Upgrading Windows XP to Windows 8.1

To directly upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows XP, you'll need to install it from a Windows
 8.1 DVD and perform a clean installation. This means you won't be able to keep any files, settings, or programs when you upgrade.

The alternative procedure would be to upgrade to version Windows  8 and get a free downloadable upgrade to Windows 8.1

Migrating Windows XP to Windows 7

Upgrade Path

The first and hardest truth about migrations from Windows XP to Windows 7 is that there is no direct
upgrade path, you will have to do a clean installation. Microsoft doesn't have an easy way to make this happen. Cost of the upgrade DVD is about $100 for the software alone.

I like the idea of not upgrading, and just buying a reconditioned PC. All the work is done for you, plus $50 more than the price of the software DVD  a 2nd hand PC that you know runs Windows 7.

Improving Windows 7 Performance

Disclaimer: This is an evolving check list for my own reference. Use at your own risk!!!

First things first, set up a restore point on your system so you can back out of these changes.

We want to Monitor Resources (resmon):

• System
• Services
• Processes 
• Memory
• Disk
• Network

How to factory reset a laptop

Taken from:

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/laptop/3462995/factory-reset-laptop/

Diagnosing Computer Problems with Flowcharts

Below are examples of flowcharts which look useful in fixing a PC.

A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm or process, showing the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows. This diagrammatic representation illustrates a solution to a given problem. Process operations are represented in these boxes, and arrows; rather, they are implied by the sequencing of operations.

These are not my flowcharts and are not exhaustive in their detail, but I'll refer you to them and leave it to you to purchase them. They're a typical example of how an algorithm or process can be represented and used and in this case to fix the components within a computer system.

PC's Boot Process

Boot Process

Firstly let me state this is my "adapted" version of the boot process for a Windows system.

The boot process is divided into 3 stages:

1. Powering on the PC
2. BIOS Power On and Self Test (Post)
3. Bootstrapping the Operating System

WPS - The Simplest Technique to connect a device to your WiFi Router

What is WPS?

WPS or Wi-Fi Protected Setup allows you to add new wireless clients to your local network in a swift and easy way, without the need to enter any of your wireless settings (network name, wireless key, encryption type).

Most wireless routers support this technique of setting up new clients.