Windows XP Professional has a built-in backup utility that can back up files to the local computer or to an external hard drive. If you have an external hard drive plugged into your computer, you can back up some or all of the files from your computer to the external drive.

You should bench-test a car stereo before it is installed, especially if it is a used unit. This will save you from trying to troubleshoot it after it is installed in the cramped quarter of the vehicle’s dash. Bench-testing a car stereo is a straightforward process as speaker wiring is paired into colors that are standard across the industry. You can quickly bench-test a car stereo with a few test leads, a spare speaker and a power source....

Voice-over-IP services allow users to place and receive telephone calls using special hardware or software, with the signal using the Internet instead of traditional copper phone wire. VoIP services have gained in popularity because they are easy to deploy and can significantly reduce costs for some consumers. However, some network administrators (or even some cautious parents) may seek to restrict VoIP services on their networks, either to reduce bandwidth consumption, or to deliberately restrict users’ access....

Speakers are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Each speaker is designed to operate and reproduce a certain frequency range of sound. Speakers designed to handle high frequencies are called tweeters. The middle frequencies, including voice frequencies, are handled by mid-range speakers. The low frequencies are handled by woofers and subwoofers. Crossover networks are used to direct a certain frequency range to the speaker that can best reproduce it....

FDISK is a Microsoft system utility that can be used to prepare a hard drive prior to operating system installation. FDISK first creates a disk partition and then sets up file system parameters on the drive. If you need to partition a new computer, or repartition a hard drive that has been corrupted, you can create a CD that can boot to a command prompt so that you can run the FDISK utility....

Windows Photo Gallery is a program that allows for uploading, organizing, viewing and editing digital photos and video. With Photo Gallery, you can resize and touch up your pictures, as well as burn them to a DVD. In order to make a DVD from pictures in your Photo Gallery, your computer must come equipped with a CD burner. Saving your pictures to DVD is a smart option for backing up your photos, and it can also be useful as a gift....

This ISO image format is a good way of backing up your personal DVD collection to your hard drive for safe keeping. If one of your DVDs has been scratched, you can recreate the DVD from the ISO image file. All that is needed is a DVD authoring/burning application and a blank DVD. Before doing so, make sure that your DVD player is capable of reading DVD+/-Rs. Writer Bio

Laptops are convenient because they are easily carried and are useable in any location. Buying a laptop usually requires going to an electronics store and purchasing the computer. Unfortunately, laptop computers are expensive and easily cost around $1,000. The high prices make it difficult to buy a laptop without saving and planning well in advance. The only other option is buying a laptop on installments, which gradually pay for the laptop over a specific period of time....

An azimuth is defined as “an arc of the horizon measured between a fixed point and the vertical circle passing through the center of an object.” This measurement is often used in the fields of astronomy, navigation and artillery. In order to calculate the azimuth using Microsoft Excel, you will need the geographic coordinates of both points being used and the distance between them. Writer Bio

When you set up your Sharp Aquos LCD TV for the first time, you’ll need to calibrate it for the best picture quality. The default picture settings were set at the factory and are not appropriate for a home environment. When calibrating, start with the manufacturer’s recommended settings, as defined below. You can then adjust the settings to suit your personal preferences. Writer Bio

PayPal is an Internet service that makes online purchasing easy by saving your private information, including address, credit card information and bank account numbers. The Internet service also offers a PayPal Plus credit card that functions like a regular credit card and lets you to use the card anywhere that Mastercard is accepted. It also allows you to take money out of your PayPal account from an ATM. As with any credit card, charges will be applied to your account when you withdraw cash from your credit card....

Close or minimize all open applications. This returns you to the Windows desktop. Swipe your finger over the sensor on the fingerprint reader. A dialog box opens on the screen. Click the “Manage” option to open the Password Manager if your laptop uses the HP SmartPass Identity software. Click “Manage Applications and Credentials” if your laptop uses the VeriSoft software. Locate and right-click the account you want to change. Click “Edit” or “Properties,” depending on the version of software installed on your laptop, to view the account credentials....

Your IP address is a unique identifier issued by your Internet service provider. An IP address from Charter Communications will have the same format as an IP address issued by any other Internet provider, for example “192.168.100.100.” Each set of numbers in between each period can be anywhere from one to three integers. Many Web services use your unique IP to authenticate you as a user of your machine. Changing your IP can help to reset some of these authentication settings and make your computer appear as a fresh, new device to whatever network you are connecting to....

Windows Security Center is a control panel that allows you to improve your PC’s security. It allows you to determine the installation of an anti-virus program, and its status. With the rise in computer threats, running an anti-virus program on your PC decreases the chances of contracting viruses, Trojans, spyware and other malicious parasites. Check for anti-virus programs on your PC, and install a free program if you do not have one....

HandStands manufactures a variety of electronic and automotive accessories. The HandStands Sticky Pad is used to hold items – such as your keys, phone, Mp3 player, or coins – in place, on your dashboard, so you have quick access to them while driving. The soft gel material grips onto your dashboard – and any items placed on it – without adhesives. Clean your HandStands sticky pad regularly with common household products to remove spills, dirt or residue and keep its grip strong....

Sign in to Tumblr and open Tumblr’s “Ignore” page (link in Resources) to display the Ignored Users box. Enter the username of the person that you wish to block into the Ignored Users box. Click the “Ignore” button to add the user to your Ignore list. Alternatively, if you do not know the person’s username you can enter the URL of their main Tumblr blog.

EPS is an image file used by many graphical editing programs. If you have an EPS file that you are no longer using, but you want to keep, you can compress it. This will condense the file’s size so that it does not take as much space on the computer as it did uncompressed. However, compressed files must be uncompressed to be used. Writer Bio

A home-theater setup can be a lot of fun, especially if you have a high-definition television. But getting your cable TV and audio system working properly can be confusing. Setting up a cable box to connect to your TV requires a few steps and gets you ready for cable TV. Setting up a connection to your AV receiver takes a few more steps and gets you ready to use your own speakers, whether you’re watching cable or anything else....

If you want to watch your VHS tapes on your laptop, or if you want to transfer your VHS videos to you computer for editing, buying a USB tuner is the way to go. USB tuners allow you to connect your TV, VCR or DVD player to your computer for easy viewing.

VCRs remain a practical choice for recording television programs despite the burgeoning popularity of digital recording equipment such as TiVo and DVD recorders. Your VCR will operate slightly differently when connected to a digital converter box, so you’ll need to familiarize yourself with a few basics before you begin recording your favorite movies and TV shows. Tips Writer Bio