http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint This section contains information about how to maintain and upgrade your PC. How to cleanup your computer's hard disk, clean your computer's registry, tune-up and tweak your PC, upgrade your computer's sound card, upgrade your computer's graphic cards, install an optical drive. en-us Wed, 12 Sep 2018 09:20:26 GMT http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/80031801.asp The Control Panel contains almost every utility you need to administrate, configure, secure, and troubleshoot the Windows Operating system. The quickest way to access the Control Panel would be to create a desktop shortcut. Wed, 12 Sep 2018 09:20:26 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/80051902.asp The proper way is to fix a stuck Windows update is to go to a command prompt, stop the update service, rename the folders where the update files were stored, and then restart the update service. Thu, 12 Jul 2018 12:11:22 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/80090303.asp In this article you'll learn what are Electrical Surge, Spike Events are and how you protect your electronics from them. Here are some guidelines that you should use when selecting a Surge Protector. Wed, 28 Mar 2018 10:49:38 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/82012602.asp McAfee and Norton are top notch antivirus programs, and if you're configuring a business computer, there are reasons you should stick with one of those. The disadvantage for the home user is that you have to pay for them. But Windows Defender is Windows 10 built-in antivirus program. Fri, 04 Nov 2016 18:55:25 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/82051001.asp If your PC is not running as fast as it used to, it is usually caused by corrupted files too many junk files, fragmented disk, and registry overload. These common problems can be easily fixed. Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:10:53 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/86010901.asp Junk files are the unwanted or useless files that accumulate on your hard drive over time. They could use up valuable memory space that could affect the performance of your PC. Fri, 21 Nov 2014 17:31:28 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/88010901.asp Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP says registry cleaning programs are all snake oil. Cleaning of the registry isn't needed and is dangerous. Leave the registry alone and don't use any registry cleaner. Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:48:15 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/88061105.asp Hackers are continuously probing for flaws in applications that they can exploit to take control of your system. When a software publisher learns that an exploit has been discovered, they immediately release a patch to close the hole. Patch My PC is a free application that checks for the availability of patches. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:40:56 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/88080602.asp Study after study has found that microwave radiation causes cancer. Do you really want to sit in front of,lay your hands on, and wrap your hand around a wireless computer mouse? Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:48:46 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/88093001.asp New toner cartridges can cost from $100.00 to $400.00. Why waste your money buying new toner cartridges. This video shows you how easy it is for you to refill your own toner cartridges. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:09:55 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/89000901.asp Wireless printing can be extremely useful but is difficult to set up. This article shows you how to set up a wireless printer in a wireless network with a router. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:07:38 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/89022502.asp This ebook shows you how to take control of your computer and configure it the way it should be, for optimal performance. Then this ebook show you how to perform critical computer maintenance such as backing up, defragmenting the hard disk, setting up anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall protection systems. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:33:24 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/89052603.asp Almost every motherboard has integrated video circuitry, but it's usually not sufficient for today's power 3D game enthusiast. They always replace the on-board video circuitry with the latest high-performance video graphics card. Here's how to upgrade your PC's graphics card. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 22:17:48 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/89070801.asp How about making your PC faster without upgrading it? We've brought you a list of easy-to-perform tips that not only give new life to your PC and save you from spending a great deal of money and time. Mon, 23 May 2011 17:25:50 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/89110401.asp Annoyed by Window's constantly nagging pop-up messages? Windows 7 Action Center lets you decide which Windows 7 alerts you see and which you don't. Action Center monitors many system security and system maintenance features of your computer and if the status of a monitored item changes it notifies you with a message in the notification area on the taskbar. Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:57:50 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/90011203.asp A wireless network is set-up for sharing access to the internet, files, printers, and other computer functions. A Wireless network is also used in offices and homes so one can have internet access and local network connection anywhere in the office or at home. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:42:59 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/90032202.asp Does your computer run slower than a 69 AMC Gremlin? Before you toss it out that second floor window try a few things suggested in this ebook. There are many things that can make a computer run slow, and most of them can be easily fixed by you. Wed, 8 Sep 2010 15:18:49 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/90032801.asp What could be better than relaxing at home watching a film, browsing the Internet, enjoying your favourite music or TV show in digital High Definition, or spending a couple of hours whacking your enemy in World of Warcraft. Once upon a time you needed at least half a dozen different expensive items of hardware in your home to do this, but not any more. Thu, 2 Sep 2010 20:13:58 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/90032901.asp The Pinnacle PCTV HD Card brings Standard and High Definition TV with full personal video recorder functionality to your PC – with no desktop clutter. Watch, time shift and even automatically record all of your favorite TV shows with no service fees. Wed, 1 Sep 2010 18:12:43 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/90060802.asp When you buy a new PC, it always comes loaded with unwanted trialware and applications that you need to "register" (have your credit card ready) to install. PC Decrapifier is a free program that can help you remove this crapware. Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:44:36 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/90100902.asp If your PC is running Windows XP Service Pack 2, the first thing you need to do is turn off the firewall. Why? Because a serious firewall blocks unwanted inbound and OUTBOUND connections. SP2's firewall does not block unwanted outbound connections. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:02:33 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/91020303.asp The boot sequence of Windows Vista and later systems is slightly different from previous versions. For Windows Vista, the MBR instead loads the Windows Boot Manager (BOOTMGR), which accesses the Boot Configuration Data store (BCD). Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:39:53 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/91031902.asp You can quite easily install a laptop RAM module that will appreciatively give you more speed and improved performance. You could get it done by a professional, but why? This is an extremely simple job. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:33:46 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/91110203.asp How would you like a PC 30 percent or more faster, for FREE, and with very little risk? It's a bit of a no-brainer really isn't it? Overclocking is becoming more popular than ever as a means of getting more out of your PC without having to spend any money. Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:23:16 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/91111101.asp Windows requires many different system files in order to start and run properly. If your computer is not properly protected, a malicious program like a virus or spyware might modify or delete a system file. Or if your system crashes, system file might get corrupted. You can use Windows built-in System File Checker utility to scan your computers system files. Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:37:00 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/92010601.asp We all know that we should back up our system as soon as possible. But if you're like most of us, you will get to it tomorrow. Taking the time to backup your data or entire hard drive is not as painstaking as it may seem. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:28:08 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/92021001.asp Have you noticed your mouse gets a bit erratic or unresponsive? The problem may simply be grit and grime - plain or dirt! Both optical and mechanical mice suffer from the accumulation of dirt and oils from our hands and dust on the mousing surface. Here are the directions you need to give your mouse a good bath! Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:01:41 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/92022801.asp What is the confusion about RAM? Most computer users do some research before upgrading their system so they exactly know about a perfectly matching CPU, motherboard and video card combination that will meet all their needs. But most of them fail when it comes to RAM because they don't know what DDR1, DDR2 or DDR3 is all about. Fri, 3 Oct 2008 17:45:41 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/92031402.asp Everyone who buys a notebook wants to know how long its battery will last. The brief answer - it depends! Battery Life is highly variable, depending on how you use your laptop. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:17:47 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/92031401.asp Remove the old graphics card, if you had one. Your monitor may have been connected to the integrated graphics card. You won't be removing this one. Take the new card and place it in the slot you just took the old card out of, that is, if this card is made for the same type of slot. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:21:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/92041005.asp Windows Defender scans your computer for malicious software and provides alerts and default actions such as putting suspicious software into a quarantine area where it can't run. It also uses real-time protection, which detects a malicious or unknown programs attempting to install themselves or run on your computer or attempting to change important Windows settings. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:24:49 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/92062605.asp A computer's Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) is embedded software on a motherboard that will control attached hardware. All BIOS components are serviceable via a firmware upgrade that is known as "flashing" this process is called "updating the BIOS". Thu, 5 Jun 2008 20:20:25 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/92071803.asp Surge protectors are often the last thing most people buy when setting up a new computer system. By using a power strip (a fancy extension cord) in place of surge protector you are setting yourself up to damage your computer. Tue, 13 May 2008 21:47:52 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93011801.asp Microsoft has poured millions of person-hours into Windows Vista. Guess what: A few hours of your own time could make it a whole lot better - more convenient, more efficient, faster, more secure, and less frustrating. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93062002.asp Not only have these junk files wasted the valuable disk space, but also made the system as slow as a snail. Let us learn how to clean the systematic junk out! Just two simple steps to DIY your own Disk Cleanup program. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93072103.asp A simple Webcam setup consists of a Digital Camera attached to your computer, usually through the USB port. The camera part of the Webcam setup is just a digital camera, the 'Webcam' nature of the camera derives from the software. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93080002.asp You may be wondering if your computer is 'Vista Ready'. My first gripe with Vista. If you are currently running Windows 2000, there is no upgrade offered to Vista. This article is designed to point out a few potential pitfalls. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93081101.asp If Vista Product Activation detects a licensing problem, Vista enters 'reduced functionality mode'. Reduced functionality mode doesn't affect your data, but it will not let you run many of your applications without first entering the product license key. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93082101.asp An Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) is normally bought as an afterthought, if any money is left after buying the PCs. But a UPS not only keeps work going in case of a power cut, but also protects machines as an advanced surge protector and a device that provides clean power supply essential for a PC. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93092303.asp The first thing to do in setting up a wireless home network is to get the correct equipment. A wireless home networking kit typically, these come with a firewalled wireless router (e.g. the immensely popular Linksys WRT54G). Some also bundle a wireless PC card for connecting laptops to the network, or a wireless USB adapter for connecting desktop PCs. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93101603.asp PC's have internal real time clocks designed to maintain system time. The internal clocks rely on relatively low-cost crystal oscillators, which are notoriously inaccurate. In many cases PC system time can drift by several minutes each day. This article describes various methods of maintaining a highly accurate time on your PC. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93102103.asp Satellite Internet services are used in locations where terrestrial Internet access is not available and in locations which move frequently. There are three types of satellite internet service. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93102301.asp Windows Vista requires new equipment and more memory to run efficiently and it may have problems using current XP hardware or software. In this article I'll look at whether we actually need Vista. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/93111601.asp The purpose of this procedure is to get your computer running again in peak performance just like the day you purchased it. Many of the steps listed here will free up wasted hard disk space, increase protection of personal information from outside intrusions, and clean and reorganize the system registry. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94030101.asp Installing a new dedicated sound card in an empty expansion bay will greatly improve the quality and sound of anything you listen to on your computer, especially those awesome in depth games you play. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94042303.asp if you do plan to work with graphic arts or plan to play a lot of games on your computer you will definitely need to get a graphics card that has a lot of memory as well as a high-speed processor. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94042401.asp In order to keep your system clean, you need to properly install and uninstall applications. Many applications tend to leave permanent files laying around on your hard disk. Your system does not need these files and so, apart from wasting space, sometimes they may adversely affect the performance of your system. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94042706.asp When it comes to getting the printing done, there are a few things one should keep in mind to prevent wasting too much of quality photo paper, and the costly printing ink. In this article, we'll review a few basic terms related to digital photography and offer a few tips on getting the best prints. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94050207.asp The motherboard is the most expensive computer component so be sure to treat and handle it with great care. There are a few things you should do to ensure no motherboard damage occur as you prepare for the installation. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94051302.asp If your computers are in the same room, the Wireless network should not be considered. Computer that may be close to each other but cannot be seen may and have phone jacks close by can easily be networked with the HomePNA Network. While PCs that are far from each other can be connected with the powerline network, assuming wall outlets are nearby. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94052802.asp If you are among the increasing number of mobile executives who are switching from PCs to laptops, it is inevitable that you will soon face a situation where you will need to educate yourself about laptop batteries. And then, at some point, buy them. Here are some basic guidelines. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94052805.asp When you are ready to begin installing your new DVD Drive, ave plenty of room on your desk or table to work. Allow enough space to move around and to be able to move the system unit as well. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94061701.asp To make your Windows operating system more reliable, disable automatic Windows Update. If you don't beleive me, just google the phrase 'windows update causes problems' and you'll receive over 50 million results. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94062501.asp TweakUI is one of a group of utilities called 'PowerToys' that you can download from Microsoft's web site for free. TweakUI makes it easy to configure several Windows Interface options that are difficult to find or are not available in Control Panel. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94070101.asp The Windows registry can become bloated with invalid information left behind by uninstalled hardware and software, and by missing files and drivers. A bloated registry can cause your PC to operate sluggishly, become unstable, and crash frequently. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94072101.asp Adding a fast optical drive will increase your PC's flexibility and even if you're on a budget, drives that read and burn any format won't put you in the poorhouse. For less than 100 bucks you can get an 8X DVD combo drive that writes to all major formats of rewritable DVD. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94090701.asp Buying a printer can be a complicated business, there are more shapes, sizes and types of printers available to the home and small business user than ever before. Printers have also become specialized for their intended purpose. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94092201.asp Increasing your computer's memory is one of the most powerful ways to improve performance. The following 12-step guide illustrates how you can install your desktop memory upgrade in 10 minutes or less. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94092402.asp When you've upgraded your PC system by adding on a number of new peripherals it might be time to upgrade your power supply as well. Please note that many popular PC systems use power supplies made especially for those systems and cannot be replaced. Read your instruction manuals to make sure your PC's power supply can be upgraded. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94100502.asp You absolutely MUST have a surge protector to guard your system against electrical spikes and surges, and do NOT sacrifice quality to save a few dollars. Leaving your PC with inferior surge protection is tantamount to inviting unthinkable disaster. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94101202.asp If you have been running Windows XP for a couple of years or more you may find that it is not running quite as quickly and smoothly as it was when you did your first install. The purpose of this guide is to give you a checklist to follow so that a reloading of Windows goes smoothly the first time. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/95060901.asp You troubleshoot printing issues like you would any other computer/network related problem. You start at a general point and rule out the possibilities until you have the specific cause. The first question that you need to answer is: 'Is the problem hardware, software, network or performance related?'. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/95062401.asp The problem with the Control Panel is that there are too many utilities that we never use. If we locate the utility we need, we still have to figure out which tab contains the control we need. Let's design our own Super Control Panel that contains only the utilities we need, identifies them logically, and takes us directly to the tab we need. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/96001602.asp The Registry is normally modified through Administrative or Control Panel utilities, but it is possible to edit the Registry directly. It's wise to backup the Registry before making any changes. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/96032001.asp How many hours of work did you put into creating that data? One little event, like a power line spike from a lightning strike, and all that work could be lost. Unfortunately, backing up with Windows XP Home Edition is not as simple as it should be. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/96041201.asp The following is included in a typical ink refill kit: ink bottles, syringes and detailed instructions. Some kits include an air balance clip for balancing the air inside the cartridge to ensure proper ink flow. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/97022510.asp Does your computer run as fast as it did the first day you brought it home from the store? If you have been using it for several months or more, more than likely it has begun to operate more slowly. The most common cause is a fragmented hard disk. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/97082420.asp Sometimes you need a print immediately, other times you need to continue working with your application while printing. You can make your printer accommodate your needs by configuring your printers 'Spool Settings' and 'Print Queue'. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/97102420.asp The most important part of installing memory is to make sure you are using the correct type of memory for your motherboard. Its important to study the manual that came with your motherboard to determine exactly what type and speed of memory is required. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/97110300.asp Installing a new hard drive remains one of the most popular upgrade projects for PC users. And it's easy to see why. Today's drives are bigger than ever and bargain priced, and they offer a performance boost, as well. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/98002971.asp If your operating system is Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000, it isn't bootable with a boot disk. With these operating systems you need an Emergency Repair Disk that works with the systems built-in repair functions. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/98011611.asp In Windows 3.x configuration information was stored in human readable text files like win.ini, system.ini, config.sys, and autoexec.bat. But that method of storing configuration was inadequate to store configuration for the enormous amount of bloat Microsoft put into Windows 95 and higher. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/98011630.asp Before you remove the hard drive, you should backup all files on your old drive and capture your system information using a separate utility. Even though you may not need this utility, it's worth its weight in gold should something go wrong with the installation of the new drive. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/94072103.asp Because your power supply is so important to the life of your system, when it's time to buy a power supply it is essential that you know the difference between a good power supply and one that is merely adequate. So, what should you look for in a power supply? Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/98011761.asp There are several reasons why you might want to divide your hard disk into partitions. For example, you might want to keep your operating system and your data on two different partitions. That way you can re-install the operating system (or a different operating system) without losing your data. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/98011791.asp The ink cartridge for a low end HP printer, containing only one tiny ounce of ink, costs a mind boggling $30.00! That's price gouging, and all printer manufacturers are doing it. That's called PRICE FIXING and it's illegal. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/winmaint/mypanel.asp My Control Panel is an alternate interface to the Windows Control Panel. Rather than needing to figure out which tab on which Control Panel utility should be used to accomplish a particular task, My Control Panel displays a list of tasks. Simply click on the task you wish to accomplish and the appropriate Control Panel utility will open to the specific tab required. This makes Windows configuration much easier. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:25:37 GMT