples of weak passwords include your name, username, date of birth, names of your children, even your car registration number. Paul123 would not be a safeguard against my online bank account, for example. Hackers can use programs that try to guess your password by browsing through your files to search for personal information.
Criminals use a number of methods to identify passwords. Dictionary search trawls through online dictionaries to come up with a match to your password. Brute force attacks try every possible combination of keystrokes that can be used in connection with a user name. Phishing, official looking emails purportedly from banks, for example, seek to obtain passwords or PIN numbers from unsuspecting victims.

3. What is a Strong Password?

Many websites demand passwords that exceed seven or eight digits, including letters and numbers. Security experts advise even longer passwords, 14 characters are considered sensible. Experts also suggest that you mix upper and lower case letters and utilise characters in lieu of some letters. The key is to use a password that is simple enough for you to remember but no one else, even your close family and friends would be able to identify.

4. Further assistance

Microsoft has a very good application that rates the strength or weakness of your chosen password.

Password checker can be found here: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/password/checker.mspx

Paul Forrest has run marketing orientated businesses for more than ten years. He specialises in writing articles for websites, utilising proven successful methods that attract new customers. Paul has an extensive knowledge of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and enjoys a clear understanding of the profitable use of keywords.

Paul uses clear explanation regarding the subject. Paul's style of writing engages the attention of the reader in addition to maximising keyword profitability with the major search engines, particularly Google.

Based in Brighton in the United Kingdom, Paul keeps up to date with developments in all aspects of business and has a passion for helping companies to succeed in their marketplace. Following a multi-faceted career in commerce, Paul devotes his energies to writing articles that drive potential customers to his clients' websites. Paul can write about any subject which he will thoroughly research before pen touches paper or finger hits keyboard.

To find out how Paul Forrest can drive more customers to your website, check out http://www.articlewriter.biz today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_T_Forrest

Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 Review

Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 is the best choice for those who spend a lot of time on the computer and tend to develop hands and wrist pains. I am in front of the computer and using a mouse the whole day and sometimes it extends into the wee hours of the night. I thought that only people who have poor posture and who have poor hands positions when using the computer are the ones that get wrist pains. Now I know that even mice can cause them.

When I started using this mouse, I was pleasantly surprised by how much ease of movement it gives to my hands. The center scroll wheel doesn't make scrolling hard for my fingers and my carpal tunnel. It is very smooth and it doesn't make any sound. I use this feature frequently and the principal reason why I bought this is because it felt good under my finger index and middle fingers.

The size of the mouse makes it lightweight and very easy on my hands and fingers. I have small hands so the small size fits me perfectly. I don't need a mouse pad for it to perform well.

It is very responsive. I don't have to move it with big strokes for the cursor to go the place I want it to go. The left and right button also responds even with very small movement of the finger.

Since using this mouse, I never had any wrist pains again. Working with this mouse and my laptop is such a pleasure since I bought Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000.

For more information, check other Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 reviews.

Erika Ayala works part time for a consumer review company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erika_Ayala

4 Reasons Why Netbooks Are the Choice of the Future

Ever thought about a really small, portable PC, not like a PDA, but a computer on which you could easily blog, surf the net, maybe play a small MMORPG from time to time? If so, a netbook is the right choice for you. This article will review four big reasons on why a netbook (or a cheap laptop if you prefer) is the choice of the future.

1. The price is low, while the machine isn't too slow!
You can get a netbook like acer's aspire or asus' eeepc for 300 bucks. You can get other laptops starting from about 400 USD if they are used, and if that's the case, they probably have no warranty.

2. The battery runs out in about eight(!!) hours.
You can surf the net forever on your netbook. Although the Intel Atom processor, that most netbooks have in them, is working like a 900mhz Celeron despite the fact that its frequency is 1800mhz, you can use web based applications.

3. Web-based applications are the future!
The servers will do the processing work. Most of the applications will be accessible directly through the internet, you'll just have to pay or watch commercials for them. On the other hand, there are speculations that servers will more often reduce the load of large JavaScript actions and make the users' computer to compute them. Bad for you, future netbook user.

4. A netbook is a stylish accessory.
It actually is. How does this go with netbooks being the choice of the future? You can interest the opposite sex with a clever looking netbook! Most of the users who put an emphasis on the style of their gadgets prefer pink netbooks or laptops if they can find ones.

With that said, you can list the pros and cons, choose between a laptop or a netbook. Although the differences aren't too big, the main advice is this: if you want to play games and use a lot of multimedia (films, music) on your new computer, try to score a bargain laptop, if you want a good internet computer, get a netbook.

Hello, we are a company helping people find Bargain Laptops and other discounted things on the internet. Pay us a visit!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Iann_Curtis