Modem/Driver/Windows 10/Updates

Some of the basic questions this week was regards to computers. 

I had purchased a USB Sound By Pass device because a person’s computer had no audio.

Pretty much figured the sound card was damaged or nolonger working, those things do happen, rarely, but depends on the quality of the equipment you buy. 

Well that did not work. 

Come to find out it was a driver problem.

Not an uncommon problem. 

The way it was fixed was to go on the computer manufacturer website, download a device identifying program, download the driver from manufacturer, and install. 

It worked, sound was restored.  That crap happens all the time. But why?

Some of the causes are Windows updates that get interrupted [Microsoft lets you know not to power off a computer in the middle of an update, but, people do it all the time].

It may have been an upgrade driver issue.  The computer was upgraded from Windows 7, to Windows 8/8.1, then to Window 10.  So, perhaps, in the midst, an incompatible driver was probably automatically installed from Microsoft. That crap happens too because Windows tends to install crappy generic type drivers, and, sometimes they do not work as well as the manufacturers.  I think finally the manufacturer corrected or uploaded updated drivers to their website to.  Either way the driver was the issue. 

How Do I connect to the Internet?

If you have an ISP that provides internet to you place of residence, the signal comes in through a modem first.  The type of model is usually a cable modem or DSL modem.  You can connect your computer directly to the cable modem, but smartphones, streamers, usually need to connect to internet via a WIFI signal, or you pay for data on your smartphone.  Well, a router, is not a modem.  A router is a device connected to the modem that broadcast your internet through your house.  A TV is a TV without an antenna, but you may not see much.  A Router works like an antenna or rather a Satellite; it takes your modem signal, and sends it in the air that your computer [with WIFI capabilities/card] picks up.  You can have a modem without a router.  Most ISP [internet service providers] now require you register your router/modem with them, or it will just not work because they will send a signal to the modem to prevent it being used with a router.  A router can be open, in terms of security, so anyone can use your internet, or you can install security on it, so they have to log into your internet to use it.  The more security the better for you.

Windows 10

I hated Windows 8 and 8.1; pretty much useless because the app store really sucked.  Then ofcourse, if you upgraded you lost many of you paid for applications and programs.  Windows 10 lets your computer act more like a streamer box ROKU.  It has more channels/applications.  So, if you only have enough money for internet to your home, basic services, you can see the PBS kids channel and a lot of other free content, like a ROKU player.  While Windows 10 has more apps, better, step up, it does not compare with GOOGLE and Android based computers and smartphones.  For example, just like the Apple Iphones, you have apps in Google that you probably have to pay for if you use an IPHONE or just does not exist in Windows 10.  Some of my favorite apps are not available outside of a Google Droid.  So, I stick with Google. 

One problem with Windows 10 is often it tries to make you get a WORTHLESS outlook account.  It is one of those microsoft things.  But, MS accounts are better if you want to avoid the GOOGLE, all Powerful, Invasion of Privacy.  

One last thing, if I come to your home to fix your computer, do not crack on me.  Free services is Free services, you can pay over $200.00 to fix your stuff with the GEEK SQUAD.  LOL.  GOD BLESS.