While remote assistance technologies can help your business increase productivity, some problems require onsite assistance. Onsite assistance is when an IT professional comes to your business and physically troubleshoots whatever issues you are having with your technology.

Some of these problems are:

1.     If you don’t employ staff to address IT problems in the office. Getting a professional onsite can help you get your business up and running and ultimately save you money. It is not wise to try and repair an issue that you do not understand as you may worsen the problem.

2.     When you need immediate same day service for a critical problem.  Imagine you are running an eftpos machine and it stops working. Not only can this problem probably not be fixed remotely, you also need this machine up and running pronto.
 
3.     Problems may remain unresolved if maintenance is done offsite. In this case, onsite support will be needed to fix the problem. Physical access to your computer system is the best access an IT professional can have and even in this day and age of advanced networking, physical access might still be required.

4.     If your network is down and you have no internet access then your IT consultant will not be able to access your computer remotely via the internet. In this case, an onsite visit will be required to ascertain the problem.

Onsite IT support is convenient because the IT professional comes straight to your door and deals with your system directly.  Thus, you should not hesitate to call for onsite support in a situation similar to those listed above.

Perhaps you have heard from your computer repair technician that the internet is running out of addresses. What does this mean for you here in Sydney? Well, what is happening is that there are a limited number (4.29 billion) of possible IPv4 addresses that can be allocated to networks residing on the internet. IP addresses work in the internet the same way your postal address works for your house. The IP address of your computer is how other computers on the internet locate it and send their data to. A new protocol IPv6 has been developed that allows for many more addresses. 340,282,366,920,938,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 in fact. IPv6 will also simply the process of address assignment and includes additional network features.

IPv4 is short for Internet Protocol version 4. When you connect a computer to the internet it is assigned a unique IP address. Because there are a limited number of IP addresses, Network Address Translation (NAT) allows a distinction between a private IP address and a public IP address. All your computers on your network are identified by the same public IP address. NAT, which is built into your router, then directs the packet it has received to the appropriate computer on the network.

As there are so many IPv6 addresses available, this eliminates the need for a private vs public IP distinction. IPv6 performs the same function that ipv4 does. However, IPv6 uses a 128 bit address, while IPv4 uses 32 bit addressing system. An IPv6 address is so large in decimal or binary that it is displayed in hexadecimal notation.IPv4 and IPv6 run as parallel networks. Special gateways and protocols are needed for the two technologies to communicate to each other.

The next section probably won’t mean much to you unless you have some networking experience.IPv6 creates addresses that are equivalent to IPv4 address types and other types of addresses that are unique to IPv6. A node can possess multiple IPv6 addresses, each of which has its own unique function. The IPv6 address space allows for multiple levels of subnets and address allocation between the Internet and individual subnets within LANs and local intranets. The increased address space available lets us to allocate not

one but several unique IPv6 addresses to a network entity, with each address being used for

a different purpose.

The IPv6 128-bit address is separated at 16-bit boundaries, and each 16-bit section is converted

to a 4-digit hexadecimal number.

Global unicast IPv6 addresses are the IPv6 equivalent to IPv4 public unicast addresses. To demonstrate

IPv6 address syntax, lets look at the following IPv6 global unicast address:

24f1:0035:0000:0000:03ad:003f:af37:8d62

IPv6 addresses can be simplified by removing the leading zeros within each 16-bit

block. However, each block must have at least a single digit so you will always have at least a 0 in each block. .

The address representation now becomes:

24fa:35:0:0:3ad:3f:af37:8d62

 

Luckily for us, the transistion to IPv6 is going well and modern routers and operating sytems etc. all support IPv6. These technologies also make use of special translation software to enable communication between IPv4 and IPv6. So in answer to how IPv6 affects computer repair in Sydney. Not much at all. 

 Nerd out. 

A stitch in time saves nine. In the past we have talked about how to keep your computer running fast and keep your harddrive clean. Today we are going to talk about how to keep your computer physically clean. Like with many of our previous posts this will save you future computer repair work so try to keep on top of it. We will talk about how to keep your external and internal computer clean. 

Computer Screens

Computer screens will get dirty over time from a build of general dirt in the air. Also, every time you sneeze, take care not to aim at your screen. Computer screens also show up fingerprints as well so take care not to put your fingers on the screen. Whether you have an old-school CRT or an LCD screen the way to clean it is the same. You want to wipe the screen with a soft cloth. If you need to, dampen the cloth slightly but not too much. Make sure no excess liquid leaks down the screen as this can damage its functioning if it leaks into electronics. Electronics + water = computer repair here we come. 

Today we are going to be talking about devices that you plug into your computer and the drivers that are needed to run them. Thankfully, in this day and age, most devices are Plug and Play. Plug and Play (PnP) means you do not have to manually install drivers for your hardware in order for it to work. You literally plug in and it will “play”. So what are drivers?

A device driver is a software package lets your operating system t communicate with a specific hardware device. Before your operating system can use new hardware, a device driver for your hardware must be installed on your computer. The way that Plug and Play works is that your operating system has a store of drivers for a large number of devices. If the driver for your device is in the driver store then the driver get automatically installed when you plug your PnP device into your computer.  However, you might still need to install updated drivers in the future as they are released so even if you only use PnP devices it is still useful to be familiar with how to manually install drivers. If your device is not Plug and Play, you will need to install the driver for your device manually. This can take the form of a DVD/CD that came with your device or you can usually download the drivers from the manufacturers website.

Now we will talk about how Windows users can use Device manager to install and update drivers, change the hardware settings and troubleshoot problems with their devices.

You can get into Device Manager in a few ways. One way is to right click on Computer or My Computer depending which version of Windows you are using. Click Manage. Then Click Device Manager.

Device Manager is used to view device status and details, to view power and bandwidth settings and to view information about the device driver. To view information about your device, first open the sub-heading your device belongs to. For example, if your device is a keyboard, double click on the keyboards heading. You will then be able to see your keyboard. Right click the device you want to inspect and click Properties. In the General tab you will see whether the device is working properly. If your device is working properly, this means your device has a driver installed and Windows can talk to the device.  

If you need to manually install a driver, right click on your computer name at the top of your list in device manager. Then click Add Legacy Hardware or Add Hardware depending on which version of Windows you are using. This will start the Add Hardware wizard. Make sure your hardware is plugged in and turned on before running the Add Hardware wizard. The wizard gives you two options: It will either scan for uninstalled hardware or ask you to select what hardware you wish to install from a list of devices that comes with the operating system. If you have the driver in a folder, on a disc, or on a removable drive, select the Have Disk option. You then specify the location of the driver, which is normally a .inf file. When a driver has been chosen, the wizard will hopefully install your driver and you are good to go.

It is a good thing to keep in mind that you will occasionally get driver conflicts between devices and you will need to roll back to a previous driver. To do this, follow the earlier steps to get into the Driver details of your device and click Roll Back Driver. This should fix the issue. Sometimes Windows Update will automatically install new drivers that may cause conflicts. You can change the operating system settings so that this does not happen…..but more on Windows Update coming up soon. Nerd Out. 

Why is my computer running slow? Do you know why? This is a question that gets asked very frequently. There could be a lot of reasons.

1.       It could be that you have a lot of stuff that in not just installed but running at the same time. If you have dozens of programs running this will slow down your computer. So the first step is to make sure you don’t have too many programs running at once. On Windows 7 computers press Ctrl-Shift-Esc to open Task Manager. Look at the Applications tab and close down any Applications you are not using.

2.       There can be numerous background processes that you are not using, or do not need, that can be slowing down your computer. open Task Manager and look at the processes tab. A bit of operating system knowledge and critical thinking will let you know what processes are safe to end. A general rule of thumb is do not stop processes that are labelled as a Windows process as these are crucial to the functioning on the operating system.

3.       Turn off unwanted services and startup items in MSConfig. Search for “msconfig” in your start bar search and press Enter. You might find services you don’t need are running in the background. A useful tip is to look for services from companies that you don’t want running. For example, you might not want some services from your computer manufacturer that you don’t need. In MSConfig you can also see which programs automatically star tup when your computer boots into windows. Generally you will want as few start up programs as possible to increase the Windows load speed.

4.       You can use programs such as CCleaner to clean up your computer. CCleaner combines numerous Windows functions and a few more of its own to give your computer a good clean.

5.       Upgrade your computer with new hardware and software. If you are running a 10 year old PC, it might be time to upgrade.

6.       Format the hard drive. Formatting gets rid of all your data so make sure you have backed up any files you need to a hard-disk or a network backup. If you haven’t formatted in a few years, it’s probably time.  

Today we are going to be talking about how to remove a virus without any anti virus software. There are many ways to remove viruses and malware from your computer. Most ways to remove viruses require often expensive software such as Kaspersky, Norton, AVG etc. You can also find Linux based virus scanners you can run through a boot disk if you cannot open the operating system at all. However, you can use the Windows DOS command prompt to do some basic commands to search for viruses. In the process we are going to talk about below, we will find hidden virus autorun files and executables. We can rename or delete these files to stop the virus automatically running on the infected drive.

Step 1: Start your command prompt. Type Cmd into your search bar (if you are using Windows Vista or 7) then press enter. This will bring up a DOS prompt in which you can type commands.

Step 2: We need to select the drive which has been affected by the virus. The default drive for your computer is C but you will need to check this. Type (without the speech marks) “C:” and then press enter. To see the content of the drive type “dir” then enter.

Step 3: Here is when it starts to get a bit more difficult. Type “attrib –s –h *.* /s /d then press enter. Type “dir” to check whether it contains unusual .exe files. 

Note: The -s means we are looking at system files. The -h means we are looking at hidden files. the *.* indicates we are looking for all files.

Step 4: Delete any files that have “autorun.inf” next to them as they are likely virus files. You can also rename the “autorun.inf” files to whatever you like to deactivate them. Now you can access the drive without affecting the virus.

Hopefully this was of some help to you. Nerd out. 

Defective pixels are pixels that are not performing as they are expected to do. A dead pixel is a pixel that is permenantly “off”. That is, it will always be black on an LCD monitor, as if the monitor was off for just that pixel. Dead pixels can result from similar manufacturing problems as stuck pixels, but may also occur from a broken transistor leading to a lack of power to the pixel. Dead pixels are much less likely to correct themselves over time or be repaired through any of several popular methods for fixing stuck pixels (see below)

On the other hand, a stuck pixel remains the same colour when it is meant to have changed to a different colour. For example, a pixel on your LCD screen may remain as red when it is meant to have been changed to blue.

Today we are going to be talking about getting rid of stuck pixels on your LCD screen. Often a pixel may be stuck in one colour and it can be quite an eyesore.

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Stuck pixels, unlike dead pixels, often are repairable by many methods such as physically pushing the stuck pixel (in an attempt to reset the pixel), switching the colour of the pixel rapidly (in other words, flashing bright colours on the screen), or waiting for the stuck pixel to disappear disappears (which can take anywhere from a day to years). While these methods can work on some stuck pixels others cannot be fixed by the above methods. Also, some stuck pixels will reappear after being fixed if the screen is left off for several hours.

Let’s discuss some ways to get rid of a stuck pixel.

First, we can use a program called UDpix.  When the program has been run, run through the different colours to be able to identify where your dead pixel is. After you have identified the dead pixel click on “start” and several tiny flash windows will open. We then need to drag one of these mini windows on top of your pixel which should release your pixel.  4/5 Nerd Stars

Another program is called Dead Pixel Fixer. This program needs to be run usually for several hours to release your pixel.  3/5 Nerd Stars

Another tool we can use is a monitor test. A useful website to do this is tft.vanity.dk. This can be run as a web app. This program is useful for testing whether your stuck pixel is a problem with your monitor rather than your operating system. 4/5 Nerd Stars.

Another program is called JScreen fix, a Java application that is decent. 4/5 Nerd stars.

You can also use a pen to push on the screen where your dead pixel is and apply a moderate force. This can cure stuck pixels caused by monitor malfunction. Be careful not to apply to much force as you could create more dead pixels or damage the screen. This should be a last resort!

Hopefully your stuck pixel is now gone and you won’t have to purchase a new monitor! Good Luck! Nerd out. 

Problems with LCD or LED screen malfunction are very common amongst laptop users. It is often difficult to troubleshoot these problems because many parts need to be tested. Before we start, note that any physical damage such as cracks will require a new screen. However, if your screen is undamaged it may be a problem with another component.

 Here is a list of parts that need to be checked:

1) The Backlight:

Also known as the CCFL Bulb. When this component goes bad, the screen will no longer light up. The easiest way to tell if this is the problem is to take a flashlight and point it at the screen while the computer is on. Do you see a faint image? If so, your backlight bulb may have gone bad.

The backlight (or CCFL bulb) may be broken. If this is the case, the screen will not light up when the computer is turned on. The best way to test this is to point a flashlight at the monitor while the computer is on. If you can see a faint image your backlight bulb may be broken. However, a backlight that is not lighting up could mean a broken LCD inverter if you have an LCD screen. The LCD inverter is responsible for powering up the backlight bulb. If it is broken, your backlight won’t receive any power and thus will not turn on. NOTE: LED screens do not have an inverter so don’t worry about inverter problems if you have an LED screen.

2. Motherboard

There may be a problem with your motherboard. Specifically, the problem is usually with the motherboard Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) chip. If your GPU chip is not working, your monitor won’t be receiving any signal from the computer. The best way to test if this is the problem is to connect your laptop to an external monitor using a side connector (all laptops will have an external monitor connector of some type). If your picture shows up on the external monitor then the problem is NOT with your motherboard. If no image shows up, you will most likely need a new motherboard, or a new laptop.

3. LCD Cable

There are numerous symptoms of a bad LCD cable such as a screen flickering on and off, or a screen lighting up with no visible signal from the computer. The LCD cable connects your LCD screen to the motherboard. To get to it we will need to open up the laptop to get to the cable. Try fiddling with the cable so see if there are any changes to the image. If this is the case, make sure the cable is properly connected. If there is no change in your image, you may need a replacement cable. Try testing out a new cable to see if your picture is restored. If this is the case the problem is solved.

4. LCD/LED screen

Once you have tested the above, it may be that your screen is simply broken and you will need a new one.  Before buying a whole new screen, if it is possible, you should test your screen in another laptop to see if it works. If it works, it may be a rare problem that was not covered in this guide.

Hopefully on of these four common problems was your problem and your problem has been solved. If your problem still hasn’t been solved, one of our genius Newtons Nerds technicians will employ a wide range of tests to diagnose your problem.

Here at Newton's Nerds we are specialists in laptop screen repairs and replacements. Often problems with laptop screens can be repaired. For example, the connection from the screen to the motherboard can become disconnected resulting in a signal loss to the screen. However, if there is physical damage to a screen it will need to be replaced. The procedure itself is quite straightforward if you possess the magic touch.

Here are the tools needed for this job.

1.       We will need a Philips head screwdriver to unscrew the screen from its casing and to access the motherboard.

2.       A flathead screwdriver to disconnect the plastic clips of the screen bezel

3.       Some containers for the screws!

4.       A replacement screen. A quick search on the internet will reveal the model of screen that your laptop has. Simply source the new screen from a local computer parts provider.

First, we must release the old screen from its plastic casing. We must disconnect the bezel surrounding the screen by sliding a flathead screwdriver between the bezel and the case proper along the top of the screen casing. The bezel is the (usually) black plastic that surrounds your screen and keeps it secured to the case proper. The bezel should unclip with a decent, but not excessive, amount of force to pry it apart from the case proper. It may feel like you are breaking something but the bezel should clip right back on when you need it. Once the bezel is off, we must unscrew the screen from the casing thus letting it hang loose.

Next, we must disconnect the old screen from the motherboard.  On most Windows based laptops such as HP laptops, Toshiba laptops, Acer laptops, Asus laptops, Dell laptops, Samsung laptops, Compaq laptops, Lenovo laptops, the screen connects to the motherboard beneath the keyboard, so the keyboard will need to be removed. To do this, pry up the keyboard bezel (the black plastic thingo) that surrounds your keyboard with a flathead screwdriver. Unscrew the keyboard from the motherboard and in most models a wire that connects the screen to the motherboard will be visible. Pull out this connection from the motherboard and your old screen will be free.

 On Macbooks, the screen connects to the motherboard on the underside of the computer so the back panel will need to be removed. This is done by removing all the screws on the back to release the back panel. After removing the back panel, search for where the wire leaving the screen connects to the motherboard and release it.

 After the screen has been detached from the motherboard and unscrewed from its casing, the old screen will be lifted out and a new replacement will be put in its place. It is important that the exact same model screen is put in to match the specifications of the laptop design. The screen will then be attached to the motherboard. Next, we screw in the new screen to the casing and reattach the screen bezel. Make sure not to drop the screen as they are delicate beasts!

Now it’s time to test the new screen! Power on your laptop and your new screen should be working. If it isn’t working, check your connection to the motherboard and check the computer is still powering on and you haven’t inadvertently disconnected something you shouldn’t on the motherboard.

At Newton's Nerds Sydney, we specialise in laptop screen repairs and replacements. We have been working with laptop screens for over ten years and we guarantee you will be satisfied with our laptop screen repair services.