How To Guide

It is common to have problems arising with a home computer network just when you least need it. The client computer/s connected to the computer network sometimes (frequently in some cases) displays an error page when you open the internet browser because it is unable to retrieve pages on the web.

There are two important solutions that can solve the problem before the need to call on the expensive help line or even a network expert to deal with the issue.

• Rebooting your modem
• Making sure the work group name is identical

Often the client computer displays the wrong IP address when you look at the status of the network connection by opening up the control panel and clicking on the network connection. This is probably because the router that is connected to the modem is issuing the wrong address to the client computer or computers (if you have more than two computers on your network).

Rebooting the modem

A simple way to get around this problem, but one that is often overlooked, is to take the power… Read More

A game tester is a person tests video and computer games in order to figure out bugs, errors and possible conflicts to ensure the final product is user friendly and meets the quality standards. Though many assume it to be a teen’s job, a game tester’s job is demanding and repetitive work. Mainly when the game development is near completion it requires some very dedicated and focused efforts to be put in.

With the ever increasing expansion of the gaming industry, game testers and video game designers are in big demand.

To become a game tester the following steps are to be taken:

You should have an aptitude to playing games and understanding the process

Apply for a game design course

While studying for the program indulge yourself in game playing activities to get a clear idea about how a good game functions

Normally there is no prerequisite requirement to be a game tester but its better to understand the basics through a course

All you have to be is above the age of 14 and willing to play games… Read More

A computer network allows two or more computers to share internet connection, files, photos, etc. Wired networking is still the most common for connecting computers in homes. Although, wireless networks are more convenient as there are no cables to connect that can often get messy, wired computer network connections often produce better results i.e. fewer breakages in connection and consistently greater throughput.

Hardware for network connection

1) Get the right type of hardware and cables required for the networking purpose. for a client/server network, you need a hub to connect the computer to; for a peer-to-peer network, you just need a cable. Then choose the data-transfer protocol (typically Ethernet) for the network you select.

2) Install a network interface card (NIC), if your computer or other network devices don’t already have them

3) Install the “T” (normally supplied with the card) onto the back of the connector on the card

4) Attach the network cable to one connector on the “T.”

5) Connect the cable to another computer’s network card, for a peer-to-peer network; to a network connector or switch,… Read More

Although there are numerous advantages of having a wireless network at home, you need to think about the wireless network security because of the extra risks posed by going wireless as opposed to traditional network connection.

Advantages of a wireless network

You have the liberty to move your computers and laptops to any place that is covered by the wireless router and get connected to your network. But, wireless networking poses greater security threats than traditional wired networking because of the dependence on emission of wireless transfer.

Any person who has a properly configured device can also connect to your wireless network! Have you thought of this? A person who comes with a laptop or a high-end model of mobile device to your home can log into your network and see what is there. Do you want that to happen? No. In that case you have to think of ways to secure your home network so that it is not open to all.

While setting up your wireless router if you have set up the DHCP server, then that server… Read More

Using networking to connect computers helps users to share files between computers as well as transfer files. A wireless network is a better option as it comes in with the benefit of a wire free system and hence provides more mobility. To set up a wireless network between two or more computers you have to take the following steps:

This is what you will need:

1) A wireless router, 1 wireless network adapter for each client computer you wish to connect to on the network. Of course, you won’t need an adapter for the computer that has the router connected to it.

2) Install the network adapters on your computers. If its a PCI connection then you will need to open the back of the computer and attach it by inserting it into one of the available slots. If its an USB connection then it is much more stright forwarward. Either way you will need to run the software provided to install it on to your system.

Location for the wireless router

Choose a location where there won’t be too… Read More

Wireless networking is hot now with the advancement in new wireless technologies that make for fast data transfer, greater coverage and much more reliable connection.

With the wireless network you can easily connect to the other computers and laptops that are also wirelessly connected. You can move your devices around at home without the need to have those clumsy cables attached to your PC or laptop.

What you need to have a wireless network

The important equipments that you need to have a wireless network set up at home are a wireless router and the wireless network adapter. Access points rather than routers are used by businesses when going wireless, but in the home network it is better to have a wireless router.

Based on the number of computers that you want to connect wirelessly you might need a number of wireless network adapters. Each computer that you want to connect wirelessly should have a wireless network adapter.

Installing a wireless network at home is often a lot easier than it may look at first. With all the plug &… Read More

First of all you have to know if money is a problem for you, since portable solutions are generally more expensive and more difficult to maintain/upgrade than desktop solutions. Also, you have to consider the fact that desktop computers are usually more powerful than laptops, so if you need a lot of processing power, a desktop computer is what you need.

If money doesn’t represent a problem, then you should read the following uses for a laptop and a desktop computer:

A portable solution (laptop) is suitable when:

• your job implies working in different locations
• you travel a lot and you want to stay in touch with your friends and/or family
• you don’t like the idea of a computer you cannot carry around the house while working or chatting with your friends
• you know a thing or two about wireless networking, so you can be online wherever you are

A desktop solution (desktop computer) is appropriate when:

… Read More

If you are downloading files from the internet and receiving many emails with attachments, it is critical that you have antivirus software. But for some, the initial cost plus annual renewals are too expensive making free antivirus solutions very attractive. Sometimes, free antivirus solutions lack some critical features so you want to keep the following tips in mind when procuring this software:

• Make sure that the software has an active protection component. For example, it runs memory resident and checks all traffic introduced to your computer. Some free solutions only do scans of your disk drives when you request it. This may be too late after an attack.
• Email scanning is critical in virus scanning. This is because some email clients will display a message page in html or rich text by only highlighting the inbox index entry. This could open up a virus that would have been trapped prior to reaching the inbox.
• If the antivirus solution has memory scanning (it should), try it out for awhile and

… Read More

Choosing the right computer can be very confusing to say the least. It is helpful to have a few tips on computer buying before actually shopping. Once you have decide whether you want a desktop or a laptop, the number one question you must answer for yourself and your family is what you are going to do with a computer. If you don’t at first determine exactly what you are going to be using a computer for then you may waste money buying features you will never really use. Here are some tips to consider when buying a computer:

User profile

For those using a computer to edit office documents and surf the web, you will probably do well with a computer that has a 60-80 gigabyte disk drive, a standard monitor, and around 256 megabytes of random access memory or RAM.

If you are a technology or engineering student and will be using your computer to complete your course classes, then you will need important features like disk space, processor power, and… Read More

So, you’ve decided to upgrade your computer memory . Maybe your current computer is acting sluggish. Maybe you’d like to improve the way your computer performs overall. Whatever your reason is, if you don’t have enough computer memory your system definitely won’t perform up to par .

Choose your computer memory upgrade

This may be the most difficult part! How do you choose from all the different products out there? Sites such as www.newegg.com offer a selection of product options. Also search online to find product reviews. There are websites devoted to the meticulous testing of computer hardware. After individuals are done the tests, they post the results. When you check reviews, make sure you look into things such as quality control and any performance based issues.

Computer support

Once you choose a product to upgrade your computer memory, you will need to check if your computer supports the computer memory that you chose. Some motherboards are only compatible with certain products. Make sure there isn’t a… Read More

Your computer is fast becoming a very critical piece of equipment for both home and work. Power outages prevent the use of your computer and if you use your computer for work and have to prepare time-sensitive material, a power outage can be detrimental to you. Also, power outages can produce conditions that could damage your computer as well.

Here are some tips to protect your computer from a power outage:

.  Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to keep your computer running for a short time in the event of an outage. Using an UPS will filter any power spikes as well.

.  Use a surge protector for plugging in your computer. The surge protector will provide filtering for power spikes. Try to never plug your computer directly into a wall outlet.

.  For laptops, you can buy external battery packs that run around $100.00 USD. These external packs can run your laptop for around 3 extra hours in addition to the capacity of your internal laptop battery. Don’t… Read More

Most people enjoy playing video games for fun, but wouldn’t it be much more interesting if you can play video games and and get paid money at the same time?

Well, believe it or not, there are a lot of people doing just that. In fact, they are making a living from playing video games. The video game professionals or pro gamers – as they are known – play games in tournaments that have substantial prize money for achieving high rankings.

The earnings of top players can be substantial, many of whom enjoy the lifestyle we all dream about. There are cases where people with lucrative careers leaving to pursue a career as a pro gamer.

For the very top gamers, there is the added bonus of earning a full-time salary from gaming organizations on top of the prize money earned from competitions.

Online gaming

Many also participate in competitions in online gaming, where the participants compete for prize money playing popular online games against competitors around the world. Some gamers do both, while other may specialise in

What is… Read More

The video game industry is now a huge industry that has surpassed the film industry in terms of total revenue it generates. It’s hugely competitive with video game manufacturers vying to take advantage of this phenomenal growth, and as a result, there is a constant need for game testers and game designers.

The manufacturers use video game testers to gauge opinion for the purpose of quality testing.

Role of video game tester

Video game testers are used to test games to iron out any glitches and bugs in the production phase. This is to ensure the games are fully compatible and meets the criteria they have set before it is unleashed on to the general public.

Requirements to become computer game tester

Below are steps that a person can take to become a video game tester

A computer game tester has to have an aptitude to playing games. They are usually gaming fanatics who have experience of playing on all the major formats i.e. Playstation, Microsoft Xbox, PC games and others. It is not just a question of playing games… Read More