How to Monitior Your Computers Temperature

Here is a tool for the intermediate computer user. It monitors your computers CPU and Video Card Temperatures.

CPUID HWMonitor

A few things to keep in mind.

• Be sure you are downloading the right program, 32bit or 64bit version of CPUID HWMonitor. *
• The listed temperatures are in Centigrade [ C° ] not Fahrenheit [ F° ].
• CPU and Video Card Temperatures Run Normal at, what we non geeks would consider, high temperatures, so don't be alarmed if your CPU is running at 70°C [158°F ]. This is normal. On cooling-related websites, lower temperatures are better. As for this list, the opposite is true: The higher temperatures a CPU can withstand the better. This list is the normal operating temps.
  

* How do you know if your computer is a 32bit or 64bit computer?

Go to 'START', then 'CONTROL PANEL', then 'SYSTEM': Here you will be able to view basic information about your computer. About mid-page you will see 'system.' Here it will list; Processor Type, Memory, then 'SYSTEM TYPE' 32bit or 64bit system will be listed here.

Here is a great website for finding the normal operating temp for your CPU.
Temperatures by Chipset

Here is a summary of CPU temps [by manufacturer *]:

1. AMD Computers 65°C to 95°C
2. Intel Computers 65°C to 100°C

* How do you find out what type of chip manufacturer your computer uses?

Go to 'START', then 'CONTROL PANEL', then 'SYSTEM': Here you will be able to view basic information about your computer. About mid-page you will see 'system.' Here it will list; Processor Type, such as AMD Phenom, or Intel Core Duo

You may also download several different free system monitoring applications such as

CPUID-Z
SIW
Everest 2.20 Home Edition
Even though Everest does not support a free edition anymore, this older free version still works fine on most systems. Here is a ratings list on this older version of Everest Ratings List.

These Applications offer an incredible amount of information about your computer. Easy to understand lists, from CPU types, to processor assignment. SIW would be my choice for beginners, it's simple and it's the newest supported version of the product.


Video Card Normal Operating Temperatures a bit harder to find.

There are two manufactures of Video Cards that we are concerned about ATI and Nvidia

Here is a summary of the temps.

1. ATI (AMD) threshold is 115°C
2. Nvidia threshold is 120°C
   

To find the exact temperatures you will have to visit their websites.


Once you install CPUID HWMonitor, all you do is start it up and your information is there!

Quick and Easy.

How to Listen to your Podcasts in Order

Ever wished you could listen to your podcasts from oldest to newest without stopping? Here is a great tip to make a self updating playlist, that will arrange and auto-play all your podcasts from oldest to newest.

1. Ensure Shuffle is Off - Navigate to 'Settings', then to 'Shuffle', then 'Off'.
-> This affects the Auto-Play All.

2. Attach your Ipod to your Computer and Navigate to your ipods 'Podcast' section.

3. With the ipod 'Podcasts' highlighted, navigate up to itunes Main Menu Bar and Choose 'File.'
4. From the 'File' Menu, Choose 'New Smart Playlist'

5. Once the Smart Playlist box opens check 'Match the Following Rule,' then from the first drop-down box, choose 'Album' - then 'contains' - then type the exact name of the podcast. To end, ensure 'Live Updating' is checked. Then press 'OK'

6. A new playlist will appear in your ipods Menu - Navigate to the playlist. You should see all the selected podcasts that your specified.

7. Once in your new playlist, navigate to the Column titles [Name, Time, Artist, etc.] and right click. A column list will appear with column choices for you to pick from. For the average podcast listener some of the default choices are not necessary. Like 'Rating' and 'Play Count'.

8. Choose the Columns you wish to see and then add column 'Release Date'.

9. A 'Release Date' column will appear. Navigate to the 'Release Date' column and click it. An arrow will appear- the up arrow will arrange your podcasts from oldest to newest.

10. To listen to your newly arranged podcasts you must play the podcast playlist. Instead of navigating to your 'Podcasts' menu, you will now navigate to the podcast playlist, located in the 'Playlist' Menu.

Note: If your podcasts are not showing up in the smart playlist, ensure you choose 'Album' not the default 'Artist'. This is usually the reason for a blank playlist.