Month: June 2015

History of the Desktop Computer

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The first commercially available desktop computer was available in 1974, this was the Altair 800. This pioneer computer wasn’t much to behold, but at the time it was revolutionary. With toggle switches, LED lights and only 1K of memory, the Altair 8800 opened the doors to thousands of possibilities. In the mid- 70s RadioShack introduced the Tandy computer which had a more user friendly approach and was an instant success. RadioShack went on to be the first real player in the computer game and the Tandy’s keyboard and CRT monitor it was easy to see why.

At the time RadioShack and the Tandy were creating a buzz, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs were working on the next big thing. The Apple computer they created was followed by the Apple Two with similar features as the Tandy but one – a color monitor. Competition was stirring and by the late 70s the Arti 400, TI-99, and the VIC-20 were soon hitting the shelves. Commodore (maker of the VIC-20) went on to make one of the bestselling computers of all time with their Commodore 64.

The next big thing in computers would not come about until IBM entered the playing field with their IBM PC in 1981. This was the first computer to feature the Microsoft MS-DOS operating system which became the standard. By the late 1980s Apple Computers was the only company that was not running on the MS-DOS operating system. Apple was pioneering at this time the GUI (graphical user interface), a more interactive approach to handling a computer.

Since then, the rate at which personal computers have expanded into our offices, homes and laps has accelerated. To say we have come a long way from blinking LED lights and basic keyboards is an understatement. Today we have thinner, lighter, and sleeker desktops, laptops, and tablets due to decades of technological advances. Pioneers in the computer and operational systems industries are always attempting to discover and create the next big breakthrough in computer technology and user experience. There is now an entire generation of people who have had access to a computer their whole life and that, in the minds of many, only scratches the surface of what is possible.

For questions or information regarding IT Services, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.urcs.net.  

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and surrounding areas.

How to Clean Your Laptop | Corona, CA

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Are you keys sticking? Is your laptop starting to look a little grungy? Well maybe it’s time you give your laptop a good cleaning. Every computer requires a cleaning once in a while, and that includes your laptop. Laptops actually require a little more cleaning that a standard computer because they are handled more. The list below includes the steps you will need to take to get your laptop looking shiny and new.

Supplies that you’ll need to gather up:

  • Lint free cloth
  • Mild Dishwashing Detergent
  • Can Of Compressed Air
  • Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol

Before you start, make sure to power down your laptop and unplug it from the wall. If you laptop has a battery make too sure remove that if your model also you to.

The first area you should start cleaning is the lid and bottom of the laptop. Start by mixing a couple drops of dishwasher detergent (such as Dawn) and a couple cups of warm water together, now dip your lint free cloth into the mixture, wring out, and wipe the surface. Rise your cloth with clean water and wipe down again. Lastly, take a dry cloth and wipe down laptop to avoid water streaks.

The next step you should take is cleaning your keyboard, but be sure not to let any liquid drip down into the keyboard. Take your compressed can of air and use that to remove any dirt, dust or crumbs that could be in the crevices of the keyboard. Next, use the isopropyl rubbing alcohol to wipe down your key board to remove any oily residue.

Last but not least, it’s time to clean the vents. If your laptop has large side vents you’ll most likely find some dust bunnies there.  Use your compress can of air to blow the dust out of the vents. By getting rid of excess dust and debris it will not only make your laptop look much better, but it will run better too.

If you are having any problems with the way your computer is preforming, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.urcs.net for more information.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and all surrounding areas.

Check Your Batteries Lifespan | IT Tech Corona, CA

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I’m not sure if everyone knows that your device batteries have a certain lifespan before you have to replace them. As you use your battery it starts to degrade over time and you’ll start to notice that your battery is getting less and less battery life. Once your battery is on its last leg, you’ll have to make the decision to replace your battery or get a new device with a new battery.

There are way you can go about properly caring for your battery, but all batteries eventually end up dying. There is no was in avoiding to problem. If you are one of the lucky few, you won’t have to replace your battery until it’s time for you to upgrade to a new mobile device, laptop or tablet.

Ways to find out your battery health on a few commonly used devices:

  • iPhones & iPads- You will need a third party application to display the batteries health. For example, CoconutBattery is an app you can install. The app will let you view your batteries status of the connected iPad or iPhone.
  • MacBook- You’ll need to hold down the option key and click the battery icon on the menu bar, then you’ll see a “condition” area displayed.
  • Android Phones- First you’ll need to open the dialed app and dial *#*#4636#*#*, then tap “Battery Information” and you will be able to view the status of your Android device’s battery.

If you think it may be time to replace your devices battery, don’t wait around, and find out what steps you need to take to check your devices battery life.

For information regarding It Tech Services call Up and Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.ursc.net.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and all surrounding areas.