How to Identify PNY Computer Memory

PNY Technologies is an electronics company that makes computer hardware such as flash drives and random access memory (RAM). A computers RAM plays a large role in determining its speed; identifying your RAM type is an important step in determining whether you could benefit from more RAM and finding out what type of RAM your computer can use.

Instructions

Things Youll Need:

• Screwdrivers
• CPU-Z diagnostic tool
• Crucial memory scanner

Open the Computer to Inspect RAM

1. Step 1

   Turn off your PC and unplug all the cords.

2. Step 2

   Open the computers case with a screwdriver. The majority of tower cases can be opened by using a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove screws along the right side of the back of the case.

3. Step 3

   Locate the RAM and uninstall a module for physical inspection. RAM is located near the large CPU fan on the motherboard. To take out a module, press down firmly on the plastic locking clamps on both sides of the module and it will pop free.

4. Step 4

   Inspect the RAMs label and record relevant information. RAM manufacturers often print information such as model or serial numbers and RAM type on each module.

5. Step 5

   Reinstall the RAM module and close your computers case. To reinstall the module, simply align it in the same orientation it was when you removed it and press down firmly until the locking clamps clip around it and secure it in place.

Use CPU-Z to Identify RAM

6. Step 1

   Go to http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php.

7. Step 2

   Click on one of the download links for the CPU-Z freeware tool labeled as "No Install."

8. Step 3

   Double-click on "cpuz.exe" when the download is complete to launch the diagnostic.

9. Step 4

   Click on the "SPD" tab to view detailed information about your RAM. You can click on the drop-down menu under "Memory Slot Selection" and change it to slot #2, #3 or whatever you prefer to view information on each RAM module you have installed.

Use the Crucial Memory Diagnostic to Identify RAM

10. Step 1

    Go to Crucials memory scanner download site (see Resources).

11. Step 2

    Click the check box under "Crucial System Scanner tool" and then click "Download the Scanner."

12. Step 3

    Run the downloaded file when the download is complete. A window will open in your browser with information about your RAM.

Read More..

Unlicensed Remote Computer Repair Businesses Cited

The Department of Consumer Affairs is cracking down on unlicensed remote computer repair and appliance repair businesses.During a two-day sting, the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance remote computer repair said it cited more than two dozen businesses that were operating illegally in the Sacramento area.Fast Break Tech on Folsom Boulevard was among the local business that were cited.Steven Wright, the proprietor, has been in business since 1999 and said he never knew he needed anything other than a business license.All stores and individuals hit in last weeks sting had been previously warned either in writing, or in person that they didnt have a current license to operate, the bureau said.Any electronic appliance remote computer repair businesses -- including big box stores like Best Buy and Circuit City -- are required to be licensed through the department.Electronic remote computer repair shops require more than just a business license to give consumers added protection and to help them with recourse if something goes wrong with their item, the bureau said.The department said consumers should always check to see if any business theyre planning to do work with is licensed.

source : my58.com/station/16773927/detail.html

Read More..

Geek Squad P I Computer Repair Uproar in Texas

A Texas law passed in 2007 has remote computer repair shops statewide up in arms. Seemingly pressured by the Private Investigator lobby, lawmakers enacted House Bill 2833, which seems to require computer repair personnel to obtain a Private Investigator license before being allowed to work on customers computers.

The relevant sections of the law in question

"A person acts as an investigations company for the purposes of this chapter if the person:
(1) engages in the business of obtaining or furnishing, or accepts employment to obtain or furnish, information related to:
[...]
(B) the identity, habits, business, occupation, knowledge, efficiency, loyalty, movement, location, affiliations, associations, transactions, acts, reputation, or character of a person;
[...]
(b) For purposes of Subsection (a)(1), obtaining or furnishing information includes information obtained or furnished through the review and analysis of, and the investigation into the content of, remote computer-based data not available to the public."

According to a lawsuit initiated by the newly-established Texas Chapter of the Institute for Justice, the Texas Private Security Board, a state agency, is interpreting this as including simple computer repairs such as malware removal.

The law provides for punishment of up to one year in jail and $4,000 in fines, and up to $10,000 in civil penalties. Additionally, any customer knowingly enlisting the help of an unlicensed computer repair person (that is, without a PI license) is subject to the same punishment.

Matt Miller, Texas Institute for Justice Executive Director and lead attorney on the case, notes that "it makes no sense to require a remote computer repairman with 10 or 20 years of experience to get a degree in criminal justice just to continue working in his occupation. This law will drive up the price of remote computer repair for everyone, and that’s exactly what the private investigations industry wants."

For many small computer repair shops, this law would mean having to shut down their business until they acquire a license. To get a PI license, one needs either a criminal justice degree (with all associated costs) or a three-year apprenticeship under a licensed PI. Neither are realistic options for most small computer repair shops.

While it remains to be seen how this law will be interpreted by the TPSB and the courts, it sure is reopening the discussion about whether or not remote computer repair workers should be certified, and how. Computer repair is one of only a handful of professions that do not need certification in order to operate a business.

Source : enterpriseitplanet.com/networking/news/article.php/3757406

Read More..