In these modern days, after desktop computers, notebooks or laptops are typically used by most people who are into businesses; whether it maybe entrepreneurs or corporate leaders; or simply those internet savvy individuals who are always on to go. You can see that notebooks are widely used in many places, from your homes to cafes, almost everywhere.

            Cleaning your notebooks is the very first step to keep your PC running and for additional lifespan. Even if you are just staying home or outdoors busy for any reasons, the need to clean your notebooks is a must to maintain its quality and durability. You may clean your notebooks as often as you want for maintenance and to keep it from risk factors arising from untidiness. Keep in mind that if you neglect to clean your notebooks, the possible cause may lead to further damage and overheating.

            Before cleaning your notebooks and even if you are not going to touch any of its electronic parts, all you have to do is to remove the battery before a notebook cleaning session. To safely clean your notebook you may remove the battery and unplug the power source.

Now, here are guidelines you must follow to complete your notebook’s cleaning process.

• Outer part of your notebook

In cleaning the outer part of your notebook you need to moisten a cloth to wipe it and for special cases you can also put some rubbing alcohol to remove stains.

• Your notebook’s keyboard and touchpad

          You may use a clean piece of white fabric to clean your notebook’s touchpad and keyboard. Remember that notebook keyboard is more sensitive compared to desktop keyboards and you must be careful when you are removing stains from by softly wiping the clean piece of white fabric over it. Another way to clean notebook keyboard it to flush it with compressed air after detaching it from your unit to throw out unwanted elements. You can also make use of your notebook’s instructional guidebook for ways in pulling out and removing your keyboard if it is possible.

          If something poured over your notebook keyboard or the entire notebook unit itself, just use a piece of clean white fabric to remove the stain, turn off your PC, and face the keyboard upside down to drain excess liquid out of the tray of your keyboard.

• Notebook’s case opening should be cleaned

           You may use a heap of cotton or a clean rag to remove the stain or air-compression agent to ease out dust from your notebook’s case opening. By simply blowing away the compressed air from your PCs internal parts, it can be a good preventive measure for compressed air from being trapped inside. You must be careful not to damage the fan when you use an air-compression agent and you can also use the aid of a sharpen matchstick to prevent your notebook from further damages caused by over-blowing the compressed air.

            Your notebook will surely retain its quality and durability after you follow these simple instructions for cleaning it. 

Everyone who's into computers surely are familiar with Universal Serial Bus or more popularly known as USB. Almost all peripherals uses USB to establish communication between USB devices and a host controller like PCs and notebooks both for Windows and Macs. USB can connect computer peripherals such as mouse, keyboards, digital cameras, printers, media players, flash drives, Network Adapters, and external hard drives. For many of those devices, USB has become the standard connection method. So can a USB device do any harm to your computer? At the recent Black Hat DC conference, teacher and student team Angelos Stavrou and Zhaohui Wang from George Mason University presented how an Android phone can be used to mount as a standard human input device (HID) when plugged into a Windows, OS X or Linux computer, potentially giving keyboard and mouse access to malware or even a remote hacker. How does it work? Stavrou and Wang gave this explanation "Say your computer at home is compromised and you compromise your Android phone by connecting them. Then, whenever you connect the smartphone to another laptop or computing device that the hacker can take over that computer also, and then compromise other computers off that Android. It's a viral type of compromise using the USB cable." The bigger worry is anti-virus application will not be able to detect the problem because the process would appear to be a normal keyboard or mouse activity. Once installed, the malware author could then retrieve files, download other malware or even take control of the system altogether. Think of the effect - if you insert a compromised Android phone via USB. Tthe computer will be affected by the malware it would then automatically contaminate any clean mobile device connected to it making the malware a viral problem. How often do you connect a USB device to our computers? As I am typing this story, I have a couple of USB devices currently connected to my computer. So the next time someone asked you if they can attach their mobile phone to your computer via USB, think it over again. Who knows - you may be the next victim of the USB threat. As a general rule, you do not allow anyone you don't know, even friends to attached their mobile phones and USB devices into you computer - unless of course if its your mom, dad and bosses. I am logging off. Stay cool and God Bless us all!

          

Learn the techniques on how to install CPU on your desktop computer

The central processing unit (CPU) acts as the core of every computer system. The Central Processing Unit (CPU), commonly known as the microprocessor controls and processes all the instructions that the computer is instructed to do. As future technicians, or people from the Information Technology field, it is presumed that you already have the knowledge on the characteristics and properties of that small piece of semiconductor – how to install microprocessor without damaging the chip.

Microprocessor is very sensitive to static electricity, and its pins are soft and bent easily. In this article, you will learn the tips on how to install microprocessor on your desktop computer. Remember that this tutorial is not vendor specific and is applicable to all types of processors.

How to Install Desktop CPU

• Locate the processor socket on your motherboard

Tip: before you put the CPU on the CPU socket, check the processor surface first if there are dirt on the surface, or if there’s any bent pin. If the above situations are found, don’t install the CPU.

• The CPU socket has a load lever used to open the CPU socket.  To open the socket, press the load lever using your thumb and rotate the load lever to the left about 135 degrees.

• Lift the load plate using again your thumb about 100 degrees to open fully the CPU socket.

• Carefully insert the CPU to the CPU socket. When inserting CPU, make sure that the gold triangle on the CPU is on the bottom-left corner of the CPU socket.

Tip: There is only one correct orientation when inserting CPU. Forcing the CPU into the socket will bent the pins and damages the CPU.

• After successfully installing the CPU on the CPU socket, remove the PnP (Pick and Place Cap) using your thumb while supporting the load plate edge with your index finger. Keep the PnP cap for it must be placed to the CPU socket if the CPU is removed.

Tip: Never remove the PnP cap from the CPU socket unless you are installing the processor to avoid damage to the socket pins.

• Close the load plate then lock the load lever into the retention tab to secure the load plate.

How to Install CPU Heatsink and CPU Fan

After successfully inserting the CPU from the CPU socket of the motherboard, next comes the installation of CPU fan and heatsink. Heatsink is a metal having the ability of insulating heat that damages the CPU. CPU Fan is normally embedded with the heatsink, so you only follow one set of steps and ending installing both modules.

• Place the heatsink on top of CPU ensuring that fasteners match the holes on the motherboard. Also make sure that the CPU fan cable is located on the side closest to the CPU fan connector on the motherboard.

• Align the CPU fasteners with the holes on the motherboard. 

• The way you lock these fasteners depend on the type of fasteners the heatsink has. For LGA 775 socket motherboards, heatsink and fan are normally rotated in a clockwise direction then press it down using your thumbnail to completely lock the heatsink and fan. The manner of locking fasteners must be two diagonally aligned fasteners at a time.

• Once the heatsink is secured, connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU fan connector on the motherboard (labeled with CPU_FAN).

Tip: never forget to connect the CPU fan cable. Hardware error occurs for failing to plug the CPU fan cable to the CPU connector.

Now you have the guide on how to install CPU and CPU heatsink on your desktop computer without damaging the CPU. Just follow these steps together with the tips to avoid any installation and hardware problems.

Start and build a running regimen -- a new healthy routine that will not only develop your well-being but help you achieve your ideal wellness goals.

Why should I go for a run?

Running is known for its various health benefits such as stronger bones and muscles, better control of blood pressure, strengthened stamina, decreases risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia and symptoms of depression.

Marathon have been dominating the streets making it the latest craze among people and sports enthusiasts. Before slipping on your running shoes, equip yourself with these helpful tips for a safer and blissful run.

BEFORE RUNNING

Always stretch

Stretching, especially 15 minutes before running, can improve your rate or motion and lessen incident of injuries.

Drink water

Fill up with 16 to 24 ounces of fluid an hour before running and avoid consuming caffeinated drinks. Consume 4-8 ounces of water to make sure that you are rehydrated through out your run.

Check your gear

Make sure your shoelaces are tied and are tight enough to last the whole run. Always bring your identification card with you. Your ID is the best source of information incase of accidents.

WHILE RUNNING

Mind your position

A runner should be in a relaxed frame and should use his/her core to keep posture upright and stable. To avoid tension build-up on your arms, shoulders and neck, keep hands at waist level preferably at 90 degree angle with elbows at your sides. Avoid tilting your chin up and scrunching your shoulders. When coursing down a slope keep your body perpendicular to the road or trail. Avoid the urge to lean back for it will add pressure to your body and slow you down. Do not slouch, instead swing your arms and legs to maintain a relaxed stance.

Avoid distractions

As much as possible, lower down the volume of your iPod and mp3 while jogging especially near busy streets. Keep in mind that you should be 100 % alert with your surroundings to avoid accidents. If you want to overtake a fellow runner say “runner overtaking” or simply “overtaking” out loud so the runner before you will be acknowledged.

Watch your pace

Pay attention to how your body feels. If you feel exhausted while running, it is best to slow down and lessen your running route or distance. If you feel that your pace is no longer challenging, try to speed up.

AFTER RUNNING

Refuel

Rehydrate with water or sports drink while you run. Your drink should contain electrolytes, an important element found in fruit juices, tomato soup and many fruits and vegetables, that replenishes body fluids. If your urine is yellow, it means that you have to rehydrate more.

Cool down

Stretch your muscles lightly for at least 8 seconds after long periods of strides. This will ensure that the muscles are conditioned. Do not over stretch from the point where you begin to feel tightness in the muscle for this might cause tearing of ligaments.

The Windows XP Task Manager is a powerful tool that controls Windows' vital functions, as well as the presence of applications in system memory. With the Task Manager, you can open and control whichever processes are installed on your computer. You can also control logins. As it is such a powerful tool, there are times when you'll want to enable or disable the task manager for use by specific profiles.

Here is how to do it:

Enable Task Manager in Windows XP

1. Start Windows in your normal manner.

2. Click "Start." Then highlight and click "Run."

3. Type "REGEDIT" into the text bar and press "Enter."

            When REGEDIT is also disable, click this link REENABLE REGEDIT to enable first the REGEDIT.

4. Navigate through the registry, looking for the following directory: "HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies\ System."

5. Right-click on the "HKEY_CURRENT_USER" and click "New" from the context menu to include a new string. This is only necessary when the necessary directory is not currently present in the registry. By default, Windows XP Home Edition does not include the necessary directory string.

6. Click on the "DisableTaskMgr" phrase and delete it. This is the simplest way to do it, but it makes it more of a challenge to repair in the future. You will need to manually reenter the string if you didn't back up first.

7. Change the numbers in the boolean section of the entry from one to zero. This will enable the Task Manager in Windows XP. Note that the zero is essentially equivalent to a positive entry in this regard, as the initial string is a negative.

8. Change the string manually from the "Run" window of the Start Menu, without having to access the Registry Editor. Simply type "REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f" into the text field and press "Enter."

Registry Editor, a main registry editing tool equipped in all versions and editions of Windows operating system, can be disabled, blocked and locked to prevent the RegEdit from been ran or executed by users in order to protect important system registry. Other possibility of Registry Editor been disabled is caused by virus or worm such as W32/Brontok-C.

When Registry Editor is disabled, user unable and cannot open or run Registry Editor anymore. Any attempt to run RegEdit.exe will return the error “Registry editing has been disabled by your administrator”. Hence it’s impossible to remove the restriction on Registry Editor usage by using the Registry Editor itself. However, it’s possible to use various workaround to directly edit the registry to remove the policy that blocks Registry Editor usage.
 
Enable Registry Editor using Local Group Policy Editor

For user using Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Server 2003 or 2008 with Local Group Policy Editor and has access to an administrative user account, user can change the registry editor options in the Local Group Policy Editor.

1. Click on Start -> Run (or Start Search in Windows Vista).
2. Enter GPEdit.msc and then press Enter.
3. Navigate to the following location: User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System
   
4. In the Settings pane, locate the Prevent access to registry editing tools option, and then double-click on it to open the settings dialog.
5. Select Disabled or Not Configured.
6. Click on OK button.
7. Try to run RegEdit.exe, and if required (still blocking yet), restart the computer.

VBS Script to Enable or Disable Registry Editor

Doug Knox has created a .vbs VB script that able to toggle between enable or disable the Registry Editor. Right click, click save link as, to download and save the regtools.vbs into a folder. Then double click on the VBS file to run it.

The regtools.vbs VB script file will check for the appropriate value related to disabling/enabling of Registry Editor. If the registry key is not found, the key will be created to disable Registry Editor. If the value was found, it will be toggled to its opposite state and you will be informed that you need to log off and log back on or restart your computer. All change by the script is made in HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System.

UnHookExec.inf by Symantec to Reset Registry Values to Default Settings

In many cases, disabling of Registry Editor is caused by virus, worm or Trojan, which attempts to stop user from fixing any changes to the registry, which normally affects changes to one or more of the shell\open\command keys. For example, exefile\shell\open\command key is changed, the virus, worm or Trojan threat will run each time that system run any .exe file. As such, Symantec create a .inf script tool to reset these registry values to their default settings.

WARNING: The UnHookExec.inf will reset registry keys and values related to BAT, COM, EXE, PIF, REG and SCR extensions, beside re-enabling the Registry Editor. Hence, users who just want to re-enable the Registry Editor has to manually modify the .inf file to remove the unnecessary commands.
Download the file UnHookExec.inf and save it to your Windows desktop.

Right-click the UnHookExec.inf file and click install. Action will be taken immediately. No display, nor any notice or boxes will appear before or after running. Try to run RegEdit.exe again, restart and reboot PC if it’s still blocked.

In my case, regtools.vbs worked for me...

Original posted by:

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/12/23/how-to-enable-the-registry-editor-when-disabled-by-administrator/

May you achieve success in every facets of life and all your heartfelt wishes comes true.Wishing you a Happy New Year of Happiness & Prosperity.

New Year is meant for celebrations and spending time with loved Joyous ones.May the beauty of New Year be with you forever and your wishes of peace, health and happiness be true.