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Online Speed Check

Look no further than SpeakEasy for a fast, easy test of your Internet download and upload speeds. The test requires Flash player to run.

Improve System Performance in XP Machines

Here are 23 suggestions to improve system performance on an XP computer and not one includes defragging. This page is a great resource to bookmark and refer to frequently.

Think you need new RAM?

Test your existing RAM with a free utility from Microsoft  which includes a comprehensive set of memory tests. If you are experiencing problems while running Windows, you can use the Memory diagnostic to determine whether the problems are caused by failing hardware, such as RAM or the memory system of your motherboard. Windows Memory Diagnostic is designed to be easy and fast. On most configurations, you can download the diagnostic, read the documentation, run the test and complete the first test pass in less than 30 minutes.

To run Windows Memory Diagnostic, you must reboot your computer with the disk or CD-ROM on which you installed Windows Memory Diagnostic in the drive. After the reboot, Windows Memory Diagnostic will load and its interface will appear. After loading, the first test pass will begin, using the default standard test suite, and continue until complete, unless Windows Memory Diagnostic is either paused or exited. Once the first test pass is complete, Windows Memory Diagnostic will begin a second test pass using the same settings as before. Windows Memory Diagnostic will continue to run test passes until you exit.

Confused about what kind of RAM to buy?

Crucial has a free online tester which will analyze your system and tell you what kind of RAM you need. Check out their Memory Advisor Tool here.

Recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP Home or Professional from starting

Microsoft provides step-by-step information here. This procedure is not recommended for OEM versions of Windows. Note: Be sure to replace all five regsistry hives.

Slipstreaming 101

If you have ever had to re-install Windows in recent years, you know the bulk of your time is spent re-adding updates such as Service Pack 2 once your installation is done.

By a process known as "slipstreaming," it is possible to make a new bootable Windows installation disk that has already been updated with subsequently released service packs. This is also handy if you are ever asked to insert your Windows XP sp2 disk.

The following links will take you through the process step-by-step. Each author's approach is slightly different, but I have tried both and successfully created bootable Windows disks following their instructions.

To do this, you will need at least 1 Gb of free space over and above what Windows needs for its normal working as a place to create your updated Windows files before burning them to cd. You will also need a program such as Nero Burning ROM or Roxio that allows you to make a bootable cd, your original Windows XP or 2000 installation disk, and the complete network version of the service pack files.

Instructions may be found here or here. I particularly liked the TackTech site because it conveniently links you to the resources that you will need.

Allow yourself plenty of time and carefully follow each step.

Five-minute fixes from PC World
If Windows or your computer is a bit balky, check out these quick fixes from PC World Magazine to see if they address your particular problem.

Here's a sample of the info you will find.

"Problem: Your 802.11b or 11g wireless network worked great for a year but has suddenly slowed to a crawl, for no apparent reason. You've checked every setting and device on the network, and everything's functioning properly.
Quick fix: Other electronic devices may be stepping on your network's signal. Bluetooth networks, wireless telephones, and microwave ovens all operate in the 2.4-GHz frequency range of your network. If your wireless router or access point is located near one of these devices, try placing the products as far from each other as possible. To reduce interference from wireless phones, you can change the channel that your Wi-Fi network uses by going into the setup program for your router or access point."

When Your Computer Acts Up
Big Time and Your Data Is At Risk

Don't panic! If Windows won't boot and you haven't backed up your data, all is not lost. If you have a CDRW or DVDRW plus another cdrom drive, try booting your computer with Knoppix (a version of Linux that runs from a CD) or another bootable version of Linux. Knoppix will allow you to browse to your data and burn it to cds. Even if your hard drive is in the process of failing, some data may still be recoverable.

To determine whether the problem is hardware or software related. Check out this step-by-step advice from the folks at Accurate Data Recovery.

Prevent Power problems:
A study by IBM has shown that a typical computer is subject to more than 120 power problems per month. The effects of power problems range from the subtle—keyboard lockups, hardware degradation—to the dramatic— complete data loss or burnt motherboards. Always use Battery Backup units (also known as Uninterruptible Power Supplies). They address power issues in various ways, primarily by providing backup power in the event of a utility power loss. Some units can automatically correct input voltage fluctuations as well so that potentially damaging power is not provided to the protected computer.

Search the Newsgroups with Google

Don't try to re-invent the wheel. If you are having a problem, chances are someone else has already experienced it, AND there's a solution available.

Search the Internet with Google here.

Google is the most comprehensive search tool on the Internet. It's the best friend your computer ever had. Use it!!