A Complete System Preventive Maintenance Guide

Tech geeks recommend ensuring regular PC maintenance to avoid heavy tech repair bills and major computer faults. Have you ever thought why that is so? It is just because taking good care of your device(s) can help to avoid severe computer problems and also protect PC parts from frequent damages. Conducting regular computer maintenance session prevents a device from crashing, losing your data, and costing you your hard-earned dollars too frequently. Many computer manufacturing companies have started adopting CPU cases with more spaces for heat and moisture outlet as these two factors are the prime enemies of your device. Excessive accumulation of heat accelerates the device temperatures and may result in complete or partial damage of computer components while dust and dirt clogs can potentially close the air vents. Therefore, it is important to conduct a complete system preventive maintenance session, at least once in a month to avoid frequent crashing, damages, and data loss.

 Follow this strategy along with some other preventive measures to stop tech problems and learn how to clean a PC, before it stops your computing operations:

 

The External Care

The most important and effective factors, which result in ensuring optimal PC speed and performance, are cleaning and accurate temperature setting. You will need to check around your PC and remove all the possible products, devices and factors that might raise its temperature. Additionally, try to keep your computers away from doors, windows and other open areas, from where dirt can easily fall on it. Always remember to switch off and unplug the system before you begin cleaning any of its components or computer hardware.

1.       Clean the Case

 

You can easily wipe the case with a moistened damp, wet cloth and clear the ventilation ports to remove any obstructions. If you're not budget conscious, then buying a compressed air can is a great option for clearing out dust from the vents.

2.       Cleaning a mechanical mouse

 

A non-optical mouse gets dirty and stops responding too frequently. You can clean the same, by unscrewing the ring on the bottom and removing the ball. Additionally, you should also scrap the accumulated junk from the two plastic rollers, located inside the ball's housing.

3.       Removing Dirt and Dust from Keyboard

 

Remove the connector cable, turn the keyboard upside down and shake it well to clear out the accumulated crumbs stuck between the keys. You can either use the compressed air to blow out the dirt/dust particles from its deck or use special tools for removing keys and then clean the base.

4.       Check Power Cables

It is highly important for optimal PC maintenance to ensure that all the power cables get plugged into your surge protector before you switch on the device. It is recommended to check the unit's warning indicator to avoid voltage spike that may cause serious damage to hardware/software.

5.       Clean CD and DVD media

Since these sections can’t get detached easily, users will have to wipe each disc with a moistened and a soft cloth. Try to rotate your hand in a way that starts cleaning the section from the center and moves outward toward its edges. Prevent yourself from wiping a disc into a circular motion as it may damage all the PC parts. 

The Inside Care

The above-mentioned tips will help you in cleaning the PC externally, but this section will deal with opening the external case and performing some internal cleaning. Ensure that you’ve turned off the power and unplugged your PC, before, you begin the inside cleaning process.

1.       Clean Motherboard to Remove Dust 

 

First of all, you should avoid touching any circuit-board surfaces as it may cause serious issues with inter PC parts and may cost you heavy repair bills. Observe the power-supply fan closely and spray a blast of compressed air to loosen dust. If your PC is years old, then unplug the expansion cards mounted on its motherboard and clean it with isopropyl alcohol, before re-seating it. Tech geeks recommend checking power connectors, EIDE connectors, and other internal cables to ensure optimal connection with computer hardware, before putting back the case.

2.       Install Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility

Many geeks recommend Sandra Standard from SiSoftware and TuffTest-Lite from PC Diagnostics to maintain optimal hardware performance. You can download full versions of these utilities by paying a minimal cost and enjoy a trouble-free computing experience. 

3.       Clean Windows Registry

 

Whenever you add and remove system components, the Windows Registry records the actions with some entries, and they may stay there, even if you have uninstalled the program/utility. These orphaned entries clutter the Windows database and impact its normal functioning. If you’re facing delayed boot, slow PC performance, and frequent freezes, then take help from the shareware utilities to clean the Registry.

4.       Run Windows' Disk Defragmenter

Running Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals ensures optimal speed and enhances hard-disk performance tremendously. Undoubtedly, defragging may take hours, but it will clear out all the clutter and unwanted files that are of no use. It is the best option for managing overflow data from system memory, and it can give your PC a performance boost.

5.       Hard-Drive Checkup

 

It is highly important to evaluate your hard disk's health by using any error-checking utility as it prevents a lot of computer problems, performance flaws and uncertain damages to PC parts. The checkup process will closely monitor hard-drive performance and send warning to the users about the impending disaster that may occur in the near future.

 Conclusion 

All of the above-mentioned steps can help you ensure complete computer maintenance, and you can practice them once/twice in a month to confirm excellent PC functioning. Many geeks recommend keeping your PC in a smoke-free environment as smoke can potentially damage delicate computer components, circuits, and contacts. Avoid powering up your system's components or simply switch to Windows’ Power Management settings to ensure no damage associated with power and computer circuits. Always put your machine into hibernate mode, if you’ll be right back in a few minutes or hours, rather than completely shutting it down. You can easily extend your display's life by turning it off, when not in use. Hopefully, these basic PC maintenance tips will help you avoid some of the serious computer hardware or software problems with optimal comfort!

Cases and Covers for Your MacBook Air

 Your MacBook Air is your most treasured possession amongst all your other gadgets. For this reason, you need to take utmost care of it. It all goes for preventing it from scratches, physical damages and protection from various other elements. For this purpose, you need to choose cases, MacBook Air accessories that compliment it and cover. If you are not aware of it then, you need to read on to find out what you should choose. This blog talks about five amazing MacBook Air accessories that you would love to purchase. The covers, cases and accessories mentioned are for 11 and 13 inch models. 

Laptop Sleeve

 

People, who like to make a distinct statement with their accessories can choose the WaterField Designs. It offers laptop sleeve that is available for $50. The vintage look and style of the sleeve is great to make a style statement. It instantly creates a positive impact on the onlooker. The design is a waxed canvas that is well suited for the outdoor environment. The sleeve weighs 384 grams and is available for MacBook 11/13 air models and 15-inch MacBook Pro model. It opens up at the top or the bottom. 

The sleeve fits well with the gadget and the inner sleeve with the padded neoprene is good to protect physical damage. The canvas construction of the sleeve is helpful in protecting it against dust and heat. The leather strap provided with it kept the gadget snug and closed. 

You can easily carry the sleeve with your iPad too in a backpack or a handbag. 

Slipcase 

At times, you need something that will compliment your lifestyle that involves outdoor meetings and conferences. If you carry a backpack then, it seems to be a bit too much, and if you carry a cover, it kills the style. You need something that just fits the bill, how about a Targus Slipcase (model number TTS00504US for North America) that is available at $60 USD and $65 AU.

The slipcase is available in black, brown, gray and white colors. It weighs 450grams and is constructed with canvas. The functionality of the case is what makes it appealing. You will like it for its magnetic hood made of faux leather, padded compartment, clutch for business cards and a stretchable front pocket. You will be easily able to house power adapter that fits in the pocket and other stuff. When you add a shoulder strap then, you can easily carry it as a shoulder bag.

Backpack

 

Sometimes you just need to be comfortable carrying your stuff without thinking much. You need something like Berghaus Remote ll 20. It is custom designed for the Air and will hold the gadget well. Additionally, if you are traveling in a crowded area, this comes as the most effective way of disguising your gadget and keeping people off it. The shoulder strap makes it comfortable to carry it around easily. You can adjust the chest strap that includes a compartment for sunglasses too. To make it easy on summers, this backpack is designed with a vent that will not make you sweat. 

The inside compartment is imported that is capable of handling 3 liter hydration bladder, and you can easily fit 13-inch model. The design contains netting, and its waterproof design makes it a perfect travel companion especially for the sporty people. The handle on the top is handy for carrying it, and the compression straps help in decreasing the size of the bag. It weighs 530 grams.

Smart Case

 

You can choose a case to wrap your gadget into something that will make it look stylish. The Smart Case is exactly that what you desire. It weighs 340 grams and is available for $80 in US and $85 in AU. You can easily carry the 11-inch model into it. If you have 13-inch model then, you can choose the leather spine case with black net pocket and red nylon surface. 

The sleeve is soft padded that holds the device snug. The recessed spine on the either sides of the case makes it easy to fit the device and even retrieve it. The stretchable pocket on the front is capable of housing all the small stuff that you like to carry along including a novel, an iPad or even the adaptor. 

Case

Those, who like to keep it minimum with style or accessory can choose to go with the Twelve South BookBook that is available for $80 US and $90 AU. It is all about the cover that is sleek with leather like look. It weighs 355 grams with a weathered style in two-tone red/ brown spine. It is designed to disguise your device and provide good protection. It is ideal for people who travel a lot and do not want to attract attention to their expensive gadget. The inner sleeve is soft felt to protect the device. You can alternatively use it for keeping the device atop.

Choose any of the mentioned cases, sleeves or backpacks to your delight. The accessories mentioned here are useful and 100% percent on the utility factor. 

CES 2015: Dell Introduces Its Latest Line of XPS Business Laptops

The renowned International technology and electronics trade show is one of the most awaited events in the technology arena. On the very onset of every year, CES trade show hosts new product announcements and their previews. CES 2015 is no exception and this year also, a wide array of new and improved gadgets has been introduced to please the end consumers.

 

Like last year, even this year business laptops are likely to dominate the consumer market. In line with that, at CES2015, Dell showcased its two new high-end XPS version business laptops- Dell XPS 13 and the XPS 15.

Both the laptops feature Windows 8.1 by default. However, as it was with other Dell XPS line of laptops, these two devices will also have a special developer’s edition, which will have Ubuntu. Sources close to Dell have revealed that the Linux-powered model will run in Ubuntu 14.04 and is likely to appear in February 2015. 

Technical Specifications

 Both Ubuntu 14.04 and Windows 8.1 models will feature Intel's fifth-generation "Broadwell U" Core chips. With these chips, the latest Dell business laptops are likely to showcase advanced better graphics performance and better battery lives. 

Both the versions will have the full Broadwell U family that will range from the 2.1GHz Core i3 to 3.2GHz Core i7.

Dell claims that apart from having new chips, and a better and bigger battery, the XPS 13 will be capable of delivering 15 hours of run-time on a single charge.

Customers will also have wide storage options that will range from 128GB, 256GB to 512GB SSD. However, one of the lower sides in terms of specification is that the devices will be available with just 4GB and 8 GB RAM choices. However, a hardcore user would have preferred to get a 16GB RAM version that would make the laptop a top-of-the-line workstation on the road.

Screen and Design

Users will love the lovely screens of these two Dell Business laptops. The XPS 13 comes with the optional UltraSharp Quad HD+ Infinity display that features 5.2mm bezels and 5.7 million pixels. Based on its high-end screen resolution, Dell claims that users will get to enjoy movies and presentations with highly detailed "eye-popping colors" and remarkable sharpness. However, as a user you need to understand here that if you maintain that level of eye-popping color in your screen, you can't have the 15 hours of battery life. But with that factor aside, the screen is a real pleasure in every regard.

The beautified screen very well gets complemented by an aluminum upper half. The base of the device is made of carbon fiber that provides strength and sturdiness. Overall, the XPS 13 weighs 2.6 pounds. So, it is not a very light weight device, but not that heavy that you can't handle.

Coming to the XPS 15, it boasts an UltraSharp 4K Ultra HD touch display. That HD display has more than 8 million pixels. Dell claims that by introducing 4K Ultra HD screen option, it has launched the highest resolution screen in the domain of present 15-inch laptop. 

There is no reason, but to accept Dell's claim as XPS 15 indeed has one of the best screens in the market. Moreover, the powerful processor of the device completely compliments the screen because it makes the motion very smooth and flawless.

 

Pricing and Availability 

 

There will be a wide array in the pricing of the new Dell laptops. The XPS 13 will be available at a starting price of $799.99. So, it's a good piece of news because that makes XPS13 cheaper than other Windows laptops of the XPS line. The device hits the market on January 6 this year. The XPS 15 will appear later in the first quarter. With its high-end screen, the device will be available for $2,349.

So, it can be said that at CES 2015, Dell latest XPS laptops rocked as business laptop with the balance of performance and price.

Facing Performance Issues After Windows Update Install? Learn How to Roll Back or Uninstall It

Many tech geeks recommend PC users to install Windows update as soon as they appear on the Microsoft’s official website. But does your computer’s performance downgrade soon after installing the necessary Windows updates? If yes, then learn how to uninstall Windows Update, which are affecting your PC functioning and performance.

Sometimes, you may accidentally install some of the Windows updates that seem necessary for optimal PC performance, but turns out to be your biggest mistake. The latest updates made available by the company are the part of Windows Security Essentials, intended to ensure excellent performance and amazing speed of your computers. Installing all the latest updates will free up your devices from virus threats and make them more secure and protected towards the various prevailing infections. Some of you might have commanded your Windows PCs to install all the latest Windows Update automatically to maintain your PC’s security and privacy. But in the recent past, Microsoft has released a couple of faulty updates that adversely affected computers and has caused huge data, as well as financial loss. If you’re one of those victims and don’t know what you should do to set your device back into a normal working condition, then follow the below stages:

Stage1: Boot into Safe Mode

 

Tech geeks recommend turning on their PCs into the Safe Mode, whenever you are making any changes to the system or hard disk drive. It is important to use the mode as Windows will not load anything extra apart from what Windows needs to load during the boot. You can press the ‘F8’ key to activate the boot menu. You will have to use the arrow keys to switch to Safe Mode, in all Windows versions prior to Windows 8.

The Win 8 and 10 wants you to hold the ‘Shift’ key while clicking the ‘Restart’ button to enter the boot menu. Later, you can follow the instructions to set your device into the Safe Mode.

Stage2: Uninstall Windows Update (Problematic One)

1.         Once you’ve turned on your Windows PC in the Safe Mode, go to ‘Programs and Features’ and then click on ‘View installed updates’ option, from the left-hand pane. 

2.         Select the problematic Windows update and click on the ‘Uninstall’ button to remove them from the disk/system.

3.         You can select any number of Windows updates and click ‘Uninstall’ option to remove them completely.

 

Note: If you don’t know about the problematic updates, quickly go through the installation dates of the updates to remove the one that you want to remove. You can view the installation dates by pulling down the drop-down selector on the ‘Installed On’ column to select a particular date or range.

 

Conclusion

 

If you aren’t able to turn on your PC into Safe Mode, or cannot uninstall the update easily, then try using the System Restore feature. You can access this feature any time to set your device back into a previously working state. If possible, use it from the Safe Mode or you can also access the tool from the installation disk’s repair options. Windows 8 users can go to Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options and then click on System Restore while the Windows 7 users can access the boot disk’s System Recovery options directly. Pick the desired restore point and then follow the instructions of the wizard to make it happen and start experiencing the flawless system performance, before installing the update. It is recommended to look out for the latest updates available for the inbuilt Microsoft Antivirus or Microsoft Security Essential to ensure the trouble-free functioning of your devices.