[SOC] Top 11 Tech Tips

[Reicher, James]

I got these handy Support tips from my nephew, the genius.

73 de N8AU, Jim in Raymore, MO

-----Original Message-----
From: Jason 
Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2005 8:27 PM
Subject: Fwd: Top 11 BBspot Labs Tech Tips

BBspot Labs Tech Tips
11. 	To protect your investment in that new DVD-/+RW, soak five or
six cotton balls in alcohol (the higher the proof the better), place
them in the tray and close it then hit the eject button to open it back
up. Do this several times. Don't worry if you lose one of the cotton
balls; just replace it with a freshly soaked one.

10. 	Over time, sound cards can get clogged up and start sounding
muddy. It's a good idea to periodically go into the sound control panel
and turn all the volume sliders to maximum. Don't forget turn the
speaker volume to max, as well.


9. 	Computer cases, like aquariums, can become dirty and develop a
layer of scum on their inside. To keep your computer scum-free, it is a
good idea to buy a few snails from the local pet store and place them
inside.


8. 	Floppy disks are meant to be floppy, the floppier they are the
better they work. You should, on a regular basis, bend your floppies
back and forth several times to keep them from stiffening up.


7. 	Every now and then check for loose hardware. Turn your PC on
then pick it up and shake it as hard as possible. If something wasn't
installed tight enough, it will have shaken loose and you'll be able to
hear the rattle. Dropping the PC from a few feet onto the desk surface
will accomplish the same results.


6. 	If your computer is locking up, it's because it's tired and
sleepy. Pour some fresh-brewed coffee on the motherboard to wake it
up.


5. 	Keep that 15,000 rpm SCSI drive free of contaminants and running
smoothly by squirting lighter fluid on it once it's reached operating
temperature.


4. 	If you've made unwanted changes to a document or spreadsheet,
just use the handy "reset" button to reverse the changes.


3. 	When using a microphone and speakers, place them as close to one
another as possible to achieve the maximum desired effect.


2. 	Make your own wireless devices. All you need to do is install
the recommended wireless card then you can cut the wires off your
keyboard and mouse with a regular pair of scissors.


1. 	If you currently have a glass top desk for your computer desk
and you're thinking of getting an optical mouse, be aware that the mouse
will not work correctly on the glass top desk. You will need to paint
the bottom of the mouse a solid color. Black works best.