Your Computer Can’t Keep Time

Your Computer Can’t Keep Time

A computer needs a certain amount of information to operate; for example, the date and time, the amount of memory installed, the number of drives and their configuration, and so on. In the early days of computers, either the user typed in this information each time the computer started, or it was set using DIP switches and jumpers. Today, computers store this information in a CMOS chip that uses a small battery to retain the information when the computer is shut off.
CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) is type of chip that consumes very little power; therefore, while the computer is turned off, the battery discharges very slowly. But the battery will totally discharge if you leave your computer turned off for a year or so. Even if you turn your computer on every day, the battery is designed to last only a couple of years. Occasionally a battery will fail prematurely.
Today’s plug-and-play computers can detect most of the necessary settings, but if your CMOS battery is dead, your computer will not be able to retain the date and time. The computer will also lose any custom settings, for example, the boot sequence. If you set a password in CMOS, you may be locked out of the computer. If the CMOS battery does fail, you might receive the message “System Configuration Lost” when you start the computer. It would be wise to record all the CMOS settings as a precaution.
To record the CMOS settings, watch for an on-screen prompt when you first start your computer. The prompt tells you to press a key, usually the Del or F2, to enter CMOS. To enter the CMOS configuration utility, you have to press the indicated key while the message is on the screen. After the CMOS configuration screen appears, follow the instructions provided to page through all the screens and record all the settings.
If your computer loses its time setting overnight, the CMOS battery may not be holding a charge. The CMOS battery is located inside the case on the motherboard. Changing the battery is usually a job for a computer technician. In fact, a layman might not even be able to find the battery.
If you want to locate the CMOS battery in your computer, be aware that a static discharge from your hands can damage components inside the case. After taking proper precautions, open the case and look on the motherboard for a battery. If you have a diagram of your motherboard, locate the battery on the diagram first.
Different motherboards use different types of batteries. The battery may be shaped like a barrel or a coin. Some motherboards use a component that resembles a chip which contains the CMOS and the battery (made by DALLAS or Benchmarq). Batteries come in different voltages, so make sure you get an exact replacement.
Sometimes the battery is mounted in a holder. Sometimes it is soldered to the motherboard. De-soldering and re-soldering a battery is usually a job for a computer technician. An inexperienced solderer can cause a lot of damage. If you want to try to do it yourself, first practice on an obsolete circuit board. You may change your mind.
If the CMOS battery has failed because it’s too old, this might be an opportunity to upgrade your motherboard. When upgrading a motherboard, the most important considerations are to make sure the new motherboard is the correct form factor for your case, and that the new motherboard has the correct bus connector slots for your expansion boards.
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Keep Your Notebook Compuer Longer! A Safety and Care Guide for Laptop Computers

Keep Your Notebook Compuer Longer! A Safety and Care Guide for Laptop Computers

Laptop computers – also known as notebook computers – have become an important part of our lives. They are more affordable than ever and as popular as cell phones. A laptop computer has a versatility that the home PC does not provide. With its smaller size it is portable and easier to carry along. This makes it convenient to use in many situations. You can take it to work and back home as well as take it on more extensive travel.

Laptop computers are not just for older working people anymore. Because of its ease of use, more young people are using them for school and college. They can access the Internet almost anywhere and provide updates for work, research, and even games.

Taking Care of Your Laptop or Notebook Computer

It is important to take care of your laptop computer and protect it from accidents. They are designed for heavy use but common sense will tell you that you need to be prudent in your treatment.

One of the first recommendations is to buy a case designed for a notebook computer. These are made with padding to protect your laptop computer from wear and tear and protection in case you drop it. It is not good to carry your notebook computer unprotected or in a purse or backpack. You can easily find a case by shopping online where you will find 1000s of products to choose from.

Another important tip for laptop computer care is to keep food and drinks away from it. Even a small amount of liquid is enough to ruin the delicate components in the laptop computer. It means almost certain replacement, and most warranties will not cover it. It is not worth the risk to lose all your data.

Protect Your Notebook Computer

When using your laptop computer you should always use a surge protector. An electrical surge may not hurt it one time, but continued surges could destroy it. If you are using a cable or dial-up modem during a storm, be sure to unplug it. Lightening can travel through phone lines and ruin the laptop computer.

You should not leave your notebook computer in a cold environment. This can cause condensation when you return it to a warm area and could cause the circuitry to short it out. If it has been in the cold, let it warm up before turning it on.

When traveling with your laptop computer, be sure to charge all your batteries before you leave. You might not know when you will be able to charge them again. On a long trip, take extra batteries to avoid this problem. By shopping online, you can find the supplies you need as well as other products such as iPods, jewelry, games, toys, sporting goods, pet supplies and cell phones – even free gifts.

Do not leave your notebook computer unattended and do not check it as baggage when flying. Keep it in your hands at all times to avoid the possibility of theft. Don’t try to disassemble or repair your laptop computer; this is a job for professionals. You may inadvertently cause more damage by your lack of knowledge.

Shopping Online

When you are ready to buy a laptop computer, cell phone, iPod, or other electronics, shopping online will provide everything you need.

Keep Your Skin Looking Young With These Tips

Keep Your Skin Looking Young With These Tips

When you are dealing with your skin, there are countless tips and suggestions. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of the best way to take care of your skin. But, this article outlines just a few brilliant ways to take care of your skin. They can help to get you on track to having the skin you desire.

If your skin is in need of intensive moisturizing treatment, purchase a bottle of pure vitamin E tablets. The oil inside of these tablets can be released by breaking open the capsule. It should then be applied directly to the problem areas. Vitamin E is well known as one of the best moisturizers, and the pure oil will not contain as many extra chemicals as vitamin E creams.

When using a salt or sugar scrub to exfoliate your skin, use the product for a longer amount of time, but do not increase the pressure. Applying too much pressure while you exfoliate may cause damage to sensitive skin. By exfoliating longer, not harder, you will remove impurities and dead skin without stripping away the skin’s protective oils.

There are many guides, books, and online resources that can teach you how to care for your skin and maintain healthy skin. However, if you are still concerned or if you have a particular skin problem, do not hesitate to visit a dermatologist. A dermatologist has the expertise to access your skin and offer recommendations tailored specifically to you. It is the kind of advice that cannot be replaced.

If you have rosacea, you should figure out what are the triggers that cause you to have red, flushed skin. Every person’s triggers for rosacea are somewhat different, although there are some that almost everyone with rosacea will recognize: red wine, hot water, and exposure to wind and cold.

Wear makeup every day? Then consider going au natural one day a week to give your face a breather. And don’t forget to wash off your makeup each and every night before going to bed! It can clog your pores to sleep in makeup and will often lead to breakouts.

To keep your beautiful sunless tan from going to “Maui wowie” to “Minnesota pale,” apply moisturizing lotion at least twice a day. The body loses millions of skin cells every day. When you apply lotion, it keeps old skin feeling new and slows the time it takes for old cells to slough off.

A really good skin care tip is to always keep your hands covered when the weather is cold. The skin on the hands is thinner than other places, which makes it easier to crack and become irritated. By wearing gloves and keeping your hands covered, you can keep your hands moist and healthy.

As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, taking care of your skin can be a challenge if you are not able to decide on the best way to do so. But, if you can apply these practical tips on taking care of your skin, you will be on your way to having the skin you want.