How to fix common driver problems

2010-11-21T03:26:00.000Z

A driver is a small software program that allows a hardware device to communicate with a computer. When hardware installed in or attached to a computer doesn't work properly, it is often because of a driver problem.

Here are some common problems with drivers, and tips to solve them.

I just installed a new hardware device, and it's not working correctly.

If hardware isn't working properly, you might need a new driver-whether you installed the device recently or have had it installed since you acquired your computer. Every device needs a driver that allows it to communicate with your computer. Sometimes drivers need to be updated. All your drivers must be compatible with this version of Windows.

Usually, you can find the driver you need on the disc that came with the hardware or device you want to use, or on the manufacturer's website. Also, drivers come with Windows or can be found by going to Windows Update in Control Panel and checking for updates.

There are several things you can try if you have a device that is not working correctly:

Make sure that the hardware device is compatible with your computer and with your version of Windows. If the device is not compatible, you will need to find the correct driver. Check the information that came with your device.

Many devices require special drivers to work properly. Be sure that you have installed any software discs that came with the device.

Restart the computer. Restarting might be necessary if the driver requires it or if the driver did not install correctly.

My device used to work, but now it doesn't.

There are several things you can try:

Go to the manufacturer's site to see if an updated driver is available for your device. So, if it's a Dell, go to dell.com for the Dell drivers you need.

Find the disc that came with the device and place it in the computer's CD drive to update the driver for the device.

Use Windows Update, the updated drivers might be available.

Update the drivers with a driver updater, it may help you get the driver updates you need automatically and correctly.

I can't connect to the Internet to update my drivers.

If you do not have a connection to the Internet, you might need to update your network driver manually. If you have the disc that came with the device, place it in the CD drive and manually update the driver.

If you can't find the disc, try to connect to the Internet from another computer and download the device driver from the device manufacturer's website. Once you have the device driver files, copy them to the computer with a problem.

Top 10 Best Free iPad Apps

2010-11-10T11:52:00.000Z

1. Red Ball

This highly addictive game isn't the number one most downloaded free iPad app for nothing. While the game-play controls need a bit of improvement, it's a pretty fun game, especially considering the price.

2. Facebook

Apple's senior vice president of iPhone software, Considering that anyone with a decent amount of Facebook friends can access a wealth of profiles, updates, photos, and more, you can use it to be the hippest stalker ever.

3. Flickr

Flickr has always been a great resource for photographers and photography fans. With Flickr on the iPad, you'll be able to cycle through Flickr's amazing collection of photos with a much bigger screen.

4. NBC Olympic

With the Winter Olympics just a few short days a way, this new app from NBC will let you keep up with medal counts and updates on all of the action from Vancouver. The app will also allow viewers to access video highlights for free.

5. AP Mobile

If you want to take a break from the New York Times iPad app, then check out AP Mobile. This comprehensive app offers stories,photos, videos, and more. With the larger screen, videos & photos around the globe are bound to pop more.

6. Virtuoso Piano Free

Here's an app that looks a bit like the life-size piano from the movie Big (when compared with how it looks on the iPhone). It's also not just for seasoned musicians. The app helps you learn to play the piano by labeling the keys by their notes.

7. Kindle

If Apple plans to let Kindle stay on the iPhone/iPad platform, the Kindle app would be a good alternative to Apple's new iBooks bookstore. All the Kindle users out there who want to give the iPad a spin but want access to all their Kindle-format ebooks might best appreciate this app.

8. Epicurious

Love to cook? If so, the Epicurious iPad app is made for you. This App lets you brows recipes (complete with delicious looking pictures) and create shopping lists for the ingredients you need.

9. Box.net

With a free Box.net account you can share and collaborate on all types of files, making it a perfect app for students or employees who need to collaborate on documents or projects.

10. Shazam

The Shazam iPad app recognizes the song for you and lets you listen to previews and purchase the tracks. The iPad version features faster song recognition and, for a limited time, the launch version includes unlimited tagging.

For more information about iPad, you can check out this site for iPad books download.

Getting drivers for unknown devices on manufacturer's site

2010-11-05T08:35:00.000Z

Visiting the hardware manufacturer's support site for driver help is very common. But what if we don't know the make/models of the component?

Here are 4 ways to solve the dilemma.

1. Accessing the System Information Menu

For Windows XP and Windows Vista, the steps to access the System Information menu on a PC are relatively the same. They are:
Click on the Start button→All Programs→Accessories→System Tools→System Information

2. Examining the Set Up menu at boot up time

When you start up your system, usually a message will flash across the bottom of the screen letting you know what to do to enter the system set up menu. Most of the time, you just need to press a function key like F2. In some cases, there is actually a button specially designed for this purpose, such as a blue button on some laptop models.

With this function, you will get the necessary information for identifying the motherboard and BIOS (basic input/output system).

3. Running systems diagnostic tools

DrWatson is a common systems diagnostic tool that is installed on many computers when you buy them. There are other programs too. Whatever the program is, make sure that it is virus free and appropriate for the operating system you are using.

Usually, these programs will provide troubleshooting, better and more understandable information than your operating system.

4. Using information from the make/model/serial number label to locate specific parts on vendor website

Computer manufacturers may have chosen to use several brands of the same component. So, if you are familiar with the component, look the make, model or series information up on a few popular component websites.

This should give you a part or list of parts that could be used on your computer. If you see the same part manufacturer and model number show up in several places, probably that's the information you are looking for.

Besides, we can also use a right driver update software to get drivers for unknown devices on manufacturer's site

Driver update programs (like Driver Robot) actually download drivers from the device manufacturer's site, organize them and make the driver needed available for visitors. Therefore, a good driver updater can help you get the correct drivers indirectly but automatically and easily from the manufacturer's site.

iPad tips

2010-10-26T12:21:00.000Z

Tip 1

How to Transfer Local eBooks to iPad with iTunes?

Reading local eBooks on iPad is an amazing experience. If you have some eBooks on your local computer, you can transfer them to iPad via iTunes. Here is the guide shows you how to transfer local eBooks to iPad with iTunes.

Step 1. Put your eBooks into iTunes books library

Launch iTunes on your compute, go to File > Add File to Library ... or File > Add Folder to Library. .. to add local ePub eBooks or folder to iTunes Book Library.

Step 2.Connect your iPad to PC

Connect your iPad to your PC via USB cable.

Step 3. Transfer eBook to iPad with iTunes

Click on your iPad in the source list under Devices. Then click the Books tab at the top of the window. Here you can choose whether to sync all books or selected books. And then click apply button, you can have your selected iPad Books successfully synced.

Tip 2

How to Import Document to Pages for iPad?

Creating a new document in Pages for the iPad is easy enough - but what if you want to work on an existing document that you created on your Mac or PC? Is there any solution to import documents to pages on iPad?

To import existing documents to Pages for iPad, there are mainly three ways. One is to make it as an email attachment. Two is to download from the web. The third is toimport document to Pages for iPad from a Mac or PC using File Sharing in iTunes, which is what we talk about in this tutorial.

Step 1: Connect iPad and Select Apps

Make sure your iPad is connected to your Mac or PC and select it in iTunes.Then Select Apps tab on the top.

Step 2: Select Pages on iPad

From the Apps list in the File section, select Pages. By default, you should see one document - Getting Started.doc.a This is the document that Pages for the iPad comes with. To upload a file to your iPad so you can edit it with Pages, click the add … button.

Step 3: Import Document to Page for iPad

Navigate to the document you wanted to transfer to your iPad, select it and click the choose button.

Step 4: Import Document to Page for iPad

To export, or download documents from your iPad to your Mac or PC - select the file from the Pages Documents column and click the save to...button.

Step 5: Save the Document

Select a folder to save the document from Pages and click the choose button.

How to find drivers for HP Printer?

2010-10-25T03:20:00.000Z

Now if you just purchased a new retail version of HP printer, it likely came with a compact disc with the hp printer drivers installed. However, if for some reason, you've lost it or picked up the Officejet 6000 Wireless Printer used and without the drivers, this article will tell you where to find the correct drivers.
First, let's try the manufacturer's website. Most computer hardware peripheral product drivers can be found directly on the manufacturer's website. So let's check that out. First, go to www.hp.com , then, on the top of the page near the center we're going to click on where it says, "support and drivers", next, we're going to choose the "download drivers and software (and firmware)" option and click on that dot to choose it. Then where it says, "Enter a product name/number", type "Officejet 6000 Wireless" and click "go". Now we see a screen where it lists most of the current computer operating systems. Windows xp, Windows Vista, and the new Windows 7 are among them. Assuming you are aware of what operating system you have, find your operating system and click on it. (If you don't know, it is explained how to find out what operating system you're running below) You'll now see a list of drivers. My suggestion would be to choose a right driver update software. You'll have the choice of an English language only version or multiple languages. Choose the one that you want.
Now you'll see a user agreement that you may read if you wish and the file itself at the top of the page. Click on the file following the words..."File name". Pay attention to where it is saved to. After it's finished downloading, find the file, double click on the file and go through the self explanatory installation.
Now let's find out what operating system you have on your PC.
If you are unaware what operating system you are using, here's how you find out. On your Windows PC, click the "start" menu on the bottom left corner of your computer screen. Choose "Control Panel". If your view is in the "category view", click on "performance and maintenance", and then click "system". Your system properties should pop up. Click on the "General" tab at the top of the window if it's not already selected. On the top where it says, "System" your operating system should be listed. If you view your control panel in the "classic view" choose the "system" icon and the identical information will appear.
So do you have it all installed? How's your new printer working? Hopefully, you're in the midst of a printing frenzy. If you're having any trouble in finding correct printer drivers , feel free to contact HP technical support. In the USA, you can call them twenty four hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-HP invent. When you call, have your printer's Serial Number (S/N), product name, model number, and a description of what's wrong.
Good luck and don't worry. We'll have you up and printing in no time.

How to update your drivers?

2010-10-25T02:25:00.000Z

When we come across driver issues, normally we will go to the manufacturer's site or use Windows Update for right driver updates to fix the problem. However, what should we do if neither way works?

Actually, driver updaters are very popular programs which can help you update your drivers automatically and easily. Here take Driver Robot for example to guide you how to use a driver update software to update your HP drivers.

Step 1: download & install Driver Robot

To start the automatic driver updating process, you first need to download the Driver Robot setup file from here: Driver Robot setup (executable, 5.1MB). The setup file will take 20-30 seconds to download on to your computer. When it is finished, find it on your HP computer and run it.

Notice: Once Driver Robot's setup program is running, you should see a screen welcoming you to the installer. Press "Next" to continue to the End User License Agreement (EULA). You have to say "Yes" to this agreement in order to proceed; press "Next" when you're ready.

As soon as you agree to the EULA, Driver Robot will begin extracting on to your system. Rest assured that this installation process is 100% reversible. The moment Driver Robot is finished installing, it will run automatically and offer to scan your system for new HP driver updates.

Step 2: Initial system scan

Right after you install Driver Robot, it spends about 2 minutes scanning and identifying your HP computer's hardware. It also looks at the age and accuracy of the drivers you currently have installed.

Driver Robot uses this data to compare your system to its massive driver database in order to make recommendations.

Step 3: Driver scan results

After Driver Robot is finished scanning your system for missing or out-of-date HP drivers, it reports its findings to you.

It's here that Driver Robot makes recommendations regarding updates to your computer's drivers. Driver Robot always recommends the latest official drivers .

Step 4: Driver download and installation

Driver Robot now downloads and installs the latest device drivers for your PC, directly from the manufacturer. The installation process is fast and easy.

If you a DELL, ATI or ASUS user, you can also update your DELL drivers, ATI drivers or ASUS drivers easily and correctly the way updating HP drivers.

Driver Robot is with massive driver database, fast scan technology and great user interface, this make it the industry leader in driver scanning. With Driver Robot, you can always be guaranteed to receive the latest official drivers.

Driver issue fix-reinstall or updat

2010-10-19T09:26:00.000Z

What is a driver?

A driver is a program that controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer. It consists of software code that allows your PC's operating system to interact with a hardware device. Every driver performs a different function due to the fact that there are so many devices that connect to your PC's operating system. A driver provides a way for your PC to communicate with the device.

Driver issue and fix

If a device isn't working properly, this probably indicates that the driver you installed for it is incorrect or out-of-date. In this case, we need a right and new driver which is stable, functional, secure and compatible with windows to ensure proper operation of the supported device for the computer.

How to get the driver we need?

Before reinstallation or update, we need to get a correct and new driver. Here are four sources for the driver we need.

1. The manufacturer's site

It's the best place to get drivers for any device.

2. A driver download website

It becomes a popular source to download drivers nowadays. Actually, they download drivers from the device manufacturer's site, organize them, thus make them available to visitors.

3. Windows Update

It's another working driver download option. Since the drivers are downloaded and installed automatically as part of the Windows Update process, you don't need to download them in the typical sense.

4. A third-party developer

Last but not the least, a third-party developer. These driver developers usually are not affiliated with the hardware device manufacturer or the operating system company. They just specifically design the software like a driver updater to work with a particular piece of hardware. Usually, the drivers downloaded are safe and well-tested.

How to reinstall or update?

After we get the correct driver, we are now reinstalling or updating it.

Steps on how to reinstall a driver:

1. Log on to your computer as an administrator

2. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and click Manage. Under System Tools, click Device Manager

3. In the right pane, expand any of the categories to find the hardware you need to reinstall, right-click the device, and then click Uninstall. In the Confirm Device Removal dialog box, click the OK button

4. If you see a message asking if you want to restart your computer, click Yes. You can also manually restart your computer instead. After restarting your computer, Windows will automatically detect and reinstall the hardware you need to reinstall.

Steps on how to update a driver:

1. Open Windows Device Manager

2. Locate the device you wish to update the drivers for and right click it, Click Properties

3. In the Properties window, click the Driver tab and click the Update Driver button

4. In the Hardware Update Wizard, point Windows to the location of the updated drivers on your hard disk drive., the drivers will be updated.

Device drivers

2010-10-15T09:07:00.000Z

A device driver is a program that controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer. It consists of software code that allows your PC's operating system to interact with a hardware device. Every device driver performs a different function due to the fact that there are so many peripheral devices that connect to your PC's operating system. Peripheral devices are devices such as printers, hard drives, scanners and keyboards. The device driver provides a way for your PC to communicate with the peripheral device.
How does a device driver work?
For example, let's say you want to print a document to your printer. Windows accesses the Function Dispatch Table for the function code required to carry out this task. It then sends a request to the appropriate device, in this case your printer. Requests are called IRPs or Input/Output Request Packets. When the printer driver receives and IRP, it does one of three things: it either understands and does its function followed by sending a confirmation notice that the job is complete; it accepts the request and places it in a queue (if the device is busy doing something else); or it notifies Windows that there's a problem and it cannot perform the request.
Generally, device drivers operate in a mode called "kernel" mode. Windows handles program codes in either user or kernel mode. User mode is typically used for programs. When using user mode, programs can call and use services provided by the operating system but cannot access the hardware directly. Processes running in kernel mode can interact with system memory and hardware.
Advice about device drivers
Like computer programs, device drivers and hardware can cause computer crashes and instability which needs to be fixed by replacing or updating a device driver sometimes to solve the computer and hardware problems. Therefore, it is important to note that before you install a device driver it is a good idea to check the website of the manufacturer for the peripheral device to make sure that you have the right driver updates available.
You can also check to see if the driver has been digitally signed by Microsoft which means the driver has been approved by Microsoft for compatibility with the Windows operating system. You can check the signature by clicking on "Start" on your main toolbar on the desktop and then clicking on "Run." Type "sigverif" into the command prompt to run a scan of all of your device drivers and to verify which drivers contain signatures.

iPad music and eBook apps

2010-10-14T09:26:00.000Z

If you do have an iPad or are planning on getting one, you should know that you are in for a wonderful world of music and eBooks-centric applications to play with. Following list shows top 8 iPad music apps and iPad ebook apps for you.

iPad music apps

1. StreamToMe

The StreamToMe application lets you use your iPad to play video and music files - in a wide variety of formats without prior conversion - streamed directly over WiFi from your Mac or PC. If you connect the video-out cable for iPad, StreamToMe can play through your TV, turning your iPhone/iPod plus Mac/PC into a home.

2. Shiny Drum

Shiny Drum is a music application for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad designed by OutOfTheBit and Leo Di Angilla, the creators of Vintage Drum (app featured by Apple in many countries), iBongos, iCongas, iTimbales, iPandeiro.

3. TabToolkit

TabToolkit for iPad is an Apple Design Awards 2010 winner! TabToolkit is an incredibly powerful guitar tablature and music notation viewer, now with multi-track playback! An essential tool for learning and practicing music, TabToolkit includes an audio synthesis engine so you can listen to and control the audio for all tracks individually.

4. Beatwave

Create amazing beats and tunes without any musical ability using Beatwave for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Using just your finger, you'll be turning out wicked tracks for FREE that amaze your friends and family, in no time at all!

5. Pianist Pro

Pianist, the ORIGINAL iPhone piano, turns Professional in an all new iPad-only app with photo-realistic graphics and an unbelievable sound. Recommended by The New York Times, The Independent,The Daily Telegraph, and Rolling Stone Magazine, Pianist Pro was the number one music app for the iPad at release and has remained high in the charts ever since.

6. Pandora

Pandora Radio is your own free personalized radio now available to stream music on your iPhone or iPad. Just start with the name of one of your favorite artists, songs or classical composers and Pandora will create a "station" that plays their music and more music like it.

7. SoundHound

SoundHound is instant music search & discovery. This free version gives you unlimited voice and text searches, unlimited lyrics, and 5 free super-fast music recognition searches every month.

8. PatternMusic

Create compelling, original music on your iPad™ with PatternMusic™ MXXIV. PatternMusic was designed to inspire creativity, learning and experimentation in music enthusiasts and experts alike

iPad eBook apps

Book

Has the nicest landscape mode and is the only app which allows in app purchasing of books.

You can also add your own content via iTunes so long as the content is in epub format. Does not allow annotations. App is free.

Kindle

This is the only iPad eBook download app that allows you to take annotations or notes. It also allows synching across devices. New content can be purchased via the Amazon store but not within the app itself.

Note: You cannot add old content or content purchased at other vendors unless you own a Kindle reader.

Kobo

Nice interface but limited by way of content.

Not all content you purchase can be viewed in the App. There is no way to add old content or content purchased at other ebookstores. App is free.

Bookself LT

Allows you to easily add your own content via iTunes, over the air using Bonjour or via a webserver like feedbooks or your own created calibre cloud catalog.

The LT version has an ad at the top but is free. Has autoscrolling. The paid version is $4.99.

ReadMe

Easy access to online catalogs including your own calibre generated cloud catalog.

No bookstore access & thus new books cannot be purchased and added without computer access. App is $1.99.

GoodReader

Great for reading PDFs, Word Docs, and other supported formats but does not allow interactivity.

You can add content a multiple of ways including accessing the attachments in your email box. Does not read ePubs.

iPad Supported Formats

2010-10-12T08:18:00.000Z

iPad - is now the hottest tablet computer from Apple. The 9.7-inch high-resolution screen makes iPad perfect for watching HD movies, TV shows, podcasts, music videos, reading and more.
However, the formats supported by the iPad are relatively limited compared to the number of formats available on the market. So what are iPad supported video, audio, TV and ebook formats?
Read this tutorial to learn what are iPad supported.

iPad Supported Video Formats
H.264 video (up to 720p, 30 frames per second; main profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats)
MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats.
Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format .

iPad Supported Audio Formats
AAC (16 to 320 Kbps); protected AAC (from iTunes Store)
MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR
Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4)
Apple Lossless
AIFF; WAV

iPad Supported TV Formats
Support for 1024 by 768 pixels with Dock Connector to VGA Adapter;
576p and 480p with Apple Component AV Cable;
576i and 480i with Apple Composite AV Cable.

iPad Supported eBook Formats
ePub - This open iPad eBook format is used by many online stores. You can also convert other formats to ePub and then sync them to the iPad via iTunes.
PDF - PDF is the reigning downloading document format on the website, so you're likely to find ebooks in this format. The iPad lets you transfer PDF to iPad and read them via third-party apps.
iBooks - The books purchased through the iBooks Store are actually in ePub format, but include DRM to prevent unauthorized sharing or copying.
Kindle - Amazon's Kindle isn't just an ereader that competes with the iPad, it's also an ebook format. Though you can't read Kindle books through the iBooks apps, you can read them on the iPad using Amazon's Kindle app.
Barnes & Noble - Just like with Amazon, Barnes & Noble has an app that lets you buy read books purchased from their online store on the iPad.