Tag: video card

Troubleshoot problems with Windows Aero

September 10, 2008 by Jason

Windows Aero is the premium visual experience of Windows Vista. It features a transparent glass design with subtle window animations and new window colors.

Here are some solutions to common problem with running Windows Aero.

Which editions of Windows Vista include Aero?

The following editions include Aero:

Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows Vista Home Premium, and Windows Vista Ultimate. Aero is not included in Windows XP or earlier versions of Windows.

To find out which edition of Windows Vista you have on your computer, do the following:

Open Welcome Center by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Welcome Center.

The edition of Windows Vista you’re running is displayed with your computer details near the top of the window. Read More»

Modding Your Laptop Graphics Card Drivers

August 17, 2008 by Jason

Whenever you play computer games that utilizes 3D graphics, a decent frame rate of about 25-30 frames per second is a prerequisite to make the games run smoothly and be at all enjoyable. If you play on a desktop PC, you always have the option to put in a more powerful graphics card, but that’s not an option with laptop computers. Another problem with laptops – but one that can be avoided – is the lack of updated graphics card drivers. Using updated drivers can provide better performance in new games thanks to game-specific fixes and improvements.

The Problem with OEM Drivers

Although both of the leading graphics card manufacturers (ATI/AMD and Nvidia) provide generic driver updates regularly that are designed to work with all of the respective manufacturer’s chips – even the laptop versions – most OEMs (laptop manufacturers) do not allow these to be installed on your laptop, since they prefer to use proprietary solutions for all their driver updates. As a result, you may be forced to use drivers that are as old as your laptop if the OEM doesn’t update their drivers on a regular basis, which is unfortunately often the case. Read More»

How to identify if you’re CRT Monitor Should Be Replaced ?

August 15, 2008 by Jason

Don’t take that computer monitor in for repair! Often, it is no longer cost-effective to do so. While you or your budget may or may not agree with these tips, it could give you more peace of mind. And help with deciding if and when that old CRT (tube) computer monitor should be retired. You may be surprised to know, a CRT type of computer screen is a more durable option if children or schools will be using it. They often have more life in them.

Necessary Things: CRT monitor, Scissors, Fountain pen, Cable

1. Push the button on the front of the monitor to turn on the monitor if it is not powered on. You might hear a slight buzz sound and see the screen flicker. Wait for Microsoft Windows to load.

2. In the case you do not see a picture, repeat the procedure. If it is flashing in any color other than green you may have a problem. Otherwise, give it time to warm up. Read More»