Are you tired of going to various locations on your computer to access your favorite computer tools? One minute you need Device Manager, the next you want to run the Performance Monitor, followed by checking the status of your favorite Web site such as Filetonic.com. What if I told you that your computer comes with a cool utility where you can manage all of your favorite tools in one location? No more going back and forth between Control Panel, the Start button, Windows Explorer, and your Internet web browser. Instead, use Microsoft Management Console and create your own “console” of goodies.

Microsoft Management Console is one of those obscure Windows operating system utilities that few users know about. According to the help files for Microsoft Management Console, this console hosts administrative tools for administering networks, computers, services, and other system components. Don’t worry; you don’t have to be a techie to use this tool but you will impress your friends once you’ve set up your own custom console.

First, start the Microsoft Management Console, or MMC, by entering mmc.exe into the Run dialog box found in the Start button. If you have Windows Vista, simply type mmc.exe in the Search bar and then click the program when it’s displayed.

This opens an “empty” console which is basically going to act as a container for tools that you add or “snap” in. Let’s add those tools, shall we? Go to the File menu and choose “Add or Remove Snap-ins.” This opens a list of potential snap-ins that you can add such as:

• ActiveX Control
• Device Manager
• Computer Manager
• Event Viewer
• Folder
• IP Security Monitor
• Reliability Monitor
• Link to Web Address

The snap-ins in your list will vary depending on what operating system you have. Add the snap-ins that make the most sense to you. For example, let’s say you want your own console containing your favorite performance tools. In this case, you might add Reliability and Performance, Reliability Monitor, and Disk Management. In addition, if you have a favorite Web site related to PC performance, you can add it by clicking the Link to Web Address option and then entering the URL.

For example, I made a Microsoft Management Console contains the following:

• Device Manager
• Reliability and Performance
• Filetonic.com
• Event Viewer
• Windows Media Player

Now, instead of having to go several places on my computer, I can simply launch this one console and have all of my favorite utilities and resources a click away.

Save your Microsoft Management Console with a unique name such as My Performance Tools. Once you have created and saved your custom Management Console, you need an easy way to access it. The easiest way for me is to “Pin” it to the Start menu though you may prefer a desktop shortcut. Either way, you will need to go into Windows Explorer (right-click the Start button, choose Explore) and then find your saved console. By default, the saved location is:

C:\Users\User Name\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools

After navigating to this folder, find your Management Console file and right-click it. From here, either choose Pin to Start Menu or Create Desktop Shortcut. If you create a shortcut, drag and drop it to your Desktop.

You did it! You just created your own console and filled it with your favorite tools. Remember, you can add and remove snap-ins at any time.

 Quite a few reasons exist for using computer diagnostics. Perhaps the most compelling reason is to ensure that the computer is running properly. After all, anyone who uses a computer knows that the experience is so much better when the machine is running at optimal performance. Keeping current with all of the updates for drivers and software, maintaining the computer’s security, and fixing any problems that do occur immediately can all lead to a finely tuned machine.

Computer diagnostics offer possible solutions for a number of potential problems, easily eliminating some options as root causes for some troubles while highlighting others as scenarios to check out. Not only can they make it easier to diagnose problems with my computer, but also, they can make it less stressful. In a perfect world, I would not have a need for computer diagnostics, but let’s face it, not much is perfect. Even through no fault of my own, problems can occur with my computer. Plus, for those of us who have to share a computer, not everyone who uses a computer knows what they are doing.

Other reasons exist for using computer diagnostics as well, especially for someone who is constantly using a computer whether for working, gaming, or socializing. Utilizing computer diagnostics to guarantee that my computer’s performance is not being hindered by anything will help ensure that it is running at an optimal level, providing me with the best case scenario.

Using computer diagnostics to prevent problems before they occur is one of the best computer friendly tasks that I can engage in on any given occasion. Identifying and solving problems with computers including their operating systems, hardware, and software involves the same troubleshooting techniques no matter how expensive or inexpensive the machine is. From top-of-the-line models to low end ones, computer diagnostics are essential for solving any number of inconsistencies or problems.

The benefits far exceed the cost in time or money to use them. Computer diagnostics can be used to increase the uptime for individuals, students, and employees. They can also reduce costly repairs and visits from outside technicians.

Computer diagnostic software is designed to help computer users enable their machines to run in an efficient manner. They provide useful tips on problem solving and performance issues that occur either consistently or intermittently. Think of them as system-health tools. Just as the doctor, nurse, or dentist help people to live healthy lives, these tools help computers to run efficiently as well as to perform well.

Computer diagnostics can be used to correctly identify, solve, and repair problems, returning a computer back to a high level of functioning in relatively short time. It’s important to note that computer diagnostics can be broken down into several categories. These categories include hardware diagnostics, software diagnostics, boot up diagnostics, memory diagnostics, embedded diagnostics, custom diagnostics, and more. A computer’s hardware includes such things as the motherboard, hard drives, RAM (Random Access Memory), and more.

 Ah, “ping.” I don’t have enough fingers to count how many times I’ve been on the phone with technical support and being asked if I’ve “pinged” this or that. Huh? Pinging at its most basic is a verification process that confirms whether or not a Web site or IP address exists and can accept requests. The ping utility or command helps you to determine whether or not a host computer that you are trying to connect is functioning. You can also use ping to determine the amount of time it takes for a functioning host computer to respond to your request.

Pinging is basically checking to see if another party (Web site) is online or not. The ping utility sends a packet to the designated address and waits for a response - much like sonar. The term ping is both a nod to submarine sonar terminology (you know how those radars make a “pinging” sound when echoing?) and an acronym for “Packet Internet Gopher.”

Want to see ping in action? It’s kind of fun in a techno-geeky sort of way. Plus, by learning how to ping, you’ll hopefully be better prepared with a snappy comeback than I was the next time a tech support guy asks you if you have pinged or not.

You can either use the domain name or the IP address if you know it. To do so, you must first go to a MS-DOS prompt. Do this by going to the Start button, All Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt. You’ll see a black screen with text - the old command prompt screen.

When typing in a domain name, use the basic “www.domainname.com” convention. For example, if pinging Microsoft, you’ll enter “www.microsoft.com.”  At the command prompt, type in the word “ping” followed by the web address. For example:

C:\>ping www.microsoft.com

The ping utility will send 32 bytes of data and wait for a response before reporting the results back to you. Statistics such as Packets Sent, Packets Received, and Packets Lost as well as roundtrip in milliseconds will be displayed.

This information is helpful in ruling out connectivity issues during troubleshooting. If you have a computer problem and must contact technical support, you may be asked to ping the related website.

The term “ping” is also used in the blogosphere with a similar meaning though the process is reversed. Rather than pinging a Web site to get a response, bloggers use pinging to send an alert about the updated status of a blog or website’s content. For example, many sites, such as Technorati and Feedburner, have a “ping us” feature where you can enter your URL whenever you’ve updated your content. You can also set up your blog software to “ping” the site automatically whenever you’ve updated your content.

How do I resolve partial uninstalls?

Even with the best intentions at hand, I sometimes encounter small dilemmas with my computer. In fact, sometimes when I venture to uninstall a particular software application, I end up with leftover files, folders, and more. Why is this?

Some software programs are like pests, no matter how hard I try, they keep showing up. This simply means that I need to take a new strategy and exercise a bit of determination. I have learned that one of the first steps to take is to realize that this is not a problem. In fact, it is a common occurrence that happens all the time to all kinds of people including me.

Sometimes attempting to uninstall a program while the computer is in safe mode will resolve any issues that I have had with uninstalling software. Understanding what happens when a program is installed onto your computer will better enable you to understand what needs to happen in order for it to become completely uninstalled.

When you install a program onto your computer, several things usually happen. The software receives a destination on your hard drive for its location, where many of its files will be stored. Plus, shared data might also be installed into various spots on the computer’s hard drive.

Additionally, some software programs require background processes to run in order for them to work. Therefore, files might be placed into your computer’s start up folder so that these background processes will launch when you boot up your computer. Finally, changes are often made to the computer’s registry. All of this needs to be modified when you decide to uninstall the software.

Some of the most common items left behind after a partial install are various files, folders, or shortcuts. Typically, these items can be sent to the recycle bin and deleted once they have been identified. In some cases, you will even note that the folders are empty.

Shared files are usually more trouble if they are removed when they are actually needed rather than if they are allowed to remain when they are no longer needed. I always opt to allow them to remain and rely on a third-party uninstaller to take care of any leftovers.

I have also heard that reinstalling the program and then uninstalling it for a second time can be helpful. At any rate, lots of programs exist that can help you to remove any unnecessary data leftover from an uninstalled program.

Is there a chance that when I force my computer to uninstall using a program, that I will hurt its performance?

Unfortunately, computers can be quite contrary at times. Therefore, removing or uninstalling programs from our computers can pose minor and even major problems for us. In fact, sometimes it is necessary to take further action in order to uninstall an obstinate program that simply refuses to go away. When that happens to any of us, the need to purchase an application to uninstall the program forcibly from our computer often occurs.

It might take a leap of faith to put all the cards in the hands of a computer program so to speak. After all, most people like to be independent and self-sufficient. Plus, we’ve all heard the mantra that computers and computer software are only as good as the individuals who created them. What if I purchase a program that isn’t quite up to the task and it wrecks my machine? If I force my computer to allow me to uninstall a program, will I hurt my computer’s performance? Plus, the worry always exists that perhaps I am going to cause more harm than good.

This is where common sense comes into play. Perhaps the most important task to perform when purchasing a software application to do the dirty work for you is to do your homework. Purchasing a reputable application is the best way to ensure that you are not going to hurt your computer’s performance if and when you force it to uninstall a specific program using such software.

Next, think about the type of program that you are uninstalling from your computer no matter how many times it has resisted you in the past. If this program happens to be some type of malware, allowing it to remain on your computer will do it more harm than good. The only harm that should come to your computer’s performance when you force an uninstall of a program is when you remove a program that is necessary to your computer’s functioning.

Click here to scan your system for viruses and other potential threats

Why is it so tough to uninstall AntiVirus software?

In many cases, AV software is difficult to uninstall. In fact, for some of us, uninstalling any software can be a bit of a challenge. However, in the case of AV software, it’s quite normal to experience some difficulty in uninstalling the software completely. This might not make the process any easier for us, but it does do away with some of the stress that comes along with the process.

For one thing, AV software usually involves several different components, each of which must be uninstalled individually. Typically, this process can involve the need to reboot your machine in order to uninstall every aspect of the AV software. Once you realize this, it makes the whole process a lot simpler to complete.

For someone who isn’t aware of this aspect, it can prove to be downright frustrating to attempt to uninstall AV software. After all, some computer programs are easily uninstalled with a simple click of the uninstall button.  Who knew that other programs actually involve the need to uninstall them one component at a time with a reboot of the machine in between each individual uninstall? I know that it should be easier than this, but it isn’t.

Therefore, with most AV software, the need arises to uninstall its components one at a time. If this is not done properly, the AV software will not be completely uninstalled. This shortcoming can lead to problems. When this happens, sometimes newer versions of AV software cannot be installed since errors will arise due to the remnants that remain from the earlier installed version.
In some cases, the add/remove feature does not remove an AV software program cleanly from your machine. If this is the strategy that you have taken to remove yours, try to locate the uninstall instructions for the software. The first place to look for this information is from the manufacturer of the software. Uninstalling AV software with the method that the manufacturer intended is the best way to guarantee its complete removal.