Subscribe to RSSWhat is BIOS? Ask PC Experts
Ever wondered how does your PC which is made of various hardware’s work together in sync and still be perfect? While you type a command or run a program how does the entire system co-ordinate to perform instantly within seconds?
BIOS – Binary Input and Output System of your PC.
BIOS look into the functioning of your system as one. All hard drives, ports, CPU and others function together with the help of BIOS.
To be able to perform successfully the computer is completely dependant on the BIOS. When you turn on your PC is the BIOS is copied from the ROM to RAM. The BIOS is usually stored inside a PROM, EEPROM or flash ROM.
Here is how the BIOS functions:
- The BIOS is used to function as the sole interface through which all components communicate. BIOS handles important instructions and allows the user to customize their settings in order to get the maximum performance or stability out of the system.
- When you turn on your PC the BIOS starts up your computer.
- When the PC is first turned on, its main system memory is empty, and it needs to find instructions immediately to tell it what to run to start up the PC. These it finds within the BIOS program, because the BIOS is in read-only permanent memory and so is always available for use, even when the rest of system memory is empty.
- It checks for all the attachments in your system and then loads the Operating system into the RAM from where it executes.
- One of the most important role of the BIOS in the PC is Hard disk access and control.
- The loading of the system is always done as per the settings of the BIOS. You must have noted when you switch on your PC while the system is being loaded you have option of “DEL” to load the BIOS. Here you can see, the drive is always selected to boot the system, where the OS is linked from the ROM to the RAM in loaded for use.
- When re-installing windows we change the settings in the BIOS to boot from the CD-ROM. In this case the BIOS picks the data from the CD-ROM and enables re-installation of windows via the RAM.
- BIOS also enables faster flow of data from the drive to the memory in cases wherein faster data flow is required. E.G. In case of video cards. The data is to be transferred within seconds from the graphic card to the monitor.
- Certain BIOS also enable Plug and Play devices. I.e. addition if new devices which do not require any installation or configuration.
To know more about BIOS, BIOS Setting or any other PC related issues, click here to ASK PC EXPERTS.
What is a Graphic Card?
A Graphic Card in simple words is the hardware component of the system which generates the display images. The data in the CPU is present in form of Binary data. Our display screen is made up of pixels. Here the graphic card comes into picture; the graphic card converts the binary data into an image that we see on our display screens.
To be able to perform its function the graphic card needs:
- · Motherboard
- · Processor
- · Memory
- · Monitor
Motherboard: It supplies the power to the graphic card. The information as mentioned above the binary data is also provided to the graphic card by the Motherboard.
Processor: The processor defines how and by what way each pixel can be displayed on the screen.
Memory: The information for each pixel that is formed is stored in the memory. Images formed by the graphic card are also stored temporarily in the memory.
Monitor: The final display screen where the image appears.
Every CPU had a basic Graphic card to enable and justify the basic needs of the user. But as per the needs of the user the type of graphic card changes. Certain development software’s, graphic related deign studios and many other such high end users need specialized graphic cards to be able to justify the use of their specialized software’s and developments. For PC gamers a very high end graphic card is required. E.g. Ge Force GTX 280. These cards make use of second generation architecture and have other specialized supports for gaming.
Specialized graphic cards are high quality imaging, high performing, 3 D imaging and support high demanding applications.
When you select your graphic card note the following:
- For your basic use, business – web browsing, normal imaging a simple value graphic card is ok.
- For digital photography, gaming, video editing etc you would need a graphic card which is better than a regular graphic card.
- For applications, 3-D images, Quality imaging you needs high end graphic cards. These are much more expensive than the regular cards.
- For maximum settings and very high end usage graphic cards with very high support graphics is required. These are generally bought by users whose systems are also specialized and updated as per the performance expectations. These cards are top end and very expensive.
To know more about graphic cards and to select the right card for your system check with us at ASK PC EXPERTS.
Want a Fast Computer - Perform a SYSTEM CLEAN-UP
- Is your PC slowing down?
- Programs don’t run as fast as they used to?
- It takes longer to boot up system?
- Takes forever to shut down?
- PC letting you down when you need it the most?
One of our most recent customers was facing the above problems. She insisted that her system was working perfectly few days back but recently it had developed the above problems and would just not work. With the latest and updated Virus scan she couldn’t find any reason for her system to function so slow and difficult.
So she called us at Ask PC Experts and the following happened:
With normal check up of the drives and amount of space available in each drive, the content in the drives and the content occupying maximum space in the drive we found the cause. The problem was caused was due to presence of a large number of unused/unneeded files, temporary files and the Registry.
Unused/Unneeded files: Files which are not needed by the system or yourself for any applications. Files which were installed while installing certain applications and have no use today. Files that were loaded in your system while running any online application.
Temporary Files/Cookies: Every time we download a file or an application a temporary file/folder is created in the system. Also, cookies are built up in the system when we surf on the web. These temporary files/cookies are plenty in numbers and occupy a lot of space within the system with time.
Registry: the registry is a system-defined database used by the Windows operating system to store configuration information. Most Windows applications write data to the registry during installation and system components store and retrieve configuration data through the registry. The data stored in the registry varies from system to system. Over a period of time the size of the same increases due to presence of many entries not required. The more the number of entries in the registry the longer it takes for the system to find things and hence the system becomes slow.
To be able to remove the above we suggested her for a System Clean Up which would enable the deletion of all the above not required files which were occupying too much space in the system.
There are various software packages available for system clean up. For one point system clean up they serve as an easier medium of system clean up. System Clean Up tools are also inbuilt in the OS. From there itself the system can be cleaned to improve efficiency and also keep the system healthy.
If your system is slowing down and you do not want to wait forever before making a presentation to a client or watching your favorite flick or just checking your email, CALL US NOW at 1-888-889-3335 and Ask PC Experts!
NTFS, CDFS, FAT32 - What Are File Systems?
In our regular lives we create, store and modify files. Where do these files go and what makes them so accessible? It’s the file systems.
File system is a method by which storing, organizing, modifying and retrieving of data is done. The conversion of the data i.e. the interpretation of the same is done by applications and other software. It uses data storage devises like hard disks and CD-ROMs.
A file system:
- Specifies the names for the files/data.
- Makes efficient use of the space available in your system.
- Specifies the path to the directory or file the data is stored in.
- Stores and retrieves data efficiently
- It is the hardware used for nonvolatile storage.
- Controls the hardware and the architecture of the software and the hardware of the system.
Most commonly used file systems are as follows:
- · For Windows 2000 and NT (NTFS)
- · For MS-DOS (FAT)
- · For Windows 95 (VFAT and FAT32)
- · For Macintosh (HFS and HFS+)
- · For UNIX (UFS)
- · For CD-ROMs - ISO 9660
Types of File Systems:
- Disk File Systems – designed for storage on data storage devises like disks connected to the system. E.g. NTFS
- Flash File Systems – a system designed for storage of data in flash memory. Flash memory is non-volatile computer memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. It is a technology that is primarily used in memory cards and USB flash drives for general storage and transfer of data between computers and other digital products like mobiles.
- Database File Systems – designed to identify and store files as per their characteristics.
- Transactional File Systems – designed to prevent loss of data due to sudden shut down of system due. E.g. due to power failure.
- Network File Systems – designed to get access to files available on the server.
Thus, with various types of file systems available we can access our data easily at any given point n time.
To know more about files and file systems you can get access to the entire library of our documentation. Visit us at www.askpcexperts.com for more information.
Is Junk Email or Spam Filling your Mailbox?
Junk Mails or Spam are unwanted e-mail sent by spammers or advertisers. At one time these mails are sent with identical messages to numerous email IDs.
These e-mails in your mail box are the best medium to drive advertising for anything, for other sites or direct selling. Also, these mails are the most common medium to infect your PC with Virus and Worms. Hence, it’s always recommended to open only mails from known addresses. Also, never open any attachments without a Virus Scan.
To avoid these mails, the following measures can be taken:
- Do not open Junk Mails. Delete them unread.
- Open the mail while Internet Connection is closed if you feel anything could be wrong with the e-mail.
- Do not reply to Junk / Spam Mails.
- Do not complain about Junk mails as it confirms your e-mail address to the spammer.
- Do not sign up at any unknown website/company. Do not enter/share your e-mail ID at any unknown web site.
- Stop auto response mail generation.
- Do not subscribe to any newsletters unless from a certified/known site.
Spam is the cheapest way for commercial advertising. It forces the user to read the advertise being sent to him by flooding the mail box with the same mail. Once the user reports the spam, his e-mail ID is confirmed to exist and then further on he would receive more of these mails. Spammers continue to send these bulk mails and there is nothing much that can be done against them. The same is a loss for the Internet Service Providers as they have to make available extra capacities to cope with this overflow of mails. Spam eats up a lot of network bandwidth.
There is no solution really available to spam/junk mails. There are various activities and protests against the same and for now the solution that is practiced is to report the spammer/spam to the network/Internet service provider. Also, available are certain sites which help block the spam before it enters your personal account.
We at Ask PC Experts can help you combat these Unsolicited Commercial Email by helping you install relevant Spam fighting tools on your PC and blocking the Spam before it does any harm to your PC. You can always call us at 1-888-889-3335.
System Error – Ask PC Experts!
System Errors are auto-generated errors to highlight the problem/errors while running an application or a program. It is detected by the Operating System or the microprocessor. These errors are also generated sometimes when there is some abnormal functioning of a particular program.
There are various reasons due to which these errors are being generated. Some of the most common of these reasons found to be are:
- Insufficient memory available for the application to be executed.
- The hard disk may have got damaged.
- The files would have not been installed / copied correctly.
- Missing or Corrupt Files.
- Memory Reference Invalid.
- The path specified is being used in a substitute.
- Too many processes running at the same time.
- The Operating System/Program is not compatible.
- Required disk/program is not available in the system.
- Application executed an illegal instruction.
And many more such causes. Most of the errors that are generated are not too difficult to be resolved. As per the Operating System companies these codes have been well defined. Each code is self explained. These errors are in a way to provide help to the user to understand where is the problem and be able to find the correct solution rather than spending all his energy on trying to figure out the problem and then the solution.
For Windows Operating System the Codes have been defined as follows: (in brief)
- System Error Codes (0-499)
- System Error Codes (500-999)
- System Error Codes (1000-1299)
- System Error Codes (1300-1699)
- System Error Codes (1700-3999)
- System Error Codes (4000-5999)
- System Error Codes (6000-8199)
- System Error Codes (8200-8999)
- System Error Codes (9000-11999)
- System Error Codes (12000-15999)
For Mac OS System the Codes have been defined from 1 to 32767, wherein each defines the cause and name of the error.
In case of any system errors and difficulty to resolve or to know more about system errors; call us at ASK PC EXPERTS - 1-888-889-3335.
Anti Virus Software - How it Works
What is anti-virus?
Anti-virus is a program which searches and removes Viruses from your drives.
The Virus directly attacks and damages your hardware, software and files. So in order to safe guard your file against any kind of virus – anti-virus is used.
Internet is fast growing and most of the businesses; organizations etc use this medium for various purposes. This medium is also fast growing and popular in the fields of networking, communication etc. Thus, it is very important for every PC to be shielded against the threat of a virus.
To provide this shield a variety of Anti-Virus software are available. The anti-virus software has the ability to scan each and every file on your system, it may be data file or a system file; the scan checks every file to check if it is a virus. The virus if present is always in the RAM or memory of your PC. When you start your scan in a while you will be able to see the results, whether your computer is safe or not. If there is virus in you PC then the file name and location will be highlighted by the anti-virus software. It provides options to delete and remove the same from your system permanently. You can easily delete the file from you PC and ensure its safe.
Anti-Virus software’s have the facility for auto scan and auto updates, wherein you do not have to check every time for a scan or an update, the virus scan will be done every few days that you have set the scan for and update itself whenever you go online.
It is very important for the Anti-Virus to be updated. In this way it is able to protect you PC from the current viruses. Some Anti-Viruses also scan for Virus by:
1) Emulating the beginning of the code of each new executable that is being executed.
2) By Sandbox method
But sometimes in spite of the above some Macro Viruses can be missed. Hence, its best suggested to safe guard your PC first by yourself and then by the Anti-Viruses software available.
To check if your Computer has an Anti-Virus Protection, and to get the best deals on Anti-Virus protection, please visit Ask PC Experts.
Internet Fraud and Pop-Up, Advertising - Ask PC Experts
What are POP-UPS?
Pop Ups are additional browser windows that are generated automatically while you click/open a web page.
These Pop - Ups can be:
- Advertisements: When you open a web page the site you are browsing may open along with it a hidden browser window which may be advertising something. This is one of the most common ways to advertise online. Especially because you have to click on to close the window. These ads can be designed to trick you to reveal personal information, track e-mail addresses etc. so it’s very important to be careful with them.
- Links: These are generally used on online shopping web pages, wherein when you click on the smaller picture the larger picture of the same opens up in another browser window for a better viewer and a larger image of the product.
- Downloads: While you log on to a site to download some software, when you click on download a new pop up window opens up for the same.
In a few cases pop ups appear even while you are not opening a web page. In such a case please check, your system may have a spy ware. Never, click on any link/download provided by a Pop Up window. This leads to a lot of times download of spy ware into your system without your knowledge. Such pop ups are generated by Ad – wares and Spy wares.
In the above case, scan you PC for spy ware and repair the same at earliest.
These Pop Ups can be blocked quiet easily. Blocking these Pop Ups will avoid all the hassle and in case you need one to download from an authentic site you can always press Cntrl key and click on the link.
Blocking Pop Ups:
Internet Explorer
< Tools
< Pop Up Blocker
< Turn on Pop Up Blocker
For more information on Pop Ups, Spy ware, Ad ware etc Call us on 1-888-889-3335 or visit Ask PC Experts and we shall be glad to help you.
Back Your Data to Protect Your System with Ask PC Experts
Why is a BACK UP so important?
Data – the information that is stored in form of files, programs, software and other various forms on your PC.
This data that is stored within your system can be a collection of your personal information, files, photographs, music, work related presentations, e-mails, Address books, Personal projects, accounts or research paper. It can be anything which you have made/collected and stored over a period of time.
Do you think this data in your PC is safe? Would it remain there forever? What happens if you loose this data? In moments your business can be in for a complete loss as you have lost all data. All your personal accounts and tracking are in for a complete mismatch if you loose all the records made of the same.
In simple words, this data can be lost anytime, any moment. And none would like to risk getting into a situation wherein all the information is lost.
Thus, a BACK-UP process is used to safe guard your information from loss due to any kind of system failure, memory crash, corrupt files etc. A back-up is really important.
While taking a back up on does not need to copy the entire systems programs and software’s. The software/programs can be re-installed easily. It’s just required to copy the files/folders which carry data to be copied. It is like making a duplicate of the originals. These duplicates can be made on:
· Secondary Hard disk
· CDs/DVDs
· Pen Drives or other external hard disk’s
· Zip Drives
· Online
All established businesses always have a back up for their data files to ensure that incase of any tragedy they always can go back to their normal work and do not have to face major looses due to loss of information and records.
Back up can be done while physically copying the files and writing them on the other drive/CD etc. It can also be done by using various software available. The back up files can also be made password protected to ensure none can access the same other than you.
To create back up on your secondary hard disk you can also go to:
Start Menu > Programs > Maintenance > Back Up and Restore Center
To protect your data and Back up your system, Call 1-888-889-3335 visit ASK PC EXPERTS now.
No Disk Space, Computer Slow - Ask PC Experts
What are Temporary Files? How they affect your PC? How can the same be get rid off?
Temporary files are files created by the programs and applications used by the user. They are created during both times – online as well as offline. They are the temporary bits of data stored by the programs on our system. In basic language they store the history of your system usage.
Temporary files or Cache does not harm your system in any way. It creates a history or record of the Web Pages you visited, Files you have opened or viewed. Online these files are created while you are online. The same is stored by the Web Pages onto your system, like in form of Cookies.
Most of the times these files are deleted automatically when the application use is over. But sometimes the same has to be done manually. The reason for the same is: sometimes over a period of time these files accumulate and occupy too much space on the hard disk. This can directly affect the performance of your computer. Also, to avoid people’s access to your personal data the same is recommended to be deleted/removed from the system.
Clean up of Temporary Files/Cache:
1) Cookies: -
· Open the Internet Explorer.
· Click on Tools in the Toolbar.
· Select Internet Options
· Click “Delete Files”
· You shall see various options to Delete Cookies, History, Temporary files etc.
· There is an option of Delete All. You can click on the same to Delete all Temporary Browser Files.
· You can also click on the box one by one to “Delete” for Any of the information you wish to delete.
· Click “Close” once done.
2) To Clear History on IE:
· Open the Internet Explorer
· Click on Tools in the Toolbar.
· Click on the General Tab
· On the option saying “Clear History”
· Click OK.
3) To Clean Up Temporary Files:
· Click Start
· Go to Programs
· Go to Accessories
· Go to System tools
· Go to Disk Cleanup
· Choose the Drive i.e. C:\,D:\ etc
· Check the boxes in the list and delete all files.
There a user friendly various software’s available for the same. They help keeping the system clean, restore list files and others.
You can call ASK PC EXPERTS at 1-888-889-3335 for further information. We will be glad to help you.