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07.01.2010
Fix it
I’ve just finished setting up a new PC for a client and I think some of you will be interested in some of the tweaks I make to all of my clients PCs to make them quicker. I’ve focused here on the ones which are simple to do and won’t cause problems if you get it wrong, rather than listing registry tweaks etc.
1. Disable Indexing Services
Indexing Services is a small little program that uses large amounts of RAM and can often make a computer endlessly loud and noisy. This system process indexes and updates lists of all the files that are on your computer. It does this so that when you do a search for something on your computer, it will search faster by scanning the index lists. If you don’t search your computer often, or even if you do search often, this system service is completely unnecessary. To disable do the following:
- Go to Start
- Click Settings
- Click Control Panel
- Double-click Add/Remove Programs
- Click the Add/Remove Window Components
- Uncheck the Indexing services
- Click Next read more
01.10.2009
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Six ways to look after your iPhone
By Tom Kaneshige | CIO UK
Published: 09:10 GMT, 14 August 09
It’s a wonder Apple sales folks aren’t dressed up like storks when they sell you an iPhone. The device has taken on a life of its own, and iPhone owners cradle them like newborns.
Like new parents, though, most iPhone owners have no idea how to care for their new iPhone. So here are some tips to keep the iPhone in tip-top condition.
1. Audio Problems: Clean the Screens
At the bottom of the iPhone, there’s a speaker on the left and a microphone on the right. If you can’t hear anything or if someone can’t hear you, most people fear the worst: internal damage in the sound system. But there’s a good chance that the holes are merely clogged with debris.
If you’re experiencing sound degradation: try putting a dab of strong rubbing alcohol – 90 per cent alcohol – on an old tooth brush and use the brush and a can of compressed air to clean the holes. But don’t use too much alcohol. You don’t want any liquid to find its way in. The potential of liquid getting into the phone would make anyone nervous, so proceed at your own risk. read more
31.08.2009
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If you’re having trouble getting USB or other devices to work with your computer, cleaning any grime from the connecting ports is a good first step.
Turn off the hardware first. If you can see that the port is severely clogged, say, with peanut butter or another thick, child-friendly substance, gently dig the gunk out with toothpicks. But remember: Ethernet, serial, and other jacks rely on fragile pins, so try to move in and out on the same path instead of swirling around the sides.
For less sticky situations, use a can of compressed air (actually pressurized gases) to blast out loose bits. These cans sell for £5 to £10 at any computer store. (Keep them away from children: The gases are dangerous to inhale and come out extremely cold.) Fire at the target in short bursts.
Finish cleaning with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or electronics cleaner. Leave the device turned off for a couple hours to dry.
09.05.2008
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Your MacBook computer has two memory slots that you access by removing the memory door in the battery bay. Your MacBook comes with at least 512 megabytes (MB) of 667 MHz Double Data Rate (DDR2) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) installed.
Both memory slots can accept an SDRAM module that meets the following specifications:
- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR SO-DIMM) format
- 1.25 inch or smaller
- 512 MB or 1 gigabyte (GB)
- 200-pin
- PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz Type RAM
Depending on the configuration of the MacBook you purchased, both memory slots may already be full. The maximum amount of memory you can install in your MacBook is 2 GB (using 1 GB DIMMs in both memory slots).
Note: For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. read more
20.03.2008
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The SMU (System Management Unit) is a microcontroller chip on the logic board that controls all power functions for your computer. If your computer is experiencing any power issue, resetting the SMU may resolve it. The SMU controls several functions, including:
- Telling the computer when to turn on, turn off, sleep, wake, idle, and so on.
- Handling system resets from various commands.
- Controlling the fans.
Note that resetting the SMU does not reset the PRAM. Resetting the SMU will not resolve issues in which your computer is unresponsive—in these situations, restarting your computer will generally suffice. If your computer isn’t responding, perform these steps one at a time, in this order, until the issue has been resolved:
Resetting the SMU can resolve some computer issues such as not starting up, not displaying video, sleep issues, fan noise issues, and so on. If your computer still exhibits these types of issues even after you’ve restarted the computer, try resetting the SMU. To reset the SMU on one of these iMacs:
- Turn off the computer by choosing Shut Down from the Apple menu, or by holding the power button until the computer turns off.
- Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Plug in the power cord while simultaneously pressing and holding the power button on the back of the computer.
- Let go of the power button.
- Press the power button once more to start up your iMac.
The original iMac G5 model has a small button on the main logic board that will also reset the SMU, allowing you to reset the SMU easily if you have the back cover removed. The original iMac G5 will start up when pressing this button.