How to Change the IRQ Settings in the BIOS

Default motherboard BIOS settings usually do not need to be changed when the motherboard or computer is installed and will suffice for most purposes. However, if you install add-on hardware that must use a specific IRQ (Interrupt Request to the CPU), the add-on hardware will not work until the IRQ specified is assigned to that hardware component. To assign a specific IRQ to a new hardware add-on hardware component, you must access the BIOS setup pages of the motherboard.

1). Reboot the computer and press the "DEL" key to enter the AMI BIOS setup pages. Press the "Down" arrow and highlight the "PNP/PCI Configuration" item, then press the "Enter" key. Use the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys to navigate to the IRQ you wish to change. When the IRQ is highlighted, press the "PgUp" and "PgDn" keys to change the setting from "PCI/PNP" to "ISA" or vice versa. Press the "Enter" key to save the setting.

2). Press "ESC" to exit to the main BIOS setup menu. Press the "F10" key to save the configuration and exit the BIOS. Press the "Enter" key to confirm.

3). Reboot the PC and press the keys specified on the initial message displayed (either the "DEL" key or the "CTRL," "ALT," and "ESC" keys at the same time) in order to access the Award BIOS setup pages.

Use the "Up and "Down" arrow keys to navigate to the "PNP/PCI Configuration" selection, then press the "Enter" key. Use the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys to navigate to the PCI slot item to which you wish to assign an IRQ.

4). Press the "PgUp" and "PgDn" keys to select the IRQ you wish to assign, or select the "Auto" setting and press the "Enter" key. Press the "F10" key to save the setting, then press the "Enter" key to confirm the setting and exit the BIOS setup.

5). Reboot the computer. Hold down the keys specified in the initial boot message that appears ("CTRL," "ALT," and "ESC" keys or the "CTRL," "ALT," and "S" keys or the "CTRL," "ALT," and "INS" keys). The Phoenix BIOS setup main page will appear.

6). Tap the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys to move to the "Advanced" menu. Tap the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys to highlight the "Resource Configuration" or "PCI Configuration" item, then press "Enter." Use the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys to highlight the PCI slot to which you want to assign an IRQ.

7). Press the "+" and "-" keys to select the IRQ you wish to assign, or select the "Auto" or "Auto Select" setting. Press the "F10" key to save the new settings and exit. Press "Enter" to confirm you want to exit the Phoenix BIOS setup pages.

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The Different Types of Computer Mice

 You can find a computer mouse for just about any use. To figure out what kind of mouse would work best with your PC, you need to know your mouse options.

·        Mechanical mouse

Houses a hard rubber ball that rolls as the mouse is moved. Sensors inside the mouse body detect the movement and translate it into information that the computer interprets.

·        Optical mouse

Uses an LED sensor to detect tabletop movement and then sends off that information to the computer for merry munching.

·        Infrared (IR) or radio frequency cordless mouse:

With both these types, the mouse relays a signal to a base station wired to the computer's mouse port. The cordless mouse requires power, which comes in the form of batteries.

·        A mouse with many buttons:

The extra buttons can be programmed to do specific things, such as navigate the Web or turn pages when you’re reading a document. The typical button-ified mouse has about five buttons.

·        Trackball mouse:

Like an upside-down mouse. Rather than roll the mouse around, you use your thumb or index finger to roll a ball on top of the mouse. The whole contraption stays stationary, so it doesn’t need a lot of room, and its cord never gets tangled.

·        Stylus mouse:

Another mouse mutation enjoyed by the artistic type is the stylus mouse, which looks like a pen and draws on a special pad.

·        Cordless 3-D mouse:

This kind of mouse can be pointed at the computer screen like a TV remote.

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Disable Touchpad When Mouse Connectes

If you're typing and your thumb accidentally brushes the touch pad, you can have your cursor jump to a random spot on the screen and make your words appear in the middle of a different paragraph. 

One tool that can make this easier is to use an external mouse instead of the touch pad, but when you disconnect the mouse you still need to be able to use the touch pad. Certain computers allow you to do this automatically, or you can perform a few simple steps to do the same thing manually.

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USB Graphics Adapter.

USB Graphics  Adapter allows a standard VGA, DVI, or HDMI monitor to be connected via a standard USB 2.0 connection. Up to six adapters supported per PC. The virtual USB graphics driver extends or mirrors your desktop. Displays are configured using the standard Windows or Mac display control panels.

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FireWire Vs External USB

FireWire Vs External USB

USB is the standard method used to connect a computer to any of several peripheral devices, including cameras, flash drives, keyboards, computer mice and printers. FireWire is the name for the Apple Computer version of the IEEE 1394 connection method usually used with audio/visual components.

Advantages of USB

USB has become the standard connector for the vast majority of computer peripherals, meaning those peripherals can be transferred from one computer to another with plug-and-play ease and no compatibility issues. USB video capture devices can convert your old VHS tapes to DVD.

Disadvantages of USB

USB tends to be slower than FireWire; it may run from 33 percent to 70 percent slower reading data, and from 16 percent to 48 percent slower writing data.

Advantages of FireWire

FireWire also offers plug-and-play ease of use, and its reading and writing speed outstrips USB's. Six-pin FireWire also allows peripheral devices to draw power from the computer they're connected to, so that no external power source is needed for them. Most digital video cameras are FireWire compatible.

Disadvantages of FireWire

FireWire does not work well with low bandwidth devices. FireWire ports are not standard on any non-Apple computers. While six-pin FireWire ports allow for great use of peripherals, these ports are not included on all computers.

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Types of Wireless NIC

Types of Wireless NIC

Wireless NIC, or network interface cards, can be divided into categories, depending on the type of wireless network to which they are connecting. They can be internal or external by using USB ports.

The different types vary in bandwidth, range and penetration.

Wireless A

Wireless A is the first standard following the original wireless specifications. It uses the 5Ghz frequency range to avoid the overcrowded 2.4Ghz range other standards use. The 5Ghz has a limited range and does not penetrate walls as readily as the 2.4Ghz range. Wireless A is limited to 54Mbps theoretical bandwidth, which translates into 20Mbps in real conditions.

Wireless B

Wireless B was the first wireless standard adopted by the public. Because it uses the 2.4Ghz band it was limited to 11Mbps bandwidth when equipment came out at the beginning of this century. It was widely adopted because it had a lower price than Wireless A and offered a longer range and better wall penetration. Wireless B is not compatible with Wireless A equipment.

Wireless G

Wireless G is an evolution of Wireless B that uses the same type of frequency modulation as wireless A. It allows for the same 54Mbps bandwidth as wireless A, with the range and wall penetration of wireless B. Just like wireless A, the 54Mbps bandwidth is theoretical. The actual bandwidth is about half. Wireless G is compatible with wireless B equipment.

Wireless N

Wireless N is the latest standard. Many manufacturers released "Pre-N" hardware as early as 2007 to allow their customers access to the faster speed. Most "Pre-N" hardware will work only with access points and NIC from the same manufacturer. Wireless N final became available in October 2009, and allows bandwidth up to 300Mbit. Wireless N uses several antennas to transmit the data on different channels.

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Troubleshoot a Computer Scanner

Computer scanners are used to scan images, including documents and photos. Simple computer scanners are flat bed---they just have a sheet of glass on which you can place the document or photograph to be scanned. 

 

More elaborate scanners have flat beds and automatic document feeders (ADFs) that are good for scanning a stack of documents at one time. Problems with the scanners are related to poor images or to ADF failures including jams. Troubleshooting scanners can be accomplished by following some steps.

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Barcode Printer.

A Barcode printer is a computer device for printing barcode labels or tags that can be attached to objects.

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How to Expand My Printer Memory

 Most printers have a limited amount of memory; print jobs are spooled from the sending computer in bite-sized chunks the printer can handle.

If you increase the amount of memory in a printer, you also increase the amount of data that the printer can accept from the spooler on your computer. More data through the spooler means faster print times and less time waiting beside the printer.

1). Find the owner's or user's manual for your printer (you may be able to find it online if you do not have it readily available). Refer to the manual for the type of memory you need for your particular printer.

2). Turn off the printer.

3). Locate the memory expansion cover slot for the printer. On most printers, the slot is in the rear of the unit. With some models, however, the slot may be on the side or even the bottom of the printer. In most cases, the slot cover will have a "Memory" or "RAM" label or have a small picture of a memory module on it.

4). Remove the retaining screws for the slot cover with the Phillips screwdriver. Remove the slot cover and place it out of the way.

5). Put on the anti-static wrist strap and attach the clip on the other end to a metal part of the printer case.

6). Remove the printer memory module from its anti-static packaging. Hold the module on the edges. Never touch the metal contact leads on the bottom of the piece of memory.

7). Align the notch in the contact edge of the memory module with the one in the memory slot for the printer. While holding the module at about a 30 to 45 degree angle, push the contact edge of the module firmly into the slot. Once you can push the module no more, push the outer edge of the module up or down (depending on the orientation of the slot) until it snaps into place.

8). Place the slot cover back over the memory expansion slot. Reinsert the retaining screws and tighten them with the screwdriver. Remove the anti-static wrist strap.

9). Attach the printer cable. Plug the electrical cord back into the outlet. Turn on the printer and use as you normally would. You should notice increase in the performance of the printer.

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What Is Inkjet Hub Printable?

Inkjet hub printable describes a specific type of CD and/or DVD. A printable disc is a disc with a special lining on one side to allow printing on that side of the disc.

Printable

Printable discs offer a unique advantage over standard discs. Recordable CDs and DVDs often require some type of labeling once they've been recorded on. The lining on printable discs allows them to be printed on or written on by hand without damaging the disc.

Hub Printable

The difference between a printable disc and a hub printable disc has to do with the total printable space on the disc. Hub printable discs are lined closer to the center hole than basic discs, allowing almost the entire surface to be printed on.

Inkjet

Inkjet refers to a specific printing process that involves spraying ionized ink droplets in various patterns on a printable surface. An inkjet printable disc is a disc that can be printed on using this technology.

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Difference Between a Plotter & a Format Printer

Two types of printers used in industrial and commercial settings are the plotter and the wide format printer. The distinction between the two can be subtle.

Wide Format Printer

A wide format printer refers to any printer that can print documents of a size larger than the sizes of standard paper, such as poster or even billboard sized documents.

Plotter

By distinction, plotters are special printers that use a set of pens to draw large documents that consist entirely of lines with no areas of solid color. This is distinct from other printers, which draw all images as an array of colored dots. Plotters range in size from desktop to room-size. They are used most commonly in Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and similar applications.

Modern Plotters

Pen-driven plotters have been replaced largely by other types of wide-format printers, though printersdesigned especially for use in CAD sometimes are still called "plotters."

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Clear a Paper Jam on Inkjet Printer

Paper jams are among the most common problem with ink jet printers. Follow these instructions to learn how to clear a paper jam so you can get back to work.

Disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer before you begin. With the power disconnected, you will protect yourself from being shocked. This is an important step when you are fixing any type of electronic device.

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Color Alignment Issues on a Xerox Phaser 6360

The Xerox Phaser 6360 printerproduces high-quality color prints suitable for home and office environments. Once the printer is set up, you might experience undesirable print quality.

Test Print

Print a color test print. If the colors have halos or the lines aren't crisp, inspect the surface on which the printer sits. Move the printer to a solid, flat surface. Uneven surfaces put pressure on the print nozzles and misalign them over time.

Color Registration Page

If the color quality of a print is hazy, print a color registration page. This page will help to realign the print nozzles. From the Xerox Phaser print control panel, click "Troubleshooting," "OK," "Print Quality Problems," "OK," "Color Registration" and "OK." Follow the directions printed on the page.

Color Calibration Page

From the Xerox Phaser print control panel, click "Troubleshooting," "OK," "Print Quality Problems," "OK," "Calibrate Colors," "OK," "Tutorial Page" and "OK." The color calibration page will print out. Follow the directions printed on the page to recalibrate the 6360's color output.

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How to Convert USB to Parallel

How to Convert USB to Parallel

There are many older devices such as printers and scanners that are still in good working condition. But because technology has advanced, the parallel connectors on these devices can't connect to newer computers that only have USB ports. In order for the older devices to work with newer computers, you'll need to buy a cable that will connect to a parallel port on one side and a USB port on the other side.

1). Turn off your computer and the device before attaching the cable.

2). USB cableAttach the parallel side of the cable (the larger of the two connectors on the cable) to the device. Plug in the USB side of the cable to the computer's USB port.

3). Tighten the screws on the parallel connector to ensure there is a good connection. On the computer, make sure the USB connector is firmly attached.

4). Turn on the computer and the device. Once the computer is up and running, the operating system should automatically detect newly attached devices. If auto detection doesn't work, insert the CD that came with the device and install the software driver.

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Convert PC Card to USB

How to Convert PC Card to USB

The PCMCIA (PC card) has been roundly replaced by USB devices. The sheer litany of products that are immediately functional, or require only a quick install, through the USB make multiple slots highly convenient -- for example, using a single laptop to listen to an iPod while printing off an external hard drive. Meanwhile, fewer and fewer devices use the PCMCIA format. Fortunately there are adapters available to convert a computer's PC card slot into an extra USB port.

1). Purchase a PC card (PCMCIA)-to-USB adapter. These can be found at computer and electronics stores or online. Make sure that the adapter specifically states that it is the correct type of adapter.

2). Push the card end of the adapter into the PC card slot. Make sure that the adapter is completely placed into the port.

3). Connect the USB device you wish to use to the USB side of the adapter. The adapter functions as a standard USB port, so use the device as you would through any other USB connection.

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USB to PS/2 Converter Cable Is Not Detected

USB to PS/2 Converter Cable Is Not Detected

There are two kinds of USB to PS/2 adapters: straight adapters and signal converters. Adapters are designed to approximate a PS/2 port as connected to the USB port, while signal converters have internal hardware that takes the PS/2 signal and turns it into a USB signal. The hardware in signal converters allows the BIOS access and may include operating system drivers, which can alleviate many issues that users encounter with PS/2 to USB adapters.

1). Turn off the computer and reconnect all USB and PS/2 devices. Ensure that the connections are all well-seated, and fit snugly into the ports.

2). Try using a different USB port. The same hardware may function differently in different USB ports for a few reasons, including a different power output, a dusty or dirty USB port, or hardware failure within the computer.

3). Ensure that your device(s) are plugged into the right ports. If your adapter is colored, the purple connector is for keyboards, and the green connector is for your mouse.

4). Connect the keyboard and/or mouse without an adapter to another computer to make sure that the keyboard and/or mouse is still functioning. If you don't have a computer with a ps/2 port to test the devices, you may try the adapter in another computer with USB ports.

5). Try another keyboard and/or mouse with the adapter. If the adapter works well in your computer with different hardware, this may indicate a compatibility issue between your adapter and style of keyboard and/or mouse.

6). Find out if your adapter is compatible with your devices. If you're using an adapter designed to be connected to both a keyboard and mouse, without using both devices, the adapter may not function properly. The manufacturer's website should include any relevant device conflicts.

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How to Make an SCSI to USB Adaptor

How to Make an SCSI to USB Adaptor

SCSI stands for Small Computer Systems Interface. SCSI was the standard to connect most computer peripherals until the emergence of USB cables. Nowadays, a vast majority of computers are equipped with USB ports for peripheral connections. However, if you have a SCSI peripheral device, you may want to build a SCSI to USB adapter so you can use it on a computer with a USB port. Note that you will need a SCSI to USB cable and a USB cable to perform this task. These cables are available for purchase in most electronic stores.

1). Connect the "SCSI" end of a "SCSI to USB" cable to your SCSI peripheral device.

2). Connect a USB cable to the "USB" end of the "SCSI to USB" cable.

3). Connect the other end of the USB cable into one of the empty USB ports on your computer.

4). Turn on your SCSI peripheral device. Wait until your computer recognizes the device and let Windows install the necessary device drivers. Once connected, you will see a notification saying that the device is connected and ready to use.

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Vesa VGA Connector

What Is a Vesa VGA Connector?

Cable clutter is a problem that can be frustrating and counterproductive when setting up a workspace. The VESA connector attempts to solve this problem by combining many different signals into one wire.

Background

1). VESA is an acronym for the Video Electronics Standards Association, which sets standards for PC and computing environments. The VESA connector is capable of incorporating video, audio, printer, Firewire and USB connections into one wire.

Central Connection Point

2). The monitor acts as the hub for all incoming hardware connections such as the mouse, keyboard and printer. The VESA connector directly connects the monitor to the PC hardware via a 34-pin MicroCross Molex pin and socket on both sides of the wire. This essentially eliminates the need to connect each individual device to the PC directly.

Evolution

3. The VESA connector was later renamed the VESA plug and display connector. Eventually, DVI replaced the VESA connector due to its ability to support high bandwidth and enforce digital content protection.

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VESA VGA Monitor

What Is a VESA VGA Monitor?

VESA is a worldwide monitoring body for a variety of computer graphics standards. They're best known for Flat Display Mounting Interfaces (FDMI), which allow monitors to attach to walls. FDMI-compliant VGA monitors are known as VESA VGA Monitors.

VESA

VESA (Video Electronics Standard Association) was founded in the late 1980s by NEC and several other monitor manufacturers. It operates primarily as a trade group to maintain common benchmarks and standards for computer video technology. VESA's other best known standard is the Display Port benchmark for mobile computers.

Monitors

VESA monitors may have one of a number of mounting interfaces. The most popular by far have a pattern of holes that are either 3 inches by 3 inches or 3 inches by 4 inches. These holes are used to screw in mounts, which are then used to attach the monitor to a wall or other surface.

VGA

The VGA standard (Video Graphics Array) is a popular benchmark for computer graphics that was developed in the late 1980s. It is best known for blocky 640x480 pixel resolution and a relatively large color palate. Although VGA is not the most popular video standard anymore, it's often used for mobile devices and specialty computers in the sciences.

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General Components of a PDA

The General Components of a PDA

The use of personal digital assistants, or PDAs, as an electronic tool for organization started in the mid-1990s. Early models had expansion slots, which you could use to connect to external modems and cameras. In 2010, with numerous cell phone networks available, PDAs are nearly interchangeable with smart phones, and they share several general components.

Communication

PDAs offer many communication choices. You can develop a contact list that contains names, addresses, emails, phone numbers and special dates that link to the calendar (such as birthdays and anniversaries). From that contact list, you can make phone calls, send text messages or prepare emails. You also can place phone calls directly, either with a phone pad or voice commands.

Cell phone providers also provide internet connectivity. This allows for web browsing and the continuous ("push email") receiving of emails from your email provider.

Organizers: Calendars, Task Lists, Notes & Memos

PDAs provide different ways for organizing time. Calendars provide daily, week, monthly and specialized views and many can be synced with other PDAs or PC-based programs. Task lists provide due dates (which can appear on calendars), status checks, reminders and repeat indicators. You also can take notes on the go with general notes pages, which you can name and categorize.

Input Functionality

You can input information with a touch screen, stylus or your thumbs using a QWERTY style keyboard; some offer a combination of options. The keyboards can be physical (some may slide down for use) or virtual (accessed from a touch screen).

Media & Storage

Most PDAs provide internal digital cameras, video cameras and voice note recorders for taking and playing photos, video clips, voice notes and music. You can add to the internal memory with memory cards, and you can download your media files to your computer (for editing and storage) and to online websites for sharing.

Functions & Programs

Many PDAs offer pre-loaded functions, such as alarms, calculators or mobile versions of Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint. You can activate navigation systems using GPS technology. Applications (or "apps") are popular, and PDAs can download apps that cover a variety of subjects and interests, from personal finance, gaming, education, business, entertainment, music, social networking, health and more.

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Default DVI Port on the 4870X2 Card

What Is the Default DVI Port on the 4870X2 Card?

The 4870 X2 is a high-performance graphics card developed by AMD. The 4870 X2 incorporates 2 GB of GDDR5 memory to deliver 2.4 teraflops of graphics power. The card includes a number of ports for connecting one or more monitor or display devices.

Default DVI Port

The default DVI port for ATI Radeon HD 4800 series graphics cards, such as the 4870 X2, is the port on the left that is labeled "1" in the Radeon HD 4800 series user guide. This DVI port can be used to connect a single monitor or video display directly to the graphics card itself or by using a display adapter such as a DVI-to-VGA or DVI-to-HDMI converter.

Secondary DVI Port

The secondary DVI port for ATI Radeon HD 4800 series graphics card can be used to extend the desktop using a dual-monitor system or connect to another display device such as an HDTV or projector. Like the default DVI port, a video display device can be connected directly to the DVI port, or an adapter such as a DVI-to-VGA or DVI-to-HDMI converter can be used to connect the display device.

TV/HDTV Output

Besides the two DVI ports on the 4870 X2 card, the graphics card also includes a 7-pin HDTV output connector for connecting the graphics card to display on an HDTV or standard television. A 7-pin output cable can be connected to the output connector and allows for the connection of a HDTV device using composite or standard RCA cables.

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How to fix Keyboard not detected by the computer:

When you use a wired keyboard, you may experience one or more of the following problems:

• The keyboard is not detected.
• The keys on the keyboard do not work.
• Wrong characters are typed.
• The keyboard shortcuts do not work.

To work around keyboard is not detected, use the following methods

1.      Turn off your computer before troubleshooting. Verify that the keyboard is securely plugged in to your computer. Try another PS/2 or USB port if your computer has more than one, or try the connections on another computer, if applicable. If the keyboard  still doesn't work, then it may be defective and needs to be replaced.

2.      Confirm that the driver software was installed correctly by checking whether there is any error next to keyboard entry in device manager. Some keyboards, especially if they're wireless, require drivers in order to function properly. Also follow the instructions to install any software that came with the keyboard.

3.      Update the driver for your keyboard, if necessary. Open the control panel on your computer, check the hardware settings and then follow the commands to update the driver.

4.      Turn the keyboard upside down to remove any dust, debris or food crumbs. These particles can also prevent the keyboard from working properly. Clean out hard-to-reach areas of the keyboard with an air compressor or a "static-safe" vacuum cleaner.

5.      Fix the keyboard layout if the characters on screen don't match what you type. Select an input language on your computer, then choose the keyboard layout that matches that language from control panel( region and language settings)

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