Troubleshooting Tips for a New Sound Card Troubleshooting Tips for a New Sound Card

Troubleshooting Tips for a New Sound Card

 

No sound is heard from audio (music) CDs
Various conditions may cause this problem. To troubleshoot, check the following:

• Microsoft Volume Control or your mixer program mute options and volume sliders.
• Connect headphones to the stereo phone jack on your CD-ROM drive’s front panel; adjust the volume control settings on the drive. If there is sound from your headphones, check the CD audio cable connection from the CD-ROM drive to the audio card.
• Ensure the speakers are properly connected to the audio card’s output connector.

Joystick port is not working
To troubleshoot, check the following:

• The audio card joystick port conflicts with another joystick port in the system. Disable the audio card joystick port, and use the system’s joystick port.
• The joystick drivers, MSJSTICK.DRV and VJOYD.VXD, may not be installed. Uninstall the joystick, then reinstall to load the drivers. The drivers should come with the driver CD or floppy diskette with your sound card.

Computer hangs or restarts during installation
A hardware conflict may cause the computer to hang or restart during the installation procedure. Check the following to resolve the conflict:

• A hardware conflict with another device in your system.
• Previously installed sound card hardware or software needs to be removed.
• The audio card is not seated in the slot properly.
• PCI bus mastering devices may be interfering with the operation of the audio card. Temporarily remove non-essential PCI bus mastering devices.

Resolving hardware conflicts
Hardware conflicts occur when two or more devices contend for the same resources. Conflicts between your audio card and another device may occur regarding the I/O address, IRQ line, or DMA channel:

1. Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop, and select Properties. The System Properties dialog appears.
2. Click the Device Manager tab. In the Device Manager, a plus sign(+) represents an expandable list of items. A minus sign (-) represents an expanded list. A circled exclamation mark denotes a conflict.
3. Double-click Sound, video, game controllers. A list of multimedia devices appears.
4. Select your audio card.
5. Choose the Propertis button.
6. Click the Resources tab.
7. Uncheck the Use automatic settings option.
8. Change "Settings based on:" if alternate settings are available.
9. Determine the conflict by reviewing the "Conflicting device list".
10. Select the conflicting item in the "Resource Settings" list.
11. Click the Change Settings button.
12. Use the mouse to select a new setting.
13. Select OK to close each of the properties windows, and restart your computer.

Audio card is not automatically detected
To manually configure your audio card for Windows 95/98:

1. Click "Start" on the taskbar, and select Settings from the Start menu.
2. Select Control Panel. The Control Panel group appears.
3. Double-click the Add New Hardware icon. The Add New Hardware Wizard dialog appears.
4. Select Next to continue.
5. Choose Yes to have Windows search for new hardware, then select Next
6. Select Next to continue.
7. Select Finish, and follow the prompts to complete the new hardware installation.

CD does not automatically run when you insert it in the drive
To enable the "Audio insert notification" feature:

1. Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop, and select Properties. The System Properties dialog appears.
2. Click the Device Manager tab. A list of devices appears.
3. Double-click CD-ROM, and select your CD-ROM drive.
4. Choose the Properties button. The CD-ROM drive properties dialog appears.
5. Choose the Settings tab.
6. Click the "Auto insert notification" option to enable.
7. Select OK until all Properties dialogs are closed, and restart Windows for the changes to take effect.

No sound is heard from speakers
Verify the following:

• Check the Microsoft Volume Control or the Audio Mixer Program mute options and volume sliders.
• Ensure the speakers are properly connected to the audio card’s output connector.
• Check the volume control and power connection of the speakers, if they are amplified. (Refer to the speakers documentation for detailed information).
• Ensure a hardware conflict does not exist between your audio card and another device in your system.
• PCI bus mastering devices may be interfering with the operation of the audio card. Temporarily remove non-essential PCI bus mastering devices. If the device is a display card, upgrade the display card drivers, or set the card to the default Windows VGA mode.

If you are experiencing no sound only during audio CD playback, see "No sound is heard from audio (music) CDs" above.

Static sounds are heard in wave files
Check to see if the static sounds are heard in all wave files. If the difficulty occurs only with certain games, refer to the software manufacturer’s documentation. To troubleshoot static sounds heard in all wave files:

• Try different resource settings for the audio card, or set the card to use low DMA.
• Move the audio card to another PCI slot. Feedback from the power supply or another device may be responsible.

 

Storing Information on Your PC

You do not have to lump all your files in your computer’s internal hard disk drive. If you are a file hoarder, you will eventually reach the limit of your hard disk drive capacity. You can easily remedy the problem of low storage space by making use of removable media devices. Removable media devices are a great alternative place to store extra files and data. You may also use them to create back ups of important and sensitive files. In the event of a total computer crash, you will not lose all of your files if you diligently back up your data.

There are many removable media devices available in the market today. Among the most popular ones are CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and USB flash drives.

* CD

CDs or compact discs are the most popular type of removable media. They rendered the floppy disks obsolete several years ago. While very affordable and in large supply, CDs sadly have short life spans.

In order to read or play a CD, your computer should be equipped with a CD-ROM drive or a CD writer. CD-ROMs will simply allow you to read data on a CD. If you want to read and write data on a CD, you will have to get a CD writer.

* DVD

DVDs, also known as digital versatile discs or digital video discs, are similar to CDs but these removable media devices are able to store more information — roughly six times as much as CDs can hold. While CDs can only accommodate a few hundred MB, DVDs can hold between 1GB and 17GB of data. CDs and DVDs are virtually of the same shape, size, and look. With their large capacity, DVDs are usually used to store movies and videos.

In order to play a DVD, you will have to have a DVD-ROM drive. If you want to be able to store files in a DVD, then you need a DVD writer. For faster copy and playback speeds, you can get a DVD-RAM drive.

* Blu-ray Disc

Like CDs and DVDs, Blu-ray discs, also known as Blu-rays or BDs, are optical storage media. CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays all have the same standard dimensions. When it comes to storage capacity, however, Blu-rays are king. A two-layer Blu-ray disc can accommodate as much as 50 GB of data.

Blu-rays are typically used to store high-definition videos. A blue-colored laser is used to read and transfer data on Blu-rays — thus, their name. DVDs, on the other hand, use a red laser. In order to read data on a Blu-ray disc, you need a BD-ROM drive. A BD writer is needed for writing to Blu-rays.

* USB Flash Drive

USB flash drives are compact, thumb-sized removable media devices that use flash memory to read and record data. They can act as mini hard disk drives and hold gigabytes of data. To use a USB flash drive, you need only plug it into a computer’s USB port. You can then copy, transfer, and delete as many files as the flash drive can accommodate. When attached to a port supporting USB 2.0 technology, USB flash drives can read and write data faster than optical drives.

 

How to save Space on You Hard Drisk Drive

Low on hard drive space? Here are three quick fixes to your problem!

* Delete Unused Files

The first and most obvious step to take is to delete your unused files. Over time, we hoard files that we had a need for, but do we really need them now? If you examine your old files, you will notice that you no longer use many them. Old programs are stored in your program files that have never been run in years. These old files and programs are simple taking up precious space in your hard drive. To quickly free up some hard drive space, simply delete unnecessary files and uninstall those programs that you no longer use.

* Zip Your Files

Another way to free up space on your hard drive is to zip those files that you seldom use. Files that are zipped are compressed into smaller files that take up less space. After zipping, your files will be stored inside a zipped folder and you can safely delete the original files.

If you ever need access to your zipped files, you can quickly do so by unzipping your zipped folders. To zip and unzip files and folders, you will need a zipping software such as WinZip. A free trial version of WinZip is available for download on the Internet.

* Transfer Files

If you want to hold on to all of your files and free up hard drive space at the same time, you can transfer those files that you do not immediately need to a separate storage device. An external hard disk drive is a high capacity storage device that can store as much information as your internal hard drive can store. For those with smaller storage needs, CDs and DVDs will do. One great storage media that you can easily slip inside your pocket is the USB flash drive. Now greatly improved, USB flash drives are capable of storing several dozen gigabytes of information.

With an uncluttered hard drive, you can immediately store new important files and keep your files and folders organized.

 

Three Common Computer Hard Drive Types Based on Internal Interface

Are you thinking about a PC Computer Hardware upgrade? Consider upgrading your hard drive. There are different types of internal hard disk drives available on the market today.

For desktop systems, there are three common computer hard drive types based on how they are internally connected to the motherboard: the IDE hard drive, the SATA hard drive and the SCSI hard drive.

* IDE Hard Drive

The IDE hard drive has been around for more than 30 years. It is also known as a PATA hard drive. IDE stands for Integrated Drive Electronics and PATA stands for Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment. With IDE being a relatively old technology, you may want to consider a computer hard drive upgrade and buy the newer and faster SATA hard drives.

* SATA Hard Drive

SATA or serial ATA is the latest computer hard drive interface. Modern motherboards come equipped with SATA connectors. With these motherboards, you can hook as many as six SATA hard drives in one computer.

SATA hard drives are available in two versions: SATA 150 and SATA II 300. They are connected to the computer motherboard via cables which are thinner compared to the wide ribbon cables used by IDE hard drives. Consequently, SATA hard drives can improve the flow of air inside your computer case and minimize overheating issues.

You can buy a PCI SATA controller card if want to use a SATA hard drive in an older motherboard that does not have SATA connectors.

* SCSI Hard Drive

The SCSI hard drive is faster than the IDE hard drive, although not as efficient as the SATA hard drive. SCSI stands for Small Computer System Interface. SCSI hard drives are sometimes called “scuzzy” hard drives based on how SCSI is pronounced.

SCSI hard drives require the use of an SCSI Controller. The SCSI Controller can be built directly onto the motherboard, or added as a PCI or PCI Express adapter card. Many computer motherboards do not have a built-in SCSI Controller. To address this problem, SCSI hard drives are usually sold with a controller card.

When doing a computer hard drive upgrade, consider these three computer hard drives carefully. Among the three, the SCSI hard drive is the most difficult to install because of its unpopular interface.

 

How to Clean Your Laptop Computer keyboard

Laptop computers are bombarded with plenty of dust and dirt if you take them out with you often. Dirt and grime love to accumulate around and in between your laptop keyboard keys. If you want your laptop to be free from dust and germs, you need to clean the keyboard.

Before you attempt to clean your keyboard, make sure that your laptop is turned off and unplugged to avoid electrical shocks which can easily fry your laptop’s internal components. In addition, remove all your laptop accessories and peripherals, including any removable media devices.

On some laptops, it is easy to remove the keys and replace them. On others, this may not be so simple. If you are not sure whether you should remove your laptop keyboard keys, it is better to leave them alone. You can check your laptop manual for keyboard cleaning instructions.

If you decide to leave your laptop keyboard intact, you can still effectively clean it. You can begin by tilting your laptop and directing a can of compressed air against the keys. You can already dislodge a lot of foreign particles in this manner. For tough dirt and grime, you can use cotton swabs slightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol.

If you remove the keyboard keys, you can do a more thorough cleaning. Take note of the key orientation before you take out each key so you know how to reassemble the keyboard. Using a screwdriver or small knife, you can gently pop off the keyboard keys. The space bar and other large keys like the ‘enter’ and ’shift’ buttons are usually difficult to remove so it is better to leave them in place.

Set aside the removed keys and hand wash them. You can wipe the exposed keyboard clean by using a soft cloth. You can also use a mild cleaning solution — Just make sure that you apply it sparingly on your cleaning cloth and not directly on the keyboard.

Once everything is squeaky clean, allow the keyboard and keys to dry completely before reuniting them. Do not close the lid while your keyboard is drying.

You now have a clean laptop keyboard!

 

How to Clean Your Desktop Computer Keyboard

Desktop computer keyboards easily get dirty especially if many people share the same workstation. It is a good thing that cleaning a computer keyboard is a pretty straightforward task. There are two ways that you can take when cleaning your computer keyboard: You can do a light cleaning or you can do a major cleaning.

For a light cleaning, you can simply turn your keyboard upside down and gently whack it against your legs. Make sure the keyboard is disconnected from your computer when you do this. You will be surprised at the amount of foreign material that can be dislodged in this manner. To further aid in loosening foreign objects, use a can of compressed air.

You can scrub away dirt and grime stuck on keyboard keys by using a cotton swab moistened with water or isopropyl alcohol.

For a complete and thorough cleaning, you can pry off your keyboard keys using a screwdriver or other lever. Do not forget to note the position and arrangement of the keys when you do this! You can take a picture of your keyboard so you can remember where to pop back each key once you finish cleaning.

Do not force out any key if it is difficult to remove. If you have difficulty prying out the space bar, you may as well just leave it be. The space bar is generally difficult to replace and prone to breaking due to its long length.

After you remove all of the keyboard keys, use compressed air to clear out debris within the keyboard frame. Using a moist cloth, gently wipe away any remaining dirt and dust. Make sure your cleaning cloth is only damp and not wet.

After dealing with the keyboard frame, you need to clean and wipe each key individually. This makes for a tedious and very boring task. If you are feeling lazy, you can place the keys in a net bag and wash them in the washing machine.

After everything is clean and dry, reassemble your keyboard, plug it back in your computer, and resume working!

 

Three Simple Computer Maintenance Tips

Caring for your computer is an essential task if you want a machine free from errors. A well-maintained computer can service you for a long time with few problems, if any. Here are three simple things that you can do to keep your computer healthy and fit.

* Clean Your Computer

Clean your computer not just on the outside, but also on the inside. Dust and dirt can coat your computer components and cause them to overheat. They can also weigh down the blades of your computer’s internal fans and hamper the flow of air within the system, which aggravates overheating issues.

When you dust off your computer, do not forget your internal components. You can easily blow away dust and debris from inside your computer case by using a can of compressed air or a small hand-held vacuum cleaner.

* Organize Your Hard Disk Drive

Boost your computer’s performance by organizing the files on your hard disk drive and performing hard drive checks. You can do this by deleting data that you no longer need and running Window’s disk cleanup and disk defragmenter utility tools. It is advisable to defragment and check your hard drive for errors once a month.

* Back Up Your Data

Backing up your data is an integral part of computer maintenance. This is doubly important for corporate workstations and the personal computers of professionals who bring their work home. In the rare event that your computer bogs down, you will still have access to important files, especially your work files. You can back up your computer files by copying them to any of the many media for file storage available today such as external hard drives, CDs and DVDs, and USB flash drives.

There are many more things that you can do to keep your computer in tip-top condition! Take good care of your computer and it will reward you with smoother operations and a longer lifespan.

 

Computer CPU Tips

CPU

  1. How to Increase the Speed of Your Desktop Computer CPU

    2. Understanding Desktop Computer CPU Clock and Front Side Bus Speeds

3. The Dangers of Overclocking Your Desktop CPU

4.  How to know the Speed of Your Desktop Computer CPU

      5. Three types of Computer Processors according to Release Date

     6. Buying a Computer Processor: Six Factors to Consider

1. How to Increase the Speed of Your Desktop Computer CPU

 A fast computer CPU can give you a more efficient machine. The CPU works hand-in-hand with the RAM to load and run all of your computer programs and applications. A fast and powerful CPU, coupled with decent RAM space, can give you fast-loading applications and incredibly quick response times.

There are basically two things that you can do to increase the speed of your desktop computer CPU:

* Overclock

There is nothing you can do to make a CPU run faster than it can. However, desktop computer CPUs are configured to run at speeds that are lower than the maximum speed at which they can run. This is done to promote system stability. You can override the normal settings of your desktop computer CPU by overclocking it. If you overclock it properly, you can have a more powerful version of your desktop computer CPU!

CPU overclocking is sorely limited to desktops because almost all laptop computer CPUs are locked. This means that you cannot change the settings of a laptop computer CPU — not without a lot of hassle, anyway.

* Upgrade

Overclocking can lead to freezes, hang-ups and complete system failure if you overdo it. A safer way to have a faster desktop computer CPU is to upgrade your unit. A computer CPU upgrade can be costly so watch your budget when picking out a replacement CPU.

There are many types of computer CPUs that you can choose from. There are the usual single core CPUs, and there are the newer, more powerful and pricier multi-core CPUs. Your decision will be greatly dependent on the CPU technologies that your computer motherboard supports. You will need an Intel motherboard to use an Intel CPU. The same thing applies to AMD computer hardware.

In terms of budget, overclocking wins over a computer CPU upgrade anytime. If you would like to play things safe, however, it is best to replace your desktop computer CPU with a faster one.

The central processing unit (CPU) of your computer does not refer to the entire computer box as many ordinary users mistakenly call it. But it is a small piece of hardware that is also called the processor or microprocessor that reads, converts, and disposes majority of the instructions inside your computer. It is also often referred to as the “brain” or the ‘think tank” of your computer. That is why buying a CPU should be well advised and thought of to maximize computer use.

2. Understanding Desktop Computer CPU Clock and Front Side Bus Speeds

The CPU or Central Processing Unit, often called processor for short, is usually called the brains of the computer because it is just like the human brain. This piece of PC Computer Hardware takes care of practically all system processes. When you buy a desktop computer CPU, there are two important factors that you will want to carefully consider: the clock speed and the Front Side Bus speed.

* Clock Speed

The clock speed or clock rate of a desktop computer CPU tells you how many cycles the processor can do in one second. It is expressed in gigahertz or megahertz. An old 800MHz processor can do 800 cycles per second, while a modern 3.2GHz processor can do 3200 cycles per second.

The computer CPU needs one or several cycles to perform an action. Thus, the clock speed can give you a good idea of how fast the processor can execute instructions. Generally speaking, the faster the clock speed of your desktop computer CPU, the more actions the CPU can do per second.

* Front Side Bus Speed

The Front Side Bus speed or FSB speed indicates how fast your desktop computer CPU can communicate with Random Access Memory or system memory. If you have two computer CPUs with the same clock speeds but different FSB speeds, the one with the faster FSB speed can execute instructions faster.

FSB speeds can be measured in MHz but are preferably expressed in Megatransfers per second (Mt/s). Expressing FSB speeds in Mt/s is more accurate because the actual FSB speed is contingent on both the FSB clock speed and the number of transfers the processor can do per clock cycle. A desktop computer CPU with a 200MHz FSB that can perform four transfers per clock cycle has an effective FSB speed of 800 Mt/s.

Now that you understand the CPU clock speed and FSB speed, do not forget to check these statistics when you buy a computer CPU. These figures can greatly help you determine the overall processing power of a particular desktop computer CPU.

CPU Information

The central processing unit (CPU) of your computer does not refer to the entire computer box as many ordinary users mistakenly call it. But it is a small piece of hardware that is also called the processor or microprocessor that reads, converts, and disposes majority of the instructions inside your computer. It is also often referred to as the “brain” or the ‘think tank” of your computer. That is why buying a CPU should be well advised and thought of to maximize computer use.

3. The Dangers of Overclocking Your Desktop CPU

CPU overclocking has always had a hold on many diehard computer enthusiasts and gamers. Who does not want a CPU that performs at its very best?

Simply put, overclocking means running your PC computer hardware at its fastest. And you have to do this while maintaining the stability of your system. If not done properly, overclocking can destroy your desktop computer CPU or laptop computer CPU in short order.

Here are two problems that you may have to face when you overclock your computer CPU:

* Overheating

When computer hardware is being used, it gives off some heat. The harder a computer component works, the more heat it gives off. Consequently, overclocking your computer CPU will also cause it to generate more heat than it would otherwise normally make. You are opening the doors to overheating problems when you overclock your CPU.

If you are intent on overclocking your CPU, make sure that you have an advanced computer CPU cooling system in place. Computer water cooling is a very effective but costly way to control computer CPU temperature. A more affordable solution is to replace the heatsink fan with a more efficient one, or to use a thermal paste if you have not already done so.

* System failure

As with all machines that are run beyond their normal specifications, you will be dealing with system crashes — which can range from minor to very major depending on how large your overclocking mistakes are.

You can be dealing with a functional computer but a desktop or laptop computer CPU that is less powerful than its normal specifications. You can also be entertaining a lot of system crashes, or a dead computer and a busted CPU in a worst case scenario.

Overclocking is a risky business but the rewards are great — just make sure you do it right.

CPU Information

The central processing unit (CPU) of your computer does not refer to the entire computer box as many ordinary users mistakenly call it. But it is a small piece of hardware that is also called the processor or microprocessor that reads, converts, and disposes majority of the instructions inside your computer. It is also often referred to as the “brain” or the ‘think tank” of your computer. That is why buying a CPU should be well advised and thought of to maximize computer use.

4.  How to know the Speed of Your Desktop Computer CPU

 

 

The speed of your desktop computer CPU or central processing unit is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz). Old computers may only have several hundred megahertz (MHz). This number indicates how fast your desktop computer can load and run programs and applications.

There are several locations that list down your desktop computer’s CPU speed. On a machine running Windows XP, you can check the speed of your desktop computer CPU at any one of these four locations:

* System Properties
The System Properties window displays basic information about your system, including your CPU speed. To open this window, hit the Start button, right-click on the My Computer icon and select Properties in the pop-up window. Under the General tab, you can see your CPU speed as well as details about your version of Windows.

* System Information
To access the System Information utility screen, click the Start button, select Run, type Msinfo32 and hit Enter. Your desktop computer CPU speed is listed in the Processor line along with your CPU model. You can also open the System Information utility screen via the Help and Support Center. Simply hit the Start button and click on the following options in this order:

(1) Help and Support
(2) What’s new in Windows XP
(3) Tools, Advanced System Information
(4) View detailed system information (Msinfor32.exe)

* Device Manager
The Device Manager contains a list of all PC computer hardware devices installed in your system. To open the Device Manager, click the Start button, select Run, type Devmgmt.msc and hit Enter. To see the speed of your desktop computer CPU, expand the Processors option.

* DirectX Diagnostic Tool
You can also view your desktop computer CPU speed using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. To access this tool, click the Start button, select Run, type DXDiag and hit Enter. Under the System tab, you will find your CPU speed and other system information.

There are other locations where you can see the speed of your desktop computer CPU, but these four locations are among the easiest to access.

 

  5. Three types of Computer Processors according to Release Date

 

If you have taken on the task of choosing each component for your PC, you will need to decide among three types of processors or central processing units (CPUs). A CPU is responsible for executing programs in your computer. If you compare a computer system to the human body system, the CPU acts as the brain of the computer while the motherboard acts as the heart.

At any given time, CPU manufacturers have three types of processors in their product offering: an economy processor, a mainstream processor, and a new product featuring a recently developed technology. The last type of processors will eventually downgrade into mainstream CPUs once a newer technology is developed and consequently displace the other types of processors down the ranks: the mainstream processors will then make up the economy processors, and the economy processors will be faced out.

* Economy Processors

Economy processors are low-performance CPUs that are usually found in budget computer systems. They can run most software applications and programs but there may be glitches in performance. If you will only be running basic office applications, an economy processor will work for you. Do not expect to watch smooth videos or play the latest PC games with your economy processor. For better performance and faster response times, get yourself a mainstream CPU.

* Mainstream Processors

Mainstream processors are the current line of CPUs used in normal, everyday computers. This type of processors have been around for a while and are tried, trusted, and tested. If you want a top-of-the-line processor without dabbling in the risky world of new technology, a mainstream processor is the right CPU for you. Among the three types of CPUs, mainstream processors offer you the best value for your money.

* New Releases

Processors that feature a new, breakthrough technology usually have more features and faster processing power than mainstream CPUs. These processors come at hefty price tags, however, so prepare to pay a premium if you are planning to get one. In addition, there is always the chance for new technology to be riddled with bugs and problems. Purchasing the latest CPUs can be risky so take steps to protect your investment by getting a decent warranty coverage and period.

Over time and with the development of newer and better technology, the latest processors will become mainstream products and their prices will dive accordingly. For the practical person who wants to play safe, a mainstream processor is a logical purchase to make.

  6. Buying a Computer Processor: Six Factors to Consider

 

When you are building a computer from scratch, or upgrading a particularly old computer model, you will have to buy a central processing unit (CPU), otherwise known as a processor or a microprocessor. Many consumers base their choices on the CPU speed alone but there are other factors that affect a CPU’s performance.

Check out these six factors before you purchase your CPU and make a more informed decision.

* CPU speed

Also known as the clock speed, the CPU speed determines the rate at which your computer can run programs. Old CPUs have clock speeds of up to several hundred megahertz (MHz) but today’s fast CPUs have far exceeded those speeds. Now, CPU speeds are usually expressed in gigahertz (GHz). A fast CPU is better than a slow CPU.

* Dual vs. Quad Core

If you run a lot of applications simultaneously, you should consider getting a quad core processor as opposed to a dual core processor. If you are purely into gaming, stick with a dual core processor as most games are not supported by quad core technology. This may change in the future.

* Bandwidth

The bandwidth defines the amount of data your PC can run in one instruction. Bandwidth is measured in bits. Most computers run on 32-bit processors. More modern computers use 64-bit chips. For the moment, some software are only compatible with 32-bit processors. Microsoft’s Windows Vista is an advanced operating system that runs better on 64-bit processors.

* Front Side Bus (FSB) speed

The Front Side Bus permits the relay of information between the CPU and the other parts of the computer. FSB speed is the pace at which data is transmitted between the CPU and the rest of the computer system.

* Level 2 (L2) Cache

CPUs have their own memory — the L2 cache — where data can be stored and accessed immediately. If the L2 cache is full, computers will have to store temporary data in the RAM. The CPU will then need to procure data from the RAM and wait for the data to be transmitted. A large L2 cache is very helpful in running multimedia applications. The L2 cache can be between 128K to 1MB.

* Compatibility

Motherboards only support certain CPUs. Make sure that your CPU is compatible with your motherboard chipset. For example, you need a motherboard with an LGA 775 socket in order to attach an LGA 775 CPU.

Consider these factors carefully when selecting your CPU and choose one that will meet your needs.

 

Benefits of Supplying Computer Parts Wholesale

 

Due to the rapid growth of the digital market, it is a great idea to join the wholesale business that goes online and make quick cash. One of the products that are in high demand on this platform, are electronic components. You can easily make loads of cash through selling the computer parts on the online shops or by making computer supplies available on your website. Here are some of the great benefits that you stand to enjoy as an online wholesale dealer.
You will have an option of complementing your income by working from home during your free time. All that is required is a computer with a stable Internet connection. As you may realize after sometime, you might be compelled to quit your job or hire someone to do it for you when the demand for the electronic components on your website increases. It's inevitable to understand the concept of doing any sort of wholesale business. Basically, you will make your money through buying bulky computer parts at discounted prices.
When you resell products such as security cameras among other products you can make money just by jacking up their prices slightly to gain profit. In case you have no idea about the possible retail prices of the electronic components, you can either do an online research or ask the companies to give you suggestions. Moreover, you will also get a chance to use some of the security cameras or any other kind of products on your website and online shops for personal use. Remember these are security cameras that you bought at a discounted price. Additionally keeping your property secure at all times is a good decision to be handled well by the presence of surveillance.
Selling computer cables online is another secure way of making money without worrying about the security of the products. Provided that you abide by the online business rules and regulations, you will avoid losing your computer parts and security cameras to online scammers posing as potential customers. Furthermore, there is a huge demand for rechargeable batteries in the market. You can exploit this opportunity in making quick money. This is one sure fire way of making money by selling computer parts online due to the increasing desire for electronic components by most online shoppers.
When selling products in wholesale you don't have to buy all the electronic components sold by a company, you have a chance to choose the products in demand and set your own retail prices. You can also decide to offer discounts to your customers so as to haul in more potential customers. It is also advisable to do a study on the right security cameras before making any purchases. Ensure that you only buy security cameras desired by most online shoppers. You can get this much needed information through reading informative reviews and customer testimonials on company sites. Remember you can buy the computer parts from different companies without necessarily being tied up to one supplier and selling them on your website.

M Dustin is the author of this article on Electronics Computers. Find more information, about Computer Parts here.

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

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Learn About the Types of Computers

There are many different computers available, each with different functions and features. This is going to be a very basic discussion of the parts that make up computers, and some of the different purposes that computers serve. If you're looking to upgrade to a new computer, or looking to do something different with your old computer, read on.
The main thing I will cover is the actual physical types of computers. For the purposes of this article, we're going to simplify. There are three main types: desktops, laptops, and servers. There are actually two types of servers, but I will cover that later in the article. I will briefly go into depth about each topic now.
Desktops are computers that require an external monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and are generally the cheapest of the three. These machines can be the most powerful, however, at the lowest cost. They are not portable, and generally are far less likely to suffer from accidental damage. If you need to make an upgrade, all of the parts are generally standardized, so parts are easier and cheaper to come by. For most people, a desktop is their first computer. Because it can be easily upgraded, these machines are usually kept longer than the other two types.
Laptops are probably the most popular computers in the world right now. They are fully self-contained, and fully portable. Each laptop is made to contain only the parts that it comes with, and very few are upgradeable beyond that(only a handful of machines have an extra hard drive bay, for instance). You can replace certain components like hard drives and RAM to increase their capacity, but you can't add more RAM slots or replace video cards. Laptops are generally less powerful than desktops because they are battery powered and are optimized for small size and many hour usage. You can't buy a larger screen or a new type of keyboard. This is the primary limitation of laptops. If your motherboard or screen dies, you can only replace it with a very specific replacement. Laptops are prone to accidental damage from drops, spills, and many other accidental events.
All of this aside, laptops can utilize external screens, keyboards, and mice, something that many people forget about. You can purchase docking stations for laptops that permit them to function as a desktop would at home, and then be a laptop on the go. If you take good care of your laptop, it can be a wonderful machine that makes your life easier. As I said, however, there are the things to consider that I mentioned above when choosing between desktops and laptops.
Servers are desktops that are generally used in business environments. They are normally the most expensive of the three and are made for long-term, heavy use and stability. They are also sometimes used remotely, meaning that people login via an internet connection and control the server from a less powerful computer. This makes having a powerful, stable machine easy for someone traveling with a laptop, if they have an internet connection available. This also permits multiple people to login and control the same computer at once, and printing can even be done remotely. This is how many issues are solved at large corporations, and prevents technicians from actually having to go on site. Most home users will never have to deal with getting a server, but they may run into them at work.
So the next time you're upset with your computer for being slow or wishing that you could work on your projects from afar, think about the things I mentioned above. It's very possible that a solution exists that you weren't even thinking of or didn't even know existed. This is why it's best to consult with computer professionals when upgrading technology.

I have been a technician for over 10 years, focusing on efficient, easy-to-understand computer repair. Because I can't fix everyone's computers, I've been looking for the best computer repair in Detroit MI and beyond. I strive for people to have at least a minor conceptual grasp of how their computers work in order to permit the best possible computing experience. I currently am a purveyor of Detroit computer repair.

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Making Routine Repairs on Your Laptop Charger

First let's take a moment to define what a Laptop Charger is. It's a device which supplies energy to a laptop. All you have to do is plug it into an electrical outlet and it begins working immediately. It works in a double way. The energy will charge the computer's battery while providing power for the computer as well.
A laptop charger may stop working for various reasons. One of the reasons is that the charger could become worn and frayed so that the wiring is exposed. If that is what has happened, then the laptop charger could stop working and will not charge the computer. Even if the device is still functioning and you notice this problem, stop using it. It could be a fire hazard and that's a risk you shouldn't take.
Making Repairs Yourself
Always remember not to attempt anything too complicated if you do make repairs on your charger yourself. In the end, you can do more harm than good, so it's best to only tackle what you're familiar with. Here are a few examples of situations in which you can make repairs on your laptop adapter yourself:
1. Frayed and worn areas in the cord -- Even if you don't have a current problem, it would be wise to periodically check the laptop charger for frayed and worn areas. If left unattended these could cause a fire down the road, so take the time to check.
Also examine the part of the charger that gets plugged into the computer for any dirty or bent pins. You should also check the end of the plug that goes into the outlet to make sure the pins aren't loose and that they are straight.
Always use a genuine adapter.
2. Clean laptop power supply -- This refers to the part of the charger that gets inserted into the computer. Should the metal components of the charger become dirty or bent, they will not connect within the computer, and it won't charge up. You can use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol on it to clean the surface of the metal and the pins.
3. Move damaged pins -- If there should be any pins that are stuck or bent inside of the part of the charger that is inserted into the computer, you should straighten or move them. If they are left as they are, the charge probably won't be sent to the computer. In this case, it is important that if any pins need to be replaced, they must come specifically from the maker.
4. Repair Frays -- If you do find any frayed areas on the cord, you can repair them yourself. All you need is a silicone sealer. Rub sealer over the damaged area and let it dry however long the directions say. That should take care of the problem. If you have to buy a new cord, make sure that it is high quality one.

Article written by Michael Pattison from Which Laptop, one of the top resellers of Dell Laptop Chargers in the UK. Drop by their website: http://www.whichlaptop.co.uk

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How do I know what computer video card I have?

How do I know what computer video card I have?

Answer

Method One

Many versions of Microsoft Windows will automatically detect and install your video card. Assuming no video issues currently exist with the video card you can determine the video card under display adapters in Device Manager as shown in the picture to the right.

As can be seen in the picture this computer has two video cards and are labeled as NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX, which is the manufacturer and model of the video card.

If you right-click the video card and click Properties you'll get a window like the properties window also shown in this picture. As can be seen the location of this video card is PCI Slot 2. Which is helpful for when you wish to know the bus the video card is.

Note: If you are experiencing video issues or the video card is being detected as a "Standard VGA" adapter it is likely what Microsoft Windows is not detecting the video card and if you need to determine the video card for drivers you will need to try the next step.

Method Two

Download one of the third-party programs for detecting computer hardware. These utilities can be used to help identify and list all of the hardware found in your computer.

Method Three

Many video cards and chipsets will list the video card and memory during the POST. Try rebooting the computer and as it is first booting press the "Pause / Break" key to temporarily halt the computer's boot process and read the text on the screen. If you are unfamiliar with video card manufacturers / chipsets write down some of the company names you see and search our video card driver section for that company. 

Method Four

The below steps require that the user first get to a MS-DOS prompt or Windows command line.

At the C:\> prompt type the below commands.

debug <press enter>

At the - prompt type the below command.

d c000:0040

After typing the above command you should receive several lines of text similar to:

C000:0040		00	00	00	00	00	00	00	00	-	00	00	00	00	00	00	00	00		................
C000:0050		E9	63	7B	00	B4	10	49	27	-	E9	FE	2B	E9	F7	2B	50	4D		.c{...I'..+..+PM
C000:0060		49	44	58	00	5B	00	00	00	-	00	A0	00	B0	00	B8	00	C0		IDX.[...........
C000:0070		00	5B	53	54	42	20	6E	56	-	49	44	49	41	20	54	4E	54		.[STB nVIDIA TNT
C000:0080		20	76	65	72	2E	20	31	2E	-	31	30	20	0D	0A	00	1B	43		ver. 1.10 ....C
C000:0090		6F	70	79	72	69	67	68	74	-	28	43	29	31	39	39	38	20		opyright(C)1998
C000:00A0		53	54	42	20	53	79	73	74	-	65	6D	73	20	49	6E	63	0D		STB Systems Inc.
C000:00B0		0A	00	22	6C	2C	0A	01	00	-	C3	50	24	7F	E8	60	36	58		.."1,....P$..'6X

As you can pick out in the above dump this gives you enough information to determine the make and the year made on the video card. On line 4 you can see the make of this video card, which in this case is a nVIDIA TNT, which would be the Riva TNT chipset. The next line you notice the version of the card and finally the line thereafter is the copyright or the year manufactured generally.

If you are unable to capture any information that sounds like the video card you can also type

-d c000:0090

The above line will give you a dump similar to the above example however may have additional information about the video card.

Note: If the video card is onboard you may get the motherboard name or chipset. If you have an onboard video card you should get the video drivers for your chipset. Commonly the video drivers / chipset drivers are available through the motherboard manufacturer.

Once you're ready to exit the debug prompt type quit to exit back to the MS-DOS prompt. If you wish to close the MS-DOS window type exit.

Method Five

Unplug everything from the back of the computer and open the computer and look for any visual identification directly off of the video card or motherboard. Many times you can find the manufacturer name, model, serial number, or other unique identifications that can be used to identify the video card or video chipset you have.

Method Six

If you are unable to locate a manufacturer or model number of the video card but see an FCC identification number it's recommended that you perform a FCC search using that number. Additional information about FCC numbers and how to search for information about a FCC number can be found on our  FCC dictionary definition page.

Laptop Chargers - As Important As The Batteries In Your Laptop

By Divya Mishra  

What is the most important component in a laptop computer? You may be tempted to focus on the processing power, the speed of the hard disk or the size of the screen. However, these are important components of a computer. A laptop is a completely different story. The battery happens to be the most important component of the laptop. If the battery does not work properly, then you will automatically end up with a worthless piece of plastic in your hand. This automatically makes laptop chargers important as well.
Laptop batteries have to be charged with the help of specific laptop chargers that acts as an AC/DC converter that convert Alternating Current from your main supply into Direct Current that is used to charge the battery of the computer. Properly functioning laptop chargers will ensure your battery gets charged quickly. This is the reason why proper maintenance of laptop chargers is a must.
So, what steps should you take to ensure that the laptop and its charger are maintained properly at all times?
Avoid Overuse
You will be increasing the chances of battery or charger damage if you use it indiscriminately. Once the battery has been fully charged, you should disconnect the charger and store it properly. Leaving it connected to the power supply and the laptop is only going to increase the chances of malfunctions. These chargers are designed to last a specific number of hours. More often than not, these chargers will last longer than the battery of the laptops. However, indiscriminate use of laptop chargers may reduce efficiency and increase the chances of complications.
Improper Storage
The care and attention you pay towards of your laptop computer must be replicated with chargers as well. The last thing you want is to connect the charger into the battery slot of the laptop computer when it is wet or has been exposed to sunlight for a long period of time. Treat the charger as an important component of the laptop and make sure that you follow all rules of storage and maintenance properly.
Tinkering With The Charger
You may be good at electronics and may even have tinkered with your cell phone and other such electronic components in the past. However, it is advisable to stay away from chargers. The last thing you want is for your amateur attempts to damage not just the charger but the battery as well. You may end up spending quite a lot of money repairing the damage that would have occurred for absolutely no reason whatsoever.
If there is something wrong with the charger, then it is advisable to get it checked by a professional. You should contact professional laptop chargers preparers because laptop manufacturers train them. Any negative consequence arising out of the repair will not result in a financial loss for you.
Just make use of the Internet and find out what others are talking about laptop chargers. You will automatically notice that this component is treated at par with other important competence of the computing device.

Article written by an owner of one of the top resellers of Dell Laptop Chargers in the UK. To know more drop by their site: http://www.whichlaptop.co.uk

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How to Choose Laser Printers

By Jack Tralston 

When it comes to laser printers, you need to be careful when it comes to choosing one. With so many brands out there, it can be quite confusing to find the best one that would really be meant for you. Of course, among your first considerations must be the different brands you can choose from.
Then, consider the resolution offered by it. Resolutions are measured through dots per inch or dpi. This is what determines the clarity of the printing process. Most laser printers range from 600 up to 2400 dpi. If you are going to print lots of images, you need to consider large dpi capacity printers.
You should also consider the volume or printing that you do in a day, thus determining the print speed of this. This is important if you are purchasing laser printers for the office. You would certainly need to be able to accomplish printing in a little amount of time especially for meetings.
In relation with this, you should consider getting the ones that are equipped with a large memory capacity. This is because such printers would be able to print simultaneously regardless of the type of file to be printed. The memory allows the printer to spool the document easily and accomplish printing in a little amount of time.
You should also take note of the paper capacity of the laser printers. Of course, this is an additional expense that you would need to take note of. It would be best if it would be able to accommodate different types of paper, especially when it comes to printing on photo paper.
Take time to also check how many ink cartridges are used in operating the laser printers. This way you can also figure out how much expense that would take you. There are some printers that require four different colored inks on top of a black ink cartridge while there are those that only require two-one black and one colored-ink cartridge.
Duplexing is another feature that laser printers have. Better make sure that it has this capacity when you buy one. Through duplexing, the printer is able to print on both pages and this can certainly help you save some paper when printing.
Finally, figure out if you will need laser printers for just printing documents from the computer or you would prefer to have one that's multifunction. Multifunction printers are able to do more than printing-photocopying, faxing, and scanning.

I have more reviews and information about laser printers at my Website. You may also be interested in reading my article on all in one color printers.

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Experience the Difference Between Audio and Good Quality Audio

By Mukesh K Gupta 

There has been a marked improvement in the field of cabling system and today one can easily find a number of good quality bulk Ethernet systems, which is both innovative and coaxial. Innovation has paved the path for various great developments and one such innovation was the bulk speaker wire that came into existence because people were not satisfied with the audio quality of the past and desired for some sort of a medium that can emit superior quality sound waves.
The importance of bulk speaker wires cannot be undermined in today's world as these wires have become synonymous with good audio owing to its uninterrupted transfer of signal and that too at a much higher speed. Such bulk speaker wires find place of prominence in rooms that are sound proof and require different audio output and these wires are further adopted to be used in a number of audiophile products.
A good example would be the CAT5e bulk cable 1000 ft white, this 1000 ft cable comes shielded and in twisted pairs along with featuring the "spinal spacer", which aids in diminishing the interference of cross talk to as much as possible. One major reason why technicians generally opt for CAT5e bulk cable 1000ft white is that it can be effectively used in an environment that demands a good amount of protection from the distraction of outward electricity.
It has been already established that good quality output requires a higher quality input as well, whether it is adopted for residential or commercial purposes, the bulk speaker wires should be as such that they can provide the kind of quality and desired output that the job demands. A number of good quality speaker wires might fail in performing efficiently when it comes to heavy duty commercial requirements but CAT5e solid plenum bulk cable 1000 ft promises to deliver where others hit rock bottom.
CAT5e solid plenum bulk cable 1000 ft is a great option to those seeking to install a good quality cable input for both residential usage and also for operation in offices and industries. These cables that come armed with data, security and voice capabilities and this is what makes it capable of rendering efficient and top notch service. Further, these CMP rated and foot marked cables come in a portable and easy and ready to use pull boxes.
One consideration that people should keep in mind when they are going to buy these cables is that they must do their homework and put in a great deal of effort in doing the research. These cables are a one time affair and can last for years if it is of the optimum quality and material, do not be fooled by the false claim of a lot of companies that brand and market their product as the best only to disappoint later. For the best quality bulk speaker wire be it CAT5e bulk cable 1000 ft white or CAT5e solid plenum bulk cable 1000 ft opt for a reliable company like the World of Cables.

The author has in depth knowledge of the CAT-6 Cable Bulk, Cat 6 Bootless Cables and all types of cables used in developing the efficient networks.

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USB Flash Drive Fix - Putting Your Losses Together

By Robert K Dorman 

A good days and its bad days. But it is often that the bad days mean long-term if not permanent loss of your data. The best remedy in all of this is that there are many people that will do what is necessary to get your flash drive up and running and hence buy the time required to get the job done.
They will then recover your files on a separate device and get them to you. That is why we recommend that when you break your USB flash drive; fix it by not getting your own hands dirty but by getting it to the people who know what they are doing.
What is the best and fastest USB flash drive fix?
This is something that totally depends on the problem that you are facing. By experience we can broadly classify the USB flash drive problems into two categories. They are as follows:
• Software related errors
These are very frequent when these USB flash drives have been in use for prolonged periods of time and the regular or irregular usage have taken their toll on the defragmentation properties of the flash drive.
In these cases the fix is sometimes possible right there at home through different software available on the internet itself. But this software sometimes require formatting the flash drive and if all the memory is lost this does not qualify as much of a usb drive recovery.
Hence another software needs to be used that will recover the embedded data and hence leave the flash drive itself for the former treatment. This first part of the process can be tricky and delicate. For this reason, most of the time, it is definitely better to rely on the professionals to get the best fix.
• Physical damage
This is a more or less common and definitely the most prevalent reason that requires a competent USB usb recovery. These can happen for a variety of reasons such as mishandling or a freak accident.
But most of these cases require the need for micro-level soldering and sometimes chip replacement procedures that are beyond the reach of the common man. So, the best thing to do here is to rely on the people who know what they are doing and get the data delivered to you as it should.
Why not try to fix these problems at home?
Your usb recovery contains your own data and this is based on your judgment how much these are important to you. This data that may be lost due to damage to your flash drive may be recovered but if the drive itself is then further tampered with the chances are that it will be beyond help due to the fact that your hands are not practiced ones.
So, the data that can be otherwise recovered with a simple USB flash drive fix, relevant ease and at very low costs will then be either totally lost or become even more expensive to recover. So the whole thing is dependent on your discretion.
All things said and done we would recommend professional help than home remedies for a successful USB usb drive recovery as it is always better to leave it to those that can understand the complexities of the matter at hand.

Want to Learn About broken pen drive? Visit us http://www.flashdrivepros.com/

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What Makes a Good Universal AC Adapter?

By David W Christie 

 

An AC Adapter is essentially an external power supply unit that derives its power from a mains power supply and converts that current and voltage to that required by the portable device. Having an external AC Adapter means that the device it is designed to provide power to, does not have to have an onboard power supply, but merely the capability to receive the power.
The early AC Adapters were referred to as linear power supplies that used a transformer to reduce the mains voltage of between 110-240 Volts to that required by the portable device. A lot of the earlier laptop power supplies were fairly large and heavy for their size due to the fact that they contained all the circuitry for a transformer. In fact their weight was such that their weight was difficult to support directly from a wall outlet. They generated a lot of heat and their output voltage could vary without the addition of a linear voltage regulator.
Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) became the next evolutionary step, because they rectify the voltage to a much higher voltage, and through a switching circuit, they produce an output current at the required level. Because of the higher frequencies involved, the transformers used with SMPS were much more compact and lighter than their counterparts. Another advantage of the SMPS is the fact that it can operate over a much wider range of voltages. I remember an early Sony VAIO that had a huge heavy ac adapter, it would hardly fit in my laptop bag!
Whenever a laptop is to be packed away for transportation, the ac adapter is removed and can, in some instances be lost or mislaid. I shudder to think of how many mobile phone adapters I have left in hotel rooms over the years, after having charged my phone. This has conspired to create a very large market for replacement ac adapters. Manufacturers use different connectors, so an AC adapter, for example designed for a Dell laptop might well not fit a Toshiba laptop. Also, the voltage requirements for one manufacturer's laptop might be different to that of a competitor. This has resulted in a number of AC adapter manufacturers designing universal ac adapters to fit a wide range of laptops that require a different connector. Some even have a range of output voltage settings to suit whichever brand of laptop it is required to power. Some of these designs incorporate four-way or 6-way connectors, while others come with a number of interchangeable tips.
So, it is important when choosing a replacement ac adapter, and in particular a universal ac adapter that you check to ensure that:
1. It has the correct sized plug or plugs to match your laptop or laptops.
2. The input and output AC and DC voltages match those where you are intending to use the device.
3. The current supplied by this ac adapter meets the requirements of your laptop.
Most of the recent universal AC adapters are of the switched-mode power supply type and will ensure you have a more reliable output voltage, even under variable load conditions. The other important point to note is that they will generally be small and light, although if you choose a laptop external power supply model with interchangeable tips, they you will have additional items to carry in your laptop bag.
In the UK, Origin Storage manufacture a range of Universal Power Adapters designed for use with a number of different manufacturers range of Laptops such as Dell, Acer, Sony and Toshiba. In my opinion they are well made and offer good value for money.

David Christie is MD at NSTUK Ltd, a Technical Training and Consultancy company based in the Northeast of England. David delivers technical training in the area of Data Communications and Telecoms and also provides consultancy and Training Needs Analysis. The company runs an ecommerce website specialising in the sale of Networking hardware and consumer electronics. Website: http://www.ipexpress.co.uk

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How to Use a Memory Tester

A memory tester is an excellent troubleshooting tool.

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If you diagnose or repair computers, a memory tester can be an excellent troubleshooting tool. Memory testers, which can save computer technicians a great deal of time, are inexpensive and can pay for themselves in increased productivity. There are a number of ways to test memory, including software testing tools and on-board computer diagnostics. Unlike those tools, a memory tester checks the physical RAM (random access memory). This hardware test can catch problems that other memory-testing tools miss.

  

Instructions

1

Shut down the computer and disconnect the power cord. Remove the retaining screw from the computer case and pull the case-release lever to remove the case cover. If you are working with a desktop computer, the release lever should be on the top. For a tower computer, the lever should be on the side.

2

Look for any lights on the motherboard. Many modern motherboards will include warning lights next to the memory modules. These warning lights are indicators that there is a problem with one or more of the memory slots or memory modules. To remove the memory modules to be tested, flip down the white retaining clips that hold them in place. Pull the memory module out of the computer.

3

Plug the memory tester into an electrical outlet and turn it on. Make sure that the green ready light is on and that the LCD display gives a ready message. If you see any red or orange lights, or if the lights are blinking, the tester is not ready for use.

4

Insert the memory module into the tester and push the test button to start the memory test. Most memory testers will allow users to choose from a number of tests--from a quick scan to a more comprehensive test. One of the most useful ways to check memory is to run a looping test, which checks the connectors one at a time, identifying any that are dirty or worn. This test can save a lot of troubleshooting time by quickly identifying bad memory that might otherwise go undetected.

5

Test each memory module thoroughly. Running every available test two or three times is the best way to make sure the memory is good. Discard any bad modules. Be sure to test any new memory you buy as well--new memory can be defective.