Burning an Image to a CD

By: J.N Villarreal

 How to Burn an Image to CD

    Collecting family pictures on a computer can be a hassle. Not to mention, those colorful images we find on the internet and save through countless folders; can slow down the CPU on your computer. If you do not want to delete images or simply want to have a backup, then burning those images into a CD is a preferred way to store them away from your pc, and free up quite a bit of memory on your drive.

Download Power Iso

 PowerISO is an excellent CD / DVD / BD image file processing tool, which allows you to open, extract, burn, create, edit, compress, encrypt, split and convert ISO files, and mount ISO files with internal virtual drive. Click on download, then open the file and click next, then install. To download power ISO go here: Power Iso

Run Power ISO

  Run Power ISO, and click the "Open" button on toolbar or choose "File” then “Open" menu to gain access to an existing iso file.  Double clicking the file will also open it. Do not click delete though, if you do, go to the “Recycled bin” to recover the icon.

Insert blank disk

  Once Power Iso is running, make sure to have mounted up a blank CD on your drive.  You can use DVD or CDR for the task. For movies, however, only use DVD‘s since CDR does not support burning movies.

Burning drive

  Choose the burning drive, which holds the disc that you want to burn. Choose the drive by clicking the arrow in the drop down box section after clicking “burn”.

The speed

Next, choose the burning speed. The program installs a default burning speed at the maximum supported by the drive and the media.

Verify written data

Check the option "Verify written data" to verify the data after burning.

Start burning!

 Click "Burn" button to start burning iso file.

Wait for the burn

It should take just a few minutes to burn, depending on how big the file is. Do not turn off your computer in the meantime. Doing so, you will have to restart the burn.

Burning done

Once the images are burned into the CD, the drive should “auto-eject” the disk automatically.

Check CD for errors

    Re-insert the CD back in, to check if the burn was a success. On some occasions, CD’s can have some errors, depending on the manufacturer or the windows operating system. It is always best to check just in case, before you delete those files from your computer. So, make sure you have made backups successfully.

Wrapup

  There are many other options available to store up images; from usb’s, freeware’s or you can try other options, create a “Photobucket” or a social blog to store up images. Beware though, if you do not want your pictures and images on the internet and desire to keep your anonymity, then burning them into a CD is the best option available for you, your friends and your family; since sites such as “photobucket” tends to have hackers lurking around.

tip

“When you are finished burning files into your CD’s, make sure you label them to keep them organized.”

Replace Windows Passwords

By: J.N Villarreal

How to Change the Password in Windows

    There are many reasons to password protect your PC’s. Mainly to protect, your files and personal pictures from others meddling around. In addition, changing the windows password every few weeks helps keep your privacy secure. The process is easy and usually takes just a few minutes. Here are some instructions for you to follow to do just that with windows 7 operating system.

Click Start

Mouse over to the bottom left corner of your screen and click on the windows icon. A pop up should appear displaying a list of programs.

Click on Control Panel

Next, click on control panel to open up a page with “Adjust your computer’s settings” displayed at the top left corner of the screen.

Click on User Accounts

Mouse over to the “User Accounts and Family Safety”, which displays a male and female icon to the left of the link; and double click with your mouse to open the next window. If the link does not show up, click on the icon with the male and female on the display.

Link Does Not Appear

Most of the time when we do not see the link to the “User Accounts”, it is because the icons are set to either “small icons” or “large icons”. To make the link available, do the following:

a) Click on “view by” at the top right of the screen

b) Next, select “category”.

Click on Change Your Password Link

Next, under “User Accounts” click on “Change your Windows password link”. When you click on the link, it will take you to the “Make changes to your user account” page. From there click “Change your password” link to open a box where you will be prompted to enter your current password along with the new password.

Confirm the New Password

Once you have entered the old and new password, type in a word in the “hint” box, which will remind you of your new password. Next, click “Change password” to confirm.  From here on out you will need to type in the new password to log unto windows.

 Putting a password on the computer in the first place can add many levels of security, especially if you have young children, and do not desire to allow them to get on the computer or on the internet. It can be a great way to protect both you and your family from influences found on the internet. It is highly recommended that you change your passwords at least once every few weeks. It can help keep our important files safe from both strangers and family member’s hands.

Tip:

If in the case that you do not remember your password when logging into your windows operating system, using the hint question can help you guess your password.

Checking Power Supply

By J.N Villarreal

 Check the Power Supply on a Computer

    Knowing what PC power supplies do and how they work can be a great help, especially when you want to test the reasons why your PC is malfunctioning. Sometimes, power supplies can be the cause of your computer problems. Here is how you find out if the power supply is the main culprit or not.

Do a troubleshooting first

    If the power supply is not responding, and there is simply no activity on your computer, it is best to inspect the power supply for any damages. If there are any damages, you may need a replacement power supply.

Check to See If the Wall Outlet has Power

  Connect another device such as a T.V or a radio to the wall outlet. If the outlet works and the problem persist, then you have found the source of the problem and you need to get the wall outlet fixed.    

 

Wall Outlet has Power so What Now?

   In the case that the wall outlet has power, check the power cable going to the PC to see if the AC voltage is making its way towards the system.

Use a Millimeter

   Check if the power cable contains voltage by using a multimeter. The multimeter will tell you if there is power in the cable or not.

 

There is Power In the Power Cable

If there is power in the power cable, then you need to open the PC and check for power from the power supply to the motherboard.

Check for Re-booting Problems:

The main problem with a failing power supply is that your computer may shut off without warning. If there are any booting errors when the computer restarts, then it is another indicator that the problem is within the power supply itself.

Check for power distribution problems

If the hard drive receives power, and yet the CDROM drive does not, then it is another indicator that the power supply is failing, since you may receive power at one device, but not another.

Check Power Supply Itself

   In the case that the wall outlet and power cord is good, you need to make sure that the connection with the motherboard is secure. Next, it is time to check the power supply itself by following these simple steps.

a)      Turn off the computer, but be careful not to unplug it.

b)      Set the multimeter to read DC volts in the next range higher than 12 volts

c)      Locate a power connector similar to the hard drive or the cdrom drive connector that is unused

d)      Turn on the PC and insert the black probe into the power connector on one of the black wires.

e)      Touch the red probe to the yellow wire on the power connector.

f)       Check the multimeter, which should be at +12 volts.

g)      Next, touch the red probe to the red wire. The reading should be at +5 volts

 If there are no readings, or different readings occurred then it is time to get you a new power supply. In the case that the readings were correct; however, you should check the P8 or P9 connectors at the motherboard.

Note:  If you see P4 and P5, they are the same as P8 and P9

Checking the Motherboard

 To check the motherboard, follow these steps: 

a)      Insert the black probe into the P8 at one of the black wires.

b)      Insert the red probe into the P8 connector at the RED wire. The reading on the multimeter should be +5 volts.

c)      Check the power going to the Motherboard connections by inserting the RED probe into P8 at the YELLOW wire and you should get +12 volts.

d)     Leave the BLACK wire touching the black wire at the P8 connector. Check the BLUE wire and the reading should be a -12 volts.

e)      Next, move the black probe to the black wire on the P9 connector.

f)       Test the WHITE wire by inserting the RED probe and the reading should be -5 volts. Check the RED wire on the P9 connector and you should get +5 volts on each red wire. You will not get exactly five or 12 volts but the readings will be very close, such as 5.02 volts.

g)      If the Power Supply is a couple of volts off, in either direction, such as when the RED wire should be reading -5 volts but it reads -8 volts, or if there are no readings, replace the power supply.

Wrap-up

    Computers tend to break down overtime, and perhaps too much abuse, or power outages can cause the power supply to fail.  If you do not feel comfortable performing these tasks, it is best to call a technician for help.

Tip

“Do not perform these tests if you do not know what you are doing. There is high voltage present so never open the power supply case either.”

Controlling Mosquito Infestation- Leading Cause Dengue & Malaria

By: J.N Villarreal

How to Control a Mosquito Infestation around Your Home

   Prevent them from breeding

   

Mosquitos can be a detrimental pest, particularly when seated within your backyard savoring a moment of relaxation.  Your ears catches the sound of a buzz as it gets closer, until it lands on your face, and before you realize it...wham! You have just landed a slap square on your face while looking at the gruesome scene square centered in your hands. Ouch! Moreover, while looking up, a swarm of black dots flies overhead and you realize you have a very serious problem as you begin to worry about the health of your family. Here are a few steps to take to deal with these annoying little vampires.

Fill in any hollow Areas

     When you have used woods within your garden, fill in the woods decomposing openings as well as holes in which harness water.

Mosquito Repellant

  Many comes with a very good aroma, others without having stench whatsoever. You can buy these at the regional stores or even supermarkets at an affordable price. There are some high tech ones such as Thermacell, which is  excellent to keep them away in as much as 15 yards.

A number of organic repellants include:

• a)      Citronella Oil
• b)      Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
• c)      Cinnamon Oil
• d)      Castor Oil

Clean your gutters!

  Clogged gutters, when unnoticed can breed over a hundred or so mosquitoes by itself. They can build up mineral water and provide the right place for breeding.

Clean Swimming Pools

It is a great idea to cover up swimming pools with the use of thermal blankets. This will prevent mosquitoes from breeding. In addition, if there are any rain water stored over the blankets, turn them over to rid of unnecessary stored water.

Avoiding Mosquito attraction

a)      Dark Clothing

b)      Carbon Dioxide

c)      Lactic Acid

d)      Floral or Fruity Fragrances

e)      Skin Temperature

       f) Moisture

Stop Leaks

Dripping taps or pipe joints usually leads to a pool somewhere and provide yet another matingground for the mosquitoes. Most of these needs to get fixed as soon as possible or the issue will not be resolved.

Fill in the Low Hollowed Areas on your Property

  
Patio holes can form pools that occasionally remain for several weeks at a stretch. It is advisable to fill these up and avoid standing water.

Seal up your Home

Doors and window screens needs to be closed to prevent mosquitos from invading your house. In addition, make sure to screen up the property since the mosquitoes do can fit through any small holes and invite themselves in.

Call your local governmental office

  During rainy seasons, outbreaks are very common and it may turn out to be beyond your control. In this case, call governmental offices and complain about the problem. Talk to your neighbors, family and friends do the same the achieve a quick response.

Wrapup

   Mosquitos are indeed a health nuisance that needs to be taken seriously, since they are carriers of many diseases such as Dengue and Malaria. Preventing these insects from spawning will protect your  family and your home. Do your part and take the necessary precautions mentioned here. The last thing you want is to be dinner for these pests, and you just happen to be at the top of the main menu!

Tip

"Turn over any unused pots or hollowed areas that has the potential of harnessing water."