Technical Support News

MP3 players for podcasts

August 7, 2009 – 5:49 am
A fantastic podcast option, the Zune even ekes past the iPod for the top spot. The software is excellent for podcasts: You can manage how many episodes you want to sync to your device on a subscription-by-subscription level, meaning you can update three episodes of Buzz Out Loud, but only one of MP3 Insider and so on. You can also unsubscribe from podcasts directly from the player, and there's an option to wirelessly sync new podcasts when you charge your player at night. The Zune also offers accelerated fast forwarding and passive bookmarking to automatically remember your spot in each podcast. Source: cnet

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Fujitsu Japan to start Computer Support in Korean

August 6, 2009 – 4:56 am
What an strange and welcome move from Fujitsu, Korean language support in Japan for Fujitsu PCs running either XP or Vista (Japanese Version)… Well while I welcome the move from Fujitsu to think about foreigners in Japan (Korean are the largest foreign community in Japan but only represent in Japan less than 0.5% of the population in Japan)… I would love Fujitsu to go even further and offer their PC, even if they are sold as “Order Made” in different languages and with different keyboard layout… Let’s say for the sake of the argument, the possibility for a Korean living in Japan to get a Fujitsu PC (Japanese model) sold with a Korean keyboard and Korean OS… A bit like Apple does with the possibility here in Japan to order your Mac in English (well OSX is sold in every different languages) and a fully loaded QWERTY Keyboard. Fujitsu Japan ...

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How to Tune up Your Windows XP PC

August 4, 2009 – 8:15 am
Run "Windows Update" regularly, or use the automatic "Critical Updates Notification". Install anti-spyware software (Ad-aware, Spybot S&D & Spyware Doctor are all good ones) and keep it updated. Spyware Blaster runs in the background and stops spyware installing itself. Run the anti-spyware program regularly to keep your PC clean. Install & regularly update your anti-virus software. Run the anti-virus program on a regular basis. One option is to enable "Microsoft Firewall". However MS Firewall does not control outgoing connections (ie. a virus/worm trying to 'phone home'). Download and install ZoneAlarm - a free version is available. Make sure there's nothing in the Startup list. (Start Menu> All Programs> startup) Unless there are programs in the list that you need to run when the computer starts up, it should be empty. Uninstall unnecessary or rarely-used programs in "Add/Remove Programs". Clean the Desktop icons you don't use. Put them in a folder (preferably not on the desktop) if you are ...

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CA antivirus trashing Windows system files

August 3, 2009 – 10:15 am
Here are the kinds of messages that people are seeing: 7/8/2009 16:58:31 PM File infection: C:\WINDOWS\system32\net.exe is Win32/AMalum.ZZNPB infection. Quarantined 7/8/2009 16:58:32 PM File infection: C:\WINDOWS\system32\netsh.exe is Win32/AMalum.ZZOKH infection. Quarantined 7/8/2009 16:58:38 PM File infection: C:\windows\SERVIC~1\i386\net.exe is Win32/AMalum.ZZNPB infection. Quarantined 7/8/2009 16:58:38 PM File infection: C:\windows\ServicePackFiles\i386\net.exe is Win32/AMalum.ZZNPB infection. 7/8/2009 16:58:38 PM File infection: C:\windows\SERVIC~1\i386\netsh.exe is Win32/AMalum.ZZOKH infection. Quarantined 7/8/2009 16:58:39 PM File infection: C:\windows\ServicePackFiles\i386\netsh.exe is Win32/AMalum.ZZOKH infection. 7/8/2009 16:58:42 PM File infection: C:\WINDOWS\system32\reg.exe is Win32/AMalum.ZZOAF infection. Quarantined 7/8/2009 16:58:47 PM File infection: C:\windows\SERVIC~1\i386\reg.exe is Win32/AMalum.ZZOAF infection. Quarantined 7/8/2009 16:58:47 PM File infection: C:\windows\ServicePackFiles\i386\reg.exe is Win32/AMalum.ZZOAF infection. 7/8/2009 16:58:49 PM File infection: C:\WINDOWS\system32\verclsid.exe is Win32/AMalum.ZZNRA infection. Quarantined The problem mainly affects Windows XP SP3, but users of other versions of Windows ...

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How to Remove Computer Viruses?

July 31, 2009 – 4:36 am
Do you want to learn how to remove computer viruses as quickly as possible? If you feel that your PC has been attacked by a virus or any other forms of malware and is behaving very strangely, you will be glad to know that they are fast and easy solutions to the problem. There is no need to get yourself a new computer that might not be worth the money. There are ways that you can use to find and get rid of these harmful files inside your system. 1. Stop your Family and Friends From Clicking on Links Sent Out by Your MSN Messenger or Email Messages! A PC that has been infected by a virus will attempt to use the system as a platform to spread itself to other contacts on the infected computer user's MSN contact list and saved email addresses. It can do so by sending messages to ...

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Sony launches its wireless, headphone-only MP3 player

July 30, 2009 – 4:57 am
Music fans have something to cheer about - an affordable, attractive, wireless, all-in-one walkman has been launched by Sony! The latest offer from Sony, the NWZ-W200 series MP3 player, is a compact and lightweight device costing Rs. 4990! Sony's simple, ultra-potable, head-phone-only MP3 player is perfect for music lovers on the go - it boasts a tangle-free revolutionary design that can snugly fit behind the user's head. The impressive 13.5mm EX headphones from Sony not only enhance the sound quality manifold, but have also been designed for maximum comfort. The new W Series MP3 player features 2GB internal storage space, and supports the novel ZAPPIN TM functionality for offering a better way of browsing, searching and listening to music sans a display, thereby ensuring that the users continue to remain focused on the work they are doing simultaneously. While a full battery charge of the new Sony MP3 players allows users to enjoy ...

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Computer troubleshooting: the power supply

July 27, 2009 – 10:14 am
Without power supply a computer cannot function. One of the most important components of a computer, as it gives life, so to speak. However, a failure of the PSU (Power Supply Unit) can bring with it a plethora of uncertainties as the usual computer troubleshooting method is immediately nullified by the fact you can no longer turn the PC on. The main cause for concern with a recently deceased PSU is that in their dying throes they can take other components with them. So, how does one go about diagnosing a computer without a power supply? Here are the steps to begin the process: 1) Have a replacement PSU. While almost all users do not possess a second PSU, those who do can begin diagnosing immediately via replacement. However, if this is not the case you must proceed to the second step. 2) Find a replacement. This is where things get tough, for ...

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PC repair shop caught trying bank fraud

July 23, 2009 – 7:04 am
t's no surprise that computer repair shops might snoop for porn on laptops they fix, but an investigation by Sky provides anecdotal evidence that unscrupulous repairmen are prepared to attempt bank fraud as well. Sky planted surveillance software on a brand-new laptop, before rigging an easy to diagnose fault by dislodging an internal memory chip from its connection. Fixing the problem, which prevented Windows machines from booting, was as simple as pushing the chip back in. However all but one of six repair shops put through a mystery shopper test by Sky either misdiagnosed the fault or overcharged for repairs. The worst overcharging offender was Laptop Revival from Hammersmith, West London, which claimed the laptop needed a new motherboard at a cost of £130, shortly after identifying the genuine fault. The monitoring software logged one repair technician from Laptop Revival riffling through files in a folder clearly labeled as private, including photos of ...

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Wonderful Collection of Dead Computer Logos

July 22, 2009 – 4:51 am
Univac is a nerd’s nerd, a collector of objects so odd that even we are somewhat shocked. Shocked, but also very impressed. What does Univac collect? He pries plastic parts from the cold corpses of dead computers. Above, you see his collection of cadaverous key-caps, along with logos from pretty much everything Steve Jobs ever worked on. The Apple logos come from iMacs and old CRT studio displays (the blue ones), Quadras and LaserWriters (rainbows), the Next logos (our favorites, due to the weird 3D nature that works very well in photos) and caps from various Apple keyboards (as Univac points out, “What the hell would a ‘Here Is’ key be used for?”). Source: wired.com

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Computer repair firm supports the Fredericton Food Bank

July 21, 2009 – 4:57 am
For every billable hour in both July and August, Hemi-PC, Fredericton's same-day PC repair service, will donate $5 to the Fredericton Food Bank, as well as 10 per cent of all consignment sales. "We tend to see big ramp-ups at Christmas for donations and help to the food bank, but in the slower summer months, it almost seems to dwindle. It's important that we in the community keep help flowing for these programs to work properly," says Michael Taylor, co-owner of Hemi-PC. In a challenge to other local businesses, Taylor hoped that, "other local businesses would come on board to help as well in any capacity possible. There are more people hurting out there than ever and there's no invitation required to help." Hemi-PC, at 517b Northumberland St., specializes in fixing and returning of PCs the same day they are brought in. It can be found online at www.hemi-pc.com The Fredericton Community Service Inc., better ...

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