Tips to Avoid Computer Problems

Having computer problem is one of the most difficult situation specially if you are urgently needing access to it and its not working or functioning well. However, there are still several tips on how to take care of your computer and prevent computer problems.

1.       Proper Shutdown. Always keep in mind to close all the running applications and wait for the windows to completely shutdown to properly turn it off. Force shutdown or pressing the power button can result to hard disc damage that may later on create a total damage. You are only advice to do hard reset if your computer in no longer functioning well and you are no longer able to do proper turn off.

2.       Use power adaptor. In some cases and area, power supply is not consistent or fluctuating. This kind of instances can greatly affect the performance and specs of your computer. Through the help of adaptor, the power that is being supplied to your computer is being regulated.  This assures that your computer only receives the enough and right amount of power supply needed for this to function well.

3.       Use backups. Just like human brains, computer also has limitations in installing data or records. If there are huge file installed to it, every time you open your computer or tried to search for a file, your computer will have difficulty retrieving it. Today, there are several back up storage devices available in the market such as external drive, USB and CD. They are very useful to maximize the utility of your computer.

4.       Use spill proof mugs. It is sometimes inevitable for us to have coffee with working in front of our computer for a long period of time. However, one common reason as well for needing repair is getting spills from the drinks we have while working in front of the computer. For safety and security, it is always best to have spill proof mugs that will protect our computer from any liquid leakage.

5.       Keep antivirus updated. The strongest enemy of our computer are viruses which are anticipated specially if you are using internet or accessing information and data from the net. This is not just important to protect the welfare of your computer but also to secure the important data or files you have on it.

6.       Keep a constant cleaning. Dusts are everywhere. Even if you are working on an air conditioned room all day, every day, still your computer will collect dusts that would make it hard to function well. It is very important that you do a constant check up and cleaning to make sure and prevent other possible serious defects on your computer.

7.       Find the right people. Computer maintenance can be tedious and difficult. It sometimes requires professional assistance for a thorough check up specially for huge businesses that requires every use of computers. It is better to have an on call partner that will surely help you in time of need.

For additional information on computer needs and repairs you can also contact CKP computer at 0447 619 397 or visit their website at http://www.ckpcomputers.com.au/.

The Typical Computer Problems

Computer is one of the most useful tools that have been invented by human kind. Any computer problem can drastically affect our everyday life. These issues however, can be possibly resolved with the right knowledge and tool. It is always a great advantage to know the basic computer error and their basic trouble shooting technique.

Blue Screen. This common type of computer error is usually caused by hardware damage, software issues, corrupted files and other issues on your computer drive which only mean that your computer is already in huge trouble. In some cases, rebooting your computer can easily resolve this problem however not every blue screen issue can be resolve by just doing a reboot. To help you to identify the problem, you can also refer to the codes written on the blue screen to detect the root cause of the problem. Like any computer error, the key to fix it depends on the real issue.

Slow Application. Computer running slowly might have been experienced by most people at one point in their life while accessing it. This problem can be caused by various reasons. From the type of your operating system to the number of application you’re trying to run at the same time up to the viruses that you have in your computer, these could just be one of those possibilities. It is important to do constant cleaning on your data files and do regular update on your computer to prevent this issue. Scanning your computer using updated anti-virus can also help greatly on maintaining a good condition on your computer.

 Strange Noise. This is one of the disturbing errors of your computer specially when you’re doing task that requires your focus and concentration. This problem can be due to computer fan trouble or a hard drive issue. Giving attention to this can prevent a more serious problem on your computer in the long run.

Frozen Screen. Like having a slow computer, frozen screen is usually caused by insufficient storage of your computer or viruses that already affected its performance. There are external drives that can help you maintain a compilation of your important data without having problems on your computer memory.

Bad Internet Connection. While most of us have use computer because of the internet access, we might have all experience also a very frustrating bad internet connection. We often immediately associate this error with a problem from our internet provider however in some cases, what we don’t initially understand is that it could also be a problem on our own computer.

Understanding computer, errors and repairs can sometimes be difficult to understand. Without proper background and equipment they can be very complicated. One great advantage of new technology today is that there are numerous number of pc repair center available now in the market that offers great assistance. It is now on your hand to pick the right people that will handle your pc repair. For more information you can also check on http://www.ckpcomputers.com.au/ or call 0447 619 397 for the details.

Network Solution Found!

We went and saw a client in Blackburn South who was trying to sort out a networking issue with a laser printer. Where the printer was located in the office was not ideal and he wished to move it to an alternative location; only trouble was, there were no hardwired network ports, nor did the printer have wireless capabilities – what to do?

As the printer only had Ethernet (wired network) or USB connectivity, one option would be to get an electrician or cabler onsite to install a network cable to the new place where the printer would live; however, this is a costly exercise. An alternative way of connecting the printer is to use a couple of Ethernet over power line adapters!

Using this technology is a great option when Wi-Fi or a cabled connection just aren’t possible or cost effective. The way it works is by using your existing 240v home/office electricity circuit to create a network link. The electrical wiring in your home or office transfers electricity at the Australian standard frequency of 50Hz (some other countries like the US use 60Hz) but is able to support a variety of frequencies other than this. Extra data is able to be sent along the same lines using higher frequencies; similarly to how ADSL is able to work over typical phone lines.

Once the adapters were connected, one on each end, everything just worked, quickly and easily without any time consuming configuration involved.

The customer was very happy, as we saved him time and money.

If you need help with a networking issue, we are here to help you. Our number is 0447 619 397 or you can send us an enquiry, either through our contact page, by Facebook or by email, helpme@ckpcomputers.com.au.

Seven Steps to Help You Choose The Correct Laptop

While tablets & smartphones can do many simple everyday tasks while we are out & about, they are limited to what they can do. Heavy typing on a touch screen is not very practical and many applications are just not possible on a handheld device. A laptop is a much more versatile tool to get your work done, but which one do I choose?

Buying the right laptop can sometimes be a daunting task considering the variety of brands, sizes, features and prices. By knowing what your needs are, choosing can be made easier and following these steps will definitely help.

1. Decide on Platform – Windows, Mac OS or Chrome OS

Laptops come shipped with an operating system already installed, this allows you to ‘operate’ the ‘system’ if you will. Without it, the laptop won’t do much. Choosing the right one is generally a personal preference & most people tend to prefer one over the other. In business situations, sometimes you are forced to choose a particular platform if the software application required for work only functions on one platform, ie only Windows version available.

Most common is Windows 10 & Mac OS, but some of the inexpensive laptops or ‘Chromebooks’ use Chrome OS. Google’s OS is simple & similar to Windows by way of looks but is limited in supported applications. If you are just after a simple device with great battery life to do word processing, spreadsheet entry, web browsing or email, a Chromebook might suffice.

2. Choosing the right size

Next thing to decide is how big or small you need your laptop to be. It’s best to determine screen size before considering specs & other features. Sometimes you have to sacrifice one (portability or screen size) for the other.
These are the main sizes but some brands & models may differ slightly.

11.6” - You tend to find Chromebooks with this screen size, they are light and extremely portable. Battery life is also very good.

14” – Many of the business laptops, such as the HP Elitebook come in this size. They are very portable without sacrificing usability. They are light and offer good battery life.

15.6” - The most common size of laptop, they provide good usability while still being relatively portable. Downside is they tend to be heavier and battery life not as good.

17.3”+ – Also known as desktop replacements, these laptops have the largest screen while sacrificing portability. Great if your laptop sits on your desk all day. Many laptops this size also offer greater processing power compared to smaller screened laptops. Many people choose these to save space otherwise taken up with a desktop PC.

3. Check the specifications

Laptops have everything a regular desktop PC needs to operate, CPU, Ram, HDD being the main components.

CPU – The CPU or central processing unit is the ‘brains’ of the computer and it is important to make sure your laptop has the correct one depending on what work you are doing. For more info on CPU’s, please see our previous article.

RAM – Stands for Random Access Memory which is temporary memory the computer needs while in operation. The more the better generally, but most laptops come with 4-8Gb which is usually sufficient. The cheaper Chromebooks may only come with 2Gb whereas the larger powerhouses may have 16Gb.

Storage – Options include either a HDD (Hard disk drive) or an SSD (Solid state drive). Both have their pros & cons & more info about these can be found here. The majority of laptops only have provision for one drive due to space; the larger laptops may have the option of installing two or three drives in total.

Display – The higher the resolution of the screen, the sharper the image and the more information can be displayed. Most laptops have a resolution of 1366 x 768 but more & more are coming out with full HD 1080p displays with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. Some of the higher end desktop replacements may also have 4K displays (3840 x 2160).

Graphics – For most people an integrated graphics chip is sufficient for everyday laptop use. If you need a discrete graphics chip for 3D work or playing games, look for a model that provides AMD or Nvidia graphics to suit your requirements.

Optical drive – Fewer & fewer laptops are coming out with optical drives nowadays as the majority of software is now downloadable. If you do require an optical drive, buying an external USB drive might be better than sacrificing other more important features of the laptop.

4. Check the Keyboard & Touchpad

Keyboard – If you do a lot of typing, the keyboard will be the most important aspect to consider. Smaller laptops have to compact the keys in order for the keyboard to fit and can feel cramped for some people. A number pad is also missing on smaller laptops due to limited space. It’s something to keep in mind if you do number entry as a number pad is essential. Many 15.6” laptops do now include a number pad as part of their keyboard, but many do not so it pays to double check if this is important to you.

  

Touchpad – Touchpads can differ between laptops, some have the left & right mouse buttons as part of the touchpad while others have these buttons separated. Some business models also include a nub located on the keyboard which makes it handy to navigate without having to take your hands off the keyboard.

5. Battery

There are many factors which will determine how long the battery will last but generally you can expect anywhere between 3-4 hours from most laptops. The inexpensive Chromebooks can last a long time as the system doesn’t consume a lot of power in comparison to some of the higher end systems. Larger capacity batteries can sometimes be purchased which will extend the use time.

6. Budget

Once you know roughly what type of laptop you’re after, work out how much you’re able to spend and then see what options are available to you. You get what you pay for so if you can budget a little more, sometimes it will save you money in the long run by having a longer life cycle and allow you to be more productive.

7. Brand & Warranty

Support is very important especially if you’ll be using your laptop for business. It’s also imperative you check the type of warranty that it comes with. For minimal downtime, onsite support is paramount as a technician will come to your place. RTB or return to base warranty is where the unit has to be sent to a repair centre, maybe with a 1-2 week turnaround; something not very practical if your business relies on the laptop to operate.

Sometimes it’s possible that you won’t find the ‘perfect’ laptop for your needs and you may have to make a small compromise somewhere. Another thing to consider is that your ideal laptop may only a small upgrade away, like a RAM increase or to go from a HDD to an SSD to speed up the laptop more & increase the battery life.

Hopefully these seven steps will help next time you’re deciding on a laptop for work or pleasure. If you require any further help or you just aren’t sure, CKP Computers are always here to help you. Drop us a line on 0447 619 397 or you can send us an enquiry, either through our contact page, by Facebook or by email, helpme@ckpcomputers.com.au.

Stop your printer nightmares!

PRINTER! Indeed, it won’t leave your top 10 list of the must have’s in your office, but it can also be one of the most hated office tools too. Have you ever been in a rush for a meeting and needed to print out a document only to have your printer act up? It can drive you mad!

No matter what brand you choose, there are times when printing can become a nightmare. It may be because of driver issues, the user interface or the printer needs maintenance, it all depends. Computer & IT tech support people know how to deal with it, but it also helps to know what kind of printer problem we are encountering so you can apply first steps before issues become worse.

Here are a few common issues which could affect your printing:

Printer jams: All printers suffer from this at some point and is a fairly common problem. Printer jams occur for any number of reasons; using incorrect media that is just not compatible is the most likely cause. Older printers can be more prone to jamming due to rollers and internal parts wearing out which can cause paper slippage thus resulting in a jam.

If you encounter a jam, the best thing to do first is turn off the printer. Keep in mind especially if you have a laser printer, it’s advised to wait for the fuser to cool down before you clear the jam as they get rather hot. If you can see the jammed sheet of paper, GENTLY pull it out, following the direction the paper would normally go. DO NOT pull it backwards as it may damage the printer’s mechanics. Also be careful not to rip the paper if you can help it, removing remaining torn paper is often difficult and may even involve partly disassembling the printer to remove it all.

Print queue: It’s okay for us humans to multitask, but printers don’t work the same way. Printers get sent print jobs from a computer and are printed out in order. If there is an error in one of the jobs; paper jams, lack of paper, ink or other mechanical reason, the remaining jobs in the queue may not get printed and may get stuck. Most times once an issue has been rectified, the remaining jobs will continue and everything will be fine. If you continue to get print queue errors, there may be some other issues going on and it’s best to consult with your IT support to check what could be causing it.

Bad quality prints: You may have printed out a document or a photo and the quality of the end result was just awful. Most common cause for this usually a bad ink or laser cartridge and the easiest way to determine this is to replace it with a brand new one. Also worth checking the media you’re using and if it’s correct for the job you are printing. If everything checks out and you continue to have bad quality prints, then it could be a more major issue and it would be best to seek professional IT assistance.

Leaking cartridges: This is an issue that happens with both inkjet & laserjet printers, most often when using refilled or remanufactured cartridges. Most cartridges are not designed to be refilled and only have a limited life. It is always best to use new genuine cartridges to avoid possible leaking, plus you get much better quality printing. It’s also worth noting that most manufactures will not honour the warranty if damage has occurred due to a leaked cartridge.

We all have reasons to love printers but we also have reasons to hate them as well. Sometimes it all depends on how we use it too. When purchasing a new printer, one thing to keep in mind is to make sure it will be able to handle the workload, which is generally shown in the printer specifications as the duty cycle. This gives you an indication of how many pages per month the printer can handle. Trying to push a printer further than what it can handle is not advised and will usually result in damaging the printer. Most often this will also void your warranty.

If you take care of your printer and have it maintained regularly, many of the nightmares can be avoided before they happen.

If you need help with any kind of printer issue or if you need some assistance, we are here to help you. Our number is 0447 619 397 or you can send us an enquiry, either through our contact page, by Facebook or by email, helpme@ckpcomputers.com.au.

Solutions for Common Laptop Issues

Whether your laptop is a high-end model or not, problems will surely come along at some point when you least expect it. You can encounter a sudden restart or the screen blacks out and you are clueless about the cause of those problems. Thus, consulting a computer professional or technician will be your best option to resolve all of this.

Laptops are highly intricate and there are many causes to different problems. Here are just 5 of the most common laptop issues and solutions:

Screen Dots or Lines

1. If a line or dots of pixels appear on your screen, chances are it’s stuck or lit pixels. Dead pixels however show up as black dots. Sometimes putting a little light pressure on the screen with your finger can help the pixel become unstuck. However be careful and don’t apply too much pressure as you can damage the screen or even crack it. With millions of pixels on an average LCD screen, there is always a chance one or two won’t work properly. If the stuck pixels stay, the only option is to either persevere with it or replace the LCD panel.

2. If you’re experiencing wavy lines or static graphical artifacts all over your screen, it could be something else causing the problem other than the LCD panel. Bad RAM or a graphics adapter can cause this. If possible, connect the laptop to a working external monitor & see if the problem still exists. If it does, then the problem lies somewhere other than the built in LCD panel.

Black Screen  

Having a black screen may be due to a bad connection cable. If your laptop still seems to be functioning but the screen only displays a black screen, it could be a break in the cable joining the mainboard to the LCD panel. First connect a working external monitor & make sure the laptop is still functioning (besides the screen of course). If you get an image on the external monitor, it could be a fault with the panel or the cable. Both of these involve dismantling the laptop, so if you’re not experienced in doing this, please seek the professional help of a computer expert.

Incorrect Colours on the Screen

Incorrect or washed out colours could be a sign of a faulty LCD panel but could also be caused by bad RAM or graphics adapter. If after testing it turns out to be the graphics adapter at fault, most likely it’ll be part of the mainboard and can result in a costly repair. Replacing the board out of warranty is generally not economical as they’re an expensive part. Replacing a mainboard is a very intricate operation and not recommended to be done if not experienced. A computer technician or professional must be the one to handle such kind of problem.

Screen flickers on and off

The on and off flickering problem may be caused by a loose connection or a bad video cable. Breaks in the cable can happen due to opening and closing the screen and general wear and tear. A faulty LCD Inverter board (on older models) can also cause this problem. Hiring a computer technician or computer expert is highly recommended to determine the cause of this problem.

Laptop not turning on

Sometimes you can shut the computer down for the night and the next morning it just won’t turn on. This can happen on occasion and the first thing to try is to remove external power & also remove the battery. Next hold the power button down for around 30 seconds. Plug the power in & turn it on, if it turns on, then great! You can then connect the battery again.

If the laptop doesn’t turn on, it could have a fault somewhere, maybe try another power adapter if you have one or call a computer technician for help.

Laptops are very delicate and must be treated with care, however even with the utmost care, problem can still occur. Sometimes they ca be easily resolved but there are some which are more technical and assistance is required from a computer technician. If you aren’t sure or don’t feel confident to fix the problem yourself, seeking help from an expert will save you money in the long run.

CKP Computers can help you with all your laptop needs. Our number is 0447 619 397 or you can send us an enquiry, either through our contact page, by Facebook or by email, helpme@ckpcomputers.com.au.

3 Best Tips on Choosing the Best Laptop Repair Company

PRINTER! Indeed, it won’t leave your top 10 list of the must have’s in your office. But, it is one of the most hated office tools too. Are you in a rush for a meeting and you needed to print our certificates or legal documents and your printer acts up? Just wow!

No matter what brand we choose, there are circumstances that printing has become a user experience nightmare. It maybe because of the driver, the user-interface or the maintenance, it depends. There are experts or computer tech support who knows how to deal with it. But then we need to know what printer problems are we encountering to apply first steps before issues become worse.

Printer Jams. It’s a common problem for printers. Sometimes it’s hard to determine if they are tired of printing that they just stuck up like that. The paper gets stuck. The printer would just ignore it. It continues the printing process. Or it will stop when it’s almost done. Some part of it is stuck somewhere inside the machine.

Solutions: Turn off the computer. Keep in mind especially if you are using a laser printer you have to wait for the fuser to cool down before you clear off the jam. Pull out jammed papers and scraps CAREFULLY. Pull the paper under normal conditions- not backwards as it may damage the printer’s mechanics. If there are remaining scraps that you cannot pull anymore, leave it alone. Just call for a service. If you want to avoid printer paper jam, make sure you familiarize your printer with the papers you use.

Print Queue. It’s okay to multitask. You also do it but don’t expect printers to do the same. Something can only take so much. If you are eager to finish your work, you better follow the right ways. Printers perform their jobs but then, for whatever reasons the remaining jobs behind it gets blocked. Paper jams, lack of paper, ink or other mechanical reason may affect the print queue. Otherwise, there are far more reasons behind it. You can totally avoid this printer issue if you allow your IT support to regularly check it and tell you the root cause of this.

Bad Looking Prints. You have printed out a couple of pictures and by the end of your printing process; the print quality is just so awful. You can blame your inkjet because sometimes it can be blocked causing streaks on prints. But it can also be because of the type of paper you use. For best results, always consider good quality paper for the best prints. Never settle for something less unless you want to regret it.

Cartridge Leaks. Perhaps, paper jam could be the cause of your leaking cartridge. Cartridge leaks happen when scraps get stuck between the drum and the retaining blade. Retaining blade protects the waste bin against the drum. If any element blocks it, then the toner has the possibility to escape and leak.

We have all the reasons to love printers but we have reasons to hate them as well. Sometimes it all depends on how we use it. We take them for granted. Think of it. You only wanted to use it and you don’t even think of giving it a regular managed IT services. Instead, you wait for it to be broken before you realize you have over used it or you have used it wrongly. The best solution for fixing printers is to avoid nightmares before it wreck your printer solely.