It used to be that when you received a new computer you also received a handful of discs that could be used to completely restore the computer to the factory default state. Many times now you don’t receive discs, unless you want to pay extra for them. All the restoration files are put in a partition on your hard drive installed on the machine.

I can understand the value of this as now you don’t have to go tracking down all those discs, unless you’ve organized them and know exactly where they are kept. Everything you need is on the hard …read more

A few days ago I discovered what I believe to be a USB port on my computer that’s going out. Nothing seems to work when you plug a device into it, my phone doesn’t even start charging when I plug it in to that port.

The question came to my mind today is how do I know if the USB port is having an actual hardware failure issue, or if it’s just a software driver issue? How can I match one of the USB ports displayed in my Device Manager, with one of the physical USB ports on my computer?
I’ve …read more

I was reminded today of one of the odd tools we use on a regular basis that most people would think is absolutely meaningless or at least not even worthy of being called a PC maintenance tool. However, we begin using this little device immediately with every new machine we purchase and begin using.
I’ve also been known to ask my clients to make use of this very item as a great way to keep their machine running as needed and utilities available when needed for their machine as well.
Yep, that’s it! Ziploc bags!
Now I realize it’s not glamorous or some …read more

Wouldn’t we all like to have a consistent 300+ yard drive? This video gives a few pointers on how to make that dream a reality. Take a look:

NASCAR had its year end awards shindig in New York this past weekend, and it made folks wonder if perhaps New York could handle a race there every year. Personally I don’t see why not, although Jimmie Johnson did come up with a good point:
“If you had a race on Staten Island, you would be able to hear it in Central Park. I don’t think that would go over too well.” ~source
Very true. The event had all the NASCAR stars you’d expect, and a few you wouldn’t. There’s Jeff Gordon and his gal Ingrid Vandebosch pictured …read more