Author Archives: Andrew

Disk Partition Management Software – Free Versions

Published by:

AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard. With the help of Partition Assistant, you can not only resize partitions, move partition, split partition, merge partitions, create  and format partitions, but also migrate OS to SSD, copy and clone whole disks and convert disks between GPT and MBR without any risk of data loss.

This is especially useful when you cannot get windows disk management to organize your partitions how you want them.

OS supported: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP (all editions, 32 & 64 bit).

Link to main AOMEI website

Alternatively try: MiniTool Partition Wizard

WiFi Printer unreliable connection fix

Published by:

I have been asked to fix various printer connectivity problems that seem to have the same characteristics:

  1. WiFi Printer connected to network/router by wireless only
  2. Windows PC trying to access printer seems to work ok initially then loses connection after some time has passed.

Apple computers do not seem to be affected and switching devices on/off can temporarily resolve the issue. I have seen this affect HP and Epson printers and running an ethernet connection from the router to the printer – if the printer has a network socket – seems to fix the problem.

After following the manufacturers troubleshooting advice many times I now believe this is connected with the intelligent network scanners that the manufacturers install with the device drivers to allow for changes of IP address. If you look at the the Port tab under the printer properties you will see that a special entry (for HP it’s called:  <SerialNo> HP network re-discovery port monitor) has been created. If you find the IP address of the printer and add or select an existing port entry using this IP address rather than the ‘special’ entry the problem may be solved.

This would require updating if the IP address of the printer gets updated by network changes – so perhaps a fixed IP address would be more reliable.

YouTube

Domain Name Registration .NET .COM .UK

Published by:

If you want to manage your own international domain name like .net or .com why not try Name.com if you follow this link I get a referral bonus.

In my experience you can often save some money and the user interface is more logical than some (UK) competitors.

Remember to change the billing currency from US Dollars to GB Pounds if you do use their service.

 

A further suggestion for .UK now that they seem to be getting more expensive is OVH a french company!?

Laptop and notebook battery care advice

Published by:

1. The main recommendation to assure the longest life for a battery is to make sure it is fully charged before first use. The latest battery chemistry of Li-ion and Li-Pol are versatile and can be charged at any time and do not deteriorate or suffer with erratic charging patterns and times. The battery chargers are sufficiently sophisticated to fully charge the battery at any time.

2. If you do not use your Laptop Battery for extended periods of time (a week or more), remove the battery pack from the Laptop, store it in a clean, dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember to recharge the batteries before use.

3. Do not expose the battery to high heat or freezing temperatures. Do not leave your battery in your car in the summer. Hot batteries discharge very quickly, and cold ones can¡¯t create as much power.

4. Exercise the battery, at the minimum you should use the once at least every couple weeks. If you haven’t used your battery in sometime then use the break-in procedures again as described above.

5. For laptops that work as Desktop Replacement, the battery should be re-installed every 3-4 weeks and allowed to fully discharge.

6. Leaving a battery in a laptop while using an electrical outlet for long periods of time will keep the battery in a constant state of charging up and that will reduce the life cycle of the battery.

TP-LINK TD-W9970 ADSL VDSL Modem Router

Published by:

Interchangeable LAN/WAN Port –Compatible with Fibre/Cable service

The TD-W9970 supports VDSL/ADSL or Ethernet WAN connections (EWAN) that allow users to have the flexibility of different Internet connections. Featuring an interchangeable LAN/WAN port, it is compatible with Fiber/Cable service. This unique feature makes it easier when users need to change to fiber or cable services when necessary.

TP-Links Product Page