How to troubleshoot Your Cable

Posted on December 8, 2010 by admin

Although equipment is available that can diagnose your cable there are other ways.

How to troubleshoot Your Cable

You may not have the luxury having diagnostic equipment.  This equipment can be expensive.  Many problems are happen only once.  This makes it hard to justify spending very much money on it.

It is possible that your entire network could be down. try these steps:

  • Be sure the server is up. No network will work without the Server.
  • Be sure all connections are tight to all network cards and teh router or switch.
  • Check to see if the wires have been pulled out of the connector on all machines.  If there is a bad connection it may affect the entire network.
  • If you suspect a workstation to be bad, turn off that computer and test the rest of the network. Chances are that if the network does now work you need to replace the network card.
  • If a cable is bad, you will know after you replace the network card. You will still have problems connecting etc.
  • Recheck the connection that goes to the network card. If the wires look as if they are pulled from the connector they probably are.

What do I do if the wires are pulled from the connector?

You will need to find somebody that can rework the wires.  They will need to cut off the old connector and replace it with a new one.  You will need a special tool to that with.  You also MUST get the wires in the right order or the cable will not work.

What else could be wrong?

Your cable may not be connected to the Router or switch.  Although this is rare, it can happen.  Maybe somebody tried to “fix” a problem or maybe it got pulled for some reason.  Either way you need to be sure.  While your looking, be sure none of the wires look like they are pulled from their connectors.

If you have verified all of the above, it probably is not the cables. It could be the switch or router as an example. Actually, the chances of it being a cable is very rare.

One thing you can try is to reboot ALL computers after you reboot the Server.  You must do the server first.

There is always the chance that you could have a Virus or spy-ware. They can write these to do almost anything. You should always have a good Anti-Virus program installed on every computer on the network.

If you can’t figure it out you may need to call somebody that has the proper diagnostic tools and that has experience finding network problem.

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, Networks, Viruses | Leave a comment

Do I have To Worry About Security On My Network?

Posted on December 8, 2010 by admin

It would seem that I wouldn’t even have to write this article. However I see problems with this almost daily.

Some problems

  • You have been noticing changes to your computer or files that you feel you did not make
  • You can not find a file you were fairly sure you had created
  • Your computer is getting really slow. (This is normally the big indicator)

These are only some of the problems that may exist if somebody is accessing your computer.  If you have a wireless connection that is not secure it is even more likely that somebody will breach your security. They may just use the connection so that they can get on the Internet or they may be trying to find information about you or they might even change or delete some files. If they are smart enough they might even plant a virus in your computer. Oh ya! This can be done.

The Biggest mistakes

  • One of the biggest mistakes is ignoring the fact that you are vulnerable. In today’s world everybody is after your personal information or at least they want to make your life very miserable.  If somebody does get your personal information they can become you and may, in fact, destroy your identity and cause huge financial problems.  Entire bank accounts have been emptied using this method.
  • Another big  mistake is not having virus and spy-ware protection. You are asking for big problems if you do not have a good Anti-Virus program.  DO NOT have a cheap limited program. You can not possibly imagine the damage a Virus or spy-ware program can do. Nobody likes to spend money and yet they want to own a computer and be on the Internet. Hay! wake up! You WILL need to protect yourself if you either own a computer and/or are on the Internet.
  • Not using a password. Everybody wants to make things easy.  That’s OK but not when you using a computer. The Virus makers and especially the people making spy-ware are waiting for you to make this mistake and are ready to steal your identity.
  • Using passwords that are either to easy or are your birth date, dogs name, house number, your name or anything somebody can easily guess. Make up something
    (Example: X24UV4TT).  Be sure it does not mean anything. Write it down and memorize it.  It should be at least 8 characters long and be a mix of letters,numbers or characters. Lower and upper case will help also. DO NOT put it on a sticky note and put it under your keyboard or on your monitor. Everybody knows that trick. I also recommend that you change it once per year or more.  Sorry if this sounds strict!

Another problem is letting other people use your computer.  This is especially true when it comes to children. Children have their own idea of what they want to do with a computer.  This normally does not come in line with what the parent wants.  The second you turn your back they will go on a bad web site or are finding a way to talk to somebody you would not approve of.  This has been happening by the use of social media at this time. It is way to easy to create an account now days. DO NOT assume your child is an angel.  Giving them access to a computer is giving them access to a weapon you can not control.

Is there a way to keep my child safe?

Mostly the answer is yes.  Be sure you know they are using their own account and, if possible, there own password protected computer.  Be sure the child is supervised and only has access when you can watch them.  There are plenty of pedophiles or bad people out there ready to take advantage of you child’s immature antics. This could cost you huge amounts of money to correct in some cases. Especially if your child used your  credit card in establish a web presence or purchased a product you didn’t know about.

Programs are available that you can use to control what you will let your child access. They usually are called parental control but other names are used also. One such programs is: Google family center Listen to the video.

Posted in Browsers, Computer information, Computer Repair, Desktop computers, Firefox, hardware, Internet Explorer, Laptop Computers, Software, Spybot Search and Destoy, Viruses, Webroot Spy Sweeper | Leave a comment

Troubleshooting Network Information Cards (NIC)

Posted on December 3, 2010 by admin

Be sure that you have eliminated possible faulty wiring before you determine the problem as being the network card. Be sure all wiring is connect and tight.

The network cards of the past were much harder to troubleshoot.  For one thing they had jumpers that needed to be set according to the type of configuration you needed for a particular computer.  You also needed to know the IRQ number so that it would not interfere with any other hardware.  The older cards also didn’t have much speed and they were 8-bit.  Now they are 16 and 32 bit mostly with new technology on the way.  Now you configure them with software and you don’t have to know the IRQ.

What you need to know today

You will need a plug and play network card.  You will also need a PCI slot on the mother board on the average.  They also make network cards for PCI express.  You need to know what driver you need.  A driver is a small program that is needed to communicate between the Network card and the Motherboard and processor.  The card will not work without it. The operating system picks the best setting for the card.

Do I still have to configure the card manually?

Maybe! If your network requires a specific network address or setting you may need to manually configure it. You normally will not need to worry about IRQ setting on modern computers.

Are there more than one type of network card?

Although there are more types, the main one used on most networks today is the 10baseT using port RJ-45. The other cards are Thinnet with a port BNC and Thicknet with port AUI.

Proper installation

When installing a network card or any other hardware be sure you are grounded.  Preferably ware a ground strap. Carefully put the card into the slot by rocking it if necessary.  Do not force it. Be sure to secure it with a screw.  If it is doesn’t require tools,  just fasten it as required.

Exceptions

laptops are the biggest exception to many of the above rules. The network card, sound card and video are on an integrated motherboard.  This means you must have the drivers for the motherboard if you want them to work.  The drivers are normally on the company web site that made the computer. Since Windows XP most drivers will install automatically and are a part of the operating system.  However, don’t bet on it. It is also possible an installation disk came with the computer or that it has a restore sector.

How do I know if I need to replace the network card?

You will know when it keeps cutting out or will not connect at all.  If you have the proper driver and it does not work it is probably bad.  Be sure you have the right driver for the right operating system. If you have Vista and you drive is for XP it will not work. Some exceptions do exist. You will also know if you are having trouble getting the network to work.  maybe a networked programs keeps getting errors or you can not stay connected to the Internet. When in doubt replace the card. If you still are having trouble it could be the cable or a problem with the operating system. Viruses or spyware could exist also.

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, hardware, Network card, Networks, VISTA, XP | Leave a comment

How Can Electrical Problems Can affect Networks?

Posted on December 3, 2010 by admin

Electrical problems can occur quickly and normally without warning.

What are the kinds of problems that can occur?

  • Crosstalk
  • Noise
  • Static
  • Transients

Crosstalk

Crosstalk occurs when two wires or cables are close enough so that the magnetic field each generates are to close together.  This can interfere with transmissions and can even result in data loss or corruption.

How can you prevent crosstalk?

  1. Increase the distance between cables.
  2. Provide adequate shielding.  Be sure to use shielded twisted-pair cables.  Fiber optic cable is bar far the best.  Is uses light rather than electricity as a medium to transmit information. Since no magnetic field is generated there is now interference.  The problem with this method is it is expensive and can be difficult to install.

Noise

This any low-voltage, low-current, high frequency signal that causes interference with normal network transmission.  You will need an Oscilloscope to test for this.

Two types of Noise related to networks are:

  1. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is generated by sources such as lights, engines, industrial tools and radar.
  2. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is generated by microwaves, appliances, furnaces and many other devices. You can prevent this by:
  • Grounding equipment properly. This will help prevent EMI
  • Not placing cables near EMI or RFI sources
  • Using shielded cables
  • Checking the noise emission rating of your equipment

As always, if you don’t understand what to do hire a technician that does know.

Static

This is the sudden discharge of static electricity rather than its buildup that can affect your computer system tremendously.  Static can build up to dangerous levels.  If it discharges suddenly, the system can not adjust to the charge immediately.  It only takes 20 to 30 volts to damage computer components.  In order to feel static electricity you need approximately 3000 volts. You can prevent damage as follows:

  • Be sure you ground your equipment and yourself.  If you are working on a computer or any component be sure you wear a wrist strap.
  • Do not let anybody touch you when you are working on sensitive equipment.
  • Never touch or make contact with electrical leads of components or integrated circuits.
  • Maintain a 70 to 90 percent humidity level. Low humidity invites static problems.

Transients

This is a random fluctuation of the power source. Due the fact it is random, it can be dangerous. This would certainly affect network components. There are two types of transients: The spike and the Brownout or sag. The spike is a high-voltage burst of current lasting less than a second. Normally this is caused by a problem with the power line such as a blackout or a lightning strike. You can reduce problems as follows:

  • Have a separate circuit for breaker for the computer and don’t overload it.
  • Ground the computer properly.
  • Use a surge suppressor or stabilizer.  If you are running a business, an uninterruptable power supply is your best bet. If the power does fail it will give you time to save your work and shut down the computer properly. If your computer is affected it will cause it to crash and you may lose any data you didn’t save.

Brownouts or sags

These are temporary decreases in voltage levels.  When lights flicker it is usually caused by brownouts. The best solution for this situation is to have an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS).

Posted in Computer Repair, hardware, Networks, Uninteruptable Power Supply (UPS) | 1 Comment

How Can I make The Fonts Bigger On my Screen?

Posted on November 19, 2010 by admin

Here is how you can make the text and other items, such as icons, on your screen easier to see by making them larger. You need to increase the dots per inch (DPI) scale.

  1. This part of the article assumes you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7
  2. Open Personalization by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Personalization.
  3. In the left pane, click Adjust font size (DPI).  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  4. In the DPI Scaling dialog box, do one of the following:
    • To increase the size of text and other items on the screen, click Larger scale (120 DPI)–make text more readable, and then click OK.
    • To decrease the size of text and other items on the screen, click Default scale (96 DPI)–fit more information, and then click OK.

    To see the changes, close all of your programs, and then restart Windows.

How to do this in Windows XP

  1. Open Display in Control Panel.
  2. On the Settings tab, click Advanced.
  3. On the General tab, in the DPI setting list, click the dots per inch (dpi) setting you want to use.
  4. If you choose Other in the DPI setting list, you can set custom options in the Custom DPI Setting dialog box either by selecting one of the percentage options in the drop-down list or by clicking on the ruler and dragging the pointer to specify a setting.
  5. Restart your computer when prompted.

Notes

  • To open Display, click Start, click Control Panel, click Appearance and Themes, and then click Display.
  • If you want to increase the size of text on your screen to make it more readable, use Font size on the Appearance tab in Display Properties.
  • The dpi  you specify on the General tab affects all monitors attached to your computer and all users that log on to the computer.

Windows XP

If you have trouble seeing the writing, icons or other information you can also use the magnifier. Yup! that’s what I said.  This is a part on the operating system.  Here is how:

  • Left click start.
  • Left click “All programs”.
  • Left click “accessories”.
  • Left click “accessibility” and then click on magnifier.
  • You need to pick a Magnification level. 2 or 3 is normally big enough.

It takes some getting used to but at least you can see things very large if you want to.

Posted in Browsers, Computer information, Microsoft XP Media Center, Operating Sytems, Software, VISTA, Windows 7, XP | Leave a comment