How can I copy a game from the desktop computer onto my laptop?
It depends on the game. Some programs you can simply copy the directory via a CD-Rom or across a network. Find the game folder by right-clicking on the icon and checking its properties. You will need to copy that directory and everything under it. However, if the game doesn’t run on the other machine, you may have to run the original installer that you got at the time of purchasing the game. This is because it needs to add information to your Windows system folder and/or the registry before it can run properly. In this case, your best bet would be to contact the company you purchased the game from and ask them about their policy to allow you to transfer the game to your laptop.
How can I set animated signature in my mail?
With a non-MIME enabled e-mail client, you won’t see anything but simple text. However, it seems nowadays the MIME mail extension is spread enough and widely exploited and abused; briefly speaking, the extension allows an e-mail to be an html, even with embedded images; what you see is just an animated image embedded in the text; likely, simply an animated GIF. You can create your own animated GIF using a program like gimp or Adobe ImageReady. Once you’ve got your animated GIF, you must get a MIME capable e-mail client and use it to write your e-mail. Normally, these modern clients have a button that allows you to add an image. So, add your gif at the end like a signature, and you’re done.
How do I install my computer game onto a different disk drive?
During the installation, it should ask where you want to install it. And, usually, it would have something like the following: C:\program files\Game_Name\ So, all you need to do is change that to E:\ Then it should install onto the E: Drive. You can also click on the browse button next to install option and choose the location of installation. If it doesn’t let you choose where to install, then it maybe perhaps you just need to free up some space on the C: Drive.
If I uninstall a computer game and then reinstall it, will my saved game still be there?
First of all, many games will ask if you want to keep your saved games before uninstalling, so then you just have to pick the right option and your saves will stay intact. Second, this depends on where these games store their saved games on your computer. Many games store saved games in folders like My Documents or Application Data, so they don’t get deleted when uninstalling and they’re easier to back up. The safest way is to back them up anyway. So, look in My Documents, Application Data and of course the game folder itself for a folder containing your saved games. Then replace them if necessary after reinstallation.
How can I transfer games to my mobile?
You can use USB cables, Bluetooth/Infrared dongles, or memory cards to transfer games from your PC to your phone. If you install the cell phone’s software for PC then you can install games directly on your phone without transferring the setup files. Don’t forget to enable Bluetooth or infrared if you are using these technologies. Another method can be to upload your files on your own WAP site using your PC and downloading the files from the WAP site via GPRS on your phone.
How to get a moving background on my desktop?
Search for an animated .gif online and just use it like you would any other picture on your desktop.
‘New hardware found on PCI modem.’ What is this?
It is a dial-up modem but sounds like the drivers are not installed so you need to reinstall its drivers from disk or from the PC manufacturer’s website. It is a built-in modem. If you are not using it, go to Settings?Devices and disable it.
It depends on the game. Some programs you can simply copy the directory via a CD-Rom or across a network. Find the game folder by right-clicking on the icon and checking its properties. You will need to copy that directory and everything under it. However, if the game doesn’t run on the other machine, you may have to run the original installer that you got at the time of purchasing the game. This is because it needs to add information to your Windows system folder and/or the registry before it can run properly. In this case, your best bet would be to contact the company you purchased the game from and ask them about their policy to allow you to transfer the game to your laptop.
How can I set animated signature in my mail?
With a non-MIME enabled e-mail client, you won’t see anything but simple text. However, it seems nowadays the MIME mail extension is spread enough and widely exploited and abused; briefly speaking, the extension allows an e-mail to be an html, even with embedded images; what you see is just an animated image embedded in the text; likely, simply an animated GIF. You can create your own animated GIF using a program like gimp or Adobe ImageReady. Once you’ve got your animated GIF, you must get a MIME capable e-mail client and use it to write your e-mail. Normally, these modern clients have a button that allows you to add an image. So, add your gif at the end like a signature, and you’re done.
How do I install my computer game onto a different disk drive?
During the installation, it should ask where you want to install it. And, usually, it would have something like the following: C:\program files\Game_Name\ So, all you need to do is change that to E:\ Then it should install onto the E: Drive. You can also click on the browse button next to install option and choose the location of installation. If it doesn’t let you choose where to install, then it maybe perhaps you just need to free up some space on the C: Drive.
If I uninstall a computer game and then reinstall it, will my saved game still be there?
First of all, many games will ask if you want to keep your saved games before uninstalling, so then you just have to pick the right option and your saves will stay intact. Second, this depends on where these games store their saved games on your computer. Many games store saved games in folders like My Documents or Application Data, so they don’t get deleted when uninstalling and they’re easier to back up. The safest way is to back them up anyway. So, look in My Documents, Application Data and of course the game folder itself for a folder containing your saved games. Then replace them if necessary after reinstallation.
How can I transfer games to my mobile?
You can use USB cables, Bluetooth/Infrared dongles, or memory cards to transfer games from your PC to your phone. If you install the cell phone’s software for PC then you can install games directly on your phone without transferring the setup files. Don’t forget to enable Bluetooth or infrared if you are using these technologies. Another method can be to upload your files on your own WAP site using your PC and downloading the files from the WAP site via GPRS on your phone.
How to get a moving background on my desktop?
Search for an animated .gif online and just use it like you would any other picture on your desktop.
‘New hardware found on PCI modem.’ What is this?
It is a dial-up modem but sounds like the drivers are not installed so you need to reinstall its drivers from disk or from the PC manufacturer’s website. It is a built-in modem. If you are not using it, go to Settings?Devices and disable it.
q and a
I wish to purchase a new laptop and personally like
the VPCEA16FG and the VPCEB26FG models from
the Sony Vaio E Series. The first one comes with 1080
HD screen and the other with Intel i5 Core Processor.
I like the green body colour of the VPCEB26FG
model, but the HD screen seems equally impressive.
Which one should I buy?
the VPCEA16FG and the VPCEB26FG models from
the Sony Vaio E Series. The first one comes with 1080
HD screen and the other with Intel i5 Core Processor.
I like the green body colour of the VPCEB26FG
model, but the HD screen seems equally impressive.
Which one should I buy?
how to disable beep in intex ups
when i change my desktop area to 1980 1080 the screen is off balance
get the imei number from a netbook via script
vpceb26fg
wine usb "printer"
i have a mac, which requires java tm to operate my online bank account s
camstudio unable to set shortcuts for stop key
ion ttusb malware
symantec mail proxy says my computer is sending out spam
how to disable beeping in intex ups
i.t related problems and their solution
problem mac detecting wifi from printer
is trere command prompt to repair missing reistry keys
assign vaio button on vpcea16fg
when i change my desktop area to 1980 1080 the screen is off balance
get the imei number from a netbook via script
vpceb26fg
wine usb "printer"
i have a mac, which requires java tm to operate my online bank account s
camstudio unable to set shortcuts for stop key
ion ttusb malware
symantec mail proxy says my computer is sending out spam
how to disable beeping in intex ups
i.t related problems and their solution
problem mac detecting wifi from printer
is trere command prompt to repair missing reistry keys
assign vaio button on vpcea16fg
Choosing the right laptop depends on how you plan to use your
laptop. If you just want the laptop for basic tasks like typing,
checking mail and watching movies, the VPCEA16FG with the HD
Screen can be a good choice. But in case you plan to use the laptop
for running heavy graphics software or playing high-end games, the
model with i5 Processor will be useful. Sony Vaio comes with limited
colours for its specific models. As of now, the company doesn’t sell
laptop skins – so you won’t be able to customise your laptop.
However, you can always buy laptop skins from third party
manufacturers.
I wish to keep a totally bare desktop without the
usual shortcuts. However, I want to access certain
software applications and folders as quickly as
before, without going to ‘All Programs’ or ‘My
Computer’. What should I do?
You can get the kind of desktop you want by hiding the icons and
accessing those features through the taskbar. To hide all desktop
icons, right-click on any empty space on your desktop and place
your cursor on ‘Arrange Icons By’. Now, click on ‘Show Desktop
Icons’ and the tick mark next to this option will be removed. This
action will hide all desktop icons the way you want it. To get those
icons back on the taskbar, right-click on a blank area there, select
Toolbars and then select Desktop. This will activate a minimised
menu of desktop icons. You can also select the auto hide option
under the Taskbar Properties to hide the taskbar when it is not
needed. And for all this customisation, you don’t need to install any
additional software.
I started a new blog and was asked about using
Google AdWords. What will Google AdWords do?
Will it help my blog in any way?
Google AdWords ensures that Google ads are placed on your
website and it also helps you earn some fast bucks on the Internet.
As these are pay-per-click advertisements, you will get a small
commission whenever your blog visitors click on one of these ads.
However, the sum accumulated has to reach a certain amount
before you get paid. It is up to you whether you will place a few
Google ads or simply flood your blog post with those. Too many
advertisements may make the blog look like a promotional page. On
the other hand, you can get it designed smartly and the ads won’t be
cluttered all over the page. But in case you want a clean, ad-free blog
and if you are not interested in cluttering your page with
promotional materials for online money-making, it is better not to
use Google AdWords.
I need a complete backup of my computer data but
get the notification that it will require 36 CDs. That
will take a lot of time, plus I want the data stored on
lesser number of discs. How can I achieve that?
Your computer may have a large amount of data, and the system
calculates and divides that data into CDs. These days, you also have
huge storage capacity for hard disks and one may contain 160 GB of
data or more. So, the more data you have, the more number of CDs
or DVDs will be required for a complete backup. However, you can
use dual-layer DVD’s which will considerably reduce the number of
backup DVDs. Otherwise, just copy the most important folders and
leave the rest. Finally, you can invest in a portable hard disk that
would help in data backup. Plug it in to your computer and copy the
entire data there, and it will be quite safe.
I own a Mac but the newly installed printer
connected to it is not working. What should I do?
Disconnect the printer from the Mac and then connect all the cables
once again. Check whether everything is connected properly. If you
are using a USB printer, connect it to another USB port when you
reconnect. Now, open the Apple System Profiler and you should
be able to see the new printer here. If that does not happen, try
connecting again using a different cable. You can also try reinstalling
the printer software. Once you take all these measures,
the printer should start working.
Can I auto-forward Hotmail messages to another
mail ID?
Yes, you can auto-forward messages from your Hotmail inbox to
another mail id. Click on ‘Options’ in the Hotmail window and then
click on ‘More options’. Now select ‘Forward your mail to following
e-mail accounts’ and enter the e-mail address where you wish to
auto-forward the messages. You can also keep a copy of the
forwarded mail in the Hotmail inbox.
Will it harm my CD/DVD if I use label stickers?
CD/DVD label stickers may contain glue which can harm the disk.
Also, the glue may wear off after some time and the sticky residue
may eventually damage the disks. Therefore, you need to use a
sticker with CD/DVD-safe glue and place it appropriately on the
disk. Sticking those in the wrong places may lead to data loss or
worse still, may damage the disk drive itself.
How do I install a second monitor to my computer?
You need to check whether your computer’s video card has a port
for connecting the second monitor. If not, you will have to get a new
video card that supports adding two or more monitors. Otherwise,
you may add a secondary video card in an empty PCI slot and
connect the additional monitor to this new port.
How do I disable the beep that alerts me whenever I
get a new mail message in Outlook?
Open Microsoft Outlook and select ‘Options’ under the ‘Tools’
menu. Now, click on ‘E-mail Options’ and then on ‘Advanced Email
Options’. Here you will find ‘Play a sound’. Just uncheck the
box next to it and the sound alert for new mail will be disabled.
How can I find the memory usage details of my
computer?
You can open the Task Manager by holding together Alt+Ctrl+Del.
Now, in the Task Manager window, click on the ‘Processes’ tab and
you can view the memory usage details.
I installed an old software application compatible
with an earlier version of Windows.
I have tried running it on XP but it is not
working properly. What’s to be done?
You can run older programmes using the Program Compatibility
Wizard present in the Accessories menu under the ‘Program Files’.
I have heard that QuickTime can be used for editing
video and audio files. But I can’t find any editing
option activated in my QuickTime player. What
is wrong?
Apple provides only media player functions in QuickTime for the
regular user. You need to buy QuickTime Pro to use the editing
options. QuickTime Pro will let you trim the videos, add audio to
an image sequence and export media in a variety of formats.
When I connect my laptop to the wireless router,
the Internet speed becomes abysmally slow.
Please help.
You may have 802.11b hardware in your laptop for wireless
connectivity. For higher speed, you need to change the
hardware to 802.11g Wi-Fi set-up which gives Internet speed
up to 54 Mbps.
The numeric keypad of my system doesn’t
work at times. I will then hit some keys
randomly and it starts working again. Please
tell me which key causes the switch?
Your numeric keypad switches from numeric mode to
normal mode when you press the Num Lock on the top
of the numeric pad.
Can I register a domain name and buy web space
on my own instead of seeking the services of a
website company?
Yes, you can do that using a credit card. However, you must
have some basic knowledge regarding websites and web
hosting if you plan to upload the site by yourself.
I wish to record a video screenshot to
demonstrate something to my colleagues. Can
you suggest some screen recording software?
A number of third party applications like CamStudio or
Camtasia Studio 6 are available in the market. Just get one
and your purpose will be served.
I wish to send a photo link but don’t want
to share any photo album from a social networking
site. I don’t have a blog post either. Is it possible to
send a link for a specific image?
Register with a photo-sharing site like Flickr or PhotoBucket, upload
that picture and send the web link.
laptop. If you just want the laptop for basic tasks like typing,
checking mail and watching movies, the VPCEA16FG with the HD
Screen can be a good choice. But in case you plan to use the laptop
for running heavy graphics software or playing high-end games, the
model with i5 Processor will be useful. Sony Vaio comes with limited
colours for its specific models. As of now, the company doesn’t sell
laptop skins – so you won’t be able to customise your laptop.
However, you can always buy laptop skins from third party
manufacturers.
I wish to keep a totally bare desktop without the
usual shortcuts. However, I want to access certain
software applications and folders as quickly as
before, without going to ‘All Programs’ or ‘My
Computer’. What should I do?
You can get the kind of desktop you want by hiding the icons and
accessing those features through the taskbar. To hide all desktop
icons, right-click on any empty space on your desktop and place
your cursor on ‘Arrange Icons By’. Now, click on ‘Show Desktop
Icons’ and the tick mark next to this option will be removed. This
action will hide all desktop icons the way you want it. To get those
icons back on the taskbar, right-click on a blank area there, select
Toolbars and then select Desktop. This will activate a minimised
menu of desktop icons. You can also select the auto hide option
under the Taskbar Properties to hide the taskbar when it is not
needed. And for all this customisation, you don’t need to install any
additional software.
I started a new blog and was asked about using
Google AdWords. What will Google AdWords do?
Will it help my blog in any way?
Google AdWords ensures that Google ads are placed on your
website and it also helps you earn some fast bucks on the Internet.
As these are pay-per-click advertisements, you will get a small
commission whenever your blog visitors click on one of these ads.
However, the sum accumulated has to reach a certain amount
before you get paid. It is up to you whether you will place a few
Google ads or simply flood your blog post with those. Too many
advertisements may make the blog look like a promotional page. On
the other hand, you can get it designed smartly and the ads won’t be
cluttered all over the page. But in case you want a clean, ad-free blog
and if you are not interested in cluttering your page with
promotional materials for online money-making, it is better not to
use Google AdWords.
I need a complete backup of my computer data but
get the notification that it will require 36 CDs. That
will take a lot of time, plus I want the data stored on
lesser number of discs. How can I achieve that?
Your computer may have a large amount of data, and the system
calculates and divides that data into CDs. These days, you also have
huge storage capacity for hard disks and one may contain 160 GB of
data or more. So, the more data you have, the more number of CDs
or DVDs will be required for a complete backup. However, you can
use dual-layer DVD’s which will considerably reduce the number of
backup DVDs. Otherwise, just copy the most important folders and
leave the rest. Finally, you can invest in a portable hard disk that
would help in data backup. Plug it in to your computer and copy the
entire data there, and it will be quite safe.
I own a Mac but the newly installed printer
connected to it is not working. What should I do?
Disconnect the printer from the Mac and then connect all the cables
once again. Check whether everything is connected properly. If you
are using a USB printer, connect it to another USB port when you
reconnect. Now, open the Apple System Profiler and you should
be able to see the new printer here. If that does not happen, try
connecting again using a different cable. You can also try reinstalling
the printer software. Once you take all these measures,
the printer should start working.
Can I auto-forward Hotmail messages to another
mail ID?
Yes, you can auto-forward messages from your Hotmail inbox to
another mail id. Click on ‘Options’ in the Hotmail window and then
click on ‘More options’. Now select ‘Forward your mail to following
e-mail accounts’ and enter the e-mail address where you wish to
auto-forward the messages. You can also keep a copy of the
forwarded mail in the Hotmail inbox.
Will it harm my CD/DVD if I use label stickers?
CD/DVD label stickers may contain glue which can harm the disk.
Also, the glue may wear off after some time and the sticky residue
may eventually damage the disks. Therefore, you need to use a
sticker with CD/DVD-safe glue and place it appropriately on the
disk. Sticking those in the wrong places may lead to data loss or
worse still, may damage the disk drive itself.
How do I install a second monitor to my computer?
You need to check whether your computer’s video card has a port
for connecting the second monitor. If not, you will have to get a new
video card that supports adding two or more monitors. Otherwise,
you may add a secondary video card in an empty PCI slot and
connect the additional monitor to this new port.
How do I disable the beep that alerts me whenever I
get a new mail message in Outlook?
Open Microsoft Outlook and select ‘Options’ under the ‘Tools’
menu. Now, click on ‘E-mail Options’ and then on ‘Advanced Email
Options’. Here you will find ‘Play a sound’. Just uncheck the
box next to it and the sound alert for new mail will be disabled.
How can I find the memory usage details of my
computer?
You can open the Task Manager by holding together Alt+Ctrl+Del.
Now, in the Task Manager window, click on the ‘Processes’ tab and
you can view the memory usage details.
I installed an old software application compatible
with an earlier version of Windows.
I have tried running it on XP but it is not
working properly. What’s to be done?
You can run older programmes using the Program Compatibility
Wizard present in the Accessories menu under the ‘Program Files’.
I have heard that QuickTime can be used for editing
video and audio files. But I can’t find any editing
option activated in my QuickTime player. What
is wrong?
Apple provides only media player functions in QuickTime for the
regular user. You need to buy QuickTime Pro to use the editing
options. QuickTime Pro will let you trim the videos, add audio to
an image sequence and export media in a variety of formats.
When I connect my laptop to the wireless router,
the Internet speed becomes abysmally slow.
Please help.
You may have 802.11b hardware in your laptop for wireless
connectivity. For higher speed, you need to change the
hardware to 802.11g Wi-Fi set-up which gives Internet speed
up to 54 Mbps.
The numeric keypad of my system doesn’t
work at times. I will then hit some keys
randomly and it starts working again. Please
tell me which key causes the switch?
Your numeric keypad switches from numeric mode to
normal mode when you press the Num Lock on the top
of the numeric pad.
Can I register a domain name and buy web space
on my own instead of seeking the services of a
website company?
Yes, you can do that using a credit card. However, you must
have some basic knowledge regarding websites and web
hosting if you plan to upload the site by yourself.
I wish to record a video screenshot to
demonstrate something to my colleagues. Can
you suggest some screen recording software?
A number of third party applications like CamStudio or
Camtasia Studio 6 are available in the market. Just get one
and your purpose will be served.
I wish to send a photo link but don’t want
to share any photo album from a social networking
site. I don’t have a blog post either. Is it possible to
send a link for a specific image?
Register with a photo-sharing site like Flickr or PhotoBucket, upload
that picture and send the web link.
My computer restarts within seconds of loading my
regular desktop. Once, before the screen went off, I
saw an error message that said:Missing DLL. Now,
the same thing is happening when I try the safe
mode. What should I do?
Some important dll files may have got corrupt or got deleted.
If you know which dll file is missing, you can try copying it
through command prompt in case you have a recovery drive
or use a floppy disc. The most convenient and easy way
would be to run a non-destructive recovery process. It will
install all the files without deleting your data. The final call
would be formatting the computer but that wouldn’t be
necessary unless it is a severe issue.
I have received an MS Excel file which I need
to print. I have tried different zoom levels but
I am not getting the content printed correctly.
Is there a way to define the content I wish to
print in every particular page?
In Microsoft Excel, you can go to ‘Print Preview’ and
activate the ‘Page Break’ view. This will help you drag and
mark the content as per your print output requirements. You
can drag the markers towards the ruler ends and remove
them. Just right-click next to a cell and create a page break
without hassles. The content will automatically take the
zoom size as per your needs. You can also adjust the margins
on the ‘Print Preview’ screen to fit the extra content that
is left out.
How do I add a watermark to a Microsoft Word
doc? I want the watermark to appear on all
pages. Also, how to create the watermark?
Insert the image to be watermarked in the Microsoft Word
document. Select the image and the Picture toolbar will show up
immediately. Otherwise, you can activate it from View_Toolbars.
With the image selected, click on ‘Color’ on the Picture toolbar. You
will get an option called ‘Washout’ in the dropdown menu. Just
select this option and you will get a colour watermark if your image
is in colour. In case you want to generate a non-colour watermark
from a colour image, you should choose ‘Grayscale’ from the ‘Color’
dropdown menu and again click on ‘Washout’. In order to put the
text over the watermark, select the picture, right-click and choose
‘Format’. Or you can choose the ‘Text Wrapping’ option from the
Picture toolbar and set the text as per your requirement. To get the
watermark on all pages, you have to insert it in the header or footer
of the Word document and place it as desired.
I have created a simple text-based design using
Photoshop. However, the text font looks different
on my colleague’s system. What is the problem
and how do I solve it?
You may have used a font that is not installed on your colleague’s
computer. Find that particular font from the Fonts folder on the
Control Panel and send it. Tell her to copy and paste the font in her
Fonts folder. The system will get updated with the new font and she
will be able to see the design with the right font. If you already know
the font name, ask her to download it from the Internet and install it
on her computer.
When my system starts, I am bombarded with
Symantec E-mail Proxy pop-ups such as unable
to deliver email. How can I get rid of these?
Norton Internet Security scans outgoing and incoming messages for
safety reasons. If your ISP interferes in this process, security alerts
will be generated to notify the same. You can turn off these alerts
and thus stop getting the error messages. To do this, go to the
‘Settings’ of your Norton product and select the ‘Configure’ option
near ‘Email scan’. Next, uncheck the option called ‘Scan outgoing
email messages’ and click on ‘Apply’. Now, under ‘Protection Alert’,
you need to select the option ‘Permanently’. Click ‘OK’ to close this
window. Click ‘OK’ again in the ‘Email scan’ window and security
alerts will be deactivated.
How do I take a backup of Gmail contacts?
For a backup of your Gmail contacts, you need to log in to
your account and click on ‘Contacts’ on the side panel. Now,
click ‘Export’ and you get the option to choose whether you
want a backup of all the contacts or just a specific group.
Once you select that, click on ‘Export’, select the option
‘Save to disk’ and click ‘OK’. Now, select the location where
you want to save the file on your system and click ‘OK’ to
complete the procedure. Your Gmail contacts will be saved
in the CSV format on your system.
Can I create my own shortcut keys in MS Word?
You can create it by choosing ‘Customize’ under ‘Toolbars’ in the
‘View’ menu. When you click on ‘Customize’, a new window will
appear and you have to click the ‘Keyboard’ tab. Another window
will show up where you will find the shortcuts assigned to various
commands in Word. Now, you can select the category and the
command, and enter the shortcut key or key combination you wish
to assign for that particular command. Click on ‘Assign’ and you will
have a new, customised shortcut.
I wish to crop some photographs but don’t want to
install additional software for this purpose. What
should I do?
Most systems come with MS Office and you can use its Picture
Manager tool. Just right-click each picture and open it with
Microsoft Office Picture Manager. Now, you can crop the image and
also do some basic image editing. If you don’t have this app on your
system, use the Paint software that comes with every Windows PC.
In Paint, you can use the ‘select’ tool to select the image area you
need and then copy it. Now, paste the selected area in a new file and
save it as a jpg image. But here, the cropped image will have a white
background of the Paint workspace size.
I have created a Dock Menu script in Adobe Flash
CS5 using a tutorial. But I cannot find ActionScript
3.0 in my Publish settings and I feel this is why my
script is not working correctly. How to run the AS3
script file correctly?
In Flash CS5, you need to change the Flash player version to Flash
player 9 or above. Only then you will find the ActionScript 3.0
version in the dropdown menu of your Publish setting.
I want a Mac-like menu for my Windows PC. How do
I get it? Will there be any problem if I install a menu
like that?
You can download and install the customisable ObjectDock
menu such as Stardock for Windows computers. These are
third-party software apps and may slow down your computer
if you don’t have a good configuration and enough hard
disk space.
I have a 512 MB+512 MB DDR1 RAM. Can I use the
latest DDR to speed up my system? Do I need to
make changes in hardware?
Your motherboard supports a particular type of RAM. You seem to
be using an older version; therefore, your motherboard may not be
compatible with the latest DDR RAM. You will have to upgrade
your motherboard to install a new RAM.
I wish to take a backup of all the SMS from my old
phone. It has basic GPRS but no memory card or PC
connectivity features. Please help.
Nowadays, most of the cell phone service providers offer data
backup facility for a fee. So, check with your service provider. GPRS
charges will be extra.
When I hold the shift key during shutdown, the
standby mode doesn’t change to Hibernate.
How do I turn on the Hibernation mode in my
Windows computer?
To turn on Hibernation, you need to activate from the Control
Panel_Power Options folder. Under the ‘Hibernate’ tab, tick the
option ‘Enable Hibernation’ and you will be through.
What is the difference between a font and a typeface?
Typeface is a character set of the same design while font is a
specifically sized design of a particular typeface. While Arial and
Times New Roman are typefaces, Arial 32 is a font.
Is the touchscreen of my smartphone protected?
All touchscreen mobile phones come with an in-built screen
protector. If it is not functioning properly, there will be bubbles on
the screen.
Can I use Google Talk on my cell phone?
It is not officially available on mobile phones, but there are thirdparty
software applications like Fring and GoTalkMobile that will
allow you to use it.
I want to upgrade my Pentium 2 computer to
Intel Core i7. Do I have to change my motherboard
as well?
Yes, you will need a supporting motherboard for upgrading to i7.
regular desktop. Once, before the screen went off, I
saw an error message that said:Missing DLL. Now,
the same thing is happening when I try the safe
mode. What should I do?
Some important dll files may have got corrupt or got deleted.
If you know which dll file is missing, you can try copying it
through command prompt in case you have a recovery drive
or use a floppy disc. The most convenient and easy way
would be to run a non-destructive recovery process. It will
install all the files without deleting your data. The final call
would be formatting the computer but that wouldn’t be
necessary unless it is a severe issue.
I have received an MS Excel file which I need
to print. I have tried different zoom levels but
I am not getting the content printed correctly.
Is there a way to define the content I wish to
print in every particular page?
In Microsoft Excel, you can go to ‘Print Preview’ and
activate the ‘Page Break’ view. This will help you drag and
mark the content as per your print output requirements. You
can drag the markers towards the ruler ends and remove
them. Just right-click next to a cell and create a page break
without hassles. The content will automatically take the
zoom size as per your needs. You can also adjust the margins
on the ‘Print Preview’ screen to fit the extra content that
is left out.
How do I add a watermark to a Microsoft Word
doc? I want the watermark to appear on all
pages. Also, how to create the watermark?
Insert the image to be watermarked in the Microsoft Word
document. Select the image and the Picture toolbar will show up
immediately. Otherwise, you can activate it from View_Toolbars.
With the image selected, click on ‘Color’ on the Picture toolbar. You
will get an option called ‘Washout’ in the dropdown menu. Just
select this option and you will get a colour watermark if your image
is in colour. In case you want to generate a non-colour watermark
from a colour image, you should choose ‘Grayscale’ from the ‘Color’
dropdown menu and again click on ‘Washout’. In order to put the
text over the watermark, select the picture, right-click and choose
‘Format’. Or you can choose the ‘Text Wrapping’ option from the
Picture toolbar and set the text as per your requirement. To get the
watermark on all pages, you have to insert it in the header or footer
of the Word document and place it as desired.
I have created a simple text-based design using
Photoshop. However, the text font looks different
on my colleague’s system. What is the problem
and how do I solve it?
You may have used a font that is not installed on your colleague’s
computer. Find that particular font from the Fonts folder on the
Control Panel and send it. Tell her to copy and paste the font in her
Fonts folder. The system will get updated with the new font and she
will be able to see the design with the right font. If you already know
the font name, ask her to download it from the Internet and install it
on her computer.
When my system starts, I am bombarded with
Symantec E-mail Proxy pop-ups such as unable
to deliver email. How can I get rid of these?
Norton Internet Security scans outgoing and incoming messages for
safety reasons. If your ISP interferes in this process, security alerts
will be generated to notify the same. You can turn off these alerts
and thus stop getting the error messages. To do this, go to the
‘Settings’ of your Norton product and select the ‘Configure’ option
near ‘Email scan’. Next, uncheck the option called ‘Scan outgoing
email messages’ and click on ‘Apply’. Now, under ‘Protection Alert’,
you need to select the option ‘Permanently’. Click ‘OK’ to close this
window. Click ‘OK’ again in the ‘Email scan’ window and security
alerts will be deactivated.
How do I take a backup of Gmail contacts?
For a backup of your Gmail contacts, you need to log in to
your account and click on ‘Contacts’ on the side panel. Now,
click ‘Export’ and you get the option to choose whether you
want a backup of all the contacts or just a specific group.
Once you select that, click on ‘Export’, select the option
‘Save to disk’ and click ‘OK’. Now, select the location where
you want to save the file on your system and click ‘OK’ to
complete the procedure. Your Gmail contacts will be saved
in the CSV format on your system.
Can I create my own shortcut keys in MS Word?
You can create it by choosing ‘Customize’ under ‘Toolbars’ in the
‘View’ menu. When you click on ‘Customize’, a new window will
appear and you have to click the ‘Keyboard’ tab. Another window
will show up where you will find the shortcuts assigned to various
commands in Word. Now, you can select the category and the
command, and enter the shortcut key or key combination you wish
to assign for that particular command. Click on ‘Assign’ and you will
have a new, customised shortcut.
I wish to crop some photographs but don’t want to
install additional software for this purpose. What
should I do?
Most systems come with MS Office and you can use its Picture
Manager tool. Just right-click each picture and open it with
Microsoft Office Picture Manager. Now, you can crop the image and
also do some basic image editing. If you don’t have this app on your
system, use the Paint software that comes with every Windows PC.
In Paint, you can use the ‘select’ tool to select the image area you
need and then copy it. Now, paste the selected area in a new file and
save it as a jpg image. But here, the cropped image will have a white
background of the Paint workspace size.
I have created a Dock Menu script in Adobe Flash
CS5 using a tutorial. But I cannot find ActionScript
3.0 in my Publish settings and I feel this is why my
script is not working correctly. How to run the AS3
script file correctly?
In Flash CS5, you need to change the Flash player version to Flash
player 9 or above. Only then you will find the ActionScript 3.0
version in the dropdown menu of your Publish setting.
I want a Mac-like menu for my Windows PC. How do
I get it? Will there be any problem if I install a menu
like that?
You can download and install the customisable ObjectDock
menu such as Stardock for Windows computers. These are
third-party software apps and may slow down your computer
if you don’t have a good configuration and enough hard
disk space.
I have a 512 MB+512 MB DDR1 RAM. Can I use the
latest DDR to speed up my system? Do I need to
make changes in hardware?
Your motherboard supports a particular type of RAM. You seem to
be using an older version; therefore, your motherboard may not be
compatible with the latest DDR RAM. You will have to upgrade
your motherboard to install a new RAM.
I wish to take a backup of all the SMS from my old
phone. It has basic GPRS but no memory card or PC
connectivity features. Please help.
Nowadays, most of the cell phone service providers offer data
backup facility for a fee. So, check with your service provider. GPRS
charges will be extra.
When I hold the shift key during shutdown, the
standby mode doesn’t change to Hibernate.
How do I turn on the Hibernation mode in my
Windows computer?
To turn on Hibernation, you need to activate from the Control
Panel_Power Options folder. Under the ‘Hibernate’ tab, tick the
option ‘Enable Hibernation’ and you will be through.
What is the difference between a font and a typeface?
Typeface is a character set of the same design while font is a
specifically sized design of a particular typeface. While Arial and
Times New Roman are typefaces, Arial 32 is a font.
Is the touchscreen of my smartphone protected?
All touchscreen mobile phones come with an in-built screen
protector. If it is not functioning properly, there will be bubbles on
the screen.
Can I use Google Talk on my cell phone?
It is not officially available on mobile phones, but there are thirdparty
software applications like Fring and GoTalkMobile that will
allow you to use it.
I want to upgrade my Pentium 2 computer to
Intel Core i7. Do I have to change my motherboard
as well?
Yes, you will need a supporting motherboard for upgrading to i7.
How can I delete my Facebook account?
Just visit ‘Delete My Account’ page and click ‘Submit’. However,
there is another option if you are still undecided about
permanent deletion. Just deactivate your account from the
‘Deactivate Account’ section on the Account page. Once you do
this, your profile and all other relevant information will be
inaccessible to all Facebook users. However, if you change your
mind and log back within two weeks, the account will be
reactivated. In case you don’t come back to Facebook within this
timeframe, your account will be permanently deleted. If you
want to leave for good, delete your Facebook links from all other
websites. You should also delete add-ons and mobile phone
accounts that link to your Facebook profile.
How do I find out if someone has hacked my cell
phone?
Your phone may be hacked if you experience any of the following:
_ You may hear odd background noises or clicks while talking
on the phone.
_ You may find that your phone suddenly re-starts when you
have turned it off.
_ Your phone may suddenly become active and light up when
it is idle and the backlights are still there when you are not
using it.
There are tracking devices by surveillance companies for tracing
hackers but the best option is to format your phone, clean it
completely and get it back to factory settings. Also, avoid installing
any unknown software and don’t leave your phone with other
people in order to prevent hacking.
How can I deactivate ‘insecure items’ warnings
that pop up during browsing?
It is a useful security alert but you may feel annoyed if such
messages pop up even when you are browsing frequently visited
(and, therefore, considerably safe) web pages. Although you should
not turn off this alert due to security reasons, these can be
deactivated easily. Go to the ‘Tools’ menu of the Internet Explorer
and click on ‘Internet Options’. Here, you will find the ‘Security’
tab and the ‘Custom level…’ button. Click and browse the
‘Miscellaneous’ section where you need to ‘Disable’ the ‘Display
mixed content’ prompt. Now, click ‘OK’ to change the settings and
close the open dialog boxes. Finally, refresh the Internet Explorer
and you will no longer get those prompts.
Help! I’m stuck in the middle of a computer game
and can’t go ahead.
If you are stuck in a game, it is quite likely that you have reached a
dead-end and don’t have the lead to move up further. It often
happens in puzzle games, but you are bound to get some
notification if that is the case. On the other hand, you may have
downloaded a trial version of the game which has expired or a
beta version which has bugs. If you are running a popular game,
bug fixes should be available online. Once you download and
install the same, the game will run smoothly. Also, if you are stuck
because you can’t find a solution, check out the cheat codes
available on the Internet and try to unlock the game’s next stage.
Can I re-install Windows without losing the game
levels already achieved?
You need not worry. Most of the computer games come with a
feature called ‘Save Game’ and you can easily save any one of
those to prevent the loss of progress in that game. Games are
usually saved in a folder under ‘My Document’. Before re-installing
Windows, take a backup of the ‘saved games’ folder by copying it
to an external hard drive. Once you are through, install the game
software once again and then copy the ‘Saved games’ folder back
onto your system. That way, you will not lose your progress or
points in any game.
Ctfmon.exe runs constantly on my system and I
am unable to remove it.
You can either use a software application called CTFMONRemover
to remove it from the Windows OS or use the
‘Control Panel’ for the same. Open the ‘Control Panel’, click
on ‘Regional and Language Options’ and then on the
‘Language’ tab there. Now, click on the ‘Details’ button under
‘Text Services and Input Languages’. Once you are there,
click on the ‘Advanced’ tab. Check the ‘Turn off advanced
text services’ box and ctfmon.exe will not be loaded during
system start-up anymore. You can activate it again by
unchecking the box.
I cannot access my default homepage in Internet
Explorer.
Your homepage may have been hijacked by unwanted websites that
open up whenever you open Internet Explorer. To change it back to
the page of your choice, click on ‘Internet Options’ in the ‘Tools’
Menu. In the new window, the ‘General’ tab opens by default and
you will find a text box next to the ‘Home page’ icon. Here, enter
the URL of the website/web page that you want as your default
opening and click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’ buttons. From now on, this will
be your opening page whenever you start Internet Explorer.
The TV is not functioning when I switch on my
Media Centre PC.
Download and install the TV tuner software in your computer. If
that doesn’t work or if you get errors during installation, switch off
your system, open your CPU cabinet and remove the TV tuner
card and fix it again on the motherboard. The TV tuner card is a
computer chipset on which your cable connection pin will be
attached. You can also get professional help if you can’t do it
yourself. Now, switch on the system and install the TV tuner
software. It should work now. Call a technician if the problem
persists. You may have to change the TV tuner card.
I got a Skype virus. Please help.
Download and run MalwareBytes Anti-Malware. MBAM is
known to be rather useful in detecting and removing such virus
infections. It is a relatively speedy malware remover, with the quick
scan taking about eight minutes even with other high-resource
programmes running. There is a free version of the software
available at http://www.malwarebytes.org. If this fails or if you
think that your system is still infected, go to online forums where
professionals will help you fix the problem at no cost. One such
forum is http://www.battlevirus.com/forum/
My friends often download movies from the
Internet. Is it legal?
Many of us download movies from the Internet with the help of
BitTorrent or μTorrent. You are right, though. It is not legal to
download and upload movies using the BitTorrent protocol. But
there are websites which let you download music and movies via
legal means. Therefore, you need to register yourself with these
sites for a nominal fee.
How do I back up my Gmail mailbox?
You will require POP3 mail software like Outlook Express which is
already installed on most computers. Or, you may download and
install free software applications like Thunderbird to get it done.
POP3 is the traditional method of e-mail backup that lets you
retrieve mail messages. You can also use Gmail’s online help for
POP3 setup and follow the procedure to configure it.
How do I create a strong password?
To create a strong password, don’t use words or numbers that can
be easily guessed by others. You need to make your passwords long
by using alphanumeric characters. Also, try to make your password
unique by using capital letters in-between and keywords unknown
to strangers but easy for you to remember.
I get this error message: Windows\Syste
m32\config\system file missing or corrupt.
You can try running a recovery console. If that doesn’t help, copy the
following in the command line: “copy %windir%\Repair\system
%windir%\System32\Config”. Another solution is to boot the
recovery console with some Win XP tweaks.
Why does the text get deleted when I press the
spacebar?
You might be toggling the ‘Insert’ key which writes over the text or
empty space when you turn it on and press the spacebar.
The standby icon disappeared when I installed
Windows. What should I do?
You need to install the VGA driver either from the manufacturer’s
website or from the motherboard CD.
Can I watch videos in Firefox without plug-ins?
Earlier versions such as Firefox 3.0 required a plug-in for videos.
But if you have latest versions like Firefox 3.5 and 3.6, you won’t
require it to watch the Ogg formats.
Just visit ‘Delete My Account’ page and click ‘Submit’. However,
there is another option if you are still undecided about
permanent deletion. Just deactivate your account from the
‘Deactivate Account’ section on the Account page. Once you do
this, your profile and all other relevant information will be
inaccessible to all Facebook users. However, if you change your
mind and log back within two weeks, the account will be
reactivated. In case you don’t come back to Facebook within this
timeframe, your account will be permanently deleted. If you
want to leave for good, delete your Facebook links from all other
websites. You should also delete add-ons and mobile phone
accounts that link to your Facebook profile.
How do I find out if someone has hacked my cell
phone?
Your phone may be hacked if you experience any of the following:
_ You may hear odd background noises or clicks while talking
on the phone.
_ You may find that your phone suddenly re-starts when you
have turned it off.
_ Your phone may suddenly become active and light up when
it is idle and the backlights are still there when you are not
using it.
There are tracking devices by surveillance companies for tracing
hackers but the best option is to format your phone, clean it
completely and get it back to factory settings. Also, avoid installing
any unknown software and don’t leave your phone with other
people in order to prevent hacking.
How can I deactivate ‘insecure items’ warnings
that pop up during browsing?
It is a useful security alert but you may feel annoyed if such
messages pop up even when you are browsing frequently visited
(and, therefore, considerably safe) web pages. Although you should
not turn off this alert due to security reasons, these can be
deactivated easily. Go to the ‘Tools’ menu of the Internet Explorer
and click on ‘Internet Options’. Here, you will find the ‘Security’
tab and the ‘Custom level…’ button. Click and browse the
‘Miscellaneous’ section where you need to ‘Disable’ the ‘Display
mixed content’ prompt. Now, click ‘OK’ to change the settings and
close the open dialog boxes. Finally, refresh the Internet Explorer
and you will no longer get those prompts.
Help! I’m stuck in the middle of a computer game
and can’t go ahead.
If you are stuck in a game, it is quite likely that you have reached a
dead-end and don’t have the lead to move up further. It often
happens in puzzle games, but you are bound to get some
notification if that is the case. On the other hand, you may have
downloaded a trial version of the game which has expired or a
beta version which has bugs. If you are running a popular game,
bug fixes should be available online. Once you download and
install the same, the game will run smoothly. Also, if you are stuck
because you can’t find a solution, check out the cheat codes
available on the Internet and try to unlock the game’s next stage.
Can I re-install Windows without losing the game
levels already achieved?
You need not worry. Most of the computer games come with a
feature called ‘Save Game’ and you can easily save any one of
those to prevent the loss of progress in that game. Games are
usually saved in a folder under ‘My Document’. Before re-installing
Windows, take a backup of the ‘saved games’ folder by copying it
to an external hard drive. Once you are through, install the game
software once again and then copy the ‘Saved games’ folder back
onto your system. That way, you will not lose your progress or
points in any game.
Ctfmon.exe runs constantly on my system and I
am unable to remove it.
You can either use a software application called CTFMONRemover
to remove it from the Windows OS or use the
‘Control Panel’ for the same. Open the ‘Control Panel’, click
on ‘Regional and Language Options’ and then on the
‘Language’ tab there. Now, click on the ‘Details’ button under
‘Text Services and Input Languages’. Once you are there,
click on the ‘Advanced’ tab. Check the ‘Turn off advanced
text services’ box and ctfmon.exe will not be loaded during
system start-up anymore. You can activate it again by
unchecking the box.
I cannot access my default homepage in Internet
Explorer.
Your homepage may have been hijacked by unwanted websites that
open up whenever you open Internet Explorer. To change it back to
the page of your choice, click on ‘Internet Options’ in the ‘Tools’
Menu. In the new window, the ‘General’ tab opens by default and
you will find a text box next to the ‘Home page’ icon. Here, enter
the URL of the website/web page that you want as your default
opening and click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’ buttons. From now on, this will
be your opening page whenever you start Internet Explorer.
The TV is not functioning when I switch on my
Media Centre PC.
Download and install the TV tuner software in your computer. If
that doesn’t work or if you get errors during installation, switch off
your system, open your CPU cabinet and remove the TV tuner
card and fix it again on the motherboard. The TV tuner card is a
computer chipset on which your cable connection pin will be
attached. You can also get professional help if you can’t do it
yourself. Now, switch on the system and install the TV tuner
software. It should work now. Call a technician if the problem
persists. You may have to change the TV tuner card.
I got a Skype virus. Please help.
Download and run MalwareBytes Anti-Malware. MBAM is
known to be rather useful in detecting and removing such virus
infections. It is a relatively speedy malware remover, with the quick
scan taking about eight minutes even with other high-resource
programmes running. There is a free version of the software
available at http://www.malwarebytes.org. If this fails or if you
think that your system is still infected, go to online forums where
professionals will help you fix the problem at no cost. One such
forum is http://www.battlevirus.com/forum/
My friends often download movies from the
Internet. Is it legal?
Many of us download movies from the Internet with the help of
BitTorrent or μTorrent. You are right, though. It is not legal to
download and upload movies using the BitTorrent protocol. But
there are websites which let you download music and movies via
legal means. Therefore, you need to register yourself with these
sites for a nominal fee.
How do I back up my Gmail mailbox?
You will require POP3 mail software like Outlook Express which is
already installed on most computers. Or, you may download and
install free software applications like Thunderbird to get it done.
POP3 is the traditional method of e-mail backup that lets you
retrieve mail messages. You can also use Gmail’s online help for
POP3 setup and follow the procedure to configure it.
How do I create a strong password?
To create a strong password, don’t use words or numbers that can
be easily guessed by others. You need to make your passwords long
by using alphanumeric characters. Also, try to make your password
unique by using capital letters in-between and keywords unknown
to strangers but easy for you to remember.
I get this error message: Windows\Syste
m32\config\system file missing or corrupt.
You can try running a recovery console. If that doesn’t help, copy the
following in the command line: “copy %windir%\Repair\system
%windir%\System32\Config”. Another solution is to boot the
recovery console with some Win XP tweaks.
Why does the text get deleted when I press the
spacebar?
You might be toggling the ‘Insert’ key which writes over the text or
empty space when you turn it on and press the spacebar.
The standby icon disappeared when I installed
Windows. What should I do?
You need to install the VGA driver either from the manufacturer’s
website or from the motherboard CD.
Can I watch videos in Firefox without plug-ins?
Earlier versions such as Firefox 3.0 required a plug-in for videos.
But if you have latest versions like Firefox 3.5 and 3.6, you won’t
require it to watch the Ogg formats.
What is the difference between WiFi and WLAN?
WiFi or Wireless Fidelity is a service and WLAN is an application, which uses the WiFi/WiMax service. WiFi can connect you to the Internet. LAN is Local Area Network, which means that it can connect you to the other computers connected to that same LAN/Wireless LAN.
What type of wireless does my laptop or desktop need to connect to a wireless printer?
802.11 is the most common wireless. When it says wireless printer, it actually connects to your router and you print through your router, so the printer is bound to be 802.11. When something says wireless, it usually means WiFi. As long you have wireless (WiFi) built in your computer, you can connect to your printer. If you don’t have wireless, you can buy USB wireless sticks.
While buying LCD television, I find 1080i or 1080p in the features. What is the difference? Which one is better?
1080i means there will be 1080 vertical lines which are interlaced. Interlace is a technology which allows the devices to display improved picture quality without demanding high bandwidth. 1080p means there will be 1080 vertical lines which displays in progressive mode. So, this can be considered as Full HD while 1080i as only HD.
Another difference to note is that while 1080i videos can be played at maximum frames of 30fps, 1080p videos can be played on 60fps. I use Gmail that works perfectly but the problem is when I try to do an audio chat in Google talk, I cannot hear the other person? What should I do?
Since your mike and speakers seem to be working, there is likely a problem with your account settings. Go to Settings and select the audio option. Here check the option, ‘Unmute speaker and microphone when on call.’ Also check whether you have set the correct speaker/headphones in the output devices. While on call, check the volume level as well.
WiFi or Wireless Fidelity is a service and WLAN is an application, which uses the WiFi/WiMax service. WiFi can connect you to the Internet. LAN is Local Area Network, which means that it can connect you to the other computers connected to that same LAN/Wireless LAN.
What type of wireless does my laptop or desktop need to connect to a wireless printer?
802.11 is the most common wireless. When it says wireless printer, it actually connects to your router and you print through your router, so the printer is bound to be 802.11. When something says wireless, it usually means WiFi. As long you have wireless (WiFi) built in your computer, you can connect to your printer. If you don’t have wireless, you can buy USB wireless sticks.
While buying LCD television, I find 1080i or 1080p in the features. What is the difference? Which one is better?
1080i means there will be 1080 vertical lines which are interlaced. Interlace is a technology which allows the devices to display improved picture quality without demanding high bandwidth. 1080p means there will be 1080 vertical lines which displays in progressive mode. So, this can be considered as Full HD while 1080i as only HD.
Another difference to note is that while 1080i videos can be played at maximum frames of 30fps, 1080p videos can be played on 60fps. I use Gmail that works perfectly but the problem is when I try to do an audio chat in Google talk, I cannot hear the other person? What should I do?
Since your mike and speakers seem to be working, there is likely a problem with your account settings. Go to Settings and select the audio option. Here check the option, ‘Unmute speaker and microphone when on call.’ Also check whether you have set the correct speaker/headphones in the output devices. While on call, check the volume level as well.
What possibly can a mobile hacker achieve if he gets access to the IMEI number of my mobile phone?
An IMEI number is something like the Mac address of your LAN card, which is unique and is used to identify and track a particular phone. But the mobile network doesn’t rely on an IMEI number to connect to a phone. Rather, a Customer Identification Number, which is embedded into the SIM card is used to register a number into the mobile network and hence only if someone can get and copy your SIM’s CID number then only he can intercept/spoof your phone number. This technique is called SIM cloning. The process is very time-consuming and is only possible with old SIM cards. Most of the SIM cards which are shipped after June 2005 in India have a better encryption and are near impossible to crack.
How can I use WiFi safely?
Create a password and set your router for encryption. Update your computer’s operating system, applications (Word, Safari, etc.), and virus protection. Connect only to legitimate hot spots. Limit your web activity away from home, and don’t do anything other than surf the web if you’re going onto secured networks.
How do I set up and use my printer connected to a wireless router on Windows XP manually? Also, how do I view the other devices connected to my network?
In XP, go to Control Panel. Go to Printers and Faxes and install a new printer. Select a local printer and uncheck ‘Auto look for my plug and play printer.’ On the next screen create a new port and select a Standard TCP/IP port. Where it says Printer Name or IP Address, enter the IP address of the printer. The best way is to follow the printer’s instructions and install the drivers from the manufacturer’s CD for connecting it on an XP machine.
An IMEI number is something like the Mac address of your LAN card, which is unique and is used to identify and track a particular phone. But the mobile network doesn’t rely on an IMEI number to connect to a phone. Rather, a Customer Identification Number, which is embedded into the SIM card is used to register a number into the mobile network and hence only if someone can get and copy your SIM’s CID number then only he can intercept/spoof your phone number. This technique is called SIM cloning. The process is very time-consuming and is only possible with old SIM cards. Most of the SIM cards which are shipped after June 2005 in India have a better encryption and are near impossible to crack.
How can I use WiFi safely?
Create a password and set your router for encryption. Update your computer’s operating system, applications (Word, Safari, etc.), and virus protection. Connect only to legitimate hot spots. Limit your web activity away from home, and don’t do anything other than surf the web if you’re going onto secured networks.
How do I set up and use my printer connected to a wireless router on Windows XP manually? Also, how do I view the other devices connected to my network?
In XP, go to Control Panel. Go to Printers and Faxes and install a new printer. Select a local printer and uncheck ‘Auto look for my plug and play printer.’ On the next screen create a new port and select a Standard TCP/IP port. Where it says Printer Name or IP Address, enter the IP address of the printer. The best way is to follow the printer’s instructions and install the drivers from the manufacturer’s CD for connecting it on an XP machine.
USB Ash Tray
Buy online:
http://www.usbgeek.com/prod_deta
il.php?prod_id=0191
Price: USD17.00
USB Chess Board
Buy online:
http://www.usbgeek.com/prod_deta
il.php?prod_id=0643
Price: USD40.00
USB Necktie Cooler
Buy online:
http://www.raremonoshop.com/
products/usb/usb-powered/usbnecktie-
cooler-2.html
Price: USD39.00
MSN i-Buddy
Buy online:
http://www.moresales.com.my/
catalog/entry/ivctzytd.shtml
Price: RM 125.00
USB Fridge
Buy online:
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/
gorgeous-gifts/gifts-for-her/usbbeverage-
cooler/index.html
Price: £19.99
Baylis Eco Media Player - Not Just
for Tree Huggers
Buy online:
http://www.ecomediaplayer.com/
Price: £99.95
USB Noodle Strainer
Buy online:
http://www.everythingusb.com/
usb_noodle_strainer.html
Price: USD120.00
ION Audio USB Turntable
Buy online:
http://www.amazon.com/Ion-
TTUSB-Turntable-USB-Record/
dp/B000BsUEMOO
Price: USD75.00
Star Wars USB Memory Stick
Buy online:
http://www.firebox.com/product/
1899/Star-Wars-Mimobots
Price: £29.95
Bluetooth Umbrella
Buy online:
www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/
.../bluetooth_umbrella.html
Price: £3.95
Pimp Your PMP
Buy online:
http://www.gadgetsandgizmos.org/
pimp-your-pmp/
Price: £100.95
Loc8tor
Buy online:
http://www.amazon.com/Loc8tor-
LTD-Loc8-LOC8TOR-Pack/dp/B0
00YGCO4A
Price: £169.99
Intelligent Wine Cooler
Buy online:
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/
intelligent-wine-cooler/index.html
Price: £69.99
Write Top Secret Messages on Toast
Buy online:
http://www.gadgetsandgizmos.org/
write-top-secret-messages-on-toast/
Style IT
(pages 44-52)
INTEX IN 3080
Price: Rs. 4200.00
INTEX UPS Style 600 VA
Price: Rs. 1400.00
INTEX Mouse Opti Lotus
Price: Rs. 110.00
INTEX Keyboard Multimedia 302
Price: Rs. 395.00
INTEX DVD Player R-220
Price: Rs. 3700.00
INTEX Netbook N 101 W- C1100:
Price: Rs. 19,400.00
INTEX Headphone Hip-Hop
Price: Rs. 145.00
INTEX Webcamera Night Vision
500 K
Price: Rs. 650.00
Buy: Intex Technologies
(India) Limited
D-18/2, Okhla Industrial Area,
Phase – II
New Delhi - 110020.
(Note: Prices may vary or discounts
may be available on some products.)
Buy online:
http://www.usbgeek.com/prod_deta
il.php?prod_id=0191
Price: USD17.00
USB Chess Board
Buy online:
http://www.usbgeek.com/prod_deta
il.php?prod_id=0643
Price: USD40.00
USB Necktie Cooler
Buy online:
http://www.raremonoshop.com/
products/usb/usb-powered/usbnecktie-
cooler-2.html
Price: USD39.00
MSN i-Buddy
Buy online:
http://www.moresales.com.my/
catalog/entry/ivctzytd.shtml
Price: RM 125.00
USB Fridge
Buy online:
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/
gorgeous-gifts/gifts-for-her/usbbeverage-
cooler/index.html
Price: £19.99
Baylis Eco Media Player - Not Just
for Tree Huggers
Buy online:
http://www.ecomediaplayer.com/
Price: £99.95
USB Noodle Strainer
Buy online:
http://www.everythingusb.com/
usb_noodle_strainer.html
Price: USD120.00
ION Audio USB Turntable
Buy online:
http://www.amazon.com/Ion-
TTUSB-Turntable-USB-Record/
dp/B000BsUEMOO
Price: USD75.00
Star Wars USB Memory Stick
Buy online:
http://www.firebox.com/product/
1899/Star-Wars-Mimobots
Price: £29.95
Bluetooth Umbrella
Buy online:
www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/
.../bluetooth_umbrella.html
Price: £3.95
Pimp Your PMP
Buy online:
http://www.gadgetsandgizmos.org/
pimp-your-pmp/
Price: £100.95
Loc8tor
Buy online:
http://www.amazon.com/Loc8tor-
LTD-Loc8-LOC8TOR-Pack/dp/B0
00YGCO4A
Price: £169.99
Intelligent Wine Cooler
Buy online:
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/
intelligent-wine-cooler/index.html
Price: £69.99
Write Top Secret Messages on Toast
Buy online:
http://www.gadgetsandgizmos.org/
write-top-secret-messages-on-toast/
Style IT
(pages 44-52)
INTEX IN 3080
Price: Rs. 4200.00
INTEX UPS Style 600 VA
Price: Rs. 1400.00
INTEX Mouse Opti Lotus
Price: Rs. 110.00
INTEX Keyboard Multimedia 302
Price: Rs. 395.00
INTEX DVD Player R-220
Price: Rs. 3700.00
INTEX Netbook N 101 W- C1100:
Price: Rs. 19,400.00
INTEX Headphone Hip-Hop
Price: Rs. 145.00
INTEX Webcamera Night Vision
500 K
Price: Rs. 650.00
Buy: Intex Technologies
(India) Limited
D-18/2, Okhla Industrial Area,
Phase – II
New Delhi - 110020.
(Note: Prices may vary or discounts
may be available on some products.)
Geekspeak
T3
High-speed telephone lines used
to provide broadband Internet
access. T3 lines operate at 44.6 Mbps
and the high speed connectivity will
enable you to watch an online video
full-screen without any disturbance.
T3 can also handle 672 data and
voice channels at the same
time, for a high-end
telephone line.
Zigbee
A specification for
wireless personal area
networks (WPANs) operating
at 868 MHz, 902-928 MHz and
2.4 GHz. A WPAN is a personal
area network (a network
for interconnecting an
individual’s devices) in
which the device
connections are wireless.
Gopher
A kind of technology that
came into being before
the World Wide Web
revolution. In 1993, it was
developed by the University of
Minnesota and became a
huge success for creating
menus of data available on
the Internet.
Infrasonic: A sound
frequency lower
than 20 Hz whose
vibration can be felt
but human ears
cannot hear it.
Telnet
A user command and
an underlying TCP/IP
protocol for accessing
computers remotely. With Telnet,
one can log in to a remote
system just like a regular user and
enjoy all the privileges that may
have been granted to the
specific application
and data on that
computer.
IXC
Short for
Interexchange
Carrier, it is a US legal
and regulatory term for
a long-distance
telephone company
in that country.
JDK
(Java Development Kit)
It is a basic tools package
provided by Sun
Microsystems. It allows
developers to work on
Java applets and Javabased
applications by
writing, testing and
debugging them.
Image Spam
Junk e-mail that replaces
text with images as a
means of fooling spam
filters. Image delivery works
by embedding code in an
HTML message that links to
an image file on
the Web.
Binhex
(Binary-to-hexadecimal)
It is a binary-to-text
encoding system that was
used on the Mac OS for
sending binary files
through e-mail.
Sysop
Administrator of a multiuser
computer system, such
as a bulletin board system
(BBS) or an online virtual
community. It may also be used
to refer to administrators of
other Internet-based
network services.
Node
In a network, a node
is a connection point,
either a redistribution point
or an end point for data
transmissions. In general, a
node has the capability to
recognise and process or
forward transmissions to
other nodes.
Cluster
In a computer
system, a cluster is a
group of servers and
other resources that act
like a single system and
enable high availability and,
in some cases, load
balancing and parallel
processing.
Heartbeat
A programme that
runs specialised scripts
automatically whenever a
system is initialised or
rebooted. Originally
designed for two-node
Linux-based clusters,
Heartbeat is extensible
to larger
configurations.
Ping: A basic Internet
programme that
allows a user to verify
whether a specific IP
address exists and
can accept
requests.
Cable Modem
A device used to connect a
system to a local cable TV line
and receive data at about 1.5
Mbps. A cable modem can be
added to or integrated with a
set-top box that provides your
TV set with channels for
Internet access.
Daisy Chain
An interconnection of
computer devices,
peripherals or network nodes
in series – one after another. It
is the computer equivalent
of a series electrical circuit.
Daisy chain is also the
name of a recent
virus hoax.
AppleTalk
A suite of protocols
developed by Apple Inc. in the
early 1980s for networking Apple
computers. It is a simple, inexpensive
and flexible network for connecting
computers, peripheral devices and
servers. An AppleTalk network can
support up to 32 devices and data can
be exchanged at a speed of 230.4 Kbps.
It can also form portions of a larger
network by using bridges and
gateway devices.
KBPS:The rate of data transfer in
telecommunication. It is the
rate of 1,000 bits per second
or 125 bytes per second.
4G
Fourth generation of
mobile technology. 4G
will be offering Internet
data rates up to what is
being called as ultrabroadband
or speed
in Gigabytes.
CGI (Common
Gateway Interface)
A standard for passing data
back and forth between servers
and application programmes. When
a user fills out a form, the web server
passes the data to an application
programme for processing, receives
the output and sends it back to the
user. Thus, CGI programmes are
essential for web servers to interact
dynamically with users.
Cyberspace
Anything associated with
computers, information
technology and the Internet. It
also denotes the global domain
of electronic medium in which
communication and control are
executed through the
modulation of
electromagnetic energy
across netorks.
AppleShare
A file transfer system for
Apple’s Mac OS, similar to the
FTP solution for a Windows PC.
Using this communication
protocol, a user can access files,
applications, printers and other
resources on a remote server.
PPP (Point-to-Point
Protocol)
It is mostly used to connect
two networking nodes. It
can ensure connection
authentication, transmission
encryption privacy
and compression.
Shareware
A piece of software
which users can download
for free and use it for a limited
period of time. Sometimes
registration is required, along
with a fee, to use all the
features of the
downloaded application.
Command Line
Used to type a
command for running
a programme. A Mac
operating system
doesn’t have a
command line.
Chassis
A computer case or
cabinet that contains
the main components of
a system including the
motherboard, power
supply unit, drive bays, a
rear panel for peripheral
connectors, buttons
and LEDs.
Path
A path denotes
the location of a
specific file on
a computer.
Plotter: A hardware device for
printing vector graphics or
line art, rather than raster
graphics. Pen plotters print
by moving a pen or other
instrument across the
surface of a piece
of paper.
High-speed telephone lines used
to provide broadband Internet
access. T3 lines operate at 44.6 Mbps
and the high speed connectivity will
enable you to watch an online video
full-screen without any disturbance.
T3 can also handle 672 data and
voice channels at the same
time, for a high-end
telephone line.
Zigbee
A specification for
wireless personal area
networks (WPANs) operating
at 868 MHz, 902-928 MHz and
2.4 GHz. A WPAN is a personal
area network (a network
for interconnecting an
individual’s devices) in
which the device
connections are wireless.
Gopher
A kind of technology that
came into being before
the World Wide Web
revolution. In 1993, it was
developed by the University of
Minnesota and became a
huge success for creating
menus of data available on
the Internet.
Infrasonic: A sound
frequency lower
than 20 Hz whose
vibration can be felt
but human ears
cannot hear it.
Telnet
A user command and
an underlying TCP/IP
protocol for accessing
computers remotely. With Telnet,
one can log in to a remote
system just like a regular user and
enjoy all the privileges that may
have been granted to the
specific application
and data on that
computer.
IXC
Short for
Interexchange
Carrier, it is a US legal
and regulatory term for
a long-distance
telephone company
in that country.
JDK
(Java Development Kit)
It is a basic tools package
provided by Sun
Microsystems. It allows
developers to work on
Java applets and Javabased
applications by
writing, testing and
debugging them.
Image Spam
Junk e-mail that replaces
text with images as a
means of fooling spam
filters. Image delivery works
by embedding code in an
HTML message that links to
an image file on
the Web.
Binhex
(Binary-to-hexadecimal)
It is a binary-to-text
encoding system that was
used on the Mac OS for
sending binary files
through e-mail.
Sysop
Administrator of a multiuser
computer system, such
as a bulletin board system
(BBS) or an online virtual
community. It may also be used
to refer to administrators of
other Internet-based
network services.
Node
In a network, a node
is a connection point,
either a redistribution point
or an end point for data
transmissions. In general, a
node has the capability to
recognise and process or
forward transmissions to
other nodes.
Cluster
In a computer
system, a cluster is a
group of servers and
other resources that act
like a single system and
enable high availability and,
in some cases, load
balancing and parallel
processing.
Heartbeat
A programme that
runs specialised scripts
automatically whenever a
system is initialised or
rebooted. Originally
designed for two-node
Linux-based clusters,
Heartbeat is extensible
to larger
configurations.
Ping: A basic Internet
programme that
allows a user to verify
whether a specific IP
address exists and
can accept
requests.
Cable Modem
A device used to connect a
system to a local cable TV line
and receive data at about 1.5
Mbps. A cable modem can be
added to or integrated with a
set-top box that provides your
TV set with channels for
Internet access.
Daisy Chain
An interconnection of
computer devices,
peripherals or network nodes
in series – one after another. It
is the computer equivalent
of a series electrical circuit.
Daisy chain is also the
name of a recent
virus hoax.
AppleTalk
A suite of protocols
developed by Apple Inc. in the
early 1980s for networking Apple
computers. It is a simple, inexpensive
and flexible network for connecting
computers, peripheral devices and
servers. An AppleTalk network can
support up to 32 devices and data can
be exchanged at a speed of 230.4 Kbps.
It can also form portions of a larger
network by using bridges and
gateway devices.
KBPS:The rate of data transfer in
telecommunication. It is the
rate of 1,000 bits per second
or 125 bytes per second.
4G
Fourth generation of
mobile technology. 4G
will be offering Internet
data rates up to what is
being called as ultrabroadband
or speed
in Gigabytes.
CGI (Common
Gateway Interface)
A standard for passing data
back and forth between servers
and application programmes. When
a user fills out a form, the web server
passes the data to an application
programme for processing, receives
the output and sends it back to the
user. Thus, CGI programmes are
essential for web servers to interact
dynamically with users.
Cyberspace
Anything associated with
computers, information
technology and the Internet. It
also denotes the global domain
of electronic medium in which
communication and control are
executed through the
modulation of
electromagnetic energy
across netorks.
AppleShare
A file transfer system for
Apple’s Mac OS, similar to the
FTP solution for a Windows PC.
Using this communication
protocol, a user can access files,
applications, printers and other
resources on a remote server.
PPP (Point-to-Point
Protocol)
It is mostly used to connect
two networking nodes. It
can ensure connection
authentication, transmission
encryption privacy
and compression.
Shareware
A piece of software
which users can download
for free and use it for a limited
period of time. Sometimes
registration is required, along
with a fee, to use all the
features of the
downloaded application.
Command Line
Used to type a
command for running
a programme. A Mac
operating system
doesn’t have a
command line.
Chassis
A computer case or
cabinet that contains
the main components of
a system including the
motherboard, power
supply unit, drive bays, a
rear panel for peripheral
connectors, buttons
and LEDs.
Path
A path denotes
the location of a
specific file on
a computer.
Plotter: A hardware device for
printing vector graphics or
line art, rather than raster
graphics. Pen plotters print
by moving a pen or other
instrument across the
surface of a piece
of paper.
1 . Most of us have used Sony products at some point
of time. When was Sony Corporation founded?
1946.
2. Who were the founders of Sony Corporation?
Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita.
3. Before the era of MP3 players, the iconic Walkman from Sony was adored by
music lovers. When did the Walkman make its debut in Japan?
July 1, 1979.
4. We all love to live with this electronic rodent.
Now, tell us who invented the computer mouse?
Douglas Engelbart.
5. Who invented the photocopier?
Chester Carlson
6. Philips is one of the most popular MNCs ruling the world of electronics.
When was the company founded?
1891.
7. In which country did Philips start its operations for the first time?
The Netherlands
of time. When was Sony Corporation founded?
1946.
2. Who were the founders of Sony Corporation?
Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita.
3. Before the era of MP3 players, the iconic Walkman from Sony was adored by
music lovers. When did the Walkman make its debut in Japan?
July 1, 1979.
4. We all love to live with this electronic rodent.
Now, tell us who invented the computer mouse?
Douglas Engelbart.
5. Who invented the photocopier?
Chester Carlson
6. Philips is one of the most popular MNCs ruling the world of electronics.
When was the company founded?
1891.
7. In which country did Philips start its operations for the first time?
The Netherlands
The white area on my laptop turns pink at times. What can I do to correct this problem?
There may be a problem with your video cable and you may have to replace it. Get help from a professional if you cannot replace it on your own.
How can I find out whether the web design company has registered my website’s ownership details in my name?
You can search for your website and its ownership details on www. whois.com.
What is the region code of India? How can I avoid region code issues while purchasing DVDs?
You can always buy ‘region code free’ DVD players for seamless viewing.
My computer keeps flickering, although I don’t keep a cell phone or any other gadget on my desk.How can I stop this?
Try modifying the flicker rate or screen refresh rate under ‘Display Properties’ (it can be personalised in Vista) and this may solve the problem. Otherwise, it may be a hardware issue and you have to consult service providers to get your Monitor repaired.
I just got a new PC and get frequent pop-up messages about updates installation. I want to install the updates but these frequent messages are annoying at times. How can I avoid these?
You can deactivate the auto update option and update your system manually. Go to the Control Panel and double-click on the ‘Automatic Updates’ icon. You will find several options here regarding auto updates. Check the one that best suits your purpose and get rid of those annoying messages.
When I try to run a software app, the window size exceeds my monitor size. How can I adjust it to a comfortable viewing size?
You must change the desktop resolution from the ‘Settings’ tab under ‘Display Properties’. Adjust the screen resolution to the desired size, so that you can view things comfortably.
How can I transfer my contacts from Nokia phone to iPhone?
You can easily sync your Nokia phone with Outlook Express and transfer your contacts. The iPhone 3GS can also be synchronised with Outlook Express and you can then transfer the contacts from Outlook to your iPhone.
I want to build a personal website that will have some Flash animation. Can you tell me the difference between an HTML website and a Flash website? Which format is better?
It totally depends on your requirements. HTML sites load faster and can be accessed by any user. Also, this format is comparatively easy and won’t cost you a fortune. Flash websites are not that fast as they require the Adobe Flash plug-in to load. Depending on the content, graphics and various other intricacies, web design companies may charge you a lot if you are building a Flash site. However, you can definitely have some Flash content on HTML websites. This will make the site visually more pleasing and give you the opportunity to include interactive elements. If you are planning to develop a simple personal or professional web interface, an HTML site with some Flash elements should be good enough. On the other hand, if you have adequate budget and want a website with lots of interactive elements, a Flash website should be a good bet.
My system fails to boot because of a virus attack. What should I do?
Some viruses deliberately cripple the system to make it unbootable. And sometimes, efforts to root out a virus can mess up your hard drive’s boot sector. Either way, when you power up your PC, you will get a black screen and a terse error such as ‘operating system not found’. The only solution is to boot up with software repair tools from a source other than your hard drive.
There may be a problem with your video cable and you may have to replace it. Get help from a professional if you cannot replace it on your own.
How can I find out whether the web design company has registered my website’s ownership details in my name?
You can search for your website and its ownership details on www. whois.com.
What is the region code of India? How can I avoid region code issues while purchasing DVDs?
You can always buy ‘region code free’ DVD players for seamless viewing.
My computer keeps flickering, although I don’t keep a cell phone or any other gadget on my desk.How can I stop this?
Try modifying the flicker rate or screen refresh rate under ‘Display Properties’ (it can be personalised in Vista) and this may solve the problem. Otherwise, it may be a hardware issue and you have to consult service providers to get your Monitor repaired.
I just got a new PC and get frequent pop-up messages about updates installation. I want to install the updates but these frequent messages are annoying at times. How can I avoid these?
You can deactivate the auto update option and update your system manually. Go to the Control Panel and double-click on the ‘Automatic Updates’ icon. You will find several options here regarding auto updates. Check the one that best suits your purpose and get rid of those annoying messages.
When I try to run a software app, the window size exceeds my monitor size. How can I adjust it to a comfortable viewing size?
You must change the desktop resolution from the ‘Settings’ tab under ‘Display Properties’. Adjust the screen resolution to the desired size, so that you can view things comfortably.
How can I transfer my contacts from Nokia phone to iPhone?
You can easily sync your Nokia phone with Outlook Express and transfer your contacts. The iPhone 3GS can also be synchronised with Outlook Express and you can then transfer the contacts from Outlook to your iPhone.
I want to build a personal website that will have some Flash animation. Can you tell me the difference between an HTML website and a Flash website? Which format is better?
It totally depends on your requirements. HTML sites load faster and can be accessed by any user. Also, this format is comparatively easy and won’t cost you a fortune. Flash websites are not that fast as they require the Adobe Flash plug-in to load. Depending on the content, graphics and various other intricacies, web design companies may charge you a lot if you are building a Flash site. However, you can definitely have some Flash content on HTML websites. This will make the site visually more pleasing and give you the opportunity to include interactive elements. If you are planning to develop a simple personal or professional web interface, an HTML site with some Flash elements should be good enough. On the other hand, if you have adequate budget and want a website with lots of interactive elements, a Flash website should be a good bet.
My system fails to boot because of a virus attack. What should I do?
Some viruses deliberately cripple the system to make it unbootable. And sometimes, efforts to root out a virus can mess up your hard drive’s boot sector. Either way, when you power up your PC, you will get a black screen and a terse error such as ‘operating system not found’. The only solution is to boot up with software repair tools from a source other than your hard drive.
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