Sep
29
Filed Under Software | Leave a Comment
Arvind asked:
In fact for all the hardware components and installed software in the PC, there is value stored in the registry. These values are accessed by the operating system during the start up for initializing the components for smooth functioning of the PC. These values are also accessed during the run time for different operations.
Why Should We Fix Registry?
This is quite obvious that registry is vital part of the Windows operating system. Then it is quite natural that you will think why should we fix registry and what exactly to do by registry fix? To be correct it is to fix the corrupt registry rather than registry fix. With the continuous use of the PC, the registry gets corrupted. There are many reasons for that. As we uninstall and install any program, make changes to the system settings and attached new hardware components, new entries are generated in the registry. These entries write new values to the registry file and the older entries become invalid. But these entries are not deleted from the registry rather they clog up the registry that eventually make the PC slower. Only by fixing these errors you can get rid of these problem and ensure better and faster PC performance.
How To Fix Corrupt Registry?
There are many ways to do that. You can manually edit each and every entry at the registry file. But then for that you need to know, which are the correct entries and what are the exact values for those entries? Now this is something that is not possible for someone who is not an expert. Moreover, it will take huge time to fix corrupt registry errors manually.
Therefore, the best registry fix method is to install registry fix software that will automatically scan the registry for errors and fix those errors. These registry fix tools perform the registry scan to find out the outdated entries, wrong entries, traces of entries made by malware programs, empty spaces within the registry and traces of incomplete installation or uninstallation processes. The program then fixes these errors to keep the registry organized.
WILLIS
In fact for all the hardware components and installed software in the PC, there is value stored in the registry. These values are accessed by the operating system during the start up for initializing the components for smooth functioning of the PC. These values are also accessed during the run time for different operations.
Why Should We Fix Registry?
This is quite obvious that registry is vital part of the Windows operating system. Then it is quite natural that you will think why should we fix registry and what exactly to do by registry fix? To be correct it is to fix the corrupt registry rather than registry fix. With the continuous use of the PC, the registry gets corrupted. There are many reasons for that. As we uninstall and install any program, make changes to the system settings and attached new hardware components, new entries are generated in the registry. These entries write new values to the registry file and the older entries become invalid. But these entries are not deleted from the registry rather they clog up the registry that eventually make the PC slower. Only by fixing these errors you can get rid of these problem and ensure better and faster PC performance.
How To Fix Corrupt Registry?
There are many ways to do that. You can manually edit each and every entry at the registry file. But then for that you need to know, which are the correct entries and what are the exact values for those entries? Now this is something that is not possible for someone who is not an expert. Moreover, it will take huge time to fix corrupt registry errors manually.
Therefore, the best registry fix method is to install registry fix software that will automatically scan the registry for errors and fix those errors. These registry fix tools perform the registry scan to find out the outdated entries, wrong entries, traces of entries made by malware programs, empty spaces within the registry and traces of incomplete installation or uninstallation processes. The program then fixes these errors to keep the registry organized.
WILLIS
Sep
29
Where to get wholesale supplies for a computer repair business?
Filed Under Small Business | 3 Comments
Jake C asked:
I am considering starting up a small computer repair business out of my home to make some additional income. I can’t seem to find how to get replacement parts (hard drives, MB, etc) at wholesale so I don’t have to pay retail. Any suggestions?
TERRY
I am considering starting up a small computer repair business out of my home to make some additional income. I can’t seem to find how to get replacement parts (hard drives, MB, etc) at wholesale so I don’t have to pay retail. Any suggestions?
TERRY
Sep
29
Filed Under Advertising | Leave a Comment
John Dow asked:
I spend a lot of time cracking passwords! No, not for stealing software or information, for doing computer repair! One of the most common home or small business computer service repair calls I get is that Bob, fill in the blank here - lost his password / forgot his password / left the company and never told anyone his password, and we can’t use the computer or software.
If you have physical access, most times you can reset a password on any version of Windows XP. Some vertical applications get a little trickier but I still can usually figure out a way to get in to clear the existing password and then let the customer reset it.
And no, I’m not going to teach you how in this article, sorry. But what I can do is help you figure out a way to never forget a password without writing down. An especially bad practice that I see all the time is someone will write down the password on a post-it note and put it on the monitor. Which is a particularly ugly breach in security.
But I can understand the problem. Chances are you have many passwords to remember if you use a computer at home or at work. And since many of the systems automatically force the user to change their password every 90 days, this becomes quite a challenge to remember them all.
There are some good ways to create a password so that you can’t forget it. And you can easily meet the minimum requirements of at least 8 characters with at least three being punctuation or numerals too. But the best is 15 characters (I won’t go technical on you but let’s just say that the stored password of over 14 characters are much more difficult to crack). I can’t even remember who taught me this method but I’ve been using it for years.
The first thing to remember is not to use children’s names, birthdays, or any information that someone might guess. This includes common names found in the dictionary or some other know source. The reason for this is there are many cracker programs out there that use these common sources to check against password to break them. So stay away from common words or expressions.
Even the programs that generate random characters can be beat by another program designed to emulate that type of software. The idea behind them is good and they can provide a stronger password but for most user that creates a bigger problem since who can remember W#8hY*2l-Km$!1d, let alone type it.
So what’s the secret? The easiest way I’ve found to remember a password is to associate it with a person or event that you’ll never forget. Something that even a good friend might not know but also something that you couldn’t forget even if you wanted to if you tried.
If the password is for windows or a windows program you have up to 127 characters most times. So use a phrase instead of just one word. So if you have a phrase (or song lyric) burned into your brain you could use it too. When I need a quick password when working at a client’s I normally look at the machine or something on the wall and use it for the password. One of my favorites is “I **** Compaq’s model 2780!” or use any computer name).
When I was five we moved to the corner of 85th street and pacific. Most people I know now don’t know that and I doubt it would come up in any conversation. So if I used 085TH@pacificst5 that contains something I can easily remember and also meets the high end password requirements.
Or how about the first love of my life (which dumped me in about 2 weeks)? I won’t use her real name to protect the guilty but here’s that one, http://2wKJeN06.OrG an, I added organ since she was organic (I think). See how this works? I’ll bet we all have lots of things, events, people, and the date or age we experienced them to use.
One weakness any password can have is if someone slips in a keylogger program on your computer. Keyloggers record all the keystrokes that a user makes and regardless how tough you make your password, if they can see the key strokes, they’ve got you. And it’s much easier than you think to do a stealth install.
There is one way to get around this issue, use extended characters. If you hold down the alt key, then press one or more numerals you get one of those weird characters with double dots on top or a symbol. But the keylogger still shows the character, but a way around it is to use Alt 0160. This extended character is a space and hides the fact that you used the Alt method to create it. So they won’t be able to duplicate it even if they see it.
There is no perfect solution for passwords. But you can and should take some steps to insure that you take the appropriate precautions whenever you create one. Keep it over 15 characters, use numerals, punctuation, and alphabetical characters. Combine elements that are easy to remember but not common information like birth dates or children’s names. Use associations that make it easy to remember.
And never communicate your password in any documentation or emails. Don’t display them on your computer or loan them to friends or associates. Random generators can be helpful but aren’t bullet proof. Change your passwords on a regular basis just in case. Always have a master or Administrator password that can be used to go in and change user’s passwords when necessary.
I’d much rather fix hardware or software problems than ***** passwords on a computer repair service call. It makes my job a little easier and can save you a lot of money.
REID
I spend a lot of time cracking passwords! No, not for stealing software or information, for doing computer repair! One of the most common home or small business computer service repair calls I get is that Bob, fill in the blank here - lost his password / forgot his password / left the company and never told anyone his password, and we can’t use the computer or software.
If you have physical access, most times you can reset a password on any version of Windows XP. Some vertical applications get a little trickier but I still can usually figure out a way to get in to clear the existing password and then let the customer reset it.
And no, I’m not going to teach you how in this article, sorry. But what I can do is help you figure out a way to never forget a password without writing down. An especially bad practice that I see all the time is someone will write down the password on a post-it note and put it on the monitor. Which is a particularly ugly breach in security.
But I can understand the problem. Chances are you have many passwords to remember if you use a computer at home or at work. And since many of the systems automatically force the user to change their password every 90 days, this becomes quite a challenge to remember them all.
There are some good ways to create a password so that you can’t forget it. And you can easily meet the minimum requirements of at least 8 characters with at least three being punctuation or numerals too. But the best is 15 characters (I won’t go technical on you but let’s just say that the stored password of over 14 characters are much more difficult to crack). I can’t even remember who taught me this method but I’ve been using it for years.
The first thing to remember is not to use children’s names, birthdays, or any information that someone might guess. This includes common names found in the dictionary or some other know source. The reason for this is there are many cracker programs out there that use these common sources to check against password to break them. So stay away from common words or expressions.
Even the programs that generate random characters can be beat by another program designed to emulate that type of software. The idea behind them is good and they can provide a stronger password but for most user that creates a bigger problem since who can remember W#8hY*2l-Km$!1d, let alone type it.
So what’s the secret? The easiest way I’ve found to remember a password is to associate it with a person or event that you’ll never forget. Something that even a good friend might not know but also something that you couldn’t forget even if you wanted to if you tried.
If the password is for windows or a windows program you have up to 127 characters most times. So use a phrase instead of just one word. So if you have a phrase (or song lyric) burned into your brain you could use it too. When I need a quick password when working at a client’s I normally look at the machine or something on the wall and use it for the password. One of my favorites is “I **** Compaq’s model 2780!” or use any computer name).
When I was five we moved to the corner of 85th street and pacific. Most people I know now don’t know that and I doubt it would come up in any conversation. So if I used 085TH@pacificst5 that contains something I can easily remember and also meets the high end password requirements.
Or how about the first love of my life (which dumped me in about 2 weeks)? I won’t use her real name to protect the guilty but here’s that one, http://2wKJeN06.OrG an, I added organ since she was organic (I think). See how this works? I’ll bet we all have lots of things, events, people, and the date or age we experienced them to use.
One weakness any password can have is if someone slips in a keylogger program on your computer. Keyloggers record all the keystrokes that a user makes and regardless how tough you make your password, if they can see the key strokes, they’ve got you. And it’s much easier than you think to do a stealth install.
There is one way to get around this issue, use extended characters. If you hold down the alt key, then press one or more numerals you get one of those weird characters with double dots on top or a symbol. But the keylogger still shows the character, but a way around it is to use Alt 0160. This extended character is a space and hides the fact that you used the Alt method to create it. So they won’t be able to duplicate it even if they see it.
There is no perfect solution for passwords. But you can and should take some steps to insure that you take the appropriate precautions whenever you create one. Keep it over 15 characters, use numerals, punctuation, and alphabetical characters. Combine elements that are easy to remember but not common information like birth dates or children’s names. Use associations that make it easy to remember.
And never communicate your password in any documentation or emails. Don’t display them on your computer or loan them to friends or associates. Random generators can be helpful but aren’t bullet proof. Change your passwords on a regular basis just in case. Always have a master or Administrator password that can be used to go in and change user’s passwords when necessary.
I’d much rather fix hardware or software problems than ***** passwords on a computer repair service call. It makes my job a little easier and can save you a lot of money.
REID
Sep
28
Who offers the best price for computer repairs (local store or sending throuhg the mail)?
Filed Under Laptops & Notebooks | 1 Comment
youdontneed2knw asked:
My HP Pavilion ze4600 is now to the point where it won’t even turn on and even before that it was having major issues, it is not more then evident it needs to go in for repair, but theres a problems, I wonder if the value of the computer is even worth geting it repaired, as it only values out to about $300 so I need it repaired cost efffectively. and I don’t know if just take it into Geek Squad is going to be cost effective.
AGUSTIN
My HP Pavilion ze4600 is now to the point where it won’t even turn on and even before that it was having major issues, it is not more then evident it needs to go in for repair, but theres a problems, I wonder if the value of the computer is even worth geting it repaired, as it only values out to about $300 so I need it repaired cost efffectively. and I don’t know if just take it into Geek Squad is going to be cost effective.
AGUSTIN
Sep
27
Filed Under Hardware | Leave a Comment
Imran ali asked:
One of the most important components of your computer is the hard drive which is used as a permanent storage device to store data. The data is stored in a digitally encoded form on magnetic platters. It can be manipulated by using the read-write head which is a small electro-magnetic coil, located very close to the magnetic surface. Hard disk drive along with the media on which actual information is stored comes as the same package. Computer repair Minneapolis provides information on how to repair your hard drive in case of a failure.
There are two basic functions of the hard drive: read and write. These operations are performed by the head which has the ability to reach every sector of the hard disk to sense or record data by discharging electrical impulses. The hard disk platters are constantly and rapidly rotating in order to allow the head to read and write data quickly. Rotational speed of a hard disk is one of its important parameters which can be increased to decrease the access time.
To install the hard drive on the system three interfaces have to be used. The first one is the IDE connector which is to be attached to the motherboard in order to access data from the hard drive. Each IDE connector is designed to support two drives; one primary and the other secondary. The second unit is the power connector which is used to connect the hard drive to the power supply. Normally there are indicators on the hard disk as well as the cables to connect them properly and in the right direction. This is an important step which can be used while troubleshooting in computer repair Minneapolis. The third and the last interface is known as the jumper block. A single jumper is a pair of electrical contact points which can be set to use the hard drive as master or slave. Today, the plug-and-play technology allows us to use preset jumpers.
If you are not being able to access your hard disk properly, the first thing to check is whether the BIOS is detecting your hard drive. BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System and it stores information on how to operate the basic hardware and software for your system. BIOS setup can be entered seconds after the computer is turned on by pressing a special function key. If the newly installed hard disk is not listed, there might be a hardware problem. Since the hard drive is constantly in motion you can hear the low spinning sound if it is working properly. If there is no sound, your hard disk might not have been installed properly. Check the jumper setting again or see if the cables have been connected properly. If you can hear a sound but it seems like a scraping sound, do not attempt to open the hard disk yourself in order to correct the problem. Instead, take it to a professional and have it checked thoroughly to locate a mechanical problem.
Hardware failures in the form of physical damage to the platters are difficult to correct. In such a situation you might not be able to recover data stored on your hard disk. In case of minor defects, computer repair Minneapolis allows us to recover some of the data by placing the media on a special drive designed for recovering data. If you have important data on your system you should copy it to some other location like a tape drive or a CD to prevent possible data loss in case of hard disk crash. Storing data on several partitions located on the same hard disk will not solve your problem. This is a preventive step which must be taken in order to be on the safe side.
If you are interested in manually repairing your hard disk, you will have to learn some basic debugging. This can be initiated by using an MS-DOS command “debug”. To use it properly you need to have a strong hold on machine language, also known as assembly language or machine code. There are proper instructions written in machine language to delete partitions on a hard disk or perform some other functions.
Before attempting to use computer repair Minneapolis shell commands, remember that not all operating systems are designed to operate in the same manner. Older versions of Windows do not support more than 32GB hard disk. The same is the case with file systems or file allocation tables. A partition which is more than 4GB in size will have to use FAT32 instead of FAT16. In order to repair your hard disk properly or to recover data, you will have to learn how these systems work.
You can also lock or unlock a partition in order to prevent it from losing data or becoming corrupted. In some cases the hard disks come pre-locked and may prevent operations like fdisk and encounter problems when you try to install software or another operating system. Simple lock and unlock DOS commands can be used to take the appropriate action needed to start repairing your hard disk.
Computer repair Minneapolis also allows us to recover lost or deleted data. This can be achieved by trying some basic troubleshooting steps before attempting to use other methods. See if your deleted files are still in the recycle bin. If they are not there, check if you have a backup partition which is kept up-to-date manually. In case you don’t have a backup, either on the same hard disk or on some other medium, then you can use a special software program such as Undelete Plus to recover your deleted files. These types of software are available as freeware on the internet and you can download and install them easily in order to retrieve your accidentally deleted files.
JAVIER
One of the most important components of your computer is the hard drive which is used as a permanent storage device to store data. The data is stored in a digitally encoded form on magnetic platters. It can be manipulated by using the read-write head which is a small electro-magnetic coil, located very close to the magnetic surface. Hard disk drive along with the media on which actual information is stored comes as the same package. Computer repair Minneapolis provides information on how to repair your hard drive in case of a failure.
There are two basic functions of the hard drive: read and write. These operations are performed by the head which has the ability to reach every sector of the hard disk to sense or record data by discharging electrical impulses. The hard disk platters are constantly and rapidly rotating in order to allow the head to read and write data quickly. Rotational speed of a hard disk is one of its important parameters which can be increased to decrease the access time.
To install the hard drive on the system three interfaces have to be used. The first one is the IDE connector which is to be attached to the motherboard in order to access data from the hard drive. Each IDE connector is designed to support two drives; one primary and the other secondary. The second unit is the power connector which is used to connect the hard drive to the power supply. Normally there are indicators on the hard disk as well as the cables to connect them properly and in the right direction. This is an important step which can be used while troubleshooting in computer repair Minneapolis. The third and the last interface is known as the jumper block. A single jumper is a pair of electrical contact points which can be set to use the hard drive as master or slave. Today, the plug-and-play technology allows us to use preset jumpers.
If you are not being able to access your hard disk properly, the first thing to check is whether the BIOS is detecting your hard drive. BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System and it stores information on how to operate the basic hardware and software for your system. BIOS setup can be entered seconds after the computer is turned on by pressing a special function key. If the newly installed hard disk is not listed, there might be a hardware problem. Since the hard drive is constantly in motion you can hear the low spinning sound if it is working properly. If there is no sound, your hard disk might not have been installed properly. Check the jumper setting again or see if the cables have been connected properly. If you can hear a sound but it seems like a scraping sound, do not attempt to open the hard disk yourself in order to correct the problem. Instead, take it to a professional and have it checked thoroughly to locate a mechanical problem.
Hardware failures in the form of physical damage to the platters are difficult to correct. In such a situation you might not be able to recover data stored on your hard disk. In case of minor defects, computer repair Minneapolis allows us to recover some of the data by placing the media on a special drive designed for recovering data. If you have important data on your system you should copy it to some other location like a tape drive or a CD to prevent possible data loss in case of hard disk crash. Storing data on several partitions located on the same hard disk will not solve your problem. This is a preventive step which must be taken in order to be on the safe side.
If you are interested in manually repairing your hard disk, you will have to learn some basic debugging. This can be initiated by using an MS-DOS command “debug”. To use it properly you need to have a strong hold on machine language, also known as assembly language or machine code. There are proper instructions written in machine language to delete partitions on a hard disk or perform some other functions.
Before attempting to use computer repair Minneapolis shell commands, remember that not all operating systems are designed to operate in the same manner. Older versions of Windows do not support more than 32GB hard disk. The same is the case with file systems or file allocation tables. A partition which is more than 4GB in size will have to use FAT32 instead of FAT16. In order to repair your hard disk properly or to recover data, you will have to learn how these systems work.
You can also lock or unlock a partition in order to prevent it from losing data or becoming corrupted. In some cases the hard disks come pre-locked and may prevent operations like fdisk and encounter problems when you try to install software or another operating system. Simple lock and unlock DOS commands can be used to take the appropriate action needed to start repairing your hard disk.
Computer repair Minneapolis also allows us to recover lost or deleted data. This can be achieved by trying some basic troubleshooting steps before attempting to use other methods. See if your deleted files are still in the recycle bin. If they are not there, check if you have a backup partition which is kept up-to-date manually. In case you don’t have a backup, either on the same hard disk or on some other medium, then you can use a special software program such as Undelete Plus to recover your deleted files. These types of software are available as freeware on the internet and you can download and install them easily in order to retrieve your accidentally deleted files.
JAVIER
Sep
23
What is the average income of a computer repair business owner?
Filed Under Other - Computers | 5 Comments
streetking93 asked:
I am 15 years old and I plan to open my own computer shop sometime inn the near future and i wanted to know how much is the average income of a computer repair business owner. I live in Tampa Bay, Fl.
Also what do you think the economy will be like in 4 years.
ALBERT
I am 15 years old and I plan to open my own computer shop sometime inn the near future and i wanted to know how much is the average income of a computer repair business owner. I live in Tampa Bay, Fl.
Also what do you think the economy will be like in 4 years.
ALBERT
Sep
21
Filed Under Internet | Leave a Comment
John McElborough asked:
Ok so you’re new to online casino’s- you may be new to gambling or you may be a regular fixture on the real life casino floor but not quite up to speed on the internet itself- this article aims to clarify the technology behind the online casino and help you make the right choice for where you want to play.
The choice is yours
You’ve probably noticed by now online casinos are not exactly a) uncommon or b) hard to find these days. Google is currently listing some 71 million + pages of them and growing everyday but essentially most of the main casinos are offering the same service and its up to the casino player to decide what’s right for them and a good place to start is by looking at the software which online casino is offering. Casino software generally comes in 2 forms- ‘downloadable’ and ‘no download’ or ‘instant play’…
Downloadable online casino software
Downloadable software is for lack of a better explanation software which you download from the casino website onto your computer before you can play the games. Typically you would download the software as an executable file (these types of file have the filename suffix .exe so something like onlinecasino.exe). The file will go to a location on your computer- either a download folder or onto your desktop.
Once the casino software has been downloaded you will need to install it in the same way you would a new computer program i.e. Microsoft word or a computer game. This will unpack all of the files needed to play the casino games onto your computer so next time you want to play you will not need to go through this process- opening the casino will then be like opening any other program on your PC so you will see the software listed in the Windows start menu. The installation process will usually offer you the option of adding a shortcut to your desktop like the one you have for your recycle bin and probably a few other applications.
Unlike most software you run on your computer in order to play at an online casino the software needs to be connected to the internet at all times while you are playing. This is because the casino software on your computer is transferring information with the casino website- although all the games themselves are held on your machine your account information is held with the website so when you win or lose a game the website knows instantly and updates your account accordingly. Think of it like this- with downloadable casino software the table and the dealer is in your living room but the casino vault is still inside the casino building.
Possible problems with downloadable casino games
Having software connected to the internet from your computer is not in itself a security risk- in fact most modern software tries to make an internet connection upon loading up- for example Microsoft Word connects to the internet upon loading to check for security updates. However any software you download is likely to be treated suspiciously by virus checking or anti-spy ware software you have running i.e. AVG or Norton. This is because of the risk of malware (malicious software) which can infiltrate users computers, usually for the purpose of serving unwanted advertising or disrupting the users computer similar to a computer virus. Downloading from a reputable online casino should ensure there is no risk of this as it’s not in the casino’s interest to irritate or damage the users’ computer. You will most probably need to grant permission for the software to access the internet before a connection will be established- pop-up boxes will advise you of what you need to do.
If you are on a shared network or do not have administrative rights to your computer i.e. you’re on a work computer, you may have problems installing downloadable casino software. You can always try but if you don’t have permission you’ll get an error to tell you so.
Web-based, no download or instant play online casino games
Web-based casino games do not require the user to download or install any software before playing (hence they are often referred to as ‘instant play’). Instead they generally use pieces of software which are already installed within your web browser (i.e. internet explorer) known as ‘plugins’. Plugins used by online casino games include flash player, shockwave player and java- these are all freely available and you will most likely already have them installed on your web browser in which case you will be able to play the online casino games straight away- if not you will be prompted to download them from the relevant websites- you may then need to restart your browser before using the plugin and the casino.
Security issues with web-based games
As nothing is installed on your computer the risk of viruses or adware being installed is far lower than with downloadable games. There is a minimal risk of web based applications being ‘hacked’ by malicious users with the intent of extracting personal information or disrupting gameplay in the case of multiplayer scenario’s i.e. an online poker room. As with downloadable casino software the risk is extremely low and security on both types of casino games are getting ever more sophisticated.
The golden rules remain- go with a respectable online casino, make sure they are contactable before committing any money to your account and make sure you’re in control of your account balances. Remember millions of people play online casino games everyday; it is only the tiniest of percentages that experience any problems. Online casinos are still far more secure than any other online purchases.
Which types of online casino games are best for me?
Instant play casino games are great for trying out an online casino you have just found because they will usually let you try out the games by giving a limited amount of information so you can get onto the tables quickly and try out the software. Typically downloadable casino games will have richer, smoother graphics and sound which can make for a more immersive gameplay experience although graphics on modern instant play games are also improving. The main factor is the download time- downloading online casino software can take around 20 minutes on a slow internet connection so you may need to be patient- but if you’re not in a rush and want the improved graphics and don’t want to have to navigate to the casino website in your browser each time you play then downloadable software may be better for you.
In summary…
Downloadable casino software is good for;
- Graphics and sound
- Smooth gameplay with short load times once downloaded
- Players who are loyal to a casino
- May be better for users on a slow internet connection as once downloaded all games are stored on your computer
Things to consider though;
- Have to wait for download to complete
- May have problems installing on shared/ networked computers and can be blocked by anti virus software.
- Download software is usually only designed for computers running Microsoft Windows.
Web-based online casino games however;
- Let you play straight away with no downloads
- Increasingly good graphics
- Good for first time, practice play and trying out a new online casino.
- Work on any computer with a modern web browser and internet connection
The drawback;
- Can cause a big load on your internet connection so might run slowly if you’ve got other stuff going on.
- You will need to navigate to the website each time you want to play
BRADLEY
Ok so you’re new to online casino’s- you may be new to gambling or you may be a regular fixture on the real life casino floor but not quite up to speed on the internet itself- this article aims to clarify the technology behind the online casino and help you make the right choice for where you want to play.
The choice is yours
You’ve probably noticed by now online casinos are not exactly a) uncommon or b) hard to find these days. Google is currently listing some 71 million + pages of them and growing everyday but essentially most of the main casinos are offering the same service and its up to the casino player to decide what’s right for them and a good place to start is by looking at the software which online casino is offering. Casino software generally comes in 2 forms- ‘downloadable’ and ‘no download’ or ‘instant play’…
Downloadable online casino software
Downloadable software is for lack of a better explanation software which you download from the casino website onto your computer before you can play the games. Typically you would download the software as an executable file (these types of file have the filename suffix .exe so something like onlinecasino.exe). The file will go to a location on your computer- either a download folder or onto your desktop.
Once the casino software has been downloaded you will need to install it in the same way you would a new computer program i.e. Microsoft word or a computer game. This will unpack all of the files needed to play the casino games onto your computer so next time you want to play you will not need to go through this process- opening the casino will then be like opening any other program on your PC so you will see the software listed in the Windows start menu. The installation process will usually offer you the option of adding a shortcut to your desktop like the one you have for your recycle bin and probably a few other applications.
Unlike most software you run on your computer in order to play at an online casino the software needs to be connected to the internet at all times while you are playing. This is because the casino software on your computer is transferring information with the casino website- although all the games themselves are held on your machine your account information is held with the website so when you win or lose a game the website knows instantly and updates your account accordingly. Think of it like this- with downloadable casino software the table and the dealer is in your living room but the casino vault is still inside the casino building.
Possible problems with downloadable casino games
Having software connected to the internet from your computer is not in itself a security risk- in fact most modern software tries to make an internet connection upon loading up- for example Microsoft Word connects to the internet upon loading to check for security updates. However any software you download is likely to be treated suspiciously by virus checking or anti-spy ware software you have running i.e. AVG or Norton. This is because of the risk of malware (malicious software) which can infiltrate users computers, usually for the purpose of serving unwanted advertising or disrupting the users computer similar to a computer virus. Downloading from a reputable online casino should ensure there is no risk of this as it’s not in the casino’s interest to irritate or damage the users’ computer. You will most probably need to grant permission for the software to access the internet before a connection will be established- pop-up boxes will advise you of what you need to do.
If you are on a shared network or do not have administrative rights to your computer i.e. you’re on a work computer, you may have problems installing downloadable casino software. You can always try but if you don’t have permission you’ll get an error to tell you so.
Web-based, no download or instant play online casino games
Web-based casino games do not require the user to download or install any software before playing (hence they are often referred to as ‘instant play’). Instead they generally use pieces of software which are already installed within your web browser (i.e. internet explorer) known as ‘plugins’. Plugins used by online casino games include flash player, shockwave player and java- these are all freely available and you will most likely already have them installed on your web browser in which case you will be able to play the online casino games straight away- if not you will be prompted to download them from the relevant websites- you may then need to restart your browser before using the plugin and the casino.
Security issues with web-based games
As nothing is installed on your computer the risk of viruses or adware being installed is far lower than with downloadable games. There is a minimal risk of web based applications being ‘hacked’ by malicious users with the intent of extracting personal information or disrupting gameplay in the case of multiplayer scenario’s i.e. an online poker room. As with downloadable casino software the risk is extremely low and security on both types of casino games are getting ever more sophisticated.
The golden rules remain- go with a respectable online casino, make sure they are contactable before committing any money to your account and make sure you’re in control of your account balances. Remember millions of people play online casino games everyday; it is only the tiniest of percentages that experience any problems. Online casinos are still far more secure than any other online purchases.
Which types of online casino games are best for me?
Instant play casino games are great for trying out an online casino you have just found because they will usually let you try out the games by giving a limited amount of information so you can get onto the tables quickly and try out the software. Typically downloadable casino games will have richer, smoother graphics and sound which can make for a more immersive gameplay experience although graphics on modern instant play games are also improving. The main factor is the download time- downloading online casino software can take around 20 minutes on a slow internet connection so you may need to be patient- but if you’re not in a rush and want the improved graphics and don’t want to have to navigate to the casino website in your browser each time you play then downloadable software may be better for you.
In summary…
Downloadable casino software is good for;
- Graphics and sound
- Smooth gameplay with short load times once downloaded
- Players who are loyal to a casino
- May be better for users on a slow internet connection as once downloaded all games are stored on your computer
Things to consider though;
- Have to wait for download to complete
- May have problems installing on shared/ networked computers and can be blocked by anti virus software.
- Download software is usually only designed for computers running Microsoft Windows.
Web-based online casino games however;
- Let you play straight away with no downloads
- Increasingly good graphics
- Good for first time, practice play and trying out a new online casino.
- Work on any computer with a modern web browser and internet connection
The drawback;
- Can cause a big load on your internet connection so might run slowly if you’ve got other stuff going on.
- You will need to navigate to the website each time you want to play
BRADLEY
Sep
21
Filed Under Software | Leave a Comment
Tom Herry asked:
As a computer user, you must be well aware of technical intricacies involved with computers. Those who are already spending a majority of their time in combating with PC problems know how it feels when everything gets out of control. But now it can bring back to life with a little effort. And the help is just a call away.
With a plethora of online computer repair shops available to help you out with your PC errors, you can get your system troubleshoot by certified computer experts at the lowest price. No amount of fun, money or time is enough, though, to compromise your safety. The tech support workers strive to bring you the best in convenience of your own premises. Their success can easily be rated by their day by day growing popularity.
So gone are the days when you needed to haul you PCs to expensive repair shop. Calling computer help resources does not mean ending in frustration now. The technicians taking up your queries are experienced enough to handle all perfectly and proficiently. You are not guided to any pesky number system asking you to press numbers after every other given instruction. Thanks to online computer help which is completely a new idea in computer maintenance.
In addition to being an afternoon of great fun, online computer help not only helps you save money but also time. There is no minimum charge and you can get those nasty tech errors in the minimum time. This helps you to improve your productivity at cost effective prices, instead of forcing you to suffer for weeks or months.
With online computer help resources working to serve your computer support needs, you can easily say goodbye to expensive technicians who charge per incident or per hour. Services such as online PC repair, onsite computer services and other online technical support services are also equally beneficial for small businesses that can’t afford to make large investments to get their PC blues solved.
Another advantage to avail online PC help from tech support shops is 24×7 availability. Customers get assistance by highly trained staff that offers professional, high-quality service at affordable rates in the comfort and convenience of your business or residential location.
MARTY
As a computer user, you must be well aware of technical intricacies involved with computers. Those who are already spending a majority of their time in combating with PC problems know how it feels when everything gets out of control. But now it can bring back to life with a little effort. And the help is just a call away.
With a plethora of online computer repair shops available to help you out with your PC errors, you can get your system troubleshoot by certified computer experts at the lowest price. No amount of fun, money or time is enough, though, to compromise your safety. The tech support workers strive to bring you the best in convenience of your own premises. Their success can easily be rated by their day by day growing popularity.
So gone are the days when you needed to haul you PCs to expensive repair shop. Calling computer help resources does not mean ending in frustration now. The technicians taking up your queries are experienced enough to handle all perfectly and proficiently. You are not guided to any pesky number system asking you to press numbers after every other given instruction. Thanks to online computer help which is completely a new idea in computer maintenance.
In addition to being an afternoon of great fun, online computer help not only helps you save money but also time. There is no minimum charge and you can get those nasty tech errors in the minimum time. This helps you to improve your productivity at cost effective prices, instead of forcing you to suffer for weeks or months.
With online computer help resources working to serve your computer support needs, you can easily say goodbye to expensive technicians who charge per incident or per hour. Services such as online PC repair, onsite computer services and other online technical support services are also equally beneficial for small businesses that can’t afford to make large investments to get their PC blues solved.
Another advantage to avail online PC help from tech support shops is 24×7 availability. Customers get assistance by highly trained staff that offers professional, high-quality service at affordable rates in the comfort and convenience of your business or residential location.
MARTY
Sep
18
Do they scan/go through ur hard drive when you send your computer for repairs?
Filed Under Laptops & Notebooks | 6 Comments
dtpatch72 asked:
I wonder this because I have very personal writings (borderline journal material) under my documents, which I would delete before I send in my laptop. But do they actually go through the material on your hard drive even if you tell them it was just a power surge? I’m sure they scan for damage, but does a actual person look at EVERYTHING in there? Cause I don’t feel comfortable with some stranger going throuh my writings and pictures like that you know? I would think they’d have to have super special and sensative equipment (unnessicery equipment if you ask me unless they like being nosey) to do that.
what’s the average price of a geek squad guy?
well, some stuff i’ve already deleted. I know the FBI and stuff can check hard drives but idk how hard it would be for the repairman at say……circuit city? (where I got my laptop)
ISIDRO
I wonder this because I have very personal writings (borderline journal material) under my documents, which I would delete before I send in my laptop. But do they actually go through the material on your hard drive even if you tell them it was just a power surge? I’m sure they scan for damage, but does a actual person look at EVERYTHING in there? Cause I don’t feel comfortable with some stranger going throuh my writings and pictures like that you know? I would think they’d have to have super special and sensative equipment (unnessicery equipment if you ask me unless they like being nosey) to do that.
what’s the average price of a geek squad guy?
well, some stuff i’ve already deleted. I know the FBI and stuff can check hard drives but idk how hard it would be for the repairman at say……circuit city? (where I got my laptop)
ISIDRO
Sep
16
how do i pirate mp3 files from the internet to my computer without installing software?
Filed Under Other - Computers | 3 Comments
larryboy asked:
i dont wanna use any software or download anything except the songs? do i have to use a certain speaker system?
DANE
i dont wanna use any software or download anything except the songs? do i have to use a certain speaker system?
DANE