Posts Tagged ‘Windows’
How Do I Change the Display Setting for a Windows Vista Computer?
Posted by Parkzone Corsair in computer on August 10th, 2010
Windows Vista, by default, chooses the best display settings for your computer which includes screen resolution, refresh rate, and color, based on your monitor. The setting for every computer differs depending on the kind of monitor that is used– CRT or LCD. Screen resolution is the setting that determines how much information is displayed on the screen that is measured horizontally and vertically in pixels. Refresh rate is the frequency at which the screen is redrawn. These can be adjusted according to your preference.
The process to follow in changing Windows Vista’s display settings can be done in a few seconds. All you need to do is right-click on a vacant area on the Desktop and select “Personalize” from the menu that pops up. The Personalization box will appear. Click on “Display Settings” which is located at the bottom part (it is the seventh item from the top).The Display Settings dialog box will appear. There you can set the resolution and colors that would best fit your set up. You can drag the resolution slider to the right for higher resolutions and drag left to lower the resolution. You can also click on the “Advanced” button to get to more advanced settings for color management and properties of your adapter and monitor. But I advice not to tamper with what is in the Advanced button because it is for expert technicians. The default settings in the “Advanced” button are usually the best settings and the safest. The display settings of XP and Vista are almost the same so if you are familiar with that of XP you will not be lost in the display settings of Vista.
You can actually fine tune the display and the whole look of Vista by tweaking everything that is in the Personalization box. To adjust window color and appearance simply click on the radio button under the color. Check or uncheck on the “Enable transparency” checkbox if you want the window bar to be transparent. By clicking on the slider and dragging it to the left or to the right as how you want the settings to be, You can adjust the color intensity. By clicking on “Show Color Mixer” and adjusting the scales as desired, you can make adjustments on the hue, brightness, and saturation of the colors.
You can also change desktop background if you click “Desktop Background” and select the image you would like to use. If you want an image that is in one of the folders in your computer, just click on the Browse button and locate the folder that contains it and select the image and click “Open”. The Desktop background will then be changed to that image.
You may also set the Screensaver properties by clicking on “Screensaver”. By clicking on the drop down list you will be able to choose the screen saver to use. You can also see the adjustment box for the time it will take to activate the screensaver when the computer is idle. By clicking on the up or down arrow buttons, you can add or subtract to the number of minutes before screensaver launches.
Ms. Pinky is a Computer Support Specialist for more than 25 years. Has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering, MS Research work in Systems Engineering.
Get more free computer tips on her blog at http://www.computerhelpdeskandsupport.com/
Replace your motherboard without reinstalling Windows !
Posted by Parkzone Corsair in motherboard on August 5th, 2010
Has your motherboard died after years of use and you can’t afford a new computer? Do you want to upgrade to a “newer” motherboard? If you have ever replaced a motherboard, chances are the computer wouldn’t boot up with the new motherboard.
In the event that your new board won’t allow you to boot into Windows, you’ll have to reformat the drive and re-install Windows…correct? Maybe not.
When you replace a motherboard with a motherboard that has the same “chipset” (motherboard audio/video circuitry etc), the computer usually boots into Windows, and allows you to install the new drivers and software. Not too difficult huh?
On the other hand, when you install a motherboard from a different manufacturer than your “to be replaced” motherboard, you may encounter booting problems, failure to boot, unexplainable crashes, random restarts, etc. To avoid problems associated with replacing a motherboard, follow these steps:
*Note, this MUST be done prior to uninstalling your OLD motherboard.*
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1.) Turn on your PC.
2.) After powering up your computer, press “F8” repeatedly. This will give you the option to “Start in safe mode”, amongst other options.
3.) Choose “Start in safe mode”.
4.)When your computer has booted to the desktop screen, your screen will have notification that you are in safe mode. If you get a message allowing you to “…click OK to continue”, click ok.
5.) Next, you will need to go to the “Device Manager”, and uninstall all of the drivers/software associated with your old motherboard.
6.) Click on the “Start” menu
7.) Click on “Control Panel” (If in “Category View”, click “Performance and Maintenance”, then click the “System” icon. If in “Classic View”, double click the “System” icon. )
8.) Click on the “Hardware” tab.
9.) Click on “Device Manager”.
11.) Right click all subcategories for the below listed hardware, and click “Uninstall”. When “Uninstall” is not possible, choose “Disable”. The categories that should be chosen and the subcategories uninstalled( or disabled) are:
“IDE ATA/Atapi Controllers”
“Network adapter“
“Sound video and game controllers”
“Universal Serial Bus Controllers”
“Display adapters”
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Once the above hardware groups are uninstalled or disabled, now it’s time to uninstall any software that is associated with the hardware/drivers that were uninstalled.
12.) Choose “Start” menu, then click “Control Panel.” Next, double click “Add or Remove Programs.” Uninstall ANY software that is associated with the hardware that will be replaced. (For example, if you have a NVIDIA onboard video card on your old motherboard, and you see software for: “NVIDIA Control Panel”, remove it. If you are unsure what should be uninstalled SKIP THIS STEP, and contact your PC manufacturer, or reseller for assistance! )
13.) Next, it’s time to shut down your computer and prepare to install the new motherboard. Now the old software and drivers shouldn’t conflict with the new hardware, and drivers that will be installed after the replacement. If you have any questions during this step, contact your PC manufacturer, or myself for assistance!
HAPPY COMPUTING!!
Jarvis Edwards – TekTime
http://www.time4tech.com
Windows: Monitor/Display Calibration
Posted by Parkzone Corsair in computer on July 29th, 2010
Whether it’s gaming, video editing or graphic design, one of the things you should always check frequently is your monitor calibration to ensure you have optimal colour as well as brightness and contrast. QuickGamma www.quickgamma.de Screen Capture: Camtasia Recorder 6.0 Video Editing: Sony Vegas Pro 9.0 Audio Editing: Audacity:
