I'll Have Another out of Belmont, Retired
I'll Have Another out of Belmont, Retired
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I'll Have Another Scratched From Run at Belmont
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I'll Have Another's bid for the first Triple Crown in 34 years ended shockingly in the barn and not on the racetrack Friday when the colt was scratched the day before the Belmont Stakes and retired with a swollen tendon.
iOS 6 announcement confirmed by conference center banner
iOS 6 announcement confirmed by conference center banner
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| iOS 6 Banner |
Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicks off Monday with a keynote presentation and — based on some conference center decorations — it looks like the event will include an announcement related to iOS 6.
The folks at Macstories have been keeping a close eye on the preparations being made at the venue in which WWDC will be taking place. As a result, they've spotted some new banners which refer to iOS 6 as "[t]he world's most advanced mobile operating system."
It's not particularly surprising that Apple will be discussing the next generation of its mobile operating system during WWDC as the event is a global crossroads for Mac and iOS developers, and generally focuses on software.
On top of that, OS X Mountain Lion, the latest version of Apple's desktop operating system, is due to hit virtual shelves this summer — and an iOS update would complement it perfectly.
If you're curious about what iOS 6 might bring, check out our rundown of the most significant rumors about this latest version of Apple's mobile operating system.
The folks at Macstories have been keeping a close eye on the preparations being made at the venue in which WWDC will be taking place. As a result, they've spotted some new banners which refer to iOS 6 as "[t]he world's most advanced mobile operating system."
It's not particularly surprising that Apple will be discussing the next generation of its mobile operating system during WWDC as the event is a global crossroads for Mac and iOS developers, and generally focuses on software.
On top of that, OS X Mountain Lion, the latest version of Apple's desktop operating system, is due to hit virtual shelves this summer — and an iOS update would complement it perfectly.
If you're curious about what iOS 6 might bring, check out our rundown of the most significant rumors about this latest version of Apple's mobile operating system.
Kinsight uses Kinect sensor to find lost keys and wallets
Kinsight uses Kinect sensor to find lost keys and wallets
Forgetful geeks need never lose keys, phones or even cutlery at home again.
What the password leaks mean to you (FAQ)
What the password leaks mean to you (FAQ)
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| This comic on the xkcd humor site illustrates the password dilemma that Internet users face. |
Three companies have warned users in the last 24 hours that their customers' passwords appear to be floating around on the Internet, including on a Russian forum where hackers boasted about cracking them. I suspect more companies will follow suit.
Top Causes of Overheating in Laptop Computers
Top Causes of Overheating in Laptop Computers
An overheating laptop can not only damage the laptop and its internal components, leading to costly repairs, but in extreme cases, it can even cause burns and other safety concerns. For these reasons, it is a good idea to take a few precautions to keep your laptop or notebook running as cool as possible. Here are a few of the top causes of overheating in laptop computers, and a few ways to prevent or resolve them.
Dust
When a laptop overheats, it is most likely caused by dust or other obstructions preventing air from flowing in and out of the laptop. Laptops generally have a cooling system that relies on a fan circulating air into and out of the laptop, and taking heat with it. When there is dust, dirt, or another obstruction blocking the vents, the heat can collect and cause the machine to overheat. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow the dust out of any vents you have access to, or have a repair shop clean out your laptop professionally to resolve this issue.
Malfunctioning Fan
As mentioned above, the fan is responsible for circulating cool air into the laptop, and blowing hot air out. If the fan starts to malfunction, heat can collect and cause the laptop to overheat. If you suspect your fan is malfunctioning, search for a replacement part and instructions online, or take it to a professional repair shop to have the fan replaced before it causes more damage to your laptop.
Poor Heat Sink
In many cases, the heat sink for the CPU of the laptop can become dislodged, no longer providing adequate cooling. In other cases, poor design provides inadequate cooling for the laptop. If you suspect your CPU is overheating, check with the manufacturer as many have implemented recalls of laptops due to design defects which caused overheating. You may be eligible for a free repair or replacement.
Taking a few moments to prevent overheating in your laptop can save you costly repairs and downtime in the future. By following the suggestions above, you can help your laptop to run cooler and more efficient for many years to come.
Taking a few moments to prevent overheating in your laptop can save you costly repairs and downtime in the future. By following the suggestions above, you can help your laptop to run cooler and more efficient for many years to come.
How to replace a keyboard in a HP Mini 5103
How to replace a keyboard in a HP Mini 5103
The HP Mini 5103 is a lightweight notebook for small office and business users with a solid design and great features. Despite its solid construction, however, problems can still arise. If you are experiencing issues with the keyboard of your HP Mini 5103, you may need to replace the keyboard. Before you begin, you will need to order a compatible replacement part. Use an online parts locator tool to find a part that is compatible with your specific model, and then follow the steps below to replace the keyboard.
1. Turn off the laptop and disconnect all cables, including the AC power cable. Remove the battery.
2. If your laptop has a SIM card installed, remove it by pressing on the card in the battery compartment until it releases, then grip it and pull it out.
3. Close the lid and flip the laptop over to the back. Remove the three screws located inside the back of the battery compartment. These screws hold the keyboard in place.
4. Flip the laptop back over and open the lid.
5. Look for the small slots on the left and right sides of the keyboard near the Tab and Enter keys. Insert a small screwdriver into the slots and gently apply pressure to release the keyboard on each side.
6. Gently lift the keyboard from the right side and press down on the retention tabs with the small screwdriver to release them as you continue to lift the keyboard. There are a total of three tabs along the top that must be released.
7. Lift the keyboard up and tilt it forward. Release the ribbon connector that attaches the keyboard to the motherboard, remove the keyboard and set it aside.
8. Connect the ribbon cable from the new keyboard to the motherboard, then put the keyboard in place and press down to snap the retention clips into place. Reverse the instructions to re-assemble the laptop.
Once your laptop is re-assembled, replace the battery and reconnect the power cord. Turn on the laptop and test the keyboard functionality. If the keyboard is working properly, you have successfully repaired your laptop.
How to Replace the Hard Drive in a HP Pavilion a6000 Desktop
How to Replace the Hard Drive in a HP Pavilion a6000 Desktop
The HP Pavilion a6000 desktop computer is a solid machine that can be configured to the buyer’s liking with a multitude of different options such as processors, graphics processors, and hard drive configurations. If the original hard drive installed in the computer is not enough storage for your needs, or if the original hard drive has failed, you may need to replace it. Fortunately, the a6000 uses a hard drive “cage” that makes adding or replacing drives simple. Follow the steps below to replace your hard drive.
1. Back up any important files from the original drive. If you are upgrading to a larger drive, consider making an image of the drive and copying it to the new drive so that you won’t have to reinstall the operating system.
2. Turn off the computer and disconnect all cables, including the power cable. You may wish to use an anti-static wrist band to avoid damaging the computer with static electricity as well.
3. Turn the computer around so you can access the back. Remove the thumbscrew about mid-way up the left side, then grab the handle above the screw and pull the side panel back toward you and lift it away from the chassis. Gently lay the computer down on its side so that the open side is facing up.
4. Locate the hard drive cage inside near the bottom rear of the chassis. Remove the two screws that hold it in place.
5. Push down on the latch near the front of the cage and slide the hard drive cage away from the chassis. Lift the cage until you have access to the cables, and remove them from the drive. Make note of where the cables were so you can reconnect them to the new drive.
6. Remove the four screws securing the drive to the cage. There are two screws on either side. Slide the drive out of the cage.
7. Slide the drive into the cage in the same orientation as the previous drive, and secure it in place with the four screws.
8. Reconnect the cables and place the cage back in the chassis. Align the guides at the bottom and slide it into place, then replace the two screws that hold the cage in place.
9. Replace the side panel on the chassis and the thumb screw.
You can now reconnect all cables and boot the computer to confirm that the hard drive is recognized by the system. If you did not image your original drive, you may need to reinstall the operating system.
Common Computer Hardware Terminology
Common Computer Hardware Terminology
When it comes to repairing, building or just understanding computer hardware, it pays to know the terminology. Computers have so many different parts it can often be difficult to keep track of the terminology. Here is a list of some of the most common hardware components included in desktop and laptop computers.
AC Adapter – This is the cable and transformer that converts the AC power from a wall outlet to the DC power a laptop requires. It is also referred to as a power cord or power brick.
Battery – The battery stores and supplies portable power for a laptop or notebook.
DC Jack – The DC jack is the input jack where the AC adapter connects to the laptop. If this jack fails, the adapter can no longer supply power to the device.
Fans – Almost all types of computers have one or more cooling fans to deal with the heat generated by other components.
Hard drive – The hard drive is the large storage device that stores the operating system and all of the necessary files and folders that are necessary for the computer to operate.
Inverter – The inverter supplies the higher AC voltage required for the LCD backlight.
Keyboard – The keyboard is the input device for typing text and other characters into the computer. Laptop keyboards are integrated into the machine, but can often be replaced if damaged or malfunctioning.
LCD Display – The LCD display is the flat-panel display included with most notebooks and laptops, and it displays the information and interface of the computer so the user can view it.
Memory (RAM) – Memory usually refers to the RAM (Random Access Memory) which comes in the form of computer chips which are installed into slots. The RAM stores temporary information about programs and documents that are currently open or running. RAM cannot store information while it is powered down, unlike hard drives.
Motherboard – The motherboard is the large computer board that connects all of the devices that make a computer or laptop function. It handles the routing of power and information between all devices. Many motherboards even contain sound chips and other components directly on board.
AC Adapter – This is the cable and transformer that converts the AC power from a wall outlet to the DC power a laptop requires. It is also referred to as a power cord or power brick.
Battery – The battery stores and supplies portable power for a laptop or notebook.
DC Jack – The DC jack is the input jack where the AC adapter connects to the laptop. If this jack fails, the adapter can no longer supply power to the device.
Fans – Almost all types of computers have one or more cooling fans to deal with the heat generated by other components.
Hard drive – The hard drive is the large storage device that stores the operating system and all of the necessary files and folders that are necessary for the computer to operate.
Inverter – The inverter supplies the higher AC voltage required for the LCD backlight.
Keyboard – The keyboard is the input device for typing text and other characters into the computer. Laptop keyboards are integrated into the machine, but can often be replaced if damaged or malfunctioning.
LCD Display – The LCD display is the flat-panel display included with most notebooks and laptops, and it displays the information and interface of the computer so the user can view it.
Memory (RAM) – Memory usually refers to the RAM (Random Access Memory) which comes in the form of computer chips which are installed into slots. The RAM stores temporary information about programs and documents that are currently open or running. RAM cannot store information while it is powered down, unlike hard drives.
Motherboard – The motherboard is the large computer board that connects all of the devices that make a computer or laptop function. It handles the routing of power and information between all devices. Many motherboards even contain sound chips and other components directly on board.
Common Computer Beep Codes
Common Computer Beep Codes
A computer that is having trouble booting will often emit a series of beeps through the internal speaker. These beeps are meant to relay information to the user about what type of problem is preventing the computer from booting. Here are a few of the most common beep codes and the type of problem they indicate.
1 Short Beep A single beep is normal for most BIOS versions and means that the computer is booting properly. This beep is intended as an indication that everything is working correctly.
1 Long Beep, then 2 or 3 Short Beeps These beep codes indicate a problem with the video card. Turn off the computer and check that the video card is seated properly in its slot, or replace the card if necessary.
1 High-Pitched Beep, then a Low-Pitched Beep This error often repeats and indicates a problem with the CPU. Turn off the computer and make sure the CPU is properly installed and that the heat sink is working properly.
Repeating High-Pitched Beep This beep code is usually a warning of a CPU that has overheated. Turn off the computer immediately and check that the heat sink is working properly. A CPU that continues to overheat could cause damage to itself and other components.
Other Beep Codes Most other beep codes indicate some type of problem with the RAM. Turn off the computer and check that the RAM sticks are seated properly in their slots. Also make sure that the RAM sticks match, as some motherboards require matching sticks to work properly. Lastly, try replacing the RAM to see if it resolves the problem, as malfunctioning RAM sticks could be the culprit.
Once you have a better understanding of the beep codes your computer may emit, you will be better prepared to deal with any problems that arise. Bookmark this list for future reference so that you can refer to it when your computer is giving you a beep code.
1 Short Beep A single beep is normal for most BIOS versions and means that the computer is booting properly. This beep is intended as an indication that everything is working correctly.
1 Long Beep, then 2 or 3 Short Beeps These beep codes indicate a problem with the video card. Turn off the computer and check that the video card is seated properly in its slot, or replace the card if necessary.
1 High-Pitched Beep, then a Low-Pitched Beep This error often repeats and indicates a problem with the CPU. Turn off the computer and make sure the CPU is properly installed and that the heat sink is working properly.
Repeating High-Pitched Beep This beep code is usually a warning of a CPU that has overheated. Turn off the computer immediately and check that the heat sink is working properly. A CPU that continues to overheat could cause damage to itself and other components.
Other Beep Codes Most other beep codes indicate some type of problem with the RAM. Turn off the computer and check that the RAM sticks are seated properly in their slots. Also make sure that the RAM sticks match, as some motherboards require matching sticks to work properly. Lastly, try replacing the RAM to see if it resolves the problem, as malfunctioning RAM sticks could be the culprit.
Once you have a better understanding of the beep codes your computer may emit, you will be better prepared to deal with any problems that arise. Bookmark this list for future reference so that you can refer to it when your computer is giving you a beep code.
25 More Tech Tips and Tricks
25 More Tech Tips and Tricks
As a result, everybody, even experts, winds up with knowledge holes—things everybody thinks everybody else knows about the basics of consumer electronics.
When I started writing down the ones I figured everybody should know, my column was twice as long as it’s supposed to be. But hey—on the Web, nobody can hear you exceed your word count. I lopped out half of them and saved them for this e-newsletter.
Think of it as “Today’s Pogue Column (Cont’d).”
When I started writing down the ones I figured everybody should know, my column was twice as long as it’s supposed to be. But hey—on the Web, nobody can hear you exceed your word count. I lopped out half of them and saved them for this e-newsletter.
Think of it as “Today’s Pogue Column (Cont’d).”
Facebook App Center has its kinks (First Take)
Facebook just unveiled its App Center, and it's accessible on iOS and Android devices, as well as through the Web on Facebook.com. Here's what you can expect to see.
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| Facebook App Center |
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