Frequently Asked Questions
- Motherboard - Can I have a faster CPU ?
- AntiVirus / Internet Security
- How do I recover damaged or lost files?
- I have damaged or missing system files
- How to create a Windows XP Boot Disk
- My PC is slow, what should I do?
- Windows Service Pack 2
- Why do I need broadband?
- Why would I want a website?
- Why is my computer slowing down?
- What is a blog?
- How do I access Outlook contacts more easily?
- How do I disable Windows XP error messages?
- How do I remove unwanted startup programs?
Motherboard - Can I have a faster CPU ?
Q . I would like to upgrade my processor, what can I upgrade to?
A . The upgrade possibilities available to you are dependant on what your motherboard is capable of supporting.
The simplest way to find this out is to look at your Motherboard manual.
However it maybe possible to upgrade your system beyond what the manual says, for this you'll need to visit the manufacturer's web site and look for any relevant "bios upgrades" *
If you cannot find your manual then you'll need to find the make and model of your motherboard. If you are quick, this can be read when the PC is first switched on. Failing that it can usually be found printed on the motherboard its self.
Further information can then be found on the manufacturer's web site.
*Upgrading your bios should only be attempted if you are confident in doing so. If you are not, then please contact us to arrange for one of our engineers to perform the upgrade for you.
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AntiVirus / Internet Security
Q . I do not use the Internet or Email often, do I need Antivirus/Internet Security on my computer?
A . The simple answer is yes. In any one month up to 200 virus' are released onto the internet. Once a virus is received, it usually attaches its self to the address book on the computer, and emails itself to every address in that address book, so it may be some one else that catches the virus initially, but if they hold your address in their address book, then it will soon spread to you.
It is critical you update your AntiVirus/Internet Security software regularly, at least once a week through the Internet on Dial-Up. If you are connected to the internet using broadband, then it is best to check for new definitions daily. Please call us or check your Anti-Virus/Internet Security software on how to achieve this. Some AntiVirus/Internet Security packages automatically update when you access the internet.
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How do I recover damaged or lost files?
Q . I've deleted files or they have become damaged, Can they be recovered?
A . If you've simply deleted the file, then you should be able to recover it from your recycle bin, unless of course you've emptied it.
File or Data Recovery is a very tricky process; the easiest option is to regularly perform a backup of your critical files to ensure this does not become an issue.
Tapcast is able to recover data in some cases, this can be costly however - it's best to do backups first!
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I have damaged or missing system files
There are some solutions/processes available to you; "Scan Disk", "Disk Defragmenter" and "System File Checker" (or "System Restore" for Windows ME & XP).
These are your first line of recovery, though more severe losses will require greater measures.
Windows ME & XP users can find "Scan Disk", "Disk Defragmenter" and "System Restore" by clicking on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools
Please note, Tapcast do not specialize in data recovery and do not guarantee data while a system is being serviced or upgraded. It is your responsibility to back up your data on a regular basis; this is simply good practice.
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How to create a Windows XP Boot Disk
Q . How do i create a Windows XP boot disk?
A. Open up My Computer, insert a blank Floppy disk and Right click on 3½ Floppy and on the menu that appears click Format... , leave all the options as default but tick Create an MS-DOS startup disk, followed by the Start button. This will create a boot disk which will allow you to get onto a DOS prompt, to do this place the floppy disk in your drive and reboot the machine, it should start loading the files automatically and take you into MS-DOS.
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My PC is slow, what should I do?
Q . Over time my PC has slowed down, the hard drive light is on more than off and programs take a long time to load.
A . There are several things to try: -
1. Remove files from the C:\Windows\Temp folder
2. Empty the Recycle Bin
3. Run Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter from the Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools.
4. Check the free space on your hard drive; this should realistically be at least 3Gb. To do this, double click on My Computer, then right click on the C: drive and choose Properties. If you have less than 3Gb free you may need to uninstall any unneeded programs to free some more hard drive space.
5. If your computer has less than 256Mb RAM, you may need to buy more memory. Windows can use a lot of memory, if you have less memory than Windows requires it will use hard drive space to supplement physical memory. This can cause your computer to run extremely slowly, as hard drive access is much slower than memory access.
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Windows XP Service Pack 2
Q. What is Windows XP Service Pack 2?
A. Windows Service Pack 2 has been released and offers significant changes to the functionality of Windows, it aims at increasing security on Windows XP Machines with better protection against viruses, hackers and worms. It comes with an improved firewall, pop-up blocker for Internet Explorer, and a new security centre, that lets you know if you're at risk.
Tapcast now has this Service Pack available. If you would like to have your XP computers upgraded to this Service Pack please contact us, and we will arrange a suitable time for this upgrade to take place.
For more information on Windows XP Service Pack 2 please visit the Microsoft SP2 website at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
Or if you would like to book an upgrade with us please contact us.
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Broadband
Q. Why do I need Broadband?
A. When using the internet with dial-up it is often called the "World Wide Wait".
Broadband uses a direction connection and is much faster, it can be 10,20,30 or even 40 times faster!. It also means that you can be on the Internet and have a telephone conversation at the same time.
Once you try it you will not want to go back to dialup! Try it at Tapcasts office or even using the free service at Alcester Library.
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Websites
Q. Why would I want a website?
A. Websites provide a great way to put a version of your companys information on the web. This means that anyone can find out your important details at any time.
This includes contact information, product details, where you are located, and various other details.
Give Tapcast a call and we can get you online with your business, hobby, or informative website.
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My Computer seems very slow
Q. Why is my computer slowing down?
A. There could be many reasons for your computer slowing down but one of the more common causes now is spyware.
Spyware consists of computer software that gathers and reports information about a computer user without the user's knowledge or consent.
Malware is the most common type of spyware found on peoples machines, these products perform many different functions including some of the following: pop-up adverts, re-routing webpages to claim referral fees, harvesting private information, and installing phone dialers.
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Blogs
Q. What is a blog?
A. Blogs are diaries that are made public via the Internet. They have come into increasing prominence, mostly because some people think that they provide journalistic and socio-political content - which is not necessarily true.
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Outlook contacts
Q. How do I access Outlook contacts more easily?
A. Creating an Outlook Contacts shortcut on the desktop saves you having to open Outlook every time you want an address or phone number.
To add a shortcut to your desktop:
Right-click on the desktop and select New>Shortcut in the dialog box that appears press the Browse... button and browse to the following file.
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office(number here depending on version)\Outlook.exe followed by pressing OK. Then place your cursor after the last quotation mark press space once and type outlook:contacts , click next and call the shortcut and appropriate name followed by Finish.
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windows xp error messages
Q. How do I disable Windows XP error messages?
A. To disable Windows XP sending error messages to Microsoft; Go to Control Panel>System>Advanced>Error Reporting select "Disable error reporting" and click OK.
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unwanted startup programs?
Q. How do I remove unwanted startup programs?
A. Many unwanted programs startup with your computer and this can affect performance of your machine, to disable unwanted programs do the following:
Go to Start>Run and type Msconfig followed by pressing Return/Enter/OK. Click on the Startup tab that appears in this dialog box and untick any of the programs that you do not want, once you have finished unticking the programs you don't want click OK and restart your machine.