TUTORIAL: How to transfer photos from a camera to a XP or Windows 7 PC

Things you'll need:

• A PC Desktop or Laptop
• A Digital Camera
• The camera's USB wire
• Installation CD (Optional for most cameras)
  
  Before you start:
• The process below does NOT remove the pictures from the camera but instead copy's them. The pictures will remain on the camera after completely this tutorial.
• Make sure a memory stick is inserted into the camera before attempting the tutorial.
• Always perform the tutorial below with a battery level above 50%.

---

Camera Installation

In this article I'll be doing a step by step process about how to transfer photos from most cameras to a Windows XP or 7 computer, gather the necessary items (listed above) and begin by grabbing the USB wire and plugging into an open USB port in the front or back.

Power on the camera just like you normally would and allow the computer a few minutes to install the drivers (making it detectable to the computer), the computer should make a noise notifying the completion. If no noise is heard a bubble confirming completion will also pop up in the bottom right.

(Optional step for CD Installation) If your camera came with a CD, simply follow the above steps and then proceed to insert the CD. Follow the step by step instructions on the CD.

---

Transferring the Pictures

Now that the computer recognizes the camera we can begin taking the pictures from the camera and transfer them to the computer.

We do this by firstly clicking on the Windows button in the bottom left of the screen.

You should see something similar to the picture on the left.

Next, click on the button marked "Computer" located somewhere in the list on the right side above the "Shut Down" button.

By clicking on the "Computer" button a window similar to the one on the left should open. on the list under "Devices with Removable Storage" you should see your camera's brand name (i.e. Sony, Canon, etc)

If you don't see your cameras brand name the camera can be identified by the camera symbol.

A window should appear with the options similar to the ones in the picture on the left.

Select the option "Import pictures and videos".

To change the settings that are used when importing pictures and videos, click Import settings in the Import
Pictures and Videos dialog box.

Change one or more settings in the Import Settings dialog box, and then click OK

Click OK to restart Import Pictures and Videos. Type a tag in the Tag these pictures (optional) box, and then click Import to import your pictures and videos using the new settings.

DONE! 

Fix: No Import pictures button

Some older camera's aren't compatible with the above tutorial. If your camera doesn't allow the options above proceed by using the option "Open folder to view files"

Copy any pictures from the folders by dragging them to any location on your computer.



Congratulations, the tutorial is complete, now you can look at or edit the uploaded pictures at any time.

Recommended Programs

Recommended Programs

        

 Here at Oasis we have a set group of programs we like to setup on each computer we service. If you already have programs to fill each of these needs, consider these alternatives. All of the below programs are FREE to download and use.

Google Chrome:

Google Chrome is a browser made by Google, taking the sleek and clean feeling of Google.com and transferring it over to a very user friendly browser.

Not to mention, the fastest.

AVG Anti-Virus (XP):

Arguably the best free anti-virus available for Windows XP systems.

Windows Security Essentials (Vista/7/8):

The geniuses over at Microsoft have released easily the best Anti-Virus for Windows Vista, 7 and 8.

Skype:

A program that has a huge amount of features allowing you to instant message, send files, video chat and call landlines just to name a few.

Open Office:

Don't want to pay $100+ on Microsoft Office?

Open office is a free alternative to Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel.

GOM Media Player:

GOM is easily the best media player I've run across.

Codec and playback solutions are just a one click solution.

Adobe Reader:

Adobe Reader is primarily used to read .pdf files usually used to send documents.

       



  That wraps up just about all of them, if you have a favorite program we didn't mention feel free to post them in the comments below! Who knows, maybe we'll make a Recommended Programs Part 2.

---

                                                 

Written by:

Brandon Campbell

Give us a call:

775-741-8476

Book an Appointment Online:

www.oasisrepairreno.com

Clean Computer, Fast Computer

Clean Computer, Fast Computer

A lot of calls we receive from customers are about how their computer just "isn't running the way it used to". Unfortunately, it's a very common problem and happens to every computer. Thankfully there's ways to prevent or even reverse this problem.*

How it Happens             

         First you need to understand what exactly is slowing down the computer in the first place. Of course, just like any computer problem many different variables can effect different machines but this basic list should apply to most Windows Based PC's.

• Window's install/uninstall files
• Temporary Internet Files (can present many security issues if not cleaned)
• Dust Clogged Hardware
• Improper Airflow
• Registry Errors
• Hard Drive In Need of a Defrag

       

Windows Install/Uninstall Files

Windows isn't perfect, no operating system is but Windows has some pretty serious issues regarding leaving a mess after its done doing things. When you install or uninstall a program there's a high chance that a small percent of the files used to put the program on your computer are probably left behind, never to be seen or touched again. Overtime these really small files build up and become a huge section of your hard drive.

Temporary Internet files

Most people have heard of cookies in one way or another, not the delicious desert but the computer type of cookies store information regarding many things you do on the internet. That last sentence is a red flag for most people, logins and sometimes crucial personal information can be inside these cookies. Deleting these files regularly not only saves some of your personal information from the internet but also speeds up your computer because like Windows these small files begin to clutter up a hard drive.

    *One tip I almost always give customers is don't use internet explorer. There's a very large percentage of Internet Explorer users that don't realize it but their program is probably very out of date. Normally with programs this can be a pretty large problem with newer things, this is especially true with viruses.

Read our Recommended Software post to figure out the best Internet Explorer alternative for you or check this list here.

Dust Clogged Hardware/Improper Airflow

Clogged Laptop Vent Fan

For most people a computer is bought and the case is never even opened. This is fine for a few months but eventually the computers going to begin to collect dust and all the fans inside the case begin to become clogged, further increasing the dust. As the dust collects the computer begins to become hotter and slows down due to small tasks causing it to heat up quicker. Heat and computer hardware aren't friends and thus the hotter the hardware becomes the shorter its longevity becomes. Basic compressed air is your best friend for a dirty system.  

             

Registry Errors and Hard Drive Defrag

Both of these topics will have to be covered in a later blog post due to the large amount of information needed to be shown.

              

*Don't forget that viruses, malware and spyware/adware still pose a very viable option as to why the computer is running slow. If the computer continues to run slow after running through the basics above you're most likely dealing with something more serious.

---

                                                 

Written by:

Brandon Campbell

Have a slow computer? Want it to be fast again?

Give us a call:

775-741-8476

Book an Appointment Online:

www.oasisrepairreno.com