Ask most anyone who has even owned or worked on a computer and they can tell you all kinds of computer disaster stories. Some of the most common tales include details such as viral assaults, intermittent hardware faults, operating system malfunctions, server admin problems, and the dreaded “blue screen of death.” Every wish you could just activate a repair program with the click of a mouse and make all these issues disappear? Although the field of computer technology is advancing every day, it isn’t quite sophisticated enough to miraculously repair itself. However, there is always the option of learning general maintenance and restoration techniques on your own by taking computer repair classes.

General Information on Computer Repair Classes

Computer Repair Classes

Computer repair classes encompass a wide variety of technologies and familiarize the student with both common hardware and software issues. Computer repair classes are offered in a selection of environments including traditional classrooms, online universities, mail-order/distance learning programs, military and armed services education, and even through ordinary websites. Most programs involve computer repair classes that follow a few basic guidelines and include instruction in the following six areas:

• Understanding PCs – also known as the Introduction Phase, usually outlines terminology, installation, hardware components, operating systems, Internet/online services, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Upgrading & Repair – covers common components and system designs, microprocessors, CPU operating voltages, heat/cooling problems, motherboards, system bus types, and resolving resource conflicts.
• BIOS & Memory – pertains to information regarding BIOS hardware/software, upgrading options, reboot environment, error messages, installing RAM upgrades, and troubleshooting memory.
• Hard Disk Drives – covers areas such as magnetic storage principles, hard disk storage and drive operation, removable storage options, hard disk installation processes, formatting, replacing an existing drive, and hard disk drive troubleshooting.
• Video & Audio Functions – outlines video hardware, monitor maintenance, upgrading/replacing video card, adapter/display troubleshooting, audio hardware, audio adapter features, sound card installation, troubleshooting sound card problems, and speakers/microphones.
• Internet & Networking – involves study on input devices, Internet connectivity, securing/sharing internet connections, internet troubleshooting, network protocols, network troubleshooting, power supplies, building/upgrading systems, PC diagnostics, and PC testing/maintenance.

Please note that this is the general framework for computer repair classes and not an actual outline. Contact your chosen school or program provider for more accurate details and descriptions.

Typically, computer repair classes last anywhere from eight weeks to two years depending upon the learning institution and the desired degree or certification. Taking computer repair classes can result in a certification, Associates, Bachelors, or Masters Degree in IT programs.

How Computer Repair Classes Lead to Job Opportunities

In today’s economy, well-paying jobs are few and far between. For those job seekers with an appropriate background, the search can be much easier. This is why computer repair classes are so important for someone looking to work in the computer science field. Most employers look for technicians with an associate’s degree in technology or training in a vocational school, military, or manufacturing program and computer repair classes completely satisfy this requirement. The number of PCs in business and residential settings is quickly climbing. Statistically speaking, nearly all computers will need the services of a computer repair technician at some point in its lifespan. Beginning your career now through training provided by computer repair classes will ensure that you have a long and prosperous profession as a computer repair technician or support specialist.

Mac Mini Memory Installation

Mac Mini Memory

Computers in general are not friendly to the environment but enter the mac mini memory fails to come up with anything remotely close to the computing ability and efficiency demonstrated by Apple Computers led by Steve Jobs.  This handful computer the mac mini runs at a mere 10 watts but for all this size reduction and conservation of energy this is a full size  computer which at introduction had the top speed and graphics available.  The bottom plate allowed access to the mac mini memory to replace or upgrade the memory as needed. The mac mini memory makes this an excellent choice for gaming and 3d video.  After 2010 the mac mini no longer has a separate external power source, but the power source is inside the mac mini adjacent to the memory. 

Mac Mini Memory

Steve jobs introduced mac mini memory removable primarily to target PC users who were considering a crossover move.  The device was shipped sans keyboard mouse and even the nice apple display/monitor because they figured that most people making the change would already have all the necessary accessories.  In addition to energy conservation and its small size appeal it is also extremely affordable in comparison with the other two products that anchor Apple’s computer line the Mac and the MacPro.

Mac Mini Memory Server

A special version of the mac mini memory serves to remind me is intended for use in a small network as a server.  This unit comes packaged with snow leopard software for server purposes.

 

HP StorageWorks Modular Smart Array P2000 G3 FC/iSCSI Dual Controller – Hard drive array – 3.5 TB – 24 bays ( SATA-300 / SAS-2 ) – 24 x HD 146 GB – iSCSI, 8Gb Fibre Channel (external) – rack-mountable – 2U

Technical Details

• Hard Drive: 300 GB 10000

Product Details

• Item Weight: 32.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 73 pounds
• Item model number: P2000 G3 FC/iSCSI Dual Controller

Replacing a laptop keyboard can be a simple way of making an older laptop seem like new again with little cost and not much effort. Giving new life to the springs in the laptop as well as replacing missing or broken keys make using your older laptop fun again.

Sometimes it’s not so easy to replace a keyboard laptop
There certainly can be problems you encounter when replacing a laptop keyboard.

Even when ordering a specific keyboard for a specific model number you may not receive the exact correct part. On a Compaq Presario X1000 for example, there are 2 screws on the bottom that are easily identifiable as keyboard screws (see the little keyboard graphics) and upon removing the 2 screws on the back and then pushing down the small clips on the existing keyboard (next to the the f1 key, the f5 key, the f9 key and the delete button) the keyboard can be lifted up from the top and then the ribbon cable that connects the keyboard to the laptop can be disconnected. However on the replacement keyboards there are not always mounts for the screws when you put the new laptop keyboard back in. The keyboard may fit exactly as you expect, however you may be missing the mounting brackets. 2 issueds with this. First, it will not impact the actual function of your keyboard and your keyboard will likely work just fine, but it will not keep the keyboard as secure as normal and your new keyboard will ‘bounce’ as you type. This can be very odd, as it feels different to type and makes more noise than it should.

How to replace your laptop keyboard

1. A simple way to find out how to replace the keyboard on a specific model of your laptop is to do  a youtube video search. There are a tons of people that show video changing the keyboard of different specific laptops.

2. Contact the manufacturer and request instructions. Find the contact info for your laptop manufacturer, which usually would be available online and request instructions. They may be helpful and include part numbers and other information needed when ordering.

3. As a rule of thumb there are often screws to be loosened underneath the battery pack. Additionally there are either clips on the front of the keyboard near the function keys or there will be a small plastic cover above your keyboard that needs to be carefully removed. Upon removing this plastic cover, there will either be additional screws or some clips. It is also possible that the screws are different sizes, so be careful when to keep them separate.

Acronis Backup and Recovery Video

How lost would you be if your computer crashed or your hard drive failed?  I was surprised to see on this video that 85% of us do not use any kind of backup for our computers.  Are you one of those 85% who see no need for an online backup service?  You must be very fortunate so far.  Only someone who has not had their computer crash without warning and lost it all would feel that they have no need for an online backup service.

Once You Have Lost It All You Realize You Should Have Backed It Up

Personally, I have had to use 3 or 4 different computers in the last year and it is so frustrating that the last 2 computers I’ve used, I didn’t even bother to put any programs or backed up files onto them.  That means I now have no pictures, music, documents or programs on my computer.  Worse yet, I have lost all my contacts and have to rely on the white pages to find my families addresses and phone numbers.  Crazy, right?  I actually did back up my files, but not with an online backup service.  That would have been so much smarter.  Instead I used an external hard drive, that works, you say.  NOT.  Why?  Because I have to share it with at least 3 other people and I somehow did not manage to get all the files I needed backed up onto the hard drive.  So when it came time to do taxes for our small business this year, I had no copies of last year’s tax returns to transfer into this year’s forms.  I had to start over.  On top of that, I seem to have lost all of my years of Quicken accounting.  That is NOT COOL.

Websites That Can Help You Compare Online Backup Service

There are so many available options for you these days in the area of online backup service that it should be easy to get yourself set up.  Some of the options include: Mozy, Sos Online Backup, Back Blaze, Live Drive, idrive, and Carbonite.  The problem is in the diversity of companies, options, and prices.  If you are overwhelmed by the many options out there for online backup service, there are even websites, like Gadget Advisor or PC Mag, that compare the different backup options and companies for you to help you find the company that best fits your needs and budget.  Since your online backup service is not really something that you want to try before you buy, it is helpful to find out what others know or have experienced with these different companies before you entrust your “brain” to them.

Prices and Payment Options Will Vary

As I have searched I have discovered that there are both free online backup service and fee online backup service companies out there.  There are online backup service for home and online backup service for business.  There are monthly payment plans and one time payment options.  Then there are, of course, all kinds of different size options.  With all the companies out there, you really do need to know what you need from your online backup service, and then pick what you can afford that meets that need.

Xlerator Stand For Logitec Wheel

Xlerator Gaming

My son loves driving games that have a wheel controller that he can use his xlerator.  He has multiple gaming systems.  We have an original nintendo system, an original xbox, a xbox 360, and a wii system which also plays our Gamecube games..  He also built a gaming computer for his driving games.  In addition we have tried game boys, game boy advance, nintendo ds, nintendo ds lite (the hand held games have driving games but can’t really use the xlerator products).

In all the driving games the use of a steering wheel and pedal controls are sometimes difficult to find away to set them up.  The first time we bought a logitec wheel we tried setting it up with just a chair and sitting the wheel on his lap.  We also tried a TV tray and a coffee table even the dining room table all the time wishing we had something like the xlerator stand for the wheel.  It was still better than using the hand controllers or even the mini steering wheel controller but it really needed some support system and xlerator has the perfect product to make your driving game experience the best it can be.

Xlerator Dryer

Excel makes an excellent hand dryer called the xlerator.  It is not as much fun as the xlerator for gaming but it the best product for use in your business or your high end home if you prefer a hand dryer for your guest wash room to avoid hand towels and the clutter of paper towels.   It comes with several different options like a variety of colors and the option of the xlerator automated switching.

Battle of Linux vs Windows

Linux vs Windows Personal Experience

I have a couple of friends, both techies, who use it and encouraged me to give the test of Linux vs Windows a try. I finally did after ANOTHER frustrating experience with Windows, and one of them helped me install Linux. It is an operating system, just like Windows and Mac, but it’s what they call an open source system. Open Source means that anyone can write programs for it, but as soon as you offer it, other techies around the world are going to scrutinize it for suspicious content – hence there are no viruses with Linux. There are thousands of apps that you can install, and it runs OpenOffice. Caveat: I tried to install something a couple of weeks ago, and now I can’t get it to boot up, so I’m back to Windows for the time being. Don’t try the Linux vs Windows test unless you have a good, available techie to help you out in a bind. Sounds negative, but you have the same problem with Windows for sure, and maybe Mac as well. One feature that I really like is that when you turn it on, you’re ready to go in less than 30 seconds, and it turns off in 5 seconds, instead of the 90 that Windows takes.  Linux takes a little getting used to, layout and such, but overall I like Linux. Maybe Linux For Dummies would be helpful. P.S. Linux is free which makes taking the Linux vs Windows test very appealing.

Have you seen the icons that every major website has? Would you like one? How do you make a toolbar icon? Having a favicon file or fav.ico image show up on your website is just another subtle way of branding your website and making it look professional.

Design it
For the design, look at a bunch of icons that other websites use. Note how it’s incredibly small and no room for features like a lot of shading or high resolution graphics. Keep it very simple. Look for a program that you can use to make it.

Size it
16 X 16 pixel or points – you can also design it in 32X32 or 64X64 but the smaller file will be just as good and help keep your website running fast.

Export it
You need to find a program that can export as an .ico file type. CorelDraw works great for that, and there are many other design programs that will work as well.

Name It
You must name it favicon.ico, so don’t get fancy and try naming it with your website name or anything like that.

Upload It
Once you have saved it, you need to upload it to the main folder or root directory of your website. For most hosting companies that is the public html folder.

Test It
Once you upload it, test it and see if it works. Remember to actually refresh your browser so it will clear the existing version out of memory.

Fix It
If that still doesn’t work, try putting this code in the header of your html. It also works in wordpress if you go to ‘edit’ and then work on the header.php

<link rel="shortcut icon" href="http://www.ginormasource.com/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon" />

Love It
Enjoy your new icon and smile each time you visit your website and see you awesome icon popping up on tabs everywhere.

Here are some icon samples – you can learn from them and they can help you design better icons.