Blog Feed: PCTechBytes

If you’ve ever wondered about the reliability of your computer, you can get a visual report of how things are going under the hood by using the Reliability Monitor. This tool is a great resource for advanced users to track down any critical events or information from the time Windows was first installed. Each critical [...] > read more

Edit Photos With Windows Live Photo Gallery

Published on 2012-05-22 16:40:39

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a quality photo editor. Windows Live Essentials comes with Windows Live Photo Gallery, an all-in-one tool to help you tweak, share and display your pictures. If you do not already have Windows Live Essentials installed, you can get it from here for free. Along [...] > read more

Google Chrome Tops The Charts As Most Popular

Published on 2012-05-22 10:57:06

Everyone has their own personal opinions on the matter of browsers. Some even get into the debate like they would over Operating Systems or gaming systems. While those who are in the tech world tend to flinch when they see another using Internet Explorer, it has come leaps and bounds over where it was when [...] > read more

Automatically Launch A Website Upon Boot

Published on 2012-05-21 16:01:00

Most of us perform the same tasks each time we boot up the computer. Whether you go online to check the latest sports scores, or if you open Gmail to see if you have any new Emails, you can automate this task by having your computer launch that website for you as soon as you [...] > read more

Three Windows PC Tuning Tips to Add to Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

Published on 2012-05-21 13:23:57

By: Tibor Schiemann, President and Managing Partner, TuneUp Your annual spring cleaning ritual should not just include yard work and carpet and window detailing—it’s also crucial to give your Windows PC a little TLC. With these three simple tips, you can quickly get rid of the cobwebs that have accumulated inside your computer and transform [...] > read more

Tools To Make You A Better Geek

Published on 2012-05-21 09:39:28

A man is only as good as his tools. Believe it or not, the same applies to geeks. A novice computer technician can be spotted a mile away. For example, if you open your computer case with a butter knife–you’re going to lose your nerd card. You simply must have the right tools for the [...] > read more

Apple Products Compete Among Themselves

Published on 2012-05-21 05:56:37

According to the company that started it all, Apple Inc., it sold an astounding one million units online when the first release of the 3G version came out in just about 28 days. It’s amazing to think that this figure is for the original iPad. We all know that the iPad 2 and the new [...] > read more

Tweaks To Speed Up Your Browsing

Published on 2012-05-15 09:24:08

What affects browsing speed? You might as well be asking What is the meaning of life? Browsing speed is affected by a lot of variables. Your Internet speeds can be affected by settings within Windows, settings within your browser, or the condition of your home network. These tips can be applied to most browsers and [...] > read more

How to Keep your Company's Data Secure

Published on 2012-05-12 08:25:24

Identity theft is growing by the numbers each day and all because users do not take the proper precautionary measures to safeguard their private data. The same goes for companies. Most companies have embraced the digital age and employed the use of software to manage and work through their data more efficiently. Software can ensure [...] > read more

Three Tips for Playing Classic Games on Modern Windows Machines

Published on 2012-05-11 12:07:58

By: Tibor Schiemann, President & Managing Partner, TuneUp The resurgence in classic gaming has spurred both the nostalgic and the simply curious to explore treasures like Monkey Island (1990) or Wing Commander III (1994). Back in the old days, you could power on your trusty computer running DOS, Windows 3.x or Windows 9x and point-and-click [...] > read more

Show Desktop in OS X and Other Navigation Tips

Published on 2012-05-11 08:54:07

One of the most perplexing differences between Macs and PCs is something that should be obvious in both Operating Systems–the ability to quickly show the desktop. Windows does this very well, usually with a button in the task manager or with a simple keystroke combination. Macs, however, make something that should be simple a dubious [...] > read more

Windows Event Viewer Exposes Your Problems

Published on 2012-05-10 06:46:54

Think you have a finely-tuned Windows machine? Think again. You’ve done everything you’re supposed to do: You’ve kept up on Windows Updates, your hardware drivers are current, and you perform routine maintenance. You computer seems to be running just fine, thank you very much. But have you peeked into that cold, dark keyhole called the [...] > read more

Soluto Anti-Frustration Software

Published on 2012-05-09 15:41:18

Soluto is the anti-frustration software every PC needs. This very web 2.0-looking program is completely free. It can be used to help you get to know your computer a little better, while at the same time reducing boot-up times and making sure your system has all available updates. If your PC is running slow, Soluto [...] > read more

Download Library Books To Your Kindle

Published on 2012-05-09 10:05:57

If you have a Kindle you already know how easy it is to buy and download eBooks through Amazon. But did you know you can checkout eBooks on your Kindle through your local public library? The best part is, you can do it all online! This technique will turn your Amazon Kindle into a portable [...] > read more

Logical Way To Partition A Hard Drive

Published on 2012-05-09 08:19:34

If you’re thinking about reinstalling Windows or buying a new hard drive, stop a moment and think about how you plan on organizing your Operating System and data. Will you have it all together in one large blob? Or will you partition the drive into multiple logical drives and separate your data from your Operating [...] > read more

Change Virtual Memory Size in Windows 7

Published on 2012-05-08 16:43:50

Windows 7 is an efficient Operating System and requires very little tweaking to make it run faster out of the box. One tweak, however, might help speed up your system during normal operation. Windows uses allocated space on your hard drive called virtual memory as if it were RAM. By making the size of your [...] > read more

How to Become an IT Professional

Published on 2012-05-08 08:35:05

There are a number of reasons why you might want to become an IT professional. If you love computers and are technically adept, this desire can turn into a profitable career. In a world of ever-changing technology, do you have what it takes to become an IT professional? Whether this decision has come from a [...] > read more

Everything You Wanted To Know About Disk Defragmenting But Were Afraid To Ask

Published on 2012-05-08 07:51:17

Disk Defragmenter is a built-in utility for Windows. When you defragment a disk, it rearranges data scattered throughout the drive and puts it in a contiguous order near the front. Because your hard drive has moving parts, organizing files in this manner reduces the read / write times of the drive and speeds up boot [...] > read more

What To Look For In A New Case

Published on 2012-05-04 09:36:11

There’s a lot to consider when buying a new computer case. Some people prefer aesthetics over functionality (Apple users) or cost above capability. Choosing the right case for your next build all depends on what kind of computer you are planning on building. Is it going to be used for getting on the Internet or [...] > read more

Thinking About A Mac? Try A Mini

Published on 2012-05-04 06:29:48

If you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the Mac pool, a Mac Mini is a great first computer for you. Macs are generally expensive–and rightly so. You will be hard pressed to find hardware that is so well made on the PC side. In addition, Apple is known for their superior technical support. Quality [...] > read more

Are You A Desktop, Laptop or Tablet Person

Published on 2012-05-03 09:07:44

These are confusing times for people getting ready to buy a new computer. Will they still be making desktops in a few years? Are tablets just a fad? The iPad and Android-based tablets have exploded in popularity, but are they replacement options for a “real” computer. If you have someone in your life that is [...] > read more

Who Needs Wires? Make A Wireless Bridge!

Published on 2012-05-03 06:38:08

Assuming you followed my instructions on flashing your router with the latest fancy DD-WRT firmware, then you will be able to transform your router into a wireless bridge instead of an Access Point. Have you ever needed to get internet or intranet to another spot further away from the main Access Point and don’t have [...] > read more

Flash a Router With DD-WRT Firmware

Published on 2012-05-02 12:22:20

Sometimes the router that we know and love doesn’t do everything we need it to. If you need additional functionality not currently supported with your default firmware, it might be time to look for an alternative. DD-WRT is a well rounded, exceptionally detailed, and superbly documented 3rd party firmware that will add a lot of [...] > read more

Properly Uninstall A Program In Windows

Published on 2012-05-02 08:09:29

When it come to uninstalling a program in Windows, we are often surprised to find people are doing it incorrectly, resulting in corrupt files, system crashes and other problems. On a Mac, you simply grab the program folder and drag it into the Trash. Seems simple enough. But the Windows registry system is a bit [...] > read more

It Matters Where Your Data Resides In The Cloud

Published on 2012-04-30 09:44:54

There is a heated civil rights battle taking place on the Internet right now. And unlike traditional incidents of descent which have previously been focused at a single state, this battle is pitting the civilians of the world against multiple governments and corporate influences that often act in teams. On one hand, you have the [...] > read more

Make The Computer Easier For Grandma To Use

Published on 2012-04-30 09:29:45

We use computers every day of our lives for work, home and pleasure. We check email, research and shop on the web, and use Skype video chat with friends and relatives who are not close enough to visit. Mainstream computer users have either grown up with technology or learned to integrate it into their lives. [...] > read more

Our Choice Between Google Drive, Skydrive and Dropbox

Published on 2012-04-27 07:57:00

And the winner is…all of them. But if you’re going to make us pick, we have to go with Skydrive simply because they offer the most free space. In reality, there is no reason why you should not use all of them. Hey, it’s free, so take advantage of the space and backup your important [...] > read more

Is Mining Asteroids Really A Good Idea

Published on 2012-04-25 13:05:55

James Cameron and Planetary Resources, Inc., announced this week that they were delving into the lucrative business of space mining. They claim that what we lack on Earth is plentiful in space–on rotating rocks of death called asteroids. They say it could add trillions of dollars to the global economy. This is great news! It’s [...] > read more

Tips On Upgrading A Samsung Laptop

Published on 2012-04-25 09:56:06

Before you even consider upgrading your laptop, you should ask yourself a few questions: Should I upgrade my Samsung laptop? Can I upgrade it? Where do I find the right parts? There aren’t a lot of people who are comfortable installing Samsung laptop replacement parts into their laptop. Most of the people who do are [...] > read more

How to Turn Your iPad Into a Personal Hotspot

Published on 2012-04-25 05:45:40

Aside from the amazing resolution of the Retina display of the new iPad and the fast A5X chip that makes it run faster than the speed of light (okay, that may be a bit exaggerated), Apple’s new ‘revolutionary’ baby may be winning more hearts with this cool feature. Be prepared, dear Facebook addicts, Twitter addicts and [...] > read more

Why Use A Personal VPN

Published on 2012-04-24 07:10:56

Internet use has become a part of our daily lives. We use it to track financial activity, purchase products or services, and stay in touch with distant friends and relatives. However, it should always be noted that this also means all of our personal information is easily accessed if not properly encrypted. Accessing public Wi-Fi [...] > read more

SpeedUpMyPC Software To Tweak Your Performance

Published on 2012-04-23 09:22:49

Uniblue recently integrated its popular Registry Booster software into SpeedUpMyPC to provide users with an even more power system tweaking utility to boost PC performance. With so many settings, resources, registry entries and processes to check in Windows, it can be almost impossible to identify why your computer is running slow. Unless you plan on [...] > read more

In Case Your Missed: Our Computer Security Tips

Published on 2012-04-20 07:50:43

Computer security is no joke. Aside from the obvious inconvenience of having a computer virus, there is a lot at stake regarding privacy, financial loss and the loss of critical data. The scary viruses are the ones that pop up and claim your computer is infected and prompt for you to click a button to [...] > read more

Android Security: Basic and Advanced Tips

Published on 2012-04-19 10:34:16

It’s amazing just how much of a treasure trove of data our smartphones can be. In these small devices, we keep everything from website logins to personal photos and our address books. I’m going to offer some basic tips for securing your Android phone or tablet. Even if your phone is lost or stolen, you [...] > read more

DIY External Hard Drive

Published on 2012-04-18 14:26:02

People all across the world have been buying external hard drives for backing up data for quite some time. As we mentioned before in various articles, backing up integral data is the only way to ensure you wont lose something important. What happens if our external hard drive fails? If you purchased an external hard [...] > read more

Tips To Revitalize Your Old Computer

Published on 2012-04-17 10:42:46

Remember the love affair you once had with your computer? Those late nights sitting in front of the screen, your face aglow in its radiant LED light? You’d sit there for hours surfing AOL or playing games like Mahjong or Solitaire until your eyes were so dry you couldn’t blink. Ah, those were the days. [...] > read more

Save On Printing Costs

Published on 2012-04-16 09:03:24

In this economy, there are a lot of things we can do to save money at home or in the office. Adjusting your printing habits and using these techniques will allow you to save a ton of cash. To do this, you will need to edit your preferences. In Windows 7, go to the Start [...] > read more

Paragon Backup and Recovery 11 Review

Published on 2012-04-13 11:43:54

Image backups are a must now in the digital age. For any mission-critical or personal data that cannot be replaced, a good backup is required. Paragon Backup and Recovery 11 is a great tool that is easy to use. It comes with a boot disc you create to recover from a failed array, dead hard [...] > read more

22 Free Applications To Help You Remain Productive

Published on 2012-04-12 07:52:17

Enhancing your productivity on the Windows platform has much to do with increasing your PC’s performance and speed. The better your PC works, the more your productivity increases. Then again, there’s your personal productivity levels to consider, and how to improve them. Fortunately, there are many free applications online that’ll help increase both your productivity [...] > read more

Become An Advanced Computer Tech

Published on 2012-04-11 07:57:28

Whether you’re looking to change careers or you simply want to build your next gaming computer, there is a definite line between being a novice computer user and an advanced computer tech in regards to overall knowledge. We’re not talking just book smarts. We’re talking about computer lab time–the amount of hands-on time you spend [...] > read more

DVD Movies Are Dead

Published on 2012-04-09 09:20:42

Put a fork in it, the DVD movie format is dead. Try a search on Blockbuster for a local store and see how far away the nearest brick and mortar is located. A couple of years ago, they were seemingly on every other corner. More and more households are streaming their television content, either through [...] > read more

Quick and Dirty Hardware Buyer's Guide

Published on 2012-04-07 13:04:43

Here at PCTechbytes we receive a lot of posts in the Forums and in the comments of articles about purchasing new hardware. Each time it is a specific “how much RAM should I get for this”, “I need a new Hard Drive for my HP”, “I’m looking for a new Power Supply for my Dell”, [...] > read more

Mac OS X Keyboard Shortcut Cheatsheet

Published on 2012-04-04 07:53:44

You use a Windows computer at work and so you have always used a Windows PC at home. Makes sense. But more and more people are making the switch from Windows to Mac for home use. We won’t get into the debate over style, power and security. Let’s just recognize that many people are looking [...] > read more

Tips on How to Sell Your Laptop

Published on 2012-04-03 11:41:56

Have you already upgraded to a new laptop, and are now wondering what to do with the old device? Have you thought of trading it in for credit, recycling it, selling it, or just throwing it in the trash? What a lot of people don’t know is how valuable their older electronics are in either [...] > read more

Strange Cool and Wacky Search Engines

Published on 2012-04-02 09:35:08

If you’ve Googled your last Google, Binged your last Bong or Yahooed your last Yippee, then we have a great list of search engines you might not have heard of. Why change your search engine? Well, big name search engines have lost their souls. They are in the business of making money and paying their [...] > read more

Add A Hard Drive To A Failing RAID Array

Published on 2012-03-24 14:17:33

There are a lot of subtle nuances to Windows Server 08. Many different configurations to get it set up the best for your particular setup, and a bevy of software to add to fill in any gaps that it doesn’t come with after a base install. One of the less talked about aspects of running [...] > read more

Setup File Replication On Server 2008

Published on 2012-03-23 14:22:11

I’m a little .EXE that is out of date and the company that made me went under. If you lose me, you cant reinstall that program Accounting has to have if a PC fails. I’m all the shared files on a File Server of which you company needs to function daily. I’m the backup of [...] > read more

Spring Cleaning For Your PC

Published on 2012-03-21 10:14:32

It’s that time of the year again: The birds are chirping, the grass is turning green and the days are getting longer. You’ve opened the windows, cleaned the garage, but you still have this nagging feeling there is something you forgot to do. Yes, you forgot to do the annual spring cleaning for your PC. [...] > read more

Lock Down Your Laptop

Published on 2012-03-20 08:26:28

What’s on your laptop? Your taxes? Your credit card information? Maybe your bank account password or social security number? If you think about it, your laptop contains a lot of personal data that could devastate you if lost. Laptops are gradually replacing desktops in homes and businesses and likely contain sensitive personal data. Are you [...] > read more

Are You A Technology Fanboy?

Published on 2012-03-19 10:06:28

Being a technology evangelist, I frequently recommend software or hardware devices to friends, relatives and complete strangers walking down the street. I feel it’s my duty to inform the world about everything they’re missing out on in life. The other day when I saw a stranger talking on their Blackberry, I did as any Apple [...] > read more

Codecs: What Are They And Why Do We Need Them?

Published on 2012-03-13 14:32:15

Have you ever downloaded a movie, clip, or music file and had Windows Media Player tell you that it can’t play that format or error out and crash the whole program? Fixing it could be something as simple as adding a codec pack to fill in the gaps that your favorite media players have in [...] > read more

Ultimate Boot CD 5.0.3 Basic Overview

Published on 2012-03-06 13:41:45

In the forums we often recommend the Ultimate Boot CD (UBCD) for testing Hard Drives and Memory. Today alone I’ve recommended it three times. People are usually unfamiliar with the UBCD, so I decided to give a little more in depth overview of what it can and cannot do. It contains a few hidden gems [...] > read more

How To Block Facebook

Published on 2012-03-06 07:50:02

You can block Facebook from your children or any other website you do not want them to have access to by using some of the following techniques. We will use the Hosts file in Windows, block Facebook at the router level, and also block Facebook at the DNS level. It is important to realize children [...] > read more

Turn Off Computer In Windows 8

Published on 2012-03-05 08:06:43

It should be easy to turn off your computer in Windows 8, right? It is, if you know what you’re doing. But for those new to the public beta of Windows 8, navigating the new graphical user interface can be alien to lifelong Windows users. Once you learn about the secret trapdoor, however, you can [...] > read more

Interview With PCTechBytes Moderator

Published on 2012-03-02 12:47:14

Here at PCTechBytes, Ive come to realize in my short time that there is a good solid group of techs ready and willing to help at all times of day and night. It seems that we all answer questions collectively almost 24 hours a day or as soon as a question comes in that we [...] > read more

Use QR Code Readers On Your Smartphone

Published on 2012-03-02 07:59:12

Do you use a QR code reader on your smartphone? If not, you should consider trying it. You’ve seen them on advertisements, menus, in magazines, and in other places where they might be seen and captured by people on the go. QR, or Quick Response, codes are similar to the bar codes you might find [...] > read more

HP Hard Drive DMI and Motherboard Tattoo Issues

Published on 2012-03-01 11:09:19

When most people think of the word “tattoo”, they think of the gnarly tat they got on spring break in Panama on a location of their body they would rather forget about. Enough about my troubles (just kidding family, no Panama tattoos here). HP has a different idea of the word. HP, at least when [...] > read more

Read Hotmail And Windows Live Email In Outlook

Published on 2012-02-29 09:31:22

Covering the little niches in Outlook can be a big task as this email program has a lot to offer. Today we will show you how to read Hotmail and Windows Live email in Outlook but the general practice should be similar in all other versions. You can also use this for Yahoo and other [...] > read more

Intel BIOS: How to Reset an Intel BIOS

Published on 2012-02-29 05:50:50

Oftentimes curiosity takes over the better side and we install or experiment with software that may cause temporary suspension of our systems due to BIOS or CMOS issues. Instead of fretting and calling for expensive computer techs to fix the issue, it would be recommended to follow the trailing DIY steps in restoring the original [...] > read more

Use Sparklines In Excel To Track Expenses

Published on 2012-02-28 08:53:28

You can use sparklines in Excel to track expenses or other data in a visual graph to show increases or decreases in value. We have demonstrated the various ways to create graphs in Excel in other articles to show breakdowns over a single time frame. Sparklines, however, can track changes in value over a long [...] > read more

Create A Graph In Excel

Published on 2012-02-27 15:09:05

Microsoft Excel can be used to create graphs to sort data and present it in a way that is visually appealing. Microsoft Excel allows you to easily create graphs that can be used in presentations, or to just help you track expenses or other figures in an eye-catching manner. Charts are an effective way for [...] > read more

Move Data From PC To Mac

Published on 2012-02-26 09:21:31

You can move data from a PC to Mac using the Migration Assistant provided by Apple. As more and more people decide to move from a Windows computer to a Mac, it could be a challenge moving your life from one platform to another. The Migration Assistant allows you to easily connect your Mac and [...] > read more

Microsoft Outlook Rules and Alerts

Published on 2012-02-25 16:19:37

You can say what you want about Microsoft Outlook, but it flat works. With a strong company behind it, great support forums, and a wealth of information on Outlook via Google, it is hard to complain about its functionality. I used to be an Outlook hater until I was forced to use and manage it [...] > read more

How To Create A Signature In Outlook 2010

Published on 2012-02-24 10:53:09

This article covers how to create a signature in Outlook 2010. A proper signature at the end of your correspondence can demonstrate your professionalism while providing important details, such as phone numbers, hyperlinks to websites and legal information your company wants included with every email. It is inconceivable to manually type this information in at [...] > read more

Should I Get A Laptop Or Desktop

Published on 2012-02-21 08:15:54

A common question an IT person will get asked by friends and family is “Should I get a laptop or desktop” when they finally realize their old computer has bit its last byte. This is a difficult question to answer and certainly a question that applies differently to each person. The old answer was usually [...] > read more

Belarc Advisor Keyfinder and Security Analyzer Software

Published on 2012-02-20 13:28:53

Have you ever needed to install Windows on a older machine but the COA key on the bottom or side of the PC is rubbed off, making it unreadable? Ever had to do a reinstall after a virus but you don’t have the original packaging for all your programs and lost their product keys? These [...] > read more

Send A Text Message Using Email

Published on 2012-02-20 09:17:05

You can send a text Message using Email to anyone if you know their cell phone carrier and phone number. We all know the person who lives on their cell phone and rarely uses Email. It can sometimes be difficult to communicate with them unless you also have a cell phone with a texting plan. [...] > read more

PC Wizard 2012 System Utility

Published on 2012-02-17 12:00:30

PC Wizard 2012 is a very useful system utility software for aiding those with a modding, repairing or upgrading background. With its wealth of information, no secrets your computer holds will be untold. This system utility software has the ability to scan every aspect of your hardware, ranging from naming the brand of speakers you [...] > read more

USB Power Outlet Converter

Published on 2012-02-13 10:39:51

If you have more than one USB tech device, then you know the importance of having a USB power outlet converter. Rather than using the outlets themselves to plug in your phone, camera or Mp3 player, you can buy converters to either plug into the socket or replace the outlet entirely, thus freeing up those [...] > read more

Dell Inspiron Recovery

Published on 2012-02-13 07:07:54

You may need to eventually perform a Dell Inspiron recovery. Laptops often get sluggish with time. This may be caused due to a lot of unwanted programs or malware issues. A viable solution is to format your laptop and reset the laptop to its factory settings. Most virus issues are resolved by this method. Dell [...] > read more

How to Buy Laptops for Students

Published on 2012-02-10 05:57:20

Whether it’s your son or daughter going off to university, or perhaps a close family friend making the move, a laptop makes a great gift that will certainly prove useful in the years of study ahead. But what should you look for when making this purchase? Which specific elements should you consider when you head [...] > read more

Stop A Laptop From Going Into Sleep Mode

Published on 2012-02-04 09:08:08

Window-based laptop computers generally go into sleep mode (standby mode in XP) when the lid is closed. The sleep mode makes sense because it helps your laptop conserve battery power. For example, while working at your office you leave for home and simply close the lid and keep it inside your bag. It then goes [...] > read more

Windows Update Error 0x800A0046

Published on 2012-02-01 07:56:31

If you attempt to update Windows and receive the Windows Update Error 0x800A0046, you will not be able to proceed unless you correct the problem. Windows Updates are important, as they protect you from security exploits and other patches that help keep your Operating System healthy and running smooth. You might see the following screen [...] > read more

How To Install Windows 7 On A Mac Mini

Published on 2012-01-31 06:51:45

The Mac Mini is a small desktop computer manufactured by Apple Inc. It is compact-sized when compared to other desktops at 7.7 inches square, 1.4 inches tall and is very light weight at merely 1.22kg. Mac Mini desktops use G4 single-core 32-bit PowerPC processors having 512 KB of on-chip L2 cache. Mac OS is by [...] > read more

How To Encrypt Windows Files

Published on 2012-01-30 09:32:29

TrueCrypt is a popular solution for those who want to encrypt Windows files and folders. Why encrypt Windows files? Privacy is a major factor at home and at the workplace. In addition, as more and more people use portable computers, the risk of losing valuable data increases. The thought of photos, financial information or other [...] > read more

Wireless Settings Do Not Match Network Requirements

Published on 2011-07-01 08:27:53

As easy as networking Windows Vista and Windows 7 has become, there are times when connectivity problems are encountered that make you scratch your head. One such problem is trying to connect a new computer or a new network adapter to an existing net > read more

Home Networking Guide

Published on 2011-05-18 06:55:40

PCTechBytes is please to announce the release of our Home Networking Guide, a massive 47-page guide detailing how to setup, maintain and troubleshoot your home network. We created this guide so our readers would have a convenient reference to network > read more

Computer Can’t Connect To Homegroup

Published on 2011-04-28 08:31:32

A Homegroup is a Windows 7 network scheme that helps users running the Windows 7 Operating System easily connect to each other and share pictures, videos, printers and documents. It works by having a user setup a Homegroup, and then use a password ge > read more

Get in Shape Geek Style

Published on 2011-04-26 14:50:57

Okay. Nerds are not commonly known for their six-pack abs or bulging biceps. But that is about to change. Getting in shape is merely an app away. We’re going to list our top five favorite fitness apps for the iPhone or iPad. Cardio is key to ru > read more

Lacie WiFi NAS

Published on 2011-04-22 15:15:07

The LaCie 1TB wireless Network Attached Storage (NAS) device is more than your average backup solution. The LaCie drive can act as a WiFi router or a Wireless Access Point, extending your wireless network while providing massive storage space for bac > read more

Build A Computer For $500

Published on 2011-04-18 08:40:33

Building a computer for less that $500 that is able to run the latest Operating System and applications is a challenge. There is a delicate balance between cost and performance. Our goal is to build a computer for someone who wants to run Windows 7. > read more

Build A Computer For Under $1000

Published on 2011-04-16 08:13:40

You can build a computer for under $1000 for gaming or any other performance tasks. The parts we have gathered below are for a high-performance PC. The price does not include an Operating System (we recommend Windows 7 Professional). It also does not > read more

HP Computer Crashes

Published on 2011-04-14 10:55:09

HP computer crashes can be caused by several factors. Learning how to diagnose the root problem for these crashes isn’t much different than troubleshooting a generic computer or a PC from another major manufacturer. So what are the top reasons > read more

Make Your Own Backup Device

Published on 2011-04-13 09:30:37

Over the years people eventually learn, one way or another, that backing up data is as essential as the computer itself. The task became easier as technology has grown from floppy drives, to CD and DVD burners and finally an external hard drive. For > read more

Emergency Tech Bag

Published on 2011-04-11 09:42:21

It’s happened to us all: You pack your bags for that weekend getaway or a last minute business trip only to realize in horror upon arrival that you forgot that one cable or gadget that makes everything else work. What’s a geek to do? We h > read more

Amazon Cloud Drive

Published on 2011-03-31 15:22:47

Amazon is now offering 5GB of free storage space which they call Amazon Cloud Drive. The online drive allows you to store music, photos, videos and documents. In addition, any music purchased through Amazon is stored for free, meaning the space the s > read more

Amazon Cloud Drive

Published on 2011-03-31 15:22:47

8 Questions to Help You Choose the Right Computer Technician

Published on 2011-03-20 09:31:21

Choosing the best computer repair business can be difficult when you first start looking. BienTek, a Michigan computer services business, suggests eight questions to help you choose the right computer technician. � How much experience do you hav > read more

How To Repair Computer Stop Errors

Published on 2011-03-09 10:27:47

The majority of Windows users think that to troubleshoot blue screen errors and stop errors, such as the stop error 0�80070002, one needs the help of a computer technician. Well, there is no doubt that such errors are typically more difficult to > read more

How To Clear Cache In Mac OS X

Published on 2011-03-07 06:58:43

Mac users realize there are relatively few maintenance tasks that need to be performed to keep your Mac OS X computer running efficiently. One of those tasks is to occasionally repair disk permissions. The second is to make sure you occasionally cl > read more

How To Perform A Toshiba Recovery

Published on 2011-03-04 11:12:39

You can perform a Toshiba recovery using the Toshiba recovery disks or the Toshiba recovery partition located on your hard drive. This type of recovery restores the laptop back to original factory condition, meaning all programs and data that were in > read more

Block Websites With D-Link Router

Published on 2011-03-03 07:19:52

There are a lot of dangerous websites out there. Some contain viruses, and some contain content and images you do not want members of your family to stumble upon. There are several ways to block websites on individual computers, but if you want to ap > read more

Disable Wireless Router SSID Broadcast

Published on 2011-03-02 13:05:56

You can disable a wireless router SSID broadcast and then connect to the router manually to improve security. This isn’t really necessary if you have WPA-2 enabled and have a secure password, but some people might prefer to have their router in > read more

Blazing Fast External Hard Drive

Published on 2011-03-01 09:12:40

How fast is fast enough when dealing with data transfer? When you’re dealing with backups or copying large files from one drive to another, you can never have too much speed. The new USB 3.0 spec emerged last year. The speed comparison between > read more

PCTechBytes Computer Virus Guide

Published on 2011-02-28 14:56:25

We deal with computer viruses all the time. The PCTechBytes Computer Virus Guide was created to explain the types of security threats you’re likely to face as a PC user. New viruses are being written every day. Learn how to prevent infection an > read more

Creating a First-Aid Kit For Your PC

Published on 2011-02-28 14:08:30

For many computer users, troubleshooting individual issues can be very time consuming and wasteful. If you value your time, you need to have a plan in place that will fix bugs quickly and efficiently. The simplest way to accomplish this would be to c > read more

Wired Network Installation

Published on 2011-02-25 10:05:14

A wireless network is convenient. But in terms of speed, reliability and security, a wired network is the way to go. You can wire your entire home over a weekend and we’re going to give you some pointers on how to do this. When you’re f > read more

PCTechBytes Computer Survival Guide

Published on 2011-02-23 10:26:52

PCTechBytes is pleased to announce our first eBook. Why an eBook? Well, we wanted to create a guide for beginners containing all of the computer information a novice computer user needs to survive. It covers a broad range of topics and might just kee > read more

How To Set Up An Ad Hoc Network

Published on 2011-02-18 10:03:02

Most people will have their wireless devices and computers setup for Infrastructure networking, meaning the network is handled by a router. If you are in a situation where you need to transfer files and data from one wireless computer to another, you > read more

Life Before Computers

Published on 2011-02-16 11:36:41

Some people say computers enhance our lives, and some will adamantly explain to you in a ten-thousand page handwritten manifesto just how computers have ruined family, communities and the gosh-darn entire planet. Those digital nay-sayers are just bar > read more

Data Recovery Types

Published on 2011-02-15 16:00:11

Data recovery is a serious matter. Many of us use our computers for business and personal tasks, and losing data on the hard drive for either of those can result in financial or emotional complications. Whether it’s a business proposal or famil > read more

Data Recovery Types

Published on 2011-02-15 16:00:11

Speed Up Your PC Using Defraggler

Published on 2011-02-15 09:39:40

Everyone wants a faster running computer. Recently, I came across a program called defraggler that can help to speed up a computer. Defraggler is a program from Piriform that is used to speed up your computer by defragging files. It supports both the > read more

Computer Maintenance Schedule

Published on 2011-02-11 09:42:25

Your computer is not unlike a car. It requires maintenance at certain time intervals, and if that maintenance schedule is ignored, your computer speed will suffer and you could ultimately experience a computer system failure. Getting on a schedule or > read more

A Computer Upgrade For Your Budget

Published on 2011-02-03 08:30:23

The economy stinks. Your PC is slow. This is a depressing combination for someone who wants to play the latest games or watch TV on their computer. The computers that were out a few years ago are already struggling to keep up with the high demands of > read more

Promoting Your Website

Published on 2011-02-02 11:40:07

We’ve talked about how to get your free website and we’ve discussed the various Content Management Systems out there. So you should have a new website up and running by now and adding content as frequently as you can. But website developm > read more

Computer Repair Q and A Interview With BienTek

Published on 2011-02-01 16:26:53

Computers are consumable products. Sure, we all hope they’ll last forever, but inevitably they fail due to hardware or software issues. When it happens, you’ll need to take your PC to a shop. Computer repair businesses have seen it all wh > read more

BSOD Flashes Too Quickly

Published on 2011-02-01 11:06:06

If you’re experiencing a system crash where the blue screen disappears too quickly, you know how frustrating it is to track down the source of the problem. If the BSOD flashes too quickly to read, you need a program that can analyze your system > read more

Controlling Sound In Your Theater

Published on 2011-02-01 09:39:27

When designing your ultimate man cave or home movie theater, most people forget about controlling sound reflection. You buy a nice receiver, a sub-woofer, and great satellite speakers, but you notice they do not sound as good as they can. There’ > read more

The Ultimate Computer Repair Tool

Published on 2011-02-01 07:08:42

Torx wrench, voltmeter, soldering gun–these are all great computer repair tools. But none of these can compare to a tech’s number one tool in computer repair: Logic. Logical thinking can drastically reduce the time it takes for a job to b > read more

How To Recover Deleted Files In Windows 7

Published on 2011-01-31 11:36:23

You can easily recover deleted files using the Windows 7 Previous Version tool. If you had been working on a document and deleted it by mistake, or if you had changed a document and accidentally saved over it, you can recover the old version in a few > read more

Free Computer And Electronic Recycling

Published on 2011-01-27 14:39:06

You recycle your computer when you buy and new one, right? You do not toss your electronics in the garbage, do you? Do you realize most of the materials in your computer are toxic and that throwing them away will have environmental consequences for y > read more

Inkjet And Laser Printer Comparison

Published on 2011-01-25 08:34:36

Printer cartridges are expensive. No matter what type of printing you do, users should try and minimize the cost per page as much as possible. You can lower the printing resolution, look for creative ways to refill ink cartridges or change the way yo > read more

Surge Protector, Uninterrupted Power Supply or Power Conditioner

Published on 2011-01-24 09:16:06

Surge protectors, Uninterrupted Power Supply, and Power conditioners–oh my! All computers need some type of electrical protection, but which of these options are best for your setup? The three power solutions are different, so it depends on you > read more

Wallpaper Friday | Dualscreen Wallpapers

Published on 2011-01-21 08:40:22

This week’s desktop wallpaper choices are dedicated to those fancy-pants people who have dual-monitors and tri-monitors and need a wallpaper that will be large enough to span them all. Enjoy! The first is a very colorful desktop background at 2 > read more

Can’t Connect To Internet After Virus

Published on 2011-01-20 07:58:10

You’ve done everything you’re supposed to do. You have an up to date antivirus, you update Windows automatically, you do not participate in Peer to Peer network file sharing, and you never open email attachments. Yet you were still infect > read more

Dealing With PC Driver Problems

Published on 2011-01-20 06:52:45

Computer errors can be divided into two categories: hardware errors and software errors. In most cases, software errors such as driver errors can be easily prevented by performing regular maintenance tasks. Performing driver maintenance tasks such as > read more

Careers in Computer Forensics

Published on 2011-01-18 12:00:34

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Computers are not going away. Just like becoming a Funeral Director is a guaranteed source of continuous work, computer forensics is quickly becoming the hot career choice for those breaking into the > read more

Internet Fax Services

Published on 2011-01-18 09:40:37

Whether we like it or not, faxes are still a major part of our lives. There are two problems with that, however. With the propensity of broadband Internet and cell phones, fewer and fewer of us have physical telephone landlines in our homes these day > read more

Windows XP Tweaks

Published on 2011-01-18 08:41:11

Do you want to tweak your system and customize it according to your requirements? Here are some Windows XP tweaks to help you change the system in the way you want. The three tweaks include graphical adjustments, disabling auto reboot, and a tweak to > read more

Website Wednesday

Published on 2011-01-18 08:17:42

Last week we laid out the Who, What, Where, When, How and Whys of starting your first website. We touched on the differences between a free website solution and a paid website solution, and we also talked about domain names and design. This week we&# > read more

Flashing Question Mark On Mac

Published on 2011-01-17 08:58:20

If you try and boot your Mac computer and see a flashing question mark instead of your desktop, this means your Mac cannot find the system software it needs to boot. While it’s not uncommon for a Mac to occasionally have this issue, the flashin > read more

Monday Morning Doldrums Game | Battleships

Published on 2011-01-17 07:41:40

It’s Monday morning again! Blah. Anyway, this week’s game to fight the Monday morning Doldrums is Battleships, a flash version of the board game you played and loved as a kid. Use the arrow keys to turn your ships and place them on the > read more

Recovery Disks For Sony VAIO System Restore

Published on 2011-01-14 08:06:06

As with most computers built by a major brand name manufacturer, your Sony VAIO can be reset to factory condition using Sony VAIO recover disks that you make or via a recovery partition on your computer’s hard drive. You are responsible for mak > read more

Windows XP Themed Wallpaper

Published on 2011-01-14 07:18:23

It’s Wallpaper Friday and time to spice up your Desktop with a new, colorful background. This week’s theme is Windows XP. You remember the rolling hills of Redmond default wallpaper in Windows XP? The following are redesigns of that and t > read more

Mac App Store

Published on 2011-01-13 12:56:12

The Mac App store launched this month for user running Mac OS X Snow Leopard. The app store looks and feels just like the App store on your iPhone or iPad, and is a great place to get both free and paid Apps for your computer. The great news is, you > read more

Computer Data Recovery

Published on 2011-01-13 09:20:18

So you backup every once in a while. But when was the last time? You have some of the passwords, serial keys and disks for those expensive programs you bought. Or do you? If you’re beginning to sweat, don’t worry. It’s easy to becom > read more

Website Wednesday

Published on 2011-01-12 10:27:47

It’s Website Wednesday and today we’re going to talk about what it takes to get online with a free website, website templates, no-hassle web design and free web hosting. How much easier can it be? If you do not already have a website you > read more

iPhone Comes To Verizon

Published on 2011-01-11 15:55:36

And just like that, the Apple iPhone is available on Verizon. Apple and Verizon announced earlier today that the iPhone was now going to be available to Verizon Wireless customers effective February 10th, 2011, thus ending AT&T’s exclusivit > read more

Recover Deleted Pictures From SD Card

Published on 2011-01-11 08:04:57

There’s nothing more devastating than realizing you have just deleted an important photo from your digital camera. They could be wedding pictures, pictures of your first child, or important work photos and you have no way of retrieving them. Fo > read more

Monday Morning Doldrums Game | Flight

Published on 2011-01-10 08:37:16

It’s Monday Morning again and we’re here to help ease you into your day. Traffic was bad, your coffee is cold and your socks don’t match. Ah, Mondays are great. Before you begin your long, tedious week working for The Man, try Fligh > read more

Uninstall A Windows Update

Published on 2011-01-10 08:06:17

You should always download and install Windows Updates. In fact, we recommend automating the process so you never have to think about it ever again. If, however, an update has recently broken something on your computer, you may need to uninstall a Wi > read more

No Sound On Computer

Published on 2011-01-09 09:53:02

Your computer sound worked, and now it doesn’t. This problem can be caused by a hardware malfunction, a software update or a simple misconfiguration. No sound on computer can be fixed by troubleshooting several things in Windows 7. You want to > read more

Free OCR Software

Published on 2011-01-07 15:06:10

Trying to edit PDFs can be a frustrating chore–especially when you realize you need expensive software such as Adobe Professional or commercial OCR software to do so. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software looks at a PDF or scanned docume > read more

Print Labels On CDs or DVDs

Published on 2011-01-07 13:03:19

Burning disks have become second-nature to most of us. You want to rip a new CD of holiday music, so you put in a blank CD and burn your music onto it. Or you make a DVD or your kid’s first baseball game and you then proceed to scribble the nam > read more

Colorful Windows Wallpaper

Published on 2011-01-07 10:04:07

It’s Friday, time to change your Desktop background for the weekend. These Windows background pictures were chosen because of their vibrant colors.Changing your wallpaper every once in a while is a great way to rejuvenate your computer and ener > read more

Microsoft Touch Mouse

Published on 2011-01-06 09:51:42

For those of us that can still get excited about a computer mouse, Microsoft recently announced their upcoming Touch Mouse. Due to release in June of 2011, the new Microsoft Touch Mouse brings gestures to Windows 7 computing. Mac users have had this > read more

PCTechBytes Newsletter

Published on 2011-01-06 08:21:37

PCTechBytes is pleased to announce we are working on a great Newsletter for our loyal readers. The newsletter will publish approximately once a week and contain a re-cap of our great articles and tutorials, as well as content unique to the newsletter > read more

Windows Security Not Completely Inept

Published on 2011-01-05 09:23:58

Windows has security issues. That’s no big secret. It is, after all, the most largely-used Operating System in the world. As a result, it’s a huge target for hackers. The good news is, Microsoft has slowly been improving its security over > read more

Windows Tweaks and Tips

Published on 2011-01-04 10:06:53

The Windows Operating System has been a big part of our life, but everything will have its end and sometimes you should repair them to use it very well again. This post discusses some useful windows tweaks and tips that will be a very big help for yo > read more

Windows 7 Themes

Published on 2011-01-03 11:52:02

Windows 7 has a lot of great options to make it your own. Theme packs are one of them. A theme pack is a collection of images that can remain static as your desktop background or function as a sideshow that automatically changes the picture in regula > read more

HP Printer Problems

Published on 2011-01-03 09:26:17

You can resolve HP printer problems if you follow a few steps and pay close attention to printer diagnostic lights and Windows error messages in your task manager. If you have installed the printer using the CD that came with it, you should have all > read more

Add Toolbars To Taskbar

Published on 2011-01-02 10:23:47

Adding a toolbar to your taskbar is nothing new in Windows, but it is a simple tip that can save you time accessing important data on your computer. Why would you want a toolbar on your taskbar? If you access a lot of the same folders each day, you w > read more

Roku Is Almost Great

Published on 2011-01-01 12:20:46

The Roku player is an Internet TV device that allows you to watch many different types of IP TV channels. It’s most notably known for carrying Netflix, Amazon and now Hulu Plus. While the device is pretty straight-forward and easy to use, it > read more

Repair Disk Permissions in OS X

Published on 2010-12-31 09:24:51

Yes, it’s true, Mac computers do occasionally need some general maintenance. While Macs do not suffer from file fragmentation as often as a Windows computer, the hard drive will still eventually need some attention if you want your Mac to conti > read more

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