How to check for Windows updates?

To enhance your computer security and to offer a better computing experience, Microsoft offers updates and patches in regular interval. The users must install those updates regularly. Go through the article and learn how to check for Windows Updates. Remember, you must have administrator permission to install update.


1. Click the Start button and in the search box, type Update, then click Windows Update.

2. You will find Check for updates in the left pane, click on it and let Windows look for the latest updates for your PC.

3. You will get a message if any important updates are available. The message may also tell you to review important updates. Click the message and choose the important updates to install.

4. Click Install updates.

5. Next, you need to read and accept the license terms, and then click Finish.

6. If you are asked for an administrator password, type the password.

7. There are some updates that require restarting windows after finishing installation.

If you find any problem, you can consult a Technical Support service provider for getting Windows Support. You can also dial 1.866.515.9918 to talk to a Microsoft certified expert.

How to Remove Spyware?

Many people try to experiment with different software on their computer, which not only hampers the computer but also risks the loss of personal data of the user. From early days, hackers and crackers tried to access, tamper and steal other people’s data for their own uses. In order to do the same, they also created computer viruses, spywares, and malwares etc.


As technology advances, hackers have also evolved their viruses and spywares to give computer users tougher and harder times. Spyware comes through the internet and have many forms like as an antivirus security suite, a toolbar, etc... While the user browses a webpage, spyware pops up and shows a face report regarding the user’s computer. People fall for this fake report and install the spyware on their computer. And they get infected unknowingly. However, like every problem has its solutions, you can also fix it quite easily. Like several other viruses, these types of viruses are removable too. But it needs some time and a lot of patience to perform this.

For spyware removal, you can consult a computer repair service provider. There are many such computer services companies that provide excellent tech support so that your computer can remain free from viruses and spyware and other malicious objects. You can also try some anti-spyware suites for removing and protecting your computer from spyware’s. Some of these are Ad-Aware Free, HijackThis, SmitFraudFix, Malwarebytes, and SuperAntiSpyware.

The Best Way to Protect Hard Drive

The hard disk is one of the most sensitive parts of your computer. It stores all your software and important data. So, if the HDD crashes you will certainly face big problem. Although hard drive is an electronic device and can cause problem without any prior notice, yet to be on the safer side, you should check your hard drive at least once in a month. This will not only help you to avoid severe break down but also keep the system running well.


When it comes to checking hard drive or any other computer component, opting for technical support is the best option. Browse internet, you will find a number of computer services provider that offer tech support to the users for hassle-free computing. They also have various support plans and as per your requirements you can choose any of their plans.

Chkdsk (Chkdsk.exe) is a command which could check the volumes for problems. Defragmentation of the hard drive of your computer on a regular basis with the help of computer repair service provider is also a very good way to protect hard drive. In fact, defragmentation is a must and it should be done in regular basis. This is because, when you uninstall or remove a program file, smaller fragmented files are left behind even though the program is uninstalled. This gradually slows down the computer.

How to solve PC Restarting Problem at Boot

How frustrating it would be if your computer keeps restarting whenever you try to turn on the PC? You are in a hurry but you can’t use the PC. You can dial a remote PC repair company or try to resolve the problem on your own. Let’s discuss how to solve PC restarting problem at boot.


There could be a few reasons for which the PC keeps restarting continuously. The main problem might be that the registry has become corrupted. If an application is trying to write something in the registry and that is not happening properly due to certain reason then this happens.

So what do we do to stop it? Restart the pc and keep tapping F8 on your keyboard as soon as you see the initial beep screen or the OEM logo. This will take you to a windows advanced boot options menu. Here you need to choose Last Known Boot Configuration and hit Enter. This should resolve the issue. If the problem persists, you need to get ready for more troubleshooting.

The first thing now would be to run a system file checker using the command sfc scannow. In case this doesn’t work then run a windows repair using the OS CD. Well if that also doesn’t solve the issue which in fact it should then it’s the ultimate step.

• Click Start

• Settings (Skip on Windows XP)

• Control Panel

• System (May need to click "Switch to classic")

• Advanced Tab

• Press Settings button

• Uncheck "Automatically restart"

This will prevent Windows from restarting even when it encounters an error during the bootup process. For further compute service, consult a tech support expert.

Which is the Best Graphics Card?

There is a gamer inside all of us. So to enjoy gaming or for the sake of the picture quality you have got a grand of a computer or have assembled one. You have purchased the best of what you can afford but still you are unsatisfied. You thrust for more, you dream of getting the best possible graphics card that money can buy; but you are on a tight budget. Which is the best graphics card? Well, there are so many options in the market. If you find it difficult to install graphics card, you can talk to a computer services company for tech support.


Let’s see which one gives the best bang for the buck under different price tags.

1. If you have a budget of approx. $55, then you can opt for ATI Radeon HD4650. Why? It’s the best solution for budget constraint gamers. With this card, you can play games at 1280x1024performances in most games, 1680x1050 with lowered detail.

2. If you have a slightly bigger budget of approx. $75, you can check out NVIDIA GeForce Gt240. With this card, you can play at 1680x1050 performances in most games, 1920x1200 in most games with lowered detail.

3. With a budget of approx. $105, you can opt for either ATI Radeon HD4850 or NVIDIA GeForce GT250. With any of these two cards, you can play at Exceptional 1680x1050 performance in most games, 1920x1200 in most games with lowered detail.

4. With an extended budget, you can look for ATI Radeon HD5770. This card will play at Great 1920x1200 performances in most games.

5. If you happen to have a bigger budget, you can opt for NVIDIA GeForce GTX470, with which you can play at Exceptional 1920x1200 performance, Good 2560x1600 performance in most games.

6. For those with a grand budget, you can choose between ATI Radeon HD5870 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX480 which plays at a Good 2560x1600 performance in most games, or ATI Radeon HD5970 for a Great 2560x1600 performance.

Which is the best graphics card – is certainly a very tricky question. One thing is for sure; whichever card you choose, it’s going to be worthy upgrades form the existing graphics card you have. But the more you spend, the more you will thrust. Happy gaming!

Android Phones, Not Immune to Malicious Objects

Android has been playing safe for long. But that safety got raked when a first Trojan hit was reported by Kaspersky laboratories. Identified as Trojan-SMS.AndroidOS.FakePlayer.a, it is a malware which disguises as a harmless media player and prompts users to install a APK file which is a mere 13kb file.

What it does- This Trojan has been identified in sending SMS to premium numbers (numbers which charge) without the user’s knowledge and the money gets charged from the users account which in turn is collected by the criminals.



Though a few android attacks were heard last year but this one seems to be the best one. This Trojan has already affected many cell phones and related devices according to Kaspersky resources. For virus removal support, you can ask for technical support.

Kaspersky urges that “users pay close attention to the services that an application requests access to when it is being installed. That includes access to premium rate services that charge to send SMSs and make calls.”

Jay Nancarrow, a Google spokesman, said Android applications must get permission from the user before doing things like sending text messages or making phone calls. “We consistently advise users to only install apps they trust,” Mr. Nancarrow said in a statement. “In particular, users should exercise caution when installing applications outside of Android Market.”

How to Run Android Apps on Your Windows PC?

Android is an Operating System invented by Android Inc and then was modified by Google after taking over the company. We know that Android is for mobiles, smart phones etc. It is also used in netbooks and tablet computers.

Now, one can experience the Android edge on home or office computers too. How? To do this , one needs to download and install the Android Software Development Kit. This Kit is even used by developers to create more Apps and utilities for the Android OS.



Once the kit is downloaded and installed a few settings needs to be configured and a virtual Android Phone will be ready on the computer. But there is a limitation- This virtual android phone can’t be used as a normal phone to make/receive calls. Moreover this virtual android is much slower than the actual one.

How do you install Android Apps on Your Windows PC? Before installing the kit, one needs to make sure that Java is installed on one’s pc. It also needs to be checked, that the installed Java is the latest version. If not then the latest java updates needs to be installed. Once the Java update is complete the Android SDK starter package needs to be installed.

The installer comes in a zip file, unzip it and install it. Once the installation is complete you are now ready to create a virtual android device. Once you are done configuring the Android , its time to access the Android Market. For further tech support, talk to a computer services company.

Display Problem in Monitor, How to Fix?

A monitor is an output display unit for computers. This is an integral part of a computer system. Monitors are basically of three types. These are CRT, TFT-LCD and the new LED type. A monitor usually has two things – power socket and display port (usually VGA). But in some of the new monitors you can also find additional things like HDMI port, Audio port, DVI port and also USB ports as well. Display problem in monitor is a very common problem. To fix the problem you can talk to a computer services company that is renowned for offering remote tech support.

In laptop computers, the monitor size ranges from as low as 8 inch to a mighty 17 inch; while in desktop computers, the monitor size ranges from 14 inch to a whooping 32 inch or more.



But like all other electronic devices, monitors too can get bad due to course of time or due to user ignorance. One of the most common problems that you might face with the monitor is related to bizarre patterns or lines in them. This problem usually crops up if the display cable that connects the monitor to the computer goes bad of if there is some wrong setting in the monitor display menu or the desktop settings menu in the control panel.

Try to fix the problem by searching and rectifying the causes. If everything fails or the monitor is broken or is found out to be a manufacturing problem, it is better to consult the manufacturer of the monitor for further support.

Outlook doesn't display zip files, How to Fix?

Outlook problems could be of various types. Sometimes outlook does not display the Zip file. It causes a big problem as we send important documents as attachments. You have got an important mail but not able to open that. Certainly, it’s very annoying. But it’s very easy to resolve the problem. You can also talk to a computer help provider to resolute this outlook problem.

In this article we have discussed about the steps which will help you to resolve ‘outlook doesn’t display zip files’ issue and before we do so we need to know why it happens. When we send an attachment, outlook sees this folder as a folder while windows operating system sees these folder as an ordinary file and folder. And the problem occurs.

To resolve this problem, you need to restart outlook and compressed folders also need to be disabled. You can do that from the start option type the command:

a) regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll
regsvr32 /u cabview.dll

To restore the feature again follow the command

b) regsvr32 zipfldr.dll
regsvr32 cabview.dll

This will help you to resolve the issue. The process certainly is very simple and easy to follow.

Hard Drive Noise, What to Do?

In a computer a drive is related to either the hard disc drive (HDD) or the CD/DVD drive. These internal drives of the computer are soundless when they run but you can hear a humming sound if you listen carefully.

This silence or humming sound denotes that the drive is working properly and efficiently. But if you hear some weird noise while the drives are working, then you need to be concerned, as these weird noise denote that there is some problem while the drive is running and is not working properly.

If you hear any weird noise while the drives are working, you should not overlook it as this may lead to a hardware problem resulting in the malfunction of the drive. Some examples of weird noise from the hard disc drive and cd/dvd drive are:

• Sounds like claking/metal tapping
• Sounds like studding access data
• Sounds like metal moving around
• Buzzing Sound
• Clicking Sound
• Whizzing Sound
• Screeching Sound
• Grinding Sound
• Tickling Sound

If you come across any such problem, it is strongly recommended to get in touch with a computer repair company for tech support.

Mouse Pointer Moves Too Slow or Too Fast?

We all computer users know what a mouse is in the computer terminology. But do you know how is the mouse speed controlled? In many cases, it is seen that the mouse pointer moves too slow or too fast. Do you know how to resolve this issue? Yes, you can talk to a computer services company and get it resolved very easily but what about trying to solve the problem on your own?

Usually we use 2 – click button mouse. There is a certain mouse which has 3 click buttons too. But the 2 click ones are the most popular. One is the left click and the other is the right click. The left click is used mostly while the right click is used for special functions. The left click is used mainly for pointing and selecting purpose while the right click is used for getting an alternate menu related to that content.

But what is a mouse pointer then? When we move a mouse we see an arrow which helps in pointing…that is the mouse pointer.

Its movement can be controlled from the control pane. In the control panel page choose mouse and open it to get a properties page. In it under pointer options one can reduce or increase the speed of the pointer.

In case, the pointer is very slow or very fast it can be controlled from the mouse pointer properties page.

If changes in the mouse properties page don’t resolve the issue then one might need to look into the mouse drivers (if there is any driver then). One can go ahead and uninstall the mouse drivers from the add/remove programs page. Once done, restart the pc and then try to look for an updated driver from the manufactures website.

One last step which can be done is unchecking the “enhance mouse precision” option under the pointer options in mouse properties page. For further tech support, one can talk to an expert.

How to Install RAM in Computer?

RAM is a very important component of a computer. And sometimes we install RAM to upgrade the computer for better performance. Now the question is how to install RAM in computer? Have you purchased the RAM? Before buying determine what kind of RAM does your system require and buy accordingly.

To install RAM do the following:

* Unplug the computer and open the computer case to get access to the motherboard.

* Locate where the current RAM is on your motherboard. Is there any extra slot next to your current RAM? If yes, leave the current memory in your computer and insert the new RAM in the available slot.

* It is suggested to take away any cards or internal components so that you can get clear access to RAM sockets.

* Pick up the RAM by the ends without touching pins or chips.

* RAM could only be installed in one direction only. Have a look at the bottom of the RAM stick. It is required to adjust the notches in the RAM with the keys in the slot on the motherboard.

* The retainer clips for the RAM should be all the way open.

* You also need to place the RAM in the slot properly.

* If the RAM is properly set in the slot, the retaining clips on either side of the RAM will snap into place, with a "clicking" sound.

* Connect all the peripherals and switch on the computer. To check whether the RAM is working or not, you need to right click on the My Computer and choose properties option. The amount of RAM will be shown here.

* Shut down the computer and disconnect the computer peripherals and close the computer case up.

For further assistance on RAM installation, you can talk to a technical support expert.

Tips to Configure Error Reporting in Windows XP

Windows XP operating system comes with an error reporting feature which could be used to report computer and program errors to Microsoft. The company utilizes these reports to track and fix problems with the operating system. Do you know, you can enable, disable, and even modify the way that error reporting works on Windows XP operating system? How? The process is described in this article. If you need more Windows XP support, you can talk to a PC expert.

Typically, in case of an error, a dialog box is displayed prompting to report the problem to Microsoft. If you click on the send report option, technical details about the problem are sent to Microsoft over the Internet. An Internet connection is required to use the feature. You can also cancel this clicking on don’t send option.

How to access the settings for the reporting feature? The process is stated below:

* Click Start.
* Right-click My Computer, then click Properties.
* Click the Advanced tab.
* Click Error Reporting.

How to configure the error reporting? In Windows XP operating system, error reporting option is enabled by default. You can disable it clicking “Disable error reporting.” If you want to report only the critical errors, select the “But notify me when critical errors occur” check box. Option is also there to report errors only for chosen programs. To avail this, click “Choose Programs” option and click “All programs in this list”. To select error reporting for specific program, click “Add” and select the program with browse option.

How to Deal with Virus?

In the era of internet, viruses are a known threat for all of us. A virus can damage your computer badly in many ways. First, it can cause hardware damage and the operating system as well. Even motherboards, hard drives, etc. of the system might be permanently damaged by a virus. We upload our personal information to various websites and it might also be stolen by a computer virus. So, it is quite clear that a virus can present you some sleepless night.


So the big question is how to deal with virus? Using a powerful antivirus software is a very good choice. There are many antivirus software available in the market which help you to protect your data and private information. To hack your computer, viruses and spyware take help of system bugs or errors. And these antivirus software resolve all kinds system problems swiftly and safely.

Since there are many antivirus software available in the market, it is very hard for an individual to choose the best one. AVG, Norton, Avast, Avira, Microsoft Security Essentials, Macafee, Nod32, trendmicro, Symantac, etc. are some of the top names in this regard. You can start with their trial versions. If you are satisfied, then you can buy them. There are many PC repair companies which also offer Virus removal support.

Increase Virtual Memory in Windows XP for Better Performance

Do you know, you can increase performance of your Windows XP operating system by increasing its virtual memory? Virtual memory is a temporary space on the hard drive that the operating system uses in case of shortage of RAM.


Windows XP is a multi tasking operating system and to run multi tasks, a virtual memory is created when there is a shortage of RAM. To create this virtual memory, a part of hard drive is used. Now the question is how to increase the virtual memory. You can ask for remote tech support to sort this problem.

Following are the steps to increase virtual memory:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
3. On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings.
4. On the Advanced tab, under Virtual memory, click Change.
5. Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file that you want to change.
6. Under Paging file size for selected drive, click to Custom size check box. You can enter the amount of memory you would like to reserve for Virtual memory by entering the initial and maximum size.
7. Click Set
8. When you are prompted to restart the computer, click yes.

You must remember one thing. There is always a minimum and maximum limit of the virtual memory. It is very important to choose a correct virtual memory. The minimum limit of virtual memory is 1.5 times of the Ram size and the maximum limit of virtual memory is 2 times of the actual RAM size.

How to Turn Off Autorun in Windows XP

Whenever we insert a media into the drive, Windows automatically starts reading it. This is because of the AutoPlay function. AutoPlay is enabled for removable drives with Windows XP SP2 and later editions of Windows. Even the ZIP drives and some USB mass storage devices also automatically run when connected to computer. Do you want to turn off Autorun option in Windows XP?
Do the following:
1. Click on Start button in Windows and open the Run dialogue box.

2. Write gpedit.msc in the search box.

3. You will find Administrative Templates under Computer Configuration.

4. Expand Administrative Templates.

5. Click on System.

6. You will find Turn Off Autoplay on the right hand pane.

7. Double click on Turn Off Autoplay option.

8. Under Turn Off Autoplay properties select the Enabled option and select the drive that you want to Turn off autoplay.

9. Click on Apply and Ok.

If you need technical support in this regard, talk to a PC expert.

Ultra Low Power Athlon II X2 270u Hits Market In Quarter 3

According to the recent news, AMD is going to release one more ultra low power CPU. This time it is Athlon II X2 270u. The processor is based on C3 revision of the Regor dual-core. Athlon II X2 270u is a 25W dual-core with DDR3 1333 support.

Also it has a 2MB cache and is compatible with AM3 motherboards. It is expected that Athlon II X2 270u will hit the market in quarter 3 of 2010.

Are you thinking, what would be the price of Athlon II X2 270u? The price of this product is in higher side. AndAthlon II X2 270u will be available in the market at $150.

Do you need technical support to resolve any computer related issues? You can talk to a help desk specialist.

No Sound in Windows XP, What to do?

Is not there any sound in Windows XP operating system? Or, no sound is coming from the speakers or headphones? There might be several reasons behind this problem. It might be corrupt or incompatible drivers, wrong sound settings, or missing updates. Do the following to make out and fix common sound problems in Windows XP.

First and foremost, check the sound card of the system (if installed). Click on Start and go to Control Panel. Then double-click System, and choose the Hardware tab, and then click on Device Manager. You might be asked for an administrator password or confirmation. Give the password for confirmation.

If there is a sound card installed, go to video and game controllers category, and check whether the card is showing or not. You can run the Diagnose and fix sound playback issues. If you find the hardware devices are not detected or not working, fix it.

If the issue still persists, you need to update drivers. First, update the operating system of the Windows. Then install software from the device manufacturer. For more help regarding sound problem in Windows XP, you can talk to a computer help provider. There are many remote computer repair companies that assist you to resolve these types of issues.

Internet Safety Tips

Are you new to the realm of internet? If yes, you must remember some internet safety tips to make your internet browsing much easier, faster and safe. To save your precious time, you must go for a fast internet connection. You can choose a DSL connection or a Cable connection. These type of connections are very fast and the pages get loaded very quickly.


In many cases, it is seen that the users forget to log out from their account. This could be a dreadful mistake as your personal and confidential information could be revealed to another user. So, whether it is your home computer or public computers, if you login don’t forget to logout of that account when your job is done.

New users use simple passwords like “password” or “123” so that they can remember it. But remember that it increases the risk of your account to be hacked. So, it is strongly recommended to use passwords having alpha numeric and special characters.

Can’t you remember the URLs of the sites? You don’t require remembering them. Bookmark pages and your browser will remember them.

Sometimes you may get emails stating that you have won a prize. Don’t get fooled by these types of mails. Don’t open emails from unreliable source. More importantly, never open the attachments from these types of sources as they may have viruses.

For more assistance on internet safety and computer help, you can talk to an expert.

Antec’s 1200W PSU, a Popular Choice

A PSU or Power Supply Unit is a part which supplies power to the other components in a computer. This power supply unit has been designed to convert general-purpose alternating current (AC) electric power from the mains to usable low-voltage DC power. This is done to run the internal components of the computer. There are some power supplies available which come with a switch to change between 230 V and 115 V. There are also many other models that have automatic sensors and they switch input voltage automatically.

With new gaming titles coming up round the corner, gaming enthusiasts are looking for new high-end graphics card for their gaming purposes. But some of the new graphics card requires additional power to run efficiently. A normal power supply won’t be able to handle the extra power required by the new graphics card. For this reason, it is important to upgrade the existing power supply unit of the computer with a bigger one, which will be able to handle these tasks effortlessly and efficiently.

This is where Antec’s new power supply unit comes into view. This new PSU has a rating of 1200W and has an 80mm fan inside it. This new PSU comes in two forms. One is a normal one, while the other one is an OC version. This is for those who want to do heavy over clocking in their computer. For any assistance on PSU or other computer help, talk to a PC expert.

Following is the specifications and list of connectors for this PSU: