Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day #29



*1. MICROPHONE TIPS--PART 1 OF 5          
  
Does your computer listen? More and more computers now ship with 
built-in microphones or headset microphones as well as voice 
recognition, voice memo, and video teleconferencing software. Over the 
next few days, we'll pass along some tips for getting the best 
performance while dictating, recording, or conferencing. 

First, carefully read over the documentation that ships with your 
voice-related software. You'll want to pay close attention to sound 
board compatibility listings and settings. Voice packages often work 
best with certain sound cards and sometimes have known problems with 
other cards. Check to make sure your card works well with your voice 
package and is set correctly to get the best performance.


*2. MICROPHONE TIPS--PART 2 OF 5          
  
Microphone positioning is crucial to voice recognition and 
high-quality voice recording. An excellent microphone can make a 
horrible recording if worn incorrectly. Avoid breath sounds by placing 
your mike off to the side of your mouth, not directly in front. Never 
talk with the microphone directly against your lips; there should 
always be a small gap between your mouth and the mike. 

For other positioning tips, read the documentation of the software 
package that came with your mike. Often you'll find a diagram showing 
the proper mike positioning for best performance.


*3. MICROPHONE TIPS--PART 4 OF 5          
  
Don't assume that knowing how to talk means you know how to talk to a 
computer. Voice recognition experts say there is an art or craft to 
dictating to a computer. Enunciation, volume, and pace are 
all-important factors in attaining high levels of voice recognition. 
Your software's documentation should have some information about 
cultivating the skill of dictating. Practice the techniques until 
you've mastered them.


*4. MICROPHONE TIPS--PART 5 OF 5          
  
If you have a little extra money to spend on your voice setup, check 
into a wireless microphone. Very few voice-based software packages 
ship with a wireless mike in the box because of the added expense. 
However, for $200 to $400 you can purchase a high-quality microphone. 
A wireless device frees you up from your computer so you can walk 
around the room, even while talking. Most people find they get more 
use out of a wireless mike than a standard microphone headset.


*5. HARDWARE TIPS FOR A WINDOWS 2000 UPGRADE--PART 1 OF 5          
  
Windows 2000 has finally arrived. As with all new operating system 
upgrades, you should perform several preparatory steps before you 
start the installation. Over the next few days, these tips will cover 
the steps that relate to hardware. 

First, if necessary, upgrade your hardware to achieve the RECOMMENDED 
system requirements for Windows 2000--not just the minimum. Windows 
2000 will run incredibly slowly if your system only meets the minimum 
level requirements. This means your processor should be at least 
133MHz, and preferably 166MHz; your RAM amount should be at least 
64MB, and you should have 1GB of free hard disk space on your hard 
drive. If you need to upgrade your hardware, do so BEFORE you upgrade 
to Windows 2000. Don't wait until after the OS upgrade--your upgrade 
will go much more smoothly on a proper hardware configuration.


*6. HARDWARE TIPS FOR A WINDOWS 2000 UPGRADE--PART 2 OF 5          
  
Investigate your BIOS before you upgrade to the Windows 2000 operating 
system. An older system BIOS will likely only support the older APM 
(Advanced Power Management) power management specification. Windows 
2000 does support APM, but it also supports the newer ACPI (Advanced 
Configuration and Power Interface) specification, which lets you slow 
down or turn off individual devices in order to conserve battery 
power. Notebook computer users, in particular, would benefit from 
using ACPI. If you find your BIOS does not support ACPI, contact your 
PC manufacturer on the Web or over the phone and ask about a BIOS 
upgrade.


*7. HARDWARE TIPS FOR A WINDOWS 2000 UPGRADE--PART 3 OF 5          
  
HARDWARE TIPS FOR A WINDOWS 2000 UPGRADE--PART 3 OF 5Are your 
computer's internal and external devices ready for Windows 2000? Never 
assume they are, even if you have relatively new components. Browse 
the Windows 2000 Hardware and Software compatibility section of 
Microsoft's Web site at 

http://www.pcworld.com/r/tw/1%2C2061%2Ctw-hu0229y%2C00.html 

You can search for your hardware in the compatibility list that's 
available on the site, or you can download the free Windows 2000 
Readiness Analyzer utility, which investigates your system and reports 
any known hardware or software compatibility issues.


*8. HARDWARE TIPS FOR A WINDOWS 2000 UPGRADE--PART 4 OF 5          
  
Before you upgrade your operating system to Windows 2000, be sure to 
perform a COMPLETE BACKUP. Unlike the Windows 98 upgrade, Windows 2000 
doesn't give you the option of returning to your original setup if you 
decide for some reason you don't like Windows 2000. Thus, you need to 
create this emergency exit for yourself. Use tape, CD-R discs, or some 
other removable storage medium and perform a complete system backup. 
Also, make sure you have a properly configured bootable system disk so 
you can boot from it and access your backup data. With a full backup 
on standby, Windows 2000's hour-long installation procedure won't seem 
quite so stressful.


*9. HARDWARE TIPS FOR A WINDOWS 2000 UPGRADE--PART 5 OF 5          
  
Finally, round up the new Windows 2000 drivers for your devices before 
you upgrade. At this point the manufacturers of most graphics cards, 
sound boards, modems, and other devices offer Windows 2000 drivers. 
Make sure you have already downloaded the new drivers or know where 
you can obtain them over the Web. Windows 2000 often functions with 
default drivers, but you will probably see better performance using 
drivers specifically designed for the OS.


*10. LARGE-FORMAT INKJET          
  
Inkjets have dropped dramatically in price over the last two years. 
Now, for $100 to $400, you can buy a quality inkjet printer. 
Unfortunately, until very recently, those users who needed to print on 
large-size paper still had to go with the more expensive laser 
printers, because all the inexpensive inkjets operated only on the 
standard 8.5-by-11-inch format.   

Epson saw this as an opportunity. Its new Stylus Color 1160 prints on 
paper up to 13 inches by 19 inches, or on banners with a maximum 
length of 44 inches. Visit Epson at   

http://www.epson.com
