A slow computer not only causes a loss of productivity to computer users, it is also a reason for a lot of frustration. Sometimes, the users may feel overwhelmed by this problem and contemplate using the services of computer maintenance experts. This could cost a considerable amount of money. Or, they may spend a lot of time searching for information by posting questions like “How I can speed up my computer?” on various technology websites and forums. While sometimes the help of a computer expert may be necessary to take care of a PC, most of the time a common computer user can follow steps that are easy to implement and can save them a substantial amount of time and money.
Listed below are 3 of the most common reasons why computers all over the world slow down and the steps a PC user can follow to take care of these problems:
Reason 1: It could be the clutter in your Hard Disk
Your hard disk is comparable to a closet that stores all your clothing. Often we ignore our closet and it becomes cramped and chaotic. Eventually, finding anything in that closet takes more and more time as things get out of place and items that you no longer wear are still there taking up space. Similarly, ignoring the hard disk may lead to a slow down of your PC as it takes longer for your PC to find and process files.
A computer user can easily avoid this situation by regularly performing preventive maintenance of the hard disk. In order to clean the hard disk, all computer owners must regularly use the two utilities that come with the Windows Operating System. They are:
1. Disk Cleanup Tool: This utility frees the space in your hard drive. It performs a comprehensive search of your hard disk and then deletes the files that are not required.
2. Disk Defragmenter Tool: This utility enhances the performance of a PC by rearranging the files in an orderly manner.
Reason 2: It could be the Unwanted Programs and Applications
It is commonly noticed that most computer users are unaware of the impact of unwanted programs on the speed of a computer. These programs eat up a lot of computer resources and ultimately slow it down. These unwanted programs include:
1. Programs that may come bundled with a new PC and are of no use to a user.
2. Programs that were used in the past but are not required anymore.
3. Programs that are unknowingly downloaded from the internet and installed.
In order to get rid of these unwanted programs, users can either search for the programs and use the uninstall option provided in the Start menu or use the Add/Remove Program utility provided in the Control Panel of the operating system.
Reason 3: It could be the registry
Problems in the Windows Registry, a key component of the operating system may be behind the dismal performance of a PC. The registry is a central database containing vital information about the functioning of a computer. A computer accesses this information regularly to perform various tasks. Due to extensive usage of the registry, computers become prone to Windows registry error problems. A computer user can easily take care of this by opting for one of the reliable registry cleaners available online. These easy to use tools scan, repair and perform backups of the registry automatically. Most users prefer to use a registry cleaning software over having to perform the tedious and risky process of manually editing the registry.
Source: http://goo.gl/Ez0Jk
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Home Computer Support - Preventing Frustration
More people than ever before have access to a computer, a laptop, a notebook or even a netbook. The rise of the internet has made having a computer an almost essential item in the household, which means that its rise in popularity is likely to continue unchecked for quite a while. This is great news as it should allow people to have more information at their fingertips. However, not everyone knows what they are doing with their computer. This can lead to great frustration so having home computer support assistance is going to be of great benefit to so many people up and down the country.
One of the problems is that the instructions which come in booklets or can be found on the web are sometimes jargon heavy and difficult for people to understand. This means that even though the computer owner may be able to fix what the problem is, they don't understand the instructions they are being given. Again, if a computer user had access to home computer support services which could help them get past these problems, it would make their life so much easier. Thankfully, it seems as though there may be a solution to this type of problem.
One of the great benefits of the internet has been the rise of outsourcing and small businesses. It has never been easier for people to get in contact with experts and get sound advice. Being able to contact a local expert and ask them for home computer support can make a massive difference to any computer user. Knowing that there is the ability to receive help and assistance for any PC related problem will encourage more people to get started using their computer. No matter of what type of PC related problem you have, there is likely to be someone who can provide assistance, even if you just require reassurance that you have corrected an issue.
Having access to a local expert can also prevent the feeling of frustration that can sometimes come about when calling an offshore outsourced call centre. Firms are able to employ offshore workers for a much cheaper price than they could employ local workers for, but it can be difficult to convey technical problems over the phone. Many people who are new to computers may not be able to describe the problems they are having in a succinct manner. They will know that something is not working but they may not be able to offer the proper terms or the technical names for any issues. Having a local home computer support expert who can come by and look at the problem will get any trouble resolved quickly.
The speed of using a home computer support service is the biggest benefit. If people are experiencing PC problems, they do not want to wait around days or weeks to have their problem resolved. Being able to contact a local expert and have them come around to your home and diagnose the problem will speed up the matter no end. More than likely, they will be able to fix the problem as well, hopefully getting people back onto their home computer in no time at all.
Source: http://goo.gl/9vMXk
One of the problems is that the instructions which come in booklets or can be found on the web are sometimes jargon heavy and difficult for people to understand. This means that even though the computer owner may be able to fix what the problem is, they don't understand the instructions they are being given. Again, if a computer user had access to home computer support services which could help them get past these problems, it would make their life so much easier. Thankfully, it seems as though there may be a solution to this type of problem.
One of the great benefits of the internet has been the rise of outsourcing and small businesses. It has never been easier for people to get in contact with experts and get sound advice. Being able to contact a local expert and ask them for home computer support can make a massive difference to any computer user. Knowing that there is the ability to receive help and assistance for any PC related problem will encourage more people to get started using their computer. No matter of what type of PC related problem you have, there is likely to be someone who can provide assistance, even if you just require reassurance that you have corrected an issue.
Having access to a local expert can also prevent the feeling of frustration that can sometimes come about when calling an offshore outsourced call centre. Firms are able to employ offshore workers for a much cheaper price than they could employ local workers for, but it can be difficult to convey technical problems over the phone. Many people who are new to computers may not be able to describe the problems they are having in a succinct manner. They will know that something is not working but they may not be able to offer the proper terms or the technical names for any issues. Having a local home computer support expert who can come by and look at the problem will get any trouble resolved quickly.
The speed of using a home computer support service is the biggest benefit. If people are experiencing PC problems, they do not want to wait around days or weeks to have their problem resolved. Being able to contact a local expert and have them come around to your home and diagnose the problem will speed up the matter no end. More than likely, they will be able to fix the problem as well, hopefully getting people back onto their home computer in no time at all.
Source: http://goo.gl/9vMXk
Kinds of Computer Support Services
Computer support services have proved to be a boon for both home PC users as well as small businesses. As a regular PC user, you better know how a small computer error can badly impact the smooth functioning of computer. Technical support services put you in control of your business computing environment by offering professional-quality PC repair services.
Whether you are at your home, office or on the road, computer technical support can also be of greatest help as it not only includes the support for desktop PCs but also for laptops. Be it an error with a PC application, operating system, peripheral, or other computer error related issue, technical support providers can immediately offer you the required help. Moreover they run their services for 24x7.
Following are the services for which people often contact online technical support providers:
PC set up and installation: Now, the PC users can get their PCs installed and personalize user settings for their precious computers, operating systems, software, internet, email and peripherals.
Complete PC diagnosis and health check up: you can contact any good the PC repair provider for complete diagnosis and check up of your PC. They offer comprehensive solution, including repair, updates and optimization for your computer, software and/or peripherals.
Computer Tune Up: Clean-up unwanted files, install significant patches and upgrades, back-up data and configure browser. Does not all this sound too good to have all under a single roof?
Virus or Spyware Removal: Remove harmful and nasty computer viruses from your PC and help it stay productive & protected against malicious attacks. You can call any technical support services to audit security settings, configure anti-virus and anti-spyware, scan computer or eliminate viruses.
Data Back Up Services: Data back up services are gaining in popularity with computer users especially small businesses and home offices. These services help users protect their significant and valuable data. You can take back-up of your documents, photo's, video's, etc.
Some people are afraid of loosing their data to computer technical support companies. Contrary to this, confidentiality of client's data is of prime concern for these support providers. Therefore, you need not have any such doubts regarding the services and avail them today.
Source: http://goo.gl/KpD5X
Whether you are at your home, office or on the road, computer technical support can also be of greatest help as it not only includes the support for desktop PCs but also for laptops. Be it an error with a PC application, operating system, peripheral, or other computer error related issue, technical support providers can immediately offer you the required help. Moreover they run their services for 24x7.
Following are the services for which people often contact online technical support providers:
PC set up and installation: Now, the PC users can get their PCs installed and personalize user settings for their precious computers, operating systems, software, internet, email and peripherals.
Complete PC diagnosis and health check up: you can contact any good the PC repair provider for complete diagnosis and check up of your PC. They offer comprehensive solution, including repair, updates and optimization for your computer, software and/or peripherals.
Computer Tune Up: Clean-up unwanted files, install significant patches and upgrades, back-up data and configure browser. Does not all this sound too good to have all under a single roof?
Virus or Spyware Removal: Remove harmful and nasty computer viruses from your PC and help it stay productive & protected against malicious attacks. You can call any technical support services to audit security settings, configure anti-virus and anti-spyware, scan computer or eliminate viruses.
Data Back Up Services: Data back up services are gaining in popularity with computer users especially small businesses and home offices. These services help users protect their significant and valuable data. You can take back-up of your documents, photo's, video's, etc.
Some people are afraid of loosing their data to computer technical support companies. Contrary to this, confidentiality of client's data is of prime concern for these support providers. Therefore, you need not have any such doubts regarding the services and avail them today.
Source: http://goo.gl/KpD5X
Home Computer Users Need Help Too You Know!
Picture these computer problems. You turn on your computer and the fearful blue screen appears. You try and print, you hear absolute silence except you still see the green light on the printer blinking patronisingly at you. You try to finish an email and your home network goes down. The work you took home from the office cannot be opened by your word processor at home or all of your music, documents, sentimental pictures and movies are deleted. The list of potential computer-related catastrophes is endless but only one question remains; what is a home user to do in these situations?
Well there are three possible answers to this question. The first is to panic, the second is to phone somebody whether it is a friend, family or colleague for computer help or three, contact your own IT Support Company. My own IT Support Company I hear you say, are you crazy? I am a home user!
In 2007 65% of American homes (source: Wiki Answers) and 70% of UK households (source: UK Gov Statistics) owned a computer. These were already staggeringly high figures and we are now in 2010. Home users also utilise computers to perform similar and identical tasks to office workers and by that premise it is therefore unfathomable to risk not having assistance when reliance on your computer is so great. Furthermore, if office workers can have dedicated IT Support to prevent businesses from coming to a standstill, then aren't home users duty bound to enjoy the same peace of mind?
Let's dissect some very stereotypical notions of Home IT Support.
IT Support for home users does not mean taking your computer into a shop, nor does it mean telephoning the manufacturer of the machine or your Internet Service Provider. Home IT Support does not mean calling a friend, family member or the IT Department at work when you have a computer problem and it also does not mean trawling through page after page of the internet or a bleak forum to attempt to get out of those hair-raising moments.
What Home IT Support does mean is contacting a company who understands what it's like to be a home customer. Home IT Support means speaking to a company that can troubleshoot your problem, posting relevant information to a dedicated online support helpdesk so that you can attempt to fix the issue yourself or even remotely connecting to your machine to resolve your issue for you. Home IT Support actually means speaking to an IT Support Technician without being confused by technical terms and it is also imperative that these support services are all available as soon as a computer or network problem arises. Home IT Support means on-demand IT support that is affordable, reliable, professional and from a company that is qualified both in technical ability and customer service, in order to handle each case with the due diligence it requires.
So, 'my own IT Company I hear you say and I am a home user'. No you're not crazy and there are companies out there actively doing exactly this. I myself own an IT Company and we provide dedicated home IT support services covering remote support, on-site support and helpdesk support, as well as bespoke solutions to keep your computer, network, data and family protected. We even provide free IT support to all of our existing customers through an online helpdesk because we know how important it is for our customers to remain supported at all times.
We are now at the end of the first decade of the 21st Century and home users should not have to do anything but contact their IT Support Company to gain immediate and qualified IT support assistance. And for all those home users who do not believe that these IT support services are available today, on demand and when you need it, well I say to you, 'who's the one being crazy now?'.
Source: http://goo.gl/BvrSd
Well there are three possible answers to this question. The first is to panic, the second is to phone somebody whether it is a friend, family or colleague for computer help or three, contact your own IT Support Company. My own IT Support Company I hear you say, are you crazy? I am a home user!
In 2007 65% of American homes (source: Wiki Answers) and 70% of UK households (source: UK Gov Statistics) owned a computer. These were already staggeringly high figures and we are now in 2010. Home users also utilise computers to perform similar and identical tasks to office workers and by that premise it is therefore unfathomable to risk not having assistance when reliance on your computer is so great. Furthermore, if office workers can have dedicated IT Support to prevent businesses from coming to a standstill, then aren't home users duty bound to enjoy the same peace of mind?
Let's dissect some very stereotypical notions of Home IT Support.
IT Support for home users does not mean taking your computer into a shop, nor does it mean telephoning the manufacturer of the machine or your Internet Service Provider. Home IT Support does not mean calling a friend, family member or the IT Department at work when you have a computer problem and it also does not mean trawling through page after page of the internet or a bleak forum to attempt to get out of those hair-raising moments.
What Home IT Support does mean is contacting a company who understands what it's like to be a home customer. Home IT Support means speaking to a company that can troubleshoot your problem, posting relevant information to a dedicated online support helpdesk so that you can attempt to fix the issue yourself or even remotely connecting to your machine to resolve your issue for you. Home IT Support actually means speaking to an IT Support Technician without being confused by technical terms and it is also imperative that these support services are all available as soon as a computer or network problem arises. Home IT Support means on-demand IT support that is affordable, reliable, professional and from a company that is qualified both in technical ability and customer service, in order to handle each case with the due diligence it requires.
So, 'my own IT Company I hear you say and I am a home user'. No you're not crazy and there are companies out there actively doing exactly this. I myself own an IT Company and we provide dedicated home IT support services covering remote support, on-site support and helpdesk support, as well as bespoke solutions to keep your computer, network, data and family protected. We even provide free IT support to all of our existing customers through an online helpdesk because we know how important it is for our customers to remain supported at all times.
We are now at the end of the first decade of the 21st Century and home users should not have to do anything but contact their IT Support Company to gain immediate and qualified IT support assistance. And for all those home users who do not believe that these IT support services are available today, on demand and when you need it, well I say to you, 'who's the one being crazy now?'.
Source: http://goo.gl/BvrSd
Home Computer Repair Do's and Don'ts
As time has evolved over this last decade from 2001 to 2010, our everyday use of computers has increased. We rely on them for more than ever before, and trying to keep them up to date and running smoothing can prove to be more of a chore than actually using it and enjoying it. Regardless if we overlook the general maintenance on our computers, it can prove to be as bad, and as expensive, as if we neglect doing the general maintenance on our cars. The problem is in these days of economic crisis, we have less money to spend to have professionals do the work on our computers, and we take it upon ourselves to try to maintain them and even fix them. I'm here to give you some general do's and don'ts to avoid any severe mistakes that could lead to you being without your computer for a few days, while your local professional fixes your mistakes.
1. Do get yourself a can of compressed air, or a shop vac and clean the dust out of your pc once a month. This helps keep the fans clean and functiong properly, it also makes sure your system is just clean and running smoothly. It fairly easy and not a lengthy process to pop off two screws, remove the side cover and finish rather quickly.
Don't suck up half your computer wires if you choose to use a shop vac. Just be smart and careful and keep your eye on wires. Would suck to have to dig your processor out of the bottom of the shop vac.
2. Do get a spy-ware/virus scan software like SuperAntiSpyware or Malwarebytes AntiMalware. These two free tools can save you from even some of the worst viruses and at the same time save you from the professional fees that are being charged.
Don't neglect to do this once a month. Spy-ware and other rogue Trojans can hide in your system and slow your computer way down. It's better just to run these free scans and keep your computer free from all the garbage that is picked up by surfing and downloading on the Internet.
3. Do run a defrag on your hard drive. As your installing programs and removing others, your hard disk can get fragmented and slow down your read/write access. Running this will keep your hard disk in good running order.
Don't think your Hard drive is Superman and invincible. They do crash from time to time, so run the defrag once a month and back up your data at the same time.
4. Do find yourself a reasonable local Computer Repair service professional. If you spend a little time looking, you can find yourself a reasonable professional to help you in times of crisis, and not break the bank paying them for their services.
Don't think your a computer repair professional and know-it-all. I've made a living off of people who thought they could get away with doing thier own computer repairs, and not knowing what they were doing really made things worse, so it cost them twice as much.
Source: http://goo.gl/eXb4V
Google Adds Instant To Chrome Labs In Chromium (Windows Only, For Now)
Google Instant is great — but I rarely use it. Why? Because I simply don’t go to google.com that often. That’s not to say I don’t search Google a lot — I do — I just use the Omnibox is Chrome for almost all of my searches. When Google launched Instant, they noted that it would be added to browser for people like me “in the next few months“. Well, guess what? It only took them 9 days.
Granted, Google has only enabled Instant as a Chrome Labs, and they have only enabled it for Chromium, the open source browser that Chrome is based on. But most features that come to Chromium, usually find their way to Chrome in relatively short order — though they have to then travel through the different levels of Chrome itself (dev then beta then stable). Sadly, this feature is Windows-only for the time being as well.
To activate Instant in Chrome Labs in Chromium, simply type “about:labs” into the Omnibox (the URL area) and hit enter. You’ll then have to click the link to “Enable” the feature, which will require a browser restart. Once you do that, you should be off and running. GoogleWatchBlog took a video of it in action below — it looks great, though I wonder if it will be slightly annoying if I really am just trying to type a URL.
It’s worth noting that this is actually Google Instant, unlike the instant search workaround in Chrome that was reported last week. That uses a different feature called “match preview” to mimick what Instant does, but it’s not exactly the same.
So when can Mac user expect to see the feature? “We’re waiting to iron out the kinks on windows first,” a team member writes on the Chromium Code Reviews page. Oh well, at least we have the Tab Overview lab — which is awesome (and already in Chrome proper — the dev build).
Source: techcrunch.com
Granted, Google has only enabled Instant as a Chrome Labs, and they have only enabled it for Chromium, the open source browser that Chrome is based on. But most features that come to Chromium, usually find their way to Chrome in relatively short order — though they have to then travel through the different levels of Chrome itself (dev then beta then stable). Sadly, this feature is Windows-only for the time being as well.
To activate Instant in Chrome Labs in Chromium, simply type “about:labs” into the Omnibox (the URL area) and hit enter. You’ll then have to click the link to “Enable” the feature, which will require a browser restart. Once you do that, you should be off and running. GoogleWatchBlog took a video of it in action below — it looks great, though I wonder if it will be slightly annoying if I really am just trying to type a URL.
It’s worth noting that this is actually Google Instant, unlike the instant search workaround in Chrome that was reported last week. That uses a different feature called “match preview” to mimick what Instant does, but it’s not exactly the same.
So when can Mac user expect to see the feature? “We’re waiting to iron out the kinks on windows first,” a team member writes on the Chromium Code Reviews page. Oh well, at least we have the Tab Overview lab — which is awesome (and already in Chrome proper — the dev build).
Source: techcrunch.com
Google Acquires BumpTop
Google has bought BumpTop, a Canadian startup that developed a 3D interface for Mac and Windows PCs.
BumpTop announced the acquisition over the weekend on its Web site and said it would no longer be selling its software or offering updates. People who bought the paid version were directed to the company's support page. BumpTop planned to continue offering a free version of its software until May 7.
Find out how to increase availability while reducing data center energy consumption BumpTop described its product as a "desktop workspace" that offers a visually intuitive way to organize and access pictures, video, and documents. People can use a mouse to interact with the software, or their fingers if their computer has a multi-touch screen. A demonstration of the software was available on YouTube.
Google has not commented on the acquisition, so it's not clear what the search engine has planned for BumpTop. However, elements of the technology could possibly be used on a smartphone built with Google's Android operating system or in a future slate computer, similar to Apple's recently released iPad.
Founded in February 2007, BumpTop received $1.65 million in funding from angel investors and the venture capital firms GrowthWorks and Xtreme Venture Partners, according to tech blog TechCrunch.
Among the first to report the acquisition was Canadian venture debt firm Wellington Financial. Mark R. McQueen, president and chief executive, said in his blog that he believed Google paid about $35 million for BumpTop. McQueen estimated the total investment in the company to date at between $2 million and $3 million.
As to Google's motivation, McQueen said it was likely related to its intensifying competition with Apple.
Source: informationweek.com
BumpTop announced the acquisition over the weekend on its Web site and said it would no longer be selling its software or offering updates. People who bought the paid version were directed to the company's support page. BumpTop planned to continue offering a free version of its software until May 7.
Find out how to increase availability while reducing data center energy consumption BumpTop described its product as a "desktop workspace" that offers a visually intuitive way to organize and access pictures, video, and documents. People can use a mouse to interact with the software, or their fingers if their computer has a multi-touch screen. A demonstration of the software was available on YouTube.
Google has not commented on the acquisition, so it's not clear what the search engine has planned for BumpTop. However, elements of the technology could possibly be used on a smartphone built with Google's Android operating system or in a future slate computer, similar to Apple's recently released iPad.
Founded in February 2007, BumpTop received $1.65 million in funding from angel investors and the venture capital firms GrowthWorks and Xtreme Venture Partners, according to tech blog TechCrunch.
Among the first to report the acquisition was Canadian venture debt firm Wellington Financial. Mark R. McQueen, president and chief executive, said in his blog that he believed Google paid about $35 million for BumpTop. McQueen estimated the total investment in the company to date at between $2 million and $3 million.
As to Google's motivation, McQueen said it was likely related to its intensifying competition with Apple.
Source: informationweek.com