A Windows 8/8.1 DVD or ISO [Buy: Microsoft | Other] (See Where Can I Download Windows 8 or 8.1? for more options)
Access to a working computer (with a DVD drive if you have a Windows 8 DVD) with Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP installed
Important: If you have a Windows 8 ISO file and want that on a flash drive, start with Step 2. If you have a Windows 8 DVD and need that on the flash drive, start with Step 1.
Here's How:
Create an ISO file from the Windows 8 DVD. This is the procedure by which you create a single file, called an ISO image, that contains all the data stored on the Windows 8 setup DVD disc.
Once you have an ISO image created from your Windows 8 disc, come back here and continue on with this tutorial which will explain how to get that ISO file onto a flash drive.
Note: If you already know how to create ISO files with your favorite program, often called "ripping," then do so in whatever way you're used to doing it. However, if you've never created an ISO image, or don't have a program installed right now that does it, please see the linked tutorial above for complete instructions on doing so with a free program.
Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool from Microsoft and then install it.
This free program from Microsoft properly formats your flash drive and then copies the contents of the Windows 8 installation ISO file you have to that flash drive.
Note: Don't worry that this program has Windows 7 in the title. This program works perfectly well with Windows 8 ISO files and can be used in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP.
Start the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool program. You should be able to find the shortcut on the Desktop, as well as in your Start menu or on your Start screen, depending on which version of Windows you installed the program on.
Click Browse on the Step 1 of 4: Choose ISO file screen.
Locate, and then select, your Windows 8 ISO file. Then click or touch Open.
Note: If you downloaded Windows 8 from Microsoft, check your Downloads folder or your Desktop for the ISO image. If you created an ISO image from your Windows 8 DVD, the ISO file will be wherever you created it to.
Click or touch Next.
Choose USB device on the Step 2 of 4: Choose media type screen.
Note: As you can see here, there is also a DVD option. While it doesn't do us much good in this case, since the end game is to get Windows 8's setup files on a flash drive, you could also use this tool to burn a Windows 8 ISO image to a DVD or BD disc.
On the Step 3 of 4: Insert USB device screen, choose from the drop-down box the flash drive or USB-connected external hard drive you want to put the Windows 8 setup files onto and then touch or click Begin copying.
Tip: If you haven't yet plugged in the USB storage device you're planning on using, you can do that now and then touch or click the blue refresh button to make it show up in the list.
Click or touch Erase USB Device if you're prompted to do so on a Not Enough Free Space window. If you don't see this, don't worry, it just means that your flash drive or external hard disk is already empty.
Important: If this message didn't make it apparent, you should know that whatever data you might have on this drive is going to be erased as part of the process of getting the Windows 8 setup files copied.
On Step 4 of 4: Creating bootable USB device, just wait for the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool to prepare the drive and copy the Windows 8 installation files to it.
The first Status you see will be Formatting, which will take anywhere from a few to several seconds, depending on how large the USB drive is that you're using. Next will be Copying files which could take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, possibly longer, depending on which Windows 8 ISO file you're working from, as well as on how fast your flash drive, USB connection, and computer is.
Tip: Don't worry if the percentage indicator jumps ahead quickly but then sits on a single number for a very long time. While it might not make a lot of sense to behave that way, it doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong.
Assuming everything went as planned, the next screen should say Bootable USB device created successfully with a Status that says Backup completed.
You can now close the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool program window. The flash drive, or other external USB drive you're using, now has the necessary files on it to install Windows 8 and is also properly configured to be booted from.
Boot from the USB device that you just created to start the Windows 8 install process.
Tip: If the Windows 8 setup process doesn't start, it's very likely that you'll need to make boot order changes in the BIOS. See How To Change the Boot Order in BIOS if you need help doing that.
Tip: If you have a UEFI based system and you still can't boot Windows 8 Setup from the flash drive, even after setting the USB device first in the boot order, see Tip #1 below for help.
Note: If you came here from my How To Clean Install Windows 8 or 8.1 tutorial, you can return there now to continue the walkthrough of that process.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Install a Central Processing Unit in a PC
The first step will be to shut down your computer, unplug it and remove the side panel. Be sure that you're grounded before you get in there.
Now locate the heat sink. It is usually an aluminum block with fins on the side to dissipate heat. You will probably see a fan on top of it. Follow the power cord into the motherboard, unplug it there, and release the latch holding the heat sink in place.
If you're replacing a processor in a laptop, you will follow the same basic steps. The main differences will be how to get to the motherboard and the look of the heat sink.
Pull straight up on the heat sink and underneath you will see your processor. There will be a metal bar on the side. Lift that and pull the processor straight out.
Cleaning the Heat Sink
Now for the fun stuff. We'll need to clean the old thermal paste off the heat sink before replacing it. Start by wiping off as much as you can with a clean paper towel. Next you'll want to use a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. It's okay if there's a little left on there, just get it as clean as possible.
Apply the Thermal Paste to the CPU
Next we'll need to apply the thermal paste to the new CPU. Put enough on there so that it covers the entire CPU, but not so much that it will squish out the sides. Now smooth it out with a flat object. Try to get it as smooth as possible with no gaps in the thermal paste.
Installing the New Central Processing Unit
Match up the arrow on the processor with the arrow on the motherboard and close the bar. Next you'll put your heat sink right on top. Push it down firmly to make sure it gets a good seal. And re-latch it to the motherboard. The last step will be to plug the power cord back in.
Thanks for watching! And for more information, be sure to visit us online at About.com.
Now locate the heat sink. It is usually an aluminum block with fins on the side to dissipate heat. You will probably see a fan on top of it. Follow the power cord into the motherboard, unplug it there, and release the latch holding the heat sink in place.
If you're replacing a processor in a laptop, you will follow the same basic steps. The main differences will be how to get to the motherboard and the look of the heat sink.
Pull straight up on the heat sink and underneath you will see your processor. There will be a metal bar on the side. Lift that and pull the processor straight out.
Cleaning the Heat Sink
Now for the fun stuff. We'll need to clean the old thermal paste off the heat sink before replacing it. Start by wiping off as much as you can with a clean paper towel. Next you'll want to use a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. It's okay if there's a little left on there, just get it as clean as possible.
Apply the Thermal Paste to the CPU
Next we'll need to apply the thermal paste to the new CPU. Put enough on there so that it covers the entire CPU, but not so much that it will squish out the sides. Now smooth it out with a flat object. Try to get it as smooth as possible with no gaps in the thermal paste.
Installing the New Central Processing Unit
Match up the arrow on the processor with the arrow on the motherboard and close the bar. Next you'll put your heat sink right on top. Push it down firmly to make sure it gets a good seal. And re-latch it to the motherboard. The last step will be to plug the power cord back in.
Thanks for watching! And for more information, be sure to visit us online at About.com.
How to Get Cheap or Free Internet Access at Home
Can you help me find a cheap Internet service for my house? I'm retired and live on a fixed income, and the Internet service I use now is too expensive.
--Financially Squeezed
Dear Squeezed,
There are actually a number of companies that offer low-cost or free home Internet services, but what's available to you will depend on where you live and your financial situation. Here are some options to check into.
Free Internet
If you are a light Internet user and you live in their service area, free high-speed Internet is now available through the telecom company FreedomPop. Just go to freedompop.com and type in your address to find out if they serve your location. If they do, you'll need to buy the $89 Freedom Hub Burst home modem that allows you to access the Internet. You simply plug it in and you're ready to go.
FreedomPop is a non-contract service that provides 1 gigabyte (GB) of data per month for free, which is adequate for sending and receiving emails and surfing the web. If, however, you want more data for things like watching Internet videos or sharing photos you can pay $10/month for 5 GB or $18/month for 10 GB.
Cheap Internet
If FreedomPop is not available in your area, there are other providers that offer high-speed Internet at a low cost. For example, NetZero and Juno now have DSL plans for only $10 per month for the first six months with no data restrictions, provided you live in their service areas and you have a home phone line. After six months the price jumps up to $18 per month.
To search for other high-speed Internet service providers in your area, see ispprovidersinmyarea.com.
Another strategy to get cheaper high-speed Internet is to combine, or bundle it together with your TV and/or phone service. Check with the television and phone providers in your area to see what types of bundle packages they offer.
If, however, you can't find a high-speed service that fits your budget, and you don't mind slower service, consider getting dial-up Internet. If you have a home phone line, NetZero and Juno again provide some very inexpensive dial-up services running $10 and $11 per month respectively.
Low Income Internet
If your income is low enough and you live in a participating state, there are also a number of programs that offer low-cost high-speed Internet services. One that's most fitting for financially challenged seniors is CenturyLink's Internet Basics program, which is available in 37 states. This program offers high-speed DSL Internet service for just $10 a month for the first year ($21/month afterwards). It also offers offer a personal computer for just $150 and free introductory computer classes.
To qualify, you'll need to show that you're receiving certain types of government benefits, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, home energy assistance or public housing assistance. Or, that your household income is at or below 135, 150 or 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines -- it varies by state.
There are other programs available that serve additional states, like Internet Essentials offered by Comcast and Connect2Compete, but to be eligible you must have a child or grandchild who lives in your house that participates in the national school lunch program. Both of these programs offer Internet home service for $10/month and a $150 personal computer.
Also, stay tuned for the government's Lifeline Broadband Program that could soon be offering income-qualified citizens across the country, high-speed home Internet services for a low cost. To find out more about all of these programs, visit cheapinternet.com.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of "The Savvy Senior" book.
--Financially Squeezed
Dear Squeezed,
There are actually a number of companies that offer low-cost or free home Internet services, but what's available to you will depend on where you live and your financial situation. Here are some options to check into.
Free Internet
If you are a light Internet user and you live in their service area, free high-speed Internet is now available through the telecom company FreedomPop. Just go to freedompop.com and type in your address to find out if they serve your location. If they do, you'll need to buy the $89 Freedom Hub Burst home modem that allows you to access the Internet. You simply plug it in and you're ready to go.
FreedomPop is a non-contract service that provides 1 gigabyte (GB) of data per month for free, which is adequate for sending and receiving emails and surfing the web. If, however, you want more data for things like watching Internet videos or sharing photos you can pay $10/month for 5 GB or $18/month for 10 GB.
Cheap Internet
If FreedomPop is not available in your area, there are other providers that offer high-speed Internet at a low cost. For example, NetZero and Juno now have DSL plans for only $10 per month for the first six months with no data restrictions, provided you live in their service areas and you have a home phone line. After six months the price jumps up to $18 per month.
To search for other high-speed Internet service providers in your area, see ispprovidersinmyarea.com.
Another strategy to get cheaper high-speed Internet is to combine, or bundle it together with your TV and/or phone service. Check with the television and phone providers in your area to see what types of bundle packages they offer.
If, however, you can't find a high-speed service that fits your budget, and you don't mind slower service, consider getting dial-up Internet. If you have a home phone line, NetZero and Juno again provide some very inexpensive dial-up services running $10 and $11 per month respectively.
Low Income Internet
If your income is low enough and you live in a participating state, there are also a number of programs that offer low-cost high-speed Internet services. One that's most fitting for financially challenged seniors is CenturyLink's Internet Basics program, which is available in 37 states. This program offers high-speed DSL Internet service for just $10 a month for the first year ($21/month afterwards). It also offers offer a personal computer for just $150 and free introductory computer classes.
To qualify, you'll need to show that you're receiving certain types of government benefits, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, home energy assistance or public housing assistance. Or, that your household income is at or below 135, 150 or 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines -- it varies by state.
There are other programs available that serve additional states, like Internet Essentials offered by Comcast and Connect2Compete, but to be eligible you must have a child or grandchild who lives in your house that participates in the national school lunch program. Both of these programs offer Internet home service for $10/month and a $150 personal computer.
Also, stay tuned for the government's Lifeline Broadband Program that could soon be offering income-qualified citizens across the country, high-speed home Internet services for a low cost. To find out more about all of these programs, visit cheapinternet.com.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of "The Savvy Senior" book.
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