windowstuneups : Messages : 1-22 of 22

Reminder from:		windowstuneups Yahoo! Group

Title:		(Just log on)Earn $20, $50, even $100 per hour working from their home computer.

Date:		Saturday March 7, 2009
Time:		All Day
Repeats:		This event repeats every day.
Notes:		(Just log on)Earn $20, $50, even $100 per hour working from their home computer. Free sign up https://www.quickinfo247.com/9892840/cb

Get reminders on your mobile, Yahoo! Messenger, and email. Edit reminder options

Dear PC Tune Up subscribers, Hello again. It has been some time (9 months!) since the last issue of PC Tune Ups was issued. I ran out of time I'm afraid. However, I'm back, and this time I intend to stay going forever! With a new name, PC Helpmate, and a new ideal (we answer questions emailed in by the readers!), we're back, and we're better than ever! To subscribe to PC Helpmate, send a blank email to: mailto:pchelpmate-subscribe@egroups.com Or visit our website: http://pchelpmate.hypermart.net/ Check out our back issues at: http://www.egroups.com/messages/PCHelpMate Thanks for your support! Jonathan Leger Publisher PC Helpmate

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- P C T U N E U P S ! -=+=- Easy PC Maintenance for the rest of us! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Publisher: Jonathan Leger Issue #011 mailto:jleger@... # of Subscribers 799 ======== This Week's Feature Article ================================ --------------------------------------------------------------------- TROUBLESHOOTING AND FIXING YOUR HARDWARE PROBLEMS ===================================================================== Please feel free to forward this newsletter to any of your associates who might benefit from this information. If you are receiving this issue as a forward, and would like to get your own free subscription, please see subscription information below. Please Note: I do not make my mailing list publicly accessible. I respect your privacy as our subscribers. NOTE: You are receiving this e-mail because your address was subscribed to this newsletter. If you feel you have received this e-mail in error, please contact me at: mailto:jleger@... Or you may unsubscribe by following the directions at the bottom of the e-mail. My apologies for any inconveniences. =====================<<< S P O T L I G H T ! >>>===================== You're GUARANTEED A CREDIT CARD -------##########---########### Card Search USA You are guaranteed to qualify for two unsecured credit cards just by meeting our basic requirements. At least 18 years of age? Make at least $95 a week? Have a valid Social Security Number? Been at your current job at least 6 months? You Qualify! Click the link below NOW. http://www.beevy.com/card_search/csusa?77-1960 ===================================================================== ------------------------------------ READER FEEDBACK ABOUT THE LAST ISSUE ==================================== "That was a great article on how to change a modem! My first issue of PCTuneUps,looks like I finally found a newsletter that I can really use,and will maybe keep me out of the repair shop so much." --Penny Widell <pennydw@...> "Your article on 'CHOOSE AND INSTALL A NEW MODEM', this was one of the best articles I have ever read and it left you knowing everything needed to the job done right. I went back over my install here reading what you said and it did make for a better install of my modem." --Fred Jones <wa4swf@...> I love feedback! Please e-mail all feedback to: mailto:windowstuneups-owner@egroups.com ======== Feature Article ============================================ --------------------------------------------------------------------- TROUBLESHOOTING AND FIXING YOUR HARDWARE PROBLEMS ===================================================================== by Jonathan Leger It's bound to happen sooner or later: you turn on the old 'puter, and something that was working fine before is no longer working at all, or is having weird problems. Whether it's your modem, your sound card, a scanner, or some other device in or connected to your PC, there are a few things that you can do to get it working again. To find out exactly how you should go about troubleshooting your computer, choose which one of the following scenarios describes your situation: [1] I just installed this device. This is the first time I've ever had this kind of device in my computer. [2] I just installed this device to replace an old device of the same kind. [3] I haven't changed anything. This device just stopped working. Regardless of which situation describes you, ask yourself a few key questions: [+] Did I install the driver for this device? Almost all new hardware will require you to install a "device driver". A device driver is a program that tells Windows how to control, or "drive" the device. [+] After installing the device, did I check for conflicts in the Device Manager? Just because Windows appeared to install the device just fine, doesn't necessarily mean that it's not conflicting (that is, getting in the way of) another device in your computer. If you have not installed the driver, do that first. Your hardware Should have come with a How-To guide (sometimes called Getting Started) that will explain how to install the driver. If it did not, or if you no longer have the manual, see 'Scenario [3]' for instructions on how to reinstall the driver. If you have installed the driver, but don't know how to check for conflicts, see the section further down entitled "Resolving Device Conflicts." -------------------- Scenario [1]: I just installed this device. This is the first time I've ever had this kind of device in my computer. ===================== After having installed the driver and checked for conflicts with other devices, if your device still is not working properly, there are two things you can do: [1] Go to the manufacturer's website (which is usually shown in the device's documentation), and download the latest driver for the device. You will usually find driver updates in a section of the website called "Support" if there is not a specific section on the main page for downloading new drivers. [2] After having installed that latest driver, if the device still does not work, try installing the device in a friend's computer. If it does not work in another computer, either, you might have gotten a bad device. This does happen. We occasionally receive equipment here that was tested before it left from the vendor, but may have been damaged during shipping. Hopefully you kept the receipt and can return the item. -------------------- Scenario [2]: I installed this device to replace an old device of the same kind. ===================== After having installed the driver and checked for conflicts with other devices, if your device still is not working properly, ask yourself the following two questions: [1] Did I remove/disable the old device before I installed the new one? When installing a new modem, for example, it is always a good idea to remove the old one, especially you are working with an old computer, because the old modem may not be Plug-N-Play, and so that could cause trouble. [2] Did I remove the old device driver before installing the new one? Even if you took the old device out of the computer, or unplugged it from the computer, you may still need to remove the drive for the old device to avoid hidden conflicts. Do the following: [+] Right-click on 'My Computer' on your desktop and choose 'Properties'. [+] A window will appear that says 'System Properties.' Click on the tab at the top of the window that says 'Device Manager.' [+] Double-click on the type of device that is giving you problems (i.e., if you installed a new modem, double-click on the 'Modem' icon, if it's a sound card, double-click on the 'Sound, video and game controllers' icon.) [+] Single-click on the driver for the OLD device, and then click the button that says 'Remove'. [+] Restart your computer. If that does not solve your problem, follow the two steps outlined under 'Scenario [1]' above, downloading and installing the latest driver from the manufacturer and trying the device in another computer. =====================<<< S P O T L I G H T ! >>>===================== You Don't Have to LIVE WITH BAD CREDIT! ------------------##################### The Credit Correct System Have you been turned down for credit? If you have suffered from past circumstances that have been reported to the credit bureaus, but feel the information is not a fair or true reflection of your ability to responsibly handle credit today, you need to seriously consider enacting your rights as set up by the federal government through the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Public Law 91-508, title VI. Click below! http://www.beevy.com/credit/correct?77-1960 ===================================================================== -------------------- Scenario [3]: I haven't changed anything: the device just stopped working. ===================== After having installed the driver and checked for conflicts with other devices, if your device still is not working properly, you will want to remove the driver (see 'Scenario [2]' above for detailed instructions on how to remove the driver), and then reinstall the driver from off of the diskette or CD that came with the device. DO NOT LET WINDOWS JUST FIND AND INSTALL ITS OWN COPY OF THE DRIVER. If, after rebooting the computer, Windows "finds" your new hardware and installs the driver for it (which you don't want it to do in case there is something wrong with the driver), do the following: If your device came with a CD-ROM, put the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive and wait for a few seconds to see if a menu will pop-up. A menu should pop up because Windows has what is called an 'Autorun' feature that will automatically run the program on the CD (or play a music CD) once you put it in the drive. When the menu appears, see if there is an option to install the driver. If you cannot find one, or if the device came with a floppy diskette, do the following: [+] Right-click on 'My Computer' on your desktop and choose 'Properties'. [+] A window will appear that says 'System Properties.' Click on the tab at the top of the window that says 'Device Manager.' [+] Double-click on the type of device that is giving you problems (i.e., if you installed a new modem, double-click on the 'Modem' icon, if it's a sound card, double-click on the 'Sound, video and game controllers' icon.) [+] Single-click on the driver for the OLD device, and then click the button that says 'Properties'. [+] A window will appear that has the name of the device on it. Click on the 'Driver' tab at the top of the window, and then click on the 'Update Driver' button. [+] The 'Update Device Driver' wizard will appear. Click 'Next'. [+] Make sure 'Search for a better driver' is selected, and then click 'Next' again. [+] If your device came with a floppy diskette, click the box next to 'Floppy Disk drives' so that there is a check-mark in it. If your device came on a CD-ROM, click the box next to 'CD-ROM drives' so that there is a check-mark in it. If it is located somewhere else, click the box next to 'Specify a Location' and type in the path to the driver. [+] Be sure that you have the diskette or CD-ROM in the drive before clicking 'Next' again. [+] If there is more than one driver on the diskette or CD-ROM, Windows will ask you to choose which one you want to install. Select the one that you need (it will usually match the name on the box for the device) and then click 'Next'. If you are not given a list, but Windows tells you that it is ready to install the device, then click 'Next'. [+] Windows will now install your device. You will probably have to restart the computer after it is done. Check the now reinstalled device for conflicts. If you don't know how, see the section below entitled "Resolving Device Conflicts". -------------------------- Resolving Device Conflicts ========================== Plug-N-Play was supposed to solve the problem of driver conflicts. Windows is supposed to look at everything in your computer, see where there is room to put the new device, and put it there. This works pretty good most of the time, but sometimes Windows gets confused and doesn't put the device where it's supposed to go. Imagine that you had a lamp plugged into a socket in the wall, and you then wanted to plug another lamp into that same socket. You can't do it, can you? You have to unplug one of them to get the other one in. It works the same way with a computer. You can't have to devices using the same space, but sometimes Windows tries to do that anyway, and it causes what you call a "conflict". Sometimes this causes one device to stop working while the other one keeps working fine, but sometimes it stops them both from working. To resolve a device conflict, do the following: [+] Right-click on 'My Computer' on your desktop and choose 'Properties'. [+] A window will appear that says 'System Properties.' Click on the tab at the top of the window that says 'Device Manager.' [+] If there is a conflict, a yellow exclamation point (!) will appear next to the device name. [+] Single-click on the driver that has the conflict (if there is more than one, click on the first one), and then click on the button that says 'Properties'. [+] A window will appear that has the name of the device on it. Click on the 'Resources' tab at the top of the window. [+] Towards the bottom of the window you will see a box that is labeled 'Conflicting device list'. This will tell you which device is conflicting with the one you are looking at. [+] To solve the problem, click on the box next to 'Use automatic settings' so that there is not a check in the box. [+] Click on the box next to 'Setting based on' and select each of the configurations in the list until the 'Conflicting device list' box says 'No conflicts'. Once it says that, click 'OK'. [+] Once you're back at the 'System Properties' window, click 'OK'. You will probably be asked to restart your computer. Do so. Repeat those steps for each device that has a yellow exclamation point (!) next to it. That should remove any problems with conflicts. =====================<<< S P O T L I G H T ! >>>===================== Low Cost HEALTH BENEFITS ---------############### National Association of Preferred Providers The time is now to provide your family with security and peace of mind. Take the uncertainty out of health care costs and other professional services expenses. This unique membership specializes in only one thing: providing members with the best in quality professional services at HUGE savings! http://www.beevy.com/napp/benefits?77-1960 ===================================================================== ------- Summary ======= So there you have it, the basic steps for troubleshooting your hardware woes. If, after having followed all of the steps above, you still are having troubles, ask yourself this question: [+] Do I have a whole lot of neat stuff in my computer (i.e., a scanner, a modem, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, a video card, a sound card, a DVD decoder card, etc.)? Just as your house only has so many outlets on the wall, your computer can only support so many different devices at a time. If you have a whole bunch of devices, you may simply be out of room, in which case you will have to sacrifice one device for the sake of the one you're trying to get working. If you don't have that many devices in your computer, and you just can't figure out what's wrong, drop me an e-mail with a detailed description of your problem to: mailto:windowstuneups-owner@egroups.com?subject=WTU_Device_Problems Maybe together we can figure out the problem. ---------------- About the Author ================ Jonathan Leger is a partner in United Technologies, a computer sales and service firm engaged in cutting-edge technology such as wireless LAN networking, traditional LAN networking in Windows workgroups, and custom database programming. Please direct all questions and comments regarding this issue, or any suggestions for subject-matter that you would like to see appear in PC Tune Ups to: mailto:jleger@...?subject=WTU_Feedback ----------------------------- -=+ SHAMELESS PLUG FOR YOUR HELP! +=- ============================= Have I helped you out? Do you enjoy PC Tune ups? Then please help me out by forwarding this information to any of your friends or associates that you feel may benefit from this information. ===================================================================== ********* WEBMASTERS/EZINE PUBLISHERS: Free Content! ********* ===================================================================== You are hereby invited to copy/paste this article and use it in your publication or web site. All that is required is that you include the following brief resource box: Article by Jonathan Leger of PC Tune Ups. Jon's site has lots of articles on how to diagnose and repair your computer yourself, without having to pay a "professional". His easy-to-understand, down-to-earth approach makes computer repair a breeze. Subscribe to his FREE, weekly PC Tune Ups Newsletter by sending a blank e-mail to: mailto:windowstuneups-subscribe@egroups.com ===================================================================== (U N)S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N ===================================================================== To SUBSCRIBE to PC Tune Ups, send an e-mail message to: --> mailto:windowstuneups-subscribe@eGroups.com?subject=subscribe To UNSUBSCRIBE to PC Tune Ups, send an e-mail message to: --> mailto:windowstuneups-unsubscribe@eGroups.com?subject=unsubscribe For BACK ISSUES of PC Tune Ups, point your browser to: --> http://www.egroups.com/group/windowstuneups/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- PC Tune Ups! is brought to you by: United Technologies 2600 Texas Hwy. Many, LA 71449 Phone: 1-877-SABINE-1 Fax: 1-318-590-0888 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- P C T U N E U P S ! -=+=- Easy PC Maintenance for the rest of us! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Publisher: Jonathan Leger Issue #010 mailto:jleger@... # of Subscribers 620 ======== This Week's Feature Article ================================ --------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW-TO : CHOOSE AND INSTALL A NEW MODEM NOTICE: !!Read this article even if you are not going to replace your modem!! ===================================================================== Please feel free to forward this newsletter to any of your associates who might benefit from this information. If you are receiving this issue as a forward, and would like to get your own free subscription, please see subscription information below. Please Note: We do not make our mailing list publicly accessible. We respect your privacy as our subscribers. NOTE: You are receiving this e-mail because your address was subscribed to this newsletter. If you feel you have received this e-mail in error, please contact me at: mailto:jleger@... Or you may unsubscribe by following the directions at the bottom of the e-mail. My apologies for any inconveniences. ===================================================================== The Insider Secrets to Marketing Your Business on the Internet - Learn from the best. The author of this site, Corey Rudl gets over 4 million visitors to his websites yearly, does 5.2 million dollars in sales online each year (yes, that is $5,200,000), and personally makes hundreds of thousands of dollars from his online businesses... all from his one small office. So listen to what he has to say as he knows what he is talking about when it comes to starting and promoting a business on the Internet. He reveals all his unconventional tips, trick and techniques with examples so you can learn most efficient and fastest way to make money on the Internet. Click this link to learn more: http://www.marketingtips.com/t.cgi/6601/ ===================================================================== ======== Feature Article ============================================ --------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW-TO : CHOOSE AND INSTALL A NEW MODEM NOTICE: !!Read this article even if you are not going to replace your modem!! ===================================================================== by Jonathan Leger Even if you are not thinking of replacing your modem, you will want to read this article. It describes problems that can cause your modem to operate more slowly than it should, and these problems often have solutions. So read on to find out if you're getting the most out of your modem! You can install a new modem in your computer in three simple steps. But before I describe how to do this simple task, I am going to go over 1) what your modem is exactly, and 2) whether or not you really need to replace it. First of all, let me describe what a "modem" is and what it does. A modem is like your computer's phone. It uses this 'phone' to dial up another computer in order to talk to it, in much the same way that you would dial up your Aunt Bee to have a chat. The computer's phone, its modem, allows it to communicate with the outside world over your ordinary, every-day phone line. It's a really handy little device, one that makes the internet a reality for the home user. Secondly, let's see if you really need a new modem or not. Ask yourself these questions: [1] Am I replacing my modem because my internet connection is slow? [2] Do I have an older computer, say, more than three years old? [3] If I have an older computer, am I still using the modem that it came with? [4] Does the modem in my computer not work at all? Look at the chart below to see which section of this article you should read first to find out whether or not you really need a new modem. You should read the whole article for a more balanced view of your computer and modem and problems associated with them, but look into the section suggested in the chart first, and see if it doesn't describe your problem. [ Chart I : Do I need to replace my modem? ] Questions Answered | Questions Answered | Section to Read First "Yes" | "No" | --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1, 3 2, 4 "Is it a Slow Modem, or Line Noise?" 1, 2 3, 4 "Is it a Slow Modem, or a Slow Computer?" 1, 2, 3 4 "Choosing Your New Modem" 4 1, 2, 3 "Choosing Your New Modem" --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Is it a Slow Modem, or Line Noise? ================================== If you answered "Yes" to question one, but "No" to question two, then this means you have already recently installed a new modem in your computer, or had one installed. If this is the case, did you have the new modem installed because the old one no longer worked, or because it was going too slow? If you had a new one put in because the old one was too slow, and the new one is also too slow, there is a good chance that you are having problems with your phone line being "noisy", and that your modem is not the problem. I live in a rural area of Louisiana, and in our shop we can connect to the internet at a maximum of about 31,000 kbps, even though the modem in the computer is rated at 56,000 kbps. That's just over HALF the rated speed of the modem! Why does it connect so slowly? Because the phone lines where our shop is located are OLD, and old phone lines have a lot of static and noise on them. Now, when you're talking on the phone, it might sound crystal clear, because a little pop or a crack here and there isn't going to be noticed when talking, especially if the "noise" is in a range that the human ear can't hear anyway. But your computer sure can hear those noises, and it doesn't like them at all! Because of this it is forced to "talk" more slowly, "speaking" more clearly, so that the other computer can "hear" and understand what it is "saying". What can you do about a noisy phone line? Well, first of all, call your phone company and have them run a line noise test (it's free, and can be done often while you're on the phone with them). If they say that you have noisy phone lines, it is their responsibility to fix it if the noise is coming from the wiring outside of your house. If, however, the phone company determines that there is line noise, but that it's coming from the wiring in your home, you will need to run a new phone jack, using new wire, into the room where your computer is. This will give you a clear connection to the phone company, and should improve your modem's performance. Rural telephone companies, however, are notoriously LOUSY (don't get me started on our local phone company...), and will often not admit to having a problem with their lines. This was the case with a customer of ours, who would periodically get kicked off of the internet. His modem would just hang up on him for no reason. He called and asked us about it, and I suggested he have the phone company test his lines. He did, but they told him that there wasn't a problem. But he was getting kicked offline, and we'd tested his computer in our shop and found no problems at all with his modem. We could stay online for hours with no problems. It had to be his phone lines. So this customer bought a handy little device from WalMart called a noise suppressor. It's a little device that you plug your phone line into, and then plug your modem into the other side. A noise suppressor does exactly what it's name implies: it removes line noise from the phone line. After plugging his computer into one of those little babies, he no longer gets kicked offline. So if you're having a similar problem, consider looking into those measures BEFORE trying out another modem in your computer. --------------------------------------- Is it a Slow Modem, or a Slow Computer? ======================================= My father has an older computer--it's about 5 years old actually. At home he gets a great connection speed, a full 49,000 kbps (which is about the best real-world connection I've ever seen anyone get with a home phone line). When downloading files from the internet, that baby books! It really does a great job. But web pages load and move rather slowly. Why? The answer is simple: his modem is fast, but his computer is slow. A web page is a complex combination of pictures and words, and the computer has to figure out where to put each picture on the screen, and how to set the words alongside the pictures, and how to redraw portions of the page as you scroll up and down, etc. That takes some processing power, and my pop's old machine just doesn't have a lot of that! The solution in this case was not a new modem, it was a processor upgrade. I installed a new processor for him, and now web pages move much more quickly--still not as fast as my blazing "I eat graphics for breakfast" machine at the shop, but hey, it's certainly tolerable. So if you have an old computer, and have a fast modem, get a good connection speed to the internet, but web pages move slowly, you probably should think about upgrading the PC. ===================================================================== SUBSCRIBE AND WIN! E Z Money Newsletter subscribers automatically entered in weekly drawing for a FREE 50 word Ad in 3 issues. Subscribe at http://www.e-zmoney.com PLUS place a FREE classified and get your own FREE Classified Site. ===================================================================== ----------------------- Choosing Your New Modem ======================= If you have already purchased a new modem, you can skip down to the section entitled "Installing Your New Modem". Otherwise, read on. When shopping for a new modem, there are a few things that you will need to consider. First of all, is your computer running Windows 95 or Windows 98? If so, then you have the option of buying what is called a "WinModem" (more on what that is exactly in a little bit). If, however, you are running an older operating system, such as Windows 3.1, you have to be sure that you do not buy a WinModem, which can be difficult because WinModems are by far the most common modems in the market right now. So what is a WinModem? A WinModem is a modem that relies on Windows 95 or Windows 98 to handle some of the "talking" for it, which makes the modems require less parts, which makes them a lot cheaper than a non-WinModem. But if you have an older operating system like Windows 3.1, the modem will not work. Now, some people rant and rave and claim that WinModems are no good and that they cause problems and that many internet services wont support them, etc. I will agree, that WAS the case when the WinModem first made its presence in the market some years ago. But we've had nothing but good experiences with today's WinModem at our shop, and so I would recommend using them to anybody. The second thing to consider is whether the modem that you need is an ISA modem or a PCI modem. ISA and PCI are terms that describe the kind of slot the modem fits into. Think of the "slot" as an outlet on the wall. You don't want to plug a 110 volt appliance (like your hair dryer) into a 220 volt outlet (which is for much larger appliances like electric clothes dryers). If you do you will fry that little hair dryer! Now, to calm your nerves (after speaking about frying your hair dryer), let me reassure you. You CANNOT put an ISA modem into a PCI slot, or vice versa. They are completely different sizes, and you will not be able to "mess it up" by putting the modem into the wrong slot. If it fits there, it's made to go there! So don't worry. To find out if the modem you need is ISA or PCI, shut down your computer and unplug it from the wall. This is important: ALWAYS unplug your computer before tinkering with it inside. This keeps you from shocking yourself, and also from shocking the parts you are tinkering with. Once the computer is unplugged, though, you are safe, so don't worry about getting zapped. Once unplugged, take the case off of your computer, and look for a row of slots near the back of your computer. If you have a newer computer, you will probably have a few little white slots and a few big black slots. If you have an older computer, you might have only big black slots. If you have a really new computer, you might have a tiny brown slot, but it will probably have a card plugged into it. The tiny brown slot is a video card slot for AGP cards. I'm just telling you that to satisfy your curiosity. It doesn't affect how you install your modem. 8) If you have an older computer and it has a REALLY LONG black slot that's longer than all of the others, that is a VESA slot, and, like the AGP slot, is made for video cards and doesn't concern our modem replacement task. The little white slots are PCI slots, the big black slots, ISA. PCI is the newer technology, ISA is the older technology. If you have a white slot (PCI) without a card plugged into, I suggest that you buy a PCI modem even if you have ISA slots open, too. PCI modems are generally better than ISA modems. Even if you already have a modem in your computer that is an ISA modem, and you have a PCI slot open, buy a PCI modem, you'll be better off. But if all you have are black slots (ISA), an ISA modem will work just fine, too. One last point: if you have Windows 95 or Windows 98, you will want a Plug-N-Play modem. That's a modem that Windows will automatically recognize when you put it into the computer. You might still have to install some software for it, but it will be an easier task to accomplish. At this point you should know what kind of modem you need to buy. Here's a chart that will give the run down on which modem you need: [ Chart 2 : What kind of modem do I need to buy? ] Operating PCI Slot ISA Slot Type of Modem System (white) open? (black) open? to Buy --------------------------------------------------------------------- Windows 3.x Yes No PCI Non-WinModem (or older) Windows 3.x No Yes ISA Non-WinModem (or older) Windows 3.x Yes Yes PCI Non-WinModem (or older) Windows 95/98 Yes No PCI WinModem (Pref. Plug-N-Play) Windows 95/98 No Yes ISA WinModem (Pref. Plug-N-Play) Windows 95/98 Yes Yes PCI WinModem (Pref. Plug-N-Play) --------------------------------------------------------------------- For a PCI WinModem you can expect to pay about $50-55. For an ISA WinModem, about $60-65. For a PCI or ISA non-WinModem, around $100- 120. ------------------------- Installing Your New Modem ========================= On to the fun stuff! Installing your new modem. It's a pretty easy task to perform. You will need a phillips head screwdriver. Unplug your computer from the wall first (this is very important!). Second, take the case off. To do this you will probably need to take out a few screws from the back of the case. Be sure that you keep these screws in a safe place so that you do not lose them. I like to drop them in a cup or something so that they are all together and cannot be easily dropped on the floor. Once the case is off, if it's a tower-style case (if your case is taller than it is wide), you will probably want to lay the case down on its side. It will be easier to work with that way. If it's a desktop-style case (wider than it is tall), you should be okay. Now, if you have a modem already in your computer, you will want to remove it from its slot. You will know which card is the modem because it either 1) has a phone-line plugged into it (which you will need to unplug) or 2) has two jacks in the back that a phone-line will fit into. Before you remove the card, you will want to take the screw out of the metal part that is facing the back of the computer. It will have one screw in the top. Remove that screw. Be sure not to drop it! Getting a lose screw out of a case can be a pain, let me tell ya'! No fair having a screw-loose! ;) The card may be a little difficult to remove, but don't be afraid to put a little muscle behind it--you wont hurt the slot. Once the old modem is removed (and you will want to remove the old modem even if you are putting the new one in a different slot), you can install the new one. It should fit easily into the slot, but sometimes you have to push on it pretty good to get it to snap into place, so don't just tap on it with one finger and expect it to go in! You might need to push it pretty good. Once it's in, and from side to side looks like it is level (one side is not sticking farther in the slot than another side is), put the screw back into the metal part that faces the back of the computer. That screw holds it snug into the slot. Now, put the case back on (do you remember where you put your screws?), and plug the computer back in. Turn the computer on, and get ready to install the software. ------------------------------- Installing the Modem's Software =============================== If you're running Windows 95 or Windows 98, your computer should come up with a message saying "Windows has found new hardware and is installing the software for it..." If the modem is one that is already supported by Windows, you may not have to do anything else! Windows will pick it up and just keep on going. That's what's called Plug-N-Play. You plug it in and then get to play with it! But often you will still need to tell Windows where to find the driver (a "driver" is the software that tells Windows how to use, or "drive", a device--in this case, your modem). Here's where the manual that came with your modem comes into play! Different modems come with different kinds of software (some on a floppy disk, some on a CD-ROM; some have an installation program, some require that Windows do it all, etc.) So you will want to read the "How-To" section of your modem manual and follow the steps that it has for installing the drivers. I wish I could walk you through installing the software, but there are just so many different kinds of modems out there. As always, though, if you have trouble installing the software, give me a call toll-free at 1-877-SABINE1 Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm (CST) and I will walk you through the setup process. Or you can send me an e-mail with a description of the problem you are having to: mailto:windowstuneups-owner@egroups.com I will do my best to get back with you within 24-48 hours. ---------- In Summary ========== So there you have it! Hopefully by now you've got a speedy new modem installed in your computer and your internet connection is just moving right a long. Let's recap what it takes to install a new modem in your computer: [1] Make sure that you actually need a new modem, and that your problem is not related to a noisy phone line or an old computer. [2] Determine what kind of modem that you need for your computer. [3] Unplug your computer and remove the case. [4] Take out the old modem (if you had one). [5] Put in the new modem. [6] Close the case and plug the computer back in. [7] Turn on your computer and install the software. That's it! ---------------- About the Author ================ Jonathan Leger is a partner in United Technologies, a computer sales and service firm engaged in cutting-edge technology such as wireless LAN networking, traditional LAN networking in Windows workgroups, and custom database programming. Please direct all questions and comments regarding this issue, or any suggestions for subject-matter that you would like to see appear in PC Tune Ups to: mailto:jleger@...?subject=WTU_Feedback Have we helped you? Then please help us coming to you. This ezine is supported by our subscribers. Please pass this on to any friends who may benefit from this information. ===================================================================== Learn how to Accept VISA, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover at your website in 3 easy steps. Click the link below for more information: http://www.marketingtips.com/creditcards/t.x/6601 ===================================================================== ===================================================================== (U N)S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N ===================================================================== To SUBSCRIBE to PC Tune Ups, send an e-mail message to: --> mailto:windowstuneups-subscribe@eGroups.com?subject=subscribe To UNSUBSCRIBE to PC Tune Ups, send an e-mail message to: --> mailto:windowstuneups-unsubscribe@eGroups.com?subject=unsubscribe To inquire about ADVERTISING in PC Tune Ups: --> mailto:windowstuneups-unsubscribe@eGroups.com?subject=WTU_Adverts [ SPECIAL: Ads in PC Tune Ups are $25 CPM (or presently $15/ad). But as a special offer, pay for 3 ad runs and get a 4th run FREE! With the price locked in, no matter how much the Ezine grows, you still get the same price! What savings! VISA/MC/AmEx Accepted. ] For BACK ISSUES of PC Tune Ups, point your browser to: --> http://www.egroups.com/group/windowstuneups/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- PC Tune Ups! is brought to you by: United Technologies 2600 Texas Hwy. Many, LA 71449 Phone: 1-877-SABINE1 Fax: 1-318-5900888 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Hi Folks, I'm just writing to let you know that Windows Tune Ups is changing its name to PC Tune Ups, which makes more sense given its content. So starting next Monday, you will receive PC Tune Ups instead of Windows Tune Ups. I didn't want to surprise anybody with this, so I'm letting you know. 8) Thanks for the great support! Jonathan Leger Publisher

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- W I N D O W S T U N E U P S ! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Publisher: Jonathan Leger Issue #009 mailto:jleger@... Feature Article: ---------------- CONSIDERATIONS WHEN UPGRADING YOUR OLD COMPUTER =============================================== by Jonathan Leger I run a small computer repair shop in a small town in Louisiana, and part of what we do is upgrade PCs for our customers. We'll often have a customer who has an old 486 or early-modle Pentium computer come in and say "I want to upgrade this, what do I need?" When upgrading a computer, there are three major areas you'll need to consider: [1] The amount of memory you have [2] The processor speed [3] The hard drive size/speed In this article, I'm going to approach all three aspects of upgrading your computer, and show you why you don't want to overlook any of them. ------ Memory ====== The first thing you'll want to check in your computer is how much memory (RAM) you have. To see how much RAM your computer has (if you have Windows 95 or 98), right-click on the "My Computer" icon of your desktop, and chose "properties" from the menu. A window will open up that says "System Properties", and there will be a picture of a monitor to the left with a list of information to the right. At the bottom of the list of information is how much RAM your computer has. If you are running Windows 95, you want a minimum of 16MB of RAM (24MB or 32MB is preferable). If you are running Windows 98, you want a minimum of 32MB (64MB is preferable). Why is that so important? Because Windows will use your computer's storage space (called your "hard drive") as memory once you run out of RAM to use. Although allowing Windows to have the resources it needs by doing this (which is called "swapping to disk" or "virtual memory"), your computer's hard drive is much slower than its RAM. What this means to you when upgrading is this: you might have a fairly fast (or even very fast) processor (the brain of the computer), but if your computer doesn't have enough RAM, it will still run slow! So make sure that you have enough RAM first. --------------- Processor Speed =============== The second issue to consider is your processor speed. As mentioned before, your processor is the "brains of the operation." It can be considered the "engine" of your computer, it's where the power comes from. Without it, your computer is just a heap of worthless electronics on your desk. How fast is your computer's processor? That's a little more tricky to find out. Usually, when you first turn on your computer (or "boot up", as we like to say), your computer will tell you how fast its processor is. This is rated in megahertz (which is abbreviated Mhz). For the sake of illustration, we'll think of the megahertz of your computer as the horsepower of a car. The more horsepower, the faster it goes. As a rule of thumb, if you are running Windows 95, you will get poor results if your computer's processor is less than 100 Mhz. If you are running Windows 98, you will get poor results if it is less 200 Mhz. 'Why does the operating system change how fast your computer needs to be?' you might ask. That's a question worthy of an answer. Think of Windows 95 as a Ford Escort, and Windows 98 as a Lincoln Towncar. Now, we all know that an Escort is much lighter than a Towncar, because not only is a Towncar much bigger, but it also adds all kinds of nice luxuries and technologies that makes the car heavier. Because of that, it requires a larger engine to move it comfortably, but man, it sure is nice, isn't it? Windows 98, compared to Windows 95, has added many features, nicer graphics, animations, all kinds of pretty things and functionality (including much better internet functionality), that makes it a "heavier" operating system. As such, it requires more "horsepower." Does this mean that you have to junk your old computer if you want to run Windows 98? Not necessarily. There are processor upgrades that you can get now that will replace your computer's old brain with a newer, faster one. They are fairly inexpensive, too, at around a hundred dollars, and take about 15 minutes to install if you're a do-it-yourselfer. ---------- Hard Drive ========== The third and final aspect to look at in your computer is its storage space, or hard drive. The hard drive is where all of your programs and your files and documents sit on your computer, waiting to be moved into RAM so that your computer can work with them. It is also the device that Windows uses like RAM when it runs out of RAM. Windows will almost always use your hard drive as memory, unless you have an enormous amount of RAM (for Windows 95, you'll need 128MB for it to work well without using your hard drive, for Windows 98--forget it). So the speed of your hard drive matters, and as with all things, newer hard drives are faster (and can hold more), than older ones. ------- Summary ======= So, in order of priority, if you're looking to upgrade your old computer instead of getting a new one, look into adding more memory first, then look at the processor upgrades, and finally, look into a new hard drive. Street-pricing for memory upgrades ranges from about $49 for an extra 16MB to $89 for an extra 32MB (but that figure varies enormously depending on your computer's setup). For the processor upgrade, expect to pay about $100. For a new hard drive, expect to pay around $149. I'm telling you what you should expect to pay because many "computer repair" guys are like mechanics, and will charge you through the nose if they think they can get away with it. So be well-armed by reading over this article a few times before going into a computer repair shop to get your computer upgraded, if you're not going to do it yourself. So, if you were to upgrade each aspect of your old computer, you're looking at around $350 or so. The other option is to use your old monitor, keyboard and mouse, and just replace the 'box' with a new one, which cuts costs way down because you're not having to pay for the peripherals. My company, United Technologies, offers a 333 Mhz computer with 32 MB of RAM and Windows 98 for only $599, and we will ship it to you for free! It's everything you need to run the latest software fast without having to take out a loan! So if you're thinking about replacing your old computer's 'box', give me a call toll-free at 1-877-SABINE1 Monday-Friday, 9am to 6pm CST. Or e-mail me right now, and I'll give you a call right away: mailto:jleger@... We accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express. We also have the memory, processor and hard drive upgrades available if you're a do-it-yourselfer. ---------------- About the Author ================ Jonathan Leger is a partner in United Technologies, a computer sales and service firm engaged in cutting-edge technology such as wirless LAN networking, traditional LAN networking in Windows workgroups, and custom database programming. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Windows Tune Ups! is brought to you by: United Technologies 2600 Texas Hwy. Many, LA 71449 Phone: 1-877-SABINE1 Fax: 1-318-5900888 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Yahoo! Groups Tips

Did you know...

Messages

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail
	Sign In New User? Sign Up
		Tech - Groups - Help

Yahoo! Groups Tips

Did you know...

Best of Y! Groups

Messages