Install Software

Software quality assurance plans are available from many software manufacturers for an additional fee when purchasing the rights to use the software. They are intended to make sure you get the most out of your technology investment, providing many additional benefits and "perks" to make your installation, use and maintenance of the software even better.

Save Time

Many software quality assurance plans are sold as packaged services and come complete with the installation expertise of a certified software consultant. Many software manufacturers will pre-packaged plans in one, three, five or even 10-day services, depending on the size of the deployment required. Obviously, a business that is looking to add software on 50 desktops will take more than a few days, in most cases. These services leave the end user's Information Technology (IT) Department to deal with typical every-day computer issues and not on the potential massive deployment the company is under taking.

Save Money

One of the biggest benefits of software quality assurance plans is the ability to spread out payments. Software manufacturers typically will require payment all up front for the purchase of new software licenses, which can take its toll on an individual's or business' budget. However, assurance plans have the option of spreading out payments over two, or even three, years, allowing the end user to have better predictability over its technology budget in the coming years.

Increase Productivity

Many costs that keep individuals and businesses from enjoying the latest technology are the extra costs. Upgrading to the newest versions of software on a continual basis can take its toll. Software quality assurance plans take that issue off the table and allow individuals and businesses to always have the latest technology at their fingertips so that productivity is never hindered. Assurance plans often come with new version rights and allow the end user to upgrade to the newest software versions at no extra cost and at a time most suitable to the end user.

Enhance Training

With the latest software versions come the need for more training for end users and IT staff. Software assurance plans will provide discounted or even free training modules and courses so that users and staff have the ability to stay ahead of the curve. This also increases productivity and saves money.

Extra Support

Software quality assurance plans provide individuals and businesses enhanced technical guidance through 24-hour access to phone support, live chat and online tutorials that cover all aspects of troubleshooting. End users without software quality assurance plans have limited access to the support they need, and if the breakdown is business critical, the problem sometimes requires extra costs for additional phone support or the funds necessary to get technicians on-site.

Costs

Software quality assurance plans typically are priced in relation to the software they are being sold with. As of 2009, Microsoft Corporation charged an additional 25 percent on top of the cost of the software for server solutions and 29 percent for desktop and operating system solutions. Other manufacturers may charge as high as 40 or 50 percent above the cost of the software licenses. Many programs, however, do not require additional software costs for upgrading, only requiring that the assurance plan be renewed for another term. This can save the end user even more money.

Spyware is a collective term used to describe programs that install on your computer and perform malicious behavior. In this day and age of heightened levels of identity theft, a properly running anti-spyware program is important in protecting personal information. If you're having trouble installing spyware protection, there are several methods to resolve them.

Significance

Spyware comes in many forms and varies in danger level. Spyware includes malicious files such as malware toolbars, adware, tracking cookies and pop-up advertisements. They generally install on your computer without your consent and run anonymous processes on your computer. They do everything from monitor your Internet activities to steal personal information such as passwords. It is important to have spyware-removal software on your computer. If your computer is rejecting installation of a spyware program, troubleshooting can help solve problems.

Compatibility issues

If your computer only has 512MB of RAM and the spyware program you are trying to install requires at least 1GB RAM, you will likely run into installation problems. Before installing a spyware program, check the system configurations required to run the program. In some instances, spyware programs may install on the insufficient computer but may end up causing system freezes that will deter performance.

Presence of Virus

Many powerful viruses can hijack your computer system and prevent spyware programs from installing on your computer. They hijack the registry and alter startup configurations to prevent any additional security tools from installing on your computer. Viruses duplicate themselves on your computer and take control of vital system components such as security centers and system folders, thus preventing any changes from happening on your computer.

Solutions

Download and install programs such as Malwarebytes and AVG but change the name of the executable file when saving it to your computer (see Resources) to prevent viruses from tracing it. From there, run scans in Safe Mode (see Resources) and remove detected malicious files. Download and install the latest updates (e.g. service packs) for your computer system to improve security. Temporarily disable any other third-party security programs that may be causing conflicts. If you have other spyware programs, or older versions of the program you are installing, it's advisable to uninstall them first, to prevent conflicts.

Warning

There are many rogue anti-spyware programs, such as Antivirus 2009, that trick people into buying useless software that will corrupt your computer system once it is installed. Use reputable spyware-removing programs such as Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (see Resources) to deal with spyware problems. Always update your antivirus program so that you have the latest spyware and virus definitions to combat new threats as they arise.

Software quality assurance plans are available from many software manufacturers for an additional fee when purchasing the rights to use the software. They are intended to make sure you get the most out of your technology investment, providing many additional benefits and "perks" to make your installation, use and maintenance of the software even better.

Save Time

Many software quality assurance plans are sold as packaged services and come complete with the installation expertise of a certified software consultant. Many software manufacturers will pre-packaged plans in one, three, five or even 10-day services, depending on the size of the deployment required. Obviously, a business that is looking to add software on 50 desktops will take more than a few days, in most cases. These services leave the end user's Information Technology (IT) Department to deal with typical every-day computer issues and not on the potential massive deployment the company is under taking.

Save Money

One of the biggest benefits of software quality assurance plans is the ability to spread out payments. Software manufacturers typically will require payment all up front for the purchase of new software licenses, which can take its toll on an individual's or business' budget. However, assurance plans have the option of spreading out payments over two, or even three, years, allowing the end user to have better predictability over its technology budget in the coming years.

Increase Productivity

Many costs that keep individuals and businesses from enjoying the latest technology are the extra costs. Upgrading to the newest versions of software on a continual basis can take its toll. Software quality assurance plans take that issue off the table and allow individuals and businesses to always have the latest technology at their fingertips so that productivity is never hindered. Assurance plans often come with new version rights and allow the end user to upgrade to the newest software versions at no extra cost and at a time most suitable to the end user.

Enhance Training

With the latest software versions come the need for more training for end users and IT staff. Software assurance plans will provide discounted or even free training modules and courses so that users and staff have the ability to stay ahead of the curve. This also increases productivity and saves money.

Extra Support

Software quality assurance plans provide individuals and businesses enhanced technical guidance through 24-hour access to phone support, live chat and online tutorials that cover all aspects of troubleshooting. End users without software quality assurance plans have limited access to the support they need, and if the breakdown is business critical, the problem sometimes requires extra costs for additional phone support or the funds necessary to get technicians on-site.

Costs

Software quality assurance plans typically are priced in relation to the software they are being sold with. As of 2009, Microsoft Corporation charged an additional 25 percent on top of the cost of the software for server solutions and 29 percent for desktop and operating system solutions. Other manufacturers may charge as high as 40 or 50 percent above the cost of the software licenses. Many programs, however, do not require additional software costs for upgrading, only requiring that the assurance plan be renewed for another term. This can save the end user even more money.

Produced by Blizzard Entertainment, the Diablo series of games is a type of fantasy role-playing computer game, where players encounter and do battle with evil monsters. A number of files are associated with Diablo games, including .d2i files.

Identification

A file with the .d2i file extension is known as a Diablo 2 item file.

Function

D2i files contain the graphics and instructions for how an item that you collect during a quest in Diablo 2 is used in the game.

Benefits

The .d2i file serves as a marker to your computer, allowing the file to be quickly located when Diablo 2 requires the item for game play. This prevents an interruption or pause as you play.

Source

Some .d2i files are installed with the program software for Diablo 2. Third-party websites also offer .d2i files that allow you to add new items to the game.

Considerations

Because these files are required for Diablo 2 to function correctly, never delete a .d2i file from your computer.

Shockwave was developed by the company Macromedia in the final quarter of 1995. The technology allows users to create interactive games and applications for visitors of websites to utilize and enjoy without the complications of downloading and installing.

Advantages

Shockwave technology allows for the creation of deep, versatile environments for Internet users to interact within.

Disadvantages

The main drawback of using Shockwave is that it requires the visitor to install additional software for it to function. The additional pieces of software required are referred to as "plug-ins," and typically include Active-X controls.

Alternatives

"GIF" animations are a viable alternative for games and applications that use simple animation. Visitors do not have to install additional software in order to interact with GIF animations. JavaScript and Java are additional alternatives.

Benefits

It is most beneficial for website owners to utilize Shockwave for applications that require detailed navigation. Shockwave has also proven beneficial for creating interactive testing and training courses.

Creation

Creating Shockwave files requires the program Director. Games and applications are created in Director and later compressed into the smaller Shockwave file size.

Software piracy is the unauthorized installation or illegal copying of software. It affects everyone. Prices for software increase, because developers need to make a living. People who work with software also charge more to pay for the extra costs. These costs are passed on to the public, which pays more to benefit from what the software produces.

Crime

Software piracy is stealing. You are taking the product of another person without acknowledgment, permission or payment. The maximum penalties are 250,000 dollars in fines and up to five years in prison. Ignorance is not a excuse.

Expenses Passed Along

Piracy is unfair to your neighbor. Someone has to pay for software, and it is the honest person who pays extra for everyone who copies software illegally. According to a study, back in 2001, software companies lost 11 billion dollars in revenue and approximately 40 percent of business software was pirated.

Responsibility

We all have a responsibility to say no to software piracy. Buy only legal copies of software with serial numbers. Install the software on only one machine, unless you have multiple licenses. Educate yourself and others.

With a mini notebook, the vast realm of cyberspace is accessible at your fingertips, no matter where you go. Mini notebooks, however, fall short in the area of offered software; with no CD or DVD drive, users are somewhat limited on software they can install to their mini notebook. Depending on whether you require a device for business or leisure, mini notebooks may not be the best investment.

Portability

Mini notebooks are ideal for people on the go. With a screen size of ten inches or smaller (measured diagonally), mini notebooks easily fit in a briefcase, backpack and in some cases, purses.

Lightweight

In addition to portability, mini notebooks are great travel companions. At barely three pounds, a mini notebook literally keeps you connected with family, friends and colleagues without weighing your bags down.

Battery Life

Depending on the brand and model you purchase, mini notebook can continue operation for as much as up to eight hours on charged battery life. This allows you lengthy periods of time to browse the Internet or finish work tasks without being constricted to any wires and power cords.

Optimal Drives

One noticeable disadvantage with mini notebooks is that they do not have CD or DVD drives on the device. They do have USB ports and a memory card slot. So, you can still save and retrieve work-related documents as well as upload photos directly from your memory cards onto your notebook. If you don't mind the cost of purchasing an external hard drive or DVD writer, you will be able to install additional software onto your mini notebook.

Memory

Mini notebooks do not come installed with a large RAM memory, which may slow down the overall speed of your computer, especially if you have multiple applications running. A viable solution is purchasing additional RAM memory and having a computer technician professionally install it onto your device.

The Lenovo brand has quickly become a favorite with many businesses--and with many individual users as well. With the right care and maintenance there is no reason that a Lenovo computer cannot last for many years, but it is still important to know what to do when something goes wrong. Taking your Lenovo computer to a repair shop can be expensive, but knowing how to fix common problems yourself can save you a lot of money.

Unexpected Shutdowns

If your Lenovo computer begins to shut down for no apparent reason, consider recent changes on your system, if there any. If you recently installed a new piece of hardware or a new software package, that piece of hardware or software could be causing a conflict with the system and causing it to become unstable. If you suspect that this may be the case, remove it to see if that resolves the problem.

If there have been no recent changes to the system, those unexpected shutdowns could be a sign of overheating. When the computer's processor reaches too high a temperature, it may automatically shut down to protect the computer from overheating. One of the most common causes of overheating is a fan that is either not working or blocked by dust and debris. To check this, open the Lenovo's case and use a can of compressed air to blow out any accumulated dust and dirt.

Problems with the Hard Drive

If you suspect that there is a problem with the hard drive, iboot your computer into the Setup menu and run diagnostics on the drive. Turn your computer on, and as it is booting, watch for the setup message and press the appropriate key. When the Setup program starts, look for the diagnostic menu and run the diagnostics on the drives. If the diagnostic program reports that the drive is failing, replace that failing drive as soon as possible. Back up your data, using an external hard drive, a thumb drive or an online backup service.

Display Problems

If you suddenly notice that the display on your Lenovo PC has reverted to 16 colors, check the status of the display driver. Sometimes a display driver can become corrupt, and that can cause the computer to revert to its default display status. To check the current settings, right-click anywhere on the desktop and choose "Properties" from the menu. Click on the "Settings" tab and see if you can change the color settings. To reinstall the display driver, right-click on "My Computer" and choose "Properties" from the menu. Then, click on the "Hardware" tab, click the "Device Manager" button and expand the "Display Adapter" option. Right-click on the display adapter and choose "Update Driver" from the menu to reinstall the most current printer driver.

User authentication is the practice of verifying a person's digital identity before he is allowed to use a product. It generally refers to restricting access to areas of a computer by requiring a username and password.

Etymology

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word "authentic" implies that the contents of the thing in question correspond to the facts and are not fictitious. The term "user authentication" is based on the act of authenticating, or verifying, that a person is who she claims to be.

Similar Terms

When used in verifying identity on a computer, user authentication works via software programs that have been installed on a server. The terms "soft token" and "virtual token" are often used to identify a program that allows user access, usually by means of a username and password.

Alternate Methods

In addition to requiring a username and password combination, more advanced methods of user authentication include encryption, fingerprint scanning, biometrics and digital signatures.

When you purchase software or hardware from Microsoft, like many other manufacturers, includes in the sale a license to use that software or any pre-installed software on the hardware. The software is called original equipment manufacturer (OEM) software, and according to copyright law, it requires a license to operate it.

Difference From FPP

OEM can be confused with FPP (full-packaged product). OEM software is intended to be installed on the hardware before you buy it. FPP software is sold in stores for you to install later. For example, a new computer comes with an OEM operating system. If you later buy a CD from a store to upgrade the system, that software is FPP.

Verifying OEM

Operating a pirated, unlicensed version of software violates the U.S. Copyright Act. The situation can come about inadvertently if you buy secondhand software or hardware from an untrustworthy source. Microsoft allows you to verify if your software is OEM or pirated.

Transferring OEM License

According to Microsoft's end user license agreements, OEM licenses cannot be transferred from one machine to another. However, FPP licenses can. Transferring OEM software to another computer violates the U.S. Copyright Act.

Purchasing software for home or business use requires understanding the licensing options to avoid potential legal issues. Microsoft offers three distinct methods of acquiring licensed software. Retail licenses can be purchased through stores, volume licensing is available through an agreement with Microsoft, and OEM licenses come pre-installed on computers.

Understanding OEM Licensing

Original Equipment Manfacturer (OEM) licensed software comes pre-installed on a new computer system. The software is installed by the equipment manufacturer.

Advantages

Purchasing a computer with pre-installed software often costs less then purchasing a computer without software and buying it separately. Microsoft OEM licensing requires that the Microsoft system builder provide support for software the builder installed.

Disadvantages

Microsoft OEM licenses are non-transferable. The license is tied to the specific computer it is installed on and it cannot be reused, even if the computer is no longer in use.

Freight broker tools enable freight brokers to better manage their day-to-day operations. These tools enable freight brokers to perform tasks, such as emailing invoices and quotes, producing reports and keeping track of shipping transactions.

Freight broker tools also help freight brokers to save money, because they don't have to install software or hardware. This is because many of these tools are online. Freight brokers are able to access these tools from any location and at any time.

LoadPilot

LoadPilot, a freight broker Web-based application, helps freight brokers to invoice, quote and keep track of all loads. Freight brokers can use LoadPilot to email or fax quotes, invoices and rate confirmations. LoadPilot allows freight brokers to set up home pages so that they can review their open loads, and daily and weekly schedules, and check their messages.

LoadPilot comes with international shipping abilities. As a result, freight brokers can find the country for shipments, carriers, origins and destinations. LoadPilot integrates with accounting applications, such as Intuit QuickBooks, and provides step-by-step instructions of how to use this tool. In addition, LoadPilot uses encryption technology, such as 128-bit and secure socket layer protocol.

ITS Dispatch

ITS Dispatch is an easy-to-use freight broker software tool. This software is designed to work with small- and medium-sized businesses. ITS Dispatch allows freight brokers to use a single console to manage all loads. In addition, freight brokers can view their own loads or all loads. ITS Dispatch provides comprehensive broker statistics and carrier information.

This tool integrates with accounting applications, such as Intuit QuickBooks. Freight brokers can use ITS Dispatch to produce detailed reports about drivers or carriers.

BrokerWare

BrokerWare, a Web-based application, is designed to help freight brokers operate more productive and lucrative businesses. 3PL Systems developed this system. According to 3PL Systems, the transportation management system is for non-asset freight brokers. This tool manages all transportation and shipping transactions, such as routing, dispatching, operations, billing and collections.

BrokerWare supports different types of shipments, including Rail, Truckload, Less-Than-Truckload and Expedited. It can perform tasks, such as monitoring shipments and providing administrative reports. BrokerWare enables freight brokers to analyze shipment volume using real-time data. In addition, freight brokers can use this tool to forecast growth.

Data quality is defined as the correctness, accuracy and completeness of data. Data quality audits check the data quality and how it has been entered or maintained in a computer system.

Impact of Data Quality

If data quality is poor, there is missing or inaccurate data in the database. Audits also allow for monitoring of data quality as data-entry technicians are trained, new software is installed and databases are upgraded.

Data Quality Audit Standards

Data must be traceable to its original source, so that it can be corrected throughout the system. Databases should have records of all changes to data, so that root causes can be identified as the fault of specific individuals or software updates.

Data Quality Audit Tools

Many database software systems include built-in logging functions to assist data quality audits. diary and pen image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com

Data quality can be audited by converting a database to a flat file. The information is stored in a sequential file and then analyzed for completeness and accuracy. Audits can also be done by statistical sampling, selecting data records at random or periodic intervals. Database logging can be turned on to track all changes to a database, allowing an audit of who corrects data and how often it is corrected.