Formatting a Disk - Quick format vs Full format

When formatting a disk on a Windows PC, you might have come across the option of Quick Format and Full Format. So, what choice do you make? And how to make that choice? Apart from the speed, quick and fast, what’s the real difference between the two?

Disk formatting is the process of preparing a data storage device such as a hard disk drive, solid-state drive, floppy disk or USB flash drive for initial use. In some cases, the formatting operation may also create one or more new file systems.

Formatting can be considered similar to destroying the bookshelf and catalogue. However, if you choose the quick format option, the books are still present in the debris and one can regain them. On the other hand, full format removes the books completely. Now, let’s go in the technical details.

What happens during full format?

If you choose to go ahead with the full format option, the files are removed completely from a particular volume. Also, the hard disk is scanned for bad sectors. If found, the full format option also tries to fix the bad sector. If the fix is successful, the hard drive is made healthy again and you can again write data on it. This also creates a new filesystem table on the hard drive.

A bad sector is a disk sector that’s unwritable or inaccessible due to permanent damage. This might be due to failed flash memory transistors or damage to the disk surface.

Since the launch of Windows Vista, Microsoft has started writing zeros to all data sectors. That’s why full format takes much more time than the quick format. Permanently delete file no recovery can be done.

What about quick format?

Instead of deleting all the data (and replacing it with zeroes), a quick format only deletes the file system journaling (the bookshelf catalogue). A quick format simply destroys the journal that is used to keep a track of the file and its location on the hard drive. It doesn’t scan the disk for bad sectors and skips rebuilding the file system in short Very Fast when it comes in reformatting. After that, as you write new data, the older data gets overwritten. At this point recovery tools can be used to regain all deleted files.

Full format vs Quick format — Which one should I choose?

A quick format doesn’t destroy your data. The data is still on the disk and using many file recovery software, one can undelete the files. A full format also scrubs the hard drive from scratch and rebuilds all the file structures. So, if you are selling a device or giving it away, full format is the only option you need to choose. A full format will also help you increase the disk performance, speed, and stability.

However, if your hard drive is already clean and it doesn’t have bad sectors, a quick format is suitable. If you aren’t sure about these points, perform a full format.

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Samsung's cylindrical PC - The ArtPC Pulse

Samsung has quietly started taking pre-orders for the ArtPC Pulse, a cylindrical computer that bears more than a passing resemblance to the current-generation Mac Pro. The two systems couldn't be more different in terms of focus, however. While the Mac is aimed squarely at workstation users, the ArtPC is most definitely intended for home use. Its centerpiece is a top-mounted, 360-degree Harman Kardon speaker with ambient lighting -- much like HP's Pavilion Wave, this could sit in your living room just as easily as it could in your den.

The Samsung art PC Pulse is a completely new Type of computer. It features a gorgeous premium aluminum body with an exquisite expandable design. It's approximately 87% more compact compared to average desktop PCs, yet delivers a similar level of performance as bigger machines. This is more than just a PC. You can place it anywhere, whether it's your living room or your home office.

Looks like a Trash Can?

Logically, the hardware under the hood is very different as well. About the only thing in common with the Mac is an included 256GB solid-state drive. Instead of a Xeon processor and workstation graphics, you're getting a 2.7GHz Core i5, 8GB of RAM and entry-level Radeon RX 460 graphics. You won't be rendering advanced 3D models on this rig, in other words, but it should be enough to play 4K video and indulge in some light gaming. As it is, Samsung is counting on expansion modules to pick up some of the slack. It hasn't detailed all of them or how they'll work, but you can get a 1TB hard drive module if you need more space.


Quick Specs:

• Full metal body design with circular ambient lighting, and Harmon kardon 360° Omni-directional speaker unit.
• Attach and remove expansion modules to customize your own system. Optional 1TB HDD module available separately.
• Engineered to perform with 6th generation Intel Core i5 CPU, 256GB NVMe SSD, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and with hmdi and USB-C Ports.
• Utilizes dedicated AMD Radeon rx 460 Graphics with 2GB of Memory and hardware H.265 decompression for 4K video
• Loaded with Windows 10 home signature edition

The shift in focus leads to a much lower price than Apple's machine, although the $1,200 you'll pay isn't cheap for what you're getting. You're most definitely paying a premium for both the design and that speaker. At least you shouldn't have to wait long to see whether or not the ArtPC is worth your attention. Available at Amazon and the desktop ships on October 28th.

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Free Remix OS Beta - Custom Engineered version of Android for PC

Manila, Philippines - BANBROS Commercial Incorporated - 24 November 2015 - Jide Technology Introduce "Remix Mini" The world’s first true Android PC. But not in the traditional PC sense.  

When you use this Remix OS is like you actually using Windows 10 PC environment, but it is not just like a traditional Desktop PC.

Experience the latest in Android’s Evolution...

Custom engineered version of Android Lollipop - Remix OS is state of the art operating system is the cornerstone to all of our hardware. With its multitude of productivity oriented features combined with over 1.5 million apps, Remix OS seamlessly merges functionality, ease of use, and beauty in amazing ways to give.

Setup is simple and safe for your compatible PCs. Once you've completed the installation, you can boot up your PC using either Remix OS or whatever OS was natively installed on your machine..

With Remix OS for PC, you can also conveniently house Remix OS on a USB stick. That means you can literally bring your Remix experience wherever you go. With most computers in the world powered by x86 chipsets, you should have no trouble finding the right hardware to run Remix OS.

Hustle Free No need to create new Partition.

Watch this video to learn how to boot Remix OS for PC from hard drive.


Windows 10


Windows 7

Latest release notes
Version Number: 2.0.402
Release Date: 7/6/2016
Package Type: 64-bit version for Legacy BIOS & EFI boot; 32-bit version for Legacy boot

Features:

1. Added keyboard mapping to certain games allowing users to play games with keyboards. (e.g. Vain Glory)
2. Added more app options to Remix Central.
3. Now supports mirrored output from DP, HDMI & VGA.
4. Improved the System bootup time and fix some cases on ANR.
5. Updated the Remix OS default wallpaper.
6. Updated the Remix OS boot up animation.
7. Added “Power is low” warnings.
8. Improved the video display quality.
9. Now supports more H265 video formats.
10. Now supports more ethernet cards.
11. Now supports more Realtek / Broadcom / MediaTek WiFi cards.
12. Pre-installed Chrome and Chrome Switcher that allows users to stay on desktop mode.

Bugs Fixes:

1. Improved app compatibility.
2. Fixed the Y! Mail bug where emails couldn’t be sent out.
3. Enabled scrolling and right-click on some trackpads.
4. Improved WiFi instability.
5. Fixed the problem screen record on Remix OS.
6. Fixed the disappearance of the task bar.
7. Now supports more Nvidia Graphic Cards and improved their stability.
8. Improved the thermal monitoring system to avoid overheating.
9. Fixed the slowing down of the system when mounting hard disks.
10. Fixed time inacurrancy on Windows when users switch back from Remix OS.

For more Info and FREE DOWNLOAD LINKS Visit :

http://www.jide.com/remixos-for-pc

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Another Critical security flaw found in Lenovo Computer

Security researcher Dymtro "Cr4sh" Oleksiuk claims to have uncovered a flaw in Lenovo machines that could let attackers circumvent Windows' basic security protocols. According to his post on Github, the vulnerable firmware driver was copy-and-pasted from data supplied by Intel or AMD. His concern was that other manufacturers might have adopted the same code -- with at least one HP Pavillion laptop from 2010 already identified as packing the flaw.

Lenovo issued a public response, saying that it tried to speak to Oleksiuk before he published the flaw to no avail. It corroborated the suggestion that the code was supplied by a third party working from common code that came from Intel. The firm doesn't go so far as to assign blame to the chipmaker, but there's enough to imply that there's a whole heap of fault going that way. 

Lenovo added that it's investigating the issue and will work with its partners to develop a fix as soon as possible.

Lenovo has actively undertaken its own investigation, which remains ongoing. At this point, Lenovo knows that vulnerable SMM code was provided to Lenovo by at least one of our Independent BIOS Vendors (IBVs). Independent BIOS vendors (IBVs) are software development firms that specialize in developing the customized BIOS firmware that is loaded into the PCs of original equipment manufacturers, including Lenovo.  Following industry standard practice, IBVs start with the common code base created by chip vendors, such as Intel or AMD, and add additional layers of code that are specifically designed to work with a particular computer. Lenovo currently works with the industry’s three largest IBVs.  

There's also a theory that the compromising piece of code might not have been created in error, but placed there as a backdoor. Oleksiuk mentions this just once, in passing, but the Register points out that Lenovo's public statement leaves a few questions. For instance, the manufacturer says that it is "determining the identity of the original author," because it "does not know its originally intended purpose." Although we'd like to think that if the CIA (or its brethren) did write it, it had the sense not to leave any evidence of its involvement.

Source: The Register, Github, Lenovo,

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How to Change Your Computer Language, Keyboard Input,and Time Zone

Taking your laptop with you when you visit another country and you may wish to switch the language on your laptop. When you do this, be sure to change both the default language on the laptop as well as the input language on your keyboard and time zone.


In most Pinoy OFW used to padala Laptop to their love ones and family. Most problem is type in a language like Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Hindi, or many more, you will need to change your computer's input language. 

Here's how.......

Change Language and Region

Step 1
Click “Start” in the taskbar.

Step 2
Select “Control Panel.” A window will open.

Step 3
Click “Date, Time, Language and Regional Options.”

Step4
Click Change date, time, or number formats

Step 5
Select Format  and Select your Language

Step 6
Click Location , Change and your country.

Step 7
Click the Administrative menu , Select Change System locale, now choose your language 
This will change your PC or Laptops Language and Keyboard input

Step 8
Restart Your PC or Laptop  to make changes to take effect

Please Note it will takes 3 to 8 minutes when your operating system installing new language.

You can now see available Language near your Time and Date after reboot.

Change Time Zone

Step 1
Click “Start” in the taskbar.

Step 2
Select “Control Panel.” A window will open.

Step 3
Click “Date, Time, Language and Regional Options.”

Step4
Click Change the time zone, and then Choose your GMT  in the Philippines we are UTC +08   China or Singapore

On-screen keyboard For many languages, like Arabic, Japanese, and Korean, you will want to use the on-screen keyboard. Here are steps to help you find it:

Step 1. Click "Start" and in the search box, type "ease of access". Then click on "Ease of Access Center" under "Programs"

Step 2. Click "Start On-Screen Keyboard"

Step 3. Now when you select a language from the Language Bar, the corresponding keyboard will show, when applicable. Here's an example of what the Japanese keyboard looks like:

You can also select  more Japanese alphanumeric option..

 
You might also like:

• How To Reset Windows 10, 8, or 8.1 If You Have Forgotten Your Password
• How to Disabled Windows UAC "User Account Control Settings"

 

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How To Reset Windows 10, 8, or 8.1 If You Have Forgotten Your Password

A forgotten Windows password isn’t the end of the world. You don’t have to trash the computer, or even perform a dreaded factory restore. There are many ways to remove or reset a Windows password, but how quickly and easily it can be done depends on the situation.

Password reset methods differ between Microsoft and local Windows accounts. If you aren’t sure which type of Windows account you have, it’s simple to find out: turn on your computer and see if an email address is displayed above where you enter your password to login. If there’s an email, it’s a Microsoft account. If not, it’s a local account.

You can reset your password from another computer if you sign into Windows using your email address. To reset your password if you are using an email address, use the instructions on https://account.live.com/ResetPassword.aspx. If your Windows login is not your email address, you can use the instructions below to reset your password. This process will erase any data on your system.

PRECAUTION

The reset will take some time to complete. Make sure your system is plugged in and is not powered off during the reset.


SOLUTION

Use the following steps to reset Windows 8 and 10:

1.    From the login screen, click the power icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
2.    While holding Shift, click Restart.

3.    Click Troubleshoot.

4.    Click Reset Your PC.

5.    Click Next.

6.    The system will reboot and begin Preparing to Reset the PC.

7.    At the Reset your PC screen, click Just remove my files.

8.    Click Reset.

 9. Your Pc will reboot it will takes time  to reset ..

 10.  Now your password is Gone!!.. Set New Settings for your Windows 8 or 10 just like a new reformat PC..

That's All!!.. :p

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CodeWeavers and Wine is bringing DirectX 11 to Linux

More Windows PC games will “just run” on Linux, and it’ll be easier for developers to package those games with compatibility code and officially support them on Linux. Now, CodeWeavers expects CrossOver to support DirectX 11 by the end of the year, with Wine gaining compatibility shortly afterwards.

Microsoft’s DirectX graphics technology is only officially supported on Windows, Xbox, and other Microsoft platforms. The Wine project helps bridge this gap and already supports DirectX 9 very nicely.

Wine already supports DirectX 9 very well, but many new games no longer support DirectX 9 and rely on newer versions of Microsoft’s graphics technology. Wine is an open-source compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on top of Linux, Mac OS X, and other non-Windows operating systems.

CodeWeavers offers a paid product, known as CrossOver, which is built on top of the open-source Wine code. It pays developers to add features, and those improvements inevitably end up back in the open-source Wine project. CrossOver also provides a convenient interface and more of a guarantee that certain applications will be officially supported and not break.

While the DirectX 11 support will make it into CodeWeavers’ product before it makes it to the open-source Wine project, the code will be open-source and submitted for inclusion into the Wine project. In other words, CodeWeavers helps fund and support the development of Wine. 

The new underlying CrossOver technology will also allow developers to port DirectX 11 games to Linux more easily. Linux gamers tend to dislike this type of port and prefer a native game that doesn’t use any Windows compatibility layer, but hey, it’s still better than nothing.

In the past, John Carmack of id Software and now Oculus has even argued that “emulation of some sort is a proper technical direction for gaming on Linux.” The better that DirectX compatibility gets, the easier it will be to port Windows-first games to Linux. And, even if certain games aren’t officially supported, it’ll become easier to just run them without any modification. Big game engines are increasingly supporting Linux, but general Windows compatibility is still helpful.


 You may also like to read :

• Crytek’s CryEngine Now Supports Linux

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Boot to UEFI Mode or Legacy BIOS Mode

Boot into UEFI mode or legacy BIOS-compatibility mode when installing Windows from your USB, DVD, or network location.
If you install Windows using the wrong mode, you won’t be able to use the features of that firmware mode without reformatting the drive.

Applies To: Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2 and the latest Windows 10

Select the firmware mode during bootup

---

1. Boot the PC. As the firmware starts to run, press the key that opens the boot device menu. For example, press the Esc, F2, F9, F12, or other key to enter the firmware or boot menus.
2. On the boot device menu, select the command that identifies both the firmware mode and the device. For example, select UEFI USB Drive or Network - BIOS.
   
   
   
   

   Note:
   You might see separate commands for the same device. For example, you might see UEFI USB Drive and BIOS USB Drive. Each command uses the same device and media, but boots the PC in a different firmware mode.

   
   
   
   
   If a boot device option does not appear for your device:
   • Check the options in the firmware menus to enable or disable BIOS-compatibility mode.
   • To use BIOS-compatibility mode, check for options in the firmware menus to disable UEFI SecureBoot features.
   • For older PCs (Windows® 7-era or earlier), look for options to Boot from file, and browse to the \EFI\BOOT\BOOTX64.EFI file on that device.
   
   
   When you boot Windows PE on a UEFI PC, you may need to check whether the PC is booted in UEFI mode or legacy BIOS-compatibility mode.
   For example, running Windows Setup through Windows PE requires you to be in the correct firmware mode.Use any of these methods to help make sure that Windows is installed using the correct firmware mode
   For many operations, such as applying Windows images using Diskpart and DISM, the firmware mode might not make a difference.
   
   

   • If you install Windows by using Windows Setup or the Windows installation DVD or Bootable USB drive, use preformatted hard drive on your destination PCs
   • Use the GPT file format for UEFI mode or MBR file format for BIOS mode.
     
     
     
     When Windows Setup runs, if the PC is booted to the wrong mode, Windows will fail to install. For more info, see Windows Setup: Installing using the MBR or GPT partition style.  If this is a frequent problem, you can remove the boot files for UEFI mode or BIOS mode to prevent the PC from booting in the wrong mode. If the PC firmware is set up to boot in the wrong mode, the media will immediately fail to boot, allowing you to immediately retry booting the PC into the correct mode.
     
     
   • You can remove the UEFI or BIOS boot files from either Windows PE or Windows Setup. For example, if you only include boot files for UEFI mode on the Windows installation DVD, and during manufacturing you accidentally attempt to boot the PC to BIOS mode, the PC will immediately fail to boot, and you can begin troubleshooting right away.
     
     • UEFI: To prevent Windows Setup or Windows PE from booting in BIOS mode, remove the bootmgr file on the root of the media.
     • BIOS: To prevent Windows Setup or Windows PE from booting in UEFI mode, remove the efi folder on the root of the media.
   • From Windows PE, you can check the GetFirmwareEnvironmentVariable function. For more info, see WinPE: Boot in UEFI or legacy BIOS mode.
     

         What is UEFI?

         Applies to Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1  and Windows 10
     
     UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a standard firmware interface for PCs, designed to replace BIOS (basic input/output system). This standard was created by over 140 technology companies as part of the UEFI consortium, including Microsoft. It's designed to improve software interoperability and address limitations of BIOS. Some advantages of UEFI firmware include:
     
     • Better security by helping to protect the pre-startup—or pre-boot—process against bootkit attacks.
     • Faster startup times and resuming from hibernation.
     •  Support for drives larger than 2.2 terabytes (TB).
     •  Support for modern, 64-bit firmware device drivers that the system can use to address more than 17.2 billion gigabytes (GB) of memory during startup.
     • Capabililty to use BIOS with UEFI hardware.
         
     Note:
     
             All 64-bit versions of PCs running Windows with a logo from the Windows Certification Program will use UEFI instead of BIOS. To learn more about your PC's support of UEFI, see the product info that came with your PC.
     
          {source}
     
     

     Switching from BIOS to UEFI

     
     The UEFI interface is much better looking than the old BIOS screen (a sample of an old BIOS is shown below), but I have found it to be a bit slower in use. Quickest navigation is by mouse, but my system is not always responsive to mouse clicks. This isn’t a major issue as I spend very little time in the UEFI, and the other benefits are huge.
     
     
     In addition to better interoperability, UEFI firmware provides several technical advantages:
     •     Compatibility with operating systems that support only BIOS
     •     Ability to boot from large disks
     •     CPU-independent architecture
     •     CPU-independent drivers
     •     Flexible pre-OS environment
     •     Modular design
     
     Two of the most notable Windows features for UEFI systems are the following:
     •     Multicast deployment, which enables large scale network-based image deployment in manufacturing and enterprise settings.
     •     Fast boot and resume from hibernation, which improves user experience.
     
     The rich UEFI interface provides ample room for innovation in the development of operating system features. Along with the other members of the Unified EFI Forum, Microsoft is investigating the following:
     •     Rootkit prevention
     •     Network authentication
     
     
     
     UEFI Support
     Operating systems started to support the platform interface design by 2007, but most Windows versions, such as Vista with SP1 and Windows Server 2008, only offered support on the 64-bit editions. Unfortunately, we found that industry support for UEFI is still very weak, and there are some shortcomings on the storage end.
     
     
     OLD BIOS
     
     
     
     
     Check whether the PC is booted in UEFI mode or legacy BIOS-compatibility mode.
     Here is an OLD BIOS (blue Screen) UEFI mode is name as Secure Boot ..
     
      For most PCs, you can disable Secure Boot through the PC’s BIOS.
     
     You may need to disable Secure Boot to run some PC graphics cards, hardware, or operating systems such as Linux or previous version of Windows.
     
     Secure Boot helps to make sure that your PC boots using only firmware that is trusted by the manufacturer.
     
     For most PCs, you can disable Secure Boot through the PC’s firmware (BIOS) menus. For logo-certified Windows RT 8.1 and Windows RT PCs, Secure Boot is required to be configured so that it cannot be disabled.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
      ASUS EFI
     
     
     
     Gigabyte New  UEFI
     
     
     
     
     
     You May Also want to Read : Creating Bootable Windows 10 Installer on USB drive
     
     
     
     

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