Step-by-step beginner's guide to installing Ubuntu 11.10

1. In this guide I will cover the installation of Ubuntu Linux 11.10, 32-bit version from a LiveCD. The installation of other 'buntu versions including 64-bit will be very similar to this guide. I will try to explain certain options and provide helpful hints along the way, so rather than just following the guide, you can understand the reasoning behind the decisions.
   
   This guide is drawn from my experience. As some of you are aware, I'm passionate about open-source software and OS', in particular Linux. I'm no professional though, just a person that enjoys spending his spare time using Linux and open-source software in-between dissecting others' computers, and somehow managing to turn my own systems into fireballs of destruction!
   
   If there are any mistakes please draw my attention to them and I will correct as needed. I have tried to make this as simple as possible, whilst covering the vast majority of scenarios users will come across whilst installing this operating system.
   
   Step 1:
   The first thing you should do is head to http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download and download Ubuntu 11.10 LiveCD. Just click the big orange Start download box.
   
   Step 2:
   Using your disc burning software, burn the .iso you downloaded to a CD.
   
   Step 3:
   Before you go any further, ensure all important data is backed up in case of data loss on your drives. This guide assumes you have media backups of your Windows partitioned hard drive and you are safe to proceed.
   
   ***Warning: Installing another operating system without first ensuring you have backups of your current files and operating system is a big risk. If you have no data to lose or you’ve backed up important data, you’re ready to proceed. YOU are responsible if you lose data.For those of you using Windows, and installing Linux for the first time I recommend you either use a separate hard disk that does not contain the Windows OS, or create a partition big enough for Linux within Windows using Disk Management in the Administrative Tools menu of the control panel. 30GB of hard disk space is absolutely plenty of space for you to begin exploring Ubuntu whilst at the same time having room to grow.
   
   Step 4:
   Ensure you have a network cable connected, restart your computer, and boot from the CD drive.
   
   Step 5:
   The LiveCD will load up, and you'll be presented by the following box:
   
   
   
   For the purposes of this guide, we will assume you've already tried Ubuntu and want to proceed with an installation, so click "Install Ubuntu."
   

How to Install RAM in Your Laptop

The general process of installing memory modules, or RAM, in a laptop is very similar from one brand to another; today, nearly every laptop design places an access panel on the bottom of the laptop and uses similarly latching sockets. The description used here is for the Toshiba Satellite P205 laptop.
You first want to make sure that the laptop has no electrical power and is cool and stable. Take these steps:

1. Turn off the computer using the Windows shut-down process.
   Keep in mind that you lose stored data if you use Sleep or Hibernation mode.
2. Unplug the AC adapter cable that runs to the laptop.
   Why remove the AC adapter and the battery before installing memory modules? First of all, plugging them in while power is on could result in damage to the RAM. Secondly, doing any work on a laptop while power is applied could result in a damaging spark.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Disconnect any other cabling to the laptop, including an Ethernet cable or a telephone modem wire.
   If the laptop has been running recently, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes; memory modules can become quite hot when they are in use.
5. Locate a small Phillips-head screwdriver.
   This is the screwdriver with an X-shaped head.
6. Place a soft cloth or other protective mat on a desktop.
7. Turn the laptop over so that its bottom is facing up.
8. Locate the memory module slot cover.
   

   Credit: Courtesy of Toshiba America, Inc.

   The illustration above shows the proper technique for removing the memory module slot cover on the bottom of a laptop.
9. Carefully remove the screw that holds the cover over the memory compartment.
   Hold the screwdriver at a right angle to the bottom of the laptop and turn the screw carefully; it shouldn’t require a lot of force to remove. Once the screw is removed, put it in a safe place. Use a piece of clear tape to attach it to the desktop or the side of the computer.
10. Ground yourself before touching the memory module.
    Touch any grounded metal surface, like a light stand, or touch the center screw on an electrical outlet.
11. Carefully remove a new memory module from its packaging.
    Avoid touching the connectors; doing so can reduce conductivity because of oils on your finger.
12. Locate an empty module slot.
    If two sockets are in the compartment and the top one is filled and the bottom is empty, remove the top module first.
13. Pick up the memory module by its sides and aim its connectors toward the socket.
    Be sure to align the notch in the connector with the matching key in the socket. See the figure below.
14. Slide the module into place.
    

    Credit: Courtesy of Toshiba America, Inc.

    Align the notch in the connector of the memory module with the corresponding key in the socket.
    Most sockets align at about a 30-degree angle.
15. Once the module is fully inserted into the socket, press down on the top edge of the device to latch it into place.
    This way it’s flat to the laptop’s bottom. The carrier should snap into place with latches. See the following figure.
16. Replace the memory compartment cover and lock it down with the screw.
    

    Credit: Courtesy of Toshiba America, Inc.

    Gently push the module, in its carrier, back to a flat position on the bottom of the laptop. It should gently latch into place.
    Don’t over tighten the screw.

Here’s what you do after installing memory:

1. Reinstall the main battery.
2. Turn the laptop right side up.
3. Reattach the AC adapter cable and other connections.
4. Restart the computer.

How to Install Mac OS X Lion on Your HP laptops (or Compatible Laptop)

How to Install Mac OS X Lion on Your HP laptops (or Compatible Laptop)

There’s nothing more satisfying than building a hackintosh, i.e. installing Mac OS X on a non-Apple machine. Although it isn’t as easy as it sounds, but the end result is worth the effort. Building a PC with specific components and installing Mac OS X on it can save you thousands of dollars you might spend on a real Mac. And now, it’s time to step into the portable world. Today we will show how you can turn an HP ProBook (or any compatible Sandy Bridge laptop) into a 95% MacBook Pro!
Why should (or shouldn’t) you do it?
Let’s clarify whether or not it should be done. Firstly, we all know Apple makes awesome laptops. The design, build quality, and the aesthetics (not to mention, the glowing Apple) would make you crave for one. Secondly, all these Apple laptops are bundled with Mac OS X, which (for some people) is the most user-friendly and annoyance-free operating system. Digital artists, musicians, video editors, they all prefer Mac for a reason. So the verdict is, if hardware design is what you really look for, you should get a real Mac, and we are not at all stopping you from doing so. But if you’re only concerned with the OS (and saving a few bucks in your pocket), you may consider giving this a shot. But remember, it may not perform as good as a real Mac does. The results vary, so hope for the best, and proceed with caution.

How to replace a Laptop Screen

How to take an LCD screen off of a laptop and reconnect a new one.

When the screen on a laptop breaks, it can be a very intimidating problem indeed for those who have never taken a laptop apart in the past before,

A Complete Guide To Laptop Motherboard Repair

A Complete Guide To Laptop Motherboard Repair

One of the worst things that can happen to your laptop is the motherboard failure often resulting into laptop motherboard repair. If the motherboard is damaged and is beyond repair, you would definitely need to consider buying a new laptop. This is of course necessary as the motherboard of a laptop is very expensive and not covered by a warranty, so the better option would be to buy a new laptop.

But before you reach to the conclusion, thoroughly assess the motherboard damage. For you need to decide between two options laptop motherboard repair vs. a new laptop.

Tell tale signs of motherboard failure:

1. You have switched on the computer being indicated by the light and fan also starts to spin. But there is complete black- out on the computer screen with the hard drive not working within 10- 15 sec.
2. The initial start up functions appear like indicative light, fan and hard drive sound, but  disappears after a while i.e. 5 – 3 mins.
3. A high pitched sound comes from the laptop when you press the “on” button.
4. Last one can be that even when you have switched on the computer nothing happens.

Cause of Mother Board Failure

There are numerous reasons why a laptop’s motherboard would fail. But some common and often unlooked corners include:

How to clear an unknown BIOS or CMOS password

Question

How to clear an unknown BIOS or CMOS password.

Answer

Tip: The below steps are for a desktop computer and do not include steps on how to clear a laptop CMOS password.

If you encounter a password prompt at boot or the BIOS or CMOS setup is locked as shown below and you do not know the password you will need to clear the BIOS password using the suggestions listed below.

Clear using jumper (recommended)

Caution: When inside the computer be sure you're aware of the potential damage that can be caused by ESD.

On the computer motherboard locate the BIOS clear or password jumper or dip switch and change its position. This jumper is often labeled CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS, JCMOS1, CLR, CLRPWD, PASSWD, PASSWORD, PSWD or PWD as shown in the picture to the right. To change the jumper remove it from the two pins its currently on so that it covers the pin that is not covered. For example, in the picture to the right pins 1 and 2 are covered, you'd remove the jumper and put it on pins 2 and 3.

Once this jumper has been changed, turn on the computer and the password should be cleared. Once cleared, turn the computer off and return the jumper or dip switch to its original position.

The location of the jumpers or dip switches are dependent on the manufacturer of the computer and motherboard. However, below are some general ideas on where to find it. Remember that most motherboards could have dozens of different jumpers, make sure you're changing the CMOS jumper and not something else. If these general suggestions do not help refer to your motherboard or computer documentation or skip to the next step.

1. On the edge of the motherboard - Most jumpers are located on the side of the motherboard for easy accessibility, verify by looking at all visible edges of the motherboard.
2. By the CMOS battery - Some manufactures will place the jumper to clear the CMOS or BIOS password by the actual CMOS battery.
3. By the processor - Some manufactures will place the jumpers by the processor of the computer.
4. Under the keyboard or bottom of laptop - If you are working on a laptop computer the location of the dip switch (almost never a jumper) can be under the keyboard or on the bottom of the laptop in a compartment such as the memory compartment.
5. Other visible location - While it is possible that the jumpers or dip switches may not be in a visible location, most manufactures try to make things easier by placing the jumpers or dip switches in another visible location.

Generic passwords

Try using generic CMOS passwords. Note: many of these generic passwords are no longer used or only used with older computers.

Use a BIOS password utility

There are utilities designed to help bypass CMOS passwords. An example of a great utility to decrypt or bypass BIOS passwords is the PC BIOS Security and Maintenance toolkit.

Remove CMOS battery

Removing the CMOS battery like the one shown in the picture to the right will cause the system to lose all CMOS settings including the password. To do this locate and remove the CMOS battery on the motherboard for at least five-minutes. After this has been done put the battery back into the computer and turn it back on.

Jump the CMOS solder beads

Older computers and especially older laptops don't have jumpers or dip switches and require the user to jump a pair of solder beads on a circuit board. The identification and location of these solder beads can vary and if not available in computer documentation is only obtainable through the computer manufacturer.

If you've identified the solder beads they can be jumped by placing a flat-head screwdriver over the two beads and leaving it on those beads while turning on the computer. Once the computer has booted turn off the computer and then remove the screwdriver.

Contact manufacturer

If the above solutions do not help or you are unable to locate the jumpers or solder beads, it's recommended you contact the computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer for the steps on clearing the computer password.

HOW TO BYPASS BIOS PASSWORDS 1

HOW TO BYPASS BIOS PASSWORDS
The aim of this article is to explain how to bypass BIOS passwords. By reading this article you should realize you can't rely on BIOS passwords if you need to secure your computer.

Accessing information on the hard disk
May be you don't actually need to access the computer, but you only need to access the information contained on the hard disk. In this case it could be more convenient to remove it temporarely from that machine and put it as a secondary hard disk on another machine, that you'll use as a host to retrieve data.
Before to put the hard disk on the host machine, set its jumper according to the EIDE channel to which you are connecting it (master, slave, or stand alone). Each disk drive has its own configuration, but it's usually explained on a sticker on the top. Take note of the original position of the jumper first, to set it back when you'll have to put the hard disk back to the original machine.
When you turn on the host machine, enter the CMOS setup menu (usually you have to press F2, or DEL, or CTRL+ALT+S during the boot sequence) and go to STANDARD CMOS SETUP, and set the channel to which you have put the hard disk as TYPE=Auto, MODE=AUTO, then SAVE & EXIT SETUP. Now you have access to the hard disk.

Standard BIOS backdoor passwords
The first, less invasive, attempt to bypass a BIOS password is to try on of these standard manufacturer's backdoor passwords:
AWARD BIOS
AWARD SW, AWARD_SW, Award SW, AWARD PW, _award, awkward, J64, j256, j262, j332, j322, 01322222, 589589, 589721, 595595, 598598, HLT, SER, SKY_FOX, aLLy, aLLY, Condo, CONCAT, TTPTHA, aPAf, HLT, KDD, ZBAAACA, ZAAADA, ZJAAADC, djonet, %øåñòü ïpîáåëîâ%, %äåâÿòü ïpîáåëîâ%
AMI BIOS
AMI, A.M.I., AMI SW, AMI_SW, BIOS, PASSWORD, HEWITT RAND, Oder
Other passwords you may try (for AMI/AWARD or other BIOSes)
LKWPETER, lkwpeter, BIOSTAR, biostar, BIOSSTAR, biosstar, ALFAROME, Syxz, Wodj
Note that the key associated to "_" in the US keyboard corresponds to "?" in some European keyboards (such as Italian and German ones), so -- for example -- you should type AWARD?SW when using those keyboards. Also remember that passwords are Case Sensitive. The last two passwords in the AWARD BIOS list are in Russian.

Flashing BIOS via software
If you have access to the computer when it's turned on, you could try one of those programs that remove the password from the BIOS, by invalidating its memory.
However, it might happen you don't have one of those programs when you have access to the computer, so you'd better learn how to do manually what they do. You can reset the BIOS to its default values using the MS-DOS tool DEBUG (type DEBUG at the command prompt. You'd better do it in pure MS-DOS mode, not from a MS-DOS shell window in Windows). Once you are in the debug environment enter the following commands:

A Guide to Parts In a Laptop

Laptop Part List

AC Adapter
Audio Board
Battery
CMOS Battery
Hard Drive
HeatSink      & Fan
Inverter Board
Keyboard
LCD Cable
LCD Screen
Memory
Motherboard
Optical Drive
Processor
Touchpad
Video Card


 

Motherboard or Mainboard

The motherboard is the board that all internal laptop components are connected to. Motherboards in laptop computers are different than desktop motherboards because they do not have to adhere to a specific form factor like desktop motherboards do (AT, ATX), they are designed and shaped differently for every laptop. Also, laptop motherboards are not as upgradeable because many components like video and audio are integrated into the motherboard and they may have no expansion slots available at all. 

Tools You need to Repair a Laptop

     Set of screw drivers

     Set of alien screwdriver

     Soldering iron or soldering station

     Solder sucker

     Soldering lead

     Cutter

     Set of pliers

     Multimeter (digital/analog)

     Picking tools

     External CD rom

     External HDD

     Maskig tape

     Alcohol (also known as spirit)

     Brush.

Steps to Replacing Your Laptop Screen Tips

          Step 1: Determine if you need a new screen

If you've dropped your laptop—or dropped something on it—and the screen has fractured, the diagnosis is easy. Connect an external monitor to your notebook via its VGA-out port to verify that the notebook's other components still work. If the laptop functions properly in all other respects, it's time to start hunting for the parts to fix the screen. If your display problems aren't the result of visible physical damage, however, the problem may not be the LCD. If your screen's backlight flickers, shuts down after a few minutes of usage, or doesn't come on at all, but you can still see a faint screen image, your problem may be the inverter, a small board that supplies power to the backlight. The good news is that these boards are available for well under $100. (We'll show you how to locate and replace the inverter.) If replacing the inverter doesn't solve the problem, the backlight itself may be faulty. If that's the case, replacing the LCD should fix your problem. If you see gibberish, lines, or a solid color on the screen, connect an external monitor and switch to that display (if you can). If the problem is evident on the external monitor, the issue is likely with your laptop's motherboard or video circuitry, not the display. If the external display works properly, the LCD or the cables leading to it are the likely problem.

Step 2: Find and remove the bezel screws

Carefully pry back the small rubber covers on the bezel to reveal the screws holding it in place. Before buying a new LCD, you'll want to examine, and possibly remove, the current one. Doing so will give you a chance to spot other possible causes for your display problem, and to gather the necessary part numbers to ensure that you get the right replacement screen. Before you begin, remove the laptop's battery and disconnect the power brick. For most laptops, you'll need only a couple of tools to remove the screen: a small Philips screwdriver, and a very small flat-head screwdriver or a knife. First, you'll need to locate the screw covers. These small rubber covers are generally found on the front of the display's bezel (surrounding frame), though on some notebooks you might find some of the covers along the side of the screen. (Note that these instructions will work for most laptop models, but occasionally you'll encounter unusual designs such as Apple's iBook G4, which uses Allen screws, or Apple's MacBook, which has no screws holding its bezel in place.) Use the tip of a small flat-head screwdriver or knife to carefully pry back the corner of each rubber cover around the screen until you can see if a screw lies underneath. If you locate a screw, remove the cover and place it in a small plastic bag or other safe location. Typically, you'll find at least four, and perhaps six, screws on the bezel. After you've located them all, remove them and store them with the covers.