Log in ....Tribune-- Dr Tribune

Monday, December 25, 2000		Dr Tribune

I have a computer with an Intel P - III 500 MHz, 20.4 GB HDD and 64 MB Ram running on an ASUS ATX motherboard. After working on my computer when I try to shut it down, though it displays Windows is shutting down message, but does not shuts down. I have tried loading Windows again; the problem is solved initially, but soon resurfaces.

— Karandeep

With an ATX motherboard, you are not required to switch off your computer as it automatically shuts down. "It’s now safe to shut down your computer" is a message for AT supply motherboards. However, if it hangs, then you can evaluate various options related to improper shut down. The first option could be to uninstall your Antivirus software. Otherwise look at the log of unfinished acts and try to locate what stops Windows from shutting down properly. Also try Scandisk and then Disk Defragmenter.

I am a regular reader of Login Tribune, it’s really a great product. I have a P - III 450MHz, 64 MB RAM, 8.4 GB HDD, Intel BX440 Motherboard, Sis Graphics card, Creative sound card and a TVS 104 key keyboard working on Windows ‘98 OS. Many times when I start my computer, my keyboard fails to respond. Though, all three lights (NUM lock, Caps lock & Scroll lock) blink, but the keyboard hangs. The mouse works. I have to shutdown the system and re-start it. What can I do? Also, I have a local brand UPS (625VA) that used to give me 40-45 minutes back up. But now it works only for 10-15 minutes. What could be the possible reason?

— Neeraj Monga

The problem with your keyboard could be related to your motherboard, get it checked. Regarding your second problem, the battery back up is related to the strength of your battery and also the load drawn from the UPS. In case of a 625 VA UPS, the actual load factor is 80 percent of the rated load i.e. 500 VA. If the number of peripherals connected to your computer draw more than 500 VA the battery back up will go down substantially. Also, in your case the batteries may need replacement. The other possible reasons for low back up could be low water level and low specific gravity in case of external batteries.

I have a problem with my PC. After completing my work I always shut it down the computer properly, but whenever I re-boot the computer, I get the message "Windows was not shut down properly one or more of your drives may have error on it press any key to continue" and then there is also a message saying run the scandisk, which I do almost daily. Could the problem be because I have not installed a UPS? What can I do? Also, can you suggest of any short-term course that can teach how to tackle such routine problems faced by PC users.

— Kusum

While shutting down the computer saves some system files, however, due to some reason these system files may not be stored properly. So, the next time when you start Windows the error message shows up. To get rid of this problem, you can reinstall your operating system. Though, it is important to use a UPS to avoid unwanted shutdowns in case of a power failure, which in turn can corrupt your system files. Regarding a short-term course, I do not know of any such course, but you can always read some books that can help you with specific problems. There are several sites on the Internet that discuss specific problems.

I run an Internet café with four computers. When I dial up into Glide (ISP), I can never manage to get a connect of more than 45,333 BPS using a US Robotics modem. Can you tell me how to improve connectivity?

—Harjeets Singh

Internet dial–up connectivity depends on many factors like telephone line conditions, modem settings, etc. The speed mentioned by you is the initial handshake speed between the two modems. If you get a reasonable download speed, then there is no reason for worry. However, if you do not get a good download speed, then you must look into both external and internal measures to boost your Internet connectivity. Some important internal measures could be improved computer and modem settings, which have been discussed in details in the previous issues of Login…Tribune, whereas the external measure are checking your line conditions for noise, etc.

I have a PC-AT-386-SX with 260 MB Hard Disk and SVGA mono Monitor. I want to load Linux OS on it. Can I upgrade the existing hard disk with a bigger one? If yes, then what is the largest possible hard disk that can be used? Can I install a 52X CD ROM Drive, which is currently the available model? Also, can I upgrade RAM to 8MB.

—Gurpartap Singh

First, I would like to mention that for any operating system 4 MB RAM is grossly insufficient. Though you may install Linux on your computer, but you will not be able to get the desired results. As far as the hard disk capacity is concerned, it depends upon the BIOS in your system, if it supports the LBA mode, then it may support hard disks even of a higher capacity, otherwise I think the maximum capacity it would support must be 540 MB. As far as the CD-ROM is concerned, you can install 52 X CD ROM in it and it should work in your computer. However, try to increase your system RAM to the maximum extent possible. A ISA sound card will work with your computer, though it may be difficult to find one.

I read Log in.... Tribune regularly. My computer vendor has recommended a 625VA UPS instead of 550VA UPS because is use a 17" monitor, is he right? Secondly, I have a problem with Outlook Express in receiving mail. I get a message asking for a password, but despite feeding in the correct password, I am unable to receive mail through the Outlook Express. What should I do to get stable Internet connections?

—Karun Gaba

Regarding the power rating of the UPS, your vendor is right. To run a 17 inches monitor, you need a 625 VA or higher rating UPS. A smaller UPS may support the monitor, but will give you short backups. Before you buy a UPS it is important to calculate the load of your computer system along with peripherals. Keep in mind an additional 100 VA for future upgrades. Regarding your second problem, you appear to be using the wrong password. Get the password reset from your ISP and in future prefer to choose the "remember password" option in the your e-mail account’s properties. You can do so, by clicking at tools>accounts. This will open the Window of Internet accounts. Now select you account and click on the properties and select " remember password". About, frequent disconnects, there could be numerous reasons for it. Try putting "extra settings" like S7=90 and S10=200 in modem configuration to prevent frequent disconnection.

Which is a better hard disk, Seagate or Samsung? What is the difference between them and also what is the normal span of any hard disk drive?

—Ajay Anand

Both these hard disks are equally good; the choice would depend on your personal preference. Since Seagate has been present in the Indian markets for long, it is well accepted. Samsung comes with a three-year warranty, while Seagate offers one-year warranty. Regarding the life of a hard disk, this is very subjective and it may range from 1 day to infinite days. However, commonly hard disks work properly for 5-7 years.

How can I remove a boot sector virus? I am using a 4.3 MB hard disk with Celeron 366 MHz, 32 MB RAM. Also suggest some good antivirus?

—Arvind

For removing virus from the boot sector, you must boot your computer from either a virus free and clean CDROM or floppy disk. Then you can use any antivirus software to clean your computer’s boot sector. There are many good antivirus software available in the market like Norton, McAfee, Panda, Dr Solomon etc.

Can I watch a DVD movie on the TV screen while playing the DVD disk on a computer?

—Prempal S Dhillon

It is possible to use your TV as a monitor, but for this you will have to install a VGA card with a TV out option. Also, you will need to a DVD drive to play DVD movies on the computer. The normal CD ROM drive will cannot run DVD movies, though it can run Mpeg movies.