This page contains different levels of Computer tips. Some are very basic and some are very advance Computer maintenance tips. However, anyone with basic computer skills will be able to follow these computer tips.
Some Computer maintenance tasks are depending on your operating system and its version (XP, 2003, Windows 7 etc). However, most of the computer maintenance tips on this page are common and valid for many operating systems.
This computer basics page is the foundation for anyone who wants to explore the Computer world. This is a vast area to explore. But I am trying my best to cover as much as possible topics on computer basics for average computer users.
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Learning computer basics is important to fully understand any specific area such as computer maintenance.
Definition of the Computer
An electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes data, and can be programmed with instructions. A computer is composed of hardware and software, and can exist in a variety of sizes and configurations.
Hardware
There are several components that work together to run your computer. Hardware are the devices/parts which you can touch and see such as your monitor, Keyboard, mouse etc.
Software
Software are programs which has set of instructions that get hardware working for you. Ex: Windows, MS Word, MS Excel
Below sub pages contains more coverage on computer basics.
Personal computer history
Computer input devices
Computer output devices
Computer hardware components. Identify PC Computer parts.
Basic Computer Software Terminology
How Internet and Search Engines are working.
What is Broadband - high speed Internet connections.
What are Bits and Bytes.
What is an Operating System (OS) and application software.
The registry is a database in Windows that contains important information about system hardware, installed programs and settings, and profiles of each of the user accounts on your computer. Windows continually refers to the information in the registry.
You shouldn't need to make manual changes to the registry because programs and applications typically make all the necessary changes automatically. An incorrect change to your computer's registry could render your computer inoperable. However, if a corrupt file appears in the registry, you might be required to make changes.
Registry Editor is a tool intended for advanced users. It's used to view and change settings in the system registry, which contains information about how your computer runs. Windows refers to this information and updates it when you make changes to your computer, such as installing a new program, creating a user profile, or adding new hardware. Registry Editor lets you view registry folders, files, and the settings for each registry file.
Ordinarily, you don't need to make changes to the registry. The registry contains complex system information that's vital to your computer, and an incorrect change to your computer's registry could render your computer inoperable. However, a corrupt registry file might require changes. We strongly recommended that you back up the registry before making any changes and that you only change values in the registry that you understand or have been instructed to change. For more information, see Back up the registry.
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you aren't logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account.
Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy, of the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device (highly recommend). If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.
To open Registry Editor Click START->Run and type regedit. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Locate and click the key or subkey that you want to back up or click the "Computer" key to backup the entire registry.
Click the File menu, and then click Export.
In the Save in box, select the location where you want to save the backup copy to, and then type a name for the backup file in the File name box.
Click Save.
For advanced information about editing the registry, go to the Microsoft website for IT professionals.
Although you can back up more than just the registry key or subkey that you are modifying, doing so adds to the size of the backup file.
Before editing the registry, it's a good idea to create a restore point using System Restore. The restore point contains information about the registry, and you can use the restore point to undo changes to your system. For more information, search Help and Support for "System Restore."
The Windows registry is a database that lists all of the configuration settings that determine how Windows looks and behaves. Sometimes, settings that are no longer needed will remain in the registry in case they're ever needed again. There's nothing unusual about this, and this data is small in size.
Some products available for free on the Internet suggest regular Computer registry maintenance or cleaning. Although a registry setting can become corrupt on occasion, in general, the registry is self-sufficient. If you decide to install a registry cleaner, be sure to research the product and only download and install programs from software publishers that you trust.
The only product we recommend is Registry Easy Computer Registry Maintenance Tool
Warnings
Some programs available for free on the Internet might contain spyware, adware, or viruses. Only download and install programs from software publishers that you trust. Even if you trust the website you download the program from, you need to also trust the publisher of the program. For more information, see When to trust a software publisher.
We strongly recommend that you only change values in the registry that you understand or have been instructed to change by a source you trust. Be sure to back up the registry before making any changes.
There are thousands of Computer maintenance software available in the market. However, only few can do the job very well. We have been repairing computers for over 15 years and following are our top 3 picks of PC maintenance software for average Computer users.
#1 Registry Easy
This is by far the best product available in the market today. It allows you to scan your PC FREE and identify hidden errors and fix them immediately.
The most important feature of this computer maintenance software is the list of errors it can identify and fix. Not like other PC repair tools, this can identify hard to find PC errors and repair them instantly.
Visit the Registry Easy Website for more details on this PC maintenance software.
#2 Driver Robot
The main cause for most of the Computer problems is software divers. If you wonder what are drivers, they are the programs, which are talking to individual components of your PC. Each component such as mouse, Video card, your sound devices etc has dedicated drivers.
The hardware may not function properly when the drivers are not up to date or corrupted. Driver Robot can automatically scan your PC then download and install latest drivers for your PC. This will enhance the speed of your PC and keep it error free.
Visit Driver Robot Website for more details on this PC maintenance software.
#3 Workstation Optimizer
This is very special PC repair software. Workstation Optimizer is a combination of Computer maintenance and spyware remover. It has been developed in such a way that it can take care of computer maintenance as well as computer security problems.
Visit Workstation Optimizer website for more details on this Computer maintenance tool.
If you are using a Notebook then these 4 simple Notebook maintenance tips will help prolong the life of your notebook.
1. Take care of your battery
Your notebook battery capacity will decrease with time, wear and tear, but there are things you can do to maximise its lifespan. For example, it is best to recharge batteries when they get to 10?20 percent charge, as regularly letting the battery fully discharge to 0 percent is not good for it. While short discharges and recharges won?t actually damage a battery, they can decrease the accuracy of the battery gauge; this can be remedied by doing a deliberate full discharge every 30 charges.
When you?re not using the battery for a prolonged time, you can preserve its life by removing it at 40 percent charge and storing it in a cool, dry place. The worst thing you can do is leave a fully charged battery at high heat ? which leads us to our next point ?
2. Avoid excessive heat
Notebooks generate a lot of heat. When they get too hot, they shut themselves down or cause damage to your notebook battery, hardware or electronic components. Because notebook operations are responsible for creating internal heat, you can avoid problems by changing settings and reducing processor speeds and screen brightness.
You can also install freeware utilities that monitor the temperature of your notebook and automatically speed up the fan or decrease power usage. Turn off your computer before putting it in a notebook case or any confined space where heat can build up. And remember to avoid high-heat environments, like a hot car. Another way to ensure your notebook doesn?t overheat is to ...
3. Let air vents breathe
Overheating can quickly result if your notebook?s air vents are blocked. So don?t put it on a soft surface like a bed, where the blankets and pillows can squash up against the air vents, preventing air from circulating. Even on hard surfaces, some notebooks can have a hard time ?breathing?.
If this is the case with your notebook and you see that it is getting too hot, you can elevate the back of the computer by propping it up using household objects or getting a laptop stand that allows air to flow freely. Notebook coolers or ?chill pads? work similarly but include external fans. Another way that air vents and ports can get blocked is with dust. Use a can of compressed air to clear them. Speaking of cleaning ?
4. Be careful with LCD screens, the most expensive part of the notebook
When cleaning your screen, be very careful. Minerals in tap water can leave spots, so only use distilled water, and don?t use any solvents or alcohol, like household glass cleaner, or paper towels, which contain wood fibre and cause scratches. Best of all is to use a lint-free dry microfibre cloth to gently remove dust from your screen.
In general, avoid touching the screen, as it can leave fingerprints and cause permanent marks if too much pressure is applied. Fractures in the LCD display, though you might not be able to see them, create lines, patterns, spots or bleeding around the edges of the screen, which may only get worse.
By following these steps, reading and heeding the manufacturer?s instructions and warnings, and paying attention to your notebook, you can help ensure it has a long and happy life.
Why?
Because spyware and viruses are distributed as free Computer maintenance tools. You must be very careful of when you are downloading free software and utilities.
Having said that below are our top 5 free PC tools.
1. Spybot Search & Destroy
This is the best free anti spyware tool available today. This may be not as good as paid product. However, it can do the job for an average Computer user.
Visit http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html to download Spybot Search & Destroy.
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2. Easy Cleaner – the best free registry cleaner
Easy cleaner is an average registry cleaner that can repair damaged Windows registry entries. This tool also has the registry backup facility. This is an on-demand tool, which means you need to run it manually (cannot automate). Visit http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm to download Easy Cleaner.
3. Eraser – The best free tool to delete files permanently.
Your first thought may be that when you 'delete' the file, the data is gone. Not quite, when you delete a file, the operating system does not really remove the file from the disk; it only removes the reference of the file from the file system table. The file remains on the disk until another file is created over it.
This is a risk for sensitive information that you have deleted from your PC. Eraser can permanently delete the files from your Computer. Visit http://eraser.heidi.ie/ to download this free PC maintenance tool.
4. AVG – the best free antivirus program
AVG has been known as the best free antivirus for many years. However, this is not as good as premium products such as Norton. If you are using the Internet heavily then this is not for you.
Visit http://free.avg.com/au-en/get-basic-protection to download the AVG free edition.
5. CCleaner – the best hard disk cleaner.
CCleaner can clean your hard drive by deleting temporary Internet files, deleted files, deleted registry keys and many more. This free PC tool is much more powerful than Windows clean-up utilities.
Visit http://www.piriform.com/ to download CCleaner for free.
Why?
Because spyware and viruses are distributed as free Computer maintenance tools. You must be very careful of when you are downloading free software and utilities.
Having said that below are our top 5 free PC repair tools.
This is the best free anti spyware tool available today. This may be not as good as paid product. However, it can do the job for an average Computer user.
Visit http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html to download Spybot Search & Destroy.
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Easy cleaner is an average registry cleaner that can repair damaged Windows registry entries. This tool also has the registry backup facility. This is an on-demand tool, which means you need to run it manually (cannot automate)
Visit http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm to download Easy Cleaner.
Your first thought may be that when you 'delete' the file, the data is gone. Not quite, when you delete a file, the operating system does not really remove the file from the disk; it only removes the reference of the file from the file system table. The file remains on the disk until another file is created over it.
This is a risk for sensitive information that you have deleted from your PC. Eraser can permanently delete the files from your Computer.
Visit http://eraser.heidi.ie/ to download Eraser.
AVG has been known as the best free antivirus for many years. However, this is not as good as premium products such as Norton. If you are using the Internet heavily then this is not for you.
Visit http://free.avg.com/au-en/get-basic-protection to download the AVG free edition.
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CCleaner can clean your hard drive by deleting temporary Internet files, deleted files, deleted registry keys and many more. This free PC tool is much more powerful than Windows clean-up utilities.
Visit http://www.piriform.com/ to download CCleaner for free. Back to Computer Maintenance Newsletter main page
Back to Computer repair Home PageI have listed below some web sites which have useful information on Computer maintenance. They provide information on different categories such as computer maintenance and support, computer trouble shooting, data recovery etc. I will keep on adding links as and when I discover good web sites.
Free Laptop Scam Guide to free Laptop scams and how to find genuine free Laptop offers.
Refurbished HP Laser Printers Affordable HP Laserjets, Printers, Supplies, Parts and Accessories. Brought back to good as new and worked on by our HP factory trained and authorized technicians.
Lot of details about computer parts and building PCs
Useful information and tips from Computer Help Squad
Advertisementhttp://www.desktop-computer-hardware-guide.com - Learn to choose the best computer parts for your system. Never buy the wrong hardware again.
3D Screensavers, Animated Wallpaper and Software Tutorials
Download a selection of handpicked software from www.best-of-computing.com and also claim your free 3D screensaver when subscribing to our "New Tutorial Notification List".
Useful web site on gaming computers, gaming laptops and building a computer
PC Repair, Diagnostics and Spyware Removal Directory
www.fullservice-broadband-provider.com - Residential and Business Broadband Services
Unbiased, informative information on broadband technology. Residential, business, VoIP and more. Free quotes available for all services!
Computing Source - Source for computer, gadget and gaming information & reviews.
Emergency Data Recovery ServicesSpam Blocker Software Solutions
Anti Spam Exchange Servers, spam software filters, spam blocker software application reviews, and solutions proven effective at fighting spam.
Data Recovery
Data recovery articles, links and advice.
Understand Technology
Information about the latest technology and how it is relevant to you. How you can apply technology in your daily life. Includes buying guides and advice on technology.
Parker Computer Guy your source for computer repair and services, computer tips and more.
www.thetechzone.com - Your online computer store.
http://www.vitaldata.ca Vital Data Recovery. Computer data recovery service from hard drives, CD/DVD, flash and digital memory recovery, Laptop data recovery Montreal, Quebec, Calgary,Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax.
Ink Refill - Study confirms HP inkjet cartridges outperform ink cartridge refills.
Wordpress Hosting
Host your Wordpress blog with Rochen Hosting, the leader in reliable hosting and customer service.
Drupal Support
Acquia is the number one provider of support for Drupal.
Austin Print Advertising
Glide Design, established in 2002, is based out of the beautiful hill country of Austin, Texas. Originally created with a strong core culture of hard work and integrity we have and continue to strive for excellence in our field.
Animation Studio
Create experiences with the Moujaes animation studio.
Windows Registry Cleaner
In need of a windows registry cleaner that actually works and speeds up your computer? Go to YourRegistryCleaner.com for a free trial!
SEO Company
Volacci is a SEO company that provides a wide range of marketing services to your website ranging from Search Engine Optimization, PPC Management, and SEO consultation.
NEC UX5000 Austin
For information on NEC UX5000 phone systems in Austin, Texas, contact Telco Data.
Cisco Flash Memory
Looking for the best prices on cisco flash memory? Visit ComputerPartsNow.com .
SEO Affiliate Program
Make some extra cash by joining Volacci's seo affiliate program and earn commission!
Cisco switches
For low prices on top quality cisco switches, count on the IT experts at Network Systems Resale.
Spyware Cyberlog X
Have spyware cyberlog x? Come download at spyware-blockers.com!
