tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20265025744245286312024-02-19T17:46:33.442+08:00Pinoy PC TipsComputer Troubleshooting and TipsAdminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-19903293434897243692010-11-12T14:10:00.002+08:002011-06-28T08:07:50.274+08:00How Internet Browsers WorkEver find yourself asking how our favorite browser works? How it can display to you the website you wanted? Here's an interesting comic showing the simplest explanation :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/11/how-internet-browsers-work.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://www.axleration.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/how-the-web-browser-works.png" width="600" /></a></div>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-36379355488675849152010-10-10T09:40:00.001+08:002010-10-10T09:40:00.250+08:00Networking with Windows 7's XP Mode<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://arunmvishnu.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/running-xp-in-windows-7-xp-mode.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://arunmvishnu.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/running-xp-in-windows-7-xp-mode.png" width="320" /></a></div>Windows 7's XP Mode, part of the Windows Virtual PC, allows you to run a separate version of XP inside the newer OS. The Virtual PC comes as a free but very large download that works in the Professional and Ultimate editions of Windows 7.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
If you've got Windows 7 running nicely on your network, with access to the Internet, networked printers, and shared folders on other computers, XP Mode is going to initially disappoint you. You'll probably get the Internet just fine, but not your local network. You'll have to set up XP for the network separately.<br />
<br />
But first, you have to tell Windows 7 how XP should access the network. If you're currently running XP Mode, exit it before going to this step.<br />
<br />
In Windows 7, click Start, type virtual, select Windows Virtual PC, and press Enter. This opens a Windows Explorer window to the Virtual Machines folder. Right-click the Windows XP Mode file and select Settings. In the left pane, select Networking. In the right pane, for Adapter 1, select your network adapter. Click OK .<br />
<br />
When the dialog box is gone, load XP Mode. You can do this from that very same Explorer window by double-clicking the Windows XP Mode file.<br />
<br />
In your virtual XP environment, select Start, then Run, type netsetup and press Enter. Click Yes at the 'want to continue' dialog box.<br />
<br />
Go through the resulting wizard, answering the questions as if your system werestand-alone XP PC. Follow these bits of advice as you do so:<br />
<br />
1) Make sure that the Computer Name you enter is different from the one you use for the same computer's normal, Windows 7 environment.<br />
<br />
2) Be sure to use the same Workgroup name that other PCs on the network use.<br />
<br />
3) Turn on file and printer sharing.<br />
<br />
If it still can't access the network, you likely have some other network problems.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-78526535613696256472010-10-07T09:14:00.001+08:002010-10-07T09:14:25.716+08:00What is a Hard Disk Drive Crash?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/10/what-is-hard-disk-drive-crash.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.azeztech.com/WEB_PAGES/Home_Webpage/BrokenHardDrive.jpg" width="400" alt="HDD Crash" /></a></div>When a hard drive spins, the head that reads and writes the magnetic data floats just above the surface of the platter. Originally, the term hard drive crash referred to the head literally crashing into the platter, causing serious damage to your hardware and data.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Today people use the term more generically, referring to any catastrophic incident that renders your hard drive unreadable. Electrical surges, sudden impacts such as falls or car crashes, and general wear-and-tear can all destroy hard drives.<br />
<br />
Remember that a hard drive is a very finely-tuned mechanical device, containing two very different precision motors--one spinning the drive and the other controlling the position of the head. All mechanical devices eventually wear down, and when such a device needs to be precise to extremely small fractions of an inch, it doesn't take much wear to get it out of whack.<br />
<br />
When you consider what goes into a hard drive, it's amazing how rarely they crash. But the danger is there, and that's just one of the many reasons you need to keep your data backed up.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-56968092256224966022010-10-04T10:36:00.001+08:002010-10-04T10:38:35.346+08:00Ditch Internet Explorer 6 (IE6)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/10/ditch-internet-explorer-6-ie6.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a.fsdn.com/gc/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Microsoft-IE6-funeral-illustration-Aten-Design-Group.png" width="150" alt="IE6 Funeral" /></a></div>Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) is an outdated, unsupported, potentially dangerous browser that deserves to be put down like a lame plow horse.<br />
<br />
Indeed, there's only one legitimate reason for sticking with it: work. If you're using, say, a company laptop, you may have no choice but to use the IT department-approved browser, which in many cases is still IE6.<br />
<br />
Otherwise, it's time to make a change. I highly recommend upgrading to Internet Explorer 8, which will very likely solve your problem and open the door to all kinds of worthwhile features: tabs, Accelerators, Web Slices, and a wealth of malware and phishing protections.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Alternately, try Firefox. Try Google Chrome. Try Opera. Any of these modern browsers offer more features and better security than IE6, and all of them can import your existing Favorites.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-15274965234778284702010-10-01T08:35:00.001+08:002010-10-01T08:36:12.627+08:00Why Computers Become Slooooow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/10/why-computers-become-slooooow.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://graphictech.com/web_images/slow-start_small_20copy.gif" width="200" alt="Why Computers Become Slow" /></a></div>You can't always determine what's slowing down a PC--at least not easily. But taking the following steps in the order I list them will likely locate and solve the problem.<br />
<br />
1) <b>Scan for malware.</b> A program that means you no good just might be the culprit. If your PC is mass-mailing spam or taking part in some other evil activity without your knowledge, that could slow it down. I assume you already have a good anti-virus program, but just to be safe, install, update, and scan your PC with either SUPERAntiSpyware or Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
2) <b>Look for a hog process.</b> A process is a program or an independent piece of a program, and any time you're running Windows, you're running a lot of them. A big, fat, slow one could be hogging all of the resources and slowing everything down.<br />
<br />
3) <b>Remove autoloaders.</b> Most PCs have too many programs that load automatically with every boot. Each one of these slows your PC and may cause conflicts.<br />
<br />
4) <b>Keep notes.</b> If the above advice doesn't solve the problem, keep a pad of paper and a pen near your PC. When it slows, write down what applications are running and what you were doing when the problems start. After a while, you may figure out what program or practice is to blame. <br />
<br />
5) <b>Change your work habits.</b> I know you don't want to read this, but perhaps your PC isn't powerful enough for what you're doing with it. To keep it moving nicely, multitask less. When possible, close one big application before opening another. Replace your slower applications with faster competitors. And don't upgrade major applications unless you absolutely have to; the new versions are always slower.<br />
<br />
6) <b>Upgrade your hardware.</b> If your PC is just too slow for the work you need--or want--to do on it, maybe you need an investment. And no, you don't have to buy a new computer. Adding RAM will give you the most speed for the fewest dollars.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-67975951250582225812010-09-28T08:36:00.001+08:002010-09-28T08:37:32.987+08:00How To Restore Outlook Express Backup Folder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/09/how-to-restore-outlook-express-backup.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://support.netmail.sg/images/outlook_express1.gif" width="200" alt="Restore Outlook Express Backup" /></a></div>A friend of mine backed up his Outlook Express folder to a flash drive. He then consulted me how to recover the messages inside it.<br />
<br />
What appears as a folder in Outlook Express isn't really a folder. As far as Windows is concerned, it's a single file with a .dbx extension. The email program has to know it's there to look for it and open it.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Outlook Express keeps all of its "folders" in a single location. To find that location, go to Outlook Express, select <b>Tools</b>, then <b>Options</b>. Click the <b>Maintenance </b>tab, then the <b>Store Folder</b> button.<br />
<br />
Here's how you read the contents of a backed-up .dbx file that's no longer in the proper location:<br />
<br />
1) In Outlook Express, create a new folder, named, say, 'Restored'. You can do this by selecting <b>File</b>, <b>New</b>, then <b>Folder</b>.<br />
<br />
2) In Windows Explorer, open your Outlook Express store folder as described above.<br />
<br />
3) Exit Outlook Express.<br />
<br />
4) In Windows Explorer, delete the newly-created restored.dbx file.<br />
<br />
5) Plug in your flash drive, open another Windows Explorer window there, and Copy the folder you want to restore to the Outlook Express store folder.<br />
<br />
6) Rename the copied file on your hard drive as '<i><b>Restored</b></i>' (or <i><b>restored.dbx</b></i> if Windows is set up so you can see your extensions).<br />
<br />
7) Restart Outlook Express. The Restored folder should contain your old e-mails.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-50408124947667622222010-09-25T09:25:00.003+08:002010-09-25T09:25:00.622+08:00Keep Your Keyboard Clean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://techsalsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/clean-keyboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="http://techsalsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/clean-keyboard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>When was the last time you did anything with your keyboard besides drop cookie crumbs on it?<br />
<br />
Over time, all keyboards accumulate dust, crumbs, and other everyday dirt. And all it takes for, say, your 'S' key to stop working is for something to get lodged under it.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Meanwhile, research has shown that keyboard keys can harbor infectious germs--especially if the keyboard is shared by multiple users.<br />
<br />
Bottom line: give those keys a good cleaning every now and then. For starters, buy a can of compressed air. Hold the keyboard sideways over a trashcan, then blast every single nook and cranny with the nozzle. <br />
<br />
Next, making sure the computer's power is off, wipe down the keys with one of those antibacterial wipe. Do the same with your mouse.<br />
<br />
That's really all there is to it. I'm not saying you have to do this once a week, but every month or two is definitely a good idea--and anytime someone in your house is sick. A little PC hygiene goes a long way.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-34441068184095233092010-09-22T09:22:00.001+08:002010-09-22T09:23:25.126+08:00Blue Screen of Death During Startup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/09/blue-screen-of-death-during-startup.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://www.gdargaud.net/Humor/Pics/BlueScreen.jpg" width="200" alt="blue screen during startup" /></a></div>If you're trying to boot from an existing Windows installation on a hard drive transferred from an older system, then a BSOD on startup can occur. This often means that the system can't find the right storage controller; the actual error code is 0x0000007. Maybe your old system had its SATA ports set to IDE mode and your new one is set up for AHCI. Or perhaps your new board has a different chipset.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
If this is the case, you may have to resort to a Windows repair installation, which you can perform with either Windows XP or Windows 7. The repair install option is available when booting from the Windows XP CD if you're running XP. If you're running Windows Vista, you may have to reinstall from scratch. With Windows 7, you have two options. One is to boot from the Windows Setup DVD, and select the Repair my system option. The other is to press F8 during the boot process to get the Windows boot menu and select Repair your computer.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-58864521726139866662010-09-19T08:34:00.015+08:002010-09-19T08:34:00.734+08:00Troubleshoot POST Problems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mechbgon.com/build/POST1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://www.mechbgon.com/build/POST1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Every PC goes through POST--<i>power-on self test</i>--when it first powers up. One mistake many new system builders make is to assemble the entire system, then try the first boot. The problem with this approach is that it's difficult to narrow down the actual culprit behind a boot problem. Instead, install the CPU with CPU cooling solution, memory, and the graphics card. Don't connect hard drives, external storage, or optical drives. Don't install additional expansion cards yet, either. Try a bare-bones boot first, with only the monitor and keyboard attached to the system.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
With that in mind, let's look at first-boot issues.<br />
<br />
Nothing happens on startup. After attaching the monitor and keyboard, you press the power switch and... nothing. The fans don't spin up, lights don't come on. The system appears to be completely DOA. While it's possible that the motherboard is completely dead, it's been my experience that defective motherboards will still light up their diagnostic LEDs. If you're getting no indication of power, something else is likely the culprit.<br />
<br />
<b>* Is it plugged in?</b> This may seem like a ridiculous thought, but it's worth checking the power. Even if the power cord is plugged in, I've found that the plug to the system PSU might not be firmly seated. I've also plugged systems into power strips, but the strip itself wasn't turned on or plugged in.<br />
<br />
<b>* Check the switch</b> on the power supply to make sure it's in the "on" position.<br />
<br />
<b>* Check the internal power connections.</b> Ensure that the main power and the ATX12V connector (a small 4- or 8-pin connector) are both firmly attached.<br />
<br />
<b>* Check the power switch and reset switch connectors.</b> I've sometimes reversed these, and discovered I've made the reset button the actual power button by accident.<br />
<br />
<b>* Check under the motherboard</b>--you might have a grounding problem. I once found a motherboard mounting nut installed in the wrong location inside the case. It was in exactly the right place to create a ground fault in contact with the back of the board. After removing the nut, the system booted without a hitch.<br />
<br />
<b>* If possible, try another power supply.</b> A dead power supply can certainly prevent a system from powering up.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-28092717621801461912010-09-16T09:21:00.001+08:002010-09-16T09:22:33.045+08:00Troubleshooting Your PC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/09/troubleshooting-your-pc.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://xicowner.jefmart.com/wp-content/uploads/xicowner/2010/05/computer_stress.jpg" width="200" alt="PC Troubleshooting" /></a></div>Here are a few tips to avoid getting stuck in a troubleshooting rut.<br />
<br />
<b>State the problem clearly, even if it's only to yourself.</b> If you need to, write it down. "The system won't boot" isn't good enough. Instead: "The system won't boot; when it tries to boot, it generates an error saying that no operating system is installed. When I try to reboot, I can see that my hard drive isn't visible to the BIOS."<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Pay attention to your system's changes.</b> If something isn't working that was working before, ask yourself, what's different? Was an app installed? A new driver update? A BIOS update? In the above example, of the system not booting, you might realize that you just installed a second hard drive in your system.<br />
<br />
<b>Make only one change at a time.</b> If you're experienced, it's particularly tempting to shortcut this process. "I'll update the BIOS, detach the second new hard drive, and swap out the power supply." If the system starts working, you don't know what actually solved the issue. If the system still doesn't work, it's possible that one of your multiple changes may be the new cause of the problem. Make one change at a time!<br />
<br />
<b>Document your changes.</b> You don't have to keep a detailed lab notebook. Just grab a sheet of paper and note each step along the way, what worked and what didn't. Once you solve the problem, throw the page or pages into a folder for future reference.<br />
<br />
<b>Getting frustrated? Walk away from the problem.</b> A little downtime can bring new inspiration or help you catch clues you may not have noticed.<br />
<br />
<b>Ask for help.</b> If you're still having problems, bring in a second pair of eyes. Even a nontechnical person can make useful suggestions, if you've explained the issue clearly. Also, try an online forum. If you go online for help, make sure you present a detailed description of the problem, including brand names and model numbers, if appropriate.<br />
<br />
Using a well-defined process to work through problems will result in speedier, more satisfying solutions--and save you a few bucks. While it can be tempting just to throw money at a problem, make sure to pull out your credit card only after you're sure you'll need it.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-4845539399683320502010-09-13T09:19:00.001+08:002010-09-13T09:20:17.623+08:00How to Backup Firefox Preferences<a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/09/how-to-backup-firefox-preferences.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.glatzopatzo.de/wp-content/UserFiles/Image/2008/Firefox-filled-tshirt.jpg" width="150" alt="Firefox Preferences" /></a><br />
Firefox saves your preferences and settings in a single place. Some of those settings you can alter in the Options dialog box, but not all of them. The others require going into an obtuse, difficult-to-understand work environment called about:config.<br />
<br />
And if you play around in about:config, changing settings that you think you understand, you can really mess things up. That's why, when you enter this environment--which you do by clicking the address bar (pressing CTRL-L will not work in this situation), typing <b>about:config</b>, and pressing <b>ENTER</b>--you have to click a button that reads "I'll be careful, I promise!"<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
In other words, this is Firefox's version of Windows' Registry--a powerful, yet difficult and dangerous place to play. And like the Registry, it should be backed up before you fiddle with it.<br />
<br />
Here's how:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nirmaltv.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/firefox-settings.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nirmaltv.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/firefox-settings.gif" /></a></div>First, close Firefox. Then click Start (Start, then Run if you're using XP). Type <b>%appdata%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles</b>, then press <b>ENTER</b>. You'll probably find only one object in the resulting Windows Explorer window--a folder with a very weird name. Open that folder, and find a file inside called prefs.js. Copy that file to another location.<br />
<br />
I repeat, copy that file. Do not move it.<br />
<br />
You've backed up your Firefox settings. Now you can safely change them.<br />
<br />
Should you ever botch something up in about:config and need to restore Firefox, close the browser, and copy that backup of prefs.js to its original location, overwriting the file that's there.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-64347099136316522532010-09-10T09:41:00.010+08:002010-09-10T09:41:00.146+08:00Use Hibernate for Laptops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tipsfromgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/hibernate.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://tipsfromgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/hibernate.png" width="200" /></a></div>A friend recently told me about a problem with her new laptop: Whenever she'd step away from it for more than a few minutes, she'd close the lid. Upon returning, she'd open the lid, only to be faced with a blank screen and no response from the mouse or keyboard.<br />
<br />
Want to know why? The default lid-closing action for most laptops is to put the system in Sleep mode, and Windows is notoriously bad at waking up properly. I advise most laptop users to use Hibernate mode instead, as it's much more reliable when it comes to waking up.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
You see, Sleep puts your system into a low-power state, allowing you to pick up where you left off after just a few seconds. However, a PC in Sleep mode continues to consume battery power, so it's not uncommon to return to a "sleeping" PC to find that it's just plain dead. Or, in my friend's case, unresponsive.<br />
<br />
Hibernate, however, saves your machine's current state to a temporary hard-drive file, then shuts down completely. When you start it up again, it loads that file and returns you to where you left off--no booting required.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rohos.com/img/shots/hibernate_winxp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rohos.com/img/shots/hibernate_winxp.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span id="goog_1414568861"></span><span id="goog_1414568862"></span><br />
Both ends of the Hibernate process take a little longer than sleep mode, but you avoid any of the issues that can arise when Windows suddenly loses power.<br />
<br />
And as noted, sleep mode is notoriously flaky. If your system refuses to wake up properly, you'll end up losing whatever documents and/or Web pages you had open. Consequently, I recommend using hibernate most of the time.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-88929969605435167382010-09-07T09:03:00.001+08:002010-09-07T09:04:27.880+08:00Re-Use Your Old Laptop's Hard Drive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/09/re-use-your-old-laptops-hard-drive.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.boyntontech.net/images/Sabrent%202.5-inch%20USB%202.0%20to%20SATA%20$23.99.jpg" width="200" alt="Hard Drive Enclosure" /></a></div>Inexpensive hard drive enclosures are ideal for recycling old laptop drives that have been replaced by higher-capacity models.<br />
<br />
An enclosure is essentially an external case for that internal drive, one that lends it a USB interface. When all is said and done, you'll have a compact USB hard drive you can use for backups, extra storage, transporting files, and so on.<br />
<br />
More immediately, an enclosure lets you easily restore your data onto the new drive--a simple drag-and-drop operation. With that done, you'll have to decide if you want to wipe the drive or keep it intact.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
When shopping for an enclosure, make sure to choose one that offers the proper kind of interface for your old drive. Again, if it's more than a few years old, it's probably IDE. Any newer and it's more likely to be SATA. In either case, you should be able to find one for just Php400 to Php700.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-11557412877105241802010-09-04T10:21:00.012+08:002010-09-04T10:21:00.299+08:00Upgrade Your Laptop's Memory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ifixpcbest.com/images/laptop-memory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ifixpcbest.com/images/laptop-memory.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So my boss was griping that his Toshiba laptop takes forever to boot. I inspected it for spyware, excessive startup programs, and the other usual suspects, but everything checked out.<br />
<br />
Then I remembered that the machine is about three years old and wasn't a powerhouse to begin with. So I checked the RAM. Bingo: it has only 1GB. Windows Vista needs at least 2GB to run smoothly. <br />
<br />
Upgrading a laptop's RAM may sound like a big deal, but it's actually the single easiest upgrade there is. The only challenge lies in determining how many RAM modules your system currently has and what kind they are.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
To find out, turn off your system, unplug it, remove the battery, and flip it over. You should see at least one panel that can be removed with a small screwdriver. Consult your manual if you can't find the one covering the RAM sockets--or just open them all. Here's what you're looking for:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pirun.ku.ac.th/%7Eb4805124/laptop-memory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://pirun.ku.ac.th/%7Eb4805124/laptop-memory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Most laptops have two sockets. If only one is occupied, just buy a module that exactly matches the existing one and drop it in. That'll effectively double your RAM.<br />
<br />
If both sockets are filled, you'll have to replace both modules. There are countless how-to guides online that can help you further. I just wanted to let you know that if your laptop seems sluggish, it may be because it needs more RAM. Thankfully, it's a cheap and easy upgrade.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-45998697683885914962010-09-02T08:26:00.001+08:002010-09-02T08:28:06.617+08:00How to Fix a Rogue Process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/09/how-to-fix-rogue-process.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.enigmasoftware.com/wp-content/themes/default/images/task-manager-warning.jpg" width="170" alt="Windows Task Manager" /></a></div>When Windows slows down to an unbearable crawl, there's a good possibility that one particular process is at fault--sometimes taking close to 100-percent of the CPU's capabilities. In such a case, it's best to kill the process.<br />
<br />
A process is a program or an independent piece of a program. As I write this, I have six applications, but 57 processes, running on my computer.<br />
<br />
And if the problem keeps occurring, it's best to find out what that process is about and stop it from loading altogether.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
To check your processes, right-click the taskbar and select <b>Start Task Manager</b>. Click the <b>Processes</b> tab, then the <b>CPU column</b> heading. That will put the culprit at the top of the list.<br />
<br />
To kill a process, select it and click <b>End Process</b>. In the resulting, this-is-really-scary dialog box, click <b>End Process</b> again. Some program may close down or freeze up, but you'll have your computer back.<br />
<br />
If the problem keeps reoccurring, you need to learn more about the process. Once you've identified what is launching the resource hog, check to see if there's an update or bug fix that addresses the problem. If there isn't, consider switching to a competitor.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-89538336652369984152010-08-31T09:39:00.001+08:002010-08-31T09:40:54.400+08:00Fix Internet Explorer 8's Crashes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/08/fix-internet-explorer-8s-crashes.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Technology/images/microsoft-internet-explorer-8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Browser crashes can be tough to troubleshoot--especially when you don't provide information about your PC, operating system, and so on. (ahem). That's something everyone should remember when asking for help with system problems: the more details you can provide, the better.<br />
<br />
The smart short-term workaround for any browser problem: try another browser.<br />
<br />
Anyway, you've got two likely culprits here: a corrupted add-on or a bad Flash plug-in. I suspect the latter, so let's start with that.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
You'll need to uninstall the Flash Player plug-in and its ActiveX component, which you can do with <a href="http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/141/tn_14157.html">a small utility from Adobe</a>. Reboot after you've run the utility.<br />
<br />
Next, close Internet Explorer and reset it to its default settings (which will also remove any problematic add-ons). Now, click Start, type Internet Options, and then press Enter. Click the Advanced tab, then click the Reset button at the bottom of the window. Make sure that you do not select the box marked "Delete personal settings." Click Reset to complete the process. <br />
<br />
(Note: This process works for Vista and Windows 7.)Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-65709325202726377422010-08-28T10:34:00.004+08:002010-08-28T10:34:00.588+08:00Never Open Your Power Supply<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/power-supply5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/power-supply5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A friend of mine opened his PC's power supply to clean it. Now it doesn't work.<br />
<br />
Power supply units (PSUs) aren't really meant to be opened and messed with on the inside. Most likely you accidentally broke something or put it together wrong.<br />
<br />
Since you've already done the deed, you might as well try it again to make sure nothing is broken or out-of-place. Pay particular attention to dull-colored, cold solder connections, to see if they're damaged.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
But I wouldn't put too much effort into it. Desktop power supplies are cheap, and unless you enjoy tinkering, trying to repair one probably isn't worth the time.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-32118182897940927022010-08-25T08:45:00.002+08:002010-08-25T08:47:00.977+08:00How To Save Your MP3s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/08/how-to-save-your-mp3s.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.musiccleveland.com/images/mp3_file_image.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A friend of mine asked for the safest possible way to protect his large mp3 collection. I have a huge database of mp3s as well so I decided to share with you some of the ways to be able to do this. <br />
<br />
If you really don't want to rip all of your CDs again (or re-download them from the digital store), I'm going to recommend a multi-prong approach:<br />
<br />
1) Keep them on your internal hard drive. Not only will they be convenient for listening, but they'll move to your next computer along with the rest of your data.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
2) Make your Music folder part of your regular, daily backup routine. That way, every new song will be backed up soon after you acquire it.<br />
<br />
3) Get an MP3 player with a large enough capacity to fit your entire music collection, and transfer everything to that. More listening pleasure, and an extra copy.<br />
<br />
4) Burn it all to DVDs--as data, not as audio. In other words, copy all of the files, as files. Use expensive, gold-backed Archival DVDs. Store them properly--upright, in a cool, dry location.<br />
<br />
5) Burn another set to DVD, and store these somewhere else. Or ask a friend to store them.<br />
<br />
That gives you five copies. One of them will survive.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-64661803042074250692010-08-21T08:39:00.008+08:002010-08-21T08:39:00.267+08:00Fill Out Forms Faster with Tab Key<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bujorel.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/teclado_tab_marcado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://www.bujorel.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/teclado_tab_marcado.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The other day I spotted something that made my eyes hurt. A woman was filling out a lengthy Web form. After she'd complete one field, she'd reach for her mouse, find the cursor, carefully click inside the next field, and type more data. Then she'd repeat the entire process.<br />
<br />
As I mentioned a couple years back when I first mentioned this tip, I continue to be amazed by how many people don't know the faster, easier way to navigate Web forms: with the <b>Tab key</b>.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
It works like this: when filling out an online form, you can use the Tab key to skip from one field to the next. Type...<b>Tab</b>. Type...<b>Tab</b>. Repeat as needed.<br />
<br />
Make it habit and you'll soon wonder why you wasted so much time reaching for the mouse.<br />
<br />
By the way, pressing Tab moves you to the next field in any given form. If you need to move your cursor to the previous field, press <b>Shift-Tab</b>.<br />
<br />
And here's one final form-filling tip: when you're done with a form, you can usually press <b>Enter </b>in lieu of clicking the OK or Submit button. Now you can keep your fingers on the keys where they belong!Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-37628872328082078042010-08-18T11:06:00.001+08:002010-08-18T11:07:02.327+08:00Is It Okay To Work During a Windows Update?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/08/is-it-okay-to-work-during-windows.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/windowsvista/images/icons/windowsupdate.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Windows Update explicitly says that you can go on working while updating. I do it, and have yet to run into problems I could connect to this habit. The simple truth is that the serious part of the update, where your system files are changed, happens later with the reboot.<br />
<br />
Which isn't to say that there aren't some jobs you should probably avoid at that time. Defragging isn't a good idea while an update is going on. I'd also avoid installing or uninstalling an application.<br />
<br />
The worst part of the update experience (assuming the update itself doesn't do more harm than good), is the message popping up asking for a reboot. Luckily, you can put off the actual reboot until it's convenient for you.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-85091090558647290032010-08-15T08:56:00.010+08:002010-08-15T08:56:00.622+08:00How To Sync Your Google Calendar with Outlook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/prism-googlecal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/prism-googlecal.png" width="200" /></a></div>Most of my calendar data lives in Outlook. Not by choice, mind you, but because that's just where it has accumulated over the years.<br />
<br />
I'd rather use Google Calendar, which is more versatile and less, well, Outlooky. Just one problem: how do I move my data from the latter to the former? And, just as important, how can I keep the two entities in sync?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Surprisingly few people know that Google itself offers a solution: the aptly named <a href="http://www.google.com/support/calendar/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=89955">Google Calendar Sync</a>. This free utility runs under Windows and automatically keeps Google Calendar and your Outlook calendar in sync.<br />
<br />
That means you can enter an appointment in one spot and it'll auto-magically appear in the other--and vice versa. But you also have the option of sticking with a one-way sync, like copying all your Outlook appointments to GCal but not copying GCal appointments to Outlook.<br />
<br />
Google Calendar Sync is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and 7. It requires Outlook 2003 or 2007--I'm not sure if it's compatible with Outlook 2010.<br />
<br />
Setup is a snap: download and run the utility, enter your Google account info, choose your sync option (1-way or 2-way), and then specify how often the utility should sync your calendars (the default is every two hours).<br />
<br />
That's it! The first sync takes a couple minutes; after that, it's virtually instantaneous. Now you can use both calendars however you see fit, all the while keeping both in sync.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-84999603820369117682010-08-12T08:25:00.001+08:002010-08-12T08:25:51.520+08:00General Failure When Clicking A Link In Outlook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/08/general-failure-when-clicking-link-in.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://www.techiwarehouse.com/userfiles/outlook_2007_logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So out of the blue today, I click a link embedded in an e-mail, and Outlook gives me this error:<br />
<br />
<i>General failure. The URL was: "http://www.someURL.com" The system cannot find the file specified.</i><br />
<br />
Oh, Outlook. If I had a nickel for every weird, random error you've produced over the years, I'd be sitting on a wheelbarrow full of nickels. The "someURL" part is an example.<br />
<br />
This is a known bug, and has been for years. It occurs when Firefox is your default browser and some glitch (or program) changes that default. Thankfully, there's a fairly easy fix, though it does involve monkeying around in the Registry.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
(Note: These instructions apply to Windows Vista and 7 only.)<br />
<br />
1. Click <b>Start</b>, type <b>regedit</b>, and then press Enter.<br />
<br />
2. Navigate to the following entry: <b>HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\FirefoxURL\shell\open\ddeexec</b><br />
<br />
3. In the center pane, double-click the <b>Default</b> entry, then remove whatever value is there (it'll probably be a weird string of numbers and commas).<br />
<br />
4. Click <b>OK</b>, then exit Regedit.<br />
<br />
5. If Outlook and/or Firefox are open, close them, then restart them.<br />
<br />
That should do the trick!Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-25815548185232280792010-08-09T07:33:00.001+08:002010-08-09T07:34:14.189+08:00Why You Should Give Windows 7 A Try<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/win7-xp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/win7-xp.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Microsoft has sold 150 million copies of Windows 7 in nine months--that is, seven copies per second. It's the fastest-selling operating system in history. Vista, by contrast, was such a flop that users couldn't wait to get rid of it.<br />
<br />
Many consumers just got stuck with Vista because new PCs, for a while, were preloaded with it, and there were no other options. Some vendors still offered new, coveted systems with XP, for a lot more money. Yet, in the beginning, retailers even told consumers there was no way to uninstall Vista and reinstall XP.<br />
<br />
What does the new operating system mean for the business community, especially all the little guys and mid-sized companies that can’t afford to make another hefty investment in a rotten lemon?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Thankfully, Windows 7 is not the lemon Vista was, and its big, positive features are well-known by now. For example, multitasking makes it easier to navigate, and Windows 7 is more stable and secure. The new OS requires less memory and disk space. It has easier, more proficient file organization, less clutter and garbage, and more efficient networking setup and management. Windows 7 also touts a fancy new taskbar and system tray, better backup options, and some great entertainment features.<br />
<br />
These five additional selling points of Windows 7 may surprise you.<br />
<br />
<b>1. XP Mode</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepcreport.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/xp_mode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://thepcreport.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/xp_mode.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>One of the best features for companies who still want to use many legacy XP applications is XP Mode, which runs in the Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise versions. This was a lifesaver for me, because I have dozens of old graphics programs that I use several times a week.<br />
<br />
When I bought a new PC that came pre-loaded, unfortunately, with Vista, none of these XP-only programs would install. I could not afford to replace all of my software, and some of the other programs created years ago by smaller, independent manufacturers were no longer available. I was devastated, and searched the Internet for another XP machine.<br />
<br />
Admittedly, some programs, such as Office 2000, run a bit slower in XP mode, but all the graphics programs work fine. However, even if they did run slowly, I’d still be grateful for the ability to continue using them.<br />
<br />
Originally there was some concern about the functionality of XP mode on older systems. But as of March, XP Mode no longer requires hardware virtualization technology, according to Microsoft. Therefore, most of the PCs that lacked the appropriate hardware to support XP Mode will now work. So, if this was the reason you were hesitating to upgrade, it’s no longer an issue.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Folder Options</b><br />
<br />
Another great feature in Windows 7 is Folder Options, which fixes a huge, time-consuming blunder in Vista. I have heard nothing but frustrated complaints about how much time people waste changing Vista’s default folder options to meet their needs. In fact, when I last checked, there were several hundred thousand Google search results about this Vista nightmare.<br />
<br />
Someone at Microsoft came up with the lame idea that users needed to be told which folder options are displayed based on the files in that folder. For example, if the folder contains JPEGs, then Vista defaults to Icon view and displays the Name, Date Taken, Tags, Size, and Rating columns. Hundreds of bloggers provide the Microsoft knowledgebase workaround, but it doesn’t work permanently.<br />
<br />
Vista also has a maximum number of folders for which you can customize the settings. Once you exceed that number, the old defaults return.<br />
<br />
Windows 7 fixed this problem. First, it offers several different custom views that you can apply through the Properties dialog, which, like Vista, can be customized further. But there is no visible maximum. We tested a system that had over 3000 folders, and Windows 7 retained the settings we defined. This might seem like a minor feature to some, but for the legions of companies and users who have begged for a solution, it’s a deal breaker.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Location Aware Printing</b><br />
<br />
Location Aware printing--available in Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions only--is a big plus for employees who work remotely or who carry a laptop in the field. This feature allows users to configure multiple default printers, based on their location. And it is system controlled; that is, once you define the setup criteria, Windows 7 automatically resets the default printer to your current location. All you have to do is select Print, and it automatically sends the job to your network printer at work, your personal printer at home, or another shared printer. And, you can define as many print locations as needed, based on how many locations you frequently visit.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Remote desktop connectivity</b><br />
<br />
Remote desktop connectivity is another big plus in Windows 7. If your employees are working at home or out of town and forget a file at work, they can connect to their office PC in five easy steps. Not a big deal? Well, yes it is. Wasn’t this function available in Vista? Well, yes, it was, but it rarely worked and, when it did work, it was far more trouble than it was worth.<br />
<br />
The last office I worked in had 63 employees and one part-time IT technician who doubled as a network system administrator. After a month of trying everything; that is, calling everyone we knew with PC experience, searching Internet forums, wading through Microsoft knowledgebases, and reading instruction manuals, we finally just gave up on Vista’s so-called remote desktop and purchased Symantec pcAnywhere.<br />
<br />
The Windows 7 remote desktop actually works--well, in fact--and the setup is menu-driven and intuitive. For details, simply follow the step-by-step instructions in the Windows 7 Help menus, or select Remote Settings from the Start button, right-click Computer, then choose Properties, and read the screen. Once connected, you can access everything on your office PC, including files, network resources, and applications.<br />
<br />
You cannot connect to your office PC if it’s in Sleep or Hibernating mode, so be sure to disable this feature by setting it to Never when you visit Windows 7's Power Options, then select Change Plan Settings.<br />
<br />
Also, you cannot connect to a computer remotely with Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, or Home Premium. And if, for some reason, you work in a network environment but can't change your remote settings, then ask your system administrator about releasing control through the Group Policy settings.<br />
<br />
<b>5. MultiTouch support</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/12/surface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/12/surface.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>MultiTouch support is another deal maker for some companies that purchased laptops and netbooks specifically for the touch screen options. Since mobile phones, iPads, and many netbooks have virtual keyboards, employees have quickly adapted to the touch screen feature and found that it increases efficiency, for example, when conducting webinars, classroom training, and sales demos at product trade shows.<br />
<br />
It’s much easier than using the keyboard and mouse just to tap the screen, slide a scroll bar, or roll the cursor across the desktop with your fingers, especially when showing a quick presentation to your clients at lunch. Desktop users may not appreciate this feature much, but your employees with mini and mobile systems will love it. Besides, how many employees still have desktops these days?<br />
<br />
So, what will Windows 7 do for you and your company? In five words: simplify tasks and increase efficiency. It’s definitely worth a second look.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-15685234454838507702010-08-06T08:42:00.001+08:002010-08-06T08:43:02.130+08:00How To Make A File Open With The Correct Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/08/how-to-make-file-open-with-correct.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://www.indezine.com/products/powerpoint/learn/troubleshooting/images/fileassociation01.gif" width="200" alt="File Association" /></a></div>Windows can associate multiple programs with various file extensions (.docx, .jpg, and so on), with only one program being the default application--the one that opens when you double-click the file. Somehow, on your PC, Windows has the wrong program associated with that particular file type.<br />
<br />
And believe me, you don't want your files associating with the wrong type of application.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The instructions below work in Windows 7, Vista, and XP. The exact wording of the menu options and prompts varies between these three Windows versions, but they're close enough.<br />
<br />
Right-click a file of with the badly-associated extension and select <b>Open with</b>, then <b>Choose default program</b>. Make sure <b>Always use the selected program to open this kind of file</b> is checked. Double-click your program of choice or click <b>Browse</b> to find something else.<br />
<br />
This will open the file in the program you selected. More importantly, double-clicking any file with that extension will open it in this program from here on in.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026502574424528631.post-5583993951643933142010-08-03T08:48:00.004+08:002010-08-05T15:50:18.070+08:00Kid-Friendly Videos on the Internet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoypctips.co.cc/2010/08/kid-friendly-videos-on-internet.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://www.detools.ca/wp-content/2010/02/kideo1.jpg" width="200" alt="Kid Friendly Videos on the Internet" /></a></div>Calling all parents: YouTube is a mighty popular destination for kids, but not all the content there is kid-appropriate.<br />
<br />
Send your toddlers and tweens to <a href="http://www.kideos.com/">Kideos</a> instead . The site serves up thousands upon thousands of child-friendly videos, from Animaniacs to Pixar shorts to Sesame Street to Word Girl.<br />
<br />
All you do is click an age group (0-2, 3-4, 5-6, etc.), then choose a "featured video" to watch or click into any of the dozens of available "channels." There's also a search option, natch.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
When you click a video, you're presented with a simplistic player--and none of the often-disturbing user comments commonly found on YouTube proper.<br />
<br />
My favorite Kideos feature? The free iPhone companion app. When you need a five-minute break from screaming in the car or the kids are getting restless at the restaurant, presto: child-friendly video on the go.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347606643849835465noreply@blogger.com0