Are you looking for a program to play optical disks (BD, DVD, CD) in Windows? Maybe you are feeling frustrated by having to have multiple media players to handle the various file formats you encounter? If so, you'll be happy to know there's a solution: VLC Media Player.

VLC Media Player is a remarkable media player that can handle a wide range of formats, including MPEG-1/2, DivX® (1/2/3/4/5/6), MPEG-4 ASP, XviD, 3ivX D4, H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC, WMV 1/2/3, QuickTime, RealVideo, and many more. This gives you the flexibility to play just about any media file you come across without the hassle of switching between different players.

But that's not all: VLC Media Player is also highly versatile when it comes to operating systems. Whether you're using Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Unix, iOS, or Android, there is a version of VLC Media Player for your device. This means you can enjoy your media files on your preferred platform without worrying about compatibility issues.

You can also change the appearance of the VLC Media Player by using skins. There are quite a few skins available for download, or you can create your own with the VLC Skin Editor. Note: Skins do not work on the Mac OS version of VLC.

Another great thing about VLC Media Player is that it's completely free. There are no annoying ads or in-app purchases, so that you can enjoy uninterrupted media playback. VLC Media Player is open-source and produced by the non-profit origination VideoLAN.

In summary, VLC Media Player is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a media player that's both versatile and easy to use. For more information on the VLC Media Player, follow the link below.

VLC Media Player

Whether you are building a new computer or replacing/upgrading your existing one, one of the most important considerations is the Power Supply Unit (PSU). PSUs are vital, as they provide the necessary energy for each component to operate efficiently while ensuring system stability and longevity. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to estimate the power required for your custom-built computer.

Before diving into calculations, it's essential to understand what contributes to a computer's total power consumption. Each component in your build, such as the CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, storage devices, and peripheral components, draws a certain amount of power during operation. The total power consumption of the system will influence the size of the PSU you need to purchase.

List your components

Begin by listing all the components you plan to include in your build. The primary components typically consist of:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The power requirement varies significantly among different models. Check the manufacturer's specifications (Thermal Design Power (TDP)) for this value.
• Graphic Processing Unit (GPU): This is often the most significant power consumer in a modern gaming PC. Again, manufacturers provide TDP ratings for graphics cards.
• Motherboard: While motherboards consume less power compared to CPUs and GPUs, it's still necessary to account for this.
• Memory (RAM): Each stick typically consumes between 2 and 5 watts of power.
• Storage: SSDs consume less power than HDDs, but still contribute to overall power consumption.
• Cooling systems: Fans and liquid cooling systems also draw power.
• Peripherals: Keyboards, mice, and other peripherals (especially lighting effects) can add to the power requirement.

Use an online PSU calculator

Using an online power supply calculator can simplify the process of estimating your total power needs. Various websites, see links below, offer interactive tools where you can input your components. These calculators take into consideration the specifications you provide and offer estimates based on average power consumption, including some headroom for future upgrades and peak loads.

Now, some online power supply calculators can estimate the power requirements given the specifications of the components. You can use these websites to calculate a rough estimate of the amount of power your computer will require. Here are a few online power supply calculators.

Newegg - Power Supply Calculator

PC builds - Power Supply Calculator

Cooler Master - Power Supply Calculator

Once you have a rough estimate of the power requirements for your components, add some extra headroom to ensure stable and reliable performance. A good rule of thumb is to choose a PSU that can provide at least 20 - 30% more power than your estimated requirements.

Calculate total wattage

If you prefer a manual method, follow these steps to calculate your system's wattage:

1. Find power ratings: Look up the power requirements for each component (generally available on manufacturer websites or retail listings). Write them down.
2. Total up power consumption: Sum the power ratings from each component.
   For example:
   - CPU: 95 watts
   - GPU: 300 watts
   - Motherboard: 75 watts
   - RAM: 16 watts (2 sticks x 8 watts each)
   - Storage: 10 watts (SSD and HDD combined)
   - Cooling: 20 watts (for 4 fans)
   Total power consumption = 95 + 300 + 75 + 16 + 10 + 20 = 516 watts
3. Add overhead: It's essential to add a safety margin to ensure stable performance. It is common practice is to add about 20-30% more power on top of your total wattage. This might look like:
   516 watts x 1.3 = 670.8 watts

Therefore, a 750-watt PSU would be a safe choice.

Consider efficiency ratings

When selecting a PSU, consider the efficiency rating, which indicates how well a power supply converts AC power from the wall outlet into DC power for the computer. PSUs are rated based on efficiency standards, such as the 80 PLUS standard. Here are the tiers:

• 80 PLUS Bronze: 82% efficiency at 20% and 100% load, 85% at 50% load.
• 80 PLUS Silver: 85% efficiency at 20% and 100% load, 88% at 50% load.
• 80 PLUS Gold: 87% efficiency at 20% and 100% load, 90% at 50% load.
• 80 PLUS Platinum: 90% efficiency at 20% and 100% load, 92% at 50% load.
• 80 PLUS Titanium: 90% efficiency at 10% and 100% load, 94% at 20% load.

Selecting a more efficient PSU can allow you to choose a PSU with slightly lower wattage, as it operates more effectively under load.

Plan for future upgrades

If you plan to upgrade your system in the coming years (e.g., adding more storage or upgrading your GPU), consider purchasing a PSU with a higher wattage than what you currently need. This foresight can save you money in the long run.

Estimating the power required for your custom-built computer is vital for ensuring system stability and efficiency. By carefully listing out your components, using online calculators or manual calculations, taking into account efficiency ratings, and planning for future upgrades, you can select the most suitable PSU for your build. A robust and reliable power supply is the backbone of any custom PC, and making the right choice can enhance not just performance, but also the longevity of your components.

Are you having video problems when trying to play a game? Maybe your screen goes blank for a second or two? If so, here is how to troubleshoot the graphics card in your Windows-based computer.

If you are currently experiencing issues with the graphics on your computer, it may be due to a problem with your graphics card. You can take a few steps to diagnose the issue and resolve the problem.

Identifying the symptoms

Before attempting any troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to identify the symptoms you are experiencing. Common issues include:

• Odd patterns or colors appear on the screen.
• The system freezes or restarts when running graphics-intensive applications.
• No display at all or an incorrect resolution.
• Games or applications struggle to run smoothly.
• Messages indicating problems with the graphics driver.
• Once you’ve noted the symptoms, you can proceed to pinpoint the cause.

Check connections and hardware

Begin with the basics. Ensure that your graphics card is securely seated in its PCIe slot and that all power connectors are correctly attached. Examine your graphics card for any visible damage. If there is damage, it may need to be replaced. Handling your computer components with care and avoiding physical damage is crucial.

If you can, try the following:

• Reseat the graphics card: Turn off your computer, unplug it, and carefully remove the graphics card. Then, reinsert it into the slot, ensuring it is locked in place.
• Check cables: Inspect the cables connecting the graphics card to the monitor. Replace any damaged cables.
• Monitor functionality: Test the monitor with another computer or use another monitor with your computer to rule out display issues.

Update graphics drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to several graphics-related issues. It's important to ensure that your graphics card drivers are up to date. There are two (2) ways of updating your graphics drivers: Download from the manufacturer's website or use Device Manager. To obtain the latest drivers, refer to the manufacturer's website first, and then use Device Manager as a secondary source.

Via the manufacturer’s website

You can download the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website for more control over installation options. Keep in mind that manufacturers may release updated drivers after Microsoft releases its monthly updates.

Via Device Manager

1. Right-click on the Start button to bring up the Power User menu.
2. From the context menu that appears, left-click on Device Manager.
3. Left-click on Display adapters to expand it.
4. Right-click on your graphics card and select Properties.
5. Select the Driver tab and click Update Driver.

Roll back drivers

If problems started after a recent driver update, rolling back to a previous version might resolve the issue. To roll back a driver inside of Device Manager:

1. Right-click on the Start button to bring up the Power User menu.
2. From the context menu that appears, left-click on Device Manager.
3. Left-click on Display adapters to expand it.
4. Right-click on your graphics card and select Properties.
5. Select the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver if the option is available.

Adjust graphics settings

Misconfigured graphics settings in your applications or Windows can sometimes lead to performance issues. To adjust settings:

• Apps: Open your game or application and access its graphics settings.
• Windows: Right-click on the Desktop and select Display settings.

Reduce the resolution and lower the graphics quality to see if performance improves.

Check for Windows Updates

Missing or pending Windows Updates can cause performance issues. Ensure you are running the latest version:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Windows Update.

Install any available updates, as they may contain critical fixes.

Test your GPU

Using a graphics card stress testing tool, you can test your graphics card and identify potential issues. This will help you determine whether the problem lies with the card or another component of your computer.

The Ultimate Boot CD (UBCD) is an excellent diagnostic tool that includes a video memory stress test. All you have to do is download the latest ISO file and burn it to a CD/DVD or use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.

You may need to adjust some settings in your motherboard's BIOS to ensure the UBCD boots correctly. The UBCD is built on a Linux platform, so you may need to disable secure boot and UEFI boot features temporarily..

Diagnose computer hardware issues with the Ultimate Boot CD

Create custom installation media with Rufus

While testing your graphics card, it is essential to monitor its temperature. High temperatures can cause issues with the card, so it's critical to monitor it closely and ensure it doesn't overheat. You may need to take additional steps to cool it down if it is. Most graphics card testing tools will include the ability to monitor the clock speed and temperature.

Here are some free graphics testing tools:

• FurMark - FurMark is a popular choice for stress-testing your graphics card. It's designed to push your GPU to its limits and help you identify any potential stability issues. With FurMark, you can customize your testing parameters, track your GPU's temperature, and clock speed in real-time.
• MSI Afterburner - MSI Afterburner is a popular overclocking tool, but it also includes a built-in GPU stress test. This software is handy for gamers who want to optimize their graphics settings for a specific game. With MSI Afterburner, you can monitor your GPU's clock speed, temperature, and fan speed while running a stress test.
• Heaven Benchmark - Heaven Benchmark is another popular benchmarking tool designed to stress test your graphics card. This software is handy for users who want to see how their GPU performs under different conditions. With Heaven Benchmark, you can customize your testing parameters and track your GPU's temperature and clock speed in real-time.
• MSI Kombuster - Optimize your gaming PC's performance with MSI Kombustor, the ultimate stress test for your graphics card. With MSI Kombuster, you can use the preset testing parameters or customize your own. You can monitor your GPU's clock speed, temperature, GPU load, and GPU power. Note: MSI Kombuster only works with NVidia-based graphics cards.

Troubleshooting graphics card issues can be a straightforward process if you take a structured approach. Start by identifying the symptoms, checking physical connections, updating drivers, adjusting settings, and utilizing graphics testing tools. If, after all these steps, you’re still facing problems, consider testing the card in another system. By methodically addressing potential issues, you can restore the functionality of your graphics card and enjoy all the graphics-intensive applications and games your system has to offer.

As our lives have become increasingly digitized, our computers have become the central hub for all our information and activities. But with all that use comes clutter, which can slow down our machines and even put us at risk for security breaches. That's why it's essential to clean up our computers regularly. Fortunately, several free tools are available to help you keep your Windows computer running like new.

The first tool(s) I recommend are Storage Sense / Disk Cleanup, which are built into Windows. These tools will scan your computer for unnecessary files, such as temporary files and system files, and give you the option to delete them. To access Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup, follow the instructions below.

How to open Storage Sense in Windows 11

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on System.
4. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on Storage.
5. In the right-hand column, left-click on Storage Sense.

How to open Disk Cleanup in Windows 11

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
4. Left-click on Disk Cleanup.

How to open Storage Sense in Windows 10

1. Left-click on the Start menu and left-click on the Gear (Settings) icon. It should be the second icon up from the bottom.
2. Left-click on the System category
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Storage. All of the storage options will appear in the right-hand column.

How to open Disk Cleanup in Windows 10

1. Left-click on the Start button.
2. Scroll down the list of programs to Windows Administrative Tools and left-click to expand.
3. Left-click on Disk Cleanup. If you have more than one (1) drive, you will be prompted on which drive you want to clean up.

For complete details on Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup, click on the link below for your version of Windows.

Clean up Windows 11 with Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup

Clean up your Windows 10 computer using the Storage feature

Clean up Windows 10 with Disk Cleanup

Another great tool is Adwcleaner, which is designed to remove adware and other potentially unwanted programs from your computer. Adware can slow down your machine and even put you at risk for malware infections.

Adwcleaner can also detect and remove pre-installed software (bloatware), requires no installation, and is easy to use. For more information on Adwcleaner, check out the following article.

Clean up your Internet browser with AdwCleaner

Autoruns is another valuable tool for cleaning up your computer. This tool enables you to view all the programs set to run when you start your computer and allows you to disable any that you don't need. This can help speed up your machine and reduce clutter on your desktop.

Autoruns is one of the free utilities included in the Sysinternals Suite from Microsoft. Check out the following links for more information on Autoruns and Sysinternals Suite.

Autoruns for Windows

Troubleshoot your computer and more for free with Sysinternals Suite from Microsoft

CCleaner is a popular and powerful tool that can clean up your computer's registry, temporary files, and other unnecessary data. It also includes several other features, such as a file shredder and a program uninstaller.

CCleaner also includes a software updater and a duplicate file finder, and can manage System Restore points. For more information on CCleaner, check out the following article.

Clean up and optimize your computer for free with CCleaner

Finally, Revo Uninstaller is an excellent tool for removing programs that you no longer need. Unlike the default Windows uninstaller, which can leave behind files and registry entries, Revo Uninstaller completely removes the program and all its associated files. This can free up valuable space on your hard drive and help keep your computer running smoothly.

Revo Uninstaller features a cool option called Hunter Mode, which allows you to locate a shortcut or link to the program you want to uninstall. For more information on Revo Uninstaller, check out the following link.

Revo Uninstaller

In conclusion, cleaning your computer is an essential task that helps keep your machine running smoothly and reduces the risk of security breaches. You can easily clean up your computer by using free tools such as Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, Adwcleaner, Autoruns, CCleaner, and Revo Uninstaller, and enjoy a faster, more secure computing experience.

Are you tired of the default Start menu in Windows 11? Do you feel like it's cluttered with unnecessary apps and features? If so, you're not alone. Many users find the Start menu overwhelming and distracting, ultimately impacting their productivity. Fortunately, there's a solution - personalizing your Start menu.

By customizing your Start menu, you can maximize your productivity and unleash the full potential of your Windows 11 experience. You can create a unique and effective Start menu that caters to your specific needs and preferences, making your computing experience more enjoyable overall.

To get started, you'll need to explore the various customization options available in Windows 11. From rearranging your app tiles to pinning your favorite programs, there are plenty of ways to make your Start menu work for you. By taking the time to personalize your Start menu, you can streamline your workflow and access the apps and tools you need with just a few clicks.

Consider customizing your Start menu today to improve your Windows 11 experience and maximize productivity. With time and effort, you can create a Start menu tailored to your unique needs and preferences, making your computing experience more enjoyable and efficient. Let's get started.

All the changes outlined in this article are done inside the Settings app. You can bring up the Settings app by:

• Left-clicking on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
• In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
or
• Right-click on the Start button to bring up the Power User menu.
• In the list of programs that appear, left-click on Settings.
or
• Press the Windows logo key + I

Once you open the Settings app, left-click on Personalization in the left-hand column. This will display all of the Personalization categories in the right-hand column.

These customizations are in no particular order. Let's start with the alignment of the Start menu on the Taskbar.

Changing the location of the Start menu on the Taskbar

Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors

Windows 10 only allowed the Start menu to be located in the corner of the Taskbar, although you could place the Taskbar along any of the screen edges (left, right, top, or bottom). With Windows 11, you currently only have the option of the bottom of the screen.

But you can change the Start button's alignment (left or center). Inside of Taskbar behaviors, you can change the alignment between left and center using the pull-down menu.

Changing the accent color of the Start menu

Settings > Personalization > Colors

This option can be changed inside the Colors category. The only way you can change the Start menu accent color is by selecting Dark or Custom mode under Choose your mode. If you choose Dark mode, you can set the accent color for the Start menu and the Taskbar. If you choose Custom mode, you must select Dark as the default Windows mode to be able to set the accent color.

Changing the Start menu options

Settings > Personalization > Start

There are three (3) areas that you can customize on the Start menu; Pinned (programs /apps), Recommended (recently accessed files), and Folders (Settings, File Explorer, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos, Network, and Personal Folder).

The first option is the layout of the Start menu. You have three (3) choices; More pins, Default (an even mix of pins and recommendations), and More recommendations.

The next set of options you can toggle on or off. They are:

• Show recently added apps
• Show recently used apps
• Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer
• Show websites from your browsing history
• Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more
• Show account related notifications

The next option is the Folders category. Here, you can select which folders appear on the Start menu next to the Power button. You can choose any or all of the following folders: Settings, File Explorer, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos, Network, and Personal Folder.

Changing the Pinned apps on the Start menu

To add a program or folder to the Pinned apps area, locate the folder or program and right-click on it. From the context menu that appears, select Pin to Start.

To remove a program or folder from the Pinned apps area, right-click on it and select Unpin from Start.

To rearrange the Pinned apps, press and hold the left mouse button on the app you want to move and relocate it.

Changing the Recommended files

The only way to add a file to the Recommended area is to open a file with the associated program, then save it.

To remove a file from the Recommended area, right-click on it and select Remove from the list.