Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Easiest ways to make your computer faster

All the Time i hear the saying, "Well, my computer is too slow to do that," or "Can you make my computer faster?" I've heard it so much in the past week, i finally just broke down and decided to make this blog. I will tell you a few tips to keeps your computer running in good shape. Now, if your computer is more than five years old, this might help you, but i will guarantee it for newer computers.
1 - Remove old programs that you do not use anymore. Especially if they are large and you have a newer version; just be careful not to remove something you didn't mean to remove.

2 - Turn off Start up items. If you've seen this before, it's because it works.
  1. Use the System Configuration Utility to safely turn off programs that start-up through the Windows Registry. Access this utility by going to the Start-->Run
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
  3. Under the Startup tab there is a list of all the programs that start in the Windows Registry. By unchecking many of the programs you can speed up the launch time of Windows. Also, have caution when playing with the services tab. This regulates your background tasks. If you want to disable it, just be sure to make sure it's not important before you disable it.
3 - Defrag your hard drive. This usually makes things much faster. You can find MS Disk Defragmenter under Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools. Just be warned, defragging your hard drive is a very SLOW process. Try to turn it on before you go to bed. That usually works well.

4 - Make sure your hard drive is in good condition. Please See Here

5 - Clean off your desktop. Slow computers are caused by Slow desktops. Use folders to organize. Also, don't put too many files in just one folder. Use Sub-Folders.

6 - If you've got a few extra bucks around, consider upgrading your ram. It's a very simple process and it by far the best way to make a computer faster without a major overhaul. Ram is usually pretty cheap. Just make sure that if you are running XP, try to get at least 1gb of Ram. 512mb just doesn't cut it, anymore. If you would like to see MY favorite ram website please click here. It has a good reputation and good prices. Most computer builder know of this website.

7 - Make sure you have no viruses. Those things will kill your computer's speed. You can download the AVG free trial. It's great. Google it for a download.

I hope this helps your computer run smoother. If you have any additional ideas, drop me a line. Comment.
--Spencer Chance

Monday, February 9, 2009

Build a Hackintosh for Less than $350 (Including shipping)

Everyone i know wants a Mac, but they all have one thing in common. THE PRICE. The prices this -- blah blah blah... Well, today i will show you how to build a Hackintosh (If you have never heard of the name, see here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSx86) for less than 350 dollars, including shipping. First off, you need the following. You are free to change what you need, but idk if it will work. I built one with this same configuration, and everything works except for the sleep button (easy solution!!! don't sleep!). Anyway, this is what i configured for a pretty good Hackintosh.

Motherboard: Ecs 945GCT w/1333 FSB (this board can't be overclocked, so get a good processor) For $43
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135068

Memory or Ram: 2 gigs Crucial memory For $22
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146526

Processor: 2.8GHz Core 2 Duo For $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115206


Case: Linkworld computer case w/front usb For $24
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164121

Power Supply: Athena 300w Power Supply with SATA connectors for $21
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817338031

Hard drive: 500GB Seagate SATA HD For $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

DVD/CD Drive: Liteon DVD burner for $21
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106228




For The guide on how to install with this board, visit here. http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=82928

PS -- If you know NOTHING about computers, just buy a Mac. This isn't for you. iT get's pretty technical.