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Computer Maintenance 101

David Quigley — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 22:35:53 +0000

Have you ever tried to remove a virus or speed up your computer yourself and been unable? We’ve compiled a list of tools and articles that will help you get your computer back up and running smoothly on your own. While we can do this for you as well, these tools can also help prevent you from ever needing to call us.

Computer Maintenance:

Antivirus and Malware Removal Software:

There are many options for antivirus software, and choosing one begins with the choice between paying for an all-inclusive package, or using a collection of tools for free. We would argue that their effectiveness will be the same, but the cost and ease of uses is the difference.

Paid Computer Malware Removal and Antivirus Software:

Free Computer Malware Removal and Antivirus Software:

Firewall Software:

If you choose to not use one of these, make sure your Microsoft Windows firewall is turned on (XP or newer), make sure your computer is up to date with the Microsoft Windows updates, as well as any other software on your computer.

Also if you are working at home, and you have a router, such as a wireless router for accessing the internet, there will be a firewall built into this device. Just make sure it is turned on. Keep in mind that if you take your computer elsewhere (laptop to the library or coffee shop), that you will no longer have the protection of the routers firewall so you will still want a software firewall for those occasions.

We hope this short article has helped. Contact me with any questions or concerns about your computer needs. I can help with computers, networks, and more. Technology is what we focus on, so don’t be afraid to ask. For more articles and tips like this check out the blog: http://www.dqsupport.com/blog

What to Do with a Slow Speed Internet Connection

David Quigley — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:03:17 +0000

There are many reasons that could lead to a slow speed internet connection. Usually, users who experience this kind of problem call their Internet Service Provider (ISP) immediately to report the issue. However, waiting on queue for the next representative can be very frustrating. And when you are connected, they will end up just transferring your call to another department. Then you would have to wait to speak to a live person again.

Instead of going through all that trouble, you can just try fixing the issue yourself. Here are the most common reasons for slow speed internet connections. A poor connection can be caused by DSL modem settings, wireless router interference, or other difficulties on your network or equipments. I will give you some tips on how to check and find a resolution for a slow internet speed connection problem.

The browser that you usually use should be optimized often. To clear the cache and cookies in Windows XP: click on start > control panel > internet options > click on “delete” under browsing history option. Use a different browser like Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome to check for performance. It is also recommended to install a system tuning software like CCleaner. It is a freeware that can scan for registry issues and fix the problem automatically. It can also delete the history, cookies and temporary files of your browser. Aside from optimization of the browser and keeping your anti-virus updated, you can also run Microsoft scan disc and Microsoft defragmentation.

The worm virus can also be another cause for slow speed connection. Worm viruses run on the computer system and will consume the memory of your computer. The virus will not only mess up your internet connection, but it can also wreck your whole computer system. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you always keep your anti-virus updated.

Determine if your internet speed is still within the bracket of your internet package. You can check your current speed through the speedtest.net site. It will measure the current download speed, upload speed and ping of your connection. If you’re receiving the correct speed, this means that the computer is causing the problem. If you aren’t getting the correct speed, you need to contact your ISP for further assistance.

Signal interferences can also slow down the traffic flow of internet connection. This matter usually falls under the wireless connection category. Sometimes it can cause a loss of internet connection. There are a lot of things that you can do to prevent this problem. Verify if the wireless router is at least 2 feet away from other electrical device (such as modem, computer, fax machine, cordless phone, television and other electronic appliances). If you have a lot of computers in your house, make sure you position the wireless router in a central spot in your house.

Now, if these steps cannot resolve your slow internet speed connection problem, better contact your ISP for more resolution steps. Going through the grueling hold time will be worth it though, because their technicians are not just trained to fix the problem, they are also required to do so.

If all of this fails, DQSupport frequently helps customers with getting their internet connection working properly again, and can talk with/for you to your internet service provider to accomplish these and more things.

Re-Installing an Operating System – Important Things to Know

David Quigley — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:01:18 +0000

There are a lot of issues and errors a computer can go through in its lifetime and there are also a lot of solutions for it. Some of the solutions to a computer issue are too complicated for an average Joe to do. Let’s face the facts – we are not as tech-savvy as we think we are. There is one easy solution to a faulty computer system which is sure to resolve almost any issue – reformatting.

Reformatting the hard drive of your computer will allow you to start over from a clean slate. This is usually the solution to bad virus infections and other unmanageable software issues. Most technicians view this procedure as a last resort because it will erase any and all of your old programs and files. If you want to save your important files, you need to back-up your files in an external storage equipment. You can purchase a flash drive or external hard drive for this. There are also a lot of free online backup services that you can find. It is practical and smart that you do back-up of your important files even before a catastrophe happens. Other more drastic issues can destroy your files, which you can’t recover anymore. If you don’t want that to happen, back your files up even before disaster strikes.

Before doing this procedure, you also have to ensure that you have the needed CDs for re-installation. This should include the original operating system that came with your computer (Windows XP, Vista, ME, 7 etc.) and also all the other CDs for your applications (MS Office, games and such). If you already lost these CDs, it is important that you obtain them again; else you won’t be able to proceed with reformatting. You can download some of the applications online for free but the operating system as well as the security software is licensed, so you would need to purchase a new set.

The procedure itself, although time-consuming, is pretty easy. Most of the operating systems will just require you to boot from the installation CD, and then would pretty much take care of everything else. It will give you instructions on how to partition and then format your hard drive, all you need to do is follow them. The length of the procedure would vary, but would mostly take around 2-3 hours to finish. It isn’t necessary to stay in from of the screen all the time but you should keep an eye out for any errors that could happen along the re-installation.

Once the re-installation is done, the computer would seem “fresh” again. You might want to double check on your old programs and files before installing them back. If these old files or programs led your computer to crash or malfunction in the first place, it might not be a good idea to put them back in. This procedure is so easy that anyone can do it. Even if you have little to no troubleshooting experience, you can get through fine with re-installing an operating system.

If you’d like help with this process just ask us! DQSupport would love to help you with this process!

Don’t Buy a New Laptop Until You’ve Tried This

David Quigley — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:58:30 +0000

Most people become so attached to their laptops that they don’t want to get rid of it even when signs of old age start appearing. It is perfectly understandable why this happens. If you have had your laptop for years now, I’m sure parting with it is not a very easy thing to do. Well, the good news is – you won’t really have to. There are ways that you can do to save your beloved old laptop and improve its performance.

The cost of buying a new laptop can be too much for some people. During these trying times, not everyone can afford to just add a new expense to their already long list of expenses. Working to salvage your old laptop seems to be a more practical idea. One of the typical things that happen to old laptops is that it slows down after a few years. Adding new programs, applications, music files and videos over the years will take up a lot of space in its memory, causing it to slow down. An obvious resolution would be to clear up all the junk files you have accumulated. Go through all the clutter of files that you have and remove anything you don’t use anymore and don’t find important.

If you don’t want to totally delete them, you can just transfer these files to a USB flash drive or an external hard disc drive. Both of these are great external tools for data storage. So what is more appropriate for you? It basically depends on how much memory or storage space you need. A flash drive is more handy and will be able to store about 1GB – 8GB of your files. An external hard drive, however, is capable of storing much more from 300 GB to even Terabytes for the more high-end models. It can basically store your whole lifetime of memories in a little box.

Once you have removed all the unnecessary junk files in your laptop, it would also be advisable to do a little clean up of the registry. You don’t have to manually do the cleaning yourself as that can be such a taxing job. There are a lot of automated softwares you can download online, most of which are free, and can do the job for you in just a few clicks of the mouse. Aside from the cleaning up the registry, which is the centralized database of Windows systems, some software can also automatically detect and fix small errors. Cleaning up the registry will not just speed up the performance of your computer, it can also prevent it from getting malwares or viruses.

These steps will have your old laptop running like a brand new one again. Think of the money you can save by salvaging your old laptop and doing a little cleaning on your own. This can also be the perfect time for you to do a little organizing of your computer files. After you have done this, regular maintenance is important to keep the laptop running smoothly.

Laptop Repair – Webcam Problems & How to Resolve It

David Quigley — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:56:42 +0000

Laptops are very handy but they can be harder to fix than desktop computers. The cost of laptop repair is also skyrocketing every single day. This handy technology is generally more sensitive than typical desktop computers. This is the reason why some technicians might charge more, especially when it comes to hardware issues.

Hardware problems are generally more complicated than software issues because it entails some tearing down of the parts. If you don’t have any experience in doing this, it is better not to attempt doing it at all. A simple wrong move can just cause your laptop to become more damaged, which might lead to more expenses. If you have a bit of knowledge in computers and are comfortable troubleshooting your laptop yourself, then you go ahead and try your magic. Before doing any troubleshooting steps, check the warranty of your laptop first. As you know, laptops and computers will come with a warranty from the manufacturer. If the unit is still covered by the warranty, you are lucky. If it’s past the warranty coverage, then you would need to step up and have it fixed by someone like DQSupport or fix it yourself.

One of the most common problems laptops have is webcam related. A lot of people have complained that their webcams suddenly just stopped working. This issue can be caused by several reasons such as corrupted applications, corrupted drivers or even a virus infection. Here are some simple steps that you can do yourself to figure out the problem and eventually fix it. To check if the application is the one causing the error, you can download and try out a new webcam application like Skype, YM or Windows Live Messenger. If the webcam seems to be working with the new application, the issue can be with the built-in application that you were using. You can uninstall that old software and use the newly downloaded one instead.

If it still doesn’t work with your newly downloaded applications, the issue could be because of a corrupted driver. Go to the Device Manager and check for a yellow exclamation mark on the hardware tab. This sign is an indication that there is something wrong with the device. Resolution for this would be to uninstall and re-install your drivers. You can usually find the appropriate webcam drivers at the support site of your laptop. If you have already gotten to this part and the webcam is still not fixed, you might have a bigger hardware problem. You might need to have your laptop diagnosed by a DQSupport technician to know what is causing the built-in webcam to malfunction.

Another common issue that people have is how some webcams don’t work after standby mode or hibernation. This happens because a lot of common video applications don’t adjust to the power change of the computer system. All you have to do is restart the application or restart the laptop, and it should come up again fine. The secret to having a laptop in excellent condition is excellent maintenance. As long as you take care of your laptop, application problems like this shouldn’t be an issue.

Troubleshooting a Wireless Internet Connection

David Quigley — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:52:15 +0000

The internet has been one of the biggest innovations of our modern world. It has not just made life more convenient, it has also kept families, friends and loved ones connected. Nothing is infallible though, so even this advanced technology experiences major problems. A lot of people depend so much on the internet that when it crashes, they go berserk.

Wireless connection technology is a convenient way to access the internet. This feature is excellent for laptops. You don’t need an ethernet cable connected to the modem and laptop anymore. With wireless connection, you can bring your laptop to a different location, as long as your computer is within reach of your wireless router.

In this article, I will give you some information on how to troubleshoot your wireless connection. However, you need to make sure that your internet connection is working. Meaning to say that at least you can connect to the internet hard wired. Hard wired means the computer is connected directly to your modem through an ethernet cable. If you can connect to the internet hard wired, we can narrow down your internet problems.

If you are using Windows XP, right-click on your wireless connection icon located on the right-hand corner of your screen. Then click on repair. It should automatically fix your wireless connection. You can also locate the wireless connection settings by clicking on start > control panel (switch to classic view) > network connections > right-click on wireless network connection > click properties > click repair.

You can try to rebuild your wireless connection if the repair option won’t work. Rebuild means removing the wireless connection profile and then creating a new one. It is possible that your wireless connection profile was corrupted. Before doing this step, take note of your wireless connection password as you will need that later on. To rebuild your wireless connection, click on start > control panel > network connections > right-click on “wireless connection” icon > click on “properties” > click “wireless networks” tab > under “preferred networks” click on your wireless connection profile > click remove > click OK.

After removing the wireless connection profile, you should go back to “network connections” > right-click on “wireless network connection” > click on “view available wireless networks” > click “refresh” on the left-hand top > click on your wireless connection profile then click on “Connect”. Type the WEP key if needed.

If you don’t know your WEP key, try to access the router settings. The settings depend on the brand of your wireless router. Find the instruction manual for additional information. You can also try resetting the router if you have no idea what the WEP key is. This method will allow you to re-configure the router settings. Make sure that you have the instructional manual for the step-by-step configuration of the router, if not you can just Google the steps needed. If you find all of this too complicated, try to contact the manufacturer of your router for further assistance.

DQSupport can help you any Wireless Networking issues you have, and can get you setup in not time flat. Contact us today for our help!

Understanding the Blue Screen of Death

David Quigley — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:48:01 +0000

Many call it the “blue screen of death”. This dreadful computer issue is feared by many. Imagine working on your computer, taking a few minutes of coffee break and then going to back to be greeted by a blue screen on the monitor. You try to move the mouse and reboot the PC but nothing happens. So what is this mysterious blue screen? Here are some useful information help you uncover its mystery.

The blue screen of death (BSOD) is also known as a stop error and considered to be one of the most severe problems that Windows systems encounter. There can be many causes to this. It could be because of a software problem like a virus infection, device incompatibility, driver error or a corrupt registry. Most of the time, it is usually caused by hardware failures which tend to be much harder to resolve. When this occurs, it is possible to lose all the data you have in the computer. It can also cost you a lot of money to have it fixed as some issues would require you some of the parts of your PC.

Blue screen errors generally only happen in NT based operating systems like Windows NT, XP and 2000. However, there are some reports saying the new Windows 7 system is also not immune to it. Recently, there was an outcry of help when the BSOD appeared in many different computers after installing a specific security update. Microsoft has addressed the issue and is looking further to what could have caused this.

When the blue screen appears, it always comes with some information about the issue. It will come with a stop error code, which is a series of numbers and letters. This code may seem alien to most of you, but thankfully Google is here to decipher it for you. Yes, even stop error codes can be Googled nowadays. All you have to do is copy and paste the code and run a search on it. The search engine will then direct you to the websites that tell you what the code means. Each code is assigned to a specific issue and it is the computer’s way of telling you what’s wrong.

Although knowing what the stop error code means will not totally resolve your problem, it is one step closer to understanding what is causing the computer to crash. Most of the websites that provide translation for the stop codes also usually provide the troubleshooting steps that you can do. Several of these techie sites and forums provide you with step-by-step instructions and illustrations as guide too. If you don’t have any experience in basic troubleshooting, you will find the steps very confusing. Most of the time, the steps will be done in the DOS command prompt if the system isn’t able to boot to Windows anymore.

If all of this fails, then it’s time to call in an expert like DQSupport to solve the problems as an experience technician can frequently help you diagnose and repair this problem.

How to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection

David Quigley — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:45:59 +0000

We usually get the message “Page cannot be display” or Error 404 “server not found” when the internet connection is down. This can be such a hassle, especially when we badly need to go online. After getting that error message, we usually call our Internet service provider (ISP) for assistance. I’m sure you’re familiar with the long hours of waiting just to get a representative to talk to you. Worry no more because this article can give you some pointers that are very useful in resolving your internet connection problems.

There are several causes to this and thankfully, there are even more ways to fix it. Let’s begin by power cycling the equipment. This procedure requires you to turn off your computer, modem and wireless router (if applicable). It doesn’t matter in what order you do the procedure. Leave it off for at least 30 seconds to a minute. The correct sequence of powering up the equipment is to wait at least 30 seconds before turning on each device. Start with the modem then the wireless router (if applicable) and lastly, the computer.

Check on the light indicators if the modem lights go green. If you don’t see the lights turn on, check if the power cable is plugged in to the power outlet. Also, check if the modem cables are properly seated in the ports. If that still doesn’t work, try plugging the modem in a different power outlet. If these steps fail to resolve your issue, the modem might be defective.

If sequence power cycling won’t work but the modem is working properly, this is the time to troubleshoot the computer. For Windows XP systems, right-click on your Local Area Connection (LAN) located on the right-hand corner of your screen. Then click on “repair”. Another way is to click on Start > Control Panel > Network Connection > Local Area Connection > Support tab > Repair. This should renew the IP Address of your connection. Sometimes you will get a message that says “unable to renew the IP address”. You may also use command prompt for resetting the IP address. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > right-click on Command Prompt > click on “Run as Administrator” > type in “netsh winsock reset”. If it successfully executed the command, it should inform you to restart the computer. Turn-off the computer, restart it and check if you now have an internet connection.

Use different web browsers, instead of concentrating on Internet explorer. Consider browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. If you can connect to the internet using a different browser, your Internet explorer (IE) might be corrupted or infected by a virus. Try to optimize your IE by going to Start > Internet Option > delete cache and delete cookies. The last resort is to re-install your IE browser.

If all these steps still have not resolved you internet connection, you should contact your ISP for further resolutions. It is possible that there is a Network Outage happening within your area.

Practical Yet Effective Computer Repair Training Options

David Quigley — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:42:51 +0000

The technology of the computer seems to be advancing day by day. It is used in homes, offices, educational institutes and several other places. Because of popularity of this technology, the demand for computer technicians has also increased significantly. Repairing computers, although challenging and arduous, is not rocket science. If you have always had an interest in computers, a computer repair training course may be perfect for you.

There are only a handful of people who love their jobs. If you have a genuine interest in computers, this can be the perfect opportunity for you to not just do what you love but also earn a bit of moolah. Yes, during these trying times, even a little bit of extra money can go a long way. So how do you look for a computer repair training course exactly? Well, you will be glad to know that there are countless of options available out there for you.

Enrolling in an expensive school or university for a computer course is not really that practical anymore. Aside from the high expenses you have to deal with, most of them don’t really focus on computer repair specifically. These days, aspiring technicians most often opt for online courses instead. This is not just a more affordable option, it is also very convenient. You wouldn’t have to drive to school anymore as each course can be done at the comfort of your own home, at your most convenient time.

One of the best things about distance learning is working at your own pace. Studying in a classroom environment is usually filled with a lot of distractions. This is why online computer repair training programs work best for a lot of people. A certification usually comes after a course. Having a certification on computer repair will help you find a job easier and give you a broader career option. A computer repair training course online is also significantly cheaper than having to actually enroll in a typical school, with most offering full courses under just $100.

Another very practical way of computer repair training is self-study. With this method, you won’t even have to pay a single cent for resources. The internet is one of the best resources of information. You can find a lot of articles and videos that give you step-by-step instructions on troubleshooting specific computer issues like viruses, internet connection problems and many more. Basically, all you need is time and a handy computer to practice on. Don’t be afraid to tinker around the many programs and applications on your computer. Experience is the best teacher. The more you spend time with your laptop or PC, the more things you can learn from it.

Whether you want to start a small business or just fix your own personal computers, engaging in computer repair training will be very useful. This is a modern world we live in and being knowledgeable in computer technology is very rewarding and will continue to be so in the future. All you need is a little time and a lot of dedication to learn what you need to.

If you are looking for one-on-one computer training, DQSupport can provide this for you as well!

Installing New Fans in Your Computer

David Quigley — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:25:34 +0000

Computers need fans inside the case to keep all the electrical components cool. If they overheat your computer will stop working and it can even destroy the hardware you have installed. Replacing a defective fan can mean the difference between a small expense and replacing the whole computer. You do need to be careful and pay attention to detail when replacing a computer fan.
The first thing you need to do is determine what size fan you have in your computer case. You will want to replace it with a fan that is the same size, this does not mean that you cannot get a fan that is a little more powerful, but the measurements need to be the same so that it can be mounted in the same spot inside the case.

Some computers come with more than one fan or slots where you can add more fans if you find that you need them for cooling. For instance the case I am using right now has three fans installed in it. This could be a good idea if you live in an area where you get consistent high temperatures, or if the room you have your computer set up in gets very warm.

You will want the fans to face outward, in other words you want them to function as exhaust fans, pulling the built up heat out of your case. If you mount them blowing inwards you risk the air they produce moving wires around and possibly damaging the circuits inside the case.

Once you have the fan you need to install, remove all power from the case and if necessary, move it out to an area where you have room to work on it. This will save you a lot of frustration as it is often hard to work on your computer in cramped quarters. Then remove the screws on the outside of the case that hold the fan in place. There could be anywhere from two to six screws holding the fan. Put the screws where you can find them, you will need them to mount the new fan securely in place.

Then open your computer case, remember to ground yourself by touching the exposed metal of the case before touching anything inside. This keeps static charges from damaging the circuits in the computer. Locate the fan you need to remove and gently move it as far as possible out of the way. Leave the power cables attached to it. Get your new fan out and transfer the power cables to the new fan, make sure all the cables are connected the same way they were on the old fan. When you have all the power cables connected to the new fan, move the old fan out of the way and insert the new fan. Use the screws you saved to mount the new fan securely in the case. You should be done, close the case up and connect the power and your fan should be working.