Types Of Computer Mice

Posted on May 17, 2011 by admin


Computer mice have evolved. I guess you might say that they started with tales but some no longer have them. Some are bigger than others and even their means of transport have changed.

I will not be covering to much about Apple mice. However, the main difference is they only have one button while PC (IBM compatible) mice have two.

It started out quite simple. PS2 mice were all the rage. They didn’t have a scroll button and they got around by means of a ball. Then the world changed.

Gaming become big. Really big. People wanted something that looked cool and still did what they wanted it to do.These were called mechanical mice.

  • They came up with Ball mice. This had a ball that you rotated according to what you wanted to do with it.
  • They also came out with the scroll mice. This had a wheel located between the left and right buttons.
  • Another creation was the Optical mouse

One problem with all these is that they have a tail (Cord).  This meant that they had to be physically attached to the computer. They decide to come up with a wireless mouse.  However, they really didn’t become real popular until laptops started dominating the market.  People like their freedom and this gave them plenty of it. They are normally sold with wireless keyboards but you can get them separate.

I know I didn’t hit every possible mouse device ever made but this should give you some idea of how they transitioned over time. Young people can’t appreciate how good they have it!

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, Mouse | Leave a comment

How To Uninstall Old Programs You Don’t Use Anymore

Posted on February 26, 2011 by admin

Over time we all install programs on our computers that we stop using or just never get around to using. Unfortunately we don’t do anything about removing them. This takes up valuable disk space and, even worse, can slow down your computer.

In days of DOS programming you could just delete the directory the program was in and you were done. Now days pieces of the program are spread all over the computer. You need to have a utility or specific way to remove all pieces of a program.

There are three main ways to remove programs form your computer

  1. Go to “add or remove programs”
  2. Use the “uninstall wizard”
  3. Use the installation disk that came with the software

Using  “add or remove programs”

Using Windows XP you click on start then “Control Panel”. Now click on  “add or remove programs”.  It may take a while to populate the screen. You will need to click on the program you want to remove. Be real sure of you choice since sound drivers and other critical devices are installed here also. Now follow the prompts. Window vista and Windows 7 are similar. You need to do this process for every program you want to uninstall.

Use the “uninstall wizard”

This is normally found next to the program icon under “All Programs”. When you find the program you want to  uninstall click on its name. This normally opens a box that contains several choices. You might see the word “Uninstall”. If you click on it, the wizard will lead you through the process. If you do not see an Uninstall choice, the chances are you will need the installation disk that came with the software.

Use the installation disk that came with the software

You may need to use the installation disk that came with the program. Manufacturers are using this method on most major software programs. So if you can’t find a way to uninstall a program this is probably the way it will need to be done. This allows less programming problems for the manufacturer and it will not need to occupy space on your computer hard drive.

If none of these methods work you may need to call the software manufacturer or find somebody that is a technician in your area.

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, hardware, Operating Sytems, Software, VISTA, Windows 7, XP | 2 Comments

Computer repair tips

Posted on February 25, 2011 by admin

There are times when a person needs get a computer built for a specific reason. In that case you may need to find someone to build the computer for you.

Here are some reasons why you may want someone to build a computer for you

  • You decide you want to build a gaming machine
  • You can’t find a computer in a store or on line that meets your needs
  • You don’t have the knowledge to build it yourself
  • You don’t have the time
  • You have built one in the past and couldn’t get it to work

If you do need to find somebody how do you go about doing that?

  1. Figure out if there is a company or person in your phone book
  2. Ask those you know
  3. Get several references. Normally three is enough
  4. Use Google or other search engines.  This is possibly your best source of information
  5. Use keywords to search. If you want a gaming machine, use the words “gaming machines” or “who can build me a gaming machine”.  These are only ideas. Either way use words that fit your particular situation
  6. Ask others. Social media can be your friend at this time. Use Facebook or other social media sites and ask people for information or if they know a person or company that can build a computer for you
  7. Use the power of email.  Email your friends or even a company that you found on the internet.

Your computer will be what you want if you take the time and effort to find the right person or company for the job.

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair | Leave a comment

How Do You Pick The The Right Wireless Router For Your Network

Posted on February 24, 2011 by admin

Shopping for the right wireless router for your network can be frustrating since there are so many choices. You may be able to save some money in some cases. Better security is also possible.

The main brands of routers on the market at this writing are Linksys (now manufactured by Cisco), Belkin, D-Link and Netgear. Many stores only carry Netgear and Linksys. It mostly doesn’t matter which brand you pick. Some technician may recommend one over the other.

You will need to choose from several speeds and security levels. For the Home user you can use 802.11 G or 802.11 N. The new N security level is very secure and normally you can get more range out of the new wireless routers. Speeds are always on the product boxes. For home networks this is normally not real important. You should talk to a sales clerk to be sure what you are buying.

What about cost?

The cost of Wireless Router change rapidly and there is quite a range in price. You can get some as cheep as $40.00 and well over $100. The more ports and speed they have the more they will cost. Also, the newer 802.11 N wireless routers are more expensive than the 802.11 G wireless routers. Older G Routers can be bought for less than $20 at some stores. The G router will give adequate security and they are much cheaper for most home installation.

Possible problems

Normally any of the wireless routers mentioned set up fairly easy. Exceptions are as follows:

  • They normally come with a setup disk. I have seen several of these disks that are bad. Some will not complete the setup process or will not work for other reason.
  • The operating system will not recognize the wireless connection.
  • The wires are not connected properly.  This is especially true if you don’t hook the network cable properly.

What can I do if I can’t get it installed?

  • Reboot your computer. Sometimes this will solve everything.
  • Download the driver from the internet.
  • Call Tech Support. (This is normally your best bet)

If you already have a Wireless Router do not buy one.  If you install both of them you could end up blocking the internet connection or it could periodically cut out the connection. ATT, Charter and other providers do issue wireless router if you ask for them.
If you are unsure if you already have one, call your Internet Provider.

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, hardware, Networks, Router, Wireless | Leave a comment

Firewall Problems

Posted on February 19, 2011 by admin

Firewalls can be set the wrong way and you could have to many of them. It is possible that you will not have access to your network or the internet in either case.

Software firewalls

This type of firewall comes with almost every security and Anti-Virus software. Mostly it gets installed with the program and you don’t have to do anything. You can also purchase a Firewall separately if you wish.

Hardware firewalls

This is a physical product that you can buy. The best ones can’t be bought in the average retail store. You either have to buy them online or through a dealer. They provide protection against numerous types of attacks.  This includes Virus and spyware attacks. It checks packets of information for specific criteria. If certain criteria is met it may not allow the information to reach your computer or get through the network. These units act as routers and can be wireless if required.  Although they can be expensive, that may be secondary when it comes to protecting your network. Outgoing traffic is also blocked if certain criteria is met. Many companies will block any email that contains an attachment as an example.

To many firewalls

Some people don’t realize that you can install to many firewalls. Windows has it’s own firewall. If you install an Anti-Virus program they normally have one also. Most companies have a hardware firewall installed also.  If you install all these firewalls you may not necessarily guarantee that you will be anymore protected than if you only had one or even none. They can conflict with each other.  This could mean that you aren’t protected at all or that you can’t get into your network or use the Internet.

What should I do?

If you installed an Anti-Virus program you should disable your Windows firewall. This would be enough protection if you are the only computer on the network. If you have a large network of computers you should install a Hardware firewall as well. If you can’t get into the internet, or do something you need to do, you will need to find a way to configure the hardware firewall to let that traffic through.  This is best left to professionals due to the complexity involved.

As a final note. Firewalls can be tricky to set up. If you can’t figure it out yourself, find a professional that can help you. Most hardware firewalls can be configured any way you want them to be. Software firewalls may be a different story.

Posted in Browsers, Computer information, Computer Repair, E-Mail, Hardware Firewall, Networks, Norton Anti-Virus, Operating Sytems, Software, Viruses | Tagged | Leave a comment