Thursday, July 16, 2009

How To Speed Up Your PC

you have a problem with the speed of your PC? sometimes very frustrating to work with a slow PC. So we need to improve the performance of our PC.A registry cleaner is the answer! Registry cleaners are one of the fastest ways to get more speed on your PC, whether it is three years old or six months old, a registry scan and clean can produce some amazing results. You should always look at the reviews of the registry cleaner before you buy it. You want to look for a registry cleaner that has both pros and cons, but overall has lived up to its reputation. Do not purchase a registry cleaner that has glowing reviews as it is most likely a scam.

Once you have purchased the registry cleaner, install it on your computer. You should then restart, and then make a backup of your registry. In order to make a backup of your registry, click on start, run, type in "regedit" then hit enter. Now go to file, select export and save the file to external media such as a USB stick. Now you can run the registry scan. This process may take a few moments, so feel free to stand up, walk around, and do whatever you wish while the scan is running. After the scan has finished, check the list of infections and problems for anything that looks legitimate. Sometimes, registry cleaners can report false positives, files that you actually will need in order to keep your computer running. After you have removed the false positives, you can allow the registry cleaning program to take care of the rest of the problems and infections. It will now prompt, or automatically restart your computer. This will allow the registry to clear those errors for good, and restart in a clean condition. You should notice an extreme improvement in speed, due to the reduced size of the registry.

How to speed up my PC? Maybe your computer is not quite as fast as you have wished. There are a few things that you can do after having already done a registry cleanup. Try to defragment your computer's hard drive. This groups your computers files together, and will save time when you are switching programs, or files. Disk cleanup is another useful tool. It can help you increase the amount of disk space on your computer by deleting files in the recycle bin, temporary internet files and other unnecessary files.

How to speed up my PC? If all of these different tricks have not worked, and you have run an anti-virus and spyware program to remove infections, it may be time to take a look at your systems processes. Many of these are not necessary to operate your computer, and can be disabled. There are several guides available that tell you which ones are necessary, and which are not. Make sure you are careful, as disabling the wrong process can cause serious damage to your computer.

When you are trying to speed up your PC, you will need a registry cleaner that has been proven to remove all of the infections and problems on your computer. Do not use false knockoffs, or free versions as they will cause further damage to your computer!

Ready to learn How to Speed Up My PC? Do you need a solution TODAY? Learn exactly why your windows computer is running slow and learn how you can fix it permanently for FREE. Visit http://www.FixMyComputerQuick.com to fix your computer problems TODAY!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Turner

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Cisco Acknowledged Training Centers For 640-802 Test

Who need Sisco Certificate? It's a usefull certificate for the network technician.
Cisco Certified Network Associate 640-802 test is to determine candidates' both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in small and medium sized enterprise branch network. While it is possible to learn it yourself, the theory part, you will certainly need the guidance of experts when it comes to developing your practical skills in networks.

There are several websites that offer practical training for 640-802 test. While Cisco press itself has released a number of books on various titles for self-study, experts recommend that joining online training centers would be very beneficial for both 640-802 test conducted by Cisco as well as when on job. A list of things to practice provided in this article will be of great help to you as you plan to attempt your 640-802 test.

For instance, you should get yourself trained to create a network of two computers using cross-over cables; to be adept in creating bus network, mesh network, and star network; to configure hub, switch, router, and DHCP on the network; to successfully experiment with VoIP; to create intranet; to configure modem, router, ISDN, and internet connections; to use of commands like ping, pathping, and TRACERT; to verify configuration and connectivity of network interface card; to familiarize with various types of media, cables, connectors and the like.

A few other areas to acquaint yourself before attempting the test include configuring of wireless LAN; troubleshooting VLANs; both configuring and troubleshooting of Cisco switches, VTP, VLSM IP addresses, OSPF, EIGRP, and RIPv2; using CLI with various commands; debugging commands; configure and apply access control on various filtering needs; using CLI to configure NAT; experimenting with Frame Relay on Cisco routers; and verifying PPP connections among Cisco routers. As all of the above mentioned can not be practiced without help or proper guidance, it is wise to abide by the counsel of the experts in getting your Cisco Certified Network Associate certification for 640-802.

Now, It's time to reveal my success with CCNA 640-802 exam by using 640-802 exam Questions and Answers. I am very proud of being CCNA Certified now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francis_Murphy

3 Reasons to Own a Computer

Computers make our duty easy. What did we ever do without computers? I am not sure I even remember the time when they didn't exist. Computers rule our world, and most everything we do. Kids as early as the age of three know how to use them and many of us find them indispensable in our daily lives. Yet there are many people that have not yet delved into the technology of the present and future. Some find computers intimidating and unnecessary. Hard to imagine, but true.

The convenience factor cannot be beat and as far as information goes, nothing is faster or more useful than typing a phrase into Google or Yahoo search and getting back thousands of relevant pages full on information. Not to mention the instant communication benefits of email versus regular mail, which is now appropriately termed snail mail. So, in case your still wondering what the benefits of computers are, here is a list which hopefully will prompt you to join us in our computer happy world.

3 Reasons to Own a Computer

1. The first benefit for owning a computer is finding information on the Internet. The Internet was first created during the 1960s for military reasons. However, the Internet started to expand and became widely available for everyone in the 1990s. When users connect to the Internet, they are able to find a lot of information without driving to the library.

The library is a wonderful place for children to learn how to read. However, there are obsolete books and people are required to carry a library card. Also, if people lose their book, then they will be required to pay a fine to the library. Researching on the Internet provides current information every day and people don't have to borrow or pay fines to the library.

2. The second benefit for owning a computer is sending and receiving electronic mail. E-mail services are being paid by banner and sponsored advertising. Therefore, people will be able to send and receive messages for free. Also, e-mail provides fast and speedy service without waiting for the postman.

While the postman is great for receiving large packages, the price for a stamp increases every year. Furthermore, depending on the location, people will have to wait for a reply. By using e-mail, people will be able to receive replies within minutes or the next day at the latest.

3. The third benefit for owning a computer is making new friends. The Internet allows people to use social networking sites to reunite or make new friends. Without using a computer, people won't be able to know where their friends are located. Therefore, people have to rely on the big and bulky telephone book to find information. Also, international friendships are impossible due to currency rates and higher postal fees. As a result, people are unable to learn about different cultures and trends in an international area.

Learn more about computers with buying guides, reviews, Top 3 Desktops, features guides, fixes and how-to's and shop for all models and brands, of desktop computers, including, Dell, HP, Apple and more at cheap prices at: Dell Computers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JR_Lang

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Silhouette Photography

Silhouette photography is a wonderful way to convey drama, mystery, emotion and mood in a picture. A silhouette is defined as a view of an object or a scene consisting of the outline and a featureless interior, with the silhouetted object usually being black. Pictures like these often don’t convey a clear story, and leave part of the image up to the imagination of the viewer.

The key to taking a silhouette picture would be to: choose a strong subject with a defined and recognizable shape; turn off your flash to have as little light on the front of your subject as possible; get the light right by having more light shining from the background than the foreground; frame your image so that the brightest light source is behind your subject; and make sure the silhouette shapes are distinct and uncluttered by making subjects recognizable and keeping multiple subjects separate.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

10 Principles For Readable Web Typography

Readability is one of the more important aspects of Web design usability. Readable text affects how users process the information in the content. Poor readability scares readers away from the content. On the other hand, done correctly, readability allows users to efficiently read and take in the information in the text. You want users to be able to read your content and absorb it easily.

In this post, we’ll explain some Web typography terms and how they play into readability; we’ll present numerous tips to help improve the readability of your content; and we’ll showcase very readable websites, layouts and articles.

The Terms, And What Each Means For Readability

There are many factors that play into the readability of text. There are also a number of terms, all very important. Here are a few of the more common Web typography terms and an explanation of how each term affects readability.

Hierarchy
Every typographic layout needs the essential element of hierarchy. Hierarchy defines how to read through content. It shows the user were to start reading and where to read through. It differentiates headers from body text. Although colors of text boxes can be used to contrast headers and body text, hierarchy refers to the difference in size between these elements. Hierarchy plays a huge part in how scannable a layout is. It is an important technique that needs to be mastered to achieve readable Web typography.

Contrast
Contrast is the core factor in whether or not text is easy to read. Good contrasts will make text easy on the eyes, easy to scan quickly, and overall more readable. On the other hand, poor contrast will force the user to squint and make reading the body text almost painful, not to mention a lot slower.

As shown in the following illustration, black on white is very readable. Black on white is obviously the standard contrast colors, and to achieve readable content it is good to stay in the range of black-on-white contrast.

This one, however, pink on blue, is nearly impossible to read. This example my be a little extreme, but it shows how such an awful contrast can have a major impact on the text. You probably won’t see websites using such poor contrast, but it still shows why you need to be very smart about it.

Line Height
Line height is a very common term meaning the space between individual lines of text. Line height is another factor in the readability of body text and even headers. Sufficient line height is especially important in Web design because it makes the text ultimately more scannable. Line height that is too short will cause users to squint while reading. If it is too large, the text will seem like separate bodies instead of grouped together as one.

Letter Spacing
Like line height, letter spacing affects readability in Web typography. Letter spacing is, as the name suggests, the space between each letter in words. In print layout, negative letter spacing is a common technique to add a more fun feel to the layout, but it should never be used in body text. In any text, letter spacing is an obvious factor in legibility.

Line Length
Line length is often overlooked in Web typography but should not be. Line length is, of course, the number of words per line. A good line length is one that allows the reader’s eyes to flow from the end of one line to the beginning of the next very easily and naturally.

The Keys to Readable Typography

Achieving readability is relatively easy; all it takes is to follow a few key practices. A readable Web page can go a long way with your users, and readability has a huge impact on their experience. Designing for the Web is all about making the user’s experience as pleasant as possible. Here are 9 tips that will help you work towards readability.

1. User-Friendly Headers
Headers are a key element in typography, Web and print alike. As mentioned, they are part of the text hierarchy and a major factor in scannable content.

First off, header size is just as important as the size of the body text. Going too big with the header with a large amount of content can throw the user off balance when reading and cause them to lose their spot. It will ultimately ruin the flow of the content and be a distraction. Headers that are too small will ruin the hierarchy of the article, too. If the header is too small, it will not draw the user’s attention as it should.

Next, it is important to provide ample space between the header and body text.

2. Scannable Text
I have already mentioned “scannable” text many times, and you have surely heard it elsewhere. Scannable text goes hand in hand with readable text. Making copy scannable consists of good use of headers, hierarchy and focus points to guide the user through the content.

So, what makes copy scannable? Well, there are many factors, most of which have already been mentioned. Header size and position, body text size, text line height, text contrast and the way focus points are differentiated all impact how scannable copy is.

Focus points are certain elements or objects within the layout that attract, or are supposed to attract, the user’s attention. This could be a header, a graphical element, a button, etc.

3. White Space
In content-heavy layouts, spacing contributes to the readability of content. White space helps to offset large amounts of text and helps the user’s eyes flow through the text. It also provides separation between elements in the layout, including graphics and text.

In the example below, white space and only white space is used to separate text elements. The layout is very clean and efficient. The user’s eyes flow from text element to text element with ease, because of the large amounts of white space.

4. Consistency
Consistency is often regarded as an important technique for usability, but it also applies to readability. Consistency in the hierarchy is important to a user-friendly layout. This means that all headers of the same importance in the hierarchy should be the same size, color and font. For example, all headers in an article should look identical. Why? This consistency provides users with a familiar focus point when they are scanning, and it helps to organize the content.

5. Density of Text
Density of text refers to the amount of words you place in one area. Density of content has a major impact on your content’s readability. Density is affected by spacing options such as line height, letter spacing and text size. If you find a balance between all of these so that the content is neither too compact nor too widely spaced, you will have perfect density that is both readable and scannable.

6. Emphasis of Important Elements
Another key factor is emphasis of certain elements within the body content. This includes highlighting links, bolding important text and showing quotes. As mentioned, focus points are essential in Web typography. By emphasizing these objects, you provide focus points for the user. These points and objects help break up monotonous text.

Scannable text is extremely important. By providing these focus points,, you make the body text extremely scannable. Bolding key lines of text immediately attracts the user’s eye and is therefore a very important element in presenting important information.

Pictured below is an article from UXBooth. This article uses bolding and italics to point out important information in the article. This is a very readable article and very easy article to scan for information.

7. Organization of Information
Believe it or not, the way you organize information in an article can strengthen readability. Users are guided with ease through content that is properly organized because information is easier to find. This veers into issues beyond the scope of this article but is still very important.

8. Clean Graphical Implementation
Every text body needs some sort of visual support, be it an image, icon, graph or illustration. Placing the graphic in the article can be challenging. Sufficient space is needed between the graphic and text.

If the graphical element is an image, then a clean border is a good idea for providing a clean separation from the text. Borders can help guide the user’s eyes and are good for adding style to content. It is important, however, to keep borders in content simple. They should have a subtle color palette and shouldn’t be too large.

In the case of graphical elements such as icons and illustrations, space is the only separator that should be used. The content should move cleanly around the graphic without disrupting the text.

9. Use of Separators
Separators are a simple and easy way to divide text into sections in a clean and organized manner. They can be used to divide hierarchy elements, such as headers and body text. They can also be used to divide content into sections.

The simplest form of divider is a single line. These are most often used to divide hierarchy elements and are very useful for making subtle divisions that still play a big role in readability.

Another common way to divide content is to use boxes. Text boxes are excellent for separating unrelated content on a single page. They help move the user’s eyes through a complex layout. Below is an example of this on Pixelmator’s website. It uses boxes to separate content in a clean way. Notice how the boxes are defined by their background instead of a border.

10. Good Margins
You hear people say that you should use white space, but why? White space actually helps draw the user’s eye to the text. The blank area (white space) forces the eye to focus on the text. So white space will influence the flow and readability of content. Margins are one of the best white space elements and support text elements well. Margins on either side will force the user’s eye to focus inward on the core content of the article.

Margins also support the article in another way. They help separate content from the rest of the design and layout. Text shouldn’t bleed into other layout elements, especially if it is a long article. Margins help define the article and its separation.

In the grid-based layout below, margins and only margins are used to set apart bodies of text. The result is a clean, clear and concise page.

article source: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/03/18/10-principles-for-readable-web-typography/

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Writing an Interface Style Guide

Take a look at any CSS-based website design gallery, and you’ll see it’s obvious that beautiful interfaces are being designed and developed in amazing quantities. I frequently look to these sites for inspiration and, beyond a nice design and beautiful code, there’s usually something common about these sites: they’re new.

Unfortunately, it’s also common that beautiful interfaces don’t stay beautiful. An interface’s design disintegration can be frustrating to deal with, especially for the designer and developer of that interface; it can be particularly frustrating for the designer and developer who can no longer access the site to fix the issues.

If you have ever designed a beautiful interface only to find it ugly five months later because gaudy graphics, unpleasant colors, and distasteful fonts appeared over time, then you understand how maddening design disintegration can be. Similarly, if you have ever developed a clean, web standard, and accessible interface but later found the site littered with invalid, inaccessible, and presentational markup, then you understand this frustration as well.

Documentation can help avoid these issues—it provides guidance on how to maintain and update the interface, and keep it beautiful at the same time.

Design and brand standards

Interface design standards enable brand stewardship. Commonly documented in a design “style guide,” these standards inform clients and content editors of branding guidelines for typography, whitespace, color, etc. The design style guide provides a reference in which developers can describe the way the interface is intended to look, and helps designers to be consistent as the interface is updated so that, in turn, the interface continues to feel consistent.

Some design style guides are simple and straightforward, including only basic typography and color styles; others are informative and somewhat complicated, and go into great detail in defining all aspects of brand guidelines. Like the interface itself, a great design style guide should be straightforward, intuitive, and informative. It should provide detailed information, yet be clear and concise. The following are important elements and relevant details to include.

Layout and composition

Define all the layout variations that are used for the interface, and when and how they are used. Show wireframes to illustrate these variations (such as different column configurations and where they are used).

Typography

Explain the guidelines for acceptable use of typography. Use illustrations to show examples for the main text, the headline styles and their hierarchy, list styles, etc. It is also a good idea to define the typography standards in promotional graphics, as well as list the alternate typefaces that can be used for hypertext (in the event that the user does not have the font you have declared).

Color palette

Provide a color palette to illustrate the standard colors that must be used throughout the interface. This reference should include exact color codes (you can list hex color values or RGB values). It is good to show where these colors are used. For example, you can include a screenshot that shows the color used for links.

Images

Define the standard image sizes that may be used throughout the interface. This should include any graphic banners (such as promotional banner advertisements) as well as images that are used within content. Show how they may be styled and aligned, and how captions should appear (if used). You can also include what type of imagery that may be used (such as illustration or photography, as well as allowable styles or “mood”). Finally, if you use any icons in the site, set standards for them, such as how they look, where they are used, how they are styled, etc.

Brand guidelines

Beyond typography and color, brand guidelines can include other standard design elements. These standards might define the amount of space allowed around the logo, how the logo appears depending on the background it sits on, or how the organization’s name should always appear in text.

Some style guides include supplementary information beyond the look and feel (for example, you can include standards for copywriting, advertising, and other elements that influence the interface and user experience). When defining design standards, you can even include the related markup and CSS needed to create the visual appearance expected. However, it might be better to create a separate section or document for these front-end development standards.

Front-end development standards

If there is more than one developer on the interface, it is extremely important that everyone is aware of the development standards. It is likely that each developer has his or her own way of doing things. Getting everyone synced on (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other aspects of front-end development can help avoid any confusing issues down the road. While a design style guide outlines design and brand standards, a development style guide is important to keep development efficient. This can be a separate document, or included with the design style guide.

(X)HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Delineate how (X)HTML, CSS, and JavaScript should be used when developing the interface. Address the standards that developers should follow, which DOCTYPE to use, as well as class and ID attribute naming conventions. Include the code used to create certain layouts, forms, widgets, etc. Outline formatting and commenting standards, and define how the framework is set up (if a framework exists). (X)HTML, CSS, and JavaScript standards can be discussed together, as they all play together, but it can be helpful to go in-depth for each one, in their own sections.

Accessibility and usability

Identify the accessibility guidelines that must be followed, and include any usability mandates. Document any localization and internationalization standards that exist.

Files and directories

Define how the directory structure is set up for files (images, style sheets, JavaScript files, etc.), and where these files go (according to their types or purpose). Explain file naming conventions and how they are used.

Quality assurance testing

Walk through the steps that should be taken for quality assurance: validation, link checking, accessibility testing, proofreading, etc. Include a graded support chart for browsers and devices.

When discussing standards in your development style guide, it should be clear that the standards outlined are not only industry-wide standards—they are also organizational standards that all developers should follow. Keeping development consistent goes hand in hand with keeping the design consistent, and should help make work more efficient and improve maintainability.

Keep style guides current and useful

Interface style guides are extremely useful to define best practices for design and development. However, keeping that information updated and functional is imperative. A glossary, an index, references, acknowledgments, etc., are among some of the supplementary details you can add to make the style guide as helpful as possible.

You’ll want to have this style guide easily accessible for designers and developers. While a printed version is great to have on hand, an online version can be easier to access, maintain, and keep current. If you do not wish to keep track of both a printed and online version, you can opt for print style sheets on the online version, so you only have to update the information one time.

Finally, provide information on how someone can get help, in case the style guide is unable to provide certain answers. List contact information for the person or team(s) that manage this documentation.

With proper documentation for clients and content editors to follow, you have a better chance at seeing your interface stay beautiful. Future designers and developers who work on the interface will have an easier time adapting, thus making their lives easier and potentially saving time and money.

Article Source: http://www.alistapart.com/articles/writingainterfacestyleguide

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Do You Know What a Robot Is?

Robots are one of the most popular visions of the future, evident in many science fiction novels, from Isaac Asimov's "I Robot" to Douglas Adam's "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Often humankind fears that robotics technology could get so advanced that these cybernetic organisms will begin thinking and acting for themselves, with little regard for human hierarchy. However, the robots we use today are quite harmless and perform a number of useful functions.

Scientists are looking at how robots may function medically to help people live longer, more productive lives. For instance, researchers found that test monkeys can move a robotic hand simply by using their minds. That hand can wave, peel a banana and pick up items, just by reading the brain's electrical output.

Doctors say medical robots can help stroke victims or paraplegics accomplish everyday tasks. Currently, electronic wheelchairs can maneuver and computers can type based on one's thoughts. Dr. Bruce Volpe of the Burke Medical Research Institute is developing a "robotic therapist," which will help stroke patients perform arm exercises. "By improving movement in the shoulder and upper arm, patients can do simple things like push objects across a table, use a computer mouse or write," he explains.

Rehabilitation is another fascinating use for robots. At a consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, Paro Roberts revealed his $6,000 robotic seals that may replace cat and dog therapeutic robots used in hospitals and nursing homes. These exotic machines are also finding their way into homes, as they're cheaper (and easier) than caring for a traditional pet.

This robot, named Paro after its creator, reacts with noises and expressions of approval or disapproval, depending on how it's handled. Japanese robotics engineering creators say that robots could be the key to helping an aging population with problems of loneliness. "Playing with robots reduces problem behavior and they gain a certain peace of mind," explains Toshiyo Tamura, a professor at the National Institute for Longevity Sciences.

Who could forget the ever-so-endearing "Rosie," the house-cleaning robot from The Jetsons? While she seemed like every homeowner's dream come true back in 1962, her doppelgangers are now becoming a reality in 2009. Engineers at MIT Humanoid Robot Group say "Domo" can place objects on a shelf, put away dishes, turn lights on or off, fetch items, put away groceries, set the table, carry boxes and follow basic commands. While the technology is far too expensive to be commonplace in every household right now, the future for intelligent robots is bright.

Educate yourself further about the Robot from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the robotics technology.

MCSE Education Program

In this technology dependent society of business today, remaining on top of the latest computer software packages is of increasing significance to those who wish to finish first. Microsoft rules the market when it comes to desktop and server software applications, and that is the reason keeping up with the latest Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certifications is critical. Professional people in all section of business practices will gain an advantage from the numerous MCSE training programs that are available, and are able to using such certifications to command higher income, move forward in their their job status, or just initiate new careers.

Employing managers and IT specialists see the extremely high level of self-control and knowledge involved to get an MCSE certification, and do recognize the achievement of their potentials or workers. One can obtain the qualifications and knowledge they require on the job, but unless they're aided by an established certification those attributes mean little when trying to find a new job or a promotion.

Bosses want to fill their open jobs with candidates that they know currently have the skills necessary to perform at their chosen jobs, and not with people that claim they have the information but later expose themselves as untrained individuals. An applicant with achievement as well as certificate in an MCSE training program will be more desirable than people that do not, and will possess a edge when it comes to getting the job seeing as how they have evidence to supplement their skills.

Keeping updated on the newest technology additionally makes existence at the job a tad more simple as a rule. You'll never have to be concerned about a greenhorn that's more developed technically arriving to take your place. By being educated in a regimented environment that offers all of the equipment you require to get the most possible from the experience, you will be far ahead of those that try to gain the knowledge through just doing. Increase your earning prospective by outfitting yourself with the knowledge that you'll will gain from the best detailed MCSE training course you will locate.

Seek out a an instructor that gives only the most recent MCSE training programs accessible, in several different configurations letting each person to learn in the way he or she feels is most adequate and acceptable. No matter of what your schedule involves, you can be able to locate a program that revolve in tune your other duties. Whether you desire to obtain a additional skill, or simply brush up on the advancements to remain current, the MCSE education program will cater to your requirements.

Speed Up Your Computer With MSCONFIG Command

This is the single best command ever created for windows in my opinion. It has been there in past versions of window and still exists in Vista. You can control many things with this command but I particularly like it because it controls programs that start automatically. These are also the programs that are using valuable memory. This causes you computer to take longer to load and can slow it down. That is to say if there are a lot of them it can drastically slows down your computer. I have seen times it would take for ever to load. They are running in the background. This can also put needless strain on your hard drive.

How Do I do this?

Left click on the start button. Select Run. Type in MSCONFIG. It is not case sensitive so you don't need to worry about upper and lower case letters. Hit enter. You will see the System Configuration Utility screen come up. Click on the startup tab. Now remove ALL the check boxes in the startup item section. Click apply and then OK when your done. A screen will come up saying to reboot or not. In any case these changes will not take place until you reboot the computer. When the computer does reboot you will need to click the check box in the lower left corner. This will keep the screen from coming up each time you boot the computer.

Now!! You need to go right back into the same screen in the same manner you did before. Click on the startup tab again. Figure out which check box is for your Anti virus and other critical programs that must be running. Normally you need to click on your printer. Therefore you click any box the says HP or whatever your printer is. Click apply again and OK and let the computer reboot. You can just not click these off to start with but I did it this way for beginners. I feel they will more fully understand the effect.

This time you should have only the programs you really need running.

DO NOT mess with any other tabs in this utility unless you know what they are. Especially do not change the SYSTEM.INI or WIN.INI tabs. you could cause the computer not to boot or worse if you do.

Your computer should now run faster in most cases. If you still have a slow computer you nay have a Virus or something else is wrong. See a professional if you are still having problems.

Dennis is a Microsoft A+ Certified Technician with over 15 years of experience. He has a very informative computer blog and website that goes into how to solve numerous computer related problems as well as providing general computer tips, reviews and advice. See:http://www.pcinfospace.com

IT Maintenance Contracts Create Win-Win Partnerships With Your Clients

Many small business computer consultants don't understand how critical IT maintenance contracts are to long-term business success. If you don't base your IT business around long-term contracts and relationships with steady, high-paying clients, you will find yourself scrambling to make ends meet ... and probably will never enjoy the stability or predictable revenue that can help you really enjoy your job and grow your business.

If you want to enjoy a long career as a small business computer consultant, offer IT maintenance contracts. But how should you package them? Of course, you need to think about whether or not you are going to make your long-term contracts fixed price, retainer based or pre-paid blocks of time. Each different type of contract has its own pros and cons, so you have to be very careful as you are constructing the perfect package for you and your valued clients.

The following 4 tips can help you create a strong IT maintenance contracts package, so you can best fulfill your clients' biggest business needs.

  1. Think Carefully When Offering Fixed-Price Agreements. When you offer fixed price service agreements , you can run into a tricky situation. Fixed-price agreements force you to forecast what people will need and want. Most small business consultants don't have the level of skill necessary to accurately predict needs. Regardless of how you price your agreements, make sure you set up a package that ensures that your firm gets paid what your services are worth, and also gives long-term clients an incentive and a discount above and beyond your normal rates, so they feel they are also getting value.
  2. Consider Factors Involved in Packaging Your IT Maintenance Contracts. Think about what goes into a client-consultant agreement. You need to have a strong, compelling package ready to go before you're out on sales calls, presenting your proposals to your prospective customers and clients. Think about big items such as your rate card, your letter of engagement and your actual agreement. Make sure you consult with your trusted business advisers - specifically your accountant and your attorney - to make sure you are creating financially-sensible and legally-binding documents, that really protect you and your clients. Most importantly, think about tangible, compelling benefits you will offer to your clients. These are the extras and perks that will make signing agreements a no brainer for your customers and clients.
  3. Know which Benefits to Offer. There are a lot of benefits you can present to help sell the value-proposition of your IT maintenance contracts to clients. One of these benefits has to do with response time, whether response time for on-site service, response time by phone or response time for remote support. Another important benefit is proactive maintenance. To really get customers off the fence and show them that being on an on-going contract is preferable to a pay-as-you go plan, present benefits such as hourly discounts, waived premiums for after-hours service, emergency service discounts, and response time guarantees.
  4. Remember, One-Shot Deals Are for Amateurs. Professional computer consultants insist on IT maintenance contracts. Put your best foot forward with a strong agreement package for your long-term clients. Otherwise, you will have a whole bunch of non-committal customers calling you once or twice a year, while you sit and wait for the phone to ring. And without on-going contracts, you are probably doing nothing proactive to really solve big business problems through strategic planning, or make your clients' networks more reliable so they can improve their ROI and grow their businesses. On-going service agreements ensure that you have stable sources of ongoing service revenue, that your clients have a trusted source for ongoing IT support, and that you can build real relationships for your professional computer consulting business.

In this article we talked about 4 tips to help you base your computer consulting business on mutually-beneficial, win/win client partnerships.

Learn more about how you can attract great, steady, high-paying clients now at http://www.ITMaintenanceContract.com

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