Posts Tagged ‘network’

3 Frequent Computer Problems: Computer Repair Tips

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Technology has impacted society today by making everyday living easier. However, most people know that technology makes life simpler until something goes wrong. Few areas illustrate this point more thoroughly than the relationship many have with their computers. The computer allows people to connect with another globally in ways that have never been seen before. But the thing is, as far as most are concerned, this machine works by turning on and doing what we tell it. So when there is a problem with a computer, people are often at a loss as to what to do. Here are three computer repair tips to three common computer problems.

A fairly common problem that comes up is one where the computer is suddenly restarting or turning off. Usually this can be narrowed down to a couple fundamental origins. For some, the issue is that the main power cord is loose in the back. It works itself out and falls at which point the computer turns off. In other cases, the cause is actually a case of overheating.

Computers and laptops are comparable to the body in that a certain temperature is needed in order to perform its specific duties. There will be trouble if it suddenly gets too cold – or in this case- too hot. Now the body has more developed mechanisms for temperature maintenance. But a computer will use fans. Should the fans be failing to work for whatever reason, the computer will overheat.

Another problem that computer users often encounter is the presence of viruses, spyware, and other forms of malware appearing on their machines. All infections are not necessarily created equally but all three forms can be fairly serious with spyware generally being the least of a threat. These can be picked up by surfing the internet and visiting sites that have malicious codes placed on them, from picking up tracking cookies, or downloading infected files.

The best way to contend with this serious issue is to have current anti-virus programs installed on your computer. Run scans at regular intervals- once or twice a week- and practice caution when downloading files from the internet. Programs such as Norton or Microsoft Security Essentials, will both prevent and combat malicious software that appears on your computer.

The third issue that computer owners have is concerned to slow computer time. If viruses and malware have been dealt with, the biggest cause of this the result of a lack of proper maintenance. Besides running routine virus scans, computer owners need to keep their software current whenever updates are made available.

Taking time to clean files and defragment your drive will do a lot towards fixing this problem. Letting the computer rest at night is another sound suggestion. Especially if it is in use most of the day. These simple tasks can improve the problem of slow computers by a noticeable amount.

Daily living routines have changed in large part thanks to what computers are able to do for people. Learning and finding entertainment has become much easier than it was before the advent of personal computers. For this reason alone, it can be a stressful experience if a computer runs into trouble. The good news is that most computer problems are the result of poor maintenance. Computers need to remain within a temperature range, they need to have security on them, and if they are cleaned form time to time performance can be greatly improved. What this goes to show is that by taking note of these computer repair tips, keeping your computer working will be much easier.

Specializing in laptop repair Montreal, wireless network installation and on-site computer repair Ottawa and Montreal services.

Why Laptop Rental Benefit Travellers To Larger Extent

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010

Many people who rent laptops do so because it is cost effective compared to purchasing a computer, which might be outdated very quickly. With a rental laptop, you can be assured of a top model always and you do not have to worry about upgrading the applications. Despite all these benefits that anyone can gain from renting one, it is clear that laptop rental benefit travellers more.

Many providers can avail this service adding more flexibility to your business or vacation trip. As you would expect their services vary in different angles including the prices they charge. This means you have to take certain steps in order to benefit the most from their services.

The first step is usually searching for different companies offering this service. This will give you a chance to compare their offers by requesting for quotes. Quotes can be requested by simply filling in your personal details including a credit card number on an online form. The quote should be sent immediately to your email.

The second step involves comparing all the terms offered by different companies. This should involve checking the different types of fees they charge including overdue fines, data management fee, travel fee and pickup fee among others. Remember, some of these might not be stated in the quote but are stated in the contract statement. It is therefore important to read all providers contracts thoroughly.

The last step involves calling your preferred providers in order to get verbal clarifications on different areas. You should ask all the questions you find relevant regardless of what was written in the quote or contract statement. For instance, it is good to know if the penalty charges are deducted from the credit card automatically.

Apart from taking these steps, you can also enquire from your supervisors about laptop rental service providers. This is great when going on a business trip since most businesses have working relations with such providers. This will ensure you get the laptop at a better deal. Some will also have local operations making it easy to pickup and return the laptop.

Apart from cost laptop rental also presents other benefits to a traveler. For instance, people who own laptops might go for rental services while traveling for security reasons. Normally a personal laptop is a treasured possession. Therefore, if it is lost or damaged during your travel, you will loose more than just the monetary investment. This is not the case with a rental laptop.

Another benefit is the elimination of the need to travel with your laptop. Sometime this can be cumbersome especially when you are only required to make a presentation at your destination. Renting the laptop at your destination therefore presents a better option and also reduces the risks involved with carrying one around. One thing that many people do not realize is that renting a laptop lets one try different brands or even software applications some of which might not be available back home. This can actually help you make better purchase decisions if you are planning to make a purchase in future. Considering all these areas it is clear that laptop rental benefit travellers greatly.

At low prices and with such convenient access, purchasing used computers Vancouver is an economically viable option for those seeking quality technology. Another recommended alternative is computer recycling, which allows users to conserve money and test the platform first-hand.

Are Fancy Cellular Phones Really Necessary?

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

We’ve all seen them, and some of us may even own one-a cell phone that has numerous capabilities beyond a normal phone. Some may contain cameras, games, internet access, blue tooth devices, speakerphone, and even video recorders, which enable its users to create mini home movies. What is the purpose of all of all these capabilities, and are they really necessary? Well of course, there are opposing opinions about this.

Some people are old-school, meaning they aren’t really into all the latest technology. They may not see the necessity in having a blue tooth device attached to their cell phone, or the ability to access the internet from it. They may have a very simple mobile phone that has the minimal amount of abilities because their needs don’t require them to buy all the extras.

These people may feel that people who are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for a simple device are ridiculous and are wasting their money. If they want to access the internet, then they can just do it the usual way-by using a computer.

Most people, of course, wouldn’t live without their cell phones and all the extras. They relish making mini home movies of their families and friends, and they enjoy the convenience of the ability to multitask with the addition of the blue tooth wireless device. Let’s face it: Many people lead busy lives and they may not have the time to do the things that other people do.

Like take the time to sit at a computer to check email or they may have the need to clean out their desk as well as talk to a client simultaneously. Holding a traditional cell phone between their ear and shoulder, and may cause neck cramping and pain, but with the use of the handy new blue tooth devices, multitasking is easy and hassle-free.

You can find more Cell Phone Accessories Articles at Free Articles

How To Choose A Managed Network Services Provider

Monday, August 9th, 2010

New technology is wonderful for organizations. It allows users to be more effective, provides cost savings, and keeps the company ahead of their competitors by allowing them to provide better customer service. Experienced network administrators, however, know that the more capable technology gets the harder it is to keep it running. Managed network services can provide the required support.

Companies know that they have to hire consultants to design, deploy, and train them on new technology. They are also accustomed to paying yearly maintenance for manufacturer’s support on software or hardware. What is normally left to the Information Technology department is the knowledge and capability to know how everything works together. What companies are starting to figure out is that the ongoing support necessitates a higher level of knowledge and experience than internal Information Technology staff typically possess.

That is why there is such a noticeable trend toward hosted IT services. The hosted service providers have a good point in their marketing that it takes advanced skills to operate advanced technology.

What is often not discussed is that having outsourced applications means that a business’s internal network has to be even more reliable and secure while operating at a higher level than ever. It demands a lot of skill and experience to be able to operate today’s advanced LAN’s and WAN’s, especially when they are running converged applications over them like voice and video, while keeping everything secure.

Due to these advanced operational requirements, many businesses are contracting with a managed network service to assist them in maintaining their advanced data networks in optimum working order. It is tempting to turn over the responsibility for the entire network to a big service provider that will promise to handle any issues. Unfortunately, because many of these service providers offer remote support only, when it comes time for design, deployment, or having someone on site for local troubleshooting, they are not able to handle it.

Most organizations would like to work with a local managed network service provider, for many of the same reasons that they use local companies for other services they contract out. To get good quality managed services from local providers, it is best to find out what they specialize in, and inquire if they partner with other local providers for other aspects of support. Another possibility is to contract with a local provider who resells and provides local on site services for a larger service provider.

Think of these local providers as an extension of the organization’s IT staff. Manufacturer support on products is still important. The manufacturer’s support most often includes product upgrades, phone and/or email technical support, and product replacement within either a 4 hour or next business day timeframe. This is an important part of maintaining system uptime.

When evaluating managed network services providers for extended support, check their references with care, make sure all costs, services, and expectations are agreed upon in writing up front. Moreover, make sure there is a clause to cancel the agreement within a reasonable timeframe.

Look at this Cisco managed services description from a managed network services provider.

How To Pick A Good Winsock LSP Service

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Winsock LSP or Layered Service Provider technology is what is used throughout the entire Windows network for LSP applications. An understanding of what this Windows specific technology can do and the best way to use them is crucial to the effective deployment of these applications.

When Winsock API calls go out, the go through several layers or redirects before they reach the kernel. LSP applications are used to inject code in the redirection process to achieve a variety of ends.

When a client call for an IP address, you can insert code that will either inspect it, modify it or redirect it as needed or a combination of these. For example, email can be inspected and spam can be filtered and either deleted or redirected. Adult or offensive material can be inspected and modified and/or redirected. If your IP address is being called up, the request can be redirected to a proxy server and your IP can thus be made anonymous.

While it may sound like injecting code is a simple thing to do, there is actually much more to the process. In fact, even an experienced developer can take 3 months or even longer to do the whole job correctly and that’s if there are no glitches along the way. The only logical solution is to use a software program that has already been developed, tested and utilized.

In researching the software programs available, the best ones may appear to be expensive, but when compared to the cost of doing the work in house or using out sourced programmers, it is very reasonable. What’s more, your in house or outsourced programmer will most likely not have the necessary skill to do the job right.

A good LSP software application allows you to instantly get your application up and running. In addition, you can do so without having to hire programmers or take in house programmers away from other work. It has the added advantage of being tested and proved and will come with backup support and a money back guarantee.

A good Winsock LSP software program takes all the stress and expense out of the process of utilizing LSP technology. You can have what you need at your fingertips without needing to be a programmer or pay one to help you.

If you make use of email or many other features of the Web, chances are that you use Winsock LSP. The technology of a Layered Service Provider gives you flexibility for control of spam and for locking out adult materials.

WiFi Wireless Systems in Robotic Factories Case Study

Monday, April 19th, 2010

With all the WiFi hacking going on these days and the widespread use of wireless systems, is it wise for Factories to run al their robotic equipment off WiFi systems? Sure encryption would prevent most problems, but materials and parts are expensive and one robotic mess up is a real problem. You have a complete assembly line shut down, because of some two-bit hacker.

Did you know that there are some WiFi security analysts, which purposely “war drive” to find holes in systems in corporations and then use this knowledge to go to the company and sell them Wireless Computer Security Services? Can you imagine if you did this type of sales technique you might find your self explaining what you are doing to the police when the company called them for fear you were a hacker rather than a IT Security Solutions Provider.

In a Robotic Manufacturing Plant it is of concern that such people are out there, even if semi-good intentions. It might be smart to scramble signals leaving the building and watch out for insiders with hand helds. Indeed, even with a WEP setup, you might find yourself in a problematic situation from a hacker or electronics guy who is getting laid off and losing their job in the factory to a robot and completely disgruntled. (see movie; iRobot, A.I. and read Issac Asimov).

Human nature, revenge is a powerful motivation of humans, watch out on that one, Unions can do some pretty criminally irresponsible things. A factory of this type could use a scrambler system between walls, and windows or double paned with air or music running thru them.

Still there are many pointer type units you can buy for direction sound attainment and you know the hackers have those too, if they do not make them just to test the range like they did recently at Defcon Hacker Convention in Las Vegas. This is something to think of too and a robotic factory electronic computer IT engineer must be thinking here. Are you? WiFi security is not a luxury it is a necessity, think on this.

Acoustic Instrument Wireless System. http://www.worldthinktank.net/

Prepaid Wireless: Is It Right For You?

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

Just about every leading mobile phone provider now offers some sort of prepaid calling plan in order to fit their customers’ budgets. But is is right for you?

The first question you’ll need to ask yourself is how often you’ll use your wireless phone?

Since the biggest benefit of a prepaid wireless phone is there is no monthly contract, you’ll pay a little more for the prepaid minutes you purchase. But if you plan on using your phone strictly on an as-needed basis for emergencies, etc., a prepaid wireless program could be just what you’re looking for.

The biggest mistake most people make when choosing to go prepaid is not reading the “fine print” of the providers’ terms and conditions.

In most cases, the prepaid minutes you purchase will expire after a certain period of time, usually two or three months down the road. What this means is, if you buy 300 minutes today and fail to purchase more minutes anytime during the next few months, the unused portion of those 300 minutes will be unuseable!

This is sort of a convenient way to force you to keep on purchasing minutes even if you don’t actually need them.

Another thing to watch out for is a daily minimum. Many providers will charge you $1.00 for each day you use your wireless phone. So if you get a prepaid wireless phone with the intention of making one two-minute call every day of the month, in addition to using 60 minutes of airtime, some providers will also charge you an additional $30 for the month, since you used the phone all 30 days.

Not a very good deal.

Out of all the prepaid wireless deals out there, TracFone seems to have the most competitive prices and terms of service. Although TracFone minutes expire after three months unless you purchase additional minutes (just like all the other companies), they also have a one-year activation service which is perfect for people just needing a wireless phone for emergency purposes. The deal changes from month to month, but usually provides for one year of activation, without requiring you to purchase additional minutes for a whole year. Thus, your monthly cost should average about $8.00 and you’ll have a wireless phone with a few hundred minutes that will be good for the whole year.

The choices seem endless, but it pays to educate yourself about prepaid wireless phone plans.

Cellular phones and wireless phone service. Thanks to www.PrepaidWirlelessHelp.com

The Essentials of Wireless Security

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

With wireless networks proliferating it is becoming more important than ever that sufficient security measures are put in place. And yet many people, especially those new to the technology or computers in general, are just not aware of the dangers of not properly securing a wireless network.

Typically ‘normal’ users of products such as wireless routers dismiss any security concerns as only really being applicable to commercial concerns. After all, who would be interested in a small local set-up of two, maybe three computers? You may be surprised. There are many horror stories circulating about unsecured wireless networks, and unfortunately there is a grain of truth in most of them.

The most common form that a danger to a private network can take is known as variously as ‘War-driving’, ‘war-walking’, ‘war-flying’ or ‘war-chalking.’ This involves an unscrupulous person literally driving, walking or even flying around in an attempt to find an unsecured wireless network. Once one is found a nearby wall is commonly ‘chalked’, indicating to any other passer-by the presence of a ripe target. The name itself is taken from the act of ‘war-dialling’, a term coined by the film ‘WarGames’, where random telephone numbers were dialled in the hope of finding a computer on the other end of the line.

If a network is found, then the potential consequences can range from the fairly innocuous to the criminal. At the very lowest level a third-party can connect to the network and access the Internet connection from the router. If the legitimate owner of the network is on a capped service this can consume a considerable chunk of their bandwidth, leading to extra charges being levied for resources which they never realised were being used. Of far more consequence are some of the uses to which this stolen bandwidth could be put. In a worst case example a paedophile cruising around the area could spot the chalk marking and connect to the compromised network. Without the knowledge of the network owners they could connect to any manner of illegal sites, with no record of their passing traceable to them. Because the trail would stop cold at the door of the person who has provided them with the free access.

Of course this is a very worst-case example, and as such very unlikely. Even in today’s climate of moral decrepitude this sort of occurrence would, we hope, be extraordinarily rare. But hopefully it will help drive home the point that securing your network should be taken very seriously indeed. But what can you do to protect yourself?

I would recommend that all wireless networks should make use of the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption option which comes as standard with almost all routers and base stations. Although turned off by default this feature is absolutely essential. Utilising either 64-bit encryption, which creates a 64bit encryption based on a 40-bit key with a 24-bit initialisation vector, or 128-bit encryption which makes use of a 104-bit key with a 24-bit initialisation vector, a secure password is created. This password should only be given to known and trusted wireless devices, blocking access to any interloper. This, although not secure against dedicated crackers, provides a more than adequate protection to dissuade the nosy or the vast majority of war-drivers.

Too few people enable this basic protection, or are even aware it exists. However in some regards protecting your network can be as essential as your childhood inoculation against tetanus. So please, take just a few minutes of your time to configure your WEP encryption, and to help protect yourself.

Set up a wireless network without a wireless router. Special Thanks to http://www.shock-therapy.org

Wireless Speakers

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Wireless speakers are a great choice for anyone that wants to get rid of the clutter and tangle of messy wires. Indeed they are also an excellent choice for outdoor use, when stringing wires is not even an option. Hear rock in the kitchen, listen the music in the bathroom & concentrate on your play in the playroom in a steady mind. Of course, setting up wireless speakers is an easy and simple job. Most systems need only be turned on and properly tuned to the receiving speakers without damaging your walls.

Wireless speakers generally fall into two categories. Infrared like a television remote control, beams a signal to the speakers, which requires a direct line of site, and remember if any objects in the way it can prevent the wireless speakers from receiving the signal and creates an obstruction on your hearing process. Radio frequency is waves to transmit the signal. And while the signal can pass through objects, some static can interfere with the sound just like when listening to the radio or when using a cordless telephone.

Don’t forget to consider the range, especially for use outdoors. Many living rooms aren’t bigger than your requirement i.e. twenty or thirty feet, but to reach 100 feet away is a definite challenge. So for that purpose many speakers can be purchased from the market in order to fulfill the ranges. Remember not to believe the manufacturers assurance. One most important factor to be remembered i.e. your house width vis-a-vis the speaker you are using, building materials, other electronic devices cluttering the radio band, and even geographic location.

Last but not the least the weather proofing also can cause a muffled sound, though in the backyard, acoustics and audiophile quality sound are generally not the main concern anyway, of these can significantly reduce the range of wireless speakers. Wireless speakers are getting better every day as technology advances and they become more and more popular with consumers.

Speakers provides detailed information on Speakers, Car Speakers, Wireless Speakers, Home Theater Speakers and more. Speakers is affiliated with TV Remote Controls.

Wireless speakers systems offer greater flexibility especially. Thanks to http://www.wetpluto.com/Home-Theater-Speakers.html

Securing your Wireless Network

Monday, April 12th, 2010

When one thinks about home security, they ususally think of taking measures like installing alarms, deadbolts, and window locking devices. But if you have a wireless computer network like many American homes, your personal data (credit card numbers and banking information) could be open to hackers.

When you first purchase and turn on your wireless router, the router manufacturer makes it dead simple to connect your wireless devices. Out of the box, your wireless router is unsecured. Given that most wireless routers have a range of around 100 feet, if your neighbours have wireless devices, they can connect just as easy as you can. Even worse, hackers can drive past your house with a $29 wireless network detector and discover and connect to your unsecured network!

The good news is that you can perform 4 very basic steps to secure your wireless network and prevent hackers from gaining access to your data. You will need to consult the manual for your wireless router to perform the actual tasks described here.

1. Reset the router’s password There are only a handful of wireless router manufacturers and each one uses a common default password. Linksys uses ‘1234′ and Netgear uses ‘password’. Any hacker will try these passwords first to gain access to your network. So change the password to prevent hackers from accessing your data.

2. Turn off SSID Broadcasting Your wireless network needs to have a unique name to distinguish it from other wireless networks. The Service Set IDentifier is always set to broadcast by default. Once again this is done to make it easy to connect to your wireless network for the first time. By broadcasting the SSID, you are making it easy for hackers to connect to your network. So consult your users manual and find out how to change your SSID to a unique name, and turn off the SSID Broadcast feature.

3. Enable WEP Encryption Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) is a technology that will encrypt all traffic that goes over your wireless network. By default, your router will have WEP turned off, meaning that all of your personal data is transfered across you wireless network in plain text. Once again, this is an easy target for even the most inexperienced hacker. Enabling WEP is very easy, and should be enabled as soon as you possibly can.

4. Setup a MAC Address Filter Finally the most advanced tip offered here is to setup MAC address filtering. Every computer wireless adapter has a unique id called a MAC Address. You can tell your router to only allow access to devices with a particular MAC address. This is probably the most effective step you can take to secure you wireless network.

Securing your Wireless Network. Special Thanks to http://www.familyandhome.info

categories: wireless,network,computers,laptops,connections,communication