TechSlip.net

You hear it all the time but you might not be sure what it is. Whenever a device such as a mouse, keyboard, video card, drives, etc is plugged in, it requires a driver to be used properly. This is usually a file or series of files that has configurations for that certain device. This allows the device to function and be used properly. In some cases with XP and above, drivers are usually installed automatically but some will still require a CD or file.

When you purchase any type of hardware it comes with a CD with the drivers and utilities. Make sure you install these and restart your computer for proper usage.
If a device does not have a driver installed, it is probably not going to function at all. If you would like to make sure your devices have their drivers installed correctly follow these quick steps :

· Click Start
· Right Click My Computer
· Click Properties
· On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager
· Here you will see a list of all the devices being seen on your computer, if you see an “!” mark, this means the device is not functioning correctly and may need a driver installed. If there is no symbol by it, then it should be in fully working order.
· Also running Windows Updates to keep your drivers updated may help performance. Visit http://www.windowsupdate.com

That is the basic info for what a driver is.

Desktop Computer

If your desktop computer isn’t powering on there is a few things you can check before you go out and buy a new Power Supply. If all of these fail, try getting a new Power Supply to see if it solves your problem. If it doesn’t then contact your manufacturer.

· Make sure the power cable from the computer to the AC outlet is plugged in at both ends.
· Make sure the monitor’s power cable is also plugged in and the monitor is turned on.
· If the computer is plugged into a power strip or surge protector, make sure the light is on and it is powered on.
· Check that the AC power from the wall is working. Try plugging something else into the socket instead of the computer. If there’s no power, check for a blown fuse or circuit breaker.
· Look for an on/off switch on the computer’s power supply and make sure it is flipped on.
· Try a different power cord.

Laptop Computer

A laptop may not power on due to a bad battery or an AC adapter. Try these things and see if it helps. If none of them help, you may need to replace your battery or AC adapter.

· If you’re trying to run a laptop on battery power and it doesn’t power on, make sure that a battery is in the battery compartment.
· If the battery is in place, try connecting the AC adapter. If that solves the problem, recharge or replace the battery.
· Make sure the AC adapter securely plugged into the computer and into the wall outlet.
· If the computer doesn’t work or the battery doesn’t charge when the AC adapter is plugged in try plugging in the AC adapter with the battery out. If you get no power then you probably need to replace the AC adapter.
· If the AC adapter powers up the laptop but does not charge the battery then you should replace your battery. Check the manufacturer or a local store.

If you installed a new driver and it is making a device not work and you do not feel like uninstalling the whole thing then follow these quick steps.

· Click Start
· Right Click My Computer
· Click Properties
· On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager
· Find the device in the list that is having problems and double click it
· On the Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver
· This will bring the device to the previous driver stage and might help
· Restart your computer and you should be set

Hard drive failure can be a scary thing, especially if you do not have your files backed up. Some people just assume their hard drive is “fried” when it doesn’t boot up Windows, this is not always the case. If you are getting a hard drive error or Windows file errors while booting up there is something you can try. If you have your Windows CD you can put that in and let it run when the computer boots up. Run it in Windows Recovery mode when the CD boots up. This can fix errors in your Windows installation.

If the recovery mode does not fix the problems then you may need to do a fresh install of Windows if it is that bad. When you only have one hard drive and do not want to lose all of the files on it when installing a fresh copy, it may be a good idea to buy a new hard drive. They are fairly cheap now days and are easy to install. Install the new hard drive and install Windows on it. You should be able to see your old drive with all of the files on it once you are in Windows. Once you get the files off your old one that you want to keep and back them up then you can format it if you like since your new one is ready to go.
Backing up files is usually a good idea in case you ever have a serious Windows problem and need to reformat.

You can see our guide for backing up files on this site.

If you have multiple hard drives in your computer and Windows is only recognizing one then here is a few things to look for :

· Is the other hard drive plugged in right? (power and IDE/Serial cable)
· Make sure the jumpers are set right. Your main drive or the “Master” will have a jumper which is a small plastic piece connecting 2 pins on the back of your hard drive. This is usually placed in the very middle of the set of pins but may be different depending on manufacturer. Check the top label on the drive for jumper settings. Set your main for “Master” jumper and your secondary or backup drive as a “Slave” jumper.
· Is the drive formatted? Try putting in your Windows CD and see if you get the option to format the other drive that will not show up in Windows. If it is there, try to format it in NTFS format.
· If these few tips do not work, try replacing cables or jumpers
· If all else fails, try replacing the hard drive and see if it fixes the problem

Choosing a router can be complicated if you don’t know what your looking for. You do not want to buy something you don’t need so I have listed the types and what purpose they serve to help you out.

Wireless Routers

G & B – Most G based routers are also backwards compatible with B routers or wireless cards. G routers usually have speeds of 54MB/S and 108MB/S. If you plan on transferring files between computers then the 108MB/S is usually the way to go because your files with transfer twice as fast. Most router brands have a normal version and a higher range version. Netgear for example makes a RangeMax. These will give you a larger range for picking up a signal. Some routers have double antennas that have a higher power gain which kicks out a better signal.

N – N routers are the newer age style. The speeds are “suppose” to be 12 times faster than a G router but I am sure it is off a little. Range is higher and they are suppose to go through walls and multiple floors better. They are backward compatible with pretty much all other router types. Great for businesses that need better security or for people that need fast transfers.
Prices – G routers range from $39-$200, N routers range from $90-$300

Top Brands -Linksys, Netgear, Buffalo, Belkin, D-Link, Trendnet

Having updated drivers are usually a good thing. Usually the newer releases will create a more stable interface for your hardware. When you have so many different types of parts in your computer or don’t even know what you have, where do you check?
http://www.driveragent.com makes this job a LOT easier. All you do is let them scan and it will show a layout of all your drivers, including which are good and bad. They give you the download links and the whole nine yards and best of all 100% FREE!
Try it out and keep your system updated.

Installing a video card is actually a simple task and can save a person lots of money from paying for a business to do it. Follow these steps if you are upgrading or installing a new video card.

Before you install the new card

It is always a good idea to remove existing drivers from your computer so it doesn’t conflict with the new. So “Right click” “My Computer” & choose “Properties”. Click the “Hardware” tab at the top and choose “Device Manager”.
From here click the + symbol on “Display Adapters” & right click. Choose “Uninstall”.
Shut down the computer. Unplug it from the wall and disconnect the monitor cable.

Installing The New Card

Unscrew the screws from the back part of the case so you can remove the side panel. Remove the panel. Locate your video card and unscrew the one screw. Push down lightly on the “white release tab” at the end of the card. This will pop it loose. Gently pull out the card.
Put in your new video card and make sure you hear the “white tab” click into place. Make sure the card is down in the slot and secure. Put in the one screw and secure it down. Put back on your side panel. Connect all the wires and power. Turn the computer on.
It should boot into Windows. First thing you should do is insert the CD your new video card came with and install the new Display drivers. Let the CD install. When it is finished, restart the computer and your new video card is ready to use.

Simple!