Computer Tips recipes
Are QR Codes Safe?
QR codes, or quick response codes, are a type of matrix code that allows very quick reading by smartphones and other devices. While they were first invented by the Japanese automotive industry to speed up the manufacturing process, QR codes have gain popularity for consumer use. We take a look at QR codes and their security implications. It’s a good idea to seek professional computer support services if you have any specific concerns about your mobile device or computer.
QR Codes and Common Usage
With a storage capacity of up to 7089 characters, QR codes are able to hold much more information compared with the more widely used barcode used on everyday products (which holds a maximum of 20 digits). QR codes are used to store information such as website addresses, geographical locations, and text. For this reason, they’re widely used by businesses in advertisements and other promotional materials.
5 Reasons to Back Up Your Computer
A regular backup routine is vital no matter how new your computer may be. These are five advantages in setting up a backup system to safeguard your data today.
1. Easy Setup
No computer is perfect, even a computer you have just purchased. Files can be corrupted, parts can malfunction, and you may inadvertently download a virus that wipes your hard drive clean. Services for computer support in Sydney and elsewhere can assist you with setting up an appropriate procedure for automated backup, so you won’t even need to manually initiate the process every day.
Some of the leading causes of data loss include:
- Unintentional deletion or accidental formatting of the hard disk.
- Physical failure of hardware or accidental damage to the storage facility, such as the hard drive.
- Corrupted data files.
- Software corruption, such as corrupted system registry files.
- Virus or malware attack.
Top 6 Causes of Computer Crashes
A computer that frequently crashes can interrupt your work flow and lead to the loss of valuable data. Sometimes applications slow to a crawl before freezing; at other times your computer will simply switch off without warning. Whatever the symptoms, computer support in Brisbane or elsewhere can assist with resolving the issues by eliminating the cause. These are some of the more common causes of computer breakdowns.
1. Full Hard Disk Drive
Your computer may experience a range of ‘symptoms’ if your hard disk drive is full and fragmented. These may include applications slowing down, installation problems, and even freezes and crashes.
What to do:
- Run the Disk Defragmenter and check for fragmentation. Go to Control Panel>System and Security>Administrative Tools, select Disk Defragment, and click on Analyse Disk.
- Check your hard disk drive space by clicking on Computer from the Start Menu. You’ll be able to see how much space you’ve used on your C:\ and other storage devices.
- Make sure you have sufficient disk space to save files and install new programs. Try deleting existing files or moving them to a new storage medium, such as an external hard drive, USB key, or a CD.
Six Benefits of Upgrading Your Operating System
Whether you use Windows or Mac, there are a variety of reasons why an upgrade could boost the performance of your computer. New versions of operating systems are released on a regular basis to eliminate bugs, incorporate improvements and user friendly features, and these can assist performance by enhancing software and hardware compatibility. Generally, your system should work faster and more smoothly. It’s not always an easy process to upgrade your operating system so do use professional computer support services if you have any doubts.
1. Software Compatibility
New versions of software – such as games, office packages, utilities and other software you may use may not be designed for older operating systems. This usually means you won’t be able to install these older programs on your computer at all. Software compatibility can also contribute to speed and stability, making your computer less prone to slowing down or crashing.
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Yes, Computers Were Built For Dummies
It is still amazing how many people cannot use a computer or laptop confidently. They feel if they click on a wrong button, they will have destroyed their computer and need computer support. It is actually pretty hard to mess up your computer and the faster you get used to one, the better. If you are still stressing out about using a computer, think about the fact that it is fast turning into you not being able to write. Many people think they can get away without computers, but you need to understand the ridiculous situation that you are putting yourself in. Soon you will not be able to do anything. Here is some information that will boost your confidence.
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Taming the AutoCorrect feature in Microsoft Word.
AutoCorrect is one of Word’s most useful functions, very popular with professional writers and people who work with Word for hours on end. It can also be a bit of a pain when you’re trying to set things up and aren’t sure what to do. This is a basic computer support guide to how AutoCorrect operates, and what you can do with it.
How it works
AutoCorrect is an automatic adjuster of misspellings, and has a range of standard corrections for common typos. You can access it from Word (Tools) or Office, depending on your configuration. It can also be used for abbreviations of long words, names, and even addresses.
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Organising your home office with a multifunction centre
Space is usually at a premium in a home office. A multifunction centre (MFC) can not only free up space but also provide useful new features like network connectivity, fax, scanner, printer and even a phone, all in one.
So what’s a multifunction centre?
MFCs vary dramatically in quality, but ultimately they consolidate all their functions into one piece of equipment, a very valuable contribution to the cluttered home office in many cases. They can also be connected to multiple computers wirelessly.
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Questions from Readers: How to Format Excel cells to use the ($) Dollar sign
We got this interesting email, raising a common question with Excel. This is a way of doing your own computer support for your spreadsheets, and it’s also useful to know why Excel formats the way it does.
Hey Gizmo,
Excel’s driving me crazy. If I use a dollar sign ($) before the numbers, Excel gobbles it up and it vanishes. The problem is that I actually need these dollar signs where they can be seen. What do I do?
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Computer care – How to defrag your hard drive
If you’ve had your computer for a while and it’s starting to act slow and sluggish, chances are that it’s time to defragment your hard drive. What happens is that the files become disorganised, literally “fragmented”, and that’s why they take so long to open. This fragmentation is normal – to a point. Beyond that point, it becomes a real problem, and can slow down even a fast modern computer.
Defragmenting your hard drive is quite easy, and should be done regularly. This is DIY computer support.
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How to Delete Your Temp Files
Temporary files can take up enormous amounts of space. It’s astonishing how much of this stuff your computer can store. This steadily accumulating pile of junk doesn’t help your computer much either, and can slow it down. Windows “Disk Cleanup” utility can get rid of temp files very efficiently and save you a lot of disk space. This is DIY computer support.
What are temporary files?
Temporary files are created by software for various reasons, like when you’re downloading documents, and the file is saved as a temp file while you’re using it.
Can temp files be dangerous?
Normally, they’re not. Unless someone’s put some malware in a file, temp files are pretty safe. Their nuisance value however, is a problem. Putting too many files on the hard drive actually affects the operation of the computer.
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