Tag Archives: pc
Setting Up Bluetooth on Your Windows 10 Personal Computer
Bluetooth technology allows users to connect devices wirelessly to a Windows 10 computer. Without the use of USB ports, devices such as keyboard and mouse can be added. Many smartphones can be connected wirelessly through Bluetooth for the use of the computers internet access. Bluetooth technology lets users remove much of the clutter from their desktop by connecting.
Set-up Bluetooth to Computer, Tablet, or Laptop with These Steps:
1. Be sure the Bluetooth device is powered on and ready to pair
The majority of Bluetooth devices are equipped with an ON/OFF switch. However, it is slightly more difficult to tell the Bluetooth device to begin pairing. In some cases, flipping a switch is all that is needs to be done. While others require the user to hold a button down until a light begins to flash.
The Bluetooth device is ready to be paired with another, such as the computer when you notice a flashing light.
2. Start>Settings>Devices
Select the Start button on the personal computer, choose Settings, and select the Devices app shown in the computer settings. A list of devices currently installed is shown on the Devices page.
3. From the left side of the Devices app page, select the Bluetooth option
The personal computer quickly starts to search for any Bluetooth devices located in the nearby vicinity that you want to be connected, otherwise known as paired.
If the device you want to be paired fails to appear, return to Step 1 to ensure the Bluetooth device has been powered on and is ready to be paired. Many devices power themselves off after thirty seconds of waiting to pair and may need to be ready again.
4. Select the name of the Bluetooth device when it appears beneath the Add a Device button
5. If necessary, enter the Bluetooth device’s code while also selecting the Pair button if requested
This is when setup may become slightly complex. Due to security reasons, you are required to prove that you are not a stranger attempting to hack and that you are, in fact, sitting in front of your personal computer. However, to prove your innocence, many Bluetooth devices use somewhat different strategies.
In some cases, users are required to enter a passcode into both the personal computer and the Bluetooth device. Usually, the passcode is located in the devices user’s manual. The passcode must be entered quickly to ensure the other device is still waiting.
Some devices, such as Bluetooth mice, require a small push button located on the underside to be held in during this step. Sometimes, cell phones require users to select a Pair button when identical passcodes appear on both the cellphone and computer.
When unsure, type 0000 and hit enter on the keyboard for a universal passcode.
The name and icon appear in the Setting app once a Bluetooth device is successfully paired.
Make sure to check out some more useful Windows 10 tips to make your PC continue to run strong while giving you even more productivity.
Common Features with Linux and Windows
Windows and Linux have many common features allowing both operating systems to effective and complete. The following are some of the biggest similarities shared between the two:
Alt + Tab Keys
Microsoft introduced Alt + Tab key feature back with Windows 1.0 in their year 1985. Back then, this feature was called “CoolSwitch” however it was later changed in Windows 95 to “Task Switcher” and for Windows Vista “Windows Flip”. Thanks to the usefulness of this feature, Linux later incorporated a version of their own into their operating system.
Users Account
For both productivity and organization, both give great control with user accounts. Users can create a different account for work, home, play, and also one for administration to make managing their accounts simple. This is a great feature for both operating systems.
Task View
It tends to be always said that one operating system steals features from another. Linux took Alt + Tab from Windows, but Task View began with them first.
Linux users were given awesome features for window management in 2006 with Compiz. This included the ability to spread any open windows across the screen and switching between them easily with just a click. Something similar was introduced in Windows 10 with the Task View feature. Users can get a quick look using shortcut Windows key + Tab. This feature is indispensable for users with several active apps.
Cross-Platform
Software availability is one of the larger differences between Linux and Windows. Many commercial games and business apps run on the Windows operating system only. Also, there are many exclusive apps for Linux. However, this exclusiveness no longer matters for many users with cross-platform software.
For the rare instances when an app is found that is available on one platform, an alternative is easily found.
Desktop OS and Server OS
Many people think of Windows as a desktop OS while Linux is more for servers. In fact, these OS can be used for both purposes.
Since the year 2003 Windows Server has been used and has upgrades approximately every 4 years. Windows Server 2016 is Microsoft latest version. Several businesses use this version of Windows Server with great stability.
Additionally, many people use Linux for only writing papers or email and not as a server.
Vulnerabilities with Security with Linux
First and foremost, security with Windows is better than what many believe. Also, many people assume Linux is more secure than what it actually is.
Yes, Linux is safer than Microsoft Windows. Additionally, the amount of malware Windows computers receive has reduced in recent years.
With effective antivirus software, both these operating systems share the same amount of security issues.
Whether you use one or another, you are sure to find needed features.
Is RAM Capacity or RAM Speed Most Important
Rather than investing in a new PC, we always strive for our customers to upgrade their existing PC. Not only do you save money, the amount of e-waste is reduced. So, having some knowledge of computers is needed when you want to save money. RAM is one item we recommend upgrading instead of throwing money away on a new PC.
After having your PC inspected, RAM seems to be the culprit for its sluggishness. But, now what? Does RAM capacity or RAM speed need to be increased?
Reason Computers Need RAM
RAM can be thought of as short-term memory used to store files your processor needs often and quickly. Your PC responds instantly when this space is utilized, instead of many seconds. The few seconds saved makes a computer feel more powered rather than old and worn down.
More RAM is typically needed when your PC struggles opening programs you need. This is due to tasks being unloaded by your PC from fast RAM onto your computer’s hard drive. The hard drive may have lots of storage, however, it has slower speeds.
Capacity for RAM is measured in megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes. RAM size increase decreases the chance of your PC hard drive being used to store these temporary files. However, once enough RAM is installed in the PC to fit your needs, more RAM added would not be beneficial for speed improvement. In this case, faster RAM than what is already installed may be what’s needed to improve speed. This is true even with the same amount of RAM installed.
RAM Speed Metrics
Latency and frequency are metrics used to figure RAM speed.
Megahertz or MHz is how frequency is measured. The bigger the number the better. However, the lower number is better for latency; which is a sequence of numbers, such as 4-4-4-12.
After meeting your needs with RAM capacity, it might be more beneficial to lower the latency and increase frequency rather than adding more RAM.
Which is more important: speed or capacity?
RAM capacity is only beneficial to a certain point. Once there, a demising return is experienced. In general, unless you’re a gamer or demanding user, more than 8GB is not necessary. However, if you’re a gamer or demanding user, having a larger capacity of RAM, no more than 16GB might be needed. Although, this is not always the case. Less latency and more frequency may be needed to make a noticeable difference in your PC.
When it comes down to it, there is no “one answer fits all”. Talking to a computer specialist would be best. Also, keep in mind your PC motherboard has limitations with speed and capacity of RAM.
How Much RAM is Really Needed for Your Gaming Computers
Not long ago, 4GB of RAM worked great for most daily tasks and gaming. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case.
Having too little RAM on a gaming computer, such as 4GB, can cause many of the games you wish to play now, not to run or not run well. For example, 8GB RAM is a required minimum listed for Andromeda. This amount of RAM is needed for most games played today. Even when a minimum requirement of only 4-6GB of RAM is stated, it is recommended to use 8GB to ensure smooth play due to background programs running.
With that said, it is easy to come by 8GB RAM. Much of the pre-built computers ship with an amount of 8GB RAM or more. Furthermore, building your own system, kits for 8GB are affordable.
Higher Amounts of RAM
Is 16GB RAM useful on your gaming computer? What about 32GB? Or, would it be a waste of money? How much is too much?
A robust gaming system should have 16GB RAM installed for it to be considered at a sweet spot. This amount should be plenty to multitask and run all of the today’s games smoothly. If you enjoy or use live streaming often, 16GB should be enough for this also. Streaming and running a game on one of your monitors, while playing music, chatting with others, and anything else you want to do on another monitor, is a list of tasks that would definitely benefit from some headroom with extra RAM.
What about 32GB for Gaming Computers?
However, what about going even higher with the amount of RAM? Is it too much to install 32GB? Overall, this answer would be yes. One reason only, is why 32GB would be needed for an average user, and that would be for future game readiness. That’s it!
When it comes to gaming specs only, 16GB RAM is more than enough, with many games able to run fine with just 8GB. Framerates basically showed no difference in gaming performance tests performed by TechSpot, when comparing 8GB and 16GB. Tests ran had the games running as well as 65 open tabs on Chrome and basically had identical framerates.
Generally speaking, your computing can be made more enjoyable with more RAM, and 32GB is not advised against. However, much of this RAM would be wasted when you want an improved framerate. Upgrading your graphics card makes a greater difference than upgrading from 8GB RAM to 32GB.
Of course, one answer is not enough for everyone. But, unless you are running many virtual machines at the same time as gaming with graphical settings high, going beyond 16GB is unnecessary. Happy Gaming!
For future reference, make sure to know what to expect when it comes to recognizing the signs of failing RAM in your system.
Is Your System RAM About to Fail? Signs & Symptoms That Give You Warning
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If you are a person that takes proper care of your tech devices, the majority of them will last for many years. Of course, electronic components will need replacing as time goes on. One of the most replaced components is RAM or Random Access Memory. The good news is, many times when your system RAM is about to fail, there are signs and symptoms to warn you.
Declining Performance
Declining performance is one of the most common signs of failing RAM. If your computer runs perfectly when you power it up but becomes slower the longer it is on, there could be a problem with the system RAM. This problem is more noticeable when using apps which are more memory-intensive such as web browsers or complex video games.
Crashing Randomly
If you experience random crashes, it might be faulty RAM. When these crashes are random rather than consistent, it is more likely to be RAM instead of a program. However, if you consistently get the blue screen of death when opening a certain program, it is likely the app causing the problem, not the RAM.
Data Files Corrupted
Another sign of failing RAM is when files that were used or accessed frequently can no longer be opened or they are corrupted. If you are receiving more and more errors about these files, or the problem is worsening, it is more than likely failing RAM to blame. This is because the bad RAM causes the structure of your hard drive to degenerate. If left unfixed, this failing RAM will eventually make your computer unable to boot at all.
Unable to Load Video Card
You more than likely hear a loud beep each time while turning on your computer. This means, your media and video hardware for your computer have been recognized and booted correctly. However, when there is no beep, it is not loaded. Failing RAM could be the problem for this. In addition to no beep, you will see a warning message from the OS on your screen letting you know it is attempting to boot.
System RAM Incorrectly Displayed
To check the amount of RAM on a Windows system, go to the Start Menu and right-click. Next, go to Control Panel > System. You can see an overview of your machines statistics here, including the installed amount of RAM.
To check from a Mac, go to Apple > About This Mac and look to see if Overview tab is selected, if not check it.
If you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms of failing RAM, keep in mind, there may be a different reason for the problem. Have an experienced professional assist you.
Best New Features of Windows 10 Anniversary Update
Windows 10 Anniversary Update
Around the time of Windows 10 one-year anniversary, Microsoft released a major update for the OS. Due to the timing of the update, it is being called ‘Windows 10 Anniversary Update’. This update includes some minor polishing to fix some hated annoyances, as well as adding some amazing new features.
Smart Cortana
Almost everyone knows Cortana on Windows 10 can be quite useful. Cortana allows users to set reminders, check your schedule, find and keep notes, receive answers to questions simply spoken, along with much more. Now, Cortana has become more intelligent. Cortana is now available on the lock screen. Also, the gap between your phone and PC is no longer an issue with the Anniversary Update. Notifications from your phone, such as missed calls or low battery can be mirrored to your PC. Other apps are also able to be mirrored to your PC thanks to Cortana new update feature.
Microsoft Edge Extensions
Microsoft’s Edge browser has extensions, finally! Some of these include Adblock Plus, OneNote Web Clipper, Translator for Microsoft Edge, Evernote Web Clipper, and LastPass: Free Password Manager.
In addition to extensions, Microsoft Edge also received the click-to-play Flash feature in which Chrome and Firefox users enjoy. Users can enjoy watching a piece of video now while junk plugins and ads are blocked.
There is now the ability to pin certain tabs with Edge, giving you more room in the tab bar. When restarting the browser, all pinned tabs come back. This includes when you choose to quit the browser by selecting “Close all tabs”.
Action Center Customization
The Windows 10 Action Center can now be customized for setting and notifications you need. Having your notifications organized in one location can be extremely helpful. There are Quick Action tiles already in place in the panel allowing users to quickly get to setting or activate many features such as Quiet Hours or Tablet Mode.
Users also have the option of customizing the Action Center by going to Settings > System > Notification > Actions. By clicking and dragging on the display of Quick Tiles located on the top of the window, users can rearrange tiles. Also, by selecting “Add or remove quick actions” they have the ability to disable tiles not needed.
Active Hours for Windows 10
Stop being angered by Microsoft’s updates interrupting you to apply them while you are actively working on your PC. Users can set up Active Hours, during which time automatic updates will never be applied, with Windows 10 Anniversary Update. The timeframe for Active Hours can be up to twelve hours. However, Windows still informs you of needed updates and you have the ability to update then instead of waiting for non-active hours.
With Windows 10 Anniversary Update and its many new features, Microsoft is beginning to finally make the OS bridge the gap across multiple devices. For additional questions answered about your Windows 10 software, check out other posts from IQ Computer Services.
How to Customize and Use Windows Lock Screen to Fit Your Needs
Know How to Customize Your Windows Lock Screen
When turning on your Windows 10 PC, the first thing that comes into view is the Lock Screen. By either tapping or clicking on this screen, you’ll be taken to where you can sign into Windows. We know the Lock Screen may seem pointless, however, it has some information that can be helpful prior to launching Windows.
There are options to view information from certain apps on your PC while you are still on the Lock Screen. With customization options you can choose what background image to show or if you want, there is an option for a slideshow as well. Also, if you already downloaded and installed the Windows 10 Anniversary update, you have the ability to talk with Cortana while still on Lock Screen.
Guide to Customize Lock Screen on Windows 10
To begin customizing Windows 10 Lock Screen, select Start followed by the Settings icon located on the lower left side in the shape of a gear. You will then be directed to the Settings screen where you need to select Personalization followed by Lock screen.
First, you can choose what background image you want to see for Lock Screen. Underneath Background there is a drop-down menu giving three different choices, Windows spotlight, Picture, and Slideshow.
If you choose Windows spotlight, different images are displayed to you periodically. Windows tries to learn what your preference for images are by asking if you like or dislike ones they display for you.
When choosing Picture, you can either choose one of your own Pictures or select one of the images displayed. By choosing Slideshow, you are able to choose several images that will move along one after the other.
The following customization option available to your Lock Screen is “fun facts, tips, and more information from Windows and Cortana”. Be advised: this is only available when selecting Picture for the background image.
Next, you have the option of viewing specific details from one app while on this option. Select the icon located under “Choose an app to show detailed status.” You will be given several apps to choose from such as Messaging, Weather, Calendar, and Mail. When choosing one of these apps, you will see details pertaining to it.
You also have the option to show a quick status of several apps at once. You are given the same app choice as above but with fewer details.
The next option allows you to keep the same image used for the background for your sign-in screen. Simply select “on” under the phrase.
Finally, you have the ability to talk with Cortana while still on Lock Screen. Start by selecting “Cortana lock screen settings.” Next, select “on” under “Use Cortana even when my device is locked.”
By taking a few minutes, you are able to make this option in Windows 10 very useful for when you turn on your PC.
Guiding the Beginner about PC Backup
PC Backup Is Important: Here is Our Guide
It is widely known, backing up our data is something we all must do. If not, unsaved data can be lost instantaneously. In today’s world, we feel much better when our data is saved.
Unfortunately, as important as this may be, many people still do not bother to take the few minutes to back up. This is true even after they lose a crucial documents, financial records, or an old childhood photo. Maybe this happens because the effort it takes, and how complex it was in past times. However, thanks to modern technology, new services, and hardware, backing up is easier than ever.
When backing up data, there is obvious, such as music, videos, pictures, and documents, drivers and then the not so obvious. There are many aspects of our data that is forgotten when backing up that needs consideration.
Web-Browsers
Backing up your web-browser is important because the favorites and bookmarks you saved while surfing. In addition, to make access easier you want the cookies, and how to your passwords. If your PC does fail, you want this data saved.
Firefox browser has a sync combined with encryption brought to you by Mozilla. In the upper-right hand corner, select the three-stack icon to set up your account. Follow this by setting up on all devices and PC’s enabled with Firefox.
Google Chrome can be backup up in a similar fashion as Firefox. Setting such as extensions, bookmarks, apps, and themes are able to be saved to your Google account.
If you are using an email client software instead of a Web-based email system, your data is not being backed up by anyone other than you.
Outlook users need to watch out for their Personal Storage Table (PST) file for backup, which depending on what version of Windows and Outlook you have, can be located in different locations.
To locate you must open Outlook > File > Account Settings > Data Files. Next, hit on any entry then Open Folder Location. Also, in File Explorer for Windows 10, you want the ability to see Hidden Items. Do so by selecting View and inspecting the checkboxes.
Backing up your PST manually can also be done, however, this can be difficult due to its large size. There is an Import and Export option included with Outlook to help with this process, or use a third-party tool such as Safe PST Backup to make the process much simpler.
If you use another email client, such as Thunderbird, your email is located in several files, not just one. However, with their plug-in support, backing up these files are easier.
Save your PC back up to one of the several options to ensure its safety. These include external hard drives, disc, flash drive, the Cloud, or network attached storage (NAS).
Remember, backing up your data is important. Here are other ways you can back up the data, as well as why it is so important for you to do so.
Gain Power Supply Unit Knowledge before Buying One
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Know the Power Supply Before Buying it
Whether purchasing a new power supply unit (PSU) for your used computer or one you’re building, do not settle on a cheap on. An entire system receives power from a PSU, your awesome graphic card or top-of-the-line motherboard are at risk of malfunctioning when using a bad one.
This does not mean however that you must choose an expensive model, there are budget PSUs available to keep costs down while building your own rig. To ensure you make the right choice, need power supply unit knowledge before heading out for your purchase.
Wattage = Continuous – VS – Peak
One of the first things you need to consider when purchasing a new PSU is the amount of wattage your PC will need. You need to ensure enough watts are able to be delivered to the different parts of the computer. Some PSU models available provide as little as 300W while others go as high as 1200W.
When looking at packaging for PSUs, these numbers boldly displayed for consumers to see. However, you want to know if that number is continuous wattage or peak wattage. Peak wattage shows what a unit can provide for a quick minute before falling back to a lower number. Continuous would indicate a how many watts a PSU can provide continually without any number fluctuation. A models specification page can usually provide you with these details.
To make your purchasing easier, look for a PCUs continuous wattage while ignoring peak.
Efficient Power Supply Units
To not only be nice to the planet earth, be kind to your utility bill by purchasing an efficient PSU. Your outlet sends AC power to the PSU, converting it over to DC power then sends it to all the different parts in the PC. During conversion, some of the energy tends to get wasted. What this means, you want a PSU which wastes as little energy as possible when sending power to all the different parts in your PC.
So, an efficiency of 80% shows a unit able to convert 80% of AC power while a unit with 50% can convert 50% of AC to DC power. When looking for an efficient PSU, the highest rating is 80% Plus. These also have an advantage of running cooler.
Is a Power Supply Unit Worth the Investment
Like already stated above, do not settle for a cheap PSU. These units supply power to different parts in your PC basically affecting every piece in there. Not only are your parts better protected by a better PSU, they last much longer than the cheap models. If you plan on upgrading your PC in the future in which you’ll need a higher watt power supply, you can find plenty of buyers that will offer you a good price for this one.
You can also use these tips to increase your computer’s power supply.
New PC? What You Want To Do Immediately
Keep up with your new PC
Do These Immediately with a New PC
You just brought home a new PC and that’s great! This box brings to you a full world of potential. If you need help keeping track of finances, having video chats with far away relatives, or jumping on to do some first person shooters, this PC can do it.
Even if possible to jump right on and go, you shouldn’t. There are a couple of tasks that you should do to ensure a faster, safer future when you get your new PC home.
Windows Update
First, Windows needs to be fully updated prior to messing around on the web. Unfortunately, this task can take anywhere from a few minutes up to a few hours, depending on how long that PC was sitting on the shelf.
Be sure your PC is connected to the internet. From Windows 7 and 8, Windows Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates. From Windows 10, Settings > Update and security > Check for Updates. Continue until there are no more updates found.
Preferred Browser
Users tend to become familiar with certain browsers, and if Internet Explorer is not one you are comfortable with, you can download whatever one you prefer now.
Windows Security
By default, Windows Defender is enabled when shipped with Windows 8. This security solution is decent, even though an overly detailed. However, some PCs come with preinstalled premium security solution trialware, such as McAfee or Norton and Windows Defender disabled. At end of the trial period if you choose not to purchase it, be sure to reactivate Windows Defender.
Remove Unwanted/Unneeded Programs
Now that you have security in place, it is time to remove unwanted/unneeded programs from your PC. Of course, if your PC was built for you this step can be skipped, but when purchasing a PC from big-name makers, tons of bloatware comes along with it.
A program named PC Decrapifier can do this job for you. This programs completes a scan of your PC for all known bloatware, then with one swoop you are able to delete it. Much faster process than hunting down each individual program through Control Panel, and it is free!
Time for Your Stuff
One reason why you want that old stuff removed from your PC is to make room for your own stuff. This is a job that is totally up to you and quite personal. Put whatever programs you feel you want or need to have that fill your needs on your rig.
Create Image of Hard Drive
It is time for you to make an image of the primary hard drive. This is the one Windows boots from, and then save this to another disk. If you experience problems later on, this prevents you from having to do all these steps over again.
