Category Archives: Hardware

Analysing Hardware

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From time to time it is good practice to analyse your hardware, just to see if it’s in optimal condition and is not suffering through any problems. However, it’s a routine operation that demands some effort and many times, we become too lazy to use the Device Manager or worse, we don’t have a tool at hand.

Windows offers a simple solution. Go to “Start” and click on “Run” and type “winmsd” to access a program. This gives you basic information regarding the processor type, BIOS version and boot device. It also displays the IRQs and the possible I/O conflicts and Internet Settings. This way, many computer-related problems can be taken care of with just the click of a mouse.

Note: This tip is intended for you “tweakers” out there. If you are not comfortable making hardware changes, don’t if everything is working.

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Getting Rid Of DVD Background Noises

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If you are bugged by the constant background noises whenever you are accessing a DVD on your computer, you don’t have to put up with the irritant anymore.

Most of the time, noise occurs when the audio output of your DVD is connected directly to the line-in of the sound card. It could be that the sound port connection is interfering with the default coupling through the IDE cable. This leads to feedback of the audio signal at the sound card output. To avoid this interference of the audio signal, simply remove the audio connector inside the case (the one between the burner and the sound card). This will take care of the noise and you can resume your work without a bother.

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Set monitor refresh rate

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Every monitor has a maximum refresh rate it is capable of displaying at a given resolution (for example, a typical 17-inch monitor of a few years ago will happily crank out 85Hz or more at a resolution of 800×600, but may only be capable of 60Hz at 1600×1200).

If this refresh rate is exceeded, the image will be distorted and unusable.

Older CRT monitors, especially 15-inch or smaller ones, tend not to be capable of a refresh rate much over 60Hz, especially at resolutions greater than 640X480. Also, setting the refresh rate does not have the same effect on LCD or flat panel monitors, as their screens are not redrawn in the same way.

To change your monitor refresh rate: Right click on an empty space on your desktop (no icons) and select ‘properties.’ Click the ‘settings’ tab and choose the ‘advanced’ button. Now choose the ‘adaptor’ tab and click the ‘show all modes’ button.

This presents you with a list of resolution, colour and refresh rate options that your video card\monitor combination is capable of displaying. You can experiment with these settings by using the ‘apply’ button. Note that a refresh rate of 75Hz or above is generally recommended, (keep in mind most monitors do not support settings higher than 85Hz).

After you set the refresh rate, you may feel a little uncomfortable for a short while as your eyes adjust, but rest assured you will grow to appreciate the difference in ease of viewing.

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Zero writing Hard Drive

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If you ever want to totally get rid all data on a hard drive, the best thing to do is zero-write it. As opposed to formatting, which only erases links to files (which, practically removes everything) but leaves the actual data, zero-writing actually sets the value of each sector of your hard drive to 0. This insures the data is removed as everything is totally overwritten.

Zero-writing a hard drive is always a good idea if you are getting rid of an old hard drive as you know what might happen to it. In order to zero-write a drive, you can download the hard drive tools from your hard drive manufacturer’s we site, or download a copy of the Ultimate Boot CD as it contains the tools for virtually all manufacturers.

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Unplug your USB devices carefully

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Whenever you unplug a USB device from its connection, make sure you are careful in doing so. The best way to unplug a device is by pulling firmly straight out of the connector. Wiggling the USB connector or pulling from an angle can cause the plug to bend or can damage (and break) the internal connectors which make the device work.

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