Computers FAQ
by Rebelius and Misanthropy
Section 2: Q and A
Q) What is a codec?
A) COmpressor / DECompressor. A method used to copress and decompress image and sound data so that files are smaller and easier for a computer to manage. CODEC's define the video settings like the frame rate and size and audio settings like bits of quality. Your CODEC will determine the file compatibility and how large your file may get. Some of the most popular CODEC's include: .AVI, .MPG, .MPEG, .MOV, .WMV, and more.
Q) My computer wont play a video file I have, what should I do?
A) You probably don't have the correct codec installed. A good catch-all method is to download
defilerpak and
BS Media Player, which should enable you to play most files.
Q) My computer keeps saying there's been an error and it's going to shutdown. Then I get a countdown and it shuts down.
A) When the countdown has started press your windws key + R then type “shutdown -aâ€(no inverted commas). Then update and run your anti-virus software. This should catch the offending bugger and get rid of it. To avoid any future ocurrences of this exploit, first log in as an administrator. Then click Start > Run, type "services.msc" (no quote marks) and press enter. Double click on Remote Procedure Call (RPC), go to the Recovery tab, and change all the "failure" options to "take no action"
Q) I keep getting messages popping up on my screen even though my browser isn't open!
A) This is most likely Windows Messenger, a horrible, horrible program which comes installed with Windows XP. It allows you to send messages to anyone by their IP address, meaning that you can effectively send a message to anyone connected to the internet. This is bad news if you don't like spam. To disable it, first log in as an administrator. Click Start > Run and type "services.msc" (no quote marks). Double click Messenger, stop the service, and change the startup type to "Disabled".
Q) What is freeware?
A) Freeware is Copyrighted software given away free by the author. Although it is free, the author retains the copyright, which means that you cannot do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by them. Usually, you are allowed to use and distribute the software, but not to sell it, and not to pass it off as your own. However, because such material is Copyrighted, the author retains certain rights on usage.
Q) What is open source software?
A) Open Source Software is software for which the underlying programming code is available to the users so that they may read it, make changes to it, and build new versions of the software incorporating their changes. Linux operating system is an example of an open source program.
Q) What is a backup? What should I keep?
A) Backing up is an important part of any computer system. Essentially, you save all of your important data to a separate media format, in case of emergencies like hard drive failure. In business or other important areas, it's usually recommended to keep three generations of backups at all times, but in a home computer system this is probably a little excessive. Keeping one backup should be sufficient, and with today's technology is very easy to achieve. All you need is a CD-writer, CD writing software, and some recordable CDs. You simply take everything you want to back up, write it to cd, and forget about it (until you need it, that is). Some useful things to backup would be:
- Personal data (My Documents folder, etc.)
- Install files for any programs you use (try making a list of everything you use regularly. you'll be surprised at how large it can get)
- Up to date drivers for all your hardware
- Browser bookmarks/favourites list
- In Internet Explorer: C:\Documents and Settings\(Your Username)\Favorites
- In Firefox: open Firefox, click Bookmarks > Manage Bookmarks, then File > Export
- MSN Contacts list (open MSN, click Contacts > Save Contacts List)
- Save game files (varies for each game)
Q) My computer is definitely dead, I have backed up all that I want and just want to start all over again now. What do I do?
A) Find your Windows CD (or buy a new one if you don't have one). Put the CD in the drive and start your computer up. Follow the simple instructions making sure when you get asked regional settings that you choose UK wherever you can (saves hassle later)
Once you've got Windows up and running install any service packs you have on CD.
- Install Motherboard drivers which you should have on a CD somewhere.
- Install modem drivers if you have a modem.
- Install Firewall and Anti-Virus software.
- Download and install any Service Packs you don't have on CD.
- Update Direct X
- Install Graphics Card Drivers
- Install all other hardware drivers
- Install all windows critical updates
- Install all your other programs and update them/set them up as you go.
- Full Defrag!
Q) Where can I find more useful software?
A) Try starting with the list of
Useful Software on
dearwandy.com. It lists pretty much everything you need, and since it was compiled by the users of a dedicated computing forum, you know it's good stuff. It's important to remember in this day and age that there are alternatives to all the software you normally use, and lots of it is better than the original (and free too!). If there is a particular utility you need, try searching for it with the word "freeware" included in your search terms. It's amazing what you can find this way
Q) My computer beats the minimum spec. for X game but the game still isn't running properly.
A) Make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card and motherboard and try with all the scaleable settings turned right down.
Q) How do I install new graphics card drivers?
A) First you need to find the drivers. Official ones can be found on the
ATi site or
nVidia site depending on your card. Once you've downloaded the latest drivers you'll need to uninstall the old drivers (very important!). To do this, got to control panel//add or remove programs and select your display driver and remove. Restart your system and during the startup press F8 and choose Safe Mode. When safe mode boots, the add new hardware wizard will pop up, don't use it. Just use the file you downloaded and it should take care of everything for you.
Well, that's the FAQ for now. If anyone has any queries, comments or suggestions, let either Rebelius or I know and we'll update accordingly