Most Common Causes of Computer Failure

There are thousands of problems that your PC will eventually encounter, from an endless list of possible error messages to various hardware failures. Most of these problems may have several possible causes as well.

Luckily, majority of these potential issues are rare. The problems most computer users see are common causes and errors only, which can also be seen by others.

This could spell good news because it means that there’s a great chance that the problem you're experiencing already has a solution at hand. However, if things get complicated, you may need to contact a tech support company for further assistance.

Computer Won't Turn On

Finding that your PC won't boot up is a very common problem. Whether you mean that the computer is completely dead or it powers on, but nothing happens, the result is the same -- you can’t use your computer at all. It’s a scary situation. For starters, try to see if you plugged the power cord into the outlet (no kidding, tech support companies get a lot of frantic calls from users who simply forgot to plug their computer). Also, try to see if the connectors inside have been loosened or dislodged.

Blue Screen of Death (BSoD)

There’s a good chance you've heard of or seen the Blue Screen of Death. It’s that all-blue screen with the computer code all over it that comes up as your computer is slowly dying. It’s actually caused by a STOP Error, which comes in many different kinds. STOP 0x0000008E and STOP 0x0000007B are two of the most common Blue Screen of Death errors.

“404” or “Page Not Found” Error

A 404 error means that whatever page you’re trying to reach on the Internet isn't there. Usually, this means that you didn't type the correct address in the browser or that the link you used to try to access the page was wrong. Check your Internet connection as well.

“Hal.dll is Missing” Error

Error messages about missing DLL files are unfortunately very common but the “Hal.dll is Missing” error is one of the more common and frustrating ones. There are a lot of possible causes for this problem, which means there are several troubleshooting steps you’ll need to follow to cover all your bases.

Applications Run Slowly

There are several reasons for software to run at turtle speed. You may have computer problems that involve your operating system or an application, your operating system might be missing updates, or your computer doesn't have enough hard drive space. If you don’t have enough hard drive space, you can scan, clean, and optimize your hard drive to avoid this problem from reoccurring.

Workarounds to Some Common iPad Air Problems

We can safely say that the iPad Air is the best 10-inch tablet in the market today. But as the saying goes -- nobody, or for this matter, nothing is perfect. Every new product has its bugs here and there, and below are some of the most common iPad Air problems reportedly encountered and their potential solutions.

Issue #1: Freezing, crashing, and rebooting

There have been reports where users have encountered frequent freezing issues, and crashing to the Home screen or to a black screen. Some have encountered random reboots to the Apple logo, which happens in an app or while closing an app at no particular reason. When the iPad Air freezes or crashes, the Home button and touchscreen becomes unresponsive. Here's what you can try to fix this problem:

Workaround:

Try resetting your iPad by holding down the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button simultaneously for about 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo. That should make it work, for now. However, there's still a chance that the freezing/crashing issue may happen again some time later.

Possible Fixes:

·         Make sure that your device is not lacking memory by going to Settings, then tapping General, and then Usage to close any running app that you don't need. You may also want to consider uninstalling any app that you don't want to use anymore.

·         Regularly close running applications properly by tapping the Home button twice, and then swiping up the applications that you want to close.

·         Try resetting your iPad's settings by going to Settings, then tapping General, then Reset, and then tap Reset all settings.

·         Try uninstalling your apps one by one to find out which app is causing the freezing or crashing problem. You can also perform a backup and the reset your device back to factory settings, and then selectively reinstall the apps. To do this, perform a backup, then go to Settings, then tap General, go to Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings, and then tap Erase.

·         If you're using a Bluetooth keyboard or other accessories, try not to use it for a while and see if the freezing/crashing/rebooting problem stops. If you determined that your Bluetooth device is causing the problem, contact the manufacturer and try to ask for a fix.

·         If you have performed a factory reset and don't restore from a backup but the problem still persists, take your iPad Air back to Apple and ask for a replacement.

·         Try check for any software update by going to Settings, tapping General, and then Software Update.

Issue #2: Overheating

Packing big batteries into small spaces, maximizing its processors capacity can definitely make a device to overheat. When it comes to this matter, Apple actually has a superb record. The iPad normally gets hot if you use it a lot, but if it becomes too hot, you'll see a temperature warning on the screen and it will automatically shut itself down.

Workaround:

·         If you're using a case or cover, try to removing it to prevent the iPad from cooling down.

·         Avoid using the iPad in a really warm environment. Try going somewhere cool or a place with airconditioning to prevent it from overheating.

·         Playing games for a long period of time will surely make it warm. Try taking a break once in a while.

Possible Fixes:

If you're not using the iPad Air for a long period of time or you're not using it heavily and then suddenly it gets hot for no apparent reason, take it back to Apple for further troubleshooting.

Issue #3: Restoring From a Backup Takes Too Long, Stalls, or Won't Start

There are times where you may encounter difficulties in restoring a backup from an older device to your new iPad Air. Problems involved with backup process taking too long, stalls, or will not start. Be reminded that performing a backup via wireless connection may take a while to complete.

Possible Fixes:

·         If you think that the process has stalled, try restarting your iPad Air. Some users have claimed that restarting the iPad prompted it to continue where it left off more quickly.

·         Try restarting your router.

·         If you're having problems restoring from iCloud, try using a cable and iTunes instead.

·         If the options above still didn't work for you, perform a factory reset on your iPad Air. Back it up, then proceed to Settings, go to General, tap Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings, and then tap Erase. Next, create a new account on your Mac or Macbook, then give it administrator privileges. Restart the Mac, and then log into it as the new user. Plug in and back up your old iPad with iTunes. When it's finished, connect your iPad Air and restore from the backup you just made.

Issue #4: Screen Has Dark Lines or Has Yellow Tint on One Side

Some iPad Air users have reported problems about the screen having dark vertical or horizontal bars, mostly on the left edge of the display when held in portrait view. Some have experienced about a noticeable difference in color between the two halves of the screen, with the left side having a yellowish tint.

Fix:

This issue is more likely a production defect, therefore your only solution for this is to return the unit to Apple or to the retailer and ask for a replacement.

Issue #5: Frequent Crashing of Safari Browser

This issue normally occurs when the user tries to open additional tabs, or have multiple tabs open in Safari. According to people who have reported this problem, pressing the tab button is enough to trigger a crash on the browser.

Possible Fixes:

·         Go to Settings, tap Safari, and then tap Clear History and Clear Cookies and Data.

·         Try restarting the iPad by holding down the Sleep/Wake button, and then slide to power off.

·         If it didn't work, go to Settings, then tap iCloud, then Storage and Backup, and then tap Back Up Now. Next, go back to Settings, tap General, then Reset, and then tap Erase All Content and Settings. Set up your iPad Air again, then proceed in restoring your backup.

·         Download the Google Chrome browser.

Issue #6: Slow, Intermittent, No Connection to Wi-Fi

Try the commonly-known solutions below if you are experiencing slow, dropping, or no wireless connection on your iPad Air.

Possible Fixes:

·         Power cycle your wireless router and your iPad Air by turning them off for about 30 seconds, and then turn them back on.

·         Enable the Airplane mode on your iPad, then go to Settings, then General, then tap Reset, and then tap Reset Network Settings. Once that's done, turn off the Airplane mode, then try setting up your wireless connection again.

·         Check your wireless router's settings and make sure that it has the latest firmware. If you need assistance on this, contact your router support. If you're experiencing signal problems, try changing the router's channel from automatic to a specific known-working one. This can be done on the router's configuration page.

·         Backup of your iPad to iCloud and then restore it.

Reasons Why Your Smart TV is Having Trouble Streaming Netflix and How to Fix it

Have you ever wondered why your Smart TV keeps on buffering while you are watching a movie or TV show played from Netflix? Isn’t it annoying sometimes when you’re watching the most thrilling and exciting part of the movie and then all of a sudden it stops streaming? I know how it feels and that is exactly why I’d like to share to you some of the main reasons why you’re having these troubles and some tips on how you can fix the issue.

TV shows or movies played from Netflix, which buffer frequently on your smart TV usually indicate a slow or interrupted Internet connection. These are the 2 most common causes of the buffering issue with Netflix. But of course, there are other things to consider when it comes to this type of issue. But for today, let’s limit it to four reasons only and let’s focus on a network which is set up via wireless since most networks these days are already set up that way.

Let’s say that your network supports streaming and that means that you’re not connecting to a dial up or satellite connection. Otherwise, it would be impossible to stream Netflix movies or even other videos online.

Now, the first thing to consider is your Internet speed. If your network supports streaming, it must meet the minimum streaming requirements from Netflix. Also, let us remember one very important thing when it comes to streaming. Movies or shows playing in high video quality consume more bandwidth than low quality videos or movies. With that being said, I’d like to show to you the Internet speed requirements based on the quality of Netflix videos that you’re trying to watch.

• 0.5 Megabits per second – Required broadband connection speed
• 1.5 Megabits per second – Recommended broadband connection speed
• 3.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for DVD quality
• 5.0 Megabits per second – Recommended HD quality
• 7.0 Megabits per second – Recommended Super HD quality
• 12 Megabits per second – Recommended for 3D quality

If you do not know the Internet speed that you have subscribed for with your Internet service provider (ISP), you have to call and ask them. Then perform a speed test to check if your connection is really getting the speed of what you’re paying for. And if you like, you can upgrade to a higher plan so that you can also enjoy watching higher quality videos from Netflix.

Another possible cause for having trouble streaming Netflix videos would be the stability of your connection. Even if you have good Internet speed, it may drop the connection from time to time. Whenever it drops, it buffers your streaming experience, which can be really annoying.

The best way to check the stability of your connection is to connect your PC directly to the modem, and then observe your Internet connection. If you’ll still be getting the same connection problem, contact your Internet Service Provider and have them troubleshoot your modem’s connection. However, if it’s your router that’s causing the intermittent connection, upgrading the router’s firmware may resolve the issue. Same goes with the driver of the wireless receiver on your smart TV.

Aside from that, another thing to consider is the distance of your smart TV from your router. This is very common in a wireless network. The farther you are, the weaker the signal becomes. This will have a big effect on your streaming experience since streaming requires a stronger connection compared to simply browsing websites on a computer.

To avoid connection issues caused by distance, you have to make sure that your smart TV is in range with your router’s signal. If there is a limitation with the signal because of the type of network environment you have at home, or the type of router that you have, you may want to consider putting the router in a central location at home if possible, or adding a range extender to your network. That will definitely help you with your distance issues in your wireless network.

Lastly, interference in your wireless network may also cause your streaming problems with Netflix. If your other wireless devices, such as cordless phones or microwave ovens, operate on the same band as your smart TV, it may interfere with the wireless signal of your smart TV.

To avoid this, make sure that there are no other wireless devices near your smart TV or your router if possible. Otherwise, move them away from the router, or move the router to a new location to improve its signal strength and avoid getting disrupted if you can. Also, make sure that the router is placed in an open space where it won’t be limited from broadcasting its signal in your network. Elevate your router off the floor as it will give you a better reception.

So there you have it, those are the common reasons why we encounter problems streaming Netflix using a smart TV, and the suggested fixes for them.

_________________________________________________________________________________
By: Mark Savella 
About the author: Mark has been a tech support engineer at SUPPORTrix for more than 5 years now and knows a lot of troubleshooting technique and guide to help people who are having trouble with modern technology.

Essential Free Software that We Should Know

Image Source: freedigitalphotos.net

Our computers were originally bundled with built-in programs that are readily available to use. These include the security, multimedia, image editor, PC maintenance, and so forth. But those embedded programs and features have basic functions only. There are a variety of free and useful software now that we can download to enhance and help your day to day life activities. Below is a short list of the most essential free software you can't afford to miss on your Windows XP to Windows 8 and Macintosh operating systems.

Antivirus and Antimalware Protection

Regardless of how you use your computer on a daily basis, keeping your computer healthy should be your first line of defense. Although our computers have built-in firewalls, it has been a campaign to protect our computers by running antivirus and keeping the system up to date. No single tool can detect everything. An anti-malware program alone cannot protect your computer from viruses and vice versa. So as a solution, experts recommended to install one security tool (Microsoft Security Essential, AVAST, or AVG) that can protect your computer from threats while surfing the Web, installing applications, and opening files and attachments on your mail. Then install anti-malware (malware bytes) to remove potentially unwanted software and any other infections found to make sure nothing has been overlooked. But on top of this, we should also maintain a good browsing habit and good downloading hygiene.

Password Management

One of the reasons why accounts are easily hacked because people use simple passwords such as their child's name, their last name, short phrases, or sequential numbers so they can easily remember it. Many users also need to remember different passwords for their email, bank accounts, eBay log in, and so on. Typing them out in every account can be annoying. Aside from that, hackers may use dictionary attacks and brute force attacks. But there are tools that can help make the password more convenient and hacker proof.  Aside from the security benefits that you can get in using this software, it also helps you organize your account information. Here’s some recommended software that would make your computer more hacker proof:

1. Keepass (compatible with Windows/Mac/Linux/Mobile Free)

2. RoboForm (the basic version is free)

3. LastPass (also compatible with Windows/Mac/Linux/Mobile Free)

Tune-ups and Maintenance

PC tune up utility is a great way of improving your computer’s performance without upgrading the hardware. This should be part of your overall PC maintenance strategy.  These utilities have the capability of cleaning up temporary files and removing incorrect registry entries, as well as personal information.  But we need to keep in mind that by running these programs it can make changes to system files. So before we start with any tune programs, it is recommended to create a restore point and have a recent backup of your critical data. This is to allow the user to revert their computer back to its original state if anything should happen. Here are some of the tested programs that you can use and most of them have the same features -- CCleaner, 360 Amigo, and Glary. Some options are grayed out and you can only use them if you upgrade to the paid version, but the free offering is still good utility in its own right.

If you haven’t optimized your computer for several years, you should see a real improvement in speed and responsiveness after running the program. However, it will become less noticeable if you run it regularly. But it’s still a good idea to run them subsequently.

Multimedia

Image editor, paint program, and picture organizer:

Undeniably, Photoshop is still the best photo editing software. You don’t need a formal training or be a professional to get a great free solution for editing and organizing your images on your computer. Most of the programs that are capable of doing all these cost hundreds of dollars -- but the best part? All of the programs below are completely free. If you are looking for the best photo editor, it depends on what you're looking for. The programs listed below are all safe and fantastic.

1. PhotoScape - Is a photo manager and editor.  This lets you create slideshows, edit photos in batches, combine photos in one image, or split photo into a few pieces and capture screenshots.

2. GIMP – Hailed as the best alternative to Photoshop. It's more professional, it has brushes, and fine detailing tools. Like Photoshop, it lets you create a logo or banner. This is useful to someone who does a lot of graphic art.

3. Picasa – This software falls under manipulation/editing category, and not image creation. Whether you are fixing a red eye, cropping a photo, straightening it or something else, Picasa is for you.  The best part about it is that once you’ve edited your photos, you can upload it quickly.

4. Paint.net – It has more advanced tools, effects, and plugins compared to Microsoft Paint. MS Paint is good for basic and quick photo editing while Paint.net has more features and is more like Photoshop.

Audio and Video

For playing video, VLC is the best player for Windows operating system. It's a small video player that is simple, fast, and reliable and can play most multimedia files as well as DVD, CD, and VCD.

To record, edit and change audio, Audacity is your friend. It can also be used for processing all types of audio, including podcast by adding effects such as normalization, fading in and out, and trimming.

Documents and Text

For documents and text, Microsoft is the most popular program, though costly, in the market today. There are many free alternatives to Microsoft Office that you can quickly and easily start using today. Most of these applications will work with Windows, Mac, and Linux.  Consider this list next time, when you are looking to purchase MS Office.

Apache and Libre Office almost have the same functions. They offer tools for word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, database management, and spreadsheet. Using these tools, you can still read the Microsoft format, as well as save a file as Microsoft Word Document. The WORD and Database tools are similar to MS office Word and Excel, but the presentation is different from PowerPoint. Both tools can be installed on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Google Docs – It is a web based suite developed by Google and it’s now integrated with the Google Drive. This web-based service will allow the users to create and edit documents online in real time. This tool also offers word processing documents, drawings, presentation, and spreadsheet and can also read Microsoft Office documents. It can work on all operating systems since its we-based.

NeoOffice – Has the same features with Apache and Libre Office but it's designed to work with Mac OS only.  The software has grammar and spell checker features and can also read Microsoft formats.

Backup solutions

Losing all your computer data can be catastrophic. If you damage your laptop, you could potentially lose all the important documents. But worry no more because backup solution can be our life saver. Backing up your files in the cloud allows you to access your original files even if you lost your laptop.

Backup solution is simply defined as storage located remotely, which you can access it online anytime, anywhere using a laptop or mobile phones as long as you have an Internet connection. The best thing about backup solution is its flexibility and accessibility that allows you to share and edit your files. You can update your files from one computer and you'll see the changes on the other computer. Some of the notable free cloud storage/backup solutions are Mozy and Dropbox. Both cloud storages have free and paid versions. For the free version, it has limited capacity of 2 GB only and when you sign up for the paid one, you can upgrade the capacity up to 125 GB.

There you have it! We have showcased some of the essential software that you can't afford to miss on your computer. All these products have been tested already and although they are free ones, they are efficient as the paid version. These are software that are worth installing without spending a dime.

Written by: Jezza Mae M. Cruz - Supportrix Tech Engineer

Hidden iOS 7 Features You Should Know About

iOS 7 is packed with a whole lot of hidden features and new tricks that enables you to make the most out of your iOS 7 devices, and in some cases bring back a taste of some of your favorite iOS 6 features. Belo are some hidden features you can try:

Use FaceTime Audio Calls to Save Money

iOS 7 now allows you to make audio-only FaceTime calls by simply tapping the phone icon instead of the video icon in the FaceTime app. You can make FaceTime Audio calls from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, essentially turning the iPad and iPod touch into a phone. Furthermore, FaceTime Audio calls use Wi-Fi or Cellular Data (LTE or 3G), which allows you to save money especially when you use it for international calls.

Close Multiple Apps at the Same Time Through Multitasking

With the new iOS 7, you can see all the apps that you have recently used and it allows you to see what is happening inside an app. In addition, you can quit running apps by tapping the Home button twice and swiping the app you want to quit upwards. Not only that, you can also quit multiple apps using multiple fingers all at the same time.

Block Calls and Messages

In some instances, there will be a need for you to block certain individuals from contacting you. Blocking a contact is now possible with your iOS 7. All you need to do is go to Contacts, then scroll down to the contact you want to block, and then tap Block This Caller to refuse incoming calls, messages (SMS and MMS), and FaceTime calls.

Zoom While Shooting Video

Another hidden iOS 7 camera feature is for video recording, which iPhone 5 users can benefit from. You can now zoom in on your subject while recording a video with a pinch to zoom gesture. To do this, pinch on the video while recording or while setting up your shot.

NOTE: This hidden feature is not available to iPhone 4s and later, as well as on iPad.

Actual Clock on the Clock Icon

The Clock app on the new iOS 7 is now an actual clock with a working second hand and not just a static icon.

Message TimeStamp

With the new iOS 7, you can now see the exact time a message has been sent and received by swiping the screen from right to left.

Delete Messages in Thread

Deleting the entire message thread is straight forward. All you have to do is go to the Messages app, tap Edit and select the thread you want to delete. However, deleting individual messages within the thread is not possible until iOS 7 came about.

To delete individual messages within a thread, go to the Messages app, then open the message thread, and then tap and hold a message until you see the option More. Mark the messages you want to delete, and then tap the small Trash Can icon at the bottom left of your screen.

Use Night Mode in Apple Maps

The iPhone screen glow can be nearly blinding especially when you are driving late at night as you try to use the Maps app. With the new iOS 7, it displays a darker interface at certain times, which is much more pleasing to the eyes when navigating at night.

Access .com Key

One of the things most people miss after upgrading to iOS 7 is the absence of the .com key inside Safari. But do not fret, you can still access the .com key by simply pressing and holding the . (period) key, which will display .com,.net, .org, .us, and .edu keys.

Peek at the Message and Mail List

You can take a peek at the message list by slightly swiping to the right whether you are checking your email on the Mail app or viewing a conversation in iMessage.

Swipe to Go Back to Almost Anywhere

In previous iOS versions, you will need to tap on the back icon or tap in the upper left to go back in Settings and Apple apps. Now with the new iOS 7, all you have to do is swipe in from the left edge of the screen.

This swipe gesture works in iMessages, Settings, Notes and many other apps. When used in Safari, it will go back a page and will go forward a page when swiped in the opposite direction.

Swipe Up to Hide Notifications

When you receive a new notification, you can swipe to the right to open the appropriate app, or swipe up to hide the notification.

Use Compass as a Level

The Compass app can be used as a level tool. Just launch the app to display the familiar dots at the bottom of the screen that indicates a second screen. Swipe from right to left to display the spirit level.

Make Text Size Easier to Read

The new skinnier font in iOS 7 can be very difficult to read for some people. Because of this, Apple has added the Dynamic Type mode that will make the text larger and easier to read on supported apps.

To adjust the setting, go to Settings>General>Text Size. Adjust the text size by moving the slider to your preference. You may also go to Settings>General>Accessibility, then toggle Bold Text to turn it on to make the font bold.

NOTE: Not all apps support the Dynamic Type mode.

Shake to Undo Deleting Email

If you are using the default Mail app to check your emails, it is now easy to restore accidentally deleted emails by simply shaking the iPhone right after deleting the message. This gesture will bring back the email to your Inbox. This hidden feature is similar to the Shake to Undo typing option to clear out what you have typed in the text box.

Create Custom Vibrations for Contacts

With the new iOS 7, you can now create a custom vibration for your contacts that can be used for phone calls and messages. This is a handy feature to help you identify the caller or sender of the message without having to take out your phone, especially if it is in Silent mode.

To create custom vibrations, go to Settings>Sounds>Ringtone>Vibration>Custom>Create New Vibration then follow the on-screen instructions.

Teach Siri a Lesson

The new iOS 7 allows you to correct Siri's pronunciation by simply saying "Siri that's not how you pronounce that." Siri will then ask you to say it again to better pronounce the word.

Control Your iOS Device Through Head Gestures

iOS 7 can use the front-facing camera to detect head movements to control your device.

To control your iOS device through head gestures, go to Settings>General>Accessibility. Toggle Switch Control to on, then tap Switches to add physical gestures to control your iOS device.

Create Calendar Events Within the Messages App

With iOS 7, you can now create a calendar event while in Messages app. Just tap on the underlined text within the message and select Create Event.