Podcast: Play in new window | Embed
Tech News & Commentary
Philip in Clarksville, Tennessee listening on WTN 99.7 FM asked: “When I turn my computer on, I’ll be on it for a while. It would freeze. Just started doing it in the last month. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. Sometimes it’ll do it as soon as I turn it on. The only way I can do anything is to turn it all the way off and fire it back up. What can I look for that would cause that?”
It’s going to be tough for you to find the answer without some trial and error. If your computer is freezing up at random, it could be a faulty RAM module, it could be your motherboard, it could even be your hard drive, or a problem with your operating system. You may need to take it to a professional to have it checked, but if you want to give it a shot, you can run some hardware diagnostic software, like HWiNFO, or even some software diagnostics like System Mechanic.
Your best bet will mostly likely be a professional though, if you don’t know what you’re doing tracking down random problems like that can be very frustrating and time consuming.
If you’d like to try a little home diagnosing, though, I’d say the clue might be in the fact that it runs for a while before freezing up. Offhand, that sounds like a thermal problem. How hot does this system get, and how well ventilated is it? Try removing the cover and running it with a fan blowing into the case to improve cooling. Does that let it run without freezing? Does it run longer without freezing?
If it does seem to be thermal, the usual suspects there are power supply or chips on the main board. The processor is very heat sensitive, but it will usually slow down dramatically before it simply shuts off. The main chipset on your main board will also usually have a small cooling fan on it to help dispel heat. Perhaps that has stopped or is dirty?
You might benefit from a tune up. Check all the fans to make certain they’re working and moving lots of air. Clean out all the dust. (Be sure to use a vacuum cleaner with suction or a compressed air product designed for cleaning electronics! If you just blow on it yourself, or use some other kind of air compressor, you can introduce moisture into places it shouldn’t go. Safe for electronics, that’s what you want to see.)
Don’t neglect software, either. Run a good software tool like CCleaner or System Mechanic to dump junk files and clean your registry. Update your hardware drivers: video, sound, and printer. Make sure you have all available Windows, Flash, and Java updates applied. Everything runs better with some spring cleaning!
For more information, tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
“This Week in Tech History” Weekly Feature with Chris Graveline.
Joe in Coconut Grove, Florida listens to the podcast – calling in via the app asked: “What’s your take on quantum computing and will it ever take off for consumers?”
It likely will, very far off into the future. Right now quantum computers are theoretical at every level, let alone at consumer level, but recently IBM has had some success with research which brings quantum computer a small step closer to reality, having said that it will not happen for a long time.
Think probably decades for the computers to even exist, probably much longer for them to reach consumers. Then again, by then we may be back to mainframe architectures and big quantum computer might give processing power to all of you cloud devices for a fee… who knows?
For more information, tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Listener Titus asked: “What are your thoughts on iPad 3? Does it beat Galaxy Tab?”
Yes, it beats the Galaxy Tab. The Tab does 720p video, whereas the iPad does 1080p, the Galaxy Tab has a 3MP still camera, the iPad does 5MP, the pixel density on the new iPad is better, in fact it’s almost twice as much and the resolution is 2048 x 1536, which is much higher than the Galaxy Tab’s 1280 x 800, the Galaxy Tab has a dual core processor, the iPad has a quad core processor.
And then there are the other things that were already true for the older iPads, far more apps, a generally easier user interface, and the price is the same for both tablets. If you’re looking at buying one of those, we’d suggest going for the iPad.
In fact, right now where we stand today, it’s probably safe to say that the new iPad is the best tablet ever made. That’s a bold statement, but it’s one that every expert who has reviewed the new iPad seems to agree with. The only potential problem seems to be heat related — the new iPad does run warm, so if you’re looking for something that’s comfortable to hold in your lap while reading a book, you might prefer a smaller, cooler device like a Kindle Fire. But pound-for-pound, right now, the iPad is king of the hill again (this month).
The iPad didn’t catch everyone by surprise. Most of its specs were anticipated months before it came out. We’ll see iPad competitors showing up very soon with similar specs. So if you’re in the “anyone but Apple” camp, you’ll be able to look for new models soon. If you just want the best tablet money can buy today, however, that’s easy. Like we said — iPad.
For more information, tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Guest in this hour:
Dave Vigil, President – Snaptracs
What if your pet were to run away? Would you be able to find them easily? Find out how modern technology can help us track our beloved animals.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT with Rob: Zeo Sleep Manager How often do you wake up feeling like you had the best sleep ever? If that’s the case everyday for you, we’re jealous! Rob accepted the challenge of trying out a new sleep-tracking device that allegedly can help improve your sleep. c
|
 – Zeo connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and works in conjunction with the Zeo app, overnight. – The app also wirelessly syncs your sleep data with your Zeo profile online, where you can find more resources to help improve your sleep, including a coaching program. – Once you have the Zeo headband paired with your phone, you launch the app and hit “Track Sleep”. The app logs how long you you’re in Deep … REM … or Light sleep during the night. It also tracks how long you’re awake overnight. It then gives you a score of your “sleep quality,” which will help you determine what you need to change, to improve your sleep. – “Smart Awake” Alarm that gently wakes you at the optimal point in your sleep cycle. You can set a 20 or 30-minute wake window. This theoretically helps you get up feeling refreshed – The headband isn’t the most comfy accessory to sleep with. You can adjust the fit, but Rob didn’t enjoy sleeping with it. And, it often came off while he slept. – The sensors can eventually wear off and will stop functioning properly. You can replace them, for as little as $20 and they recommend replacing the Strap and sensor after 90 days of use. – The Zeo sleep management mobile system is compatible with most iOS and Android devices. The entire kit costs just under $100. |
Gil in Plattsburg, New York listening on WWCR Shortwave asked: “I’m considering a Verizon 3G iPad. Will Verizon continue to support 3G even though 4G LTE is being introduced and implemented? How long will Verizon support 3G? Keep up the good work!”
We asked Verizon directly, and they said:
“The short answer is yes. Verizon has spent tens of billions of dollars building out the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network that provides high-speed — although not as fast as 4G — and powerful wireless broadband services. Verizon continues to enhance this 3G network, even as 4G is rapidly rolled out across the country (more than 200 markets and 260 million PoPs already) and will support 3G for many years to come.”
For more information, tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Chris couldn’t have any of the donuts Mark brought to the studio…
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
Intuit: Copies of TurboTax Premier
ScanMyPhotos.com: Several $200.00 eGift Certificates that can be used towards your purchase of any of their online products, such as: Prepaid Photo Scanning Box, Prepaid Slide Box, or Prepaid VHS Transfer Box
ZAGG: A ZAGGkeys SOLO iPad & Tablet Keyboard – This is a high tech Bluetooth wireless tablet keyboard.