Blog

Ever had a printer problem? That’s like asking if you’ve ever had a bad day. Although we often love what printers produce, let’s face it, we have all dealt with their temperamental side.

While every printer brand and model will differ slightly in their capabilities, there are some common printer repair tips that can be applied across the board. We’ve compiled a list of common printer issues and have provided steps on how to resolve them.

Toner
If your documents are not printing properly (i.e., blank pages, smudges, horizontal or vertical lines, or barely visible ink), it’s probably a problem with the toner or toner cartridge. Try cleaning the printer with a lint-free cloth or compressed air. You may want to purchase a cleaning kit to keep handy, which would include items to clean the printer regularly. After cleaning it, print a test page (click Start > Control Panel > Printer and Faxes > right click Properties > Print Test Page).

If the problem still remains, try installing a new toner cartridge. Print another test page to see if that corrects the issue. If you still have problems after adding a new toner cartridge, check the printer’s display window to see if it provides any error messages. If so, you may need to check your owner’s manual for further instructions.

Power and PC Connection
While this sounds very simple, many times it can be the culprit of a non responsive printer. Ensure the printer’s main power cord is plugged into a functioning outlet or power strip. If it connects to a power strip, make sure the light is switched on. Also, check to see if the printer is turned on, especially if your error happens in the morning. Someone could have turned it off the previous evening.  

The problem could also be a bad connection to your computer. Trace the cable from the back of the printer to the back of your computer to make sure it hasn’t come loose.  

Print Queue
An issue that often happens regardless of the manufacturer is that the print job errors out and gets stuck in the printer queue. The printer queue can be located on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen, and it shows you all current print jobs. By hovering the cursor over the image, you can tell if you have any pending print jobs. If the print job is not printing, try to remove it from the print queue. Look for the printer icon in your taskbar, right click on it to open all active printers and faxes, and highlight the print job to cancel. If it doesn’t allow you to cancel the print job, browse to the following location and delete all files located in this folder: (C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\PRINTERS).

Usually there are two files for every one print job that is stuck in the queue. Sometimes a restart of the computer is necessary after deleting the files.  

Drivers
Another common problem is printer drivers. Drivers are simply software created especially for your printer to function with your computer. It is very important that you have the appropriate drivers for your particular printer manufacturer and model. The easiest way to find the drivers is by going to the manufacturer’s website, where you can download updated drivers at no charge.   

Before downloading any new drivers, check to see if you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit machine.  The reason for this is because drivers are created for each, and if you install a 64-bit driver on a 32-bit machine you may encounter problems. Go here to find out if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit.

If you still have trouble after updating your drivers, it might be a problem with the printer software.  Sometimes the information becomes corrupted or deleted. In this case, you can try reinstalling the software that came with the printer when you purchased it.

Multi Function Printers
Multi function printers often include printing, faxing, copying and scanning capabilities all in one. While they can be great tools, they can also cause much stress when not working properly. The reason they can be so troublesome is because you have to determine which part of the product is not working. You should follow the same approach as we mentioned earlier, checking the power supply, toner, cleanliness of the machine, and making sure you have updated drivers. If none of these items seem to be the problem, check the manufacturer’s website. If the problem is a known issue, they will have troubleshooting tips on their website.

A good tip to keep in mind when using a multi function printer is to make sure you are using the appropriate mode for your activities. For example, if you frequently fax signed documents to clients or financial institutions, you’ll notice that the quality of the document lessens the more times you fax it. But there’s another option – if you have a multi function machine, use the scanner option to save your signed document as a PDF file. Then you have an electronic copy that can be e-mailed, faxed or printed with the same high quality as the original document.  

We hope you’ve found some of this information helpful. And remember, if you need computer or printer advice call Technology Helpline. Our tech support analysts are here to help.

Introducing Windows 7
You’ve probably heard about Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 7. It’s the first new release since Vista in 2006. If you were one of the many unsatisfied Vista users, then you may consider making a switch to Windows 7. We’re not advocating one operating system over the other; however, we do want to provide you with information so that you can make your own decision.

What’s new?
There are plenty of reviews about the new operating system, and they all share an underlying theme. While Vista was not the XP successor users were hoping for, Windows 7 has real promise of filling the gap. With its revamped user interface, yet low-key, minimalist approach, it offers a much altered experience to that of Vista.  

Enjoy new user interface enhancements like the reorganized Taskbar, which gives the Mac OS X dock a run for its money. Experience features like Jump Lists that keep the most recent things you’ve used close by for fast access; or the Pin feature which lets you “pin” programs or files to your Taskbar or Jump Lists. 

Keep your desktop organized with Aero Peek, a new management tool that provides thumbnails of all open windows. Scroll over thumbnails to get a peek of the full view window. Or use the desktop peek feature to view your desktop by making all windows transparent with a simple click of the mouse. This might be one to get used to because Windows 7 has omitted the Sidebar, the portion of the screen that Vista reserved for gadgets. Now you’ll find your gadgets such as your calendar, pictures, weather or games directly on the desktop.

A few other changes worth mentioning are enhanced security with less annoying UAC (User Access Controls), easier network sharing with HomeGroup, and XP Mode for programs that require a PC running XP. 

Which edition is right for you?
Windows 7 comes with six different editions to choose from – Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, OEM, and Enterprise. However, the three editions that will be most marketed are Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate.

For most users, Professional will be the appropriate choice. While Home Premium has all the cool user interface enhancements and updated Windows Media Center, it lacks the tools needed for working in XP mode, backing up to a network, and joining a network domain – all of which are activities many professionals may require. For an additional $20 you can get the Ultimate edition that includes BitLocker, a security enhancement that encrypts all computer drives, including USB flash drives and portable hard drives to protect your data and passwords.

Upgrading options: 
You also need to determine if you’ll be doing a clean install or an upgrade. This may be decided for you, depending on the operating system you’re currently running.

Windows XP users: Unfortunately, XP users only have the option of doing a clean install to Windows 7. In fact, most experts suggest a clean install because not only does it provide a fresh start, it also removes old files and registry entries that could slow down your machine. The only down side to a clean install is that you lose all your programs and data. However, that can be remedied by backing up your data and transferring it over once you’ve completed the installation.

Should you upgrade? The choice is yours. If you currently own a strong operating XP machine, there’s no need to upgrade just because it’s available. XP will continue to be a primary operating system for the foreseeable future.

Windows Vista users: Depending on the Vista edition you currently have installed, you may be able to do an upgrade to Windows 7 rather than a clean install. The benefit of doing an upgrade is that it requires less free space for installation and transfers over your existing programs and user data. View the chart below to see if you qualify for an upgrade.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Should you upgrade? For those who have recently purchased a computer running Vista, the decision is a bit tougher. A Vista machine running Service Pack 2 is a stable, efficient operating system. However there are some Vista computers that would benefit from the upgrade, such as laptops with a single core processor or computers with less than 2 GB of memory because of the built-in memory management that Windows 7 provides.   

Check your requirements
Before you start your installation, please make sure your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements. These will vary slightly depending if your machine is a 32 or 64 bit. If you’re not sure which version you’re running, go here for instructions to find out.

 

 

 

 

 

One last step you might want to consider before installation is running the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. The advisor tool will scan your hardware, devices, and installed programs for known compatibility issues and will advise you how to resolve potential issues. 

Final thought…
The choice to upgrade to Windows 7 is completely up to you, but if you’re in the market for a new computer then Windows 7 is definitely a great choice. Windows 7 is simply the operating system Vista should have been. And while your current computer may function fine, if it meets the requirements to upgrade, most likely you’ll enjoy the benefits the new system has to offer. 

We hope that this information has been helpful and remember if you have any questions or need computer repair or remote tech support, call Technology Helpline.

Let’s review the two types of memory computers operate off of – RAM (Random Access Memory) and hard drive memory. Understanding their differences will help you determine if one needs to be upgraded. 

RAM versus hard drive memory
The hard drive memory is the long term, permanent memory. It is where all files, photos, music, and other permanent files are stored. This memory is measured in Gigabytes (GB) and is usually much higher than RAM because it is the storage capacity for the entire machine.

RAM is the short term memory which helps increase the speed of the computer.  When you open a file, the computer must store the data somewhere temporarily to access it. So it writes the data to RAM temporarily for quick access. The more RAM your computer has, the faster you can access files and programs. RAM is typically measured in Megabytes (MB) or (GB) Gigabytes depending on the size of the computer chip.

How much RAM does your computer need? 512 MB is typically the standard for XP machines. If you’re on a Vista machine then 2 GB is the minimum. Unless you’re a gamer, then these amounts should be sufficient for your needs. Be sure you look at the requirements before installing any new program or game to ensure you have enough RAM.

How do you know if you need more RAM?
There are some common signs you should be aware of, for example, slower than normal speed when accessing normal programs or files. This could be a gradual process or it could happen overnight. 

Another closely related sign that your RAM is running low is if you’re experiencing display problems. These can range from Internet pages that only load partially or nothing at all, and can even affect your own saved files. For example, if you try to open a document and see blank spaces where text or images should be displayed, this might tell you it’s a RAM problem.

One of the most obvious signs is notifications that pop up in your computer saying “low memory” or “out of memory.” If this happens, you definitely need to add more RAM soon or delete old programs.  

Use the Task Manager
A better way to find out if you need more RAM is to compare your Total Physical Memory (memory installed) and your Total Commit Charge (total memory being used), you can determine whether or not you need to add more RAM. Find these details by opening your Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Delete), select Task Manager, and click the Performance tab.

If your peak is lower than Total Physical Memory, then you don’t need more RAM. If your peak is higher than Total Physical Memory, then you do need more RAM. If the Total Commit Charge is higher than the Total Physical Memory, more memory would give you a significant performance boost.

Also note that the measurements are in (K) Kilobytes. Since most RAM is measured in (MB) Megabytes, you’ll want to convert the measurements. To convert (K) Kilobytes to (MB) Megabytes, simply divide the Kilobytes by 1024. 

Use an online memory advisor
For those who don’t want to mess with the math, you should consult an online memory advisor tool who will do the work for you. Crucial Technology will tell you what type of RAM you need and how much.

If you determine you need more RAM, you can do it yourself, or take it to a professional, where you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to 100 for time and labor. But there are reputable websites that can help you do it yourself. You can find step-by-step instructions here.  

Remember if you have any questions; please call our Technology Helpline to speak with one of our knowledgeable experts.

We all know to beware of viruses and malicious programs from harming our computers. While it is important to know what programs are available to help detect viruses and spyware, it’s vital to recognize when your computer is in danger.

Common signs of an infected computer:

• Computer runs more slowly than normal.
• Computer stops responding or locks up often.
• Computer crashes and restarts every few minutes.
• Computer restarts on its own, fails to run normally.
• Applications on your computer don’t work properly.
• Disks or disk drives are inaccessible.
• Printing problems.
• Unusual error messages.
• Distorted menus and dialog boxes.

Keep in mind that these could also be signs that you have hardware or software issues on your PC.  Without having antivirus software installed, there’s no definite way to determine this. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make sure you have an antivirus tool for protection. Our tech support team recommends the following antivirus programs. And they don’t cost a dime.

AVG

AVG 8.5 is a complimentary antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows. Currently, it’s compatible with MS Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7. AVG offers a user-friendly interface which is easy to download, install and use. It is the number one “most popular download” on CNET’s download.com.

You can purchase the paid versions of AVG for protection against identity theft, hacker attacks, infected downloads and infected instant-messaging. However, our technical support team typically recommends downloading the complimentary version to start with, especially if you don’t currently have any viruses. Download AVG software.
This is another powerful and complimentary antivirus, antispyware, and antiroot kit package. Avast Home Edition allows users to customize their installation.  

Avast

Avast Home Edition does support some of the older Operating Systems that other programs do not, such as Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows NT. Install Avast Home Edition.  Again, both AVG and Avast will help prevent viruses and spyware. However, if you have already contracted a virus on your PC, try one of the cleaning tools our tech support analysts recommend.
This is a high performance tool used to remove even the most advanced malware and spyware. It’s one of the fastest and most effective tools on the market and is nicely organized and very easy to use. Download the Malware and Spyware removal tool at no charge.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.41

And remember, if you have any questions, call Technology Helpline to speak with one of our knowledgeable computer repair tech support analysts.

If you’ve ever wished that you could type as fast as your thoughts come, then Keybr.com might be something you’d enjoy.

Keybr.com incorporates instructional lessons with fun, short typing exercises. Lessons start simple with home row keys and gradually add upper and lower rows into the exercises. Rather than typing random characters or letter combinations that you’d never use in real life, this program keeps it realistic by providing common words that follow phonetic rules of your native language. Currently, you can choose from seven different languages to practice with, including English, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French and Russian.

This typing tool is free, easy to access, and doesn’t require any special computer software or add-ons. Simply type in the website address, www.keybr.com, create an account, and in minutes you’re on your way to becoming the world’s fastest typist! For those serious about such a claim, you’ll be excited to see you can compete with other visitors by reviewing the week’s high scores. After every exercise, you’ll have access to your own mini performance review which includes your top speed, average speed, number of errors and even gives you graphical data to show how you’ve progressed over time.

Its most unique feature, which helps it standout from others, is the customization aspect. Enjoy typing topics of interest by uploading your own text. Keep up to date on the latest entertainment news or technology reviews by adding website articles or blogs directly to your account. Learning made fun and easy, finally!

Technology Helpline’s goal is to provide superior technology support services, including: online technical support, computer repair, spyware removal, virus protection, helpdesk outsourcing, business it support, pc support, remote support, data recovery services and desktop support. We’ve been in operation for ten years and currently support more than 250,000 individuals. Our offices and staff are located in the USA, in Orlando, Florida. http://www.TechnologyHelpline.com

Internet Browsers Have You Scratching Your Head?

Overwhelmed by Internet browser choices? How do you determine which one is right for you? Here are some features of my top three browser picks so that you can decide which one is for you.

Mozilla Firefox 3.5

Many surveys have shown that users think Firefox is the king of browsers. It now works faster and uses less memory than previous versions. Another bonus – it works with all platforms including Windows, Linux, and Mac.

• Private Browsing: This feature allows you to go undercover online, where your online fingerprint is completely untraceable.

• Open Video and Audio: This is the first open source video and audio format which allows sites to display media content without plug-ins and other proprietary software.

• Awesome Bar: This feature learns about you, and the more you use it, it adapts to your preferences by providing new matches from previous searches.

• Instant Website ID: This allows you to avoid illegitimate sites, especially when making purchases. This feature gives you a quick identity overview of the site, company and its location.

Internet Explorer 8

IE’s new features may help it increase its competitiveness and become the favored choice once again. This may be your preferred browser if you are into gadgets and tools to gain efficiency when browsing.

• Web Slices: Key lime pie? Not quite, but nearly as nice. If you frequent certain portions of a website, such as checking on auction items or stock quotes, then this web slice icon could be handy. It will provide you with updates on these sites directly from the favorites bar.

• Accelerators: You can shorten browsing steps with a couple clicks of a mouse. You can highlight a street address and use the accelerator icon to get driving directions. Or you can even translate a word. IE offers several, different accelerators.

• SmartScreen: It’s like having your own personal online bodyguard! This filter detects and notifies you of malicious websites and downloads that are reported as unsafe.

• Parental Controls: This allows you to customize a security mix to protect your family.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is very fast, intuitive, and applies the rule that “less is more,” giving Windows users a stripped down option without clutter.

• Untraditional Toolbars: Chrome offers new tab attributes – drag tabs from the browser to make new windows, rearrange or delete tabs, and if one tab accidentally closes, you will not lose the other open tabs because they’re independently run.

• Incognito Mode: Similar to Firefox’s Private Browsing feature, this mode allows you to view websites privately.

• Task Manager: This feature shows the amount of resources being used by open web pages or plug-ins. If one’s slowing you down, you can terminate the process without even having to shutdown the browser.

Keep in mind that anytime new browser updates are released; be sure to check for compatibility issues with your current programs or the websites you use most often. Happy browsing!

Technology Helpline’s goal is to provide superior technology support services, including: computer repair, spyware removal, virus protection, helpdesk outsourcing, remote support, data recovery services and email technical support. We’ve been in operation for nearly ten years, and we currently support more than 250,000 individuals. Our offices and staff are U.S. based, located in Orlando, Florida.