Installing New Software

Before installing software, there are things you need to consider. First, you need to know what operating system you are using (e.g. Windows, Linux or Mac).Each operating system have specific programs and are rarely cross compatible with each other. Programs running on a MAC environment cannot be installed on a Windows environment. It is also important to know if the operating system is running a 64-bit or a 32-bit version (in Windows ®Right-click My Computer and then Properties. It will show 32-bit/x86 or a 64-bit/x64). Make sure that the software you are trying to install meets the minimum system requirements (How big is your memory ram, capacity of your hard disk, the speed your processor is running.)

Before downloading or buying this software, it usually has a note (you can see this at the back of the case or a note inside the installation folder) where the minimum system requirements are put. Also, do not lose the serial number or the license key as this required to be entered on most software installations. Try to inspect the CD if it’s damaged or has small scratches as it may end up as a corrupt installation or can cause a major boot issues that will require hard drive recovery. Make sure you are buying or downloading the correct software in order for you not to waste time and money.

After considering these “need-to-know “ factors, try to load the installation disc to the compact disk drive if it’s a CD or double-click the file you just downloaded. If you are using a CD or DVD, after loading the disk, it will automatically run or you can access it through the “My computer” icon. Click which drive you are using, browse the folder. If you see a “setup” icon, you need to double click it. It automatically opens a new window and there are steps you need to follow. The software will ask where you want to put the software you just installed and you can also select the features of the software you want to be installed. It will ask you for a license key (in some cases). Some programs or software’s may ask you to turn your antivirus and firewalls off during installation. This will ensure complete and smooth installation. If the installation is finished, there will be a prompt asking you if you want to restart the PC first (in some instances). Restart the PC and you are good to go!


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Basic Tips on How to Set Up a New PC

Setting up a new PC is fairly simple and easy to accomplish once you carefully examine the contents of the box it came in. Generally, the box will contain a monitor, a tower, and peripherals such as keyboard, mouse, printer and cables. Computers are designed in such a way that the cables that interconnects the monitor, tower and peripherals are built to only fit the correct slot. So if it fits the slot or plug, 99% of the time, that particular cable is meant to be connected to that particular plug or slot. The user can also consult the manual but because of the need to conserve nature and support the green initiative, most computer manufacturers have stopped shipping paper manuals together with the systems and have resorted to paperless alternatives such as online manuals. The user can also utilize online computer support if he has no experience in out of the box system assembly.

Connecting the cables is the easy part. The hard part begins when the computer is turned on and booted to the operating system. Majority of computers manufactured run on the Windows® OS platform. When the system finally turns on, the user will briefly see a screen that resembles a DOS environment. This is called POST screen. Following the POST screen is the OS boot up screen where the user will see a loading animation and after this screen, the OS, or the operating system, will load.

In reference to the widely used Windows ® OS, the initial screen will prompt the user to input the needed ownership information such as usernames, passwords and preferences. After this, the OS will prompt the user to activate online which will verify and authenticate the product to make sure the product is legitimate. This is usually the last step in completing the set up of a new PC.
Software Installation, customization and personalization can follow after the user gets fully familiarized with the different technologies that come with the machine. Basic software to add after setting up is spyware removal, virus removal, data protection, computer diagnostics and productivity software. If problems are experienced during use and the user is not familiar with the issue, He can always contact the PC vendor or Microsoft Support for assistance in troubleshooting and additional services like assistance in configuring and customizing applications, Microsoft Office Support, computer cleanup, Data Migration, data protection, and advanced Windows support.

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Basic MP3 Player Installation Tips

Setting up an mp3 player, whether it be the popular iPod or other brands, is so much easier thanks to the user friendliness of Microsoft’s ® new operating systems and the introduction of the USB port, which is now a global standard in device to computer connectivity. All MP3 players need to have a connectivity feature and almost all of them use the Universal Serial Bus or USB. This type of connection uses an “instant on” connection when plugged in to the USB port of a host device. Mp3 players need this feature so that the contents of the player can be updated, deleted or reinstalled. Setting up the device is quite simple and thanks to the intuitive step by step installation pop ups on major player brands; even a non techie user can install and set up the mp3 player to communicate with a host device with ease.

Most MP3 players come with 3 standard cables- the charger, headphones and the USB. The charging cable powers up the battery and the USB gets it to talk with a host or a PC. Some advanced features would include a wireless connectivity device and a video connection which is used to connect the device to a video output, but these are really necessities when it comes to the player’s functionality.

To set up the mp3 player out of the box, remember these simple steps:
1. Always check for power first before attempting the setup. Try powering the player on and check the battery level as most players are pre charged in the factory.
2. Read the manual. Most importantly, the requirement if the device needs an 8 hour charge before use or if it’s safe to install it straight out of the box. Most mobile devices require that it be charged for 8 hours first before use, so be sure to check the instructions.
3. After verifying the steps above, boot up the computer and turn off the antivirus program. I recommend doing this as most antivirus programs will prompt the user to run a scan on the new device before proceeding. Easy if you have a 512mb player, not good if you own one of those terabyte sized ones.
4. If the device came with an installation disk, run it first and follow the instructions and only plug the player to the USB port when prompted. Afterwards, everything should be automatic and you will be able to add mp3’s and update your playlist. Also remember not to turn the volume too high when listening via headphones or earphones as this might cause damage to your eardrums.

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Basic Digital Camera installation Tips

Digital cameras have almost taken over their film counterparts because of the features they carry which surpass most entry level film or manual cameras. They are also cheaper to produce and are widely accepted because of their user friendliness and high tech features. Like the majority of electronic devices, digital cameras need to be set up to a host device or most commonly, a PC. In this tutorial, I will give basic installation tips that will cover most camera brands out in the market today.

Digital cameras share common installation steps. Since all of them have internal storage, the need to be set up in a way that the computer would be able to access their storage devices. Most photographers do not bother setting up the software that comes free with the camera as long as they can access the photos in it. Some take advantage of the free applications as most digital cameras come with either free or trial programs for enhancing digital photos. Again, the USB connection is used to interconnect the camera to the computer.
There are a lot of camera brands but most, if not all, share these installation steps:
1. Check the device for power. Most cameras are pre charged in the factory and the basic step in checking for a defective device is to power it on out of the box. Contact the manufacturer if this step is not successful.

2. Snap a test photo. All cameras have a shutter button. Standard location of a shutter button is on the top right side of the camera. I have not seen a camera that has a shutter button located on the left. Again all digital cameras briefly display a preview of the photo you just snapped so inspect the photo carefully and check if it was captured the way you saw it. It’s also good to inspect the LCD or the preview pane for defects like hot or dead pixels and horizontal and vertical lines that signify a defective LCD panel.
3. Once everything comes up ok, run the software that came with the camera and follow the steps. It will also prompt you to install free enhancement applications. Install these if you feel you need them or skip if you don’t.

After installation, plan ahead and create a folder to store your photos. My personal tip, install it on an external device as photos can never be duplicated if they end up as a collateral damage in case of a system crash. Invest on getting an external drive or better yet, burn them to an optical media like a CD or a DVD.

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