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How to Fix Slow Download Speed

Face it: You probably cannot let a day pass without downloading something-programs, applications, photos, videos, and anything else you could think of. It's always nice to have something new to do but the thing is, sometimes, downloads just take forever to finish-and no one really wants to waste time waiting for downloads to end, especially if they have a lot to do. Plus, there are also times when you'd notice that what you have downloaded aren't working probably because it took so long to download. Thus, you'd feel frustrated. More so, slow downloads affect the overall performance of your computer-and that is why you have to make sure that you fix the problem fast. Reasons why downloads are slow There are a couple of reasons why you experience slow downloads, and some of which are as follows: * Your driver files have not been updated; * Your internet connection is slow; * You are using too many applications at once; * Your modem or router is not working, or has been "frozen"; * The person who uploaded the files that you are about to download is using a bandwidth limiter; * You are using a wireless connection; * The bandwidth has already been maxed out; * Or, the site or the person that you are trying to download from is located a bit far away from you. This usually happens when you are using torrents. What you need to do If you hate slow downloads and want to get rid of this problem forever, then here's what you have to do: * Speed Tests. Go to speedtest.net and check for upload and download speeds. Normal speed should happen with a ping of 100 milliseconds or at least, 50% of the rate of what your ISP provides. If you see that the numbers are lower than this, check if your torrent services are uploading or downloading items without your knowledge. Stop any unnecessary actions. Also, go ahead and close any other programs that you don't need. * Avoid downloading too much when a lot of applications and tabs are running. People are so much fond of multitasking these days, and that's why they think that it's just okay for them to constantly download even if they are working on other stuff. This is wrong. You have to keep in mind that if you want faster downloads, you should make sure that your downloads aren't slowing your network and your computer down, so it would be best to download while you are away from the PC, or while you are sleeping at night. This will allow the system to just focus on the download and not on anything else. * Reset modems or routers. Sometimes, these services instantly "freeze", and you have to reset them so that they could start working again, which also happens when your internet connection stops working for some reason. Unplug power adapters and PC cables so that you can reset your system. Remember to unplug adapters for just two to five seconds then plug them back again. Make sure that you do not take too long to do this. * Choose to go wired. Wired connections are still so much better than wireless ones, especially when speed is the main concern. Wired connections may offer up to 100 mbps, whereas wireless ones only offer up to at least 60 megabits, which cannot really be considered fast. Wired connections also offer better security. * Check if you need to download new driver files. If the manufacturer of your hardware requires that you download updated driver files, do it. This is in order for your PC to work better so that download speed would go faster. * Check information. When downloading from sites, check where the site is located, or where the person who uploaded the file is located so that you will know if you're just in the same area. If the person is too far from your location, it would be best to look for another person or site to download from. * Or, call your Internet Service Provider. Sometimes, the master connection has to be reset and when this is the case, you have to contact your ISP so that they could do the work for you. Downloads basically run the lives of mostly everyone these days and that's why it's just essential that you learn how to speed up your computer's download speed. After all, if download speed is fast, your PC will work faster, too, and you'll also be able to enjoy what you have downloaded even better. Keep these tips in mind.

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How to Fix an Overheating Computer?

There are times when your computer suddenly freezes or shuts down while you are in the process of using it such as encoding videos or playing computer games. There are also times when you will see the dreaded "blue screen of death". So, what exactly is the problem? Well, you can come to terms with the fact that maybe, your computer is overheating, which usually happens when there is excessive heat coming from its components because the use of some applications. When this happens, you might feel a bit panicky, particularly because overheating may cause further hardware damage and may cause the computer to disintegrate-which is such a hassle because mostly everything that people do these days need the help of a computer. There are also other reasons why a computer overheats and here are some of them: * Where it is placed. You might not think about this too much, but sometimes the location of your PC is the problem. You have to make sure that it is situated in a well-ventilated area so that the fans of the computer can do their job of getting cool air, and inhibiting warm air from getting in. It will also be nice if your air-conditioner or some other electric fans in your house are running, too. * Over-clocking. This happens when the CPU runs in a way that's faster than it is supposed to. Sure, it's good to have a PC that works fast, but when you over-clock your CPU, you can also expect that your PC will overheat-and that its life won't last long. * Dust. It's important that your CPU is clean, and that the fans are working, or else, dust will settle on the heat sink and it may cause the PC to smoke up. How to Fix it? If your PC is experiencing problems, do not worry. Listed below are some tips that would be able to help you prevent your computer from overheating. * First and foremost, don't forget to check the specifications. Check the CPU's manuals to see how much heat it can handle. You can also check "UEFI" or "BIOS" settings to see the PC's temperature values, or download programs that will help you determine the amount of heat your computer is giving. * Get to know where the heat is coming from. When air is not properly flowing, heat transfers to your computer, so check the air vents and see if they get to blow some air, or if they are just stagnant. * Check if fans and other hardware are properly working. Sometimes, when a PC overheats, it is because fans, graphic cards, and other parts of the CPU were unplugged or failed from doing what they have to do. Lift the sticker off and drop some mineral oil so that it could work properly. * Check for Proper Ventilation. Never put up the computer against a wall, a heating vent, or a radiator because these things would prevent the fans from cooling the CPU down. * Work on heat sinks. Take off the heat sink first then apply some thermal paste again because it may already be old or it may not have been installed properly. This often happens to PC's with parts that have been brought overtime, and are not part of the original CPU in the first place. * Don't use too much data. Sometimes, the problem is caused by the fact that there are too many running applications, especially those that run on start-up. Use the task manager to check how much data each application is getting, check for the amount of CPU usage, and how fast the processes load. If they take too much time, it means more work for your PC, which of course will cause it to heat up. Free up some space. * And, don't forget to get rid of dust. From the computer case, to various hardware, dust accumulates and causes the PC to overheat. So it is best that you make sure that your PC is clean at all times. Clean the case to prevent build-up, and make sure to unscrew the doors of the fans so you can properly clean the fans themselves. Clean cooling channels, as well. Prevention is better than cure As cliché as it sounds, if you know how to take good care of your PC, it will not overheat. So, make sure that you check your PC's temperature, and keep the tips that were listed here in mind so you'd know what to do once you encounter this problem.

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How to Remove Pop-Up Ads

Pop-up ads are usually annoying. While they're mainly just advertisements, they may slow down your PC in more ways than one. Examples of pop-up ads include software advertisements, and banners that just come up whenever you open a program, or while you are surfing the web. Some even come with sounds that will definitely get your attention and make you look at them fast. Some reasons why you should get rid of them include the facts that: * They get to be installed in your PC without your conscious knowledge; * They get through your web browser so that more ads can be displayed; * You can never use applications or programs at "peace" anymore, because ads just pop up all the time; * They get information from your browser and send them to other parties in the internet; * They install themselves into almost all the applications in your PC, and; * They can be very hard to uninstall. These prove that pop-up ads are just a waste of time, and may even cause viruses to your computer. So, how exactly were they installed in your PC without you knowing? There are basically two main reasons why, and these are: 1. Your computer does not have anti-virus software, so upon installing new software, the ads got to be installed, too, and; 2. When the ads pretend to be other type of software or programs so that you will be lured to download them, without knowing that they'll just display ads. How to fix it If your PC is bombarded by ads, don't worry. Here are the things that you can do to fix the problem. * Uninstall pop-up programs. Click Control Panel from the Start Menu, click "Programs", then choose "Uninstall a Program" and check out the list of programs that are listed there * Remove Ads from Internet Explorer. Click the Gear icon after opening Internet Explorer, click the "Advanced" tab, and then click "Delete Personal Settings" and click "Reset". Then, close the tab, and open Internet Explorer once more, and you'll see that the ads will be gone. * Remove Ads from Google Chrome. Choose the main menu of Google Chrome then select "Settings" on the drop down menu. Move towards the bottom of the page and click "Show Advanced Settings", then move down and check "Reset Browser Settings" and click "Reset Browser". Click "Reset" once more after the dialog box containing information about this process pops up. Take note that you may see a folder entitled "Old Firefox Data" on your desktop. It contains files that have not been copied upon resetting the browser. Check if you still need the said files, but if you do not, make sure to delete the folder, too, so that it won't corrupt your PC. * Remove Ads from Firefox. For Mozilla Firefox, just click the "Menu" button, and then click "Help" and choose "Troubleshooting Information". Click "Reset Firefox" then click "Finish" when a window pops up. * Download an Adware Cleaner. This way, you can get to rid your PC of any pop-up ads that haven't been removed by uninstalling programs, or by working on the settings of different browsers, as mentioned above. * Install an Anti-Virus Software. If you feel like your anti-virus software is not working the way you want it to, make sure that you switch it up with another one. And don't forget to let it run on start-up. Sure, it may take some time, but the point is, if you won't let it check what you put in your computer, then it would be useless. You have to make sure that your PC does not get infected by virus, and won't get access to software that will just install pop-up ads. * Run Malware Scans. And, it would also be nice if you make sure that you run malware scans so that you can get rid of pop-ups, malicious software, viruses, rootkits, and keyloggers that may just slow your PC down. Malware scans will also get rid of spyware which are caused by pop-up ads. Remember, the bigger the amount of pop-up ads in your PC is, the higher the risk of malfunctioning there is. So, keep these tips in mind, and say goodbye to pop-ups for good!

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How to Fix a Computer That Turns on and Off

Have you ever seen your PC turn on and off while you are trying to use it? This usually happens even before the Operating System loads. Well, if this is the case, you probably already realize that your PC is experiencing a problem. Sometimes, it's caused by faulty power supply, short circuits, or other hardware issues, such as incompatibility of software and hardware, power buttons that aren't working the right way, and the like. Listed below are some tips that will help you fix this problem. Read on and find out how. 1. Check if the switch of the Power Supply has been set correctly. Sometimes, the input levels that you may find in the power supply don't fit your country's rules then that's probably the reason why your computer keeps turning off. Incorrect voltage definitely would not give your computer the power it needs to function. 2. Troubleshoot Beep Codes. Usually, a computer comes with Beep Code manuals, whether on their own, or as part of BIOS manuals. Sometimes, beep codes can tell you why the PC is malfunctioning. This occurs during start-up. Remember that if you're doing this on a newly bought PC, do it at least thrice so you can find out if something is really wrong or if you just have not installed pieces properly. 3. Try a Power Supply Test. The fact that your PC turns on then turns off after a while-or after just a few seconds, without you wanting it to, is a clear sign that the power supply is not working properly. More often than not, the power supply is the culprit when it comes to faulty hardware, and that's why you have to check if it's working in the way it's expected to. If you figure out that it's time to buy a new Power Supply, make sure that the computer has been plugged in for around 5 minutes before you decide to install the power supply so that the battery or the CMOS can charge for a bit. 4. Check if there are any electrical problems. If your computer turns on for like, two to three seconds, then just shuts down, it might be because of wires that are encountering short circuits. Check if there are any wires that have been misaligned, or if some components have come in contact with each other in the wrong manner, because if you don't do it right away, you may have to buy and replace hardware, which might be costly for you. 5. See if the power button has been properly attached. Sometimes, when the power button sticks to the case, or when it seems to hang out of the case, it means that it hasn't been attached properly, which may be the reason why you're PC is not turning on-or is not staying on. Test if it's working, and if it is, and it just has not been glued on the right way, just arrange it. But, if it's no longer working, you can go ahead and buy a new one. 6. Take out other hardware that you have installed. If you have added more RAM, video cards, or sound cards to your PC, take them out for a while and restart the PC only with its original components. If it still turns off by itself, it's time for you to use the POST or Power On Self Test Card so you'll get to know which of the hardware is exactly the cause of the problem. 7. Test how the computer powers up by reinstalling each piece of hardware that you have taken out-one at a time. You should do this in case your PC turns on with only the original hardware, which means that the components that you have added are the reasons why it is experiencing problems. Bring back the added components one at a time and see how the PC reacts. If it turns off after adding one of the components, it means that the said component is the problem and that you may have to remove it or replace it with something else. 8. Test what you have replaced, too. If you have replaced broken components, you should also try installing them one by one so that you'd know if each of them is compatible with the PC, or if they will cause some problems, too. Before installing any hardware on your PC, make sure that it works well with the specs of your computer. Test the pieces beforehand so you won't encounter any problems.

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6 Things To Deem When Deciding Between In-House and Outsourced Mobile Development Teams

The first question that arises when an IT company decides to develop an application is whether to go with the in-house team or to outsource it to the mobile development team. Well, there are some good reasons to proceed on with either of the ways. But, make sure that you have chosen the right path. Here are the six main things to be considered while deciding between In-house and outsourced development teams: 1. Checking for the availability of in-house expertise 2. Recruiting new employees to build an in-house team 3. Can we build a complete mobile team? 4. Required skillset and infrastructure 5. How to do QualityAssurance (QA)/Testing? 6. Time spent on new business acquisition vs. time spent on managing developers 1. Checking for the availability of in-house expertise: Software applications are at the heart of solutions which are quite complex to be designed without the guidance of expert developers. The company first has to check whether the in-house expertise is available or not as developing a mobile application requires a skilled designer who is capable of understanding issues like coding, testing and planning releases based on the user's feedback. 2. Recruiting new employees to build an in-house team: If there are no technical experts or good developers, the company has to hire a new employee and has to train that person according to the requirement. Hiring a mobile developer is not an easy process. Corporate hiring cycles might take a minimum of six months or even longer to fill a position and to make it 'operational'. Even after hiring a person, we cannot be so sure that the person will be able to handle the things well. 3. Can we build a complete mobile team? Building a complete mobile team is not so easy. Mobile projects keep iterating among planning, designing, developing and testing. And also, if you commit to a wrong mobile agency, you can disengage with it faster when compared to the termination of an unproductive employee. Usually, the process of employee's termination due to poor performance is slower in most of the companies. 4. Required skillset and infrastructure: Developing a software application has become very critical for most of the companies. Application development involves the SDLC and creation of software which aims at helping the users to complete a task. A developer must be skilled and capable enough to maintain and implement the source code that makes up an application or program. Also, having employees spread out in various locations will have negative impacts on productivity, quality and cycle times. So, it's advised to set up the entire team in one location. 5. How to do Quality Assurance (QA)/Testing? To achieve great results in mobile QA, you require mobile team with in-depth knowledge to collaborate among them. Automated processes would help in resolving the difficulties of mobile QA. But, top performing applications require manual testing with a device lab having hundreds of tablet devices each with an operating system and hardware configuration. So, when testing is outsourced, it would create compromises in terms of cycle times. 6. Time spent on new business acquisition vs. time spent on managing developers: Hiring an agency is definitely a better strategy when it comes to time. If you build an in-house mobile development team, you will be engaged in some of the corporate processes like meetings to manage the team. Instead you can hire an agency where you will have a lot of time to plan any new business acquisitions for your company. So, it's more likely to hire an agency rather than employing an in-house mobile development team. Fortune Innovations Auckland's expert designers help you in developing attractive applications with their innovative skills and give you an effective solution at an affordable cost. Get in touch with us to develop smarter mobile applications.

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What Is Machine To Machine Video Analytics?

At the forefront of technological advancements are additional capabilities that can truly benefit a business. These functionalities were not feasible before, when everything used to be done manually. However, the rapid improvement of technology has made everything automated, thanks to the machine to machine interactions of various capabilities. One of the fields that truly had a big leap forward was in videos and video analytics. Previously, video analysis would require massive amounts of manual labor as systems would only be able to record video (and poor quality video at that). However, thanks to the advancements, video recording has improved clarity and analysis is now being handled by different systems. This kind of interaction between video recording systems, analysis of whatever was captured, and informing those who would benefit from the information is basically what Machine to Machine video analytics is all about. Understanding Machine to Machine video analytics: Machine to Machine plays with the idea of interactions through connected devices. When we apply this to video analytics, it enables its users to combine video surveillance and video analytics into one. Through the machine to machine video analytics, firms would be able to get real time insights and analysis as to how what they are capturing are acting. This would enable them to easily manage or push reactionary measures to how they would like to handle the situation. This is in stark contrast to previous methods wherein you are only able to capture the event or the situation but would be left with having to find solutions or answers after the fact. The problem with this setup is that it might mean lost opportunities for your business, or even an untoward situation could have been prevented still happened. What can machine to machine video analytics do? So what exactly can one do with machine to machine video analytics? There are usually two main thrusts: Security and marketing. in Here are some of these functionalities that could truly help a firm: Marketing features of the system: People counting: The system is able to measure the traffic in an area. This could be used to optimize the allocation of working staff, or even measure the sales vis-à-vis the number of people that actually went inside the store. Human traffic flow and Crowd Density: Aside from counting the number of people that visit your store, the analytics system can also be used to actually track the path that are taken by the visitors. You can surmise where they pass and determine which spots of the store are good for placing products. It can also track which areas of your store are having more people come into them. You can then determine that these are high traffic or high activity areas and know that these are premium spots in your store. Demographics: The system is also advanced enough that it can actually break down the demographics of your consumers. You would be able to determine consumer profiles which could help in better targeting products. Security features of the system: Perimeter checking and counting: You can also set up the system to inform your security team that there are areas in the store that should have no people. If these boundaries are crossed, the system will send an alert that there are those who have breached the perimeter. The system can also be setup do count the number of people who visit the area before sending an alert. This would be better for you to manage high security areas without having to eliminate access altogether. Camera Tampering: The advanced setup of the machine to machine video analytics system can also handle determining if all the cameras are working perfectly or if they have blind spots, or their views are being blocked. How machine to machine video analytics helps: As you can see, having a machine to machine video analytics system allows a firm to increase the effectiveness of their video surveillance system. With the automated alerts, they are able to have real time data available which would enable them to easily adjust to situations as they developed. Aside from this, the data gathered by such a powerful setup can help increase sales and improve the return on investment when it comes to their marketing campaigns.

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How to Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity Error

Encountering a Wi-Fi connectivity error, which prevents you from browsing the internet, can be troublesome. While some use their wireless connection to simply go online for leisure and for checking their accounts on different social networks, others rely on their internet to attend to affairs that are more serious (i.e. comply with tasks for their regular jobs). If you are among the cluster that can hardly afford a wireless net connection that refuses to work occasionally, you need to figure out a way to repair the problem as soon as possible. How Do I Know if I Have the Problem? In most cases, you will know if you have a Wi-Fi connectivity error if you cannot open certain websites. Instead of receiving an error message notifying you that the wireless network you connected to is not working, you will find out directly. However, you can detect the problem if, upon connecting to the internet, you receive messages such as connecting to the internet is taking longer than usual, the network you are trying to reach is out of range, no internet access, Wi-Fi signal is too weak, and limited connectivity. Causes of the Problem * A wireless network adapter is not enabled * Hardware compatibility issues * Loose cables * Missing or corrupt updates * Problems from the internet service provider's end * Software issues * Wi-Fi password is incorrect Sometimes, the cause of a wireless connectivity error is a shared Wi-Fi connection. Although, technically, your network is working fine, it appears that you cannot seem to browse the internet. Probably, your network is distributing higher bandwidths to other sources, which results to an extremely slow connection. If one of the users you are sharing to is downloading a large file, for instance, at a rate of 430 kb/s, chances are, you can barely load pages from your end. In such a case, the solution is to disable Wi-Fi sharing. Issues with the Internet Service Provider Often, especially if you have set to connect to the internet automatically, rather than manually, you will only learn about the Wi-Fi error when you are already busy with a task on your computer. If so, a typical response is to pin the blame on your internet provider. Probably, their servers are temporarily down or there is a sudden interruption with their operations. The solution is to call them to find out. However, if the service provider informs you that it is not responsible for the connectivity error, it is time to resolve relative concerns from your end. Quick Fixes to Solve the Problem * Activate your Wi-Fi network's security via the browser-based administration tool provided by your router * Configure your router by setting it for DHCP or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol * Extend your Wi-Fi's signal strength by removing obstructions such as bricks, metal, and material with high amounts of water * Try port forwarding (opening different ports) with the instructions provided by your router One of the most common quick fixes that users who are bothered with Wi-Fi connection problems rely on is the resetting of the modem. Since there are instances when they are in need of updates, network configurations or IP settings can be the source of the problem. The solution is merely to restart the modem so you can establish a fresh connection to your Internet Service Provider or ISP. If the Wi-Fi connection is internal, all you need to do is restart your computer. If it comes from an external source, try disconnecting cables, unplugging power cords, and restarting your computer. 2 Ways on How to Fix the Error * Troubleshooting 1. Make sure that your Wi-Fi network is available for you to connect. 2. Power your computer. 3. On your desktop, go to the bottom right corner where you can find the Wi-Fi symbol, right click and choose troubleshoot problems. * Plugging an Ethernet cable 1. Locate an opening for the Ethernet either at the side or at the back of the computer. 2. To it, plug one end of an Ethernet cable. 3. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router. You can fix a Wi-Fi connectivity error on your own - even if you do not believe you are technically adept with the solutions suggested by an expert, as well as the suggestions compiled above. While some repairs for your wireless connection issues require manual input, others are automatic and will not take more than a couple of minutes. Granted you acquaint yourself with the problem, as well as adhere to the compiled step-by-step instructions, there will no longer be a need to turn to a tech support specialist. Additionally, make sure to update your device drivers for your PC to continue functioning well.

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How to Fix Audio Errors

Turning on your computer to listen to your favorite song only to meet errors with your audio devices is not rare. If your speakers are not working as necessary, chances are, the device may be faulty. In many cases, however, you will discover that the source of the malfunction is not the hardware, but errors with some configurations as well as outdated drivers or corrupted DLL files. Because experiencing the problem can disrupt your supposedly worthwhile time, consider getting it repaired as soon as possible. What Are They? An error with sound is an issue with the main audio source in your computer. As well as many people claim that it only boils down to not having an output device installed, the problem can range from poor quality sounds and non-adjustable volume levels to the inability of your speakers to produce any sound, at all. Signs Indicating the Error Often, you will know that there is an issue of the sort if you cannot hear any sound from your speakers. That or your computer notifies you directly with the message that there could be a problem with your device driver. In any case, unless due to a corrupted file, the error will not cause more damages to your PC if you decide to resolve the issue some other time. However, it can be rather inconvenient - especially if in the upcoming days, you will be attending to an important task to process urgently. Therefore, it is best to have it repaired as soon as you spot the problem. Causes of the Problem * Audio codecs are missing * Audio device is not plugged in correctly * Audio device driver is not working properly * Audio device volume is too low * Disabled audio device in Windows * Disabled driver support * HDMI audio is not working * Muted audio device * Stopped critical audio services There are different causes of the problem. Often, however, you cannot hear sounds from your speakers because you failed to set your device to default. Consequently, it will not support automatic playback. Unless you configure the settings manually, each time you would need audio (which can be bothersome and time-consuming), you will keep on experiencing the problem. When Does the Problem Occur? Usually, you will not realize you are experiencing errors with your audio until you turn on your speakers to find out nothing is coming out of them. The common response is to assume that there may be an issue with the cables. Especially when it is not often that you stumble upon a faulty s system, you may attempt to fix the problem by tinkering with the cables and if possible, replace the cables. What It Means to Have the Problem Fixed To have your system fixed means you will not be experiencing any issues regarding your computer's sound. You can listen to ".wav,.wv", and other files under the category, as well as watch quality videos and movies. Furthermore, once you have the problem repaired, you will not be receiving prompts implying that there is a missing plug-in or that the flash player is not working when you browse the internet. Tips on How to Fix the Problem * Adjust your PC's sound settings * Disable any interfering extension * Install device codecs * Test your speakers using different media playback applications A typical solution to a defective sound system is to conduct a system restore. From the start menu, go to Administrative Tools, then, select System Restore and specify an appropriate restore point. Especially if you have installed new programs and applications, which can result to having your PC's configuration settings modified. Because it enables your system to revert to the time your speakers were functioning fine, using the built-in Windows feature may be the quick fix your computer needs. Two Ways on How to Fix the Error Via Taskbar 1. Restart your computer. 2. Notice the sound icon. If it has a red X in the bottom corner, the speakers are off, in which the solution is to turn them on. Otherwise, right-click the icon. 3. Choose Playback Devices. 4. From the window, make sure you select a default sound system. Via Windows Service 1. Check with Windows Audio Service 2. From the Windows service, go to Windows Audio and choose Properties. 3. There, modify the start-up type to Automatic. 4. Start or run the program. 5. Re-install device drivers directly from the Device Manager. Turning to a technical specialist is unnecessary if you are experiencing audio error. With the aforementioned tips and step-by-step instructions (granted you follow them accordingly), you can resolve issues yourself. In addition, make sure to update your device drivers so your PC will continue to work fine. Not only is it an excellent preemptive measure, it also maintains your system's stability.

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How to Fix RSOD Error

Seeing an RSOD error or seeing your computer screen turn red is worrisome. You would be wondering whether the only solution is to prepare another bundle of cash to get it checked by a professional or purchase another PC entirely. However, you can actually fix the problem on your own. Granted you understand the nature of the error and you are willing to adhere to instructions, you can have your device back to a fine condition in no time. What Is It? Red Screen of Death, also referred to as "RSOD", is like any other screen errors such as BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) or "GSOD" (Green Screen of Death) in which your computer refuses to accept commands via keyboard and mouse. Unlike other screen errors, however, it is critical since it does not allow you to make any modification. While some would claim the error is impossible for somebody other than a technical support professional to fix, it is actually doable with a cold boot and via built-in Window programs. Causes of the Error Sometimes, a faulty firmware is the cause of an RSOD error. It is due to issues and conflicts with the graphics card of your PC. Since a defective program or corrupted file source can be in charge of automatic installations of applications including sds64a.sys and softOSD.exe, the problem can stand in the way of normal system processes. Alternatively, the sources of a red screen error are often unaligned cables or loose connections. It is either there is insufficient power to execute normal system processes or certain ports are defective and fail to supply power, at all. Since the solution is to check if the cables are working fine, a problem of the sort is not as alarming as most people assume. Potential Hazards of the Error Although you can fix your system after seeing an RSOD message, affiliated to the screen error are potential hazards. It is a repairable problem but it is nonetheless critical, which can result to permanent data loss. For one, you can lose important sources. For another, you will be unable to continue with your progress on your computer. Especially if the screen suddenly turns red while working on the PC, you will not get to recover some, if not all, of the crucial files. When Does the Problem Typically Come up? Since there is a boot load error when it comes up, a Red Screen Error of Death is likely to occur during startup. With the regular loading process affected, the system will fail to function initially. When it shows up before you even begin any task on the computer, it tells you that the cause of the problem is in one of the cables. In addition, a message and a red screen can appear unexpectedly when you are in the middle of a task. This case is more troublesome since it disrupts or ends your current activity without giving you a warning. While using a program, your computer screen will alert you that there is a problem with the system or will simply restart automatically. Five Steps on How to Prevent the Error 1. Log on to your computer using an administrator account. 2. From the start menu, go to the Settings option. 3. Once there, go to the Control Panel and choose Programs and Features. 4. From the programs and features window, search for "softOSD". 5. Once it turns up, click Uninstall or Uninstall/Change. Ways on How to Fix the Error * Power cycle the computer screen and your system. Let your computer undergo a cold boot. * On both ends of the monitor cable, twitch to determine whether the tint of the screen returns to normal. As previously stated, sometimes the problem is due to fault alignment. * For power source, connect the monitor cable to a wall socket directly, instead of connecting it through a power strip. * Restore to default settings. Check your computer's manufacturer instruction on how to do a factory reset. * Replace connection cables - especially old ones. * Under the advanced startup section, restart your computer in safe mode. Especially if it is your first time to encounter the problem on your PC, you might panic upon notification of an RSOD error. However, you can fix a red screen problem on your system by yourself. There are even measures to have its occurrence prevented. As explained in the article, you simply need to understand and follow certain procedures. With a few basic touches, your computer will be back to normal.

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How to Fix Common PC Problems - Learn More About It

Below are some of the most common computer issues together with its causes and possible solution that PC users are having. Computer is Slow This is the most common problem most users are experiencing. This could be caused by many frustrations, but luckily there is something you can do before replacing it. There are several reasons why your computer is slow; however, the most common reason is lack of maintenance. A corrupted registry, fragmented data, dozens of unnecessary programs running at the same time, and spyware can slow down the performance and speed of your PC. It is best that you keep track of your programs. Remove those programs which you never use or shut them down if they are not in used. Clean your registry using one of the free or paid applications that are on hand for Windows. These solutions can make your PC run faster up to 30%. Likewise, run Disk Defragmenter and stop unnecessary programs beginning with Windows by running the "MSconfig". Computer Freezes This is more serious than a slow computer. These may come with errors in DLL, EXE and SYS files. Some of the errors could be caused by viruses, outdated programs, unnecessary applications and others. The problem could be caused by hardware - maybe some memory you just installed or the software updates, which include Windows update. This could also be caused by viruses, particularly spyware that has been installed on your PC. It can be disguised as a click on a link to a fake website from an email or so on. Most of the time the email is being sent by what may seem like your bank, Facebook, PayPal or something similar. Check if the link you are clicking looks suspicious. Never give your credit card information or passwords to anyone, even if it looks like your bank asks you to verify your account. It is actually one way of phishing that hackers use to get access to your money. Make sure that your anti-spyware or antivirus software is updated. The majority of the antivirus programs can be set automatically to check updates. If you are certain that your PC is spyware free, the problem could be because of out-of-date hardware drivers. Search if there is a new update for your hardware drivers. Outdated drivers can cause your PC to freeze and stop responding. If you think the problem is hardware related, you can uninstall the component you just installed, or you can remove or unplug unnecessary hardware one at a time then reboot your computer to determine if the problem was resolved. You can also try to use Windows Restore to use the previous restore point. Too many Adware and Home Page Changes Some might not have notice that they often accept a new toolbar each time they download free programs like Adobe Reader. For instance, Adobe Reader now offers the Google Chrome Internet browser as part of its download. Although Google and Adobe are trusted companies, other free downloads may install toolbars or other applications that may contain malicious code that takeover your browser and changes all the settings. So your home page for instance is changed to another website that you cannot change it back. Also, annoying pop-up messages with ads for products you never asked for are displaying in your screen continuously each time you try to browse the net. Before downloading a new program makes sure that you have read the conditions and focus on what you allow. If damage is done, it will be hard to remove the program. It is important that you follow the instructions when looking for details about a particular problem on Google. There are others who have had the same problem and have shared the solution on the Internet. If you cannot follow the instruction, you can ask for a professional help. PC Shut Down Usually, this is due to dying power supply, defective battery, bad cable connections or overheating. Your PC shuts down by itself in order to cool down. Check all the cables and make sure that they are all properly connected. If the PC is very hot, check if the fan requires cleaning. If it is a laptop, check the battery, maybe it has deteriorated over time and may require replacement. Computer Makes Strange Sound If your computer starts to vibrate or buzz, it can be due to a hardware failure. Whining sounds may indicate problems with the electrical components, while buzzing sounds is usually due to lack of ventilation.

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Tips to Boost Computer and Start-Up Speed

Computers are made up of electronic components and circuits with firmware, application software and an operating system. If these components work the result is the optimal performance and speed of a computer. After several hours of usage, your PC many need a tune-up to get it back in good shape and run smoothly. Your concern now is to find a way to speed up the Windows loading or booting time. There are several factors involved in reducing the amount of time it requires for Windows to load. The improvement will start with changing in the system "BIOS" and then moving onward. These changes are optional, and you may choose not to follow it. Rather, it is offered as suggestions that you can try to boost the loading time of Windows. Most of these changes are very advanced and must be done only if you are comfortable with making the changes and make sure to back up your files. System BIOS Changes Simple changes to the system BIOS can help speed up the booting time in Windows. The Basic "Input/Output" System or BIOS is a group of commands and instructions built into the motherboard that enables the computer to know what sort of hardware is connected and how to communicate with that particular hardware. First you need to access the BIOS setup screen to make any changes. Keep in mind, one mistake while making changes to the system settings in the BIOS can make your computer unbootable and lead to more issues, so do not take it lightly. Because of this, do not try to make changes in your system BIOS unless you are willing to take the risk along with it. Below are tips on how to make changes to boost the booting process. 1. Start the process by shutting off the computer, not in sleep or hibernation. Then turn on the computer. 2. Open the BIOS system screen by the manufacturer's suggestion. Depending on the PC, this may include pressing the DEL key, press F1, press F10, hold down CTRL-ALT-S, or other keystrokes to display the BIOS screen. 3. In the BIOS setup, find the BOOT menu and choose it using Tab, the keyboard arrow keys, and then Enter. 4. In the modern BIOS screens, you will find the Quick Boot option. Omit the memory tests and other Power On Self Test (POST). 5. Look for Boot Device Priority next option for, and place the hard drive in the first boot device. Changing this option will boost the booting process, but it will not enable the computer to boot from a CD-ROM. If booting other than the hard drive is essential to you, skip this step. If later on, you will have to boot from a CD-ROM, just re-enter the BIOS setup and place the CD-ROM in the first boot device. 6. Select the option to Exit and Save changes and it will reboot. Aside from changing the BIOS to speed up boot time you can also choose the exact settings for your hard drive, and disable AUTO DETECT of hard drives as well as other media. Run Disk Cleanup Another proven solution to speed up start-up is by running disk cleanup. * Click start and then type Disk Cleanup in the run box * Choose Disk Cleanup from the search results. * Click on the Drives list and choose your computer's hard drive. * Put a check in boxes next to the junk listed in Files to delete field. * You can remove the temporary Internet files, the Windows temporary files and files in your recycle bin. * Click OK and allow the disk cleanup utility to run and delete the unnecessary files. Uninstalling Unnecessary Programs To uninstall useless programs follow the steps below. * Go to start, then control panel, then programs, and then programs and features. * Browse the programs installed on your computer. * Choose the programs you want to remove and then click uninstall. * Restart the computer if asked to do so after the uninstall is complete. Note: Remove only the programs that you are sure you don't need. If you have doubt do not uninstall it. Slow booting time is also a result of some "DLL, EXE and SYS" file errors. The above tips can eliminate these errors and restore your PC effectively. However, if in case the above tips were not able to help boost the booting and performance of your PC, you can download registry error software to help you solve these errors. If you are still experiencing the same errors after doing the above tips and running the registry error software, it is best that you ask the help of an expert instead of making the changes yourself. You may also try using registry optimizers and system file repair tools.

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How to Clean Up, Boost, and Restore Your PC Performance

Every PC user may encounter a computer problem. Even the most stable, secure PC is not safe from failing hardware as well as buggy software and system errors such as missing DLL and exe files. Computer problems can affect your productivity and may cost you a lot of money. Some of the most common computer problems are - * Computer won't turn on * Slow performance * Overheating * Strange noises * Lockups and freezes Sometimes the only solution to these common computer problems is to clean up and debug your PC. Clean Up Your PC Clean your PC inside and out. Here are steps in cleaning the outside of your machine. * The first thing you need to do is to turn it off and unplug everything. * Your main priority is to clean the keyboard and mouse. Cleaning them is very easy. You can use a few household cleaning materials. * Clean the inside of your computer's case. * Remove the dust out of the fans to keep everything cool and quiet. For desktop, all you need is a compressed air. For laptop, it usually requires more work. Refer to your laptop's instruction manual for more details on how to take it apart. Update Your Software Now that you are done cleaning up the outside of your computer, it is time to deal with the good stuff - the software. Before you do anything else, make sure that you have updated all your software - service packs, drivers, security updates, and others. If you are still using Windows 7, it is best that you consider an upgrade. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps Sometimes there are some unnecessary apps that you need to install. In uninstalling these apps instead of using the add/remove programs, you can use an uninstaller for faster and thorough uninstallations. This is also the best time to optimize your printer or scanner setup, since it contributes some unnecessary applications to your hard drive. You can also check your startup items in "msconfig" and uncheck options you don't need. This will definitely improves your PC's boot time, and also free up some resources. If you are having some difficulties in deciding what to disable, you can always browse the internet for help. Restore Hard Drive Space If you are having an error message that you are running out of space on your drive, you need to check what might be causing this. Using the Windows built-in disk cleanup app might not be able to help you on this. These restore tips will help you get rid of DLL, SYS and Exe errors in general. Search online for the best software that can help you organize your file type, folder and others. This software will show you exactly what's taking up so much space on your PC. Using the software, you can start deleting stuff you don't need and get some of that disk space back. Optimize Your System - Perform Maintenance Start cleaning up your system and remove the junk and harmful software that can slow down your PC. You can download a maintenance tool and run through its cleaning process. This will get rid some of those additional caches, log files, temporary files and other things that affect your system. You can set it to perform regular maintenance so you don't have to worry about it. Aside from that, the only maintenance that you need to carry out is keep your antivirus program turned on and up to date. There are lots of free antivirus programs online that you can download. You don't have to do much more than those mentioned above - Windows 7 does not need to defragment, mess with Windows prefetching, clean their registry or do anything else. Carry out a Clean Install Some people prefer to reinstall Windows once in a while to keep everything run smoothly. This is absolutely fine but you don't have to do it. As long as you take care of your PC, it should run smoothly, cleanly and fast as if you just installed your Windows. If you don't want to perform a clean install, it is best that you check out how to do a clean without losing your files, tweaks and settings. It will make the process a lot easier. You can personalize your Windows installation by eliminating needless Windows components, adding service packs to your installer, and automatically install all important apps in single fell swoop. As you continue with the process, make sure that you get all the necessary apps installed on your PC. If the solutions provided above were not able to solve the problems, you can search and download utility tools who can automatically perform the steps needed to tune up your system.

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A Solution to System Errors and Performance Issues: Clean Up Your Hard Drive

Computers performing at a crawl are most often due to a full hard drive. Programs accumulate with every use, taking up huge disk space. Get more free space and the speed of PC performance is likely to improve. The first thing to do when clearing the drive is to look for unnecessary files. These often come pre-installed or programs that come along with installed applications. Most of these are not vital to the system but do take up a huge memory space. They are like goo that clogs the system. Disk Cleanup Disk cleanup is a built-in feature in Windows that helps keep tabs and delete unimportant data such as temporary internet files. Each time a user browses the Internet, information is temporarily stored in the PC. Without regular cleaning, these can accumulate and use a huge chunk of storage, especially with frequent internet browsing. * Open "My Computer" by clicking the computer icon on the desktop. * Right click the hard drive to clean. For example, clean the main drive "Drive C:" * Select the option "Properties". * The Properties window will appear. Click the option "Disk Cleanup". * A window with a list of files will appear. Click the ones to be deleted. Unimportant ones to delete include log files, temporary files and those in the Recycle Bin. After checking these, click the OK button at the bottom of the window. Disk cleanup can also be used to clean the system files. Follow the instructions above. When the window with a list appears, look for the "Clean up System Files" button, usually at the left side, towards the bottom of the window. Another way is to click the "More Options" button in the Properties window. Select the "Clean up" button found in "System Restore and Shadow Copies". This will delete the data from system restore. All files beyond the current restore point will be deleted. Exercise caution when choosing this option. Make sure that the current point is working properly because after this process, older restore points will no longer be used. Uninstalling Applications Some applications just take up too much space. Uninstall these programs, especially if there are not that vital to the PC operation. To check, open the "Programs and Features" window in the "Control Panel". A list of programs in the PC will appear. Check the "Size" column to see how much space each application uses. If this column is not available, select the "Options" button located at the upper right corner of the list. Click "Details" to view the file size. Again, exercise caution with this option. The file size information is not always accurate. Some applications do not show the actual disk space they use. Temporary Files The Disk Cleanup feature in Windows does not clean everything. It will not touch the temporary files from other programs, such as those in browser caches of Chrome or Firefox. Browser cache use the disk space to make future access to websites is faster and easier. However, this would the least of the worries if the rest of PC function is too slow. These files can easily use gigabytes worth of storage space. When freed, these gigabytes can make a huge difference in how fast the PC works. Duplicate Files Ever noticed a few files in several different folders. These duplicate files are unnecessary and clutter the system. They use up important space on the computer's memory. Scan the hard drive for these and delete them. System Restore Files Sometimes, "System Restore" has several restore points that eat up much space on the hard drive. Use this option with caution because less restore points can compromise the system when a restore is in order in the future. Make sure the saved restore point is the best in the lot. Radical Alternatives There are a few radical, nuclear options that can be used to free up more space. However, these steps can also disable a few vital features in Windows operation. Do these only when in desperate need for more disk space. Hibernation Hibernation feature can be disabled to free more space. RAM contents are saved each time the computer hibernates. The more often this happens, the more data is saved. This way, when the system is booted, the user is back right to the point of last use. By disabling the Hibernate feature, the computer no longer saves any data of from the last use, freeing a lot of memory. System Restore The "System Restore" feature can be disabled. Just like Hibernate, System Restore also saves data from the restore points. Disabling this will free some memory. Again, this is radical and will seriously compromise the system should a restore is needed in the future.

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Most Common Problems on Windows 7 and How to Fix Them

Windows 7 remains to be one of the most popular choices of operating systems for school, office, and home use. Windows 7 is faster than the operating systems that precede it, and it is more efficient in making use of the computer system's resources. It also has a lot of great features that make it more user friendly, and its interface is also appealing and easy to understand. However, this is not to say that it is perfect. It can also encounter some problems, many of which can be pretty frustrating especially if you've just recently upgraded to Windows 7 and are not yet familiar with the operating system. Luckily, these problems can easily be solved. My Operating System Seems Slow Windows 7 can use up a lot of your computer's resources because of a number of visual effects. These features may be a bit too heavy for your computer's system memory and graphics card. If this is the case, disabling these features can help speed up your computer's performance. 1. Click on Start. On the search field, type the word "performance" and then click on "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows." 2. Once a Performance Options window appears, go to the Visual Effects tab. Un-tick the option that says "Adjust for best appearance," and select "Adjust for best performance" instead to maximize performance speed. 3. If you wish to retain a nice interface and still have a faster performance, select "Custom" and tick the box that says "Use visual styles on windows and buttons." Windows Aero Isn't Running If there seems to be something wrong with the graphics on your computer, say perhaps transparency is off, then the Aero theme isn't running. 1. Click on Start. On the search field, type the word "Aero" and then click on "Find and fix problems with transparency and other visual effects. 2. An Aero troubleshooting wizard will come up. Click on Next. This will identify the problem and resolve it. If this isn't what's causing the problem, then Aero may not be enabled in your Windows Registry. 1. Click on Start. On the search field, type "regedit." 2. Once you have launched Regedit, browse to KEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows>DWM. 3. Browse through the registry and look for the "EnableAeroPeek" entry. If the value is set to (0) then it means it is disabled. Edit it to change the value to (1) to enable Aero. DVD Drive Not Found Several users have reported issues in which their computer can't find their optical drive. In this case, you may have to go to your Windows Registry to edit its value once again. 1. Click on Start. On the search field, type "regedit." 2. Once you have launched Regedit, browse to "HIKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SYSTEM>CurrentControlSet>Control>Class". 3. Locate the right-hand panel and delete "UpperFilters" and "LowerFilters." 4. Restart your computer to save the changes. If this doesn't resolve the issue, try this instead. 1. Click on Start. On the search field, type "Disk Management." 2. Select the link that says "Create and format hard disk partitions." 3. The Disk Management window will be launched. Locate the optical drive icon and right-click on it. 4. Click on "Change Drive Letter and Paths" and then click on the "Change" button. Choose a new letter for the drive. 5. Restart your computer to save the changes. Incompatibility with Older Programs Before making the switch to Windows 7, you may have been advised already to check on which of the existing programs on your computer are compatible with the operating system and which ones have to be upgraded to a newer version. If you still have some programs that aren't compatible with Windows 7, you can still run them by using Windows 7 Compatibility Mode. 1. Locate the program's installation file. Right-click on it and select Properties. 2. Click on the Compatibility tab, then tick the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" 3. On the drop-down menu, select the latest version of Windows that runs the program. 4. Re-launch the program. Missing Windows Explorer Tools You may find that some of the Explorer tools that you have gotten used to in previous Windows OS version are missing in Windows 7, and some of them are not in the Start Menu. Do not panic because this does not mean that these tools are no longer available in your new operating system. They are simply not showing on your computer, but this can be easily fixed. 1. Click on Start. On the search field, type "Folder Options." 2. Select the Folder Options link on the results and a window will open. 3. Tick the box that says "Show all folders." Click on OK, and all your system folders will immediately reappear.

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How to Fix Common Windows Problems

Having Windows problems when you are currently working on a very important assignment could be frustrating. However, one need not panic as these problems could be fixed in a jiffy. Here are some of the common Windows problems that you could fix on your own. 1. Your PC Won't Turn On - Now, this could really be exasperating especially if the deadline is one hour to go. Still, not all is lost. You could still save the day (and your job) by doing the following remedies: a. Calm down. Yes, this is of utmost importance. When you are relaxed, you would be able to focus and discover what the real problem is. There is a high percentage that your files are safe. They are not just accessible at this time. They would be though, as soon as you find out what the matter is. b. Check all the cables, connections and buttons. Sometimes, minor errors as an unplugged gadget or power buttons/switch not turned on, are the cause of this problem. Check if all cables are free from any damages, loops, kinks or any obstructions that may be causing the inability of the power supply to flow through it. Cables are especially prone to being nibbled by rodents. Double check too, if the "turn on" button is still secured. This could be loose and that may be the issue. In some computers, there is a reset button that you could use, in the meantime. c. Check the power supply. Even though you are using the battery as the supply of power, plug in your computer (preferably directly in the wall sockets) and see if that would be the solution. You could also remove the battery and see if it will turn on. If it is still not working, try to use other appliances on the wall sockets such as lamp or electric fan, just to confirm that it is functioning and the problem lies in the PC itself. d. Assess the power supply unit (PSU). Your computer and the PSU may not be compatible, hence the absence of power. The first three initial things to check are the power supply, wall power and cables, connections and buttons. If there are no problems in these areas, the motherboard may be causing the inability to turn on. Seek professional help if you don't know how to check and do this. 2. The PC hangs while you are trying to shut it down. This is also vexing as you cannot leave the work desk without securing that the PC is safely turned off. The initial action is to discover what applications are not shutting down and then disable them. You could do this by: a. Open a Windows search "regedit.exe" in the Registry Editor. b. Change the value of "VerboseStatus" to 1. c. This would give you information on which programs are not yet properly shut down, hence the reason for not totally shutting down the PC. d. Shut down each program and attempt to shut down the whole PC. You could also force the PC to shut down but it could mean losing some unsaved files. 3. Windows programs seem so slow. You simply hate it when you are running after time and the computer is not cooperating by moving so slow. You may be unaware that the primary cause of this "slowness" is the presence of superfluous effects. Turn it off by doing these: a. Type "performance" in the search field of the Start icon. b. Select the "adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" button and press it. c. Once the Performance Options window opens, select Visual Effects. d. From there, you have four options. * Let Windows choose the best for you * Adjust for best appearance * Adjust for best performance * Customize (click the features that you want to maintain. This action alone would greatly improve the speed of your PC. 4. Appearance of the dreaded BSOD (blue screen of death). Nothing could be more annoying than doing something rush and important and your monitor turns blue all over. This is termed as BSOD or STOP error. It is usually caused by an error in the driver that is deemed serious that it would cause the Windows to stop operating. Here is what you could do: a. Take note of the STOP code. This would help you pinpoint the root cause of the problem. b. Review what you were doing before the appearance of the BSOD as this may also be the cause of it. Were you installing a new program? Or, maybe updating a driver? c. Assess the amount of free space available. It is recommended that there is at least 100MB of free space. d. Run a scan to check for viruses. e. Update the PC. Sometimes, there are available fixes from these updates. Solve these common problems quickly and effortlessly.

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Measures for Securing Data in IT Devices

Data IT security is important for both home and business computers. Client information, personal files, payment information and bank account details is information that can be difficult to replace. Furthermore, if such information lands in the wrong hands it can prove potentially dangerous to the company, exposing it to misrepresentation and fraud. Data lost because of a disaster such as fire or a flood is crushing, but data that is lost to a malware infection or hackers can have major repercussions. The result would be the loss of millions of dollars in the form of law suits. Risk assessment Data IT security starts with a risk assessment. This allows the organization to name the risks that they are faced with and the consequences in the event that valuable data and information is lost through malware infection, a system crash or theft. Other potential threats that can be identified with a risk assessment include physical threats like malicious damage, theft, power outage and/or fire. Human error like unintended data disposal, input errors or mistaken information processing is also identified. Furthermore, exploits from other malicious activities such as corporate espionage is identified. Risk assessment also helps to identify areas that are vulnerable and helps to develop strategies that can secure the data system. The aspects that should be considered are the persons who have access to the data; persons who use the internet and email systems; the firewalls & anti-malware solutions; and properly staff training as well as enforcing data security. Securing data Once the risks have been assessed and a plan drafted, it gets to the point of putting the data security system into effect. This is in light with the fact that data and information can be compromised. The most effective security against theft or misuse involves the combination of a well informed staff, physical security and technical measures. Clearly defined policies should be implemented into the infrastructure and effectively presented to the staff. Some of the things to do include protecting the office with monitoring systems and alarms; enforce internet access restrictions; keep computers away from public view; update the anti-malware solution; make sure the operating system is updated; use backup energy sources; and fight hacking attacks using intrusion detection technology. Mobile data security Laptop computers and hand-held devices are popular within the business environment. But these mobile devices pose more risks to the organization because they are prone to damage and theft. Therefore, effective safeguards should be implemented, in addition to the measures listed above, including regular backup data; activate password protection when the gadget is left alone; never leave the gadget alone; and transport the gadget using its protective casing.

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All About Disposing IT Assets For Organizations

Generally, they are 3 options of IT asset disposal, namely: selling, donating or disposing as waste. However, the process of disposing IT assets is not that simple because some of these devices, and particularly computers and laptops once held important data and information that could be deemed confidential. In addition, should that data get into the hands of the wrong people, the effects could be harmful. Most organizations have in place a plan that prescribes how often they need to replace their technology. In their plans new laptops, new desktop computers, new servers, new networking equipment, new external storage drives and new mobile devices are purchased to replace the old, outdated technology. However, once new items are brought in, the organization is often faced with a new challenge of disposing off the older items. Information storage & erasing Data once input in a computer it cannot be erased easily. The answer does not lie in selecting "Delete" from the drop menu or sending the file to the trash bin. Data stored on disks can be transferred to the recycle bin or trash, but then can be restored easily while it is there without help from outside. Furthermore, data that has been deleted can be recovered with the assistance of recovery software because data has not been deleted from the hard drive; it is marked as free space which can be overwritten. Data that has been overwritten several times may seem difficult to retrieve, but with the right program and tools the information can be extracted. The implications An person or company that chooses to dispose of its IT assets, including computers, mobile devices, servers and items that have hard drive should be aware of the risks they are exposing their organization to. If the data was deleted then anyone with the necessary recovery software can access some very sensitive information that the company thought was gone. Therefore, it is advisable to hire the services of an IT Asset disposal company to help you clean up your assets before disposing them, selling or donating them to charity. They are smart enough to wipe the data clean. E-waste Once the asset has been cleaned properly, it is now good to go. The best place to dispose of such equipment it not the trash bin to avoid accumulating e-waste which is harmful to the environment. The toxic materials present in the equipment, such as lead and mercury, can seep into the ground contaminating the soil and water source. Therefore, they IT assets should be disposed of properly.