Air Quality for Your Network

Posted on October 31, 2010 by admin

Why would you want to worry about air quality? Because it may have everything to do with how good the network functions and how long the components on the network last.

Heat

If the air temperature is to hot it may affect the way certain components act.  If a mother board of a computer, router or other component gets to hot, they may start malfunctioning or just plain fail. Some products will keep shutting down if they keep overheating.

Dirt

Dirt will cause components to overheat and therefore malfunction or fail.  Some environments contain dust, smoke particles, hair  from humans and animals as well as many other pollutants. A computer has a fan that actually brings in outside air for cooling purposes.  Many computers end up under desks or in an area that can easily pull in large amounts of dust, dirt and other pollutants. Other components such as the mother board, network card and even the power supply may eventually accumulate particles that will make them over heat and fail.

How can you prevent this?

First and foremost, do surveys of the area you plan to put network equipment and especially computers. If you must put equipment in a polluted or overheated environment take action to help prolong the life and function of the equipment.  You may need to cool the area and maybe even filter the air.

Preventive maintenance

Be sure that your computer is turned off before starting this procedure. One way to prevent failure or erratic behavior is to do a periodic maintenance. This normally includes removing the cover from computers and using canned air to blow out all fans.  Be sure to blow out the processor fan and fins of its heat sink.  The surface of the mother board and other components should be blown off also.  You should also blow out the fan of the power supply. If the power supply fails you will not have any power to any part of your computer. This could be embarrassing if you have a critical job to do on the computer.

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, hardware, Mother Board, Networks, Power supply | Leave a comment

Why do I have to Worry About Temperature For A Network?

Posted on October 8, 2010 by admin

We'll Start With the Computer

When things get hot they expand and when they get cold they contract.  I know this sounds like science class but it is very important to consider. To much expansion and contraction can affect the chips that are inside of your computer or any other component for that matter. This can cause the Integrated Circuits to loose contact.  This effect is called Chip Creep. This can cause problems in sending or receiving signals. The temperature inside a computer is more than room temperature as it is. Adding components such as a network or sound card only makes it hotter.

What are the symptoms of overheating?

This may vary according to what type of computer you have but here are some symptoms:

  • The computer keep rebooting or will not stay on
  • The computer does not complete its boot process
  • You see a warning on the screen before it boots to the operating system
  • Some computers may warn you through software that is installed
  • You may hear a wining or strange noise that indicates one of the fans is about to fail

How to prevent failures

  • Be sure you have enough fans installed inside the computer.  You should have one for the processor itself and at least one case fan.  I recommend two fans if possible. Replace any fan that isn't working or is making a noise. It makes a wining or howling noise.  This may vary. If you suspect a bad fan be sure to check  replace it immediately.
  • Keep you computer clean.  Periodically remove the covers and use canned air to remove any dust or dirt.  Especially clean out the fins of the heat sink located under the processor fan. If the processor overheats it will fail.
  • Blow out all fans including the one for the power supply.  If the power supply fan and vents get to dirty it will over heat and fail.
  • Blow off the mother board and all components

As you can see dirt can be a big enemy. Keeping your computer clean may extend the life of the computer by quite a bit.

Other parts of the network to be concerned with?

Routers, switches and any other component must be kept as cool as practical.  These all have motherboards and electrical components and are subject to the same environment effects as the computer is. If one of these components overheats it will eventually fail.

Most computers and network components are made much better than in the past. However, you must take the environment in consideration when designing your network. DO NOT TAKE A CHANCE! You want your network to work efficiently and you don't want it to fail.  Doing it right the first time will prevent years of headaches.

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, hardware, Mother Board, Networks, Power supply | Leave a comment

Network problems

Posted on October 6, 2010 by admin

Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security

There are four general Categories of Network Problems.

1.       Physical environment

2.       Electrical problems

3.       Viruses

4.       Security

Physical Environment

The physical environment has everything to do with the function of a network and for that matter all the things it is connected to.  Normally if you feel comfortable in a room with a computer, the environment is probably OK for the network and computer equipment also. The primary areas of concern in any environment are temperature, air quality and magnetism.

Electrical Problems

Electrical problems happen quickly and often without warning. In order to prevent problems you need to plan for the installation and maintenance of the network and the equipment that goes with it. Be sure everything has proper ground and adequate wiring.

Viruses

A computer virus is a destructive program that is written to alter files or the system configuration and then copy itself onto external disks or other computers. The main damage is that viruses alter files and configurations or grow exponentially, thus interrupting or slowing down data flow.

To protect against these aggressive enemies, you need to have the best Anti-Virus program you can afford. You can either have a program that is installed on each separate computer or a one that is installed on the server. It is far more economical to have one that runs on a server and it is far easier to administrate. You don't want users to have to update or maintain an Anti-Virus program because it can be time consuming and may cause them to install a program they have no control over.

Security

Most networks have some sort of security to prevent unauthorized access and to control the overall system.  The Network administrator is responsible to control what is shared and who has access to what. Most users don’t even know they are denied access to something until they try to use it.

Passwords are normally used to provide security. However, periodically the user forgets the password or simply doesn’t type it properly. Normally a network will be locked out after a certain amount of tries. The system administrator is the only person that will be able to correct the problem by either assigning a new password or totally resetting the account.

The above problems are only the main problems. Other things can happen to a network.  However, if you pay attention to these you should prevent most catastrophes. Proper planning will prevent most major problems.

Network problems

There are four general Categories of Network Problems.

1. Physical environment

2. Electrical problems

3. Viruses

4. Security

Physical Environment

The physical environment has everything to do with the function of a network and for that matter all the things it is connected to. Normally if you feel comfortable in a room with a computer, the environment is probably ok for the network and computer equipment also. The primary areas of concern in any environment are temperature, air quality and magnetism.

Electrical Problems

Electrical problems happen quickly and often without warning. In order to prevent problems you need to plan for the installation and maintenance of the network and the equipment that goes with it.

Viruses

A computer virus is a destructive program that is written to alter files or the system configuration and then copy itself onto external disks or other computers. The main damage is that viruses alter files and configurations or grow exponentially, thus interrupting or slowing down data flow.

To protect against these aggressive enemies, you need to have the best Anti-Virus program you can afford. You can either have a program that is installed on each separate computer or a one that is installed on the server. It is far more economical to have one that runs on a server and it is far easier to administrate.

Security

Most networks have some sort of security to prevent unauthorized access and to control the overall system. The Network administrator is responsible to control what is shared and who has access to what. Most users don’t even know they are denied access to somethin

Network problems

There are four general Categories of Network Problems.

1.       Physical environment

2.       Electrical problems

3.       Viruses

4.       Security

Physical Environment

The physical environment has everything to do with the function of a network and for that matter all the things it is connected to.  Normally if you feel comfortable in a room with a computer, the environment is probably ok for the network and computer equipment also. The primary areas of concern in any environment are temperature, air quality and magnetism.

Electrical Problems

Electrical problems happen quickly and often without warning. In order to prevent problems you need to plan for the installation and maintenance of the network and the equipment that goes with it.

Viruses

A computer virus is a destructive program that is written to alter files or the system configuration and then copy itself onto external disks or other computers. The main damage is that viruses alter files and configurations or grow exponentially, thus interrupting or slowing down data flow.

To protect against these aggressive enemies, you need to have the best Anti-Virus program you can afford. You can either have a program that is installed on each separate computer or a one that is installed on the server. It is far more economical to have one that runs on a server and it is far easier to administrate.

Security

Most networks have some sort of security to prevent unauthorized access and to control the overall system.  The Network administrator is responsible to control what is shared and who has access to what. Most users don’t even know they are denied access to something until they try to use it.

Passwords are normally used to provide security. However, periodically the user forgets the password or simply doesn’t type it properly. Normally a network will be locked out after a certain amount of tries. The system administrator is the only person that will be able to correct the problem by either assigning a new password or totally resetting the account.

The above problems are only the main problems. Other things can happen to a network.  However, if you pay attention to these you should prevent most catastrophes. Plan, plan & plan and you will prevent most major problems.

g until they try to use it.

Passwords are normally used to provide security. However, periodically the user forgets the password or simply doesn’t type it properly. Normally a network will be locked out after a certain amount of tries. The system administrator is the only person that will be able to correct the problem by either assigning a new password or totally resetting the account.

 

The above problems are only the main problems. Other things can happen to a network. However, if you pay attention to these you should prevent most catastrophes. Plan, plan & plan and you will prevent most major problems.

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, Networks, Norton Anti-Virus, Uncategorized, Viruses, Webroot Spy Sweeper | Leave a comment

What if I get a message that says: “The message could not be created. If Outlook is running make sure it has no dialog boxes and try again”

Posted on September 15, 2010 by admin

This particular error message occurred when you try to email a picture through Microsoft Office Picture Manager. The program was trying to send it through the “default email program” which was supposed to be Outlook 2003 in this case.

How can you fix this?

You must make the change in your Outlook or email program.  In this case we needed to open Outlook 2003.  From Outlook 2003's main window, go to Tools > Options; in the Options dialog that opened, click on the "Other" tab. Under General, check the Make Outlook the default program for E-mail, Contacts, and Calendar check box.  Just to be sure, check all the other tabs such as mail setup and mail format and read them carefully. Change anything you suspect may cause the problem.

I found Word as the default email program in this case.  Since Word is not an email program it would never work. If you see this or something similar remove the check from the box or boxes that are next to it.  After that it should work. Try to remember any changes you make just in case you need to change them back for some reason.

The error message is a little deceiving. You would think the problem is in the program your running (In this case Microsoft Office picture Manager). You MUST correct it in the default mail program you are running.

The computer I tested this on was running Windows 7 Home Premium and had Microsoft Office 2003 installed. No problems with any part of the computer were indicated and no viruses were detected.

 

This particular error message occurred when you try to email a picture through Microsoft Office Picture Manager. The program was trying to send it through the “default email program” which was supposed to be Outlook 2003 in this case.

How can you fix this?

You must make the change in your outlook program.In this case we needed to open Outlook 2003.From Outlook 2003's main window, go to Tools > Options; in the Options dialog that opened, click on the "Other" tab. Under General, check the Make Outlook the default program for E-mail, Contacts, and Calendar checkbox.Just to be sure, check all the other tabs such as mail setup and mail format and read them carefully. Change anything you suspect may cause the problem.

I found Word as the default ema

This particular error message occurred when you try to email a picture through Microsoft Office Picture Manager. The program was trying to send it through the “default email program” which was supposed to be Outlook 2003 in this case.

How can you fix this?

You must make the change in your outlook program.  In this case we needed to open Outlook 2003.  From Outlook 2003's main window, go to Tools > Options; in the Options dialog that opened, click on the "Other" tab. Under General, check the Make Outlook the default program for E-mail, Contacts, and Calendar checkbox.  Just to be sure, check all the other tabs such as mail setup and mail format and read them carefully. Change anything you suspect may cause the problem.

I found Word as the default email program in this case.  Since Word is not an email program it would never work. If you see this or something similar uncheck the box or boxes that are next to it.  After that it should work. Try to remember any changes you make just incase you need to change them back for some reason.

The error message is a little deceiving. You would think the problem is in the program your running (In this case Microsoft Office picture Manager). You MUST correct it in the default mail program you are running.

The computer I tested this on was running Windows 7 Home Premium and had Microsoft Office 2003 installed. NO problems with any part of the computer were indicated and no viruses were detected.

This particular error message occurred when you try to email a picture through Microsoft Office Picture Manager. The program was trying to send it through the “default email program” which was supposed to be Outlook 2003 in this case.

How can you fix this?

You must make the change in your outlook program.  In this case we needed to open Outlook 2003.  From Outlook 2003's main window, go to Tools > Options; in the Options dialog that opened, click on the "Other" tab. Under General, check the Make Outlook the default program for E-mail, Contacts, and Calendar checkbox.  Just to be sure, check all the other tabs such as mail setup and mail format and read them carefully. Change anything you suspect may cause the problem.

I found Word as the default email program in this case.  Since Word is not an email program it would never work. If you see this or something similar uncheck the box or boxes that are next to it.  After that it should work. Try to remember any changes you make just incase you need to change them back for some reason.

The error message is a little deceiving. You would think the problem is in the program your running (In this case Microsoft Office picture Manager). You MUST correct it in the default mail program you are running.

The computer I tested this on was running Windows 7 Home Premium and had Microsoft Office 2003 installed. NO problems with any part of the computer were indicated and no viruses were detected.

il program in this case.Since Word is not an email program it would never work. If you see this or something similar uncheck the box or boxes that are next to it.After that it should work. Try to remember any changes you make just incase you need to change them back for some reason.

The error message is a little deceiving. You would think the problem is in the program your running (In this case Microsoft Office picture Manager). You MUST correct it in the default mail program you are running.

The computer I tested this on was running Windows 7 Home Premium and had Microsoft Office 2003 installed. NO problems with any part of the computer were indicated and no viruses were detected.

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, E-Mail, Microsoft Picture Manager, Product Reviews, Software, Windows 7 | 2 Comments

New Recycling Law Takes Effect in Wisconsin

Posted on September 14, 2010 by admin

Why would I write about recycling laws and especially in just one state?

Well! For years now people have been literally threw their electronic devices away. This included computers, monitors, printers and many other devices.  Even cell phones got tossed in some cases. Some states “sort of " had laws that were supposed control these electronic devices from getting into the landfills. Mostly they were neglected or at least were not enforced.

How did this stop?

The DNR stepped in and enacted a law that had teeth to it.
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/ecycle/devices.htm . Effective September 1st of this year, no person or company can through their electronic devices in the garbage or landfill.  They must be properly disposed of.  Certain companies were assigned to handle any and all disposable products.  Goodwill industries www.amazinggoodwill.com have the job here in our County as an example. Items that this company does not handle must go to authorized recyclers.  This would include, but not be limited to, Refrigerators, Microwaves, stoves and other large or dangerous items. In our area they have a recycler that takes almost anything as long as it is clean. Items such as refrigerator or big and dangerous Items must go through the manufacture or store that sold the item. Some stores will have disposal fees.

What about cell phones?

Yup! That also. Here is what it says:

“The law bans the land filling and incineration of EEDs, and cell phones as of Sept. 1, 2010. These bans apply no matter where the devices are from or who used them--including households, schools, businesses, governments and institutions.” (See the DNR link provided above)

Some rules are still vague and trash pickup still need to be defined.  Yet I feel it is a step in the right direction.  We can only assume that the environment will be affected in some way if we don’t find a way to control this entire waist.

Address of our recycler: Alter Metal Recycling111 Myrtle Rd,
Beaver Dam, WI 53916-2865 (920) 887-3232

How does this all relate to Computer repair or upgrading?

Are you kidding? Every time you replace a hardware item you must decide what to do with the old part or maybe even an entire computer. Your very existence as a company may depend upon if you recycle, dispose and reuse properly.

It should be noted that  States may vary as to how laws are enforced or if they even have one.  This article is intended to bring attention to the law so that you will not get in trouble by throwing old or unusable electronics in the landfills.  Please be reminded that this also means you can not burn or incinerate these items.

Notify you local landfill or the DNR to determine the laws in your area. All Cities  are aware of this law and will let you know how it affects you.

Why would I write about recycling laws and especially in just one state?

Well! For years now people have been literally threw their electronic devices away. This included computers, monitors, printers and many other devices. Even cell phones got tossed in some cases. Some states “sort of” had laws that were supposed control these electronic devices from getting into the landfills. Mostly they were neglected or at least were not enforced.

How did this stop?

The DNR stepped in and enacted a law that had teeth to it. http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/ecycle/devices.htm . Effective September 1st of this year, no person or company can through their electronic devices in the garbage or landfill. They must be properly disposed of. Certain companies were assigned to handle any and all disposable products. Goodwill industries www.amazinggoodwill.com have the job here in our County as an example. Items that this company does not handle must go to authorized recyclers. This would include, but not be limited to, Refrigerators, Microwaves, stoves and other large or dangerous items. In our area they have a recycler that takes almost anything as long as it is clean. Items such as refrigerator or big and dangerous Items must go through the manufacture or store that sold the item. Some stores will have disposal fees.

What about cell phones?

Yup! That also. Here is what it says:

“The law bans the land filling and incineration of EEDs, and cell phones as of Sept. 1, 2010. These bans apply no matter where the devices are from or who used them--including households, schools, businesses, governments and institutions.” (See the DNR link provided above)

Some rules are still vague and trash pickup still need to be defined. Yet I feel it is a step in the right direction. We can only assume that the environment will be affected in some way if we don’t find a way to control this entire waist.

Address of our recycler:
Alter Metal Recycling

111 Myrtle Rd, Beaver Dam, WI 53916-2865 (920) 887-3232

It should be noted that every States may vary as to how laws are enforced or if they even have one. This article is intended to bring attention to the law so that you will not get in trouble by throwing old or unusable electronics in the landfills. Please be reminded that this also means you can not burn or incinerate these items.

Notify you local landfill or the DNR to determine the laws in your area. Some cities also are aware of this law and will let you know how it affects you.

Posted in Cell Phones, Computer information, Computer Repair, Recycling | Leave a comment