In this article we are going to talk a little about why my computer shut down time is so slow We have a lot of questions about computers that run good but the shutdown process takes way longer then it is supposed to. Once the shut down command is initiated, some systems will spin the hard drive seemingly forever until the shutdown finally occurs. Computer shut down issues can be caused by many reasons from software to hardware. By far one of the most common is a program that is using too many resources. In order to determine this, open up your Task Manager while the computer is running. Click on the Process tab. Take a close look at some of the programs that are running and how many CPU cycles they are using. If you spot a program that is using a high percentage, simply close the program. If you cannot close the program stop the process from running by highlighting the process and clicking on the end process tab of your Task Manager. You will get a complaint window but close it anyway. Now try to do your computer shut down. If the system shuts down normally you have found your problem. You will either have to shut the program down before shutting down or if it is something you can live without, just uninstall it. If you still have issues, repeat the process again. In addition, be sure to unplug all your USB devices as a test. Sometimes these devices will stop your computer from shutting down and in some cases from starting. If your system now shuts down normally, you are done. Some computers have their virtual memory set to delete when the computer shuts down. This will add up to a few minutes for the shut down process to occur. Unless you have a specific security need for this to happen, I recommend you turn this option off. In Windows XP, go to Start>Control Panel>Administrator Tools>Local Security Policy>Local Policies>Security Options. Look at the options and find the “Clear virtual memory page file when system shuts down “ entry. Be sure the setting is Disabled. If it is Enabled click on the line and change...
Read MoreWould you like to add a second monitor to your computer setup? Using dual monitors can hugely improve your work productivity. By creating more screen space you have the opportunity to multitask and work on several pieces of work at the same time. But how difficult is connecting a second monitor and do you need any special software or equipment? Today we will explore what options you have to add a 2nd monitor to your current computer and what benefits you will experience by having a dual system setup. Hardware requirements for connecting a second monitor There are a few items you will need to successfully connect a 2nd monitor to your computer, these include: A second PC monitor in addition to your original one 2 Monitor Cables 2 monitor ports on the back of your computer (VGA, DVI, S-Video or HDMI) or video adapter/card Connecting a 2nd monitor in Windows Vista and Windows 7 Setting up your second monitor in Windows is easy thanks to the quick plug and play nature of the operating system. Once you have connected each monitor to your computer, Windows will normally automatically detect the 2nd monitor and pop up the Display Settings Window. If you don’t see this immediately, you can change the settings yourself by visiting Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Display > Screen Resolution. You will now be able to configure your 2nd monitor to the customization you prefer including what is displayed on your new second screen. Advantages of using a 2nd PC monitor? There are many benefits of using a second PC monitor, these include the following: Improved efficiency – Your productivity levels will dramatically increase with the help of a second monitor. Not requiring to constantly minimize and maximize tabs will save you time and you can cross reference information quickly at a glance thanks to the huge amount of screen space you know benefit from Widescreen wallpapers – If you enjoy desktop wallpapers, then you will love the beautiful widescreen wallpapers that you can experience using 2 PC monitor Dual Screen gaming – Video game fans will enjoy being able to play their favorite games on...
Read MoreIf you’re considering purchasing your next computer, then you should take some time to think about what type of device is most suitable for your everyday requirements. Several years ago, computers were usually only differential based on their internal specs, however today diverse form factors and software functionality options have created a complete range of computer solutions. The 3 main devices that you will likely consider will be a desktop PC, a laptop or a tablet device? This guide should help you to pick and buy the best new computer for your needs and enjoyment. Desktop PCs Desktop PCs have been a favorite amongst computer users around the world for decades. While they still represent a large percentage of daily computer usage, the original hardware design has become less flexible in our busy mobile lives. However if you don’t need portability and enjoy sitting your computer permanently on a desk, then a new desktop computer is a great choice. Current retail Desktop PCs will normally ship with the highly acclaimed Windows 7, however Microsoft have an all new operating system coming out in the Fall 2012 called Windows 8. While this touch friendly OS has been showcased with Tablets in mind, the new Windows can also work equally well on your desktop PC. Out top tip if you are about to buy a new Desktop PC is to ensure you buy one that includes a touch screen PC monitor. The costs of touch monitors has reduced dramatically in recent years and by having a touch-ready you’ll ensure your new computer is future proof being able to enjoy future touch based software. Laptops Laptops have fast become a popular alternative to the desktop PC thanks to their lightweight portability, full powerful functionality and competitive costs. If you decide your next new computer will be a laptop, you still have to decide what type of laptop you need? Below is a great selection of different laptop designs and form factors that you can pick from: Ultra books – Ultra light laptops called Ultra books are the latest type of portable full featured machines for 2012. These super thin PCs are sleek and powerful, but also expensive. If you have an unlimited...
Read MoreHi everybody today I am going to talk about different types of computer repair plans that are available to you. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both. Most companies will either charge you by the hour, a flat rate fee or monthly. For most people, the flat rate fee is usually the best deal. We often find that people on monthly usually get tired of paying the monthly fee, especially if they are not using it. If a computer is repaired correctly, another service should not be required on that same system for many months. Now days, most computer companies either charge the flat rate fee or a monthly fee. You usually don’t pay hourly unless you bring your computer to a shop or you have a technician come out to the house. Hourly services can get very expensive if your problem is very involved. In addition, most shops have a “bench fee” that you have to pay even if you don’t get your system repaired. This is usually an unexpected and not needed expense. The growing trend in today’s economy is towards the flat rate pricing profile. With flat rate pricing, you pay one price for a service. There are no other hidden charges involved and no monthly charges after the call is completed. In addition, even if a difficult virus removal takes 5 hours to complete, you pay nothing extra. It is a win win scenario for the consumer. Most companies that offer this type of pricing will ensure that the job is done right the first time. If the job is done right, there should not be a need for additional monthly charges. The third type of plan we are going to discuss is the monthly service plan. This type of plan charges you a monthly fee for “unlimited” calls to the company. There are almost always some types of limitations to this plan and because companies trying to maintain these plans rely on volume, your job is going to be hurried through and most likely not done right the first time. In addition many of these companies are not US based. We get many calls from customers that tried these other types of...
Read MoreIs your PC not switching on no matter how many times you hold the power button? There can be few things worse in life then realizing your computer won’t switch on. That dreaded feeling that your computer has died and it will never work again is a common one. However try not to despair, there are a few steps that you can take and checks you can follow to locate the source of the problem. This brief guide will help you identify what is causing the computer power failure and what you can do to try to fix it? Below are our 5 top tips to identifying your computer power problem: 1) Check your power connection – It may seem obvious but the first step you should do is check your power connection and outlet socket. If all of your other electrical appliances are working then you can be confident it’s solely your computer at fault. Ensure that the AC power cable is secure both in the back of the machine and in the wall socket by completely unplugging the cable and reconnecting. It can be easy for power cords to accidentally get tangled and pull away from the wall. If everything is secure then you can also try plugging your computer into another power socket to rule out any individual supply connection issue. 2) Check for computer LED lights – The easiest way to identify if your computer has had a total loss of power is by checking its LED lights. These are normally small green/yellow/orange/blue lights located on the front and back of your computer case. If you can see any lights illuminated, then you can rule out a total loss of power. You can also check if the lights on a physically connected keyboard are displaying, for example the caps lock light. If there are no lights illuminated anywhere then you can be confident your machine has a total power loss. 3) Check your monitor’s power – Your monitor will usually have its own power supply and so you should next check if this is working by turning on the monitor. Even if your computer has a total loss of power you monitor’s front LED light...
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