So it’s March and you lost an hour of sleep. Big deal, we do this every year and we’ll get over it but, don’t just brush off your computer updates! If the time is off on your computer (lower right corner of your Windows PC) this could mean more than making you late for your morning meeting (or in my case this morning, my gym workout). Make sure that your time zone is set correctly and your computer system internal clock has been updated. The best way to do this, check to be sure you’re keeping up with your Windows Updates. Big deal, why does this matter? Did you know that if you hire an outside remote computer support person they might not be able to help you if the date/time is incorrect? Most servers that allow support individuals to do the work they need to do to help you will be locked out. The server will get completely confused if the time is off. Sure, sounds like and easy fix now but when is it that you’re seeking help? Usually when you have a virus or your computer is running wacky. Not the time to be installing updates and making adjustments, if you can even get to the programs to do so! So run your updates today. Banking software. Need to check your account balance before your big monthly bill is due? Be sure you’ve updated that clock. Most banking software encryptions rely on a correct date and time for the location of your computer. Rather than think something is wrong with your account check your time, this could be the culprit. Don’t be a lame duck. You’re a red flag if your computer date and time is off. There are viruses that seek these users out. It’s so obvious, if your time is off you are more than likely behind on software and virus protection updates. Muahahahahaha…this makes viruses very happy indeed. By: Kimberly Deprey: RingAGeek.com Remote Computer Repair Specialists, Don’t freak! Ring A...
Read MoreSimple Tips To Improve Your Wireless Router Wireless routers have completely revolutionized the way people access the internet. By simply getting a wireless router and establishing a wireless internet connection, individuals are now able to access the internet through a variety of handheld devices in addition to a regular desktop computer. However, with the added convenience of a wireless network also comes the possibility for wireless interference. The simplest of items, such as a dryer or microwave, may create a disturbance if you don’t know how to properly handle your wireless router. If your wireless signal is weaker than it used to be, or it has become completely disrupted, here are a few things to try that might help. 1 – Clear The Area For Your Router Wireless routers generally function best when they are in open areas, where they can exist without interference. If your router is behind a metal cabinet or blocked by another heavy object, it might be time to find a new location for it. Reposition your router so that it is free of obvious clutter. Also, try to place your wireless router near the middle of the desired coverage area so that the signals can be equally distributed. 2 – Check Your Router Speed You will likely notice a difference if your internet connection suddenly becomes much slower than normal. However, it might be a good idea to check the speed regardless. This can help you to determine if you are still in the speed range that was guaranteed to you by your provider, helping you to identify potential problems. Connection speed is generally very easy to test. All you need is some simple testing software, such as a LAN Speed Test, to determine the speed (given in Mbps). To get the most accurate results, it may be a good idea to check the results of the test a few different times. It is not uncommon for wireless speed to go down during the day when there are more wireless users. If the connection seems too slow for your needs, but it is still within the speed range promised by your provider, it may be time to upgrade. 3 – Manually Adjust Broadcast Channel...
Read MoreShopping for Valentine’s Day can be stressful. You want to get the perfect gift for your Valentine, but it’s not always an easy task. You want to find a gift that shows your love for your Valentine, but is also something that they love and will use. Shopping in the “technology” section can guarantee a gift that your special someone will love. From gaming PCs to small accessories, gadgets are the gift to give this Valentine’s Day. Gaming Computer Let’s start big. If you are going to spend a pretty penny on your tech-loving Valentine, a gaming computer is the way to go. A tricked out gaming PC may just be the way to your special someone’s heart. These can be a little more on the expensive end, but the functionality these computers offer will make that they get used every single day of the year. Gaming computers can be used for more than gaming. Your Valentine’s gaming love will be satisfied, and they will also be fully equipped for all their computing needs. MOGA Controller A MOGA controller is the perfect gift for your smartphone-using, game lover. This is a traditional gaming controller with ABXY buttons and two joysticks that clips directly onto a smartphone. This little device can turn your smart phone into a gaming screen. In addition, with the MOGA app, the controller connects via Bluetooth. For only $50 you can make your way into a gamer’s heart. Kindle Paperwhite Just about any e-reader will be a hit for your book-loving Valentine, but why not get something that they’ll really use? The Kindle Paperwhite is one of the newest e-readers, and it has some extremely useful features such as a built-in light and text that’s easy on the eyes. In addition, if you are an Amazon Prime member, you read a free collection of ‘loaner’ books. Wii U This new generation of Wii is a must-have item for any gadget or game lover. The game system comes with a tablet controller that allows you to play more games with large groups. It also features updated graphics and the same fun games that Nintendo is known for. Roku HD The Roku is the most affordable methods of...
Read MoreSo first I should probably explain what an MMORPG is. Pronounced by those in the know as ‘muh-more-puh-guh’, MMORPG stands for ‘Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game. In case that doesn’t quite clear things up, MMORPGs are online games in which huge numbers of people participate at the same time, taking on the ‘role’ of a character, who they can usually design themselves, at least to a degree. Often a player can change their character’s hair colour, clothes, furniture (if you have a house), usually purchasing these items/services at various in-game stores. Fantasy Fashion A lot of MMORPGS revolve around fantastic worlds – the most popular (and most populated) is World of Warcraft, a game with over ten million subscribers. Players choose a race (such as dwarf or orc) and set off into the world. Each character can be equipped with different clothing (technically called armour, but not necessarily consisting of a suit of mail). This is where the fashion element comes in – and the beginnings of a business. At the end of 2011, a new feature was added, called transmogrification. This is a process whereby you change the appearance of your ‘armour’, including various accessories such as necklaces, rings and cloaks, using other equipment. One player, known as Keelhaul of Proudmoore, established a transmogrification monopoly by identifying ‘which armour sets had the potential to visually differentiate players from their peers’ prior to the feature being added, in his own words. As soon as the feature came into play he used his foreknowledge to sell this equipment for vast amounts of in-game currency. He now holds fashion shows, attended by hundreds of players – huge community events where players turn up to see who has the coolest accessories – the blingiest necklaces, the zaniest capes. If all this sounds a bit fantastical for your tastes, though, there are more realistic MMORPGs out there, with more realistic fashion markets. The Fashion of Second Life Second Life is an MMORPG which more closely reflects the real world. Players’ characters are human, and can go through everything you could think of in your regular ‘first’ life. This includes starting a business – and the...
Read MorePC Wizard is a program developed by those at CPUID.com to display as much information about your computer system as possible in one location. This useful program can give insights into all of the hardware components and software installs of the computer system it is running on. Without opening the computer or digging through System Information in Windows, PC Wizard can give you information about every installed device down to the version of driver it is using. Here are some of the highlights that PC Wizard offers: 1. Windows Product Key – Sometimes computer users will lose their product keys for Windows. There are misconceptions that the OEM number that displays in the product information of Windows is the key. It is actually the encrypted product key and cannot be used in case of a reinstall. However, PC Wizard can decrypt this information and reveal the product license key to your computer system. 2. Upgrade Compatibility – Planning to upgrade your computer peripherals? PC Wizard can give you information about your motherboard to help discern what your capabilities are. By using the information provided by this program and Google, you can find the perfect match for your computer system. 3. Diagnostic Assistance – By regularly monitoring the information in PC Wizard, you can be apprised of any thermal issues or errors that could occur. Using supported fans, this program can monitor fan speeds, CPU temperature, chassis temperature, and even the S.M.A.R.T. capabilities and temperatures of hard drives. The voltage detection can be a useful tool if you are suspecting power supply damage. 4. Computer Configuration – With a click of the button, you have access to virtually every piece of software and its settings installed on your computer. Versions of Windows, patches, updates, databases, DirectX controls, and more can be examined from PC Wizard. This powerful informational tool will even detect the models of printers connected to your computer system including the location and version of the driver. 5. Networking Information – PC Wizard will detect your network status and provide information about the various computers, switches, and routers that are connected including any IP addresses and manufacturer website information that is available. 6. Multimedia Information – Having the right CODEC for multimedia can help you...
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