Check and Fix for PC users

Q1:  I am enjoying my Core2Quad PC since I had it for Christmas.  How soon can I have it checked for maintenance just like buying a new car?

A:  From the time you got it brand new, one year would be safe.  Have it checked and cleaned before problems occur.  Then succeeding maintenance check-up and cleaning will be every 6 months.

Q2:  I have a new laptop.  Do I need an AVR or a UPS ?

A:  The power supply of most, if not all, laptops is autovolt (110-240V).  Thus, AVR or Automatic Voltage Regulator is not necessary as the power supply/charger works with the AC outlet voltage from 110 volts to 240 volts.  No UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) needed since the laptop can operate with its own battery.

Q3:  I have a flatscreen LCD TV which has a USB port.  Why can’t I play my movies in my USB external harddisk without using my PC?

A:  Please check the manual of your LCD TV if what file format of movies can be played with it without the use of the PC.  If you know the file formats that can be played, then convert the files you want to play with the format acceptable by the TV set.  The next consideration is whether that brand or model of TV can read external hard drives.  I have an LCD TV, said to be a European brand, and it can read my movies from the USB external drive (100 GB).

Q4:  What could be done to view movies streaming from the internet in good quality without the stopping or freezing?

A:  You need to have a fast internet connection (subscription of 1-2MBPS with your ISP or Internet Service Provider).  Your PC must be fast enough (dual core or higher recommended) and at least 1 GB RAM.

Q5:  I am upgrading my desktop.  What must be first, second and third?  CPU?  RAM?  Video card?

A:  If your CPU is Pentium 4 running at 3 GHz or dual core or higher, then RAM should be upgraded first (1 GB or more).  If you are into newer and heavy games, increase RAM to at least 4 GB.  A video card that is onboard usually shares memory with the RAM.  An add-on video card (AGP or PCI Express) would give you far better performance.  For gaming, look for an add-on video card that has at least 512 video ram and good 3D graphics acceleration.

Warning:  Answers, advises and recommendations may not apply to all. Take caution. When in doubt seek other opinions.  (For problems/questions and comments Email:  anicetosimoy@yahoo.com)