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Getting to the Bottom of Your Computer Woes
Whether you are a person who has been using a computer for half of your life or you just picked up a Macbook six months ago, there is always the very real chance that you are going to experience some problems with your personal computer. And if you do not really know what to do when this happens, then you might be in for a few unpleasant days of stress if you don’t start protecting yourself from the common problems that your computer will encounter during its lifetime. The first rule when your computer does something out of the ordinary is to not panic. No matter what your first instinct is, it really isn’t the end of the world. The worst-case scenario is that you have to buy a new computer because all of your important files are already backed up on an external hard drive, or it is safely being stored online right?
If this isn’t the case, quickly stop doing what you are doing and quickly back up all your important files that you would hate to lose online this minute. If you don’t do this, you risk losing everything on your computer including all the memories of your family that you have been storing on it. Backing up your files should be a common practice that you should be doing every once in a while. If you have a Mac, then time machine will do it for you if you have an external hard drive.
If your computer does happen to crash, there are a few things you can do before taking it to the nearest IT store. Getting some computer diagnostic software can be the first step if your PC is having problems. If you can still run windows, then you can run the software easily. It will go through your computer and find what the problem is. You usually can fix it before the computer completely breaks down. The software will pinpoint the problem and you can tell your friendly local technology professional what your computer is going through.
Computer diagnostics are commonly performed in your local electronics store as well. If you don’t want to buy the software, then going to them can also be an option although they are a little more expensive. But when your computer is in dire straits, then you are probably better off doing that instead.
About the Author
Caitlina is a freelance writer.
Troubleshooting Motherboard, CPU and RAM – From Computer Repair with Diagnostic Flowcharts
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Universal Motherboard POST Diagnostic and Troubleshooting Card $8.6 Helps troubleshooting PC motherboards that does not pass POST (power on self test), or simply shows black screen and won’t boot4-digit numeric trouble code displayDisplays diagnostic code when system error prevents computer from bootingAlso displays diagnostic/error code when computer freezesWorks on all PCs and laptopsSupports connection via PCI slot, USB port, and parallel (printer) portDetects PCI/ISA bus clock frequencyInternal onboard Speaker, and can optionally connect to PC SpeakerEasily identify whether problem is due to CPU, memory, display card, or other devicesImportant: turn off power before connecting or removing the diagnosis cardUSB cable and PC speaker connection cable includedEnglish user’s guide and diagnostic code lookup booklet includedSpecificationsDimensions: 3.46 in x 3.15 in x 0.59 inWeight: 2.96 oz |
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Innova CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool, Better $106.35 Innova CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool, Better sku 3100. – Powerful OBD2 tool quickly reveals Check Engine light warnings on any 1996 and newer car, light truck or SUV – Foreign and Domestic- Features unique patented all-in-one screen and LED display for quick State Emissions readiness check and drive cycle verification- Automatic refresh updates data every 30 seconds when connected to the vehicle – an easy way to verify repair completion- Retrieves OBD2 DTCs: Generic Codes (P0, P2, P3, and U0) / Manufacturer Specific Codes (P1, P3, and U1)- Communicates with all OBD 2 protocols: C.A.N. (Controller Area Network), ISO 9141, J1850PWM, J1850VPW, KWP 2000 ISO 14230-4- Includes Spanish and French interface & definitions (selected by a menu command)- Displays Freeze Frame data- Unit can be flash updated with a standard Windows® PC (OBD-PC Link(tm) software required / included with tool) – Memory / Battery backup for off-car review and analysis |
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Pro-Scan Diagnostic Tool $310.99 Pro-Scan; Diagnostic Tool; Incl. OBD II Hardware And Software; For Ford Vehicles; |
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Eblaster Computer Surveillance Software $179.95 Record All Online Activity: Websites Visited, Instant Messages, Searches, E-Mails & More Real-Time E-mail Alerts Sent Automatically Keyword Alerts – Get Alerts When Sensitive Words Are Typed Access Your Computer Usage Logs Online Anywhere, Anytime Block And Manage Users And Websites The ONLY software In The World That Will Capture Incoming/Outgoing E-mail – Instant Messages And IMMEDIATELY Forward Them To You Via E-mail – Automatically The Internet can be a dangerous place. If you’re worried about what your friends, family, employees, or significant other is doing on your computer – you need the eBlaster. With this software you will receive copies of all e-mails and instant messages sent on your computer so you can efficiently monitor what’s actually going on when you’re not around. Protect Your Children From Online Predators Find out immediately if your child is being solicited by an online predator. Or, use the software to find out who your spouse is really talking to. These time-sensitive events require immediate action, which is why the eBlaster sends you an EXACT copy of every conversation, instantly. And it doesn’t just stop at e-mails and instant messages, you get copies of Online Searches, Keystrokes Typed, Downloads, Applications, MySpace Activity, etc. Monitor Your Spouse, Kids, Or Employees With Automatic Keyword Alerts And Usage Reports Online The eBlaster Software lets you monitor your computer’s activity anytime, from anywhere. Simply install the software and let the eBlaster do the rest. Once you install the software, you will never have to check that computer again – all information can be reviewed on the Internet. Receive alerts in real-time when users are on the computer and see what websites they’re visiting, what they’re writing in e-mails, instant messages, and more. Let the keyword scanner do the work for you and receive alerts when a user types a particular phrase such as “boss” or “my parents aren’t home.” This product sends scheduled usage reports as well as keyword alerts, so you will always know what’s happening on your computer. Time Content 4:00 PM Your daughter comes home from school and goes online. 4:15 PM She receives an e-mail from a guy named Tom. 4:16 PM Within seconds, eBlaster sends you an EXACT COPY of this email to your work e-mail address. 4:30 PM Your daughter replies to the e-mail from Tom. 4:31 PM Within seconds, eBlaster sends you an EXACT COPY of her reply. Easily Block Users Or Websites With The Press Of A Button Are your kids visiting unauthorized websites or talking to the wrong people? Are your employees wasting your time and money by playing online games all day? The eBlaster makes its easy to block various users and websites with the press of a button. Since the software monitors every website visited, every program downloaded, and every application run, you can easily choose to block sites or users. Quick And Easy Set-Up – The eBlaster Is Convenient And Secure With additional features such as p |
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VAS 5054A Remote Diagnostic Interface for VW/Audi Cars $399 - The VAS 5054A remote Diagnosis Head Provides Volkswagen diagnostic application with easy-to-use wireless access to the onboard vehicle system- With its compact design, its integrated diagnostic connector and its wireless connection via bluetooth, the VAS 5054A is the perfect choice for servicing, elm327, production and road tests in particularSpecial features:- Bluetooth and USB interface to the PC- Housing with integrated diagnostic connecotr- Reliable and efficient handing of diagnostic protocols in the VAS5054A- Power supplied by vehicle,obd CANDI Interface FOR GM,thus saving notebook batter power during moblie operation- Power management ensures load reduction for the vehicle battery during downtimes. Status displayDelivery Scope:- The remote Diagnosis head is supplied in a carrying case containing the following components:- 1 x VAS5054A Remote Diagnosis Head- 1 x USB cable (VAS5054/1)- 1 x Optional CD with diagnostic applicationProperties:- The VAS5054A is a universal dignostic interface for the vehicles of the Volkswagen Group and all OBD vehicle systems from other manufacturers.The integrated bluetooth interface connects the vehicle with a notebook,desktop PC or test system. No cables are needed for vehicle diagnostics using the VAS5054A- The range of the wireless bluetooth connection is 5 to 10 meters,V30 Auto Scanner,depending on the environments and the type of bluetooth adapter used on the PC side- The Serial port Profile (SPP) is used for data transfer via bluetooth.Different bluetooth security levels are supportedThe following vehicle bus systems are supported:- K Line (ISO9141-2)- High-speed CAN(ISO 11898-2)- Low-speed CAN (ISO11898-3)- J1850 (SAE J1850)- The vehicle protocols are handled directly in the VAS5054A. This ensures fast response times and a reliable real-time behavior independently of the PC operation system- Every time a connection is established,BMW Carsoft 6.5, the VAS5054A software is synchonized with the version installed on the application PC.The VAS5054A thus automatically adopts any new features provided after a new software version has been installed on the application PCSystem requirements:- To operate the VAS5054A, your computer must meet the following system requirements: PC, notebook, 100% IBM compatible- Operation system Windows XP service Pack 2- Installation requires administrator rights- The computer must have a bluetooth interface that supports the bluetooth serial port profile- One free USB port (for special application such as configuring the VAS5054A or if wireless communication is not permitted).- The Windows NT4,Windows 98/95/ME and Windows Vista operating system are not supported by the VAS5054A driver softwareSpecificationsDimensions: 4.37 in x 1.93 in x 0.98 inWeight: 21.38 oz |
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Memory Mixer Lite Digital Scrapbook Software $5 Memory Mixer Lite Digital Scrapbook Software |
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USB/Parallel Laptop Motherboard Analyzer/Diagnostic Test POST Card (4-Digit Codes) $4.9 - Diagnose the motherboard signal which shows the problem of CPU, Memory, and display card and so on.- LED displays show diagnosis result of motherboard. Especially helpful to pinpoint where is the problem when power on the computer and find no display- Plug-and-play- Come with a USB cable and an English user’s guide with diagnostic error code lookupSpecificationsDimensions: 2.28 in x 2.2 in x 0.63 inWeight: 2.26 oz |
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OPEL IMMO-1 IMMO-2 and Airbag Diagnostic Tool $28.6 - Supplement for OPEL IMMO-1 IMMO-2 and AIR-Bag Tool- Latest update: VW Polo, Seat Ibiza Cordoba 2001 – 2005, Fabia 2004 ect.- Single click access for VDO Seed-Key dashes(This means: VW Passat B6, Bora/Jetta, Polo to 2004 year, Golf 4, Sharan to 2003 year, SkodaOctavia/Fabia to 2004 year, some Seat dashes up to 2004 year ect…)- VAG Kombiinstrument / Immo box eeprom programmer… via OBD connector- Works on any computer that has USB port! No more virtual COM Ports- This is a TRUE USB connection! Windows XP compatible software- Bosch/Motometer dashes for VW 2001-2003 years V07.04 And V07.05 And V07.08 (with scan for 2′ndpass)- Audi A4, A6, A8 separate immo box 1994-1999 read PIN code, and read/write eeprom- Audi A3, A4, A6, TT, New Beetle Magnetti Marelli M73 (1998-2003 year) read PIN code / changemileage- New Beetle Magnetti Marelli M73 (2001 to 2005 year) read PIN code- Almost all VDO dashes for VW/Seat/Skoda up to year 2004 read/write eeprom- Almost all VDO dashes for Audi up to year 2001 read/write eeprom- Almost all MotoMeter dashes for VW/Seat up to year 2001 read/write eeprom- Automatic functions: Change mileage, Read PIN code- All this by using car OBD connector! Without disassembly dash or immo box from car- Cable length: 150cm- Comes with drive CD |
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C Map Pc Planner Software And Kit $179.99 C Map Pc Planner Software And Kit . Plan trips and program electronic chart cartridges using your laptop or home PC. This C-MAP compatible home planning tool allows you to plan trips and program electronic chart cartridges using your laptop or home PC. Save waypoints, marks and routes to a memory card and then transfer them from your computer to your plotter. Includes software CD, memory cartridge and USB peripheral device for connecting your C-cartridges to the computer. NOTE: C-MAP compatible chartplotter required. Memory card supplied post-purchase by manufacturer. System requirements: Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP, 8MB RAM (32MB for 2000, ME and XP), 4MB available disk space, VGA display, one available USB port View contours, soundings, port information, marina information, tide data Create and change routes, measure distances, edit waypoints and marks Enables transfer of saved trip plans to C-MAP memory card for use in your chart plotter Includes software CD, memory cartridge and USB p |
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Hickok NGS PC Vehicle to PC Cable and Software CD $1534.95 The NGS PC brings the factory functionality of NGS to a Personal Computer, Laptop or Ultra Mobile PC platform. User-friendly menus provide quick access to on-board diagnostic functions for fast and efficient diagnosis. Save parameter recordings, to create a database of vehicle histories and/or a reference library of known good values.NGS PC Kit Includes:? Vehicle to PC Interface Cable? Software CD? NGS WebFlash Kit: Ford Pass-Thru Cable and Software CD? 13 Month Warranty? Toll Free Tech Support? PC or Laptop Not Included |
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OBDII Opel IMMO Diagnostic Tool Cable with Software CD (135CM-Length) $24.2 - Model: T200- Connects via USB to PC- Immo1 And Immo2 supported up to year 2004- Read Login code- Program new keys- Read and erase error codes of IMMO- Cable length: 135cm- Comes with software CD |
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Computer Memory Saver $9.99 Saves the memory of the on-board vehicle computer when the battery is disconnected. Plugs into cigarette lighter. Use with 9 volt alkaline battery (not included). |
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Brother PED BASIC $96FreeShip iBroidery Edit Size Color Format, Blank Card 4MB, Writer Box, Computer Cable, Software, Download .pes for 4×4 5x7Designs $96 $96 is less than the price of 1 additional Brother 4mb rewritable blank memory card for PED Basic Box. So the box, software and usb cable are FREE when compared to card cost.Brother PED BASIC $96FreeShip iBroidery Edit Size Color Format, Blank Card 4MB, Writer Box, Computer Cable, Software, Download .pes for 4×4 5x7Designs |
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MaxiScan MS509 2.8′ LCD OBD2/EOBD Car Diagnostic Auto Code Scanner $60.6 - Works on all 1996 And later OBD2 compliant US, European And Asian vehicles- Easily determines the cause of the Check Engine Light- Retrieves generic (P0, P2, P3, And U0) And manufacturer specific (P1, P3, and U1) codes- Displays live O2 sensor test data- Memory/battery backup for off-vehicle data review And analysis- Retrieves vehicle information (VIN, CID and CVN)- Supports CAN (Controller Area Network) And all other current OBD2 protocols- Built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library- Software upgradeable via internet- Prints data via PC- Specially designed for DIYers and car-owners- Package included:- 1 * MS590 code scanner- 1 * OBD II cable- 1 * USB cable- 1 * Drive CD- 1 * User’s manual- 1 * Carrying case |
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Respironics Synergy S Event Software $4155 Synergy – S Event Software For Use with SmartRecorder Windows-based software simplifies the review of infant apnea, heart rate and esophageal pH data of your pre-discharge diagnostic multi-channel screenings. The software allows for the customization of scoring criteria and event labels for full analysis of continuously recorded data. |
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CITROEN PEUGEOT DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM SET LEXIA-3 $148.79 Dealer level diagnostic device for comprehensive Citroen and Peugeot cars diagnostic. You can do all as a authorized dealer does.This diagnostics software allows you to perform complete diagnostics of all from 1995 untill present models. Diagnose is performed via OBD-II connector (which is located near steering wheel) or via manufacturer-specific connector (only older cars, pre-2001).Supported functions Unlike other universal car scanner tools which only read fault codes, this software performs nearly ALL the functions like the original dealer diagnostic tool. Our diagnostic interface contains K-Line multiplexor, CAN-BUS interfaces and SAE J1850 bus (both PWM and VPW).FUNCTIONS SUPPORTRead identificationDisplays complete identification of control unit, e.g. part number, software/hardware version, manufacturer, etc…Read fault codesDisplays all stored and pending fault codes with complete description (e.g. quot;Rail pressure – too low pressure quot;).Program supports report printing or copy to clipboard.Clear fault codesThis function clears all stored fault codes and other diagnostic information.Auto-scan (complete car scan/test)Detects all ECUs (electronic control units) installed in car and reads all diagnostic fault codes.Measured ValuesProgram displays live Data like Engine Speed, Battery voltage, Oxygen Sensor, Coolant Temperature, etc. Values can be displayed in graph, 9 values at once, or full listing (all measured values). Logging to file is also supported, which allows offline analysis.Actuator testActuator test activates particular actuator (e.g. turn on fuel pump, lock/unlock wheel, lock/unlock doors, cut off fuel, etc..)Programming functions/AdaptationThis feature is of great importance in all vehicles because systems like Engine control units, Immobilizers, Airbags, Alarms, Body Control Units, and some others, require you to perform reset or programming procedures after car repair is done, or even configuration after replacing broken Control Unit.Hardware and software requirementsSoftware requires at least Intel Celeron/Pentium III 400 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 50MB free HDD space and USB 1.1 port (USB 2.0 recommended) and Microsoft Windows 98 SR2/2000/XP with the latest service pack installed. NOTEBOOK READY TO WORK (optional)Package includes: Main interface Power supply (110-220V) OBD-2 cable ISO cable for cars before 2001 USB cable Software CD |
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