Thursday, 17 February 2011 20:09 | Written by Julie Dreese | | |
What is AVI?
AVI stands for Audio Video Interleave and is probably the most common file format for multimedia files. Microsoft is the developer of AVI. It was created to be part of the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF), which divides a file’s data into separate pieces. AVI carries, or contains, one of the file parts. AVI is called a “container format” because it stores data instead of codes it. The data is held there until a codec can come along and put the whole file back together.
What is a codec?
Codecs are programs that work to shrink down large files like movies and music so you can download them and then play them on your PC. Because music and movie files are so large, it’s almost impossible to upload or download them quickly. So codecs step in to encode or shrink the original, raw file and then decode it as a high-quality file version.
Monday, 27 September 2010 16:52 | Written by Julie Dreese | | |
There are dozens of little things that ever PC user should know about your own computer. Whether it’s for minor troubleshooting, purchasing new software, or just to be able to answer the “What’s your IP address” questions from online tech support, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 things you should know about your computer.
1. RAM Use and Processor Type
Access your Task Manager by pushing Ctrl+Shift+Esc at the same time. Click on the Performance tab. This will tell you how much RAM you are currently using. How much d o you need depends on your operating system and what you do with your PC. Gaming etc eats up a lot of memory. Windows XP runs best at 510 MB to 1 GB. Older operating systems can run with less memory.
To find out what CPU or processor your PC has, right-click on My Computer and click Properties.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010 19:31 | Written by Julie Dreese | | |
When you start up your PC, there are dozens of invisible processes that go into effect. To see what’s happening in the background of your PC, push Ctrl+Shift+Esc. A pop-up Windows Task Manager window will open listing all of the processes that are being utilized.
Friday, 03 September 2010 17:11 | Written by Moses K. | | |
Even with computers getting smaller and more and more digital devices available that can store your files there are still a number of reasons why you may want to have a USB Flash Drive. Whatever you call them, these USB drives are tiny devices that can store a huge amount of data and allow you to take it with you were ever you go and access it from other computers and digital devices.
While most USB devices automatically format to your PC by downloading appropriate drivers, knowing how to format it manually will always come in handy. This is especially true if you ever need to use your USB as an installer or if you need to reformat it due to a virus or error. Here is a simple how-to for formatting (or re-formatting) your USB Flash Drive.
Friday, 09 July 2010 14:45 | Written by Moses K. | | |
The Runtime Command is one of the most useful and least used features of the Windows Operating System. It allows Windows users to quickly open files and run programs without clicking on icons or creating shortcuts on the desktop. It is a simple and quick way to make using your PC easier, and it makes using your mouse or laptop touchpad less necessary.
To access the Run command in Windows you can either select the Run function from the Start menu in older versions of the Windows Operating System or by hitting the Winkey+r to open the Run Command Window. From there you can type in one of the following commands.
1. Open a webpage without opening Internet Explorer
This is perhaps one of the most useful, but least used Run Command functions. Simple type in the address you are looking to navigate to and hit OK. This will either launch Internet Explorer if it is not open, or open a new tab.
Personal Tech
Personal Tech
Thursday, 17 February 2011 20:09 | 
Written by Julie Dreese | 
