Computer Devices
By William Pullman
A common problem with inkjet printers is a clogged print head. A clogged print head disrupts the flow of ink onto paper, distorting the printout or leaving gaps. The print head becomes clogged when the excess ink dries, causing a blockage. The Epson Stylus printer was designed with a print head cleaning utility which clears the dried ink off the print head, allowing the ink to run freely through the print head.
Instructions
Step 1
Turn the printer on and verify that the low ink indicator is not blinking. If the indicator light is blinking, the printer cartridge needs to be changed before cleaning. Cleaning the print head uses ink. An empty ink cartridge will not properly clean the print head.
Step 2
If you are using Windows, right-click the Epson Stylus printer icon on the taskbar of your computer and choose "Head Cleaning."
If you are using a Macintosh, click Applications > Epson Printer Utility3 > your Epson Stylus model number > OK > Head Cleaning.
Step 3
Ensure the printer has paper installed and follow the onscreen directions to start the print head cleaning. The Power button indicator light will blink during cleaning. You will hear the printer operating. Cleaning is finished when the indicator light stops blinking.
Step 4
Click Print Nozzle Check Pattern > Print. You will be able to see if the print head cleaning worked. The Stylus will print out a series of lines in a grid pattern. Check the grid pattern for any breaks in the lines and click "Finish" if there are no breaks.
Step 5
Select "Clean" if the grid lines are broken to clean the print head a second time. Repeat the process if necessary. You can safely clean the print head up to four times if needed.
Tips & Warnings
Allow the printer to sit for at least six hours if the print head is not cleaned after four tries. This allows hardened printer ink to soften. After six hours, repeat the cleaning process.
References
# Epson Stylus Photo 1400 User's Guide; Epson America Inc.; 2008.
eHow Article: How to Clean a Clogged Stylus Printer
Computer Devices
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
How to Find a Compatible Printer Driver for Microsoft Vista (Computer Devices)
Computer Devices
By Tricia Goss
If you have a printer connected to your Vista computer that has worked fine all along, but suddenly stopped working, you may need to update your printer driver. Likewise, if you are attempting to install a new printer onto your computer, but the Windows Vista cannot "see" it or it simply does not work, updating the printer driver may solve these problems. You can find a compatible driver and install it in Windows Vista.
Instructions
Step 1
Click "Start" and type "Printers" into the "Start Search" box on the bottom of the "Start Menu." Click on "Printers" under the resulting list of programs. The "Printers" window will open.
Step 2
Locate the printer for which you want to find a compatible driver. Right-click this printer and point to "Run as Administrator."
Step 3
Click on "Properties." If a "User Account Control" window opens stating that Windows Vista needs your permission to continue, click the "Continue" button. If you are prompted for a password, enter the user password for your Windows account. The "Properties" dialog box for that printer will open separately.
Step 4
Go to the "Advanced" tab of the dialog box. Click "New Driver." The "Add Printer Driver Wizard" will open. Click "Next." Select the make and model of the printer and click "Next."
Step 5
Click the "Finish" button to close the wizard and complete the printer driver installation. Close the "Properties" dialog box and the "Printers" window. Restart the computer to complete the driver installation.
References
Microsoft.com: Find and Install Printer Drivers
Computer Devices
By Tricia Goss
If you have a printer connected to your Vista computer that has worked fine all along, but suddenly stopped working, you may need to update your printer driver. Likewise, if you are attempting to install a new printer onto your computer, but the Windows Vista cannot "see" it or it simply does not work, updating the printer driver may solve these problems. You can find a compatible driver and install it in Windows Vista.
Instructions
Step 1
Click "Start" and type "Printers" into the "Start Search" box on the bottom of the "Start Menu." Click on "Printers" under the resulting list of programs. The "Printers" window will open.
Step 2
Locate the printer for which you want to find a compatible driver. Right-click this printer and point to "Run as Administrator."
Step 3
Click on "Properties." If a "User Account Control" window opens stating that Windows Vista needs your permission to continue, click the "Continue" button. If you are prompted for a password, enter the user password for your Windows account. The "Properties" dialog box for that printer will open separately.
Step 4
Go to the "Advanced" tab of the dialog box. Click "New Driver." The "Add Printer Driver Wizard" will open. Click "Next." Select the make and model of the printer and click "Next."
Step 5
Click the "Finish" button to close the wizard and complete the printer driver installation. Close the "Properties" dialog box and the "Printers" window. Restart the computer to complete the driver installation.
References
Microsoft.com: Find and Install Printer Drivers
Computer Devices
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Canon Pixma IP1500 Printing Problems - Computer Devices
Computer Devices
By Christopher Capelle
The Canon Pixma iP 1500 is a compact photo printer with the ability to produce a 4-by-6 inch borderless photo in under a minute. Like other Canon printers, it has earned the reputation as a solid performer at a low price ($49.99). But, like virtually every other printer, the Pixma iP 1500 isn't immune to the same problems that haunt other makes and models.
Check the Obvious
Generally, most common printer problems are usually the simplest to solve. These issues include a disconnected or damaged cable (USB, in this case) or a power issue (the printer is turned off or not connected to a power source). Confirming that all machines are powered on, that your computer can see the printer and that all connecting cables are properly seated can rectify most of these problems. Make sure there is paper loaded in the printer's paper tray, as well.
Problems on the Computer
Issues that can prevent you from printing include sending an improperly formatted job to the printer (such as attempting to print an A4 document on letter-sized media), corrupt drivers or a damaged USB port (on either your computer or the printer itself). You can check for problems by opening the print queue to see if there are any print jobs that are gumming up the works. If you suspect the printer drivers are corrupt, download the latest drivers from Canon's Website. Testing the printer with a different computer (if possible) will help determine if there is an issue that is specific to your computer or something that is a more universal problem.
Printer issues
A misfeed will stop all print jobs, so check the paper feed. The ink carts must be properly seated, and confirm the print heads aren't clogged by dried ink. Cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol are the best way to clean dirty heads, but make sure you allow the cleaned areas to dry completely before using the printer. A can of compressed air will help keep the inner workings of your printer free from dust and other foreign matter.
More Printer Issues
If the printout contains white lines, is missing colors or is spotty, check the ink carts. New carts are expensive (replacing both costs more than 50 percent of the price of the printer itself), so give them a good cleaning before replacing them. Check all of the physical workings if the paper doesn't feed correctly or gets stuck during the printing process. Cleaning the paper feed area is recommended here, but if there is any physical damage, chances are you will have to buy a new printer.
Expert insight
Since the Canon Pixma iP 1500 is a bargain-priced printer, any physical damage usually means it's time to buy a new printer. Paying a "diagnostic fee" for a $50 unit is almost never worth it. Despite the fact that Canon produces quality products, but these types of printers are now considered commodities and not durable goods, so knowing when to cut your losses with a non-functioning printer is key.
References
ViewPoint.com: Canon Pixma iP1500 review
Resources
Canon: Pixma iP 1500
Who Can Help
Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
Computer Devices
By Christopher Capelle
The Canon Pixma iP 1500 is a compact photo printer with the ability to produce a 4-by-6 inch borderless photo in under a minute. Like other Canon printers, it has earned the reputation as a solid performer at a low price ($49.99). But, like virtually every other printer, the Pixma iP 1500 isn't immune to the same problems that haunt other makes and models.
Check the Obvious
Generally, most common printer problems are usually the simplest to solve. These issues include a disconnected or damaged cable (USB, in this case) or a power issue (the printer is turned off or not connected to a power source). Confirming that all machines are powered on, that your computer can see the printer and that all connecting cables are properly seated can rectify most of these problems. Make sure there is paper loaded in the printer's paper tray, as well.
Problems on the Computer
Issues that can prevent you from printing include sending an improperly formatted job to the printer (such as attempting to print an A4 document on letter-sized media), corrupt drivers or a damaged USB port (on either your computer or the printer itself). You can check for problems by opening the print queue to see if there are any print jobs that are gumming up the works. If you suspect the printer drivers are corrupt, download the latest drivers from Canon's Website. Testing the printer with a different computer (if possible) will help determine if there is an issue that is specific to your computer or something that is a more universal problem.
Printer issues
A misfeed will stop all print jobs, so check the paper feed. The ink carts must be properly seated, and confirm the print heads aren't clogged by dried ink. Cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol are the best way to clean dirty heads, but make sure you allow the cleaned areas to dry completely before using the printer. A can of compressed air will help keep the inner workings of your printer free from dust and other foreign matter.
More Printer Issues
If the printout contains white lines, is missing colors or is spotty, check the ink carts. New carts are expensive (replacing both costs more than 50 percent of the price of the printer itself), so give them a good cleaning before replacing them. Check all of the physical workings if the paper doesn't feed correctly or gets stuck during the printing process. Cleaning the paper feed area is recommended here, but if there is any physical damage, chances are you will have to buy a new printer.
Expert insight
Since the Canon Pixma iP 1500 is a bargain-priced printer, any physical damage usually means it's time to buy a new printer. Paying a "diagnostic fee" for a $50 unit is almost never worth it. Despite the fact that Canon produces quality products, but these types of printers are now considered commodities and not durable goods, so knowing when to cut your losses with a non-functioning printer is key.
References
ViewPoint.com: Canon Pixma iP1500 review
Resources
Canon: Pixma iP 1500
Who Can Help
Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
Computer Devices
Monday, October 5, 2009
Detecting Viruses On Your Computer System
Computer Devices
By Jesse Miller
As a consequence of being connected to the internet your computer might suffer from spyware or spybots. These infiltrate your pc via browsers or pop ups and affect your file system integrity jeopardizing the information you have stored on non removable disks. Some spyware or spybots are not easy to trace, but they leave a small evidence trace of their existence. For instance, if you find your browser opening up other pages than those typed by you, some removal software will be welcomed.
To get rid of these problems, free download spybot software and then do an extensive scan of the system. You might find out that you have more than one spybot or spyware, but that is no problem as long as the tool can remove them. Spybot Search and Destroy, Ad-Aware SE Personal, even AVG are effective tools in fighting off attacks form malicious software. If you chose, you can install them all at the same time and maximize the effectiveness of spyware and spybot removal.
Nowadays free spybot downloads are easy to come across and a wide variety of them are more that suited to eliminate any threats that you might have. Updates are provided to all free software thus keeping you up to date with the latest spyware or spybot signatures. Optionally, you can choose licensed software to protect you, but if you ask me, I would pay money for software that I can find for free and with the same capacity in removal of spyware. Remember, you pc's security is most important so, install protection software.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a Spybot go to the Internet and get a Free Spybot Download or a Spybot Search and Destroy to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer.
Computer Devices
By Jesse Miller
As a consequence of being connected to the internet your computer might suffer from spyware or spybots. These infiltrate your pc via browsers or pop ups and affect your file system integrity jeopardizing the information you have stored on non removable disks. Some spyware or spybots are not easy to trace, but they leave a small evidence trace of their existence. For instance, if you find your browser opening up other pages than those typed by you, some removal software will be welcomed.
To get rid of these problems, free download spybot software and then do an extensive scan of the system. You might find out that you have more than one spybot or spyware, but that is no problem as long as the tool can remove them. Spybot Search and Destroy, Ad-Aware SE Personal, even AVG are effective tools in fighting off attacks form malicious software. If you chose, you can install them all at the same time and maximize the effectiveness of spyware and spybot removal.
Nowadays free spybot downloads are easy to come across and a wide variety of them are more that suited to eliminate any threats that you might have. Updates are provided to all free software thus keeping you up to date with the latest spyware or spybot signatures. Optionally, you can choose licensed software to protect you, but if you ask me, I would pay money for software that I can find for free and with the same capacity in removal of spyware. Remember, you pc's security is most important so, install protection software.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a Spybot go to the Internet and get a Free Spybot Download or a Spybot Search and Destroy to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer.
Computer Devices
Friday, October 2, 2009
Driver Updates - Driver Updates Can Be Crucial to Proper Working of Computer Devices
Computer Devices
BBy Julian Pereira
A driver is a program consisting of a set of files that monitors and controls a hardware device while playing the role of a mediating translator between the device and the computer program which uses it. More specifically, the driver takes the program's generic group of directives and converts it into a language that will be understood and accepted by the device. A printer; a mouse; a keyboard; a monitor; a video, a PC or a sound card; a USB or a VGA; and even a network or Windows XP must each have its own very specialized driver that comprehends its unique group of commands or it will simply not work. All these drivers evoke images of a busy highway because, in fact, these are drivers navigating the cyberspace thoroughfare which is also known as the World Wide Web (WWW).
To add to the congestion of this endless superhighway, each of the following has its own driver to maneuver through the global traffic: wireless, audio, Bluetooth, Ethernet, graphics, Intel, Linux, disk, input, media, modem and Microsoft. To keep computers running at optimum capacity, updates of the latest versions of all programs should be acquired on a regular basis for their system software as well as for any existing third party software. However, where hardware drivers (which are essentially software programs), are concerned, the question regarding updates is somewhat controversial. Some say that whenever any hardware or software changes, updates or additions are made to the computer, all drivers must be updated with their most recent editions. Otherwise, they also say, computers will fall from their peak performance because programs will cease working as they should, drivers will lose their ability to translate program commands and hardware will fail to co-operate. On the other hand, others claim that it is not essential to update hardware drivers unless:
* Problems are experienced which are obviously related to the hardware devices.
* Certain features or utilities are not available on the existing version of the driver.
* The existing driver issues a notification about an update.
* The system software (Windows) issues a notification that updated drivers are available.
* The existing driver seems to have a security issue.
The simplest and most efficient way to maintain hardware drivers updated for OEM (original equipment manufacturer) computers such as Toshiba, Gateway, Hewlett Packard, Dell, Compaq and so on, one merely needs to visit their websites and download the appropriate drivers for the hardware associate with or installed on the computers. Keeping drivers current on computers that were built from miscellaneous components or on those computers that are not OEM, instructions listed in the documentation which accompanied the hardware should be followed. However, there is a much easier and simpler way to have driver updates for various devices and I can recommend a software known as DriverCure which works very well to update drivers for optimum performance.
Copyright(C) Julian Pereira.
Permission is granted by author Julian Pereira for this article to forward, reprint, distribute, use for ezines, newsletters, websites, offered as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, and the resource box below is included. To learn how to maintain your computer or update drivers visit http://www.computersoftwareprograms.com
Computer Devices
BBy Julian Pereira
A driver is a program consisting of a set of files that monitors and controls a hardware device while playing the role of a mediating translator between the device and the computer program which uses it. More specifically, the driver takes the program's generic group of directives and converts it into a language that will be understood and accepted by the device. A printer; a mouse; a keyboard; a monitor; a video, a PC or a sound card; a USB or a VGA; and even a network or Windows XP must each have its own very specialized driver that comprehends its unique group of commands or it will simply not work. All these drivers evoke images of a busy highway because, in fact, these are drivers navigating the cyberspace thoroughfare which is also known as the World Wide Web (WWW).
To add to the congestion of this endless superhighway, each of the following has its own driver to maneuver through the global traffic: wireless, audio, Bluetooth, Ethernet, graphics, Intel, Linux, disk, input, media, modem and Microsoft. To keep computers running at optimum capacity, updates of the latest versions of all programs should be acquired on a regular basis for their system software as well as for any existing third party software. However, where hardware drivers (which are essentially software programs), are concerned, the question regarding updates is somewhat controversial. Some say that whenever any hardware or software changes, updates or additions are made to the computer, all drivers must be updated with their most recent editions. Otherwise, they also say, computers will fall from their peak performance because programs will cease working as they should, drivers will lose their ability to translate program commands and hardware will fail to co-operate. On the other hand, others claim that it is not essential to update hardware drivers unless:
* Problems are experienced which are obviously related to the hardware devices.
* Certain features or utilities are not available on the existing version of the driver.
* The existing driver issues a notification about an update.
* The system software (Windows) issues a notification that updated drivers are available.
* The existing driver seems to have a security issue.
The simplest and most efficient way to maintain hardware drivers updated for OEM (original equipment manufacturer) computers such as Toshiba, Gateway, Hewlett Packard, Dell, Compaq and so on, one merely needs to visit their websites and download the appropriate drivers for the hardware associate with or installed on the computers. Keeping drivers current on computers that were built from miscellaneous components or on those computers that are not OEM, instructions listed in the documentation which accompanied the hardware should be followed. However, there is a much easier and simpler way to have driver updates for various devices and I can recommend a software known as DriverCure which works very well to update drivers for optimum performance.
Copyright(C) Julian Pereira.
Permission is granted by author Julian Pereira for this article to forward, reprint, distribute, use for ezines, newsletters, websites, offered as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, and the resource box below is included. To learn how to maintain your computer or update drivers visit http://www.computersoftwareprograms.com
Computer Devices
Saturday, September 5, 2009
What Are Computer Output Devices?
Computer Devices
By Kristen Leigh Grubb
Output devices pass output from the computer to the user. The most commonly known output device is the monitor, but they also include audio devices, disk drives and microfilm recorders.
History
The first recorded computer monitor was the IBM 740 CRT. It provided output on a pair of television-like cathode ray tubes.
Monitors
Monitors provide non-permanent graphical data to the user. They are available in different hardware technologies including LCD, CRT, plasma display and video projectors.
Audio Devices
Audio devices provide sound data to the user, including music, movie audio and voice. They include sound cards, headphones and speakers.
Printers
Printers provide permanent graphical data to the user including text and images. Printer types include ink jet, laser and thermal printers.
Disk Drives
Disk drives send output to a storage device such as a burnable CD or DVD. Disk drives provide dual functionality as they also provide input to the computer.
References
# Computer Hope
Computer Devices
By Kristen Leigh Grubb
Output devices pass output from the computer to the user. The most commonly known output device is the monitor, but they also include audio devices, disk drives and microfilm recorders.
History
The first recorded computer monitor was the IBM 740 CRT. It provided output on a pair of television-like cathode ray tubes.
Monitors
Monitors provide non-permanent graphical data to the user. They are available in different hardware technologies including LCD, CRT, plasma display and video projectors.
Audio Devices
Audio devices provide sound data to the user, including music, movie audio and voice. They include sound cards, headphones and speakers.
Printers
Printers provide permanent graphical data to the user including text and images. Printer types include ink jet, laser and thermal printers.
Disk Drives
Disk drives send output to a storage device such as a burnable CD or DVD. Disk drives provide dual functionality as they also provide input to the computer.
References
# Computer Hope
Computer Devices
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Examples of Output Computer Devices
Computer Devices
By Joanne Mendes
Computer output devices deliver data that has been processed by the computer to the user. There are a variety of devices that produce data in different forms including audio, visual and hard copy. Computer output devices are types of peripheral hardware connected to a computer, using cables or over a wireless network.
Monitor
The most common computer output device is the monitor or computer screen. Monitors create a visual display from processed data that users can view. They come in a variety of screen sizes and visual resolutions.
There are two types of computer monitors, CRT and flat panel. CRT monitors use phosphorescent dots to create the pixels that make up display images. Flat panel monitors usually use LCD or plasma to create output. Light is passed through liquid crystals to create the pixels.
All monitors rely on a video card that is located on the computer motherboard or in a special expansion slot. The video card processes the computer data into image details that the monitors can display.
Printer
Printers produce a hard copy version of processed data such as documents and photographs. The computer sends the image data to the printer, which then physically recreates the image onto an object.
There are three types of computer printers: ink jet, laser and dot matrix. Inkjet printers spray tiny dots of ink on a surface to create an image. Laser printers use toner drums that roll through magnetized pigment and then transfer the pigment to a surface. Dot matrix printers use a print head to imbed images on a surface, using an ink ribbon.
Speakers/Headphones
Computers produce audio data that require output devices such as speakers and headphones to deliver the sound to the user. Audio data is created by the computer and then sent to the audio card, which is located in an expansion slot. The card translates the data into audio signals, which are sent to the audio output device.
CD/DVD/Floppy Disc
CD, DVD and floppy disc are output devices that can also be used as storage and input devices. The computer sends data to the disc, where it is embedded and can be later retrieved.
Compact disc, or CD, is an optical device that stores audio and visual data in a digital format. Data is placed on the disc, using a laser writer that embeds the data into the disc's coating.
Digital Versatile Disc, or DVD, is an optical device that stores visual data in a media format. DVDs feature a dual coating system that allows audio and visual data to be written at the same time by using a laser.
Floppy disc is a magnetic storage device. A layer of magnetized material is placed within a proactive plastic casing. The computer embeds the data into the magnetized material, using a writing head.
Projector
Projectors are display devices that project a computer created image. The computer sends the image data to the video card which then sends the video image to the projector. They are typically used for presentations or for viewing videos.
Plotter
Plotters create a hard copy rendition of a digitally rendered design. The design is sent to the plotter via a graphics card, and creates the design using a pen. Generally used with engineering applications, plotters basically draw an image using a series of straight lines.
References
Principles of Computer Hardware; Alan Clements; 2006
Computer Devices
By Joanne Mendes
Computer output devices deliver data that has been processed by the computer to the user. There are a variety of devices that produce data in different forms including audio, visual and hard copy. Computer output devices are types of peripheral hardware connected to a computer, using cables or over a wireless network.
Monitor
The most common computer output device is the monitor or computer screen. Monitors create a visual display from processed data that users can view. They come in a variety of screen sizes and visual resolutions.
There are two types of computer monitors, CRT and flat panel. CRT monitors use phosphorescent dots to create the pixels that make up display images. Flat panel monitors usually use LCD or plasma to create output. Light is passed through liquid crystals to create the pixels.
All monitors rely on a video card that is located on the computer motherboard or in a special expansion slot. The video card processes the computer data into image details that the monitors can display.
Printer
Printers produce a hard copy version of processed data such as documents and photographs. The computer sends the image data to the printer, which then physically recreates the image onto an object.
There are three types of computer printers: ink jet, laser and dot matrix. Inkjet printers spray tiny dots of ink on a surface to create an image. Laser printers use toner drums that roll through magnetized pigment and then transfer the pigment to a surface. Dot matrix printers use a print head to imbed images on a surface, using an ink ribbon.
Speakers/Headphones
Computers produce audio data that require output devices such as speakers and headphones to deliver the sound to the user. Audio data is created by the computer and then sent to the audio card, which is located in an expansion slot. The card translates the data into audio signals, which are sent to the audio output device.
CD/DVD/Floppy Disc
CD, DVD and floppy disc are output devices that can also be used as storage and input devices. The computer sends data to the disc, where it is embedded and can be later retrieved.
Compact disc, or CD, is an optical device that stores audio and visual data in a digital format. Data is placed on the disc, using a laser writer that embeds the data into the disc's coating.
Digital Versatile Disc, or DVD, is an optical device that stores visual data in a media format. DVDs feature a dual coating system that allows audio and visual data to be written at the same time by using a laser.
Floppy disc is a magnetic storage device. A layer of magnetized material is placed within a proactive plastic casing. The computer embeds the data into the magnetized material, using a writing head.
Projector
Projectors are display devices that project a computer created image. The computer sends the image data to the video card which then sends the video image to the projector. They are typically used for presentations or for viewing videos.
Plotter
Plotters create a hard copy rendition of a digitally rendered design. The design is sent to the plotter via a graphics card, and creates the design using a pen. Generally used with engineering applications, plotters basically draw an image using a series of straight lines.
References
Principles of Computer Hardware; Alan Clements; 2006
Computer Devices
How to Install Realtek Sound Devices
Computer Devices
By Lucosi Fuller
If your computer doesn't have sound, the problem may be with the sound devices, which are programs that allow your computer to process audio output. Errors may occur if your sound devices need to be updated or if you reinstalled your operating system without backing up the sound devices. You can fix the problem once you know the default sound devices for your computer and which company manufactures them.
Instructions
Step 1
Open your Web browser and navigate to the Realtek website.
Step 2
Click on "Downloads."
Step 3
Realtek offers a list of three types of codecs, which are: High Definition Audio Codecs (Software); AC'97 Audio Codecs (Software); and RTL8100B(L)/RTL8100C(L)/RTL8101L/RTL8139C(L)
RTL8139C(L)+/RTL8139D(L)/RTL8100(L) and RTL8130/RTL8139B(L)(Software). Click on the type of codecs you want to install. For example, if your computer needs "High Definition Audio Codecs," then click on the that item on the list to be directed to those codecs.
Step 4
If prompted, read the Realtek disclaimer and click on the box beside "I accept to the above" and then click on "Next."
Step 5
Click on the name of your operating system. Windows and Unix (Linux) are the only choices.
Step 6
Find the sound device you need for your computer and click on "Go" in the row beside it to download the software.
Step 7
Click on "Save" to save the file to a location in your computer or click on "Run" to download and install it simultaneously. This should finish your sound device installation.
Tips & Warnings
The sound device you download and install depends on the specifications of your system's manufacturer. There is no guarantee that a sound device that is different from your default sound device will respond once it is installed on your computer.
Resources
Realtek home page
Computer Devices
By Lucosi Fuller
If your computer doesn't have sound, the problem may be with the sound devices, which are programs that allow your computer to process audio output. Errors may occur if your sound devices need to be updated or if you reinstalled your operating system without backing up the sound devices. You can fix the problem once you know the default sound devices for your computer and which company manufactures them.
Instructions
Step 1
Open your Web browser and navigate to the Realtek website.
Step 2
Click on "Downloads."
Step 3
Realtek offers a list of three types of codecs, which are: High Definition Audio Codecs (Software); AC'97 Audio Codecs (Software); and RTL8100B(L)/RTL8100C(L)/RTL8101L/RTL8139C(L)
RTL8139C(L)+/RTL8139D(L)/RTL8100(L) and RTL8130/RTL8139B(L)(Software). Click on the type of codecs you want to install. For example, if your computer needs "High Definition Audio Codecs," then click on the that item on the list to be directed to those codecs.
Step 4
If prompted, read the Realtek disclaimer and click on the box beside "I accept to the above" and then click on "Next."
Step 5
Click on the name of your operating system. Windows and Unix (Linux) are the only choices.
Step 6
Find the sound device you need for your computer and click on "Go" in the row beside it to download the software.
Step 7
Click on "Save" to save the file to a location in your computer or click on "Run" to download and install it simultaneously. This should finish your sound device installation.
Tips & Warnings
The sound device you download and install depends on the specifications of your system's manufacturer. There is no guarantee that a sound device that is different from your default sound device will respond once it is installed on your computer.
Resources
Realtek home page
Computer Devices
How to Check a Computer Sound Device
Computer Devices
By Gregory Hamel
Computer sound devices, or sound cards, are hardware components that translate data into audible sound that can be output to speakers, headphones and other devices. Some audio devices also allow for audio input through a microphone. It can be useful to know what sound devices you have installed, especially if you plan to upgrade your sound card, or the software drivers for the sound device.
Instructions
Check Sound Card in Device Manager:
Step 1
Click "Start," "Control Panel," and double-click "Administrative Tools," then "Computer Management."
Step 2
Click on the "Device Manager" option on the left side of the window.
Step 3
Find "Sound, video and game controllers," and click on the plus (+) symbol to see a list of your installed devices. All of your sound devices should appear in the list. You can view more detailed information by right clicking on the device and selecting "Properties." You can also attempt to automatically update the driver by using the "Driver" tab in the preferences window.
Use dxdiag to Check Sound:
Step 1
Click "Start," then "Run."
Step 2
Type "dxdiag," and press "OK."
Step 3
Click the "Sound" tab on the diagnostic window that appears. There will be a sound tab for each sound device you have installed.
Tips & Warnings
If your sound device is not working properly, try installing a new driver. If your sound device stops working after installing a new driver, use the "Roll back driver" option under the driver tab of the properties menu in the device manager.
Resources
Sound Card Troubleshooting Flow Chart
Computer Devices
By Gregory Hamel
Computer sound devices, or sound cards, are hardware components that translate data into audible sound that can be output to speakers, headphones and other devices. Some audio devices also allow for audio input through a microphone. It can be useful to know what sound devices you have installed, especially if you plan to upgrade your sound card, or the software drivers for the sound device.
Instructions
Check Sound Card in Device Manager:
Step 1
Click "Start," "Control Panel," and double-click "Administrative Tools," then "Computer Management."
Step 2
Click on the "Device Manager" option on the left side of the window.
Step 3
Find "Sound, video and game controllers," and click on the plus (+) symbol to see a list of your installed devices. All of your sound devices should appear in the list. You can view more detailed information by right clicking on the device and selecting "Properties." You can also attempt to automatically update the driver by using the "Driver" tab in the preferences window.
Use dxdiag to Check Sound:
Step 1
Click "Start," then "Run."
Step 2
Type "dxdiag," and press "OK."
Step 3
Click the "Sound" tab on the diagnostic window that appears. There will be a sound tab for each sound device you have installed.
Tips & Warnings
If your sound device is not working properly, try installing a new driver. If your sound device stops working after installing a new driver, use the "Roll back driver" option under the driver tab of the properties menu in the device manager.
Resources
Sound Card Troubleshooting Flow Chart
Computer Devices
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
How to Fix a Sound Device on a Computer
Computer Devices
By Randall Shatto
Sound devices are unstable. They may work for long periods then all of a sudden, stop. This is true, even in the middle of listening to a sound clip. There are two types of sound devices. The on-board sound is a device on the motherboard. A sound card is an independent device of the motherboard. The installation of this sound card is in the PCI ports. It works with the motherboard but you need separate drivers and a specific installation.
Instructions
Step 1
Open the "Device Manager" in the "Control Panel" of Windows Vista. In Windows XP select "Control Panel," "System" and "Hardware," then click the "Device Manager" tab.
Step 2
Scroll down to "Sound, Video and Game Controllers." Right-click on your sound card. Select the "Uninstall" tab. Wait for the uninstall process to complete. Shut down the computer properly.
Step 3
Remove the screws on the tower. If you have on-board sound, skip Steps 3 and 4. If you have a card, continue. Keep your devices plugged into your tower except the speaker cords. Take the panel off and lay the PC down carefully. Unscrew the sound card and remove it from the computer. If you do not have a driver disk, write down the manufacturer and model number on the card.
Step 4
Turn on the computer without the sound card. Let Windows completely reboot. Turn off your PC again. Insert the sound card back into the same PCI slot. Secure it in with the screw and plug the speakers in. Turn on the PC. Let Windows boot up before continuing.
Step 5
Insert the sound device driver disk. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you do not have a disk, go to the manufacturer's website or a device driver website. Download the sound driver. Double click on the ".exe" file, it should automatically install. For an on-board sound device, you must know the manufacture and model number for your motherboard. Download the sound drive for the motherboard. Reboot your computer.
Tips & Warnings
#
Always shut down your computer with "Shut Down" or "Restart." Never push the off button unless the computer freezes up. If the drive does not automatically install, go to "Control Panel." Select the "Add Hardware" icon. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to browse your drive for the driver that you downloaded.
#
Never use a "Driver Update" or "Driver Search" program. They install unwanted files on your hard drive. It is a nightmare to clean.
Resources
Computer Devices
By Randall Shatto
Sound devices are unstable. They may work for long periods then all of a sudden, stop. This is true, even in the middle of listening to a sound clip. There are two types of sound devices. The on-board sound is a device on the motherboard. A sound card is an independent device of the motherboard. The installation of this sound card is in the PCI ports. It works with the motherboard but you need separate drivers and a specific installation.
Instructions
Step 1
Open the "Device Manager" in the "Control Panel" of Windows Vista. In Windows XP select "Control Panel," "System" and "Hardware," then click the "Device Manager" tab.
Step 2
Scroll down to "Sound, Video and Game Controllers." Right-click on your sound card. Select the "Uninstall" tab. Wait for the uninstall process to complete. Shut down the computer properly.
Step 3
Remove the screws on the tower. If you have on-board sound, skip Steps 3 and 4. If you have a card, continue. Keep your devices plugged into your tower except the speaker cords. Take the panel off and lay the PC down carefully. Unscrew the sound card and remove it from the computer. If you do not have a driver disk, write down the manufacturer and model number on the card.
Step 4
Turn on the computer without the sound card. Let Windows completely reboot. Turn off your PC again. Insert the sound card back into the same PCI slot. Secure it in with the screw and plug the speakers in. Turn on the PC. Let Windows boot up before continuing.
Step 5
Insert the sound device driver disk. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you do not have a disk, go to the manufacturer's website or a device driver website. Download the sound driver. Double click on the ".exe" file, it should automatically install. For an on-board sound device, you must know the manufacture and model number for your motherboard. Download the sound drive for the motherboard. Reboot your computer.
Tips & Warnings
#
Always shut down your computer with "Shut Down" or "Restart." Never push the off button unless the computer freezes up. If the drive does not automatically install, go to "Control Panel." Select the "Add Hardware" icon. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to browse your drive for the driver that you downloaded.
#
Never use a "Driver Update" or "Driver Search" program. They install unwanted files on your hard drive. It is a nightmare to clean.
Resources
Computer Devices
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Alarm light on and u051 error mx310
Computer Devices
By Rylee Smith
You’ll need to reset your printer to clear the ink counters, after resetting it’ll not display the error code again. Follow this procedure to reset the printer--
1. Power off the printer.
2. Holding the stop/reset button, press and hold power button also. Hold both buttons together for 5 secs.
3. Still holding the power button, release the stop/reset buton, then press the stop/reset button twice.
4. Release power button (the screen should now say 'Service Mode').
5. Wait until the power button lights steady green, then press the stop/reset button three times with a 3 sec space between each press. On the 3rd press the indicator should turn steady orange.
6. Press the power button once, (the orange light should go off).
7. Open the printer and remove both cartridges. Wait for 10 seconds. Replace the cartridges and close printer. Wait for 30 seconds.
8. Press the power button, and wait until printer has shut down.
9. Press power button to power up. The printer will feed one piece of paper, then ask you to set the language.
10. The page counter is now reset.
Please rate the solution & revert for further assistance.
Thanks
Computer Devices
By Rylee Smith
You’ll need to reset your printer to clear the ink counters, after resetting it’ll not display the error code again. Follow this procedure to reset the printer--
1. Power off the printer.
2. Holding the stop/reset button, press and hold power button also. Hold both buttons together for 5 secs.
3. Still holding the power button, release the stop/reset buton, then press the stop/reset button twice.
4. Release power button (the screen should now say 'Service Mode').
5. Wait until the power button lights steady green, then press the stop/reset button three times with a 3 sec space between each press. On the 3rd press the indicator should turn steady orange.
6. Press the power button once, (the orange light should go off).
7. Open the printer and remove both cartridges. Wait for 10 seconds. Replace the cartridges and close printer. Wait for 30 seconds.
8. Press the power button, and wait until printer has shut down.
9. Press power button to power up. The printer will feed one piece of paper, then ask you to set the language.
10. The page counter is now reset.
Please rate the solution & revert for further assistance.
Thanks
Computer Devices
Monday, July 27, 2009
How to Connect a Parallel Device to a Computer
Computer Devices
By eHow Contributing Writer
The parallel port has, for the most part, been replaced in modern computers by USB connections. However, most computers still come with a parallel port, which keeps your options open. If you need to use an older printer or scanner, chances are you'll need to connect these peripherals to your computer using the parallel port. The connection process is a little different than connecting a USB device.
Instructions
Step 1
Find the computer's parallel port. The parallel port is skinny rectangular connector with 25 little holes formed in two rows. It is a female connector which accepts the male connector from the parallel device. The port may be labeled LPT1.
Step 2
Shut down the computer. Before you connect the parallel device, you computer must be off.
Step 3
Connect the end of the parallel cable with 25 pins into the parallel port on the computer. Most computers only come with one parallel port, so if you already have a parallel device plugged in, you'll need to unplug it. If you must have two parallel devices connected at the same time, look for a parallel splitter at an electronics hobby store.
Step 4
Plug the other end of the parallel cable into the device. The cable should only fit in one port on the device, so plug it in wherever it fits.
Step 5
Turn the device on. Once your device powers on, turn on your computer and boot up the operating system.
Step 6
Insert the manufacturer's disc which came with the parallel device. Windows should recognize new parallel devices if you connect them prior to booting the operating system. A wizard will guide you through the installation process. Windows will get the drivers it needs from the device off of the manufacturer's disc.
Computer Devices
By eHow Contributing Writer
The parallel port has, for the most part, been replaced in modern computers by USB connections. However, most computers still come with a parallel port, which keeps your options open. If you need to use an older printer or scanner, chances are you'll need to connect these peripherals to your computer using the parallel port. The connection process is a little different than connecting a USB device.
Instructions
Step 1
Find the computer's parallel port. The parallel port is skinny rectangular connector with 25 little holes formed in two rows. It is a female connector which accepts the male connector from the parallel device. The port may be labeled LPT1.
Step 2
Shut down the computer. Before you connect the parallel device, you computer must be off.
Step 3
Connect the end of the parallel cable with 25 pins into the parallel port on the computer. Most computers only come with one parallel port, so if you already have a parallel device plugged in, you'll need to unplug it. If you must have two parallel devices connected at the same time, look for a parallel splitter at an electronics hobby store.
Step 4
Plug the other end of the parallel cable into the device. The cable should only fit in one port on the device, so plug it in wherever it fits.
Step 5
Turn the device on. Once your device powers on, turn on your computer and boot up the operating system.
Step 6
Insert the manufacturer's disc which came with the parallel device. Windows should recognize new parallel devices if you connect them prior to booting the operating system. A wizard will guide you through the installation process. Windows will get the drivers it needs from the device off of the manufacturer's disc.
Computer Devices
Sunday, June 21, 2009
How to Use Plug And Play Devices On Your Computer
Computer Devices
By eHow Computers Editor
This article will walk you through how to use plug and play devices on your computer. Plug and play devices are as simple as a mouse or a keyboard, and can be as complex as a camcorder. The Plug and Play devices are great for easy set up and ease of use due to the quick set up and use with Universal Serial Bus ports.
Instructions
Step 1
To begin, plug in the Universal Serial Bus cable that came with your plug and play device, with your computer turned off.. On older models of computers, the Universal Serial Bus jacks also known as USB, will be in the rear of your Tower unit. USB ports look like a rectangle turned on its side. There will be a small white or sometimes metal colored bracket inside the USB port, so your cable will only fit in one way. On newer models, many come equipped with at least one on the front of your unit. Locate and plug in the USB cable into the USB port on your computer tower. Now you may turn on your computer.
Step 2
Once your computer has booted up, a small box will appear saying a new device has been detected on your computer. If you wish to use it at this time, it must be set up. Click on the box, and this will begin your Wise Installation Wizard. The window will generate stating that you are about to scan your system for new devices. Click on next in the bottom right area of the window to proceed.
Step 3
Once the system has generated all of the new devices that your system recognizes, you will be given a list to look at in this window. You will need to click on the box next to the device you wish for the system to use. If you are trying to use a new keyboard, click on keyboard. You will need to look for the brand name of your device in case there is more than one installed on your system. Now that you have chosen the plug and play device to use, click next in the bottom of your window to move on.
Step 4
The window will now ask if you would like to get updates for your new device. It is recommended that you always get updates for any new device, which will include drivers that are needed for it to work properly on your Operating System. You are given the choice of looking on the Internet for them, or using a disk that came with your device. It is suggested to use the disk that accompanied your device to get specific drivers. If you are using the disk, now is the time to place it in your disk drive and click next. Once you choose which option to use, click on next at the bottom of the window.
Step 5
The newly generated window will locate all the drivers needed from your disk at this time. If you chose to look on the Internet, your Internet Explorer would launch now and do the same, locate your drivers from the manufacturers website and begin the transfer for you. Now that your drivers are updated and installed, a new window will pop up for you. This is to tell you that your new device is ready to use. You may now click Close or Finish, depending on your Operating System. Some systems will require you to Restart for the changes to take effect. If this is the case, a window will pop up to alert you to this. Just hit Restart Now, and when your restart is complete you are finished. You have just used your Plug and Play device on your computer.
Tips & Warnings
The author is not a Licensed Computer Technician and accepts no responsibility for problems arising from the use of this article. The reader assumes all risk.
Who Can Help:
Computer Devices
By eHow Computers Editor
This article will walk you through how to use plug and play devices on your computer. Plug and play devices are as simple as a mouse or a keyboard, and can be as complex as a camcorder. The Plug and Play devices are great for easy set up and ease of use due to the quick set up and use with Universal Serial Bus ports.
Instructions
Step 1
To begin, plug in the Universal Serial Bus cable that came with your plug and play device, with your computer turned off.. On older models of computers, the Universal Serial Bus jacks also known as USB, will be in the rear of your Tower unit. USB ports look like a rectangle turned on its side. There will be a small white or sometimes metal colored bracket inside the USB port, so your cable will only fit in one way. On newer models, many come equipped with at least one on the front of your unit. Locate and plug in the USB cable into the USB port on your computer tower. Now you may turn on your computer.
Step 2
Once your computer has booted up, a small box will appear saying a new device has been detected on your computer. If you wish to use it at this time, it must be set up. Click on the box, and this will begin your Wise Installation Wizard. The window will generate stating that you are about to scan your system for new devices. Click on next in the bottom right area of the window to proceed.
Step 3
Once the system has generated all of the new devices that your system recognizes, you will be given a list to look at in this window. You will need to click on the box next to the device you wish for the system to use. If you are trying to use a new keyboard, click on keyboard. You will need to look for the brand name of your device in case there is more than one installed on your system. Now that you have chosen the plug and play device to use, click next in the bottom of your window to move on.
Step 4
The window will now ask if you would like to get updates for your new device. It is recommended that you always get updates for any new device, which will include drivers that are needed for it to work properly on your Operating System. You are given the choice of looking on the Internet for them, or using a disk that came with your device. It is suggested to use the disk that accompanied your device to get specific drivers. If you are using the disk, now is the time to place it in your disk drive and click next. Once you choose which option to use, click on next at the bottom of the window.
Step 5
The newly generated window will locate all the drivers needed from your disk at this time. If you chose to look on the Internet, your Internet Explorer would launch now and do the same, locate your drivers from the manufacturers website and begin the transfer for you. Now that your drivers are updated and installed, a new window will pop up for you. This is to tell you that your new device is ready to use. You may now click Close or Finish, depending on your Operating System. Some systems will require you to Restart for the changes to take effect. If this is the case, a window will pop up to alert you to this. Just hit Restart Now, and when your restart is complete you are finished. You have just used your Plug and Play device on your computer.
Tips & Warnings
The author is not a Licensed Computer Technician and accepts no responsibility for problems arising from the use of this article. The reader assumes all risk.
Who Can Help:
- Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
- Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
Computer Devices
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Computer Devices - What is Compatible?
Computer Devices
By Jesse Miller
Software
PDA's
A serial computer port may be used for a mouse, external modem, scanner, or other linking software such as for a personal data assistant (PDA). Be sure to select a model which is compatible with your computer's hardware connections and software operating system. The software can run silently on your computer, without displaying a tray icon that will alert people that they're being monitored.
Camera's
Make sure the MagicManager application software and the camera driver software is installed before connecting the camera to your PC. In order to download pictures, you must be working on a computer that has digital camera software installed on it. The CIT200 software must be installed on the PC for the product to function properly.
Device
There must be one port name for each serial device. Check Device Manager to ensure that it lists the Universal Serial Bus as a device. Using the information from Device Manager's Ports (COM and LPT) will make it easy to determine the port name for a parallel port. As with most other hardware add-ons, users simply have to install the drivers when they attach the device to their PC. Under Windows 98, the difference is that the OS will have a bunch of device-specific drivers built-in. This means that certain USB devices will truly be plug-and-play because the user won't have to install anything. The advantage of USB is that the data transfer speed is much faster than that of a serial port, and there are less conflicts between devices and peripherals. Your camera is a multimedia device that also serves as a digital video camera when connected to your PC. However, if all USB devices are in use (mouse, keyboard, speaker, etc. ) and it is not practical to remove any device, then you may wish to consider purchasing a USB hub. If your camera does not work through the a hub, try moving your other devices to the hub and connect the camera directly to the other PC USB port. Select the Search for the best driver for your device option.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a Spybot go to the Internet and get a Free Spybot Download or a Spybot Search and Destroy Download to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer.
Computer Devices
By Jesse Miller
Software
PDA's
A serial computer port may be used for a mouse, external modem, scanner, or other linking software such as for a personal data assistant (PDA). Be sure to select a model which is compatible with your computer's hardware connections and software operating system. The software can run silently on your computer, without displaying a tray icon that will alert people that they're being monitored.
Camera's
Make sure the MagicManager application software and the camera driver software is installed before connecting the camera to your PC. In order to download pictures, you must be working on a computer that has digital camera software installed on it. The CIT200 software must be installed on the PC for the product to function properly.
Device
There must be one port name for each serial device. Check Device Manager to ensure that it lists the Universal Serial Bus as a device. Using the information from Device Manager's Ports (COM and LPT) will make it easy to determine the port name for a parallel port. As with most other hardware add-ons, users simply have to install the drivers when they attach the device to their PC. Under Windows 98, the difference is that the OS will have a bunch of device-specific drivers built-in. This means that certain USB devices will truly be plug-and-play because the user won't have to install anything. The advantage of USB is that the data transfer speed is much faster than that of a serial port, and there are less conflicts between devices and peripherals. Your camera is a multimedia device that also serves as a digital video camera when connected to your PC. However, if all USB devices are in use (mouse, keyboard, speaker, etc. ) and it is not practical to remove any device, then you may wish to consider purchasing a USB hub. If your camera does not work through the a hub, try moving your other devices to the hub and connect the camera directly to the other PC USB port. Select the Search for the best driver for your device option.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a Spybot go to the Internet and get a Free Spybot Download or a Spybot Search and Destroy Download to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer.
Computer Devices
Computer Devices - What Are They?
Computer Devices
By Jesse Miller
Computer hardware are the parts of a computer. There are four different categories; input, output, processing and storage devices.
Computer
The hardware helps us to communicate with our computer. There are billions of people worldwide that have some kind of computer device, Either handheld, laptop, PDA's or other mobile computer devices .You can use these instruments at many location, such as coffee shops, hotels, airports, public libraries and many- many more. The laptops has just about the same programs as the desktop. An input device sending data to computers for storing. Output instruments for receiving information from the computer, Also the part of computer that is used to store data. This is called a storage instruments.
Devices
The mobile computer hardware are starting to offer the same range of service as desktop such as database access, internet services, games and much more. They all have sum type of hard drive.The hard drive is most important for storing your information. Although this can also be accomplished by using a hard disk. Once data is stored it can be retrieved quickly and easily from these devices.
Data
There are many different input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a light pen and a scanner, these are just a few to mention. The devices for retrieving data from your computer are your printer and your monitor for example. A computer memory device stores it as a bookmark, all bookmarks has a URL address, it is also stamped with the time of access. Each computer device has a bookmark database that stores a list of most often used bookmarks. Software on each user's device will read and written to accessible memory to share data between users. NOTE: Your data is protected by a password with-in the systems software.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a Spybot go to the Internet and get a Free Spybot Download or a Spybot Search and Destroy Download to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer.
Computer Devices
By Jesse Miller
Computer hardware are the parts of a computer. There are four different categories; input, output, processing and storage devices.
Computer
The hardware helps us to communicate with our computer. There are billions of people worldwide that have some kind of computer device, Either handheld, laptop, PDA's or other mobile computer devices .You can use these instruments at many location, such as coffee shops, hotels, airports, public libraries and many- many more. The laptops has just about the same programs as the desktop. An input device sending data to computers for storing. Output instruments for receiving information from the computer, Also the part of computer that is used to store data. This is called a storage instruments.
Devices
The mobile computer hardware are starting to offer the same range of service as desktop such as database access, internet services, games and much more. They all have sum type of hard drive.The hard drive is most important for storing your information. Although this can also be accomplished by using a hard disk. Once data is stored it can be retrieved quickly and easily from these devices.
Data
There are many different input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a light pen and a scanner, these are just a few to mention. The devices for retrieving data from your computer are your printer and your monitor for example. A computer memory device stores it as a bookmark, all bookmarks has a URL address, it is also stamped with the time of access. Each computer device has a bookmark database that stores a list of most often used bookmarks. Software on each user's device will read and written to accessible memory to share data between users. NOTE: Your data is protected by a password with-in the systems software.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a Spybot go to the Internet and get a Free Spybot Download or a Spybot Search and Destroy Download to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer.
Computer Devices
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
How to Fix a Sound Device on a Computer
Computer Devices
By Randall Shatto
Sound devices are unstable. They may work for long periods then all of a sudden, stop. This is true, even in the middle of listening to a sound clip. There are two types of sound devices. The on-board sound is a device on the motherboard. A sound card is an independent device of the motherboard. The installation of this sound card is in the PCI ports. It works with the motherboard but you need separate drivers and a specific installation.
Instructions
Step 1
Open the "Device Manager" in the "Control Panel" of Windows Vista. In Windows XP select "Control Panel," "System" and "Hardware," then click the "Device Manager" tab.
Step 2
Scroll down to "Sound, Video and Game Controllers." Right-click on your sound card. Select the "Uninstall" tab. Wait for the uninstall process to complete. Shut down the computer properly.
Step 3
Remove the screws on the tower. If you have on-board sound, skip Steps 3 and 4. If you have a card, continue. Keep your devices plugged into your tower except the speaker cords. Take the panel off and lay the PC down carefully. Unscrew the sound card and remove it from the computer. If you do not have a driver disk, write down the manufacturer and model number on the card.
Step 4
Turn on the computer without the sound card. Let Windows completely reboot. Turn off your PC again. Insert the sound card back into the same PCI slot. Secure it in with the screw and plug the speakers in. Turn on the PC. Let Windows boot up before continuing.
Step 5
Insert the sound device driver disk. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you do not have a disk, go to the manufacturer's website or a device driver website. Download the sound driver. Double click on the ".exe" file, it should automatically install. For an on-board sound device, you must know the manufacture and model number for your motherboard. Download the sound drive for the motherboard. Reboot your computer.
Tips & Warnings
* Always shut down your computer with "Shut Down" or "Restart." Never push the off button unless the computer freezes up. If the drive does not automatically install, go to "Control Panel." Select the "Add Hardware" icon. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to browse your drive for the driver that you downloaded.
* Never use a "Driver Update" or "Driver Search" program. They install unwanted files on your hard drive. It is a nightmare to clean.
Resources
Computer Devices
By Randall Shatto
Sound devices are unstable. They may work for long periods then all of a sudden, stop. This is true, even in the middle of listening to a sound clip. There are two types of sound devices. The on-board sound is a device on the motherboard. A sound card is an independent device of the motherboard. The installation of this sound card is in the PCI ports. It works with the motherboard but you need separate drivers and a specific installation.
Instructions
Step 1
Open the "Device Manager" in the "Control Panel" of Windows Vista. In Windows XP select "Control Panel," "System" and "Hardware," then click the "Device Manager" tab.
Step 2
Scroll down to "Sound, Video and Game Controllers." Right-click on your sound card. Select the "Uninstall" tab. Wait for the uninstall process to complete. Shut down the computer properly.
Step 3
Remove the screws on the tower. If you have on-board sound, skip Steps 3 and 4. If you have a card, continue. Keep your devices plugged into your tower except the speaker cords. Take the panel off and lay the PC down carefully. Unscrew the sound card and remove it from the computer. If you do not have a driver disk, write down the manufacturer and model number on the card.
Step 4
Turn on the computer without the sound card. Let Windows completely reboot. Turn off your PC again. Insert the sound card back into the same PCI slot. Secure it in with the screw and plug the speakers in. Turn on the PC. Let Windows boot up before continuing.
Step 5
Insert the sound device driver disk. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you do not have a disk, go to the manufacturer's website or a device driver website. Download the sound driver. Double click on the ".exe" file, it should automatically install. For an on-board sound device, you must know the manufacture and model number for your motherboard. Download the sound drive for the motherboard. Reboot your computer.
Tips & Warnings
* Always shut down your computer with "Shut Down" or "Restart." Never push the off button unless the computer freezes up. If the drive does not automatically install, go to "Control Panel." Select the "Add Hardware" icon. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to browse your drive for the driver that you downloaded.
* Never use a "Driver Update" or "Driver Search" program. They install unwanted files on your hard drive. It is a nightmare to clean.
Resources
Computer Devices
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
How to Connect a Bluetooth Device to a Computer
Computer Devices
By nomar707
Bluetooth is a common and simple way for two nearby electronic devices to communicate with each other without wires. Many newer laptop computers come with built in bluetooth capabilities. It is very easy to use this ability to cut out some of the cord clutter around your work area.
Instructions
Step 1
Check to see if your computer is Bluetooth enabled. You can start by looking in your documentation from your original purchase. You can also go to the Device Manager and look for a bluetooth adapter.
The Device Manager can be found in Windows XP by following these steps.
1. Go to Control Panel
2. Click "System"
3. Click the "Hardware" tab
4. Select "Device Manager"
Step 2
If you do not have Bluetooth adapter already installed, then you will need to purchase one.
Step 3
Purchase a bluetooth enabled device to connect to your PC. There is a wide variety of usefull devices available including, mice, printers, hard drives and more.
Step 4
Be sure that the computer and your device are close to each other and turn on both the Bluetooth ability on your computer and on the device. They should start communicating with each other. If they do not, your device should come with some additional software. Install the software and follow the installation instructions.
When the two devices have found each other you will be now be able to enjoy a wireless device. When you reboot your computer, it will remember the connection and you will be able to continue to use your device.
Computer Devices
By nomar707
Bluetooth is a common and simple way for two nearby electronic devices to communicate with each other without wires. Many newer laptop computers come with built in bluetooth capabilities. It is very easy to use this ability to cut out some of the cord clutter around your work area.
Instructions
Step 1
Check to see if your computer is Bluetooth enabled. You can start by looking in your documentation from your original purchase. You can also go to the Device Manager and look for a bluetooth adapter.
The Device Manager can be found in Windows XP by following these steps.
1. Go to Control Panel
2. Click "System"
3. Click the "Hardware" tab
4. Select "Device Manager"
Step 2
If you do not have Bluetooth adapter already installed, then you will need to purchase one.
Step 3
Purchase a bluetooth enabled device to connect to your PC. There is a wide variety of usefull devices available including, mice, printers, hard drives and more.
Step 4
Be sure that the computer and your device are close to each other and turn on both the Bluetooth ability on your computer and on the device. They should start communicating with each other. If they do not, your device should come with some additional software. Install the software and follow the installation instructions.
When the two devices have found each other you will be now be able to enjoy a wireless device. When you reboot your computer, it will remember the connection and you will be able to continue to use your device.
Computer Devices
Monday, May 18, 2009
Device Connection Types
Computer Devices
Devices can be connected to your computer in different ways through many different ports. Look at the back of any modern PC and you’ll find plenty of device ports. Why? Which should you use? One of the reasons there are so many ports is that most computer users have plenty of peripheral devices – everyone has a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse.
Most PC users have a printer and a scanner. On top of that there are card readers, connections for digital cameras, mobile phones, external hard drives, portable Mp3 devices, handheld computers…. In the early days of computing the printer went in the printer port, the mouse in the mouse port and so on.
Nowadays it’s still possible to connect your devices via these ports, known as serial and parallel ports. More common for connection to a modern, Windows enabled computer is the USB port, with most printers and so on using this connection, and lots of PCs use infrared and Bluetooth connections as well. So which is best?
Generally speaking the newer the device ports the better – USB 2.0 is better than USB 1.1, and both are faster than old fashioned serial ports. The table below shows the data transfer speeds in Megabytes per second of some of main connection types:
Speed isn’t the only important factor however, so let’s look at some of the other advantages for your device.
Infrared is very popular despite it’s slow data transfer rate This is because things like remote controls or some transfers between handhelds and PCs work really well with this protocol and it’s really convenient – it needs no wires! There are two different standards, one works from 5 meters (5 yards) and another only works for 1.5 meters but is faster.
It’s also good for lap tops where you don’t want to be plugging and plugging devices all the time. Not all devices really need fast connection speeds. Although not a fast connection, the mouse used to plug into the serial port (small rectangular port with plenty of holes for pins) which was replaced by the PS/2 port (the small, round socket with pins at the back of the computer). This is still a popular choice for keyboards and mice because there isn’t a lot data that needs to travel along these connections.
Serial ports are reliable and can deal with very long cables (15 meters or yards long). The USB (Universal Serial Bus) has the big advantage of accepting many device connections at once (apparently 127 devices can be connected in a ‘daisy chain’ of hubs, though I’ve never tested it!). It also supports the handy ‘hot plug and play’ feature. This means you can pull the devices out and reconnect them without having to reboot your PC every time.
USB 2.0 is 40 times faster than USB 1.1 Bluetooth is a newer and popular version of the infrared port idea. It doesn’t use infrared however, but radio waves, and works comfortably across distances of ten meters. Bluetooth 2 is much faster than Bluetooth 1.1 and is a good, convenient choice for cell phones, personal computers and some digital cameras.
Finally a word about firewire. The is a very fast protocol designed for devices that need to transfer a lot of data. You tend to see them used for digital video where large amounts of data need to be transferred.
So, there are lots of options for connecting to your PC – by using serial ports for devices like the mouse and keyboard you can free up USB slots. By using Bluetooth you can save yourself from the inconvenience of wires. If you have speed problems you might be using older versions of the device connector and might want to upgrade.
Computer Devices
Devices can be connected to your computer in different ways through many different ports. Look at the back of any modern PC and you’ll find plenty of device ports. Why? Which should you use? One of the reasons there are so many ports is that most computer users have plenty of peripheral devices – everyone has a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse.
Most PC users have a printer and a scanner. On top of that there are card readers, connections for digital cameras, mobile phones, external hard drives, portable Mp3 devices, handheld computers…. In the early days of computing the printer went in the printer port, the mouse in the mouse port and so on.
Nowadays it’s still possible to connect your devices via these ports, known as serial and parallel ports. More common for connection to a modern, Windows enabled computer is the USB port, with most printers and so on using this connection, and lots of PCs use infrared and Bluetooth connections as well. So which is best?
Generally speaking the newer the device ports the better – USB 2.0 is better than USB 1.1, and both are faster than old fashioned serial ports. The table below shows the data transfer speeds in Megabytes per second of some of main connection types:
| Device Type | MB/second |
| Serial (COM, PS/2) | 0.02 |
| Parallel (LPT) | 1.0 |
| IrDA-Control (Infrared) | 0.009 |
| Bluetooth 1.1 | 0.125 |
| Bluetooth 2 | 2 to 12 |
| USB 1.1 | 1.5 |
| USB 2.0 | 60 |
| SCSI (various types SCSI 1-ultra 160) | 5 - 160 |
| FireWire (IEEE 1394) | 50 |
| FireWire (IEEE 1394b) | 100 |
Speed isn’t the only important factor however, so let’s look at some of the other advantages for your device.
Infrared is very popular despite it’s slow data transfer rate This is because things like remote controls or some transfers between handhelds and PCs work really well with this protocol and it’s really convenient – it needs no wires! There are two different standards, one works from 5 meters (5 yards) and another only works for 1.5 meters but is faster.
It’s also good for lap tops where you don’t want to be plugging and plugging devices all the time. Not all devices really need fast connection speeds. Although not a fast connection, the mouse used to plug into the serial port (small rectangular port with plenty of holes for pins) which was replaced by the PS/2 port (the small, round socket with pins at the back of the computer). This is still a popular choice for keyboards and mice because there isn’t a lot data that needs to travel along these connections.
Serial ports are reliable and can deal with very long cables (15 meters or yards long). The USB (Universal Serial Bus) has the big advantage of accepting many device connections at once (apparently 127 devices can be connected in a ‘daisy chain’ of hubs, though I’ve never tested it!). It also supports the handy ‘hot plug and play’ feature. This means you can pull the devices out and reconnect them without having to reboot your PC every time.
USB 2.0 is 40 times faster than USB 1.1 Bluetooth is a newer and popular version of the infrared port idea. It doesn’t use infrared however, but radio waves, and works comfortably across distances of ten meters. Bluetooth 2 is much faster than Bluetooth 1.1 and is a good, convenient choice for cell phones, personal computers and some digital cameras.
Finally a word about firewire. The is a very fast protocol designed for devices that need to transfer a lot of data. You tend to see them used for digital video where large amounts of data need to be transferred.
So, there are lots of options for connecting to your PC – by using serial ports for devices like the mouse and keyboard you can free up USB slots. By using Bluetooth you can save yourself from the inconvenience of wires. If you have speed problems you might be using older versions of the device connector and might want to upgrade.
Computer Devices
What is a windows driver
Computer Devices
Drivers are needed by all computer operating systems so that they can communicate with the hardware that makes up the computer. Windows and Linux are examples of operating systems, and the hardware is anything apart from the operating system itself, including video cards, keyboards, hard drives, the mouse, DVD player and so on. Drivers, also called controllers, are simply small software programs that explain to your computer operating system how the hardware works.
Imagine you buy a new video cassette recorder (if you can still find one in the shops!). When you first set it up you’ll probably have to mess around with the controls until you figure out how it works – you may even want to look at the instruction manual. This is because it won’t work exactly like the one you had before since different manufacturers have different ideas about how things should work.
It’s the same with computer hardware, and the driver does for windows what the instruction book does for the human users – it tells the operating system what signal causes what function, and explains the capabilities of the hardware (like the screen resolution or how fast the cd-writer can burn). So let’s imagine we buy a new printer.
The operating system, say windows XP, isn’t going to know how that printer works because it doesn’t have the instructions. The instruction book, the driver, is usually contained on a floppy or cd-rom that comes in the box with a new printer. Often it will be bundled with all sorts of other software (probably image manipulation programs in the case of a printer), but the thing that windows can’t manage without is the printer driver that is contained on the disc. Of course Microsoft could load up every possible printer option in the world…
In fact this is sort of what happens with advanced operating systems like Windows XP – when you try and add new hardware a list of possible supported manufacturers comes up for you to choose from. It’s doesn’t have drivers for every hardware manufacturer in the world, and it’s unlikely to be completely up to date. For this reason, if you have the manufacturer’s disc containing the official driver you should always use it.
What if you don’t have the disc, or you’re having problems with the piece of hardware? Well, most of the decent manufacturers have a download section on their website that contains the drivers for their hardware. Many manufacturers update their drivers on a regular basis or to deal with specific faults they hadn’t foreseen, and it’s sometimes worthwhile to update your drivers for better performance.
Of course, this means a lot of searching, which is where sites that makes searching easier (like this one), come in very handy, having set out the files by device type and by manufacturer. Drivers in XP are sometimes recognizable by a DRV extension (for example a file called mouse.drv is the generic windows mouse driver). New drivers can be added and old drivers removed reasonably easily through the Windows control panel.
Driver problems are often responsible for system problems, and if the hardware isn’t working as it should, more often than not it’s a driver issue. It’s important however to use the right driver. This means knowing the brand, model, and sometimes even the serial number, for your hardware. It also means installing the correct driver for the operating system you are using – don’t try to shove a windows 2000 designed driver onto an XP system because it won’t work properly and probably will do some damage to your system.
Take the time to look for the right driver, and make use of listings like this one to make the job easier. In our next articles we’ll talk about how to install drivers once you’ve found them.
Regular page address: http://www.nodevice.com/help/2/What_is_a_windows_driver.html
Computer Devices
Drivers are needed by all computer operating systems so that they can communicate with the hardware that makes up the computer. Windows and Linux are examples of operating systems, and the hardware is anything apart from the operating system itself, including video cards, keyboards, hard drives, the mouse, DVD player and so on. Drivers, also called controllers, are simply small software programs that explain to your computer operating system how the hardware works.
Imagine you buy a new video cassette recorder (if you can still find one in the shops!). When you first set it up you’ll probably have to mess around with the controls until you figure out how it works – you may even want to look at the instruction manual. This is because it won’t work exactly like the one you had before since different manufacturers have different ideas about how things should work.
It’s the same with computer hardware, and the driver does for windows what the instruction book does for the human users – it tells the operating system what signal causes what function, and explains the capabilities of the hardware (like the screen resolution or how fast the cd-writer can burn). So let’s imagine we buy a new printer.
The operating system, say windows XP, isn’t going to know how that printer works because it doesn’t have the instructions. The instruction book, the driver, is usually contained on a floppy or cd-rom that comes in the box with a new printer. Often it will be bundled with all sorts of other software (probably image manipulation programs in the case of a printer), but the thing that windows can’t manage without is the printer driver that is contained on the disc. Of course Microsoft could load up every possible printer option in the world…
In fact this is sort of what happens with advanced operating systems like Windows XP – when you try and add new hardware a list of possible supported manufacturers comes up for you to choose from. It’s doesn’t have drivers for every hardware manufacturer in the world, and it’s unlikely to be completely up to date. For this reason, if you have the manufacturer’s disc containing the official driver you should always use it.
What if you don’t have the disc, or you’re having problems with the piece of hardware? Well, most of the decent manufacturers have a download section on their website that contains the drivers for their hardware. Many manufacturers update their drivers on a regular basis or to deal with specific faults they hadn’t foreseen, and it’s sometimes worthwhile to update your drivers for better performance.
Of course, this means a lot of searching, which is where sites that makes searching easier (like this one), come in very handy, having set out the files by device type and by manufacturer. Drivers in XP are sometimes recognizable by a DRV extension (for example a file called mouse.drv is the generic windows mouse driver). New drivers can be added and old drivers removed reasonably easily through the Windows control panel.
Driver problems are often responsible for system problems, and if the hardware isn’t working as it should, more often than not it’s a driver issue. It’s important however to use the right driver. This means knowing the brand, model, and sometimes even the serial number, for your hardware. It also means installing the correct driver for the operating system you are using – don’t try to shove a windows 2000 designed driver onto an XP system because it won’t work properly and probably will do some damage to your system.
Take the time to look for the right driver, and make use of listings like this one to make the job easier. In our next articles we’ll talk about how to install drivers once you’ve found them.
Regular page address: http://www.nodevice.com/help/2/What_is_a_windows_driver.html
Computer Devices
What is Device?
Computer Devices
Any machine or component that attaches to a computer. Examples of devices include disk drives, printers, mice, and modems. These particular devices fall into the category of peripheral devices because they are separate from the main computer.
Most devices, whether peripheral or not, require a program called a device driver that acts as a translator, converting general commands from an application into specific commands that the device understands.
Regular page address: http://www.nodevice.com/help/14/What_is_Device.html
Computer Devices
Any machine or component that attaches to a computer. Examples of devices include disk drives, printers, mice, and modems. These particular devices fall into the category of peripheral devices because they are separate from the main computer.
Most devices, whether peripheral or not, require a program called a device driver that acts as a translator, converting general commands from an application into specific commands that the device understands.
Regular page address: http://www.nodevice.com/help/14/What_is_Device.html
Computer Devices
Install Windows Driver
Computer Devices
Drivers, once found need to be installed. Updating the drivers is a straightforward process, once you’ve been shown how to do it. Here we’re going to look at installing drivers on Windows XP, though despite the differences, all the Windows versions have some common features so you should have no trouble figuring it out if you don’t run XP.
Before we start there is one key thing we need check for the driver installation to go smoothly. Have you got the right driver? Don’t be tempted to use the NT driver for an XP computer, nor is it worth using a driver that is designed for a model that is ‘close but not quite the same’ as your piece of hardware. If it’s an external piece of hardware the model number etc are usually on there somewhere, either on top or maybe under the unit (where you’ll often find the serial number), so check them. Also think about if you really need to change over your driver, particularly if you’re considering something with a BETA in the title. Take this to mean unstable (beta means ‘in testing’ or unstable in computer jargon, sometimes the bugs aren’t ironed out). I personally wouldn’t consider a beta version driver if the driver I’m already using is doing the job.
Okay, let’s assume that you’ve found the driver on the internet. The first thing you need to do is download it. As with all downloads you need to be able to find it again once you’ve downloaded it. It might be worth saving it to the desktop or even to a new folder you made called ‘drivers’. Whatever works for you. The other option is that you have the driver on a floppy or CD Rom that came with the device – this is even easier: usually you just put it in the drive and follow the instructions. Drivers these days come in two distinct types. The easiest for the general user are those drivers that come as part of an executable file (one that ends with .exe). It’s a good idea to scan the file with your virus scanner before doing anything, particularly if you’ve downloaded it. Once you’ve done that, just double click on the file name. It should do the rest – as always read any questions that it asks you. When it stops doing things, it’s done. Often it will ask you to restart Windows for the change to take effect.
The other type isn’t self-running like this and you’ll need to install them manually. This isn’t that hard however, and we’ll go through it step by step. First you need to find the ‘Device Manager’. If you don’t know where this is then click on ‘Start’ (bottom left hand corner of the XP screen), then click ‘Control Panel’, click ‘Performance and Maintenance’ and then click on ‘System’. You’ll get a new window that has multiple tabs. Click on the tab called ‘Hardware’ and you’ll see the device manager – click on the name to bring it up. This method is similar in all windows set ups, and all work from a command line instead – to do this go to ‘Start’, choose ‘Run’ and type devmgmt.msc in the box. This will also bring up the device manager.
From here it’s pretty much following instructions. The device manager lists all the devices you have and you can double click on them to bring up a further window that lists the device properties. Click the tab for driver and you get all the details you need. You’re looking at ‘Update Driver’, and normally you want to say no to the suggestion that Windows initiates a search via the Microsoft website because you already have the disc or file. Select no thanks, and click next. If you have the disc you choose it on the next screen, if you are looking for the file you’ve downloaded choose the option to select from a list (don’t be put off by the word ‘advanced’). The next screen again offers to search for you, again you decline the offer. Having chosen ‘don’t search’ you can use the button on the right below the list (called ‘have disc’). This opens a familiar dialogue just like all the windows file open boxes. Find the driver files where you stored them - you’re looking for the file that ends .inf. Double click on it and wait for the installation to finish -don’t interrupt the installation. You’ll probably have noticed that in the device manager window there was an option to return to the previous driver. This is what you need to use if updating the driver seems to have made things worse. And that’s it, you’ve installed the new driver.
Computer Devices
Drivers, once found need to be installed. Updating the drivers is a straightforward process, once you’ve been shown how to do it. Here we’re going to look at installing drivers on Windows XP, though despite the differences, all the Windows versions have some common features so you should have no trouble figuring it out if you don’t run XP.
Before we start there is one key thing we need check for the driver installation to go smoothly. Have you got the right driver? Don’t be tempted to use the NT driver for an XP computer, nor is it worth using a driver that is designed for a model that is ‘close but not quite the same’ as your piece of hardware. If it’s an external piece of hardware the model number etc are usually on there somewhere, either on top or maybe under the unit (where you’ll often find the serial number), so check them. Also think about if you really need to change over your driver, particularly if you’re considering something with a BETA in the title. Take this to mean unstable (beta means ‘in testing’ or unstable in computer jargon, sometimes the bugs aren’t ironed out). I personally wouldn’t consider a beta version driver if the driver I’m already using is doing the job.
Okay, let’s assume that you’ve found the driver on the internet. The first thing you need to do is download it. As with all downloads you need to be able to find it again once you’ve downloaded it. It might be worth saving it to the desktop or even to a new folder you made called ‘drivers’. Whatever works for you. The other option is that you have the driver on a floppy or CD Rom that came with the device – this is even easier: usually you just put it in the drive and follow the instructions. Drivers these days come in two distinct types. The easiest for the general user are those drivers that come as part of an executable file (one that ends with .exe). It’s a good idea to scan the file with your virus scanner before doing anything, particularly if you’ve downloaded it. Once you’ve done that, just double click on the file name. It should do the rest – as always read any questions that it asks you. When it stops doing things, it’s done. Often it will ask you to restart Windows for the change to take effect.
The other type isn’t self-running like this and you’ll need to install them manually. This isn’t that hard however, and we’ll go through it step by step. First you need to find the ‘Device Manager’. If you don’t know where this is then click on ‘Start’ (bottom left hand corner of the XP screen), then click ‘Control Panel’, click ‘Performance and Maintenance’ and then click on ‘System’. You’ll get a new window that has multiple tabs. Click on the tab called ‘Hardware’ and you’ll see the device manager – click on the name to bring it up. This method is similar in all windows set ups, and all work from a command line instead – to do this go to ‘Start’, choose ‘Run’ and type devmgmt.msc in the box. This will also bring up the device manager.
From here it’s pretty much following instructions. The device manager lists all the devices you have and you can double click on them to bring up a further window that lists the device properties. Click the tab for driver and you get all the details you need. You’re looking at ‘Update Driver’, and normally you want to say no to the suggestion that Windows initiates a search via the Microsoft website because you already have the disc or file. Select no thanks, and click next. If you have the disc you choose it on the next screen, if you are looking for the file you’ve downloaded choose the option to select from a list (don’t be put off by the word ‘advanced’). The next screen again offers to search for you, again you decline the offer. Having chosen ‘don’t search’ you can use the button on the right below the list (called ‘have disc’). This opens a familiar dialogue just like all the windows file open boxes. Find the driver files where you stored them - you’re looking for the file that ends .inf. Double click on it and wait for the installation to finish -don’t interrupt the installation. You’ll probably have noticed that in the device manager window there was an option to return to the previous driver. This is what you need to use if updating the driver seems to have made things worse. And that’s it, you’ve installed the new driver.
Regular page address: http://www.nodevice.com/help/1/Install_Windows_Driver.html
Computer Devices
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Who Did Actually Invent the Computer
Computer Devices
By Mehmet Onatli
There are a lot of people who don't agree when the first computer was built; in fact many say that the first actual conception of the idea of a computer was by J. H. Smith in 1782. He however never built the computer. His concept was called a difference engine.
Difference engines were put on the backburner until 1822, when Charles Babbage picked up the concept. He created a machine that used a decimal number system, and was powered by the cranking of a handle. Babbage was financed in his research by the British government, but they later would cut that support off.
This did not stop Babbage though, he went on to design a more analytical machine, but later on he made it more improved and put out a difference engine #2, all this happened between 1834 and 1869. Babbage made leaps and bounds in his designs.
Still other people will argue that Babbage's machine was the first electronic computer. While an earlier concept was made called the Antikythera machine, which was a mechanic device that was used to calculate the position of astrological signs.
This "earliest computer" was discovered on a shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea, and it dates back to 250 BC. It's not known who designed this early device but it has been guessed to be designed by Archimedes, because it is similar to some of his other mechanical devices.
However, there are still other people who will argue that the abacus was truly the first computer. These were invented in China somewhere between 2600 BC and 300 BC. These abacus were used by clerks and merchants in China, they are felt to be the first computer by many people.
Alan Turing who was from Cambridge UK, he was drafted to the Bletchley park secret base where the work was being done on the WW3 enigma codes that the Germans were using. It was kept top secret until recently the name of this computer was Colossus; it was smashed into pieces at the end of the war.
The first known "modern computer" was invented during WWII, done by a German engineer named Konrad Zuse in 1941. This computer was named the Z3. It was an analog computer that was designed to stimulate the guidance system for rockets.
With some research it was found that Babbage did not build a complete machine. Thus it would be Zuse who invented the first electronic computer.
Thus to truly answer who invented the computer it's not really simple. Really you have to say who all contributed to the make up of the computer. So many different people in history helped with these inventions, by their failures and successes.
So over all the first electronic computer was invented by John Vincent Ansoff. It was named the ABC, which stood for Anatasoff Berry Computer.
A lot of people would feel that IBM was the first in designing the PC, but really prior to them was the MITS Altair 8800, Apple II, TRS80, the Atari 800, and of course the Commodore 64. Still others say Altair was not first, but instead it was the Simon by Berkley Enterprises.
So as you can see who invented the first computer is really up for grabs, and will be forever. But let's thank all these people who came up with an incredible machine that is hard to live our lives without.
Mehmet has over 10 years experience in repairing computer. Get everything you can from him. Download a free trial of the top registry cleaner today! Visit: http://www.registryheal.com/
Computer Devices
By Mehmet Onatli
There are a lot of people who don't agree when the first computer was built; in fact many say that the first actual conception of the idea of a computer was by J. H. Smith in 1782. He however never built the computer. His concept was called a difference engine.
Difference engines were put on the backburner until 1822, when Charles Babbage picked up the concept. He created a machine that used a decimal number system, and was powered by the cranking of a handle. Babbage was financed in his research by the British government, but they later would cut that support off.
This did not stop Babbage though, he went on to design a more analytical machine, but later on he made it more improved and put out a difference engine #2, all this happened between 1834 and 1869. Babbage made leaps and bounds in his designs.
Still other people will argue that Babbage's machine was the first electronic computer. While an earlier concept was made called the Antikythera machine, which was a mechanic device that was used to calculate the position of astrological signs.
This "earliest computer" was discovered on a shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea, and it dates back to 250 BC. It's not known who designed this early device but it has been guessed to be designed by Archimedes, because it is similar to some of his other mechanical devices.
However, there are still other people who will argue that the abacus was truly the first computer. These were invented in China somewhere between 2600 BC and 300 BC. These abacus were used by clerks and merchants in China, they are felt to be the first computer by many people.
Alan Turing who was from Cambridge UK, he was drafted to the Bletchley park secret base where the work was being done on the WW3 enigma codes that the Germans were using. It was kept top secret until recently the name of this computer was Colossus; it was smashed into pieces at the end of the war.
The first known "modern computer" was invented during WWII, done by a German engineer named Konrad Zuse in 1941. This computer was named the Z3. It was an analog computer that was designed to stimulate the guidance system for rockets.
With some research it was found that Babbage did not build a complete machine. Thus it would be Zuse who invented the first electronic computer.
Thus to truly answer who invented the computer it's not really simple. Really you have to say who all contributed to the make up of the computer. So many different people in history helped with these inventions, by their failures and successes.
So over all the first electronic computer was invented by John Vincent Ansoff. It was named the ABC, which stood for Anatasoff Berry Computer.
A lot of people would feel that IBM was the first in designing the PC, but really prior to them was the MITS Altair 8800, Apple II, TRS80, the Atari 800, and of course the Commodore 64. Still others say Altair was not first, but instead it was the Simon by Berkley Enterprises.
So as you can see who invented the first computer is really up for grabs, and will be forever. But let's thank all these people who came up with an incredible machine that is hard to live our lives without.
Mehmet has over 10 years experience in repairing computer. Get everything you can from him. Download a free trial of the top registry cleaner today! Visit: http://www.registryheal.com/
Computer Devices
How to Use Plug And Play Devices On Your Computer
Computer Devices
By eHow Computers Editor
This article will walk you through how to use plug and play devices on your computer. Plug and play devices are as simple as a mouse or a keyboard, and can be as complex as a camcorder. The Plug and Play devices are great for easy set up and ease of use due to the quick set up and use with Universal Serial Bus ports.
How To Use Plug And Play Devices On Your Computer:
Step 1
To begin, plug in the Universal Serial Bus cable that came with your plug and play device, with your computer turned off.. On older models of computers, the Universal Serial Bus jacks also known as USB, will be in the rear of your Tower unit. USB ports look like a rectangle turned on its side. There will be a small white or sometimes metal colored bracket inside the USB port, so your cable will only fit in one way. On newer models, many come equipped with at least one on the front of your unit. Locate and plug in the USB cable into the USB port on your computer tower. Now you may turn on your computer.
Step 2
Once your computer has booted up, a small box will appear saying a new device has been detected on your computer. If you wish to use it at this time, it must be set up. Click on the box, and this will begin your Wise Installation Wizard. The window will generate stating that you are about to scan your system for new devices. Click on next in the bottom right area of the window to proceed.
Step 3
Once the system has generated all of the new devices that your system recognizes, you will be given a list to look at in this window. You will need to click on the box next to the device you wish for the system to use. If you are trying to use a new keyboard, click on keyboard. You will need to look for the brand name of your device in case there is more than one installed on your system. Now that you have chosen the plug and play device to use, click next in the bottom of your window to move on.
Step 4
The window will now ask if you would like to get updates for your new device. It is recommended that you always get updates for any new device, which will include drivers that are needed for it to work properly on your Operating System. You are given the choice of looking on the Internet for them, or using a disk that came with your device. It is suggested to use the disk that accompanied your device to get specific drivers. If you are using the disk, now is the time to place it in your disk drive and click next. Once you choose which option to use, click on next at the bottom of the window.
Step 5
The newly generated window will locate all the drivers needed from your disk at this time. If you chose to look on the Internet, your Internet Explorer would launch now and do the same, locate your drivers from the manufacturers website and begin the transfer for you. Now that your drivers are updated and installed, a new window will pop up for you. This is to tell you that your new device is ready to use. You may now click Close or Finish, depending on your Operating System. Some systems will require you to Restart for the changes to take effect. If this is the case, a window will pop up to alert you to this. Just hit Restart Now, and when your restart is complete you are finished. You have just used your Plug and Play device on your computer.
Tips & Warnings
The author is not a Licensed Computer Technician and accepts no responsibility for problems arising from the use of this article. The reader assumes all risk.
Computer Devices
By eHow Computers Editor
This article will walk you through how to use plug and play devices on your computer. Plug and play devices are as simple as a mouse or a keyboard, and can be as complex as a camcorder. The Plug and Play devices are great for easy set up and ease of use due to the quick set up and use with Universal Serial Bus ports.
How To Use Plug And Play Devices On Your Computer:
Step 1
To begin, plug in the Universal Serial Bus cable that came with your plug and play device, with your computer turned off.. On older models of computers, the Universal Serial Bus jacks also known as USB, will be in the rear of your Tower unit. USB ports look like a rectangle turned on its side. There will be a small white or sometimes metal colored bracket inside the USB port, so your cable will only fit in one way. On newer models, many come equipped with at least one on the front of your unit. Locate and plug in the USB cable into the USB port on your computer tower. Now you may turn on your computer.
Step 2
Once your computer has booted up, a small box will appear saying a new device has been detected on your computer. If you wish to use it at this time, it must be set up. Click on the box, and this will begin your Wise Installation Wizard. The window will generate stating that you are about to scan your system for new devices. Click on next in the bottom right area of the window to proceed.
Step 3
Once the system has generated all of the new devices that your system recognizes, you will be given a list to look at in this window. You will need to click on the box next to the device you wish for the system to use. If you are trying to use a new keyboard, click on keyboard. You will need to look for the brand name of your device in case there is more than one installed on your system. Now that you have chosen the plug and play device to use, click next in the bottom of your window to move on.
Step 4
The window will now ask if you would like to get updates for your new device. It is recommended that you always get updates for any new device, which will include drivers that are needed for it to work properly on your Operating System. You are given the choice of looking on the Internet for them, or using a disk that came with your device. It is suggested to use the disk that accompanied your device to get specific drivers. If you are using the disk, now is the time to place it in your disk drive and click next. Once you choose which option to use, click on next at the bottom of the window.
Step 5
The newly generated window will locate all the drivers needed from your disk at this time. If you chose to look on the Internet, your Internet Explorer would launch now and do the same, locate your drivers from the manufacturers website and begin the transfer for you. Now that your drivers are updated and installed, a new window will pop up for you. This is to tell you that your new device is ready to use. You may now click Close or Finish, depending on your Operating System. Some systems will require you to Restart for the changes to take effect. If this is the case, a window will pop up to alert you to this. Just hit Restart Now, and when your restart is complete you are finished. You have just used your Plug and Play device on your computer.
Tips & Warnings
The author is not a Licensed Computer Technician and accepts no responsibility for problems arising from the use of this article. The reader assumes all risk.
Computer Devices
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