Being a computer technician isn’t that easy because not all errors can be fixed instantly. There are some errors and viruses which requires more patience in trying and in researching. In order for you to make things a lot easier, I’ve listed some of the most useful programs for computer technicians.
CCleaner - A freeware program that allows you to clean your system. This can optimize your system by removing unused files from your computer. This can also clean your registry including your internet history. This program can really help you maximize your hard disks space.
Hijackthis – This program is used to remove viruses or even start-up programs that are unwanted. This program will scan your computer and will display potential viruses and unwanted start up programs.
Device doctor – A freeware program that scans your computer for unknown devices and will display the needed driver for the device. This will also scan your drivers for possible updates. This can also be used without an internet connection.
System information – This program will display everything you need to know about your system. This will show everything from lan card, processor, hard drive and more. This is very useful especially in determining compatible RAM’s for your hardware.
Recuva – This is a recovery program that is very easy to use. Just select your desired drive where you want to recover your files that was erased or accidentally erased.
Speedfan – This program can be downloaded and is used to monitor your cpu temperature. This program can help minimize overheating. Just install and run this program to show your temperatures.
Unknown devices – This program will automatically detect and will distinguish your unknown devices.
Double killer – This will scan your computer for duplicate files. This can maximize your disk space by removing duplicate files.
Pc Decrapifier – This is a application remover. It can remove unwanted application currently installed on your computer because some programs can’t be uninstalled easily. This can help you make sure that the program is already removed.
Sysinternals Process Explorer – This is basically a process viewer where you can monitor your cpu usage by running this program. You can also use this to check if there are running applications that can possibly be a virus or even a Trojan.
The said programs are just few of the most important programs that a computer technician must have for him/her to distinguish the problem more easily. This programs can help you in troubleshooting computer problems.
Did you know who invented the first computer? Maybe you have different answer from mine. This only shows that the creation of computers was very complicated and innovative. In my article, I will briefly discuss the history of the early computers.
It was in 1936 when the first computer was invented and developed by the most promising creation of Konrad Zuse. Though it has been claimed that there were devices prior to it but it was the first ever made for programming.
It was then the beginning of break through of computers when they further developed computer known as Harvard Mark I in 1944 through ABC Computers company owned by John Atanasoff. But as it is said, human beings are naturally creative and broadminded. They spontaneously tried to invent advanced computers which are far better and faster. Eventually, the ENIAC I was assembled that consisted more or less 20,000 tubes for its different operations.
Furthering computer science in the year of 1953, another company contributed the evolution of computers through the IBM 701 EDPM Computer. IBM stands for International Business Machine. This time, it was much faster and better. It signified more competition not only in small but also in big businesses more specifically the computer-related businesses. Gradually, the programming language was leveled up with the use of FORTRAN because “assembly or binary” language is too slow. And it was early 1955, when the bank of America started the manipulation of computers in banking industry and finally in 1958, the devices became more modernized because they created built-in computers where motherboards and cards had many “chips” that operated the system.
In the age of computers, many inventors continued their discoveries until gaming and internets were on the rise. The first computer game called Spacewar was programmed in 1962 by Steve Russel. Lately in 1964, Douglas Engelbart invented a mouse or ”tail” which triggered more computer games programs.
Another break through of computer advancement is the internet in 1969. Originally, ARPA became the foundation of internet which has been used nowadays. Though, lately in 1973, a networking card became the pave way to transfer data to the other computer.
Step 3. After loading all the necessary installation files Accept User License Agreement screen will appear read it if you want or simply press F8 to accept and continue.
Generally, the length of time for every system that runs smoothly depends on the users. Usually, errors and data corruption happen only if the user doesn't properly use it. However, inescapably, we come across some troubles that we really need to defrag because out of nowhere, the computer gets slower and slower. Why? The possible reason is what and how much you installed? Can your hard disk and processor load them?
Quite soon after, you can hear a very strange noise coming for your computer. In some extreme cases, the computer suddenly shuts down and restarts. This strongly signals, if not late, to do repair and troubleshooting.
Here are some tips to prolong the life of your computer.
- Never buy your computer with unlicensed pre-installed software. Make it sure that your computer is configured properly by an IT experts; otherwise, you will encounter such problems mentioned above.
- Handle your computer with care. Apart from the environmental factors that affect the life expectancy of your computer such as dirt, dust, sunlight, lightning and the like. Heat is actually the primary cause of a shorter expectancy. More specifically, the laptops are more susceptible to hot temperature. Never put on your lap or on bed for long time. Never switch on if still in its case.
- Clean regularly. It is advisable to regularly clean the cooling system or exit vents. The cooling fan normally filters dust that causes the major problem for the system work smoothly and efficiently. If unattended, the computer eventually breaks down.
Aside from skills improvement and earning credible employment history, another thing you can work on to level up is networking. What some often take for granted is marketing themselves after spicing up for better career. Create ways in exposing yourself in the market. There’s nothing more massive and more effective in doing this than networking.
Advantages of Gaining Network
The traditional way of employment is applying for companies who have vacant positions. Once you’re hired, like it or not you have to stay in a considerable length of time to avoid stain on your employment record. This is the common scenario in the employment these days. Why suffer circumstances of not knowing the companies in your industry, when you could have gain information of favorable entities in your field and their requirements for approving an applicant? Yes, you could search the internet. However, you’ll only have a limited access of the real scenario. Companies are creating ways on improving their image in the internet. Of course, they will. These are part of marketing their products and/or services. Thus, most likely, you’ll only know their goody goodies. To know the real situation in known companies in your chosen industry, network.
Another advantage of networking is you got to know insider insights on how you’ll have the favorable positions. You won’t get this on simple searching as everybody seems to be selfish enough not to give information in the world. Then, why they will give you info then? Scratch their backs and they’ll scratch yours. Socialize with fellow career people in the industry, share knowledge and your own discoveries. Try networking. You may even get to met favorable employers in the long run.
Tips on Networking
Here are ways you can network:
- Participate in forums and online career organization in your industry.
- Have a frequent communication with previous classmates and acquaintances, as they might give you real good advice and information in boosting your career.
- Be sociable. Involve yourself in events where you could get a chance to market yourself, gain knowledge and insider insights, and connect with people whom you could extend your network.
- Be accommodating. Help others and do not be selfish. God has His ways of bringing back your goodness.
Business entities nowadays have extended its arms to the online realm. This trend requires almost everyone to have their very own website, a very own page in the World Wide Web. Nevertheless, having a website is not a guarantee of reaching your market. Indeed, almost everyone uses internet these days. But, have in mind that there are many websites reaching the market you wanted. If you want to reach the market, aim for nice web traffic. Here are some tips on how to achieve better site traffic.
Create blog for your website. People visit sites that provide essential information. Sharing your expertise on net through blogging will surely boost your credibility in the market. It is easy to write an article. You don’t need a perfect grammar. You only got to have sensible thinking and of course knowledge of the specific area your market tackles. Aside from these basic writing essentials, you also need to use proper keywords in your article to attain search engines citations. Write keywords that are commonly used by searchers. However, don’t overuse keywords. It’ll make your article annoying to readers. You are writing for humans, not for robots.
Take part on social sites and forums. Everyone uses the edge of search engine optimization to attain good traffic. Some even hire experts. If you haven’t got enough resources, don’t lose hope. You can still manage to outrun competitors. Secure membership on social and market related sites. Take part on popular forums. You can advertise your site on these forums. Answer questions sincerely, followed by your website’s name. Moreover, don’t spam. If you do so, you’ll lose your market’s trust instead of earning it.
Gain network. Networking is the most neglected aspect of gaining better website traffic. There are popular sites who do allow business advertisements in return of back linking. It’s like, “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours”. Earn these sites’ trust first before asking them any favor. They would not help you increase traffic for your website, if you’d appear in their circle like a mushroom and instantly seek their favor. No one likes people who befriends due to pure interest.
Internet brings back the time when people barter what they got in return of what they wanted. Increasing web traffic is easy once you have a sense of direction on how you can achieve better web presence. Effective advertising online doesn’t have to take much effort or even money, if you got the habit of online socialization.
Having a basic understanding of a Local Area Network can help you Setup, configure and install a Home or Office Network. Familiarity with PC Hardware and Software Troubleshooting and Repair is recommended to successfully build a small LAN.
We will build a LAN from the ground up from purchasing LAN devices to configuring and running the network.
We need to buy the following Network devices for our Small Network.
1. Computers
2. Network Adapters
3. Switch
4. UTP cables
5. RJ45
6. Crimping Tools
7. LAN Tester (optional)
You can buy brand new computers or used and refurbished computers for your network. If you use brand new computers it automatically has a Network Adapters built in the motherboard so you dont need to buy anymore but if you use old computers there might be no Network Adapter inside so you have to purchase it separately.
Make sure that the network adapter installed on your computer has a speed of 100mbps or more for fast network experience.
Another essential Network device that you need is the LAN Switch or hub. You will need this to connect all your computers on your Network. You need to buy a Switch hub with speed of 100mbps or up for optimum performance
You also need UTP cables to physically connect each and every computers on your network. Buy CAT5e or CAT6 cables this cables can carry high speed network bandwidths.
To be able to connect your UTP cable to your computer you need to attached an RJ45 connector to each end of the UTP cable.
To attach an RJ45 cable on your UTP cable you need to buy a Crimping tool to crimp the RJ45 connector to your UTP cable.
If you dont like to do all the crimping for your cables you can buy UTP cables with pre attached connectors these are the patch cords of course this will cost alot more.
You can also buy a LAN Tester so that you can test if the cable you build were working properly. This will help you troubleshoot network errors related to the Physical connection of you computers on your network.
Now that you have all the necessary network devices for your LAN Its time to build it up.
Follow this Steps
1. Install the Network Adapter to your computer, if it doesnt have one
2. Install your Windows Operating sytems on every computer on your network
3. Give Each computer on your Network a unique name. eg. PC1, PC2 you can do this during Windows installation, you will be prompted to enter a computer name for your computer. You can edit your computer name anytime later in the My COmputer Properties later if you want.
4. Install the device driver of your LAN adapter. Make sure that it is working properly. Go to Device Manager and see if LAN adapter doesnt have a yellow icon beside your LAN adapter
5. Bring out your LAN Switch or hub Find the best location for your switch on your LAN
6. Make a LAN cable crimp the RJ45 connectors to your UTP cable of course you need to get the right measurement from your switch to your computer.
7. Connect all LAN cables. Connect it to the LAN adapter on your computer to your LAN switch or hub do this to all computers that you want to connect on your network.
8. Assign a unique IP address to each computer on your network.
If you have a router you can use the default setting of obtaining an ip address of your computer because routers have built in DHCP server. DHCP server will automatically assign unique IP address to every computer on your network so you can skip step 8 if you have one.
Finally, Test your Local Area Network. You can test the connectivity of each computers on your network by using the PING utility program.
Open a command prompt Click Start and then Click Run and type cmd then press Enter a command prompt window will appear.
In the DOS prompt type ping
You should see something like
Pinging 192.168.1.1 with 32 bytes of data
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=254
If you can see the above message to all computers on your network then you have successfully wired, installed and setup your network
Learn how to tell legitimate buying and selling on the Web
With internet-based businesses becoming more and more popular in the Philippines, it is best that entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs and their clients learn five simple tips to protect themselves from fraudulent transactions.
Here are some of them:
1. Never pay in advance
The seller may give various reasons on why they need the money in advance, but you have to be firm with your policy of paying upon delivery of the product. Should they insist on their payment terms , walk away and look for a reasonable deal.
2. Look at warning signs during negotiation
Negotiation is an integral part of dealing with buyers and sellers. If the other party agrees to one-sided agreements like 50-percent down payment prior to delivery and shipping and other terms that would be risky, it’s usually an indication that the scammer is interested in getting a smaller reward to escape the risk of detection.
3. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is
The fairly common scam lures eager buyers who fall for below-market prices for goods sold. Buyers are then easily convinced to pay the amount in full via payment facilities like Smart Money and GCash only to find out that the sellers have disappeared with the cash deposit. In these situations, it pays to check the profile of the seller and if possible, retrieve feedback on past history.
4. Distance Matters
Although it is actually possible to have a seller live miles away, it is often an excuse for the scammer to facilitate alternative means of payment like bank deposit and mobile payments , that do not make use of any tracking facility, much less receipts. As a rule, always buy items from someone within your immediate vicinity and make arrangements for cash-on-delivery payments. This applies to both buyers and sellers.
5. Some sleuthing pays off
It is easy to assume a different identity online and all it takes is a little bit of Googling to find out more about the authenticity of the buyers identity. Buyers and sellers should be wary of notorious usernames, modus operandi and bogus identities mentioned in countless grievances aired by scam victims online. Likewise, if the information provided at the listing website is not consistent with the search results, alarm bells should sound.
- User error – If you find your computer malfunctioning, Ask yourself what did you do? What was the last thing you did? Did you delete files? Did you remove hardware features? Did you install software or configure? Did anyone use your computer? This error done by humans can be easily remedied if troubleshooting your PC is done at once.
- Environmental factors – A large percentage of companies are using computers for their business processes. They are overly dependent on them. To some extent, the room setting was overlooked and forsaken. For instances, the temperature and sunlight. Computer shouldn’t be exposed to hot temperature which causes overheating. Likewise, your computer should be protected against power surges that quite often caused by lightning. Consequently, there might be over voltage. Moreover, dirt or dust can contribute to the malfunction of computers. Regular cleaning should be done. In like manner, this is also true to personal computers.
- Check the power switch. Try if once till third time. But if it doesn’t work, check the power outlet. Sometimes, problems occur when no power on the outlet.
- Try the power cord to your computer. It might loosen up so there is no communication.
- If still, these have nothing to do, check the power supply. In case it doesn’t work, don’t repair it. You had better buy a new one otherwise it worsens the problem of your computer. But if you hear strange sound and the screen is blank, check the cable of your monitor. Be sure to plug it firmly.
- In spite of those initial checking done and the computer doesn’t still work, once again, check the video card. Remember that these electronics are very sensitive and delicate, so, proper handling must be done.