PC Support

File sharing on Windows computers allows you to share documents, pictures, music and more with other users on the computer and with other users on a network. When you enable it, you can set limits...

The Windows Scheduler is a program that starts when you boot your machine. It is used to schedule functions like defragging a hard drive or running a backup application. The Scheduler can be used...

A .bat file is a type of file that contains basic, DOS syntax. These files can load programs, change settings or even partition a hard drive. A bat file is created in a simple text editor like...

Microsoft released Windows Vista to computer manufacturers in late 2006; the company released it to consumers in early 2007. Although Vista is not without glitches, errors and other problems, it...

Changing the start-up sound in Windows is quite simple---if you're using an older version of Windows, that is. For those using Windows XP or earlier, you will need to access your control panel and...

MP4 is short for "Moving Picture Expert Group-4." It is a video format most common in cell phones and portable media players. MP3 is short for "MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3." MP3 is the most common audio...

Hard drives seem to get bigger every couple months, and with built-in RAID options in many computers, the possibility exists to create massive linked hard drive systems. With these options, you...

Converting file formats is an important task because some users often prefer one format over another. Also, some computers are not equipped to handle certain file formats. Real Media is a file...

Computer terminology is full of acronyms: RAM, CPU, ISO, CD-ROM, DVD and dozens of others. ISO is one that has several applications, but all are related to the organization the acronym stands for.

A webinar is an online seminar or video presentation where users log on and watch someone else's screen. It can be a PowerPoint file or just watching someone navigate on their computer. Audio...

A .WDS file extension often is associated with 3D modeling and game design in German-language software. But depending on how you use your computer, a .WDS file could have several origins.

Three-letter words are popular with software developers as file extensions because they provide an easy way to name files descriptively. Depending on how you use your computer, a BAG (.bag) file...

Purchasing a new computer can be exciting. There are usually plenty of new applications to explore. However, there can also be hassles involved in setting up your new computer. The time it takes...

Autorun.inf is a file that is run as soon as you insert a CD or DVD into the drive. Autorun is used to set the location of installation files. For some installations, the files may be on a hard...

Backups created in Windows 95, 98, or ME are saved with the “.qic” extension. These backups help avoid data loss; you can restore them to recover data when needed. To restore a backup, first...

DocumentViewer.msi is an installation file. It packages the files necessary to install Hewlett-Packard’s Document Viewer utility. The Document Viewer comes with the Photosmart/Officejet...

File extensions are used by different programs and some operating systems as one method to keep different file types organized and associated with their correct applications. The ODB file...

The file extension ".SRF" has two unrelated uses. One use involves editing of digital images, and the other involves maintaining website security.

The file extension (usually the last three letters of a file name) is used by many operating systems as a helper to keeping the file associated with the correct application. The Max file extension...

Though an extension can designate a file that can be opened by the appropriate program or an executable that runs when you double-click, it can also indicate code for a program that needs to be...

A PDF (portable document format) is a file created by Adobe Systems. It is a popular and useful format because it allows you to exchange documents quickly and easily. To view the PDF file, you...

A CDA (Compact Disc Audio Track) file is one of the many audio formats that can be played using digital software installed on a computer. Though typically, by default, the CDA format is not among...

A dynamic link library, or DLL, is a Windows file that contains code and instructions that are used by more than one program at a time. These files can contain rudimentary information that...

The file extension .aba is associated with files used by Palm in its phone's address books, and by Avant Force in its freeware web browser, Avant Browser. The .aba file designation shows computers...

The Moving Picture Experts Group Phase 1 Audio Layer 3 format -- better known as MP3 -- is the most popular digital audio format around. However, some Windows Media Audio (WMA) files will not play...

MP3 (Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3) files can be converted to smaller Windows Media Audio (WMA) formats to save space on your computer. You can reduce a MP3 file to any size, ranging...

Over the years more people have acquired a better practical understanding of computers; this has changed the nature of the questions that IT support technicians hear on a daily basis. And while no...

To open a PDD file, you must have the appropriate software loaded onto your computer. PDD file extensions are used for a variety of programs, so it is important to know which type of PDD file you...

The KID file extension is most commonly used by the Kidspiration program by Inspiration Software, Inc. It can also refer to a file type found on the Apple II Golden Orchard CD-ROM.

Vundo, or as it's also commonly known, the Vundo Trojan, typically infects your computer when an email attachment carrying the virus is opened. Vundo can wreak havoc in your computer system...

Despite its name, the TOAST file extension has nothing to do with breakfast. It's actually a file extension used by Roxio Toast, a CD and DVD authoring program for the Mac OS X operating system.

Before opening any computer file with a DBT file extension, it is important to know what type of file it is and what programs will be required to open the file. It may be necessary to purchase...

Anyone who owns a computer might have gone through the 'Did I just delete that?' experience. Every time you delete a file, you might not be able to recover it, but through these easy tips, there...

The file extension CHR can refer to a variety of file types, depending on which program created the file. Most of these file types can be identified by an ASCII signature located at the beginning...

Since you can compact as much as 20 megabytes (MB) into 1 MB of space in some cases, compressing music files can be a major computer space saver. If you plan on expanding your lyrical library, you...

MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) files can be made smaller through compression. The file decompresses when it is opened and the music is reproduced, kilobyte by kilobyte. Since music formats are...

The file extension SSF could refer to a number of rare file types, including a sound set for the BioWare Aurora Engine, an Enable spreadsheet file, a data file for a GPS program, and at least one...

The BCF file extension can refer to a file type used by a number of programs, including label designers, business card designers, and even the popular game The Sims. Unfortunately it has also been...

The file extension PCC refers to many possible file types, including a PC Paintbrush graphic, a PCCharge settings file or even an obscure type of file on the Golden Orchard Apple II CD.

The file extension .WTC is the standard file format for a Watertec Encrypted Database, a database within a program called Watertec that was used by a number of large companies and isn't available...

Spyware has many clever ways of getting onto your computer, including some that are not easily detected. One of these ways is by use of the Internet Explorer Hosts file. This file is typically...

MCF is a file extension that has been used for more than 10 different file types. Most often it refers to a MathCAD Font file, or the Multimedia Container Format, an abandoned "container" format...

The QIF file extension is an extension used by a number of programs, most commonly QuickTime or Quicken, but also possibly the now-defunct MSDOS program DESQview. To open a QIF file, you must have...

The file extension DPG is typically associated with the Nintendo DS system. A .DPG file is essentially the equivalent of an .MPEG video file. Unlike an .MPEG file, however, a .DPG will play on...

Many different graphic file types can be created with Microsoft Paint (MS Paint) version 5.1 drawing software. These documents can also be converted into a variety of formats such as BMP, GIF,...

Backup recovery strategies may vary, but one strategic action remains the same: When it comes to backing up data, it is always better to be proactive than reactive. As a vital component of...

Virtual-memory usage is a process in which a Windows computer swaps information with installed RAM that is near capacity. When a software application is loaded into memory, it continues to use the...

Password protecting files is one of the best ways to keep shared data from being accidentally changed. It also is a good security measure for your PC. Please read on to learn how to Password...

Password protecting files is a good way to keep shared data from being accidentally changed by another user. It also is an important security consideration for your PC. Please read on to learn how...

The chkdsk / f command is run from the command line interface that is available on most computers with Windows operating systems. It is often utilized as a task in routine computer maintenance,...