my dreamz: March 2011

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

The History of April Fool

بسم اللہ الرحمٰن الرحیم

السلامُ علیکم و رحمۃ اللہ و برکاتہ

Thanks & Regards,

"Remember Me When You Raise Your Hand For Dua"
Raheel Ahmed Khan
System Engineer
send2raheel@engineer.com
sirraheel@gmail.com

http://raheel-mydreamz.blogspot.com/
http://raheeldreamz.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

The Web is dead. Long live the Web

The Web is poised for a comeback. How’s that? Isn’t the Web already the crucial utility of online commerce, information and entertainment? In many ways, it certainly is. The Web’s importance is indisputable — but there are signs that it is slipping. Investment, innovation and energy have been shifting elsewhere in computing — mainly, to shopping, gaming and news applications for smart phones and tablet computers.

These applications often tap into web sites for information on all manner of things. But they do not reside on the open Web, and cannot be searched and linked to one another in the same way web applications can. Think of the apps tailored for Apple’s iPhones and iPads, or those made for Google’s Android operating system. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have similar characteristics, as walled gardens that are connected to the open Web but are separate from it.

This is the trend that Wired magazine described last September, under an intentionally exaggerated headline: ‘‘The Web Is Dead.’’ And Tim Berners-Lee, the Web’s creator, issued a warning in the December issue of Scientific American. ‘‘The Web as we know it,’’ he wrote, ‘‘is being threatened.’’ The danger, he added, is that ‘‘the Web could be broken into fragmented islands.’’

But the Web’s fortunes may soon brighten remarkably. The scenario relies on a collection of technologies, already years in development, that is starting to make its way into the mainstream of computing. HTML5 is the geeky umbrella term for this assemblage. (It’s the fifth generation of HyperTest Markup Language, which is the way Web pages are written in code.)

Engineers say the technology will make it possible to write Web applications, accessed with a browser, that are as visually rich and lively as the so-called native applications that are now designed to run on a specific device, like an iPad or an Android-based tablet.

The Web browsing software that is needed to bring HTML 5 to life has recently arrived. Last week, Mozilla, the maker of Firefox, released the newest version of its browser, showing off its support for the new technology. A week earlier, Microsoft brought out its new Internet Explorer tuned to run HTML 5.

The Safari browser from Apple, meanwhile, also supports the new technology, and the company has particularly embraced HTML5’s video-playing feature as an alternative to Adobe’s Flash player. And the Chrome browser team from Google has long been a leader in HTML5 development.

The technology, by all accounts, is an innovative achievement. HTML5 represents the ‘‘next big step in the progress of the Web,’’ says Jeffrey Jaffe, chief executive of the World Wide Web Consortium, which guides the development of technical standards. Paul Mercer, a veteran Silicon Valley software designer, says the technology will make it possible to ‘‘achieve the dream of expressive, interactive applications on the Web that are Cupertino-class,’’ a reference to the headquarters of Apple, where Mercer worked for years.

There are also potentially sweeping business implications, executives and investors say. The technology could alter the playing field in the emerging market for digital media and mobile applications, creating new market opportunities.

‘‘People are underestimating the power of the Web. I think we’re going to see an explosion of Web-based apps over the next couple of years,’’ says John Lilly, a venture partner at Greylock Partners, a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley.

Indeed, start-up companies like Zite and Flipboard present media content in magazine-style pages on the iPad, using HTML5. The free software from Flipboard, for example, taps a user’s online social networks for reading recommendations. Flipboard is also working with publishers, offering them tools for automating the display of pages on the iPad. ‘‘You’re seeing this increasing move to HTML5 among publishers,’’ says Mike McCue, the company’s chief executive.

In theory, the technology could give publishers a powerful counterweight to Apple, the early dominant distributor of paid media content. Apple has leading devices in the iPhone and iPad, and media companies use its software to tailor their content for them. And the company’s App Store is the hub for retail distribution online.

Publishers flinched, though, when Apple announced in February the terms for digital newspaper and magazine subscriptions sold through its App Store: Apple will get a 30 percent cut and the customer information, unless a subscriber agrees to pass some of that data on to a publisher.

The 30 percent is the same that Apple collects on music and games sold through its store. Publishers had been pushing for better terms and sharing of customer information, because they would be selling continuing subscriptions instead of onetime transactions, like an individual song or an album.

Most major publishers are experimenting with HTML5 today. Yet even if HTML5 allows publishers to make applications that shine on the iPad without Apple's software, the distribution power of Apple won't necessarily decline. The company could still end up running the leading marketplace in online publishing sales if the iPad remains the runaway leader in tablet computing -just as the popularity of iPod music players has reinforced sales at the company's music store.

So far, publishers mostly plan to use the new technology to streamline digital development, thereby cutting costs. Ideally, they say, HTML5 would be the main technology used for all mobile programs, with some tweaking of applications on each device.

``If HTML5 lives up to its promise, that would make my life easier,'' says Joe Simon, chief technology officer at Condé Nast. The publisher has built dozens of iPhone and iPad applications in recent months for its 18 magazines, and will soon introduce Android applications for the Motorola Xoom for The New Yorker and Wired.

The rivalry between the worlds of the Web and native applications, analysts say, is set to play out over the next couple of years. There are strong advocates in each camp, even within companies. Google, for example, straddles the two worlds, with its Android team as well as its developers of HTML5 technology.

Sundar Pichai, vice president for product management for Google's Chrome browser, is betting on the triumph of HTML5. ``In the mobile world, the dominant model is native apps,'' Pichai concedes, but he adds that the real competition is just beginning. ``As these ecosystems evolve,'' he says, ``I think the incredible advantages of the Web will prevail.''

Thanks & Regards,

"Remember Me When You Raise Your Hand For Dua"
Raheel Ahmed Khan
System Engineer
send2raheel@engineer.com
sirraheel@gmail.com

http://raheel-mydreamz.blogspot.com/
http://raheeldreamz.wordpress.com/

Body Language: The Most Important Aspect of Communication

Communication plays a very important role in professional life and we all need to make sure that we have learned all the aspects of proper communication so that we can progress in our careers. When it comes to communication, we put a lot of emphasis on speech and written communication but we often fail to realize that body language is one of the most important means of communication which tells more about us than the way we speak or write emails. Body language can send a lot stronger signals than words or written text.

Since the body language is primarily controlled by the subconscious mind of every individual, so it can actually reveal if there’s difference in what you are saying and what you are actually thinking. However, like everything else you can control you body language and practice it to make sure that your words are in accordance with the body language at all times.

You need to make sure that you know which gestures you need to avoid while talking to someone at work and what kind of gestures can make you appear more positive and confident. You can also learn to show your disappointment and disapproval with your body language rather than expressing yourself in words.

When you are communicating with someone your facial expressions and eye movements can play a very important role in conveying your personal feelings. For instance if you are heading a meeting and you concentrate your attention only one or two people, the others will get bored and their attention will not be focused on you for long. So it is extremely important to make sure that you have the appropriate body language that can help you in conveying the right message.

Important Aspects of Body Language:

Be Relaxed:

When you communicate with others, if you are relaxed and comfortable it shows in the way you move and conduct yourself. So even when you are stressed out or nervous, make sure that you do not move stiffly as it will give away your nervousness to the other person. By forcing yourself to appear relaxed you can make a better impression on the other person.

Avoid, When in Doubt:

You need to avoid body language which can be misunderstood or might appear to be unprofessional to the other person. For instance some people have a habit of winking whenever they make a joke, which might be ok when you are sitting with your friends but can be interpreted as a negative signal in a professional set up.

Make Eye Contact:

A steady and constant eye contact is a significant part of communication and without establishing eye contact you cannot make your point.

Stay Focused:

Many people have a habit of fiddling around while they are talking as it helps them avoid being nervous but the fact is that appear to people as a sign of nervousness and not only does this distract their attention from hearing what you are saying but also makes a poor impression.

Know what it Signifies:

Every part of the body can signify a different expression or thought while you are talking or listening, for instance nodding when someone else is talking means that you are in agreement with what he is saying, biting your nails is an indicative of nervousness.

Look at the Speaker:

Most people have a habit of looking somewhere else when someone is talking to them. This is a very bad habit as it indicates that you are not interested in what the other person is saying and is considered as arrogant behavior.

Conclusion:

You body language can help you a lot in communication as people observe your body language almost as much as they listen to what you are saying and the end result is that they believe your body language more than what you are saying. You can practice on your body language to make sure that you are sending the right message across.

Dealing with a Negative Work Environment

Having a positive work environment is extremely important if you want to give your best at work. If you are working in a negative environment, it not only brings down your productivity but also has an effect on your motivation level. While most of us hope that we will be provided with a healthy and positive working environment, not all of us are that lucky.

Sometime you might find yourself trapped in a negative environment which is detrimental to the quality of work and the management might not be doing anything to change the circumstance. So what can you do in such circumstances? It is not an option to leave the job as the job market in Pakistan is already tough and those who have a job want to keep holding on to their jobs. The best option in such a situation is to make some effort of your own to create a positive working environment which will boost your productivity.

Here are a few tried and tested methods which can help in building a positive atmosphere, minimizing negativity and boosting your overall morale:

Establish Trust:

The most important aspect of having a positive working relationship is establishing a bond of trust between yourself and the other employees. If you lie to them and act as an office gossip no one will be able to trust you and as a result you have to work in a negative environment where no one trusts you and will not share anything with you. Try to be as honest as possible and do not gossip about your colleagues as it creates a negative impression on others.

Be Positive when Communicating:

When you are discussing a presentation or brainstorming an idea, make sure that you listen to what others are saying and be positive in communicating in them. Do not give a negative comment on every idea and if you have to shoot down an idea, be polite and explain why you think it will not work. Keep all your team members in the loop and let them share their thoughts as well.

Share Credit:

When the entire team works on something, everyone should get the credit and if you try to get all the credit for yourself, you will make more enemies with every group assignments. Not only does that make others hostile but also creates a bad impression on the superiors as the employers like to have team players in the company.

Bond with the Co-workers:

When you are working in a professional set up, you end up spending more hours at work than you do at home. There are many people who like to keep to themselves as much as possible and do not socialize at all, as they think that they are better off remaining neutral. However, this is the wrong approach as you can make many friends at work which can help you in taking stress out of your life. You can take small breaks during the day to chat with them and feel rejuvenated afterwards. However make sure that you do not disturb any of your co-workers and only go to chat with them when they are also on a break.

Don’t Play the Blame Game:

No one likes a co-worker or a manager who cannot accept his fault and take responsibility for his actions. So if you make a mistake, do not try to pin it on your juniors or colleagues. Just accept that it was your fault and promise never to repeat it again. After all, everyone is human and nobody can be perfect all the time. Accepting your mistake and owning up to it speaks strongly about your character and will win you the respect of your colleagues.

Be Appreciative:

When a co-worker performs well you should appreciate and encourage him rather than feeling envious. Hard work and special achievements should be recognised and due credit should be given. So always be thoughtful and appreciative of others and you will also be appreciated for your work.

Help Your Colleagues:

One of the best ways to make sure that you are working in a positive environment is to foster a culture of helping out your colleagues when they need your expertise and getting their help when you are stuck at a particular job. By helping each other, co-workers enhance the overall performance of the team and create a positive impression on the bosses.

Decorate your Cubicle:

Sometimes all the negativity that is surrounding you can be because of the physical environment you are working in. Sitting in a standardized cubicle all day long can be depressing and a source of negative energy for many people. You can address this issue by changing the look of your cubicle and turning it into a more pleasant place for you to sit. Put framed pictures of your loved ones beside your computer and place a small plant near your table so that you can feel relaxed and more energetic when you are working.

Celebrations can do Wonders:

Many people do not include their co-workers in celebrations as they consider it against the professional norms. However, by simply bringing in a cake to celebrate your birthday, you can bond with the co-workers and enjoy the time you spend talking to them. Such small acts break the monotony of the day and help you in promoting a positive environment.

Last Words:

The place where you work needs to be a positive and welcoming environment otherwise you might hate getting up in the morning and dread the 8 hours you have to spend at work. By following these simple tips you can enjoy your work by eliminating the negative energy from your working environment.

Monday, 28 March 2011

Fix common PC problems

Having trouble with your computer? You've come to the right place. Even if you don't know a computer language (or want to), you can solve several common PC problems on your own.

In this article, we offer many ways to do what you need to do in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Often, there may not be a Help topic for Windows XP, but the process is often the same as in Windows 7 or Windows Vista. The only difference is usually where to find the link in Control Panel. Most often, it’s just a matter of slightly different wording in the heading or the text describing the task. Don’t worry. If you search in Control Panel, you’ll usually find the link you need.

F1 is magic: Get help on your PC

If you can’t figure out how to complete a particular task in your software program—and you’re using a PC—the most important shortcut to know is the F1 key. Just push it while the program—Word, Excel, or whichever program you’re using—is open and active, wait a moment, and the Help window specific to your active program will appear. See an F1 key demonstration. The F1 key works with almost all Microsoft products, so it’s a helpful starting point for a wide variety of problems.

The basics

If you’re encountering a different kind of obstacle – your new device won’t appear on your desktop, an application you added won’t run, you see an error message, or your computer is refusing to start up – here are a few preliminary steps:

Before adding any major hardware or software to your system, make sure you've recently backed up your Windows 7-based PC or your Windows Vista-based PC as a safeguard. By using the automatic backup functions, you can schedule regular upkeep for maximum convenience.
Many issues can be resolved by simply checking to be sure that all of your plugs are connected properly. After you are sure of that, try restarting (“rebooting”) your system. Turn your computer off, and then back on a few seconds later. If the problem continues, follow the steps below.
Write down the contact information for Microsoft Customer Service and Support, should you need to consult an expert. Take a second to print the below instructions as well, and keep them handy as you walk through the troubleshooting process.

Locating the problem

Microsoft provides a couple of free options to help you locate and fix the PC issue you’re encountering:
Online: Is your PC showing an error message? If so, write down the exact number and wording of the error message, and search for it on the Microsoft Fix it Solution Center. In many cases, the Fix it center provides a "hot fix," which is an automated solution you can run on your PC with just one click! Even if you don’t see an error message, you may be able to find the solution in the Fix it center, either by topic or by searching. You can also check Microsoft Answers and Office Answers.
Download: You can try out the new Microsoft Fix it Beta. Just download it to your machine, follow the instructions to set it up, and then it will tell you if you have any updates to run. Note: Once you run it, the system will ask you to set up an account, or you can sign in with your Windows Live ID. Also, the Fix it Center will ask you to send information about your computer.
Walk through your system yourself: If you’d like to understand more about the issue you’re seeing, walk through the steps below to help you figure out if the problem is related to hardware, software, or the operating system (such as Windows 7, Windows XP, or Windows Vista). The following are some common indicators that can help you decide which is the right answer.
We recommend you start at the top by determining if your software is working, using the Software errors section that follows. If the issue persists, proceed to the Hardware trouble section and then to the System failure section. The lists on the right side of this page may also help you narrow down the type of trouble you are experiencing.

Software errors

If programs refuse to install, won't appear on your desktop, can't seem to run without freezing, don't load at a decent speed or function properly, or Internet access is unavailable, here's how to troubleshoot:
General issues

Confirm that your PC meets the software's minimum system requirements. If it doesn't, you'll be unable to run the program without upgrading your computer's hardware. Note that PCs which barely meet or just slightly exceed these minimums may run the software more slowly and can be less reliable. Windows 7 and Windows Vista users can reference the Windows Experience Index to quickly gauge their PC's general capabilities.
Check for compatibility with Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
Close open programs and windows that you're not currently using. These can eat up system memory and processing power, slowing your PC or preventing additional software from running. Try running the program again.
Check available hard drive space. Roughly 5 to 10 percent of your hard drive's total storage allotment should be left free to ensure optimum system performance in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, prevent crashes, and keep Windows running at top speed.
Note Use Disk Cleanup to free more space:
Windows 7
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Check for program updates and information on frequently encountered issues at the software manufacturer's website. For Microsoft products, you can also load Windows Update for Windows 7, Windows Update for Windows Vista, or visit the Microsoft Download Center. If you install an update, restart your computer, and attempt to run the program again.
Uninstall or delete unwanted programs in Windows 7 or Windows Vista to cut down on clutter and remove any drain on your system's resources.
Disable programs you don't use to in Windows 7 or Windows Vista by preventing them from automatically loading when Windows starts. If you’re running Windows 7, restart your computer, and try the program again.
Defragment your hard drive in Windows 7 or Windows Vista to improve performance.
Scan for viruses and spyware. Windows Defender in Windows 7 and Windows Vista can help detect and prevent threats, along with preventing annoying pop-up notices and unauthorized home network intrusions. You can scan your PC for free.
Reboot your computer and try loading the program again. If it still won't load or work correctly, you may need to uninstall the software and then reinstall it from scratch and reboot again. Advanced users can also try these advanced troubleshooting tricks in Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
Consult Microsoft Help and Support and the Windows Community. If live assistance is required, first contact the software manufacturer's customer support department. For additional assistance, try Microsoft Customer Service and Support.

Internet Connectivity

Whether you have a modem or a Windows 7 or Windows Vista home network, answers to common Internet access and online networking problems can be found at Microsoft Help and Support. Quick references include:

Dropped signals

Finding wireless networks

Internet connection problems

Network connection issues

Slow speeds

Hardware trouble

Should equipment fail to turn on, be recognized by your system, or function properly, follow these steps to address some of the most common hardware issues:

Determine that equipment has been assembled correctly, by consulting your product manual or referencing the manufacturer's website.
Confirm that your device is securely plugged in and receiving power. For equipment that relies on an A/C (wall outlet plug) power adapter, you can double-check that the outlet is functioning correctly by plugging in another device and observing if it starts up or begins charging.
Check to see whether equipment is properly connected to your PC by making sure all cables are securely plugged into the correct ports.
Verify that hardware is turned on.
Look for error messages displayed on either the equipment itself (commonly found on a small LCD screen) or on your desktop. Solutions for many of these can be found in your product manual or by checking this comprehensive database.
Install or reinstall drivers for the device in Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Windows automatically searches for drivers when new devices are connected and notifies you of any available updates. It may be necessary to manually install them yourself, if these files are contained directly on the device, on a CD/DVD sold with the equipment, or on the manufacturer's website. To activate setup, just double-click on the driver installation program. You may need advice for Windows 7 or Windows Vista if the installation program fails to run.
Confirm that you're using the latest drivers for your hardware. Manufacturers routinely issue patches to correct errors and inconsistencies that users encounter. To do so, simply use Windows Update, visit the Microsoft Download Center, or check the Download or Support section of the manufacturer's website.
Reboot your system and test the device again.
Consult Microsoft Help and Support, the Windows Community, or the manufacturer's website for assistance. The following resources also offer solutions to common problems with popular devices, including:

Audio and sound cards

CD or DVD drives

Digital cameras

Speech recognition

Network adapters

Printers

Recordable media

Scanners

TV tuners

USB Devices

Webcams
If all else fails, contact the hardware manufacturer's customer support department. You can also try your computer manufacturer's customer support group or Microsoft Customer Service and Support for additional assistance.

System failure

Can't get your PC to start up or shut down? Is Windows stalling out, randomly turning your computer off, or rebooting without warning? Follow these step-by-step instructions to restore system health.

Confirm that your PC is plugged into an electrical outlet and receiving power. If so, reboot and see whether the problem persists.

Try restoring your system.

Check to see if you have a memory problem.

Scan your hard drive for errors.

Look for driver problems.

Try advanced boot options and working in safe mode.
Windows 7
Windows Vista
Did you just install a new hardware device or driver in Windows 7 or Windows Vista before Windows stopped working? Determine the cause and address the problem.

Repair your PC using the Startup Repair function.

Reinstall Windows.

If troubles remain, consult Microsoft Help and Support or the Windows Community. If you still need help, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support.

Hard drive failure
In a worst-case scenario, system failure may be caused by a damaged or corrupted hard drive. There are many warning signs that may indicate this problem:

Your system won't boot.
No operating system is detected.
The computer hangs during startup.
Your PC is making strange noises.

If you are concerned about the safety of your files, try the following options before paying to send it to a data recovery specialist:

Resurrect your hard drive.
Retrieve files using a boot CD.
Employ free system recovery tools.

Thanks & Regards,

"Remember Me When You Raise Your Hand For Dua"
Raheel Ahmed Khan
System Engineer
send2raheel@engineer.com
sirraheel@gmail.com

http://raheel-mydreamz.blogspot.com/
http://raheeldreamz.wordpress.com/

RAM: Add more memory to your computer

Your computer is a little like your physical work area. The hard drive is the filing cabinet where you store your documents, and memory—or RAM (random access memory)—is the desk where you work. And when your RAM—like a full desktop—isn’t big enough to hold all your work easily, your work slows down and becomes more difficult. A good solution is to expand the space—or install more RAM.

Close up image of computer circuit board

If it suddenly seems that your computer can't keep up and the drive light is flickering like crazy, it's probably time to install RAM. But before you unplug the cables, lug the machine to the car, drive to the computer store, wait to have RAM installed, and pay for the service, read how to install RAM yourself.
Note: Problems with speed can also be caused by viruses, spyware, or other malicious software. Make sure that your virus checker is up to date. Or download Microsoft Security Essentials for free.

Determine how much RAM you have and how much you need

Before you buy anything, you need to know how much memory you have and what type of memory to buy.
Find out how much RAM your computer has
You can find out how much RAM is installed in your computer in two ways. You can open the System Information dialog box to see the installed physical memory, or you can go to Control Panel.
To open System Information, click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click System Information. In the left pane, select System Summary. The Installed Physical Memory (RAM) entry in the list tells you how much RAM your computer has.

System information dialog box with Installed Physical Memory (RAM) circled

The Installed Physical Memory (RAM) entry in the System Information list tells you how much RAM your computer has.

Go to Control Panel in your version of the Windows operating system to find out how much RAM your computer has:

Windows XP

Find out how much RAM you need
Most games specify the minimum amount of RAM you need to install and play. For example, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban requires 256 megabytes (MB). This amount includes RAM that the computer needs to do its own background work in addition to running the game.
The amount of RAM you need depends on the operating system you are using. For systems running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, you should have the minimum recommended amount, but more can be better, depending on your needs. If you just use your PC for surfing the Internet and writing letters, you may need only the minimum amount of RAM required to run the version of Windows you have installed on your computer. But for the best performance—especially if you keep several programs open at the same time while you’re working—consider increasing the RAM on your computer to at least 2 gigabytes (GB).
See the minimum amount of RAM required for your version of Windows:

For more RAM-intensive programs, such as games or photo editing, or if you like to use a lot of applications at the same time, such as desktop publishing and video rendering, you may need additional RAM. Individual programs come with system requirements that show both the minimum RAM needed to run the program, and the amount of RAM needed for its best performance.
You can buy RAM modules in a variety of sizes, typically 1-GB, 2-GB, and 4-GB modules.

Figure out what type of RAM you need

To determine the maximum amount of RAM your computer can handle along with the speed, consult your PC owner's manual, which should show you the number of slots (the place where you insert the RAM), how much RAM each can take, and the maximum RAM your system can use.
Contact the manufacturer or use an online memory advisor, such as those from Crucial Technology or Kingston Technology. These memory advisors use information that you enter about your computer model and do a memory check for your specific PC that tells you which products work with your system.
To find out what kind of module you need, you can also open up your computer.

First, turn off the computer, but leave it plugged in so that it's automatically grounded. (Computers that should not remain plugged in will be clearly marked.)
Place the computer on a clean workspace and remove the cover carefully (you may need to use a screwdriver).
Touch the case to ground yourself. When you touch the case, it discharges static electricity that could otherwise damage your computer. (Note that some manuals recommend anti-static wrist straps, but this is not necessary for home users.)
Locate the RAM modules, which are green with black tubes, on the motherboard.
Now determine the type of module you have. You can identify the type by its appearance.
- RDRAM is paired up (you have to put in two at a time) and has metal casing on one side.
- DDR SDRAM is the most popular and looks like regular RAM but has one notch.
- SDRAM (which is being phased out) has two notches.
Also note your RAM speed, which is usually written on the side of the existing chip (either 266 or 333).
If you don't have a free slot, remove one of the memory cards to check the number of notches on it. You will replace the smaller of the two RAM modules.
Buy RAM.

Install your new RAM

Turn off the computer, and touch the metal casing.
Note: If you have a computer that should not remain plugged in while you work on it, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord. Then, press the button that turns on the power to your computer. This action helps you to be sure that there is no residual power to the memory slots or the computer's motherboard. The board also may have an LED light that is lit, which is another indication that there is residual power.
Open the compartment where your RAM is installed. You may have to remove screws to open the compartment. Note that this example is for a laptop computer. If you have a desktop computer, refer to the user manual to locate the RAM. You will have to remove the computer's cover.

You may need to use a screwdriver to open the compartment where RAM modules are installed.
Locate the RAM modules (RAM cards). Find the empty slot where you plan to add a module, or remove the RAM module you are replacing.

This open slot is ready for a 1-GB RAM module.
Line up the notches of the new RAM module, and apply firm pressure to attach.
After you're sure the RAM module is snugly in place, close the latch at either end. If you have clips, they should snap back in place.

The RAM module has been installed and is snugly in place.
Reconnect all the cables, but leave the casing open until you're sure everything is working right.
Turn your computer back on. If the machine starts to beep, the memory is either incompatible or not correctly in its slot. If you've installed everything correctly, the system will detect the new RAM.
Check your system information to see how much RAM you now have. If you replaced a 512-MB module with a 1-GB one, you should have 1 GB (1,024 MB) minus 512 —or 512 MB more RAM than you did previously. If you added the RAM but didn't remove any, you should have 1 GB more RAM, for a total of 1.5 GB.
Try one of your programs that wasn't working well. If it still isn't working, unplug everything again and get back into the computer to check that the RAM modules are firmly secured.

Quick facts about RAM

RAM = random access memory. RAM is the primary working memory in a computer used for the temporary storage of programs and data and in which the data can be accessed directly and modified.
RAM is measured in bytes: 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1,024 megabytes (MB) = 1,048,576 kilobytes (KB)

Shopping checklist

Amount of memory/RAM you have: __ MB
Amount of memory/RAM you require: __ MB
Amount of memory/RAM on each module: __ MB and __ MB
Maximum amount of RAM your computer can handle: __ MB
Amount of memory/RAM you will buy: __ MB
RAM speed for your computer: ___
SDRAM or DDR SDRAM

Thanks & Regards,

"Remember Me When You Raise Your Hand For Dua"
Raheel Ahmed Khan
System Engineer
send2raheel@engineer.com
sirraheel@gmail.com

http://raheel-mydreamz.blogspot.com/
http://raheeldreamz.wordpress.com/

Speed up your PC: Automate your computer maintenance schedule

Most people do one of the following when their computer begins to slow down (besides get angry):

Speed up their computer by buying more memory.
Try to tweak their computer's settings.
Give up. They figure that their computer is old, there's nothing else they can do, and it's probably time to buy a new computer.

All these solutions can help increase PC speed. However, what's to keep your newly blazing PC from slowing down again after a couple months or years? A badly fragmented hard drive will bring even a top-of-the-line new computer to a grinding halt.
One option is to create a preventive PC maintenance plan—a computer maintenance schedule that's easy to set up and put in motion so you never have to think about it again. The plan outlined in this paper uses tools that are built in to your Windows operating system, including Disk Defragmenter, so they can be run free of charge as often as you like.
The following sections provide information on how to automate a maintenance schedule to help keep your PC running smoothly. These procedures differ from version to version, but overall you'll find these tasks work for Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Create a preventive maintenance plan for your computer

When people notice their computer's performance slowing, the most common reason is the hard disk. Your computer's hard disk is a non-removable area that holds all the information available from your computer. Over time, hard disks begin to lose their ability to store data efficiently.
The Windows operating system provides three great tools to help keep your hard drive humming smoothly. These tools are Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmenter, and Check Disk. Find more information about using these tools to optimize your PC. Ideally you should clean the hard disk of temporary files, optimize (defragment) the hard disk, and check the hard disk for errors on a weekly basis.
Who has the time (or the desire) to keep up with this schedule? The best solution is to let Windows do all of the work.
Windows allows you to set up and automate these tasks. Please note that the tools may require user input or administrator privileges to run correctly. See specific sections for additional details, and make sure you know your administrator password.
Tip: In Windows 7 and Windows Vista, you can go directly to any of the tools mentioned in this article. Just click the Start button, and, in the Search box, type the name of the tool. When you see the name of the tool populate in the Search list, just click it. This works for the Task Scheduler tool referenced on some of the pages linked to in this article, as well.

Clean up your hard disk

Your computer amasses temporary files over time. These files can come from any number of sources, with the web being one of the largest offenders. After a while, these temporary files will slow down your computer.
About once every week, you should run the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to clear your PC of these temporary files. The Windows Disk Cleanup tool requires user input to complete its designated task. For this reason, it is recommended that, when setting up the utility to run automatically (as described in the next paragraph), you choose a time when you are typically on the computer so you can provide this input. When using the Create Basic Task Wizard, select the Open the Properties dialog for this task when I click Finish check box. This allows you to access additional properties related to the task. On the Settings tab, select the Run task as soon as possible after a scheduled start is missed check box to ensure that the task starts the next time you are logged on to your computer.
Schedule Disk Cleanup to run automatically:

Windows 7