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Recently we had a customer who had upgraded his laptop with a larger Hard Drive. he used a 750GB seagate hybrid drive. with 32GB solid state component and the rest of it filled with moveable parts. Which makes it a faster drive when accessing operating system and your most often used programs.
but what do you do with the drive that large? do you keep just one partition of 750GB or do you split it in half? here is my take on it:
in terms of having more or less space on the drive partitioning has no play in it. you don’t lose space if you partition a hard drive in to two or 3 partitions. the only difference is really the practicality of it. For drive this large I would recommend splitting it in at least two partitions for one reason only.
knowing windows and its stability issues I would absolutely partition my 750 drive keeping about 100GB for operating system and program files on the first. and make second partition for the rest of the available space. That way, you can do couple of things:
1. after you install windows and your programs you can make an image of the first partition (100GB) and save it on second partition.
2. even if you don’t do an image of first partition, you can always reinstall windows on first partition and have rest of your files sitting on the second partition untouched. Because if you had everything on one partition and imagine it would be pretty full (lets say 600GB full) in order to reinstall windows, you would have to back everything up. Which means you would need to have another hard drive to put everything on, reinstall windows and then transfer everything back. For me it sounds like a lot of work, I don’t know about you.
there is really no difference, but for practical reasons it is just so much simpler and will save you a lot of hassle moving stuff around from drive to drive.
call overnight pc repair if you experience computer trouble. we can help you with any computer or laptop issues! our number is 877-938-8777
from the variety of Internet browsers available today there are few worth mentioning and in fact I will really focus on mostly security and ease of use.
So my number one browser I used for years and still continue on using is Firefox Mozilla. Mozilla has built in security features. they prevent you from going to some sites if any kind of spyware or malware is detected on them. It usually gives you red, scary looking screen and prompts to pursue further at your own risk. so if you don’t mind getting spyware downloaded you can make your choice.
no other browser has this capability and I think for a lot of people it would be helpful.
Many of my clients who bring their machines in for computer repair, 99% of the time have used internet explorer to browse online. that is how they picked up spyware. So mozilla would be my first recommendation from the browser array. You can’t go wrong with it. it has many addons, many features and is very user friendly. I love it. 
my second pick, which I also use is Google Chrome browser. Which took a little while to get used to, because of absense of basically menus and all the other stuff. As you may know, google is about efficiency and removing things you don’t really need. to make users experience as simple as possible. So Chrome does that perfectly.
Chrome browser is also pretty fast and has many interesting addons and features to come along with. Really good browser too.
My point here really is to stay away from Internet explorer. It comes pre-installed with all microsoft windows operating systems and it is reason why people use it so much.
If I was you, I would spend an extra 5 minutes to download myself mozilla or chrome browser just for the sake of it. You would see the difference immediately. and besides they’re free.
Computer buying tips
So You have decided to buy new computer and don’t know what to look for? I get this a lot from people who have an older unit are tired of fixing it and for the most part just want to get a newer more up to date unit with lots of more fancy features manufacturers offer nowadays.
The more technical features and benefits I will discuss here, apply both for laptops and desktops. So let me get right into it. So the main factor to look for when buying a computer are:
- Processor speed – Processor or CPU. It is the main chip in your computer and it determines how fast the information is processed. What you usually see on the market is processors from two different companies Intel and AMD.Whichever is better I don’t know. This is a matter of personal opinion. Whichever ones are faster is also a very relevant thing, so there is no right or wrong, no better or worse. I personally prefer Intel.Processors are compared by the clocking speed, if you’re not gonna get too deep into how they operate it is suffice to say processor speed is how fast it can process information. All available processors on the market today are fast enough for any home user or even business owners who use their computers for work or pleasure. It really doesn’t have so much importance anymore. On the other hand if you’re doing lots of data processing, like editing video or converting large movie files, you will probably know what you need. And if you don’t then anything above dual core processor is sufficient. Their prices run starting at about a $100 all the way into a thousand or more for the fastest available processors on the market.
- RAM memory. Random Access Memory or RAM is a bit more vital to computer speed than processor for a non professional computer user. If you don’t have sufficient amounts of RAM, you will experience slow computer, your internet pages will open slower. RAM is measured in gigabytes, and if you go to the store, a clerk my even straight out tell you this computer has so 2, 3 or 4 or 8 gigabytes of RAM. Here, really the more the better. If you can afford 8GB more power to you! You will love your computer. In today’s day and age, if you go to the computer store, most of the computers you find start with 2GB as minimum, which is pretty optimal for normal use.
- Hard Drive size. Now this is the computer part, where you store all your computer data, like pictures, videos, documents, etc. Hard Drives are pretty cheap nowadays. They are also measured in bytes, with Giga or even tera in front. One thousand gigabytes equals one terabyte. so, if you plan to have a lot of music or movies or videos on your pc, don’t be shy and at least get 500GB. It will hold quite a bit of stuff. Average normal size in the industry today starts at about 250GB and up to 2TB those are available everywhere. As for brand I recommend “Western Digital” from my experience they are most reliable hard drives out there.
- Optical drive. Is a drive where you put your CD, DVD or blue ray disks-in. Besides they type of drive CD, DVD, or Blue Ray drives are separated in the ones that read and the ones that write or record. Most today’s computers come equipped with DVD-+RW drives, which simply means dvd – rewritable. It means you can put in a blank DVD-R or DVD+R disk and drive can read it and/or record it. DVD drives, have CD playback as well. This is something to be aware of and to make sure you double check with who is selling you a PC if you are able to record dvds with this drive and they will tell you. On the other hand if you want to go a step further, blue ray drive is your choice. Blue ray offers way greater quality than dvd and standard blue ray players are not too bad pricewise too. If you have one of those you can playback blue ray disks and if you get a burner you will be also able to record video high quality
- Monitor. When looking at the computer monitor, look for resolution. HD monitors offer best resolution 1080 again a technical number, but if you remember it you will be better off J this is by far the highest resolution in todays market and price is not so different from lower quality, so may as well get 1080p it will give you the best picture and you wont regret it.
- Video card. Most computers today come with built in video cards already. However if you plan to do some gaming, or watch some quality movies or do some video editing, you need to do some homework and dig into this matter a little deeper. For most users, built in video cards will do the job though.
- Audio Card. Like video audio cards are usually integrated into computers as standard. However if you wish to connect surround sound, and not only two desktop speakers, you need to be aware of this feature and make sure your audio card has the right outputs to connect more than 2 speakers. Audio cards can be purchased separately and installed into your computer.
- USB ports. USB is a type of connection that you probably already used if you have a computer. It’s about half inch wide and 1/8 inch long connection type that most todays external devices use. When buying computer, make sure you have plenty of them in front and back of the case.
Keyboard, mouse, speakers are pretty self explanatory. The variety is there Logitech, Microsoft are good brands.
I hope this helps and if you still have questions feel free to contact me at 818-532-9333 and I will get you all your answers.
Computer buying tips brought to you by Ed Kubilinskas – leading computer repair and it support expert in los angeles. When you have computer problem call 818-532 9333 or visit www.overnightPCrepair.com – where your computer is fixed and your data saved in less than 24 hours. It is the fastest computer repair service in los angeles, CA.
So You’re Thinking About Online Data Backup Software?
Great! I think it is a wonderful solution. So this morning, after my daily work out and a pretty healthy primal breakfast, I opened my computer repair blog and I wanted to discuss some of the features and benefits of what this type of service can do for you or your business.
First lets get clear on what it is:
Online Data Backup Software – is software which allows backup of your files in some remote (online) location.
So in other words, instead of having all your files and data backed up on external or external hard drives at home. You basically send it out to a different location and it is stored over there.
This sounds really great you say and I also think it is. But as always there are two sides of the coin and I want to help you explore them both with help of this article.
So sit back, relax and let’s get right into it J
- The number one benefit, most obvious one, happens to be the selling point of all the online data backup software is in case of fire or earthquake or as result of some other natural disaster causing physical damage to the your computer where your important data is stored, you would lose all your data. With data backup software online, your data is simply stored in some other location. Usually miles and miles away, unless you accidentally purchase one that has data centers in the same city or maybe even same block as you live in Los Angeles
. And if earthquake hits everything is gone. That would be a bummer huh? Yeah. But it simply calls for-always do your research. Always. This is really one of the main and only logically justifiable reasons to get online backup data software. - Another reason to look into this is affordability. Since price of many of these services is pretty much minimal, therefore it definitely beats the alternative of having someone come in and physically do it in your home or office. That is, take your data, put it on the external hard drive and physically drive it to a safe location where it’s not going to be damaged, in case of a misfortune.Most of these programs available today run about $5-10 a month and if you were to hire a service they would probably charge you more. Unless you can have your employees do it, but then again you would have to rent a safe place to store your server or hard drives and that would also involve additional cost.
- Also online data backup service is convenient because most of it is done in real time as you change files, so you don’t have to think about doing it. Everything is done automatically as you go.
- Some software also offer data encryption
- Mmost services also offer data versioning, it means you don’t only have the newest version of your file backed up. You have several version. So In case you need to go back in time and recover something older you can do it too.
- Access to your files is password protected so no one can get into your files without you.
- Virtually unlimited amounts of hard drive space to store as much info as you want (available storage space is probably depends on price)
Now here are also some disadvantages:
- Since your data backup depends on internet connection, to send files in and out, you become merely depended on it. If you have slow connection, you might have to wait a while to restore some of the larger files or folders
- Privacy. Some services can not guarantee your data will be kept private from employees intervention
- Company providing online data backup service might be bought out or go out of business.
Also there are managed online backup services, where the provided offers initial support and assistance setting up the service, keep an eye on whats going on with it, inform you if backup has failed, etc.
The most popular software on the market for data backup are:
Carbonite: www.carbonite.com
SugarSync: http://www.sugarsync.com/
Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/
IBackup: http://www.ibackup.com/
Here you go. This will do it for now to get you started. For more extensive analysis, please do your research before buying anything. No one can recommend you best service, do your own homework, check company reviews, read some blogs, forums etc, no one can do it better than yourself.
For questions about computer repair, web design or internet marketing services please do not hesitate contact me directly at 818-532-9333 or visit fastest computer repair service in los angeles at www.overnightpcrepair.com or email me at ed@overnightpcrepair.com
Eduardas Kubilinskas – leading expert in computer repair and it support in southern california
So you have an Ipod and you Dislike using Itunes?
So do I. Therefore I had to come up with a solution for this. I dont know if Im not savvy enough with apple’s Itunes software, but it seems to me from how I see other people use it, that everyone has to go through this stage of initial perplexion and break in period until you get how the damn thing works. Something about apple and confusion goes hand in hand. I mean how else are you going to be different, when microsoft has already created everything that’s fairly easy to understand and makes logical sense when you learn how to use it.
Anyway, Apple is great I love my nano 8GB iPod and here is how I load music on it.
I use program called Sharepod. you can download it free at http://www.getsharepod.com/ The software works on windows platform as a standard windows application. it is very very easy to use. You select a folder with songs, or select individual mp3 files and simply copy them to the ipod. its almost drag and drop style. how lovely.
the only drawbacks are: some ipods are tough to set up, because of the whole apple-use-apple software deal, so on some ipods I’ve seen, you still had to sort of activate your ipod on itunes first and then it works on sharepod.
regardless it is a very nice altrenative to iTunes, so give it a shot let me know what you think
another No B.S. Computer tip presented to you by Ed Kubilinskas leading computer repair and it support expert here in los angeles
you can reach me at
ed@overnightpcrepair.com
How does wireless internet work
Wireless internet is a term that is in reference to the wireless way of receiving and sending of all data in the Internet instead of making use of a wired infrastructure or backbone. It is also called at times, wireless network or networking. Many are of this opinion that the wireless internet is WiFi, while some are of this opinion that it is an internet access on the basis of radio and there are few who thinks that wireless internet is Satellite internet. There is a presence of internet accessibility on cellular base.
In reality the accessibility of wireless internet is described on the basis of radio frequencies. There are rectangular shaped boxes that are mounted on the top of various houses and these are connected with the Wireless Internet Access. Wireless Internet Service Provider or WISP works in one’s computer. There would either be the presence of a radio transmitter or a cabling through the ISP that would send signals to the tower. To reach one’s home, the signal can travel via various towers first. After the signal reaches the tower that is nearest, then it passes to the receiver directly. Now from the receiver, the signal would then go to the networking cable to one’s modem or modulator or demodulator as it is also known as. When the modulation is taking place, it in fact is making all the outgoing data comprehensible with the wireless network. Demodulation makes the signal comprehensible to the computer of the user.
Wireless Internet Service Provider or WISP makes use of frequencies and they are secured too. This is because there is an addiction of encryption in the signal. The most common encryption is DES. With the frequencies there are also other attributes too. After the collection of all the beaming signals from the tower, subscribers having the wireless internet accessibility would receive a wireless internet receiver. Through this receiver, data is received through cable lines and then it is transmitted to the computer of connection to over 802.11b. There is also a requirement of a direct path that to the tower, with a clear and obstacle free path, one can download in a much faster rate.
The advantages of wireless internet are:
- Wireless internet provides great service to all the customers with a speed of 2 megabytes/second. And the speed would develop more in the future.
- One can get the service of wireless internet in any parts of an urban zone and subscribers from rural areas are also being utilized too, with the construction of towers.
- Wireless internet is cheaper than the satellite broadband.
- With the wireless internet, users can get a lot of devices and services, for example, wireless microphones, headphones, keyboards and also computers.
Disadvantages of wireless internet are:
- Power is consumed to a much higher level by wireless internet than the other internet services. This as such might cause the heating of the batteries and there would be the requirement to change them too.
- There are higher chances of hacking with the wireless internet connection, though there is software for security, like firewall that can prevent the hacking issues.
- There is a presence of limited range in wireless internet network, usually. It might be 150 feet indoors in range and 300 feet in range outdoors.
But in spite of all the pros and cons, wireless internet services are affordable and effective too. Cables are used for this purpose and after this other technologies are also used like 3G and WiMax, which provides wireless connection for 24×7 and at a stretch, with effectiveness.
yes and no.
I am talking about your routers wireless security. the one you use at home, so you can have wireless throughout the house and browse online using your laptop.
there are several methods to secure wireless on home router.
WEP- it stands for wireless equivalent privacy
and more advanced
WPA and WPA2 (both of which I recommend)
Without getting to technical I will state, that WEP protection on your router is easiest to crack. It can be done within minutes, sometimes a little longer. WEP cracking or intrusive software is readily available for everyone to use, therefore if you have WEP encrypted password set up, you must change it ASAP. because someone may be using your internet as we speak!
WPA and better yet WPA2 uses better encryption method and is also possible to hack, but it takes much longer and its more complicated! I personally know a guy, who knows a guy who tried to do it, and it was pretty tough with no exceptional results. so I can vouch it is much safer than WEP.
This is not such a big deal after all. not too much harm can be done if they use your internet. Besides the fact if intruder will be downloading or uploading something, your internet will become slow.
To prevent, you can always log into your router and check how many computers are logged in. Make sure they are all yours and if you see any suspicious machines connected you can always ban them.
Happy surfing!
Ed overnightpcrepair.com quickest and promptest computer repair in woodland hills, ca
There are numerous concerns here. You want to prevent crooks from stealing your laptop. But if it is stolen in spite of your protective measures, you might still want to protect your data–in the sense that you don’t want to misplace it or let the thieves gain access to your personal information. Most importantly, you want to boost the chances of getting it back.
Let’s begin with preventing the stealing in the first place:
When you are outside the house, keep the laptop in a casing that protects it physically but doesn’t look like a laptop casing. A backpack will do just fine. Keep it under your watchful eye or in physical contact at all times. Position it in your lap or between your legs while sitting and not using it.
When you’re at home, protect it with a lock and chain. Most laptops include a security slot for a specially-made lock, and those locks have a chain attached to them, which you can put around dining tables or other unmovable objects. Kensington and SecurityKit.com both offer a variety of chains and locks.
When you are staying at a hotel, take the laptop with you everywhere you go. Or, if there is a safe in your room, place it there. If neither one of the solutions work, ask the manager at the front desk to place it in the hotel’s safe. And if that is not an option, use the lock and chain.
Protecting Your Data
The most carefully-protected laptops may be stolen too, so you must guard your data. The majority of your files will be of no use to the criminals, but if there is something you don’t want them to get a hold of (bank statements, corporate secrets, letters of transit), encrypt it. See Avoid Windows Encryption for instructions on how to do this.
You may not want to provide criminals access to your records, but neither do you want to lose it. So maintain an up-to-date backup of your data–and a backup to your internal hard drive doesn’t make sense. If you backup to an external hard drive, keep it someplace other than your laptop case. In fact, when you are outside, leave the backup drive at home, and use a flash drive to carry copies of the files you’ll need on the outing.
You can also backup online with a service like Mozy. (at mozy.com)
If your laptop is stolen, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll never see it again. But noting down your model and serial numbers (they’re probably on a plate or sticker on the bottom of the laptop) increases the odds that you will. Two programs, Absolute Software and Tometa Software offer software/service combinations that may raise the odds even more. These hidden programs installed on your machine will report the laptop’s physical location (or at least its IP address) when the Internet is accessed by the laptop. This information can assist you in tracking down your stolen PC easily.
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if you are having trouble providing remote support to your clients or figuring out what the computer issue is, check out this video for a great Windows 7 tool called Problem Steps Recorder.
it comes in windows 7 and all you need to do is have your customer run it and it will record all the problems that occur for the customer. Afterwards you can review and understand what the issue is.
watch video to learn how to use it:
by the way promo techrepublic.com thanks for great video:
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Here’s how to prevent a misfortune in advance, by creating and image of your hard drive and setting up a data backup.
This article contains steps to image your hard drive and set up a backup.
Creating a Drive Image
Creating a drive image can help you restore your PC to an almost new state with minor configuration changes, if things go haywire with your system or an unlucky event takes place. You will need to create an image for your hard drive only once; there is no need to repeatedly create a new image every time you make changes to your hard drive. The image automatically updates itself to the current state of your hard drive. It might even be possible that you won’t need the drive’s image but still, it might come in handy.
One of the best freeware programs out there that can replicate and return your hard drive to its previous state is, Macrium Reflect Free. It is loads better than many of the commercial cloning programs sold. In fact, PCWorld’s Jon Jacobi appreciated this software and said, “its interface is the friendliest I’ve run across.”
What is the best place to store your cloned hard drive data? Macrium Reflect Free offers you great options like DVDs, external drives, and even network drives. Each option has its pros and cons (Personally, I would advise buying an inexpensive external hard drive to use for this, it can even help you for other backup purposes.)
Gear Up for Backups
Make a backup now or you’ll regret it later on. A free tool called OffiSync can easily sync your local documents with your Google Docs account, thereby allowing you to access your documents from anywhere. You won’t even have to worry about losing your important documents in case your PC fails you.
Windows 7 Libraries Back Up
To locate your documents, music, pictures, and videos spread across different places on your hard drive; Microsoft has gifted its valued users with an easy to use Windows 7′s Libraries feature. Its only drawback is that it doesn’t support network locations. This is a major setback for someone who has more than one system and the required file is residing on another hard drive.
Here’s where Win7 Library Tool (freeware) will be useful because it makes adding network folders to your Libraries pretty easy. So, for example, if I want to listen to songs that are on my brother’s PC, I can easily do that by adding his Songs folder to my Music Library. Another neat feature of this tool is its ability to provide a centralized location for modifying your Library settings. Even the icons for various Libraries are customizable.
My favorite feature of the Win7 Library Tool is library backups it creates. If you’ve reinstalled Windows or moved to another computer you can easily restore your libraries by adding the set of libraries you saved earlier.
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