iPods for You!
Tips, advice and resources for iPods, mp3 players and personal tech in general.

Archive for: May 2009



May 31, 2009

How to optimise computer performance in 15 minutes or less

Filed under: Personal Tech - 31 May 2009 from author

This article covers simple steps that any user can follow to rapidly make any computer faster. PC or Mac users should be able to implement either of the first two steps in this article in less than 15 minutes.

 

Step 1 -  Clean the computer registry

Slow computers often have errors in their registry. The main functions of a registry are about connecting hardware, software and computer files. In practice therefore, the computer registry acts as the computer’s nervous system. Errors often lead to the corruption of the registry, and reduce the computer speed . A straightforward step is to locate any errors in the registry then repair them. Despite the fact that it is possible to repair the registry manually in theory, this method is not recommended. The main reason for this, is that it requires strong knowledge of the structure of the registry as well as its functions. Registry fix software are a faster, more reliable alternative to correct errors, remove unused files, any incorrect links and deal with ActiveX components. Click on fix computer registry for more information.

 

Step 2 - Delete and block adware and spyware

Another common reason leading to computers slowing-down, is the large number of spyware and adware, which are downloaded from the Internet, often without the users knowledge. Typically this occurs when downloading videos, music or other files from peer to peer (P2P) networks. One of the simplest solutions to improve any computer’s speed is to use an anti spyware or adware software to scan, remove and block these unwanted threats. In order to try out the right anti spyware or adware program, it is preferable to use a trial version which is usually free. Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service, and of course the overall effectiveness of the software are the main features to consider. The best software tend to be the simplest to use and rely on a research capability that constantly updates the software for new threats. Click on best adware spyware removal for more information.

 

Step 3 - Eliminate viruses

Unsurprisingly many computer viruses can slow down computers and drive down response times. Computer viruses often damage files, can consume excessive amount of memory and take a large amount of space on the hard disk. By running the latest version of the best anti-virus programs, users should overcome these problems and be in a better position to improve their computer performance.

 

Step 4 - Simple housekeeping tasks

There are many simple housekeeping tasks which can be done to improve the speed of any computer, for example uninstalling any software that is not needed.  Another simple step to improve computer speed is to stop programs launching automatically. These simple steps usually produce small improvements.

Step 5 - Optimise the Hard disk

For hard disks which are smaller than 2GB then at least 200MB of disk should be kept free and at least 500MB for larger hard disks. The amount of free space on the hard drive is a key factor of performance as it is used by temporary files needed by software to run. This also enables the operating system to swap files using the hard disk as it runs out of RAM. Unless sufficient space on the hard disk is availble, the system slows down significantly in that event. Disk scanning programs such as Scandisk for Windows can help check for errors on the hard disk. For example, whilst the hard drive may be large enough, the problem may be that it is too fragmented or that some of its sectors have been damaged. Defragmenting the hard disk is another action, which will improve the response time of any computer. 

 

Step 6 - Optimising the RAM

Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. This adversely impacts the RAM available for other programs. Running out of RAM too fast is not uncommon and users who have this problem should consider upgrading the memory on their computer. Alternatively running certain programs simultaneously should also be avoided, this option is of course free.

 

Step 7 - Stop the computer from overheating

Faulty fans are a common cause leading to the computer overheating, slowing down then freezing as a result. To overcome this problem, replacing the fan is the most pragmatic solution. The effect should be immediate as this will increase the flow of air through the computer, thereby reducing the computer’s temperature and increasing its speed as a result.

For more information click on how to make my computer faster.


May 29, 2009

Digital Video Recorder

Filed under: Personal Tech - 29 May 2009 from author

The world of digital media has grown from strength to strength with all sorts of new devices coming into the market. One of the latest devices that have grown popular among both young and old is the digital video recorder. The digital video recorder comes with a special feature that has the ability of recording digital video formats onto disks, etc.

digital video recorders

The evolution of the digital video recorder came with devices like TiVo and Replay-TV. Microsoft also followed suit with devices of the sort. Studies show that TiVo was able to gain a lot of success with their digital video recorder.

Majority of the digital video recorders that we are all familiar with in recent time all come in software used on pc. Operating systems such as Linux, Mac OS, and Microsoft windows support digital video recording programs. Windows media center is one good example.

Digital video recorders come in various formats. The iPod Nano comes with a digital video recorder. In addition to this, another digital video recorder that is famously used by almost every household is the DVD R drive.

best digital video recorder

With the latest developments came an increase of faulty products into the market. These included illegal software that made recording videos through the internet.

Today, even television sets come with digital video recorder capabilities. LG brought this concept to the market in 2007. Now people can store their favorite TV shows or watch them later. The latest camcorders to hit the market have digital video recording facilities making recording and storing easier.

The digital video recorder is used by companies such as TiVo and Dish network. The introduction of the digital video recorder has being a direct hit for the use of traditional VCR’s.

The digital video recorder has brought the future into the hands of the customer. Recording and editing of videos, etc can be easily done through the use of such devices.

digital video recorder

If you still don’t use a digital video recorder it is for the best that you get your hands on one right now. The possibilities are endless with this new technology. Enjoy your favorite videos over and over again, with the simple touch of a button.


May 25, 2009

Sony Ericsson Phone

Filed under: Personal Tech - 25 May 2009 from author

What Sony Ericsson phone should I buy? The fact that most cells have MMS capabilities, cameras, FM radio and an incredible range of memory sizes makes the choice of the average user pretty difficult. Literally speaking, buying a mobile phone has become a pretty challenging task with shoppers addressing specialists in order to be able to understand something from the hi-tech features incorporated in modern design. The ever changing standards of appreciation are perfectly reflected by the various Sony Ericsson phone models, but we should not forget the fact that the list of features makes the only viable criterion for mobile phone purchase.

new sony ericsson phone

Both features and price categories have to be compared in order for one to get a relevant picture of which Sony Ericsson phone suits one’s needs. Thus, look into the technical details of items belonging to different price categories. The internal and external memory, the bluetooth connectivity, the built-in camera and radio, the WAP browser or the GSM modem, represent the elements you should learn about. Moreover, the Sony Ericson phone should match business or private necessities as well, because more capabilities are necessary for different work-related tasks.

sony ericsson mobile phone

A fresh market impression was created by the introduction of the Sony Ericsson phone with Walkman branded handsets incorporated. This kind of devices are pretty accessible and besides their affordable nature, they also bring excellent music rendering quality. Many market sectors felt the impact of this innovation, but youngsters have been the first to make this Sony Ericsson phone popular. The battery life is also important for the matter, because the music player or the radio can eat quite a lot of it. Moreover, buyers often neglect the importance to transfer data from the phone to a PC, and are often dissatisfied when they need such a features but they can’t use it.

sony ericsson phone

The standard media manager that you may have grown used to on average Sony Ericsson phone models has been replaced by a new version in the recently released designs. There is an XMB media manager for all the Sony Ericsson phone designs that rely on the Java Platform 8 or A200 Platform. With the smart phone generation, another door has been opened towards the future with the use of the Windows Mobile Operating System into the Sony system.


May 23, 2009

What Is A TV Wall Mount?

Filed under: Personal Tech - 23 May 2009 from author

A TV wall mount is a more willingly new improvement in the television trade and incredible that has grow to be quite popular very quickly. A Television wall mount is exactly as it sounds, a mount that is used to attach your television to a wall. TV wall mounts come in all shapes and sizes and they can work for many atypical types of TV.

The Wall mounts that are made today are first and foremost known as flat panel TV wall mounts and are apparently made specially for Flat Screen TVs. On the other hand in the past TV wall mounts were also being made for lesser non-flat panel TVs. Obviously wall mounts were here by flat panel televisions but they never certainly wedged on for the reason that of the size/weight confines that make somewhere your home were enforced to adhere to. People hunted large big vet TVs, which would work with TV wall mounts.

Providentially the television industriousness saw rapid advances in small screen machinery in hot years and the flat panel tube was born. The flat panel television brought out a TV that could be very large while also being significantly less important and lighter. This novelty is what caused the status of TV wall mounts to exploded. With lighter and lesser TVs introduce somebody to an area are now able to mount effectively and box no concern the size or heaviness.

Now that TV wall mounts are able to hold and parade just about any type of TV manufacturers have been entrance out with many altered types in order to encourage sales and attractiveness The upshot has been several distinct types of wall mounts that allow bigger viewing options. There are now wall mounts out that all you, the watcher to tweak the mount/TVs angle With some of these mounts you can also angle the TV to the left or due move it up or down, and even move it to the left or desirable.

TV wall mounts are quite a outstanding artifact and way to store your TV. Not only do they save a lot of space but they also look very up to date and do wonders in the look of a room.

 


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