Download Any MP3 via Google

An Interesting Google Search Trick which allows you to search for any mp3 your hearts desire. I'll Skip the commentary today and give you what you want.


Here is the code: In the Google Search Bar, Enter This

intitle:index.of "mp3" +"Name of Mp3 You Want Here" -htm -html -php -asp "Last Modified"

Using this code you may be able to find really rare songs that you usually won't find listed on some websites.

Try it yourself! , Here is a screenshot of me doing a search for "Lil Wayne" , I got a directory of dozens of mp3's. Best of all, it took me all of 5 seconds to do this, and you can too!




Try it out! , and Digg this story if you find it useful!!

PING: The Connectivity Detective Tool

ping is a computer network tool used to test whether a particular host is reachable across an IP network. It works by sending ICMP “echo request” packets to the target host and listening for ICMP “echo response” replies. ping estimates the round-trip time, generally in milliseconds, and records any packet loss, and prints a statistical summary when finished. This is essential useful to troubleshoot your own connection problems at home. To test if you're actually on the internet or not.

Example: Let's say you can't connect to the internet. There maybe many reasons why you can't connect but using the ping command can limit down some of the potential reasons why you can't connect. The Ping command will let you "Talk to" a website and have the website "Reply" to you, acknowledging your existance on the internet. To initiate a "Ping" Command Let's first examine it's components.

Use: ping domain.com -variableifneeded

-t Ping the specifed host until interrupted
-a Resolve addresses to hostnames
-n count Number of echo requests to send
-l size Send buffer size
-f Set Don't Fragment flag in packet
-i TTL Time To Live
-v TOS Type Of Service
-r count Record route for count hops
-s count Timestamp for count hops
-j host-list Loose source route along host
-list
-k host-list Strict source route along host-list
-w timeout Timeout in milliseconds to wait for each reply

Example of use:
You can't connect onlineIf you're using Windows XP/Vista/2k
Windows 2k/XP/Vista
Step 1. [START] > Run ; In the Run Prompt on the [OPEN] Line, type "CMD" and Click [OK]

For Vista Users: Click [Windows Orb] > All Programs > Accessories > "Command Prompt"

Step 2. Clicking [OK] will yield the Command Prompt, a black DOS based screen usually prompting "C:/Documents and settings/User/Whatever/>

Step 3. At the End of the prompt above, type in "ping www.google.com" and Click Enter: You will get the following as an example.

\\ You'll see the following:
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>ping www.google.com

Pinging www.l.google.com [72.14.205.103] with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=25ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=27ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=22ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=22ms TTL=244

Ping statistics for 72.14.205.103:

Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 22ms, Maximum = 27ms, Average = 24ms
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>



Now let's try with a variable:

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>ping www.google.com -n 15

Pinging www.l.google.com [72.14.205.103] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=20ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=21ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=20ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=22ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=23ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=21ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=21ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=20ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=23ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=20ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=28ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=21ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=22ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=22ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.103: bytes=32 time=25ms TTL=244

Ping statistics for 72.14.205.103:

Packets: Sent = 15, Received = 15, Lost = 0 (0% loss),Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 20ms, Maximum = 28ms, Average = 21ms
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>

As you can see the above, I'm able to communicate with google.com I said hello, and they replied back. In this situation we know 2 things. DNS is working, and We're able to communicate on the internet. We're online for sure. Now, if you go to your browser and you can't connect and see a page, it's no longer an ISP issue, You should look into disabling your firewall, or configurating or perhaps a security issue. Another problem might be the configuration of your browser, check that aswell.

Windows XP Power Tools & Toys!

PowerToys are additional programs that developers work on after the product has been released to manufacturing, but before the next project has begun. These toys add fun and functionality to the Windows experience.
We've taken great care to ensure that PowerToys operate as they should. But please note that these programs are not part of Windows and are not supported by Microsoft. For this reason, Microsoft Technical Support is unable to answer questions about PowerToys
The PowerToys are installed into the directory you specify during setup. Typically this is the system32 directory.
To uninstall the PowerToys, Open the control Panel. Launch the Add/Remove Programs control panel applet. Find the PowerToys for Windows XP entry, and choose Modify/Remove. From here you can remove specific toys or all of them.

Faster User Switcher
Note: You cannot use this toy if fast user switching is not enabled.

What it is: With Fast User Switching enabled on Windows XP, this PowerToy allows you to switch users without having to use the logon screen.Special requirements: This PowerToy requires a Windows key on your keyboard.How to use: Press the Windows key then the Q key to activate; release and press Q to switch to a different user tile, then release both Q and Windows key to switch to that user.

Shell Player
What it is: This PowerToy plays MP3 files and WMA files from the taskbar.How to use: Right click on the taskbar, click toolbars, then click "Audio Player." If the taskbar is locked and you want to resize the player, you will have to unlock it. This will allow you to access the play list editor and view all the buttons.

Task Switcher
What it is: Replaces the existing Alt + Tab application switching mechanism of Windows XP. It provides a thumbnail preview of windows in the task list and is compliant with the new Windows XP visual style.How to use: (NOTE: You must log off and then log on again for the changes to take effect). Use just as you do the existing Alt + Tab mechanism by pressing the Alt key and the Tab key to activate. While holding down the Alt key, press the Tab key to cycle through running applications. To move backwards, press Shift + Alt + Tab. Release all keys when the desired application is highlighted.

Open Command Window Here
What it is: This PowerToy adds an "Open Command Window Here" context menu option on file system folders. This gives users a quick way to open a command window (cmd.exe) pointing at a selected folder in the Explorer UI.How to use: After installation, right click on the folder you would like to have a quick launch command window for.

Tweak UI
What it is: Provides access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface.How to use: Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, TweakUI for Windows XP.

PowerToy Calc
What it is: Graphing calculatorHow to use: Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, PowerToy Calc
Bulk Resize for PhotosWhat it is: Allows you to make a new, resized copy of your selected pictures in the same folder they are currently located in. You can opt to resize one or many pictures (as a batch).How to use: Right click any image(s) and select Resize Pictures in the context menu.

ISO Image Burner
What it is: Allows you to burn an ISO Image using a CD-ROM burner that is compatible with Windows XPHow to use: Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, ISO Burner

Slide Show Generator
What it is: Generate a slideshow when burning a CDHow to use: Add only images to a CD-ROM using Windows XP Explorer, then Write these files to disk. A new task is presented in the wizard for generating the autorun for the slideshow.

Virtual Desktop Manager
What it is: Manage up to 4 desktops from the Windows Shell Taskbar.How to use:Right click on the taskbar, click toolbars, then click "Desktop Manager." If the taskbar is locked and you want to resize the manager, you will have to unlock it.

Background Wallpaper switcher
What it is: Allows you to switch the background image periodically.How to use: Access this PowerToy by right clicking the desktop, click properties. It has added a new tab that will allow you to specify the interval as well as the directory to obtain the images from.

Taskbar Magnifier
What it is: Allows you to magnify part of the screen from the taskbar.How to use:Right click on the taskbar, click toolbars, then click "Taskbar Magnifier." If the taskbar is locked and you want to resize the magnifier, you will have to unlock it.

Slide Show Wizard
What it is: This wizard helps you create a slide show of your digital pictures. When you're done, you can put your slide show on the Web so that your family and friends can view it.How to use: Launch the Wizard from the Start Menu under All ProgramsPowertoys for Windows XPSlide Show Wizard. Follow the steps of the wizard to select and arrange your pictures, choose from a few simple options, and then save a Web-ready HTML slide show to a folder.

Where Did Scandisk Go?

Scandisk is not a part of Windows XP - instead you get the improved CHKDSK. You can use the Error-checking tool to check for file system errors and bad sectors on your hard disk.

1: Open My Computer, and then select the local disk you want to check.
2: On the File menu, click Properties.
3: On the Tools tab, under Error-checking, click Check Now.
4: Under Check disk options, select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box.

All files must be closed for this process to run. If the volume is currently in use, a message box will appear prompting you to indicate whether or not you want to reschedule the disk checking for the next time you restart your system. Then, the next time you restart your system, disk checking will run. Your volume will not be available to perform other tasks while this process is running.

If your volume is formatted as NTFS, Windows automatically logs all file transactions, replaces bad clusters, and stores copies of key information for all files on the NTFS volume.

Get Rid of User Account Control in Windows Vista, For Good.

Tired of Seeing the following?
Well, here's how to disable it, the easy way.

1. Click on Start [Windows Round Logo] and go to > Control Panel
2. Under User Account and Family Settings click on the "Add or remove user account"
3. Click on one of the user accounts, or the user account you want to affect.
4. Under the user account click on the "Goto the main user account page" link.
5. Under "Make changes to your user account" click on the "Change security settings" link.
6. In the "Turn on User Account Control (UAC) to make your computer more secure"; click to unselect the "Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer".
7. Click on the Ok button.
8. You will be prompted to reboot your computer.
9. When you restart you will no longer have to be bothered with the UAC prompt.

In order to re-enable the feature, repeat the steps and just check on the checkbox and reboot.

Enable Hibernation For Laptops, On Windows XP

The Hibernate feature in XP isn't available when you're just leaving your computer for a while and plan to come back. However, you can actually access it by holding down "SHIFT" on your keyboard after clicking START > Turn off Computer > Menu (SHIFT) . Enabling this option will let you shut your computer down in a low power state, so that you don't have to restart the entire thing and load all the startup files again. Very useful if you have a laptop and want to conserve battery power.

I Can't Access Secure Sites, What The..?

Can't Acesss Secure Sites?

If you suddenly find yourself unable to access a secure site such as a banking website or personal email, try the following:

Verify that Internet Explorer Is Using 128-Bit Encryption:
In Internet Explorer, on the Help menu, click About Internet Explorer The level of encryption on your computer appears next to the words Cipher Strength. Verify that the Cipher Strength value appears as 128-bit If the Cipher Strength is anything less then 128-bit, download the "Explorer Internet High Encryption Pack" to your computer's hard disk, and then install it.

Delete Temporary Internet Files :
There's also a possibility of some corrupted files in your Temporary Internet Files (TIF) storage. You should clear these In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and select the General tab Under Temporary Internet files, click Delete Files, and click OK when you are prompted to confirm the deletion

Configure Security settings for the Trusted sites zone in Internet Explorer:
In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and select the Security tab Select Trusted sites, and then click Default Level Add the secure Web site you are trying to access to the Trusted sites zone. To do so, click Sites, type the address (URL) of the site in the Add this Web site to the zone box Click Add, click OK, and then click Apply

Clear the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) slate and AutoComplete history:
In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and select the Content tab Under Certificates, click Clear SSL State Click OK when you receive the message that the SSL cache was successfully cleared Under Personal information, click AutoComplete Under Clear AutoComplete history, click Clear Forms. Click OK when you are prompted to confirm the operation.Verify that Internet Explorer is configured to use SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 In Internet Explorer, click on the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and select the Advanced tab In the Settings box, under the Security header, click to select the Use SSL 2.0 and Use SSL 3.0 check boxes (if they are not already selected), and then click OK

Verify that the Date and Time Settings on Your Computer Are Correct:
Because SSL certificates have an expiration date, if the date on your computer isn't correct, it may prevent you from connecting to secure sites. To verify that your computer is configured with the correct date and time settings Click Start > click Control Panel Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options, and then click Date and Time Select the Date & Time tab Check to make sure that the date and time settings are configured to use the current date and time, and then click OK

Register Secure DLL's:

Click Start>Run> regsvr32 softpub.dll

Click Start>Run> regsvr32 urlmon.dll

Close down all IE browsers, restart PC

Disable Firewalls and external programs:

Click Start>Control Panel>Security Center>Manage Firewall> Turn Off

Right Click on any Security program you may running on the lower right hand taskbar (by clock)

Restart Browsers and try to access a secure site.

Protect Your Privacy: Disable Recent Document History

The Recent Documents folder on the Windows XP Start menu displays a list of files and documents that you most recently used. But if you are not using this feature, it is best to disable it since it will reduce the time it takes to boot Windows plus when you are sharing the computer, you won't leave any tracks behind.

Here's how to disable the recent documents history:

1. Type "regedit" in the Start>Run Prompt.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.

3. Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value of "NoRecentDocsHistory" by double clicking.
4. Set the Data Value to 1. Save the value and close the registry editor.
5. Restart PC.

The next time you start Windows, your recent documents folder would remain empty and won't track your open documents, or history.

-The PC Guy

Remotely Control Your PC, For Free on WIN XP

Windows XP has a built in Remote Access tool that most people might not know about. It has the ability to provide you almost real time access to your pc on a high-speed broadband connection. This is insanely useful if you work away from home or if you need to have employees access a computer at work, from home! First Let's take a look at setting up our computer for access.

Step 1: Right Click on "My Computer" On the desktop or via "Start" Menu
Step 2: Click Properties
Step 3: Click on the "Remote" Tab, Check on "Remote Assistance" and also Check on "Remote Desktop" - Allow users to connect remotely to this computer
Step 4: Head over to the Security Center via Start > Control Panel > Security Center
Step 5: Manage Windows Firewall Setting, and Click on the "Exception Tab"
Step 6: Under "Programs and Services" - Make sure there is a check next to "Remote Desktop" and then Close out of it.
Step 7: Head over to www.whatsmyip.org and jot down your current IP Address because you're going to need it if you're going to connect to your computer remotely.
Step 8: Leave the computer on and out the door you go.

Tip: Don't forget to DMZ Your PC if you're behind a Router!


Now You're at your Remote Location and you now need to access your Remote Computer.
Step 1: Via Start > Run; On the run prompt type "MSTSC.EXE" This will open up the Remote Desktop Tool In Windows XP.




Step 2: Put in the IP Address you wrote down into the specified field.
Step 3: Put in the Remote Computers Administrative Login and Password and Choose a Display Resolution.
Step 4: Click "Connect"
Step 5: Enjoy!

- The PC Guy

Finally, Good Antivirus. And FREE!

Fed up with your Norton Expiring and slowing down your computer? Well look no further than avast! Avast is possibly one of the best programs i've used for Antivirus in years. This programs essentially works in layers as opposed to a major program component. Don't want P2P protection? No problem, turn it off. Want to have just Antivirus and Firewall running? No problem. Boasting 7 Layers of protection from everything to email scanning to Instant messenger protection, Avast! does it all. This program is absolutely genius. It doesn't slow your computer down, nor cause conflicts with the majority of software out there. Best of all, there is a free version that works just as well as the professional, with less specific features obviously. If your 1 year free license becomes expired, have no worries, you can re-register for a new one! Here is one program i can stamp a 5 star PCGuyOnline approval. Check out Avast! and ditch that other "Antivirus" program today!

Free Tech Support: A DIY Guide

Have you ever found yourself just coming to the computer, clicking on your favorite browser and get "The page cannot be found" error? - But you were just online a few hours ago! Nothing has changed, what could possibly have gone wrong?

Technology now a day comes with a price. You have to understand it, and unfortunately when it breaks down you have to fix it. If you can follow these easy directions you can master connectivity issues and save time and your sanity by not waiting 30+ minutes for tech support rep, only to repeat this a week from now.

Time is money, so treat it as such! There WILL be times were you *might* have to call incase of an outage problem, someone wrecked a pole, weather, etc, you get the idea. However, following these simple steps can have you up and running in minutes or at the very least eliminate the preliminary stuff a "tech support" representative will have you do anyway.

Troubleshooting your connectivity:

There are a few things you need to ask yourself when you're not able to connect. These questions are going to be related to the kind of network you have and OS. In the following, i will be covering the most common operating systems such as Mac 10.3+, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista.

Step 1: Identify the source of your service.

Dial-up: A dial-up connection requires you to have an active phone connection, and a username and password to connect. Verify that the access number you're using works; furthermore make sure you have a dial tone on the line you’re using to place the connection call.

DSL: Same rules apply as dial up

Broadband: If you receive service through a cable modem learn what "Light configuration" is standard for online access on the model of modem you have. e.g.: Motorola SB5100 Modems require the top 4 Lights for them to be in "Synch" therefore letting you know that it's connected and you should move further with your troubleshooting steps.

Step 2: Identify that the cables are connected.

With Dial-Up/DSL: You'll want to make sure your rj-11 jack is actually plugged in and not loose, otherwise you just won’t connect. With broadband access: You'll want to make sure you're connected via the use of an Ethernet Cable, or USB Cable. This cable will usually look like an over-sized telephone jack most often referred to as "Ethernet", "Cat 5", & “RJ-45 plug" are the typical descriptions of these cables.

For Modems to PC: The cable should be connected directly to the back of tower or on the side for laptops. The cable should "CLICK" in letting you know the jack has "registered" (RJ-Registered Jacks-Get it?) to make a connection.

For Modems to Routers to PC: Make sure you have a daisy chain effect connection going. Meaning the modem should be connected to router via the "WAN" or "Internet Port" and one of the 1 through 4 ports that routers typically have to be connected to the computer. [Picture Pending]

Before troubleshooting, try the simplest things first. RESET, RESET, RESET!

Don't fool yourself into thinking you can just turn everything off and turn everything back on and expect it to work. Sometimes it's not that easy. If you use routers or other routing devices there must be a specific order to reset these devices otherwise they just won’t communicate properly. This applies to both Windows and MAC OS based computers.

If you're using Modem to PC:
1. Shut pc off
2. Shut modem off
3. Turn Modem on
4. Wait for modem to connect. (See - Modem light configuration)
5. Turn Computer on

If you're using Modem to Router to PC:
1. Shut pc off
2. Shut router off
3. Shut modem off
~ Now reverse! ~
4. Turn modem on [Wait for modem to connect. (See - Modem light configuration)]
5. Turn Router on [Give it 20 seconds]
6. Turn PC on

Note: Sometimes more often then not, you can just Reset the router alone and get the connection to work. Try this first.

This will simply happen often because of the nature of the router, its firmware, buggy and outdated software, faulty defective connectors, etc! As a general rule, it’s always best to contact your manufacturer and make sure you have the latest and most stable software available to your router.



Step 3: Identifying if you’re really online. (Lengthy)

On all windows based platform computers there is a program called the "Command Prompt" This program allows you to do many things. One of the best uses for self-tech support is the ability to "Ping". "Pinging" an Internet IP address or domain (website name) confirms that your computer is connected to the Internet, can communicate with other systems.

To Bring up the Command prompt in Windows XP & Vista, most of the time you can just click [Start] > and Click on [Run] If you can't access through the start button you may access it through [Start] > [Programs] > [Accessories] > "Command Prompt" To ping an IP address:

1) Click Start > Run.
2) In the run field, type ["COMMAND" for win9/x] ["CMD" for Win2k/XP/Vista] and press Enter.
3) The Command Prompt (black window) will now open.
4) Type in ping www.domain.com (replacing domain with the web site you want, for instance www.yahoo.com) and press Enter.
5) You can also ping an IP address directly. Type "ping 72.14.207.99" (google.com!) and press Enter.

For Mac OS X:

1) Click on Finder in the dock.
2) Click on Macintosh HD in the window.
3) Click on Applications.
4) Click on Utilities.
5) Double-click on Network Utility.
6) In the Network Utility window, click on the Ping tab.
7) In the field under "Please enter the network address to ping", enter 72.14.207.99 to ping goole.com servers.
8) Click the Ping button.



If you're able to ping a website you'll receive something like this:

In Windows...

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>ping www.google.com

Pinging www.l.google.com [72.14.205.104] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 72.14.205.104: bytes=32 time=24ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.104: bytes=32 time=22ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.104: bytes=32 time=25ms TTL=244
Reply from 72.14.205.104: bytes=32 time=20ms TTL=244

Ping statistics for 72.14.205.104:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 20ms, Maximum = 25ms, Average = 22ms

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>

This is an example of a successful Ping. Meaning "I" (the computer your on) contacted a google computer to see if you could communicate. The google computer communicated back and replied to you. If you got 4 replies back which means out of 4 packets, all 4 packets came back alive. This means you're actually connected to the internet if you can't see a website at this point it may be a problem with your internet browser which we will discuss later in this article. If you’re able to see this you can rule out a connection problem (at least from an ISP standpoint) and check out Browser and Software Issues.


Example: 1

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>ping www.google.com

Pinging www.l.google.com [72.14.205.104] with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Reply from 72.14.205.104: bytes=32 time=20ms TTL=244
Request timed out.
Reply from 72.14.205.104: bytes=32 time=20ms TTL=244

Ping statistics for 72.14.205.104:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 2, Lost = 2 (50% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 20ms, Maximum = 20ms, Average = 20ms

This is an example of either Packet Loss[L], Software issues[L], Firewalls[L], software conflicts[L], etc.




Example: 2

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>ping google.com

Pinging google.com [64.233.187.99] with 32 bytes of data:

Destination host unreachable.
Destination host unreachable.
Destination host unreachable.
Destination host unreachable.

Ping statistics for 64.233.187.99:
Packets: Sent = 0, Received = 0, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 0ms, Maximum = 0ms, Average = 0ms

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>

This means that you may be behind a router. The router sent an error message back to you because it couldn't find the destination network (website). If you can get to other Web sites, then the problem is probably the fault of the people managing the Web site's network. If you can't connect to any website, treat it as a routing/router problem.



Example: 3


C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>ping google.com

Ping request could not find host google.com. Please check the name and try again.


C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>

This is an example of a DNS issue. There is a service on your pc that turns this: "64.233.187.99" into this: www.google.com. This is a situation were the DNS isn't configured properly. Finding out if this is set properly depends on your provider. But for the most part you want this set to "Obtain DNS server address automatically" on your network card TCP/IP SETTING properties.



Like the other MAC instructions, they're pretty short. For the most part MAC OS X will renew connection settings every time you open the browser.

In MAC OS X:

1. Click on the Apple
2. System Preferences
3. Network
4. Select Adapter, usually "Built-in" Ethernet
5. Select the TCP/IP tab
6. Verify that DNS populates when renewing the DHCP lease.

In Windows 2000/XP/Vista
1. Click "Start"
2. Select Control Panel (If not visible go to "Settings > Control Panel")
3. Select "Classic View" In the top left, if you don't see this option you're already in classic view.
3. Open "Network and Dial-up Connections" - In Windows2k / "Network Connections" - In Windows XP / "Network and Sharing Center" - In Windows Vista.
4. Select and Right-Click on "Local Area Connection" (icon) and Select "Properties" / "View Status" In Vista
5. Under the "General Tab" - Select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" and Click "Properties"/ Vista Users Select "Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4)" and Click "Properties"
6. Another window called "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)/ (TCP/IPv4) Properties" Should pop up.
7. There should be 2 sections. The top section should display your current IP Address. The bottom half will show current DNS address.
8. Click "OK" to close all fields.

Note: For most ISP/Broadband providers both of these sections should be set to "Obtain Automatically". This means "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Use the following DNS server addresses" should be selected.


Step 4: Identifying hardware and conflict problems.

Now that you're familiarized with how to get to the "Command Prompt" and "Ping", We will now use a powerful command to let the computer tell YOU what the problem is. Obviously, computers can't speak but at the least the results that the command prompt gives you can help you fix the problem. If you're Using win2k/xp/vista: Once the command prompt is up you'll want to type "IPCONFIG" and press ENTER.

Here are some examples of what you might see and how to fix it:


Example: 1

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>IPCONFIG
Windows IP Configuration
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>

This may suggest your NIC/LAN card may be disabled. This is suggested because the adapter is not showing any IP address, subnet mask, or any information at all. In order to enable this via Windows 2000, XP, or Vista, use the following:

Enabling NIC/LAN - In Windows 2000/XP/Vista
1. Click "Start" 2. Select Control Panel (If not visible go to "Settings > Control Panel")3. Select "Classic View" In the top left, if you don't see this option you're already in classic view.4. Open "Network and Dial-up Connections" - In Windows2k / "Network Connections" - In Windows XP / "Network and Sharing Center" - In Windows Vista. 5. Select and Right-Click on "Local Area Connection" (icon) and Select "Enable" on the properties Menu. In vista the same applies.6. The adapter should enable giving you access to the internet.



Example:2

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>IPCONFIG

Windows IP Configuration

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix. :
IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.105
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>

I'd like you to ignore everything you see here except one thing.

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.105


What is your IP Address?

This is perhaps the most important thing troubleshooting your own connectivity because this will explain many things. As you can see, the above example suggests I’m using a router. This is because the standard IP address a router gives out starts with 192.168.1.100 + Increments by 1 for each computer on the network (192.168.1.101-102-103-etc)
Here are some common IP Addresses and what they mean:
If you’re getting...

IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . : 0.0.0.0 = Your computer has no IP Address. It Can't communicate.

IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.100 = Your connected to a router. True IP is masked.

IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.254.X.X = X= Any Number. Hardware failure, bad cable, or bad router

IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . : X.X.X.X = An normal IP Address.

Even more defined:

IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . : X.X.X.X = A normal IP Address.

This information you can get from your service provider. Find out what are they're IP Ranges. For example, Cablevision in NY has typically 5 IP Ranges: 10.x.x.x, 24.x.x.x.x, 67.x.x.x, 68.x.x.x, 69.x.x.x. If you were to get an IP address such as "24.33.145.169" This would mean you're getting a "VALID" IP address. Finding out what IP Ranges your provider has will help you greatly because it will narrow down possible problems.

For IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . : 0.0.0.0

You might need to renew your Adapter, try renewing by using the following command:
"IPCONFIG /RENEW" This will make your computer attempt to reconnect to the source of service. If you're connected to a modem directly, it will renew a connection unless the modem is not connected online. If it renews to 0.0.0.0, try resetting the modem and the computer via the order above.

IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.100

You're connected to a router. That is all it means. If you can't connect to the internet and you’re behind a router, try resetting it via the order above. If you're able to see this and can PING out, you're definitely online. Check for browser problems or firewall issues.

IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.254.X.X - (APIPA ADDRESS)

You might have a big problem here. This typically means that the computer is able to DETECT a connection but can't see the internet OR it might mean that you have a dead/faulty NIC Card. Sometimes this could mean that the router you're using is bad, bypass the router and connect directly to the modem and see if you get the same thing. If you get the same thing, try replacing the cable or median you're using to connect. Some Ethernet cables have been known to damage after long extended use. This could mean that you have a STATIC IP address.




Note: A Static IP address is an assigned number to a computer to connect to the internet. Some service providers provide static IP addresses to their customers for convenience. This means if you have, let's say... 67.22.55.54 For an IP ADDRESS. This is the number you will always have as long as you remain a customer on that service. It means your computer is identified with 1 specific IP.

Note: A Dynamic IP address is an assigned number that is leased to you for a period of time. This is the preferred method of service providers because it allows flexibility of access. If you’re not online, someone else can use IP 67.22.55.54. If you happen to connect back online while that original number is in use, you'll get a different IP based on your providers IP-RANGES.

For Macs, determining this information is much easier.

For MAC OS X 10.4+ Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple
2. Click on "System Preferences"
3. Find and click on "Network"
4. Show field: Built-in Ethernet - Click Configure
5. Click on TCP/IP
6. Top left will display current IP Address


Step 5: Identifying software and browser problems.

This part of this informative guide can become tricky. You've determined that you're online. Resetting the computer, resetting your router, making sure you can “PING” a website checks out, and all your settings are correct. But you still can't connect? Well sometimes these problems go beyond computer settings. Let's identify what other possibilities lay in troubleshooting connectivity issues with programs and software issues.

- Antivirus Suite w/ Firewalls (Such as Norton, MacAfee)
- Windows Firewalls
- Browser Configuration
- Incorrect Browse settings
- Automatic Updates

Firewalls

In order to troubleshoot this portion of connectivity issues, you can start by looking at the bottom right hand side of your screen where the clock is located. Look for any Antivirus/Firewall Suite you may have. If you happen to know you have one or locate one, proceed to disable it. Usually, if the program is half-decent, you can "Right-Click" on that icon and choose to Exit, Disable, Shutdown, Quit, etc and remove it from task. Some firewalls such as Norton, McAfee, and others require you to open up its control panel and manually disable it. Identifying the programs is made easy by placing your mouse over the icon for a few seconds, displaying the programs name.

Windows Firewall

Windows built in firewall isn’t known to cause problems, but if you're at this point you might as well disable it to reduce another possibility. To do this simply Click "Star" > Control Panel > Security Center > Manage Firewall > Turn Off.

Browsers/ and Browser Configurations

More often than not, if you’re traveling or using a laptop that switches from network to network (school and college networks come to mind) occasionally networks or software may tweak your browsers connection settings and add proxies that are useless at your home. Checking this is very simple.

For IE

1. Open up IE6/7 Via "Tools"
2. Click on "Internet Properties"
3. Click on the "Connections" Tab.
4. Select and click "LAN Settings" on the lower half of the box.
5. Verify that everything in this box is unchecked and empty. Nothing here should be used or checked on, if it is, remove it.
6. Click OK all the way through to close all the boxes.

Note: Sometimes the browser will be corrupted beyond repair, if you're using IE7 you can use the master reset built in as a resolution. You Can activate this by Clicking "Tools" > "Internet Options" > Advanced Tab > "Reset" on the lower half of the box.

For Firefox

1. Click on "Tools"
2. Click on "Options"
3. Select the "Advanced Tab"
4. Within the "Advanced Tab" Select the "Network" Tab
5. Click on "Settings" within the "Network" Tab
6. "Direct Connection to the internet" should be selected. Everything else should be blank or not selected.

For Safari

1. Click on the Apple
2. Select "System Preferences"
3. Click "Network"
4. Select "Built-in Ethernet" and Configure.
5. On the Tabs, Select "Proxies”, everything here as should be blank.

At this point if you're not online, then it's more then likely something else is going on that this self-help guide can't account for, consider making a call to tech support. At the very least, you would have learned a few things in the process of reading this :)

- ThePCGuy
If you plan to use this guide, feel free to print it out. You can't use the guide if you can't connect to the internet, right? :)

Slow PC? Check Your System Requirements!

System Requirements

Do you remember a time when your computer ran faster then it does now? Of course you do. This happens over time because as you use your computer and install programs your resources are being taken away for some programs to work properly. You won't notice this overtime until one day... BAM everything freezes.

Think of a computer and compare it to a car. Your car needs to be serviced roughly for an oil change every 3 to 5 thousand miles right? Well computers are similar to cars. You do need to maintenance them every few months or even EVERY month for the best results. If this sounds like too much work.. don't worry, believe it or not most maintenances are taken care of by following a few simple programs and clicks. Understanding how the computer works in relation to what you do on it will not only save you MONEY and TIME, but will keep your machine running for years to come. Now don't get me wrong, technology is and will always be improving.. but if you're like most people you'll definitely want to get the most "bang for your buck", especially if your going to sink thousands of dollars into a brand new computer.

Let's put this in perspective. Let's say your brand new computer has 1.3ghz CPU and about 512MB of RAM. The CPU being the "brain" or the processor for anything you do on your computer, and the "RAM" being the "elbow room" the computer has to work with when you ask it to perform a task such as browsing the Internet. For arguments sake let's say you have Windows XP, the operating system as your windows version. Windows XP has a minimum requirement of 233Mhz processing Speed and a minimum of 128MB of RAM to just SUSTAIN it's vital functions. This means that for your computer to even START, you need the minimum of these requirements. Your 512MB of RAM isn't looking so hot right now. 512MB -128MB = 384MB of RAM left for you, the user.

As you use programs such as Internet explorer, these programs also take chunks away at that number, let's say it takes about 25mb if you have a few windows open, now let's say you have an Instant messenger program running, another 14-20mb taken away, etc, etc. As you can see the more programs you have up and running the less resources the computer has left for you, the user to make use of. The less resources you have, the less the computer can do because it's juggling everything else that's on it's plate. An easy way to fix this problem is to obviously UPGRADE.

This often means doing some research into what you think you'll be using the computer for and upgrade appropriately. Remember that the more RAM and processing power you have, the better your PC experience will be. If your a person who is just going to check email and and browse the Internet, the example above should be sufficient. Now, if you're a mother or a father that would like to get their kids a computer for School work or even PC Gaming, then you would need to understand that these tasks and programs require much more CPU power, RAM and even hardisk space (your hardrive) to run efficiently without slips, freezes, or delays. The Common theme here is, more is better.

Whenever purchasing a computer don't be afraid to spend a few extra bucks on minor upgrades, because when you buy a computer at the store you're buying a computer at a "Stock" uniform setup. This again is in relation to my car argument. If you buy a car at a dealer for a cheap price, you're probably buying a stock model. To get that moon roof, Premium sound system, and other great toys and luxuries you'll have to pay for them. A PC is no different, except that with a computer, these minor upgrades will only increase the computer lifespan and reliability over the long run.

Understanding Routers

Understanding Routers:

The router is perhaps one of the best things out in the market, they allow you to connect multiple computers to your modem or Internet access point so that you can connect all of your computers to the Internet at the same. Their nature is very simple and explained in the following diagram..

As you can see by the identifications of the computers, they're incremental. A router has a default number show in the diagram 192.168.1.1 - This is the default number assigned to all routers. As computers connect to the router via ports 1 through 4, they're assigned a routing number so that when data is requested or received, it forwards that information back and forth between the points they belong to.

An example:

Let's say your on living room computer (labeled 192.168.1.104 by your router) and you wish to visit a website like google.com, but now your kids are in their room using their computer (192.168.1.102) to visit a gaming website such as gamespot.com. When you request google.com, your request is forwarded to the router who then forwards that request to the modem, who then forwards to server in which that website is being hosted on to retrieve information. As the information comes back the other way, it hits the modem, who forwards that page to your router.

Now, since your router understood that your computer ( 192.168.1.104) requested that page, it basically shifts lanes again to forward your google page to your screen and not to your kids computer ( 192.168.1.102) This process happens automatically within the routers database, otherwise known as the routing table. This process is the same for wireless connectivity as well, as you can tell by the diagram even though the laptops connect wirelessly they're still treated the same as wired desktops computers.


Common Router Issues - Wired & Wireless

Distance - Wireless

Sometimes if you're too far away from your router your connection WILL drop out randomly in and out. Distance is just one of the factors with wireless connectivity. Making sure good placement when setting up a wireless network in your home is key. Ideally you'll want to setup wireless router somewhere central to the home so that the signal radiates throughout the home. Also the surrounding area for your router is important, try avoiding placing routers in basements or areas that are surrounded by thick walls which will weaken the wireless signal.

Interference - Wireless

Frequency range is another factor. Most routers now a days ship at a standard 2.4 Ghz transmission frequency. What else runs that this frequency? Look around you. You probably use this everyday. Give up? Your portable phones. That's right, your very own phones may be causing your troubles. Check the phones to see what frequency they run at, most people would be surprised at the fact that their phones maybe causing their connection woes. An easy way to tell if this is the cause is to try to use the Internet and then use the phone while your browsing, if your connection cuts out or your phone conversations cut out, it's a clear indication that the frequencies are interfering with each other causing poor connectivity. The only way around this is to hope your router has internal settings to change the frequency at which they transmit at or... change your phones! You can find internal frequency settings in your router internal page, otherwise contact the manufacturer.

Firmware and Drivers - Wireless & Wired

Both routers and wireless access cards are controlled by software otherwise known as drivers. The internal brain of the router otherwise known as the firmware is what literally controls your device to route your computers. Sometimes when you rule out all the possibilities a firmware upgrade just might be the fix. With all the updates done a pc that's regularly maintained it's possible some recent upgrades or software changes could influence your connectivity. By default i usually encourage everyone to update their firmware by visiting their manufacturers website (ie: www.linksys.com) and follow their instructions as listed on their updating page.

Duplicate Network Names - Wireless

Another scenario that may lead to dropped connections occurs when your wireless computer is confused about which wireless access point to connect with. If your home or office is near others, they may have a wireless network with the same name as yours. This is especially common when people don't change their network names (known as SSID's) when setting up their router.Suppose you didn't change your wireless network name, so it defaults to the very common "LINKSYS". Your neighbor next door has the same brand of router and didn't change her network name either. If your wireless networks overlap, your computer can see both. Windows XP will not show both as separate available networks — instead, it will show only "LINKSYS." When you connect to "LINKSYS" Windows will try to connect with the one with a stronger signal. It may be that both your signals are similar, but small fluctuations change which is stronger at any given moment. Windows will start hopping between them, trying to stay with the strongest, and dropping your connection with each transfer. Assign your wireless network a unique name and avoid the duplicate SSID problem.

Router Malfunction - Wired .

Sometimes routers just go bad. As with all electronics, after heavy use or even overheating of the device will cause problems with your router and thus your connection. Consider where your router is placed. Does it feel very hot? Excessive use will cause routers to sometimes heat up significantly more then usual causing slowdowns, random disconnections. Some people tie this into poor internal software management by the manufacturer to which some people can attest to be true. Sometimes within the router the actual port where the Ethernet wire is located may sometimes become damaged if excessive use swapping is done. Any damage the seating pins or jacks and even the cable may cause intermittent connection issues or may prevent you from connecting at all.

Easy Fixes

You may hear this from the cable companies a lot, but it works. Reseting the router usually will fix a lot of preliminary issues associated with it. So before all else, try unplugging the router for about 10 seconds and the connect it back. Allowing it another 15 seconds for the connectivity process to happen and you should be back online without a problem.