2 Copyright
Copyright
This documentation is protected by law. All rights, especially the right of
duplication, circulation, and translation, are reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in the form of copies, microfilms
or other processes, or transmitted into a language used for machines,
especially data processing machines, without the express written consent of
the publisher.
All copyrights reserved.
All other product names are trademarks of the corresponding manufacturers.
Errors in and changes to the contents as well as program modifications
reserved.
Copyright © MAGIX AG, 2006 - 2010. All rights reserved.
MAGIX is a registered trademark of MAGIX AG.
Other mentioned product names may be registered trademarks of the
respective manufacturer.
www.magix.com
Table of Contents 3
Table of Contents
Copyright 2
Support 5
System requirements 6
Serial number 7
Tips for Program Help 8
More about MAGIX 9
MAGIX Online World - the services 9
MAGIX News Center 10
Introduction 11
What is MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011? 11
Features 11
Overview of the program screen 13
1-click quick maintenance 14
Program functions at a glance 15
PC Check 15
Increase performance 18
Free up memory 20
Secure data 23
Configure Windows 24
Info - My PC 30
Save power 35
Functions in detail 37
Customize system start 37
Defragmentation 39
MAGIX Registry Cleaner 39
Defragment registry 41
File assignment 42
Context menu 43
Manage swapfile 45
Update drivers 46
Data manager 48
Undelete in detail 50
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4 Table of Contents
Data shredder 52
Burn backup 54
Drive backup 61
Restore drive with boot disc 63
System restore 67
Additional features and settings 71
MAGIX PC Check Live 71
File filter 74
Recorder and media information 75
Help menu 77
Tips & tricks - Problems & solutions 80
What is a backup? 80
Safe mode 80
Problems during boot-up? 81
PC turns off on its own 83
Windows XP repair function 83
Windows Vista repair function 85
Start file rescue from CD 86
MAGIX services in detail 87
magix.info 87
MAGIX Online Album 88
MAGIX Online Print Service 89
MAGIX Website Maker 90
MAGIX Blog Service 92
Glossary 93
Index 106
www.magix.com
Support 5
Support
If you experience any problems with your software, please contact our support
team:
Support website: http://support.magix.net
This website takes you to the MAGIX user service page; the following free
offers are also featured there:
• FAQs (frequently asked questions) and general tricks and tips. In most cases,
you’ll find the solution to your problem here. If not, use the email support form.
• Email support form: Use the special form to inform our support staff about
your system. This information is used to solve your problems quickly and
competently. Simply fill it out and send it with a mouse click!
• Support forum: You are not alone. Perhaps other users had a similar problem
and can help you solve yours. Our support staff are also regular contributors.
• Download section: Updates, improvements, and patches are likewise offered
free of charge via download. Many problems you may experience are already
familiar to us, and they can often be solved by downloading the latest patch.
Besides patches, there are also wizards for checking and optimizing your
system.
• Links: The links list contains the contact addresses for all of the most
important hardware manufacturers.
Please note: To be able to use the support, you have to register your product
using the serial number provided. This number can be found on the CD case of
your installation CD or on the inside of the DVD box.
Europe
Sales Department: Monday - Friday, 09:00-16:00 GMT
U.K.: 0203 3189218
Denmark: 699 18149
Sweden: 0852500858
Finland: 09 31581630
Norway: 0210 30665
Support request via email: http://support.magix.net/contact/uk
Here you can find a summary of our technical support telephone numbers:
http://support.magix.net/phone/uk
www.magix.com
6 System requirements
Mail: MAGIX Development Support, P.O. Box 20 09 14, 01194 Dresden,
Germany
North America
Sales Department: 9 am to 4 pm EST Mon-Fri
Phone: 1-305-722-5810
Support request via email: http://support.magix.net/contact/us
Here you can find a summary of our technical support telephone numbers:
http://support.magix.net/phone/us
Mail: MAGIX Customer Service, 1105 Terminal Way #302, Reno, NV 89502,
USA
Please have the following information at hand:
• Program version
• Configuration details (operating system, processor, memory, hard drive, etc.),
sound card configuration (type, driver)
• Information regarding other audio software installed
System requirements
Operating system: Microsoft® Windows® XP | Vista® | 7
®
• Processor: min. Intel
Pentium® 400 MHz or equivalent
• RAM: min. 256 MB
• Min 300 MB free hard disk space
• Graphics card with a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 600
• CD or DVD drive for program installation
• Also suitable for netbooks (with separate CD or DVD drive)
www.magix.com
Serial number 7
Serial number
A serial number is included with each product, and although it is not required
for the installation of the software, it does enable access to additional bonus
services. Please store this number in a safe place.
What can a serial number do?
A serial number ensures that your copy of MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 is
clearly assigned to you and only you, and it makes improved and more
targeted customer service possible. Abuse of the software can be prevented
with a serial number, since it ensures that the optimum price/performance ratio
continues to be offered by MAGIX.
Where can the serial number be found?
The serial number can be found on the reverse side of your CD/DVD case. If
your product, for example, is packed in a DVD box, then you'll find the serial
number on the inside.
For versions that have been especially optimized for the Internet (download
versions), you'll receive your serial number for activating the software directly
after purchasing the product via email.
When will you need the serial number?
The serial number is required when you start or register MAGIX PC Check &
Tuning 2011 for the first time.
Note: We explicitly recommend registering your product, since only then are
you entitled to get program updates and contact MAGIX Support. Entering the
serial number is also required for activating codecs.
www.magix.com
8 Tips for Program Help
Tips for Program Help
The program help contains hints on how to use the program and lots of
additional information. Many important terms are indicated in the text in italics
and an explanation to them is reached by clicking on them.
Context help: Press the "F1" key at any point in the opened program and help
will open with the matching help topic (context help).
Search function: To find out information on specific words, use the search
function. Enter either the individual word or use logical operators (OR, AND,
NEAR) to refine your search if you have several search words.
• "OR" (between two words): All topics which contain both words or one of the
words will be listed.
• "AND" (between two words): Only those topics will be listed which contain
both words.
• "NEAR" (between two words): Only those topics will be listed which contain
both words. A maximum of six other words may be added between the search
terms.
• "NOT“" (before a word): Topics which contain this word will not be listed.
Print: Use the help program's print function to make a printout of individual
topics or entire sections. For help cases which may take a long time, this can
be more practical than switching between the help window and the program.
The print button is located at the top of the help window in the toolbar.
www.magix.com
More about MAGIX 9
More about MAGIX
MAGIX Online World - the services
Discover the possibilities of MAGIX Online World.
MAGIX Online Album
MAGIX Online Album lets you publish your photos and videos directly on the
Internet. You can also play your music as MP3s in the Online Album. Create
your personal album website in no time with your own Internet address, and
showcase everything that's fun about multimedia to the world.
For example, you can upload especially impressive photos or entire slideshows
as videos straight from your MAGIX program. Pictures you put on your website
can be downloaded with ease from the comfort of your own home and
integrated into your slideshow.
MAGIX Website Maker
MAGIX Website Maker helps you create a personal Internet showcase with a
professional design in just a few mouse clicks – without prior knowledge,
including your own chosen domain and email address. Publish slideshows and
videos and accessorize your site with music and various effects – anything
from a simple business card to a fireworks display of effects, professional or
private – show your best side!
More about this topic can be found under MAGIX Website Maker. (view page
90)
magix.info
Help and get help - Directly from within the program, you'll be able to access
magix.info http://www.magix.info/de/, the new MAGIX Knowledge Database
(view page 87). You'll find answers to all the most frequently asked questions
about MAGIX products and multimedia in general. Couldn't find an answer to
your particular question? No problem – just ask the question yourself!
MAGIX Online Print Service
MAGIX Online Print Service is perfect for getting your pictures processed
online or printed as photo gifts on mugs, t-shirts, or calendars.
www.magix.com
10 More about MAGIX
Catooh
If your project is missing pictures, videos, DVD menus, sounds, or samples,
then you should have a look at the huge selection available at Catooh. There
you'll be able to buy media in excellent quality for low prices: DVD menus,
Slideshow Maker styles, decorative elements, 3D power effects, 3D transition
series, MAGIX Soundpools, songs, ringtones... Perfectly suited to all MAGIX
photo, video, and music projects.
MAGIX Blog Service
With MAGIX Blog Service, YOU make the news! Share your thoughts,
experiences, and news with a worldwide audience in no time using your own
interactive online multimedia journal. Invite family, friends, and acquaintances
to join in and enter their comments! A free MAGIX Online Album belongs to the
MAGIX Blog Service (view page 91) so that you always have full control over
your contributions.
MAGIX News Center
MAGIX can supply you with all of the latest information about your
software. In the MAGIX News Center, you will find all of the links to
current online tutorials as well as tips & tricks on individual topics or
software application examples.
You will also be informed of the availability of brand new updates and patches
for your program as well as special offers, contests, and surveys.
The news is split into three color-coded sections:
• Green for practical tips & tricks for your software
• Yellow reports the availability of new patches and updates for your product
• Red for special offers, contests, and surveys
• And if there are no new messages, then the button will be grey
All available information is shown as soon as you click on MAGIX News Center.
If you click on one of the news items you will be forwarded to the
corresponding website.
www.magix.com
Introduction 11
Introduction
What is MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011?
MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 is an optimization, tuning and help tool for
modern Windows PCs which helps you analyze and fix common
system-dependent problems as well as optimize internal settings. It also offers
functions for individual adjustment of the operating system that work using
Windows' own settings functions by supplementing or grouping them in
different ways.
Features
PC Check
The PC Check (view page 15) analyzes weaknesses and problems in the
system and lists them. Short problem descriptions may be accessed directly to
keep an overview and to see where problems are present. Click the solution
recommendation to quickly and conveniently correct them.
Increase performance
Optimize your PC's (view page 18) startup time, performance, and stability to
work faster and to keep your PC from crashing. MAGIX PC Check & Tuning
2011 enables the system start to be customized, drives to be defragmented,
drivers to be updated, and much more.
Free up drive space
Remove unnecessary garbage. You can not only empty the recycling bin, but
also delete cookies or Internet history that have secretly been saved by your
Internet browser, uninstall programs that are no longer needed, and much
more (view page 20).
Secure data
Back up your data to your hard drives to protect against unpleasant loss of
data. Besides simple file backups, you can also create partition backups to
copy entire sections of the hard drive (partitions). If files have been deleted that
you still need, then these may be restored via the file rescuing function. These
and other useful functions are available to you in "Back up data (view page
22)".
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12 Introduction
Windows appearance
Adjust the appearance of your Windows operating system according to your
wishes: select how your start menu should look like, which animations and
effects may be used, how fonts are to be displayed, etc. (view page 24)
Info - My PC
This area (view page 30) is accessible via the task manager (familiar from
Windows) with advanced functions for more influence and a better overview of
facts about your PC and its activities.
Save power
Whether to save money or if you would like to work on a computer as long as
possible using the battery, you can choose from the power saving schemes or
make changes yourself. To do so, go to the "Power saving" (view page 34)
area.
www.magix.com
Overview of the program screen
Introduction 13
Help menu: (view page 77) Important options for MAGIX PC Check &
Tuning 2011 are available in this menu.
PC Check: (view page 15) Do a complete system check to locate
problems that slow your PC's performance and to protect you against
data loss.
Increase performance: (view page 18) Optimize your PC's start,
performance, and stability.
Free up memory: (view page 20) Reclaim disk space, optimize your data
storage, restore files, or delete them irrevocably.
Secure data: (view page 22) Back up your data and drives to protect
against unpleasant losses.
Configure Windows: (view page 24) Adjust the appearance of Windows
to your individual needs.
Info - My PC: (view page 30) This is a kind of task manager with
advanced functions for monitoring your PC's components and its activity.
Power saving: (view page 34) Turn on the power saving mode to enable
the desired balance between power savings and PC speed.
Program window: Displays the functions of the corresponding areas. The
main window, "PC Check", displays the areas that are being tested for
problems and the respective status.
www.magix.com
14 1-click quick maintenance
Update program: All installed programs will be checked for newer
versions. All programs will be listed in the online overview, and if online
updates exist, these will be displayed.
1-click quick maintenance
With the 1-click quick maintenance feature in MAGIX PC Check & Tuning
2011, which can be accessed via a desktop icon and the program folder, you
can conduct basic maintenance functions without having to open the program.
Save time: Useful functions such as "Empty recycling bin", "Delete temporary
Internet files" and "Delete download history" can be combined to save you
time.
Custom settings: If you wish, you can put together an individual maintenance
set with MAGIX PC Check & Tuning featuring the functions that are most
important to you. This way you can fix mistakes, clear disk space and much
more in just one step. Bring your system in top shape – with just one click.
Delete old system restore points: Check here if you would like to delete all old
system restore points. A restore point of the current state will be created and
saved; all other system restore points will be deleted.
www.magix.com
Program functions at a glance 15
Program functions at a glance
This chapter will provide you with an overview of the functions available in
MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 and where to find them. For comprehensive
functions, you will find detailed descriptions under "Functions in detail" (view
page 36).
PC Check
Optimize your PC with just a few clicks - fully automatically! After the check is
complete, all of the problems on the PC are displayed so that you may select
which optimizations should be carried out.
Click this button to start the check process for your PC
and to search for possible problems.
In the intermediate dialog that appears, you can see which
areas are being checked and whether any problems have
been identified.
When the scan is finished, the program window will list all results. If a problem
is found, a solution will be suggested next to it. Just one click is enough to
solve the problem.
Even faster: Click here if you want to solve all problems in
one process.
Hint: In most cases, this automatic problem solving
feature is sufficient for normal PC operation. User-defined
adjustments are possible in the areas "Increase
performance" and "Free up memory".
Status: After the check has been completed, the status displays if any
problems have been found. If the status is red, a problem has been found. If
no problems have been discovered, then the status will be green. If the PC has
not been tested yet or tested quite some time ago, then the status will be
yellow. If you have deactivated a test area in settings, the status will appear
gray.
The large status icon above the check list indicates the PC's overall status.
Status report: All of the areas that are checked are listed in descending order,
and their current status is shown with a short description of the problem. The
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16 Program functions at a glance
small "i" button shows even more information when the mouse cursor is held
over it.
Click on "More" and the test results for the respective area will be
explained: What has been tested, and what needs to be optimized.
Recommended solution: This displays the functions that could solve the
problem. Click these buttons to start the corresponding processes. "Fix all
problems" may be activated to solve all problems in a single process.
Hint: After optimizing the system start as well as all services, you can use
"Restore" in order to go back to the previous state if you notice that your
workflow has been negatively effected by the optimization.
The PC check or the individual areas to be checked may be
adjusted in this section.
For example, you can deactivate an area if you don't want it
to be tested. The status of this area will then appear gray.
Test areas
Activate PC Check live:
MAGIX PC Check Live a useful little program included with the installation of
MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011. It starts as soon as you log on to your
computer, it runs in the background, and is intended to provide your PC with
permanent protection: Is a virus scanner, a firewall, etc. installed, current, and
active? Do the values of the built-in hard drive(s) comply with norms, or could
they be damaged?
Optimize system start:
Here you can accelerate the system start of your computer (view page 37).
You may deactivate processes, which are loaded at the start of the system,
putting additional strain on RAM, and even blocking other processes.
Hint: Nothing is changed in the programs which are removed from the system
start. You can start the program via the program group or the start menu as
before.
If problems which may be traced to this change arise after computer reboot,
simply undo all auto start entries.
www.magix.com
Remove junk files:
Many programs create temporary files on the hard drive. Normally, these are
only needed by these programs for a short time and my be deleted afterwards
to increase performance. This process normally only takes place to a lesser
degree. With this check, you can conveniently remove temporary files and
reclaim memory on your PC.
Remove Internet tracks
Visiting websites leaves hard-to-get-rid-of, hidden and undesired tracks in
various system folders. This function you may delete temporary Internet files,
cookies and history. Delete temporary Internet files, cookies and history with
this function in a flash.
Optimize swapfile
The swapfile is required if the built-in RAM is not sufficient. The data to be
processed is written to the swapfile on the hard drive. If this is not set
optimally, then serious reduction in performance may result.
Optimize services:
Program functions at a glance 17
Services are activated when the computer is started up and wait in the
background until they are needed. However, many are not required by the
operating system. Optimize these services manually or automatically (view
page 31) for clearly increased speed while the system starts.
Clean Windows registry:
Information about Windows, system services and processes, as well as other
programs and settings are saved here. Any registry problems may be filtered
and may be repaired using just one click letting the system run more stably
and faster.
Update drivers:
Using this function, installed drivers will be checked for their update status. If
there are new drivers, these will be automatically found and you can install
them with just a few clicks, quickly and easily, without long searches on the
Internet.
Defragment system drive:
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18 Program functions at a glance
With just a few clicks, you may defragment hard disks to accelerate access to
data, and your PC in general. Individual parts of a file are ordered during
defragmentation in such a way, so that they are located next to each other on
the hard drive, and may be found by the hard disk reader in one query.
Defragment Windows registry:
Constant reading and writing processes in the registry database make the
registry files larger and larger. This function cleans up the Windows registry
(view page 40) and corrects empty sections. The Windows registry is made
smaller and information is easier to access.
Update programs:
Updated for programs, installed on the PC will be searched for. If new versions
are available, they will appear under test reports and results and updates may
be manually made.
The results in respect to program updates is not included in the general
problem report, found in other test areas.
Increase performance
Increase your PC's performance! This increases the speed of your computer
during start-up.
Configure system start
If you would like to accelerate the system start of your computer (view page
37), use this function. Here you may deactivate processes, which are loaded at
the start of the system, putting additional strain on RAM, and even blocking
other processes.
Hint: Nothing is changed in the programs which are removed from the system
start. If you start the program later, it will simply take a little longer to be ready
for use.
Configure services
Services are activated when the computer is started up and wait in the
background until they are needed. However, many are not required by the
operating system. Optimize these services (view page 31) manually or
automatically for clearly increased speed while the system starts.
www.magix.com
Program functions at a glance 19
Defragment drives
Individual parts of a file are ordered during defragmentation in such a way, so
that they are located next to each other on the hard drive, and may be found
by the hard disk reader in one query. With just a few clicks, you may
defragment hard disks (view page 38) to accelerate access to data, and speed
up your PC in general.
Clean registry
Start MAGIX Registry Cleaner (view page 39), with which you may clean your
computer's registry. Any registry problems may be filtered and repaired with
just one click.
Hint: If you have questions about MAGIX Registry Cleaner - specifically about
registry entries - simply open its help in the "Help" menu.
Defragment registry
Constant reading and writing processes in the registry database make the
registry files larger and larger. This function cleans up the Windows registry
(view page 40) and corrects empty sections. The size of the Windows registry
is reduced and information is easier to access.
Check & update drivers
Using this function, installed drivers will be checked for their update status.
After the check, you may install drivers for the chipset, sound and graphics
card with just a few clicks - all drivers are automatically searched for and
suggested for download in a list. For all other components, you may search for
the latest drivers by entering the device name, or by searching on the Internet.
Internet tuning
This option optimizes automatically set parameters for your PC's Internet
settings, especially for Internet Explorer and Firefox. The result: Faster Internet
surfing.
Warning! Internet concerns Internet access with a bandwidth connection (e.g.
DSL or cable).
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20 Program functions at a glance
Browser settings
Optimize Internet Explorer: This function optimizes Microsoft Internet Explorer
for Internet with a broadband connection (e.g. DSL).
Optimize Mozilla Firefox: This function will optimize Mozilla Firefox for Internet
with a broadband connection (e.g. DSL).
Network settings
Activate network optimization: General settings applicable in Windows for
accessing the Internet, no matter which browser is used, are optimized to
accelerate surfing.
Reset: All settings have been reset to default values.
Free up memory
Locate & delete files and programs that are no longer needed to free up
memory! These functions provide a method for cleaning up the hard drive and
optimizing memory.
Clean hard drive
Many programs create temporary files on the hard drive. Normally, these are
only needed by these programs for a short time and may be deleted
afterwards to increase performance. This process normally only takes place to
a lesser degree. With one click, you can conveniently remove temporary files
and reclaim memory on your PC.
Maintenance processes to be carried out:
Empty recycling bin: The contents of the Windows recycling bin are deleted.
Delete temporary files: Files, created by the operating system or by programs
for intermediate storage are deleted.
Delete list of last accessed documents: To accelerate workflow, the most
recently opened documents are saved in a list, enabling their quick opening.
Here, you can delete this list.
Delete list of last accessed programs: Recently opened programs are saved
in a list. Here, you can delete this list.
www.magix.com
Program functions at a glance 21
Delete old system restore points: Check here if you would like to delete all old
system restore points. Simultaneously, a new restore point of the current
system is created.
Click here to start the cleaning process.
Cancel: If you would like to abort the cleaning process, please click on
"Cancel".
Data manager
This function (view page 47) helps identify files and folders that use the most
memory. In order to reclaim as much memory as possible, you can burn these
files and then delete them from the hard drive.
Data shredder
The data shredder (view page 51) allows you to delete any files you wish so
that they cannot be restored, not even with data recovery programs such as
the "Undelete" function in MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011.
Files are not completely removed from the hard drive by pressing delete, and
they are also still around after the Recycle Bin is emptied.
Delete Internet history
Visiting websites leaves hard-to-get-rid-of, hidden and undesired tracks in
various system folders. With this function you may delete temporary Internet
files, cookies and the history of which websites you visited with just on click.
Maintenance processes to be carried out:
Delete temporary Internet files: Deletes files, which have been saved during
Internet surfing (for example, images).
Delete history of Internet sites visited: Deletes website addresses that were
visited in the past.
Delete Internet addresses and form data: Deletes Internet addresses that
were found via search engines, form data entered during filling out of online
forms and saved locally, as well as locally saved passwords.
Delete cookies: Removes cookies left by Internet pages.
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22 Program functions at a glance
Delete download history: Deletes the list of downloaded files.
Click here to start the cleaning process.
Uninstall programs
With MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 you can list all installed programs and
uninstall them if you no longer need them. You can often make your PC faster
by deleting old programs that you no longer use.
Hint: It is important to uninstall a program that you want to remove from your
PC. It is insufficient to delete a program folder because this does not remove
hidden folders and erroneous Windows registry entries. This can cause
additional problems: The program cannot be reinstalled or will appear as still
installed. It might not be possible to install new program versions.
• When you open this area for the first time, MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011
will scan your PC for installed programs and lists these in corresponding
categories: Audio & video, drivers, Internet, office, etc.
• When you select a program, a description will appear above.
Size: Indicates the overall size of the program folder and all hidden folders of
the program.
Installed on: Program installation date.
Used on: When was this program used for the last time?
If you click here, the program will be uninstalled. At the end, MAGIX
PC Check & Tuning 2011 checks if all program folders have been
removed correctly. If this is not the case, a dialog will appear and
you can remove the remaining files by hand.
Hint: Some programs create folders under "My documents", where project
files, etc. are saved. These folders will not be removed.
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Program functions at a glance 23
Secure data
Protect data from being lost or accessed by others! This function enables
individual files or drives to be backed up.
Burn backup
Here you can save data (single files or folders) from your hard drive and
networks as a backup. A dialog for compiling media (view page 53)opens.
Create drive backup
If you want to back up entire hard drives or individual partitions, etc. to
CD/DVD, or (external)hard drives, then select this function and the Compile
backup dialog will open.
Restore backup
This item allows you to restore (view page 60) a backup from CD/DVD or the
hard drive created with MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, no matter whether
it's a backup of a file or a complete partition.
System restore
Before you make changes to the Windows system you can set a system
restore point (view page 66), which creates an image of the current system.
This enables the previous condition of the system to be restored.
Undelete
With this function, you can restore files that you deleted using the standard
Windows deletion process: Delete file/folder & empty the recycling bin. You
may rescue files here before they are overwritten by other new files for good.
Note: Only those files may be restored whose original file has not been
overwritten, even in part.
Program password
If you have created a password for MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 it can be
started only with it. This makes the program inaccessible for other users.
www.magix.com
24 Program functions at a glance
This is how you can create a password:
• In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, go to "Secure Data" and select "Program
password".
• Check off "Activate password protection for MAGIX PC Check and Tuning".
• Enter a desired password in "Enter password:".
• Please enter the password again under "Confirm password".
• Click on "Accept password" to set it.
Starting immediately, a dialog will appear before MAGIX PC Check & Tuning
2011 starts, where you will have to enter your password before being able to
use MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011.
Deactivate password: If you want to remove password protection, simply
uncheck the box from step 1.
Configure Windows
Change detail settings to adjust Windows appearance and startup to your
needs.
Note: In each of the subdialogs listed here, you have the option of setting a
restore point to make the original settings immediately accessible.
The function "Log off as user" allows you to log off and log on again so that the
changes you make via "Configure Windows" become active, without having to
restart the computer.
General Windows settings
General Windows settings such as the user registrations at start, automatic
Windows updates ,and power button function may be specified here.
Configure Windows
Control of automatic Windows updates: Microsoft offers new Windows
update downloads at certain time intervals. Automate the behavior of updates
according to your wishes.
Prevent automatic Windows reboot after update: As a rule, you are always
asked to reboot Windows after an update in order to integrate these into the
system. Here you may suppress this constant query, and the changes will
become activated after the next system boot.
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Program functions at a glance 25
Show all files: Windows hides some files and folders so that they cannot be
changed or deleted accidentally by users. If you need to see these files after
all you can activate this setting to make all files visible.
Delete immediately - do not add to recycle bin (Windows XP): Normally, files
are moved into the Recycle Bin when they are deleted conventionally. This
makes it easy to restore a file. If you are certain that you want to delete a file
and won't need it ever again, then this function will delete the file without
adding it to the Recycle Bin. The files will be deleted directly to free up disk
space.
Deactivate CD/DVD auto-play: Activate this setting if you no longer want
CDs/DVDs to start automatically when they are inserted into the drive.
Deactivate Windows "Low storage space" warning (Windows XP): If memory
sinks below 200 MB while you are working at your PC, then Windows issues a
warning. These warning messages can be deactivated. PC check and tuning
can also warn you about low memory.
Optimize Windows
Loading optimization: Through pre- or super-fetching in Windows XP or Vista,
programs are preloaded in the background in order to accelerate the actual
start of this program. However, if you do not use these programs, memory
resources are simply wasted. This "pre-loading" may, in this case, be
deactivated.
Automatic network search deactivation: By default, Windows searches for
connected networks and network drives. This search may take up some time.
You can deactivate this function if you don't need the automatic search.
Shut down non-responsive programs faster: During PC shut-down, Windows
turns off all processes and programs. If a program or process does not
respond, the operating system waits a certain time, before a corresponding
message appears. Here you may shorten this time, so that the message
appears right away, and the program/process may be ended sooner.
Start settings
Improve your PC's startup time, and increase shutdown, too.
Automatically register the following users during Windows start: For
Windows XP and Vista, user accounts may be set up in order to be able to log
into the operating system with a personal profile. Enter the user that should be
loaded automatically without asking here.
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26 Program functions at a glance
Delete swapfile on shutdown (Windows XP): To free up storage space and
ensure that no one can secretly view the file, you can delete the swapfile when
shutting down windows.
Activate boot file defrag: Boot files (files required for starting up the PC) are
automatically defragmented and optimized. This accelerates the boot process,
i.e. startup of the operating system. If the PC takes very long to boot, this
function may have been deactivated by a different program or malicious
software.
Activate Num key automatically (Windows XP): This activates the Num key
automatically at system start. This makes the number block immediately active
whenever the PC starts.
Deactivate Caps Lock: The "Caps lock" key dates back to the era of
typewriters and is mostly obsolete on modern PCs. Sometimes it is even
annoying if activated accidentally. You can deactivate the key entirely here.
Automatically clear the list of recently used documents: Windows stores the
last accessed files and documents automatically and shows them in the
Windows start menu. This history may be deleted each time Windows is
started.
Hide last user on logon screen: The Windows logon screen shows the name
of the last user by default. This feature saves time, but it can also slightly
reduce your system's security. Hiding the last user can increase security.
Log on as administrator (Windows XP): The user account of the administrator
can be displayed on the Windows login screen to allow for convenient logging
in as an administrator.
Swapfile
Optimize (view page 44) your system's virtual RAM! The swapfile is required if
the built-in RAM is not sufficient. The data to be processed is written to the
swapfile on the hard drive. If this is not set optimally, then serious performance
problems may result.
Start menu & taskbar
Here you may configure the appearance of the start menu and the task bar.
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Program functions at a glance 27
Start menu
Activate classic start menu: If you prefer the classic Windows start menu, you
may restore it here. Settings that are listed below are deleted automatically and
grayed out.
Show the "Log off" button: If several people use your computer, you may
select to display the "log off" button; this makes it easier to switch between
users.
Number of recently opened documents: Specify how many files should
appear in the list of recently opened documents.
Control the behavior of the start menu submenus: Here you can set whether
the start menu submenus are opened by a click or are opened automatically
after a certain time.
Task bar
Activate Windows tips (speech balloons): Windows sends short messages
when an event is detected, but simply informative messages may not be
required. If you don't want these messages, then deactivate them here.
Display the info area in task bar: To the extreme right of the taskbar, you can
see the area with the clock, volume controller, etc. Inactive programs are
hidden and may be accessed via the arrow. If you would like to show the info
area all of the time, then activate this feature.
Group similar elements: Design the taskbar to be more clearly laid-out; when
multiple elements are opened (windows), thee may be grouped together. For
example, all text documents may be grouped in one tab.
Animations & effects
Change detail settings to adjust the appearance of Windows.
Presets for animations and effects:
• Windows default: Using this option, you can reset the settings to the
Microsoft default state.
• Custom: Set animations and effects according to your wishes.
• Best performance: Activate this option and the settings will be set
automatically so that PC performance is always maximized. Most effects will
be deactivated.
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28 Program functions at a glance
• Best appearance: To maintain an effect-filled appearance with many
animations, activate this option, and the settings will be automatically set this
way.
Settings for Windows desktop
Display Windows version on desktop: Activate this option, if you would like
the installed Windows version to be displayed on the system clock on your
desktop at all times.
Display info text about desktop icons: When the mouse hovers over an
element on the desktop, a small info window will display information about it.
Set transparent background for icon labels: A transparent background or a
color frame may be added in order to improve label readability.
Display mouse pointer shadow: To accentuate the mouse cursor against the
background, a shadow may be added to the cursor.
Display color selection rectangle: If you select something with a held-down
left mouse key to highlight multiple objects, the selection rectangle may be
displayed in color.
Settings for application window
Display colored transitions in the title bar: If you deactivate this option, the
title bar of application windows will be displayed in one color without a
gradient.
Display window content when moving: If you move a window on the desktop,
the content will remain visible.
Animation when windows are minimized/maximized: When you
minimize/maximize a window, it will be shrunk to the task bar or magnified to
the desktop.
Settings for menus
Underline keyboard shortcuts: In Windows conforming applications, the first
letter of a menu point is underscored. This letter is part of the keyboard
shortcut for this option, which is usually combined with the Alt key.
Display shadow below menus: So that the opened menu point hovers above
the background of the window itself, a shadow may be added.
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Program functions at a glance 29
Hide/Show menus: If you deactivate this option, menus will not open or close,
but disappear and appear immediately.
Set font smoothing
Here you can set smoothing of fonts for screen display.
Nosmoothing: When font smoothing is deactivated, the outlines of text appear
clear and crisp. However, especially in small font sizes, letter appear extremely
pixelated.
Standard smoothing: With activated font smoothing, text outlines are
smoothed, which usually results in better readability.
• Clear type: Optimize font visualization for flat screens.
Netbook tuning
Here you can optimize the look of Windows on your netbook! Netbooks
sometimes have problems displaying programs and display elements due to
their lower resolution. Use this item to optimize the display for netbooks.
Deactivate designs: Deactivates extensive designs to improve the
performance of a netbook and tidy up the desktop.
Small icons in start menu: Reduces the size of the icons to improve the
overview in the start menu.
Narrow window title bar: Makes the window frames thinner to increase the
space available for the window content.
Thin scroll bars: Makes scroll bars thinner to increase the space available for
the window content.
Small desktop icons: Improves the overview on the desktop by reducing the
size of desktop the icons.
Reset right-click menu
Specify file endings in the context menu "New" (view page 43). The context
menu features a "New" option for adding a new, empty file with this file
extension. This function provides you with the option to determine which file
types should be available for selection here.
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30 Program functions at a glance
Set file assignment
Assign particular file types (view page 41) to specific programs! This function
allows any file type to be specified to open with a particular program by double
clicking.
Info - My PC
This area is accessible via the task manager (familiar from Windows "Ctrl + Alt
+ Del") with advanced functions for more influence and a better overview of
facts about your PC and its activities.
Info about this PC
If you require the name, manufacturer, and technical data of the components
built into your PC, this information is available here.
General provides information about the processor, main board, and RAM.
Multimedia provides information related to the graphics card, resolution,
monitor, and audio (sound card).
Drives lists all local drives (if more than one are present), CD/DVD drive(s),
removable storage drives like USB stick(s), and external hard drive(s), as well
as all network connections.
Windows information
All operating systems and user data is available here.
Windows displays which Windows version (2000, XP, Vista, or 7) is installed.
Just look under "Name". "Version" displays the last large service pack that was
installed. The serial number from the installation, when Windows was installed,
and how long the PC has been running since startup is also available.
User shows which user (user name) is currently active, what the computer has
been named (the name of the PC that is displayed on networks), and which
workgroup (on networks) it is assigned to, as well as the system name.
Display processes
All processes that require use of the PC's RAM are listed here. Unlike the
Windows Task Manager, this display also lists processes that require little
memory but are nonetheless continuously active. CPU load is low, but can
always be traced.
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Program functions at a glance 31
Select a process by clicking it, and information will be provided about what it is
doing. If the process is not necessary for your work, then you can end it.
Activity: Displays how frequently a process is active irrespective of how
much RAM is required. Processes will also be made visible that operate
continuously.
CPU %: Indicates the current CPU load in percent.
CPU time: This indicates how long the processor has been involved with
this process since startup.
RAM kB: This displays how much RAM is required by a specific process.
• Green: The process requires only a little RAM; RAM is sufficient.
• Yellow: The process requires a lot of RAM.
• Red: The process requires even more RAM.
Note: If a lot of processes are listed here that are required for operating the PC
and they are highlighted in yellow or red, then additional RAM should be
installed.
Autostart: You can see here which processes are started automatically
when the PC is started up (these are marked for autostart). If a lot of
processes are listed here which require a lot of performance but are not
necessary, then these should be ended.
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32 Program functions at a glance
Show services
Optimize these services manually or automatically for clearly increased speed
while the system starts.
You can also adjust your computer's services:
Step 1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Increase performance ->
Configure services". All active and inactive services are listed. Select a service
and the manufacturer and a short description of the service will be displayed.
Step 2: Click on "Optimize automatically". All entries
are customized for the standard user.
Note: Deactivation of a service cannot "damage" the PC, it may simply limit
functionality. Firewalls, virus scanners, etc. should always remain active to
guarantee your PC is protected.
If you notice limitations after adjusting the services, you can undo the changes.
To do so, click on "Restore", select the desired file and click on "Open". (In the
folder, which will open automatically, the latest version is saved. Using the date
appearing in the file name, you can find the file which was created as the latest
backup.)
Start mode indicates how the service is started or if it is inactive:
• As needed: The service is only started when it is needed. This setting should
be selected instead of "Inactive" in case another service or program needs the
service at short notice.
• Always: The service is started automatically at startup, even if it is not needed.
If it is started unnecessarily, then it will consume RAM without providing any
benefits.
• Inactive: The service is inactive and will not be started even when it is
required. In some cases, this can lead to problems. If certain services are
really never required, then this setting is sensible.
• Green is displayed if the mode complies with the default and if MAGIX
recommends it.
• Red appears when the mode deviates from the default and MAGIX
recommends a different one.
Status indicates whether the service is currently active or inactive:
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Program functions at a glance 33
• Right-clicking a service opens a context menu that allows you to start or end a
service. You can also adjust the startup mode.
System information
All important information regarding the built-in processor and bios at a glance.
• For example, you can see if the processor is overloaded. Compare the
"Current frequency rate" and the "Maximum frequency rate".
• In case you purchase a new processor, then you can see which socket on the
main board supports it.
Display PC load
The current load of the processor, the RAM, and the virtual RAM (swapfile) is
displayed here.
• If the RAM is constantly overloaded, this is an indication of performance
problems. It's possible that too many processes are active. Check this via
"Display processes".
Hard drive status
View important information about your drives and make changes in order to
optimize them.
• Select the drive, whose properties should be analyzed. The results will appear
in the display field below.
Garbage data: Like in PC Check, the program indicates whether there is
garbage data on your computer. It can be deleted by pressing "Clean".
Used disk space: What percent of the partition is free? If you would like to
(save and) delete data, you can open the data manager and clean the hard
disk.
Fragment: Here you can see how far along the data fragmentation process is.
If the light turns red, you should defragment the data on the hard drive.
Hint: MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 uses data from the garbage data, used
disk space and fragmentation sections to suggest solutions for optimizing your
computer.
Temperature: The current hard disk temperature is displayed. The value should
be between 15° and 60° C.
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34 Program functions at a glance
Age of hard disk: The age of the hard disk is displayed. If the hard disk is
"old", you will receive a message early enough, allowing you to back up all of
your data.
Consistency: The functionality of your hard drive(s) can be checked:
Positioning errors of the read/write head, damages to the surface due to dust,
etc. and negative changes of the hard disk's condition are displayed.
Note: If the values for temperature, hard disk age and consistency are above
"normal", the program does not display solutions that can be carried out via
MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 itself. Click on "More" for information
concerning other possible solutions.
Check & Tuning history
All problems that MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 detected and all
subsequent adjustments are listed under "Check & Tuning history". If desired,
these adjustments can be undone.
Date: When was a problem detected or an action carried out?
Function: Which test found which problem?
Acivity: Which action /change has been made?
If a restore function is available for an action, it will be offered.
Glossary
If you have questions concerning a term used in MAGIX PC Check & Tuning
2011 or you would simply like to improve your PC skills, then just look into the
glossary.
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Program functions at a glance 35
Save power
Save money and, if you have a laptop, valuable battery life by activating a
power saving plan. Besides a range of power saving planes that can be
activated according to need, you can make adjustments yourself, too. The
different power saving plans are displayed to the left and the corresponding
settings to the right.
Note: Battery operation is available only for laptops, otherwise it is grayed out
and can't be adjusted.
Depending on the amount of power saved by the corresponding
plan, the symbol is green (high power savings), yellow or red (low
power savings).
The checkmark indicates which power saving plan is activated.
Note: Low power consumption will affect PC performance.
Adjustments previously made to a power saving plan can be changed either
manually or reset via "Check and Tuning history".
If you would like to find out more about power saving settings, simply
hold the mouse over the information symbol and the program will display
explanations.
Save power in Windows XP
• Click on the desired power saving plan and activate it by clicking on "Activate
power saving plan" at the top left.
You can adjust all power saving plans individually. The adjustments will be
saved directly in the plan. If you now activate the power saving plan, the
adjustments will be applied.
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36 Program functions at a glance
Save power in Windows Vista & Windows 7
• Click on the desired power saving plan and activate it by clicking on "Activate
power saving plan" at the top left.
Create a custom power saving plan:
1. If you would like to create your own power saving plan, first select the plan
which is closest to the settings you need.
2. You can then adjust it. The button at the top right changes to "Save power
saving plan".
3. Once you have adjusted all of the settings according to your needs, click on
"Save power saving plan". Your own power saving plan is created to the
left: My power saving plan.
4. Click on "My power saving plan" and then on "Apply power saving plan" at
the top left.
Tip: With the "MAGIX Power Saving Plan" you can save a lot of power without
compromising performance.
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Functions in detail 37
Functions in detail
Customize system start
To accelerate the system start (or auto start) of your computer, proceed as
follows:
Optimize automatically:
1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Increase performance ->
Configure system start". The optimization area will open to the right.
2. Click on "Optimize automatically". All entries
that are unnecessary for the standard user will be
removed.
Optimize primarily for better performance: Check this option to deactivate the
optional system start options; only important entries will remain active. This will
make your system even faster. After optimization, check if some entries that
are important to you have been deactivated and reactivate them, if necessary.
During the next automatic optimization process these entries will not be
changed .
Optimize manually:
Warning: Don't deactivate any entries, which you can't identify exactly.
If you would like to edit the system start entries manually, click on the
corresponding button on the right. The button will adjust according to its
status (gray = deactivated, green = active) and the lock behind it will turn red
and close.
To exclude certain system start entries from automatic
optimizations, click on the lock. It will turn red and lock
itself.
To help you decide whether to activate or deactivate certain entries, you can
rely on the start duration and customer response:
• Start duration: Displays by how long the process delays system start.
The start duration will be displayed only if you have restarted the program after
installation.
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38 Functions in detail
• Customer response: Shows what other PC Check & Tuning users did with
this process. Green indicates that the entry is relatively important, gray that it
is comparatively unimportant.
Hint: Your settings in this functional area will be anonymously sent to MAGIX
for evaluation.
Add new system start entry:
Click on this button to add a program to the list if it
should start automatically on startup.
Restore system start entries
If problems which may be traced to changes made to system start options
arise after computer reboot, restore the original condition before the last
optimization:
Click here to restore the computer's condition
before the last optimization.
Hint: Nothing is changed in the programs which are removed from the system
start. If you start the program later, it will simply take a little longer to be ready
for use.
To return to an older point, you can use the Check & Tuning history.
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Functions in detail 39
Defragmentation
Working on your PC can also be accelerated by defragmenting:
Step 1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Increase performance ->
Defragment drives". The Windows defragmentation tool will open.
Step 2: Select a drive in the column "Volume" and select the corresponding
drive letter.
Step 3: Click "Check" to scan and check the drive to see if it needs to be
defragmented.
Step 4: Click "Defragment" and contiguous blocks of data will be arranged
such that access can take place quicker.
To close the Windows defragmentation again and to return to
MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, click the close button at the
top right ('X').
MAGIX Registry Cleaner
If you want to clean up your registry, then proceed as follows:
Tip: MAGIX Registry Cleaner has its own small help file, which may be opened
by pressing F1. This way you can learn even more about the individual
functions in the program.
1. In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select the category "PC performance &
Internet" > "Clean registry". MAGIX Registry Cleaner will open.
2. If you don;t want to search all sections for registry problems, which are
scanned by default, remove checks under "Sections to be scanned" by clicking
next to the appropriate section.
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40 Functions in detail
3. Under "Tasks" > "Search for registry problems". All sections with a check in
front will be searched through for mistakes and listed.
4. Under "Tasks" click on "Repair registry problems" and all mistakes will be
repaired.
Hint: If additional problems surface and these can be traced back to registry
cleaning, you can undo the changes under "Tasks" > "Restore registry".
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Functions in detail 41
Defragment registry
This is how you can defragment the Windows registry:
Step 1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Increase performance ->
Defragment registry". The dialog for cleaning the registry will open.
Step 2: Click "Check" to scan and check the Windows
registry to see if it needs to be defragmented.
Current size of registry file: This section displays the current size of the
Windows registry and how much memory it occupies.
New size of registry file after defragmentation: This displays the size of the file
in question after defragmentation.
Step 3: Click "Defragment" to clean up the registry and
correct empty areas.
Step 4: Click "Close" to close the dialog and restore MAGIX
PC Check & Tuning 2011.
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42 Functions in detail
File assignment
If you would like to open certain file types with a certain program just by
double clicking on them, you can conduct the file assignment here.
Step 1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Configure Windows -> File
assignment".
Every file type, which is found in your system will now be listed. If a file type is
already linked to a program, you will see the this under "Application targets"
(illustration see 1).
Step 2: Search under "File extension" for a file type that you would like to
assign to a certain program and select it.
Step 3: Now click on the "Link file type with..." (Illustration see 2). An additional
dialog will be opened which lists all programs installed on your system.
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Functions in detail 43
Step 4: Select the program that should open after a double click on this file
type (Illustration see 3).
Step 5: Set a check mark next to "Always open file type using selected
program", so that the assignment remains after computer restart (Illustration
see 4).
Step 6: Press "OK" to confirm the settings. (Illustration see 5).
Context menu
If you would like to adjust the "new" context menu to your needs, proceed as
follows:
1. In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 select "Set context menu "new"" in
"Memory & files" area. A list with all file types, found on your system will open,
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44 Functions in detail
2. Scroll to the file type, which you would like to include in or remove from the
context menu and select it.
3. Click on "Remove from context menu", if the file type should no longer
appear under "New". Or, if it should be added, simply click on "Add to context
menu".
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Functions in detail 45
Manage swapfile
Swapfiles are necessary for a functional Windows system. They are important
for times when the computer's RAM is used up, and a computationally-intense
process needs additional capacities.
Usually, the size of swapfiles is dynamic and is adjusted by the system
according to the memory needed by it. Windows sets predetermined
boundaries: one value for the minimum and one value for the maximum size,
which the swapfile may not exceed. Depending on your needs, the system
enlarges or reduces their size within the set boundaries.
Tip: It is recommended you test the swapfile under "PC Check" and, if needed,
optimize it automatically.
Step 1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Configure Windows ->
Swapfile". The following dialog will open:
Depending on the number of hard disks and drives you have connected,
these will appear, and may be selected as the storage location of the
swapfile.
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46 Functions in detail
If the system, for example, is installed on C, and you would like the swapfile to
no longer be managed on the C drive, proceed as follows:
Step 2: Under "Drives", select the C drive.
Step 3: To the right, under "Settings for drive" activate > "No swapfile".
No swapfile will be administered on C as a result.
Step 4: Under "Drives", select the drive where you would like to manage the
swapfile in the future.
Step 5: To the right, under "Settings for drive", activate "Size will be managed
by the system".
Step 6: Confirm changes by clicking "Apply settings".
The changes will be implemented after computer reboot.
Update drivers
Old or instable drivers may reduce your computer's performance and stability,
and sometimes lead to serious problems and crashes. Using this function, you
may look for new, stable drivers for your PC.
1. In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Update drivers" in the "Increase
performance" area.
Tip: If you have very important files on your PC, you should create a backup of
these files before driver installation (Memory & files > Burn file backup (view
page 53) or Create a partition backup (view page 61)). There always remains a
risk that your PC will not function correctly with the new drivers. With a file
backup, you will have protected yourself.
2. Click "Start driver update".
MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 checks the drivers for the chip set, sound
and graphics card.
3. Select "Show tested drivers" or "Show all drivers".
Because of the very high number of drivers available, MAGIX checks a large
portion of important drivers in order to be able to offer them as checked and
(relatively) secure. (There always remains a risk since your system has its
specific characteristics and might not "take" well to these drivers.) If you know
your way around drivers somewhat, you may also view unchecked drivers and
install these if necessary.
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Functions in detail 47
4. Select the driver you want to install from the list.
You will now see the driver link for download and update. Similarly, the devices
supported by this driver are listed and more information about them is
provided.
5. Click on "Download and update".
The download process starts. After it is finished, you will be asked whether a
restore time point should be set before installation.
Warning! Create a restore time point so you can return the system to the state
before driver installation. This may be useful if you notice mistakes that were
caused by the new drivers.
6. Driver installation starts. Follow the driver setup program instructions.
Hint: Some drivers become active only after a computer reboot.
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48 Functions in detail
Data manager
Using MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, you can easily locate which folders
contain large files that take up a lot of space.
Step 1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Free up memory -> Data
manager".
Here you will find a list of all drives and their folder structure including their
content.
Using "Insert", add new files and folders to the delete list.
The contents of the delete list.
The available space on the inserted blank disc is displayed, if the files in
the delete list are to be saved on a CD or DVD before.
Step 2: Click on the drive which you would like to search for large files. The
scanning process of this drive will start. The following button will appear
additionally:
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Functions in detail 49
If the scan process is continuing and you would like to stop it, click on "Cancel
scan". An additional click on the drive will restart the process.
Step 3: After the scan process you can select files or folders, which you no
longer need on your hard drive, for deletion, or for first burning them and then
deleting them:
Click on "Delete files" to delete files found on the
delete list. The files will be deleted to free up disk
space.
Click on "Burn & delete files" if you would like to
secure the files before deleting them. The files will be
deleted to free up disk space only after being burned.
The meaning of colors and extra folders
• Red is occupied memory. In this example, C is occupied up to 36.9%.
• Green indicates free memory.
• Grey indicates that MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011's scan process is not
complete.
• Large files in this folder: A virtual folder is created here that contains the 50
largest files. You can see the largest files on the hard drive independent of
their save location at a glance.
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50 Functions in detail
Undelete in detail
Have you deleted files from your Windows recycling bin by accident, and
would like to restore them? You can try it with this function. The sooner
undelete is attempted after deletion, the more probable it is that the file may be
rescued.
Warning! It is recommended that you restore files not to the same drive, but to
a different one. Otherwise file rescue could overwrite disk space, which
contains part of the original file. As a result, the file can't be fully restored.
Step 1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Extras -> Undelete". The
following dialog will open:
The file browser where all files which were deleted are displayed.
Using "Insert", you may transfer a deleted file into the restore list.
The restore list contains all files which should be restored.
Hint: Deleted files may have strange symbols and numbers in front of their
original names. These are created by the system during the deletion process
and will no longer appear after successful undeletion.
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Functions in detail 51
Step 2: Add all files to be restored from the file browser into the restore list.
Back: Click on this button if you wish to return to the
pre-selection.
Quit: This button will cancel the restore process.
Click on "Restore files" after you have transferred
all files which you would like to undelete into the
restore list, and the process may begin.
Step 3: After creating the restore list, start the process by clicking on "Restore
file".
A dialog opens where you can select where the files are to be restored.
Step 4: Select a drive that is different from the original, so that no required file
parts are overwritten.
Chances of successful undeletion
Not every file may be completely restored, and some cannot be restored at all.
To help you approximate what kind of chances certain files have to be
successfully undeleted, the restore process is divided into 3 levels:
Good (yellow): The chances are good that the file may be restored and
continue to be used if you restore it to a different drive.
Bad (orange): In this case, only parts of the file can be rescued. This means
that, for example, parts are missing from a text file. For image files, this means
that the image will be lost, since image files have to be complete to be
displayed.
Impossible (red): The file cannot be restored because too many parts of the
file have been overwritten with new data.
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52 Functions in detail
Data shredder
Here's how to delete data securely:
Step 1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Free up memory -> Data
Shredder".
The following dialog will open:
Step 2: Select the files in the file browser which you would like to delete.
Step 3: Click "Insert" to transfer the data to the deletion list (or drag &
drop them).
Deletion list: Everything in this list will be deleted.
Step 4: Select the deletion method that should be applied.
Step 5: Click "Delete files" and the data will be deleted.
Note: To delete the free space on a drive, the "Free drive space" entry in the
file browser (which is present for every drive) must be added to the deletion
list. This way you can be sure that the space, which may still contain data, will
be securely deleted.
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Functions in detail 53
Back to selection: Click on "Back" if you want to return to
the previous selection.
Quit: This button will cancel the deletion process.
Start deletion process: Click here if you have
compiled your delete list and would like to
irrevocably delete the files.
Deletion methods
The following deletion methods are available:
• Gutmann: This deletion method requires a lot of time, but it qualifies as the
most secure method, as 35 passes are carried out, and data to be erased is
overwritten with random sequences of numbers before it is erased again.
• Pseudo-random: With this deletion method, you can securely delete your
data, but it doesn't require as much time as the Gutmann method, since less
passes are made to overwrite data.
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54 Functions in detail
Burn backup
With MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 you can create backups of your files
and folders and burn them to CD/DVD for safety. If your PC freezes, your files
will be saved and may be opened on a different computer.
Step 1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Secure data -> Burn
backup". The following dialog will open:
Back and forward: Use these two arrow buttons to navigate through the
file browser.
File browser: Here you can access all folders on your hard drives just like
with the Windows Explorer.
Insert/remove: Click here to add a selected file or entire folders to the
burn list.
Burn list: The list of files compiled for the backup.
Title: Give your backup a clear name so that you know which files it
contains.
Step 2: Add the files and folders to the burn list, which you would like to back
up. Select the file or folder and click "Insert".
Filter: Specify settings for the File filter (view page 74) if you plan to use
it.
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Functions in detail 55
Step 3: Click on "Continue".
Continue to burn:Click on this button once all data has
been compiled for which you wish to create a backup. You
will proceed to a burn dialog in order to save the backup on
a medium.
Back to selection: Click on "Back" if you want to return to
the previous selection.
Medien brennen
Once you have finished compiling data for a disc image or burning and wish to
start, the following window opens:
Settings
Select CD/DVD burner: Should you have more than one burner set up on your
computer, select the one that you want to use to burn your disc here.
Number of copies: Specify the amount of discs you wish to create. Should
you, for example, wish to burn your compilation three times onto disc, enter
"3" here. The finished disc is ejected automatically and MAGIX PC Check &
Tuning 2011 asks you to insert a new blank disc.
Writing speed: Select at which speed you wish to write. The maximum speed
possible will be displayed by the corresponding burner.
Recorder
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56 Functions in detail
Depending on the medium, all known properties of the medium will be
displayed.
Eject: "Eject" automatically opens the respective drive to remove the medium.
Load disc: Updates the capacity display.
Finalize disc: Click on this button if you wish your medium to be finalized after
burning. This way, no additional data can be burned to this medium.
Delete disc: If you are using an RW medium (re-writable), i.e. a disc from which
all data can be deleted so it can be overwritten, then you can click on "Delete
disc" here to reformat it for burning.
Burning options
Simulate burning: If you want to make sure that the burn will be successful,
you can simulate burning. Simulation means that the burner behaves exactly as
if it were burning without actually writing to your blank disc. This way you can
test if the burn process will destroy your CD should it not be successful.
Check disc after burning: With this setting you can check that your medium
has been burned correctly or if there are problems reading. This way you won't
experience any unpleasant surprises the next time you need your CD or DVD
and their files.
• Quick:With this setting it will be verified that the disc is readable and that all
files are available.
• Complete:Here, each file on the disc is compared individually with its
respective source file.
Multi-session CD/DVD: If there's still a lot of space left on your disc and you
may wish to use it later, select this setting.
Overburn disc:With this setting you can exceed the actual capacity of your
disc by a few megabytes (for CDs by 10-5- MBs).
Turn off PC after burning: In case you've started burning and you don't want
to have to wait around until it has finished, activate this setting and the
computer will automatically shut down after the process has been completed,
along with all other applications.
Create video disc: Please use this option only if you want to burn existing
video files (VOB files) onto a video DVD, because the file structure will be
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Functions in detail 57
changed if the option is selected. The data structure will be correspondingly
changed.
Status
View the progress of the current burning process here.
Click on this button if you wish to cancel the process. This
brings you back to the start view and you can reselect an
application and burning process.
Click this button to save your burn compilation to use
and burn again later on.
Once you have set all your burn settings to meet your
requirements, click this button. The burn session will
now start
This button will cancel the burn process.
Advanced burning options
File filter:
The file list can also be filtered, e.g. to exclude unwanted temporary files from
the burning process.
• "Apply" switches on the filter. The applicable filter options are now displayed.
• "Configure..." lets you edit the filter options (view page 74).
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58 Functions in detail
Note: The ";" symbol allows multiple file types to be selected. Use the form
"*.(file extension)".
The filter can be positively edited, i.e. only the file types entered will be burned,
or it can be used negatively. i.e. file types entered will be ignored. You can also
include/exclude from the burn session by specifying a minimum/maximum
allowable file size.
File name settings
Joliet file system: Uses long file names. This can lead to incompatibilities when
using the disc, meaning that some MP3 or CD/DVD players won't play them.
ISO file system: Short file names are used (8 + 3 characters). This makes the
disc compatible with all MP3 CD and DVD players.
UDF file system: UDF is a platform-independent file system. With this setting,
the file names can be up to 255 characters in length, and there are no
limitations to the path depth.
Allow more than 8 directory levels: If your files are saved in folders more than
8 levels deep, then you can use this function to burn them without changing
the structure.
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Index options
Here you can choose how the paths (folders) of your data should behave while
burning. This option controls the creation of subfolders on the disc should you
wish to compile data manually and burn it to disc.
Burn files like in burning list (standard): All files and folders will be burned
onto CD/DVD as they are selected in the file browser. Subfolders remain
unchanged. Folders at higher levels will not be burned.
Burn files with complete folders: The files/folders are burned with their full
path, i.e. all folders of higher levels are also created on the disc. Please note
that differing source drives will not be treated differently. If the list contains files
with the same name and path (with the exception of drive letters), an error
message will be displayed!
Functions in detail 59
Group common folders (relative): If parts of the paths of the source files
match, only the parts of the folder structure whose paths differ will be
generated on the CD. The source drive is not considered!
Burn files without subdirectories: The files are saved without original paths
and only with their file names in the root folder of the CD.
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60 Functions in detail
Burn method:
Discs-at-once: During this process, the laser does not "pause" to readjust
during burning. The disadvantage of this process is that the medium cannot be
used again during another burning session.
Track-at-once: This burning process allows another burning session to be
added to a previously burned medium (if enough space is available).
Burn proof: This setting guarantees continual writing of the medium and
ensures successful burning.
Switch on compatibility mode: Activate this function to be sure that the
CD/DVD will be able to be played by older drives and players, too. An older file
system will be burned. However, many limitations must be considered: No files
larger than 4 GB can be burned, files may not be present in more than 8 folder
levels, and the file names may not be longer than 64 characters/no special
characters permitted.
To make sure that the burning options
are set properly, you should switch on
this feature before each burn session.
Restore backup
To restore a backup, proceed as follows:
1. In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Secure data -> Restore
backup".
2. Navigate to the backup in the format *.mxp, *.mbk or to a restore.ini if you
want to restore from a CD/DVD. Depending on the format that is to be
displayed, select this via file type.
3. Select the corresponding file and click "Open". MAGIX Restore appears.
4. Select how the backup should be restored, i.e. in the original folder or in a
new one with a subfolder, etc.
5. To start the restore process, click "Restore backup".
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Functions in detail 61
Drive backup
This is how you can back up entire drives with MAGIX PC Check & Tuning
2011:
Step 1: In MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, select "Secure data -> Create
partition backup". The following dialog now opens:
Note: Individual contents of your hard drive will not be displayed (folders and
files, etc.), but rather hard drives and their partitions which will be used to
create the backup.
Back and forward: Use these two arrow buttons to navigate through the
hard drives and/or partitions.
File browser: Displays all hard drives, even external drives and USB
sticks, which can be used to create backups.
Add: Click the "Insert" button to assign the selected partition to the burn
list.
Backup list: The hard drive/partition that you want to use to create the
backup.
Title: You can freely choose the future title of your backup.
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62 Functions in detail
Medium: All media types that you can use for this particular burn process
appear here. The format description of the medium you inserted appears
once it is detected in the burner.
Backup size: This indicator will tell you how much storage the backup will
need, either on a different drive or burned to a medium.
Step 2: Select the drive which you want to back up and click "Insert".
Specify settings for the File filter (view page 74).
If you would like to back up a lot of data, but don't want the backup to
become too large, you can increase the compression rate. The
backup created will be smaller, but the amount of time required to
create it will increase. If the compression rate is decreased, the time to
create it is reduced, but the size of the backup file will increase.
Step 3: Click on "Continue" and select whether you want to create the backup
on your hard drive or to burn it to DVD.
Note: Please make sure not to select the same hard drive, which you are
backing up as the location of your backup. If this hard drive will become
unusable, the backup will also be lost. If you have only one hard drive and one
partition, we recommend that you burn the backup to disc(s).
Burn backup
If you burn your backup on CD or DVD, the restore function will be added to
the disc for restoring the backup. This makes sure that your backup can be
restored on other computers which do not have MAGIX PC Check & Tuning
2011 installed on them.
Large backups will be split across multiple CDs/DVDs. There is therefore no
limit to the size of your backups.
Note: The backup can even be restored on the target computer without an
operating system, since a "proprietary operating system (view page 63)" is
included to start the restore process.
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Functions in detail 63
Create backup on hard drive
If you create a backup and store it on the hard drive, then only the backup will
be created. In contrast to backups which are burned to disc, these backups
do not include the restore function.
Caution! Make sure that there is enough space on the hard drive for the
image.
Restore drive with boot disc
Drives that are bootable are scanned by default for corresponding media with
start function when the computer is restarted. If a CD/DVD or a USB stick with
a start function (like a boot disc) is inserted during PC start-up, it will be
started.
Step 1: (Re)start your PC and insert the boot disc while the PC boots. The
following interface should appear.
Step 2: If you saved the backup on a hard drive, make sure that the hard drive
is connected properly.
If you saved the backup on a CD/DVD, remove the boot disc from the CD/DVD
drive once you see this interface and insert the medium with the (system) drive
backup.
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64 Functions in detail
Step 3: Press on "R" on your keyboard to refresh the display. The backup of
the drive should now be listed in "Source". Please proceed as described in the
following paragraphs.
Note: After recovering the data, the boot disc must be removed so that it is not
detected again automatically when the computer is restarted!
Using the restore program
Note: The mouse will not work on this interface!
• To switch between source and destination, you can use the left and right
arrow keys on the keyboard; the "Tab" key (double arrow) can also be used.
• The up and down arrow keys can be used to move up and down in the
"Source" or "Destination" sections.
• Choose the backup that you want to restore in "Source".
• In "Destination", select the hard drive and drive where you want to restore the
data.
Keyboard shortcuts
Q The "Q" key on your keyboard ends the restore program.
H "H" opens a small help file for the program.
R To search your entire PC and all connected hard drives/USB sticks for
backups, press "R" on your keyboard.
S Once you have selected a backup and a destination via the arrow
keys, then you can begin the restore process by pressing "S" (the
"Enter" key also works).
Source (CD/DVD drive and storage media)
All optical drives (CD, DVD, Blu-ray drives and burners) that are installed on
your PC will be displayed here automatically. The manufacturer, type of drive,
and the product description will also be indicated.
As soon as a medium with a backup is recognized, it will display a star ("*")
behind the name.
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Functions in detail 65
• Search for backup on hard disk...
If you activate this function with the "Enter" key, then all drives on your PC will
be searched for backups. If one or more backups are located, then these will
be listed below and can be selected via the arrow keys on the keyboard.
Note: Searching for backups can require a lot of time, since every file on the
PC must be checked to find out if it is a backup file.
If you connected a hard drive or USB stick later on and want to search these
for backups as well, activate the function again. Backups which have already
been located will remain in the list; the hard drive will not be searched again.
• Refresh view: R key
Click "R" to search the computer with all connected and contained drives and
USB sticks for backups.
Note: The described functions for searching for other backups also allows
backups to be restored which do not include a restore function.
Step 4: Select the backup that is to serve as a basis for restoring.
Backup information
All available information about the selected backup is displayed here.
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66 Functions in detail
Destination
All hard drives which are currently connected to the computer are displayed
under "Destination". Below the respective hard drive names, you'll find the
drives that are set up on them.
Note: In case a sensible pre-selection can be made, a drive for restoring the
selected backup will be suggested to you. It will be displayed in the
"Destination" area with a white background.
Step 5:
• Confirm the pre-selection by pressing "Enter" on the keyboard (also possible
via "S").
• If you want to restore the data to another hard drive or drive, then select it via
the arrow keys. Confirm by pressing "Enter".
The process of restoring the drive is launched now.
Note: After recovering the data, the medium with the backup file must be
removed from the drive so that it is not detected again automatically when the
computer is restarted!
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Functions in detail 67
System restore
In Windows XP and higher, restoration points are created (system check
points) before significant system-changing alterations, enabling you to bring
the system back to the old state. This may become necessary when new
installations of programs, drivers, etc make the PC instable, or cause it to
malfunction.
You may also set restore points manually. System restore may only be used
when at least 200 MB free disk space is available. If this is not the case,
Windows deactivates the function automatically.
During system restoration, personal data such as emails and bookmarks are
not lost, but a backup can never hurt in case something goes wrong during
restoration. You may also always undo system restore.
System restore with Windows XP
To restore the system using a system restore point in XP, proceed as
follows:
1. Close all programs before starting system restoration.
2. Open MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, switch to "Back up data", and click
"System restore".
or:
Go to "Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System programs -> System
restore". The system restore wizard will be opened.
3. At the right in the wizard, select the task "Restore computer to an earlier
time point" and confirm your selection with "Continue". A calendar will appear,
with days, on which restore time points were created appearing in bold.
4.Now select an appropriate day in the calendar. In the list on the right you will
see a restore point.
5. Select the desired restore time point and confirm with "Continue". The
selected restoration point will be displayed.
6.Confirm your selection with OK. System restoration will start: The computer
will turn off and restart. Afterwards, system restoration is finished and a note of
its success will be made.
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68 Functions in detail
Note: If restoration did not work, a corresponding notice will appear. Try
restoring to an older restoration point by starting the wizard again and
selecting an older date with a restoration time point.
Caution! If the PC no longer starts, system restore will not be able to help.
You have two options:
A) Press the F8 key while the PC boots and select "Last known functional
configuration".
or:
B)Please insert the Windows installation CD/DVD and start the PC again,
starting system repair.
Set system restore time point manually (XP)
If you are planning large-scale program installations or deinstallations, or you
want to install new hardware, it is recommended to set a restore time point
manually. If case of error messages, you can restore you system, and you PC
will run as stably as it did before.
To do this, proceed as follows:
1. Close all programs before starting system restoration assistant.
2. Open MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, switch into the "PC performance &
Internet" and click on "System restore".
or:
Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System programs > System restore.
The system restore assistant will be opened.
3. At the right in the assistant, select the task "Set restoration time point" and
confirm your selection with "Continue".
4. Enter a description of the restoration time point, so that you can readily
recognize it in case you have to conduct a system restore. (Date and time will
be added automatically.)
5. With one click on "Create", a restoration point will be created.
Note: After a restore point has been created, it may not be changed.
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Functions in detail 69
Undo system restore with Windows XP
If you want to undo system restore, then proceed as follows:
1. Close all programs before starting the system restoration assistant.
2. Open the assistant by going to Start > Programs > Accessories > System
programs > System restore.
3. At the right in the assistant, select the task "Undo last restoration" and
confirm your selection with "Continue".
System restoration will be undone and the old state will be restored.
System restore with Windows Vista
In Windows Vista restoration points are created (system check points) before
significant system-changing alterations, which enable you to bring the system
back to the old state. This may become necessary when new installations of
programs, drivers, etc make the PC instable, or cause it to malfunction.
To conduct a system restore, proceed as follows:
1. Close all programs before starting system restoration.
2. Log in to the user account, which you may use as an administrator.
3. Open MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, switch into the "PC performance &
Internet" and click on "System restore".
or:
Go to Start > Control panel> left: Start page of control panel> System and
Maintenance > Save and restore > left: Repair Windows using system restore.
The system restore assistant will be opened.
4. By clicking on "Continue" you will reach a dialog, where you can select a
desired restoration point.
5. Click on "OK" and "Finish", to start restoration. The PC will reboot, applying
changes.
Note! If the PC no longer starts, system restore will not be able to help. You
have two options to choose from:
A) Hold the F8 key while the PC boots and select "Last known functional
configuration".
or:
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70 Functions in detail
B)Please insert the Windows installation CD/DVD and start the PC again,
starting system repair.
Set system restore time point manually (Vista)
Proceed as follows for creating system restore time points:
1. Close all programs.
2. Log in to the user account, which you may use as an administrator.
3. Open MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011, switch into the "PC performance &
Internet" and click on "System restore".
or:
Go to Start > Control panel> left: Start page of control panel> System and
Maintenance > Save and restore > left: Create restore point or change
settings.
The system restore assistant will be opened.
4. Select hard drives (partitions), which are to be monitored. (No check mark
means that automatic restore is deactivated and no restoration point is set.)
5. Click on "Create" and enter a descriptive name for the restore time point.
6. Confirm this by clicking on "OK". With one click on "Create", a restoration
point will be created.
Undo system restore with Windows Vista
If you want to undo system restore, then proceed as follows:
1. Close all programs.
2.Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System programs > System restore.
3. Confirm by clicking on "Continue".
4. In the "System restore" dialog you may activate "Recommended restoration"
or select "Another restoration point".
5. Click "OK" to confirm your selection.
6. Select the desired restore time point and confirm with "Finish".
Your PC will be restored to this restoration point.
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Additional features and settings 71
Additional features and settings
In addition to the main functions, MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 also offers
additional functions and settings, which make working in it easier.
MAGIX PC Check Live
MAGIX PC Check Live a useful little program included with the installation of
MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011. It starts as soon as you log on to your
computer, it runs in the background, and is intended to provide your PC with
permanent protection: Is a virus scanner, a firewall, etc. installed, current, and
active? Do the values of the built-in hard drive(s) comply with norms, or could
they be damaged?
If regular checks provide information about probable failures, then you will be
notified so that you can respond in advance, e.g. to back up your data,
activate a virus scanner, etc.
Click here to adjust MAGIX PC Check Live's settings. Here is where
you set what should be checked and what shouldn't.
PC Check Live settings
How often should the PC be checked?: Here you can set the schedule with
which the check should be conducted. Once an hour or once a day?
Which messages should be displayed?: Only system errors, i.e. serious errors
or warnings that problems could occur or also warnings that point out
problems that could happen later?
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72 Additional features and settings
What should be checked?
Each area that is marked will be checked. Remove check marks
correspondingly to leave out certain areas.
Security programs are active and updated: If you have a virus scanner,
firewall, and anti-spyware software installed and registered as such in the
system, then MAGIX PC Check Live will test whether these are active and
current. If this type of software is not installed, then a warning will appear.
Superfluous files: Checks your PC for temporary files and for a full Windows
Recycle Bin. You can set when messages about garbage data should appear
below in percentages.
Hard drive speed: If blocks of data are fragmented on the hard drive due to
read and delete processes (fragmented files), then your hard drive will react
slower. This check informs you that your hard drive should be defragmented,
i.e. cleaned up.
Hard disk status: The "S.M.A.R.T." technology checks your hard drive's
functionality: It checks whether temperature, reaction time, etc. are in order
and whether there are surface errors that could damage your hard drive in the
long run. Activate this function to avoid sudden breakdown of your hard drive
without a data backup.
Hard drive memory: Specify here when a warning should appear in case of
reduced memory. This enables you to react in advance.
Processor temperature: Is the processor operating in the normal range, or is it
too warm? Before there is a failure because the processor is too hot (above
65°C), you will receive a warning if this function is active.
New drivers for your devices: Checks the device drivers installed on the PC. If
these are no longer up to date, then a message will appear that new drivers
should be installed.
New updates for installed products: MAGIX PC Check Live checks all installed
programs – in the case of MAGIX programs only the registered ones – to see if
new updates are available online. If this is the case, then a dialog will appear to
download and install the updates.
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Additional features and settings 73
Turbo mode
Thanks to Turbo mode, you can work at high speeds not just with large,
CPU-intensive programs. Working on your PC gets to be truly fun.
When you activate Turbo mode, the following will take place:
1) All unused services will be deactivated.
2) Power saving settings will be changed in such a way that maximum PC
performance can be achieved (high power savings).
3) All programs started AFTER activation of the Turbo mode will be given a
higher priority.
Activate Turbo mode: Right-click on the taskbar symbol of MAGIX PC Check
Live in order to open the menu. Select "Turn on Turbo mode".
Deactivate Turbo mode: Right-click on the taskbar symbol of MAGIX PC
Check Live in order to open the menu. Select "Turn off Turbo mode".
Restarting the PC also deactivates the mode.
Application example:
If you would like to use a CPU-intensive program such as MAGIX Movie Edit
Pro for video editing, you can set up your PC in such a way, that it prioritizes
resources for this program. For this, activate Turbo mode and start MAGIX
Movie Edit Pro AFTERWARDS.
All other programs started BEFORE Turbo mode activation will be treated with
lower priority. This way, MAGIX Movie Edit Pro will be able to operate faster.
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74 Additional features and settings
File filter
With the help of the file filter you can search for only selected file types or
exclude them, and you can also limit the search according to file size. Just
click a check box in the desired filter and then enter the criteria (file type, exact
size(s)).
You can also include files according to their archiving information: Place a
check if only those files should be included which were changed since the last
backup.
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Additional features and settings 75
Recorder and media information
Use the recorder and media information to inform yourself about your burner,
the supported formats, and the current medium inserted in the burner.
Drive
If you have different recording devices installed on your PC, you can select
them here to learn more about them. This function can also be used to find out
the complete name of the burner, i.e. the manufacturer and which version, etc.
Supported media
This displays which media (CD/DVD blanks can be used in the selected burner.
Not all burners support every type of medium. This will save you errors before
you begin the burning process, since you will be aware of what medium types
are suitable for your burner.
The chapter "Media types" explains the differences between medium types.
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76 Additional features and settings
Loaded disc
If you have already inserted a medium into the burner, this will display
information about it, i.e. which type of medium, how much free space is
available, how much free space is available for burning, whether or not the
medium can be deleted/overwritten, which read/write speeds are possible, and
so on.
If you have changed the medium in the drive and want to
refresh the view, click here.
To eject the medium from the burner, press "Eject" and the
burner will open.
Data on a rewritable CD or DVD can be deleted so that you
can start again at full capacity.
Caution: All data will be deleted forever!
Click here if you want to finish the media after the burn
session is completed. This ensures that the medium will be
playable by most DVD players.
Notes: New editing or burning processes will not be
possible on this CD/DVD if the sessions are closed!
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Additional features and settings 77
Safety check
Checks the quality of a CD/DVD in order to determine how secure your data is.
After a certain amount of time, CDs and DVDs can no longer be read properly.
The data cannot be accessed if the medium cannot be read.
Help menu
Click the question mark in the main screen to open MAGIX PC Check & Tuning
2011's help file.
Help
This entry opens the program file's start page. You can work through the help
file step-by-step and jump to specific chapters via the tree structure on the
right-hand side.
Tutorial video...
MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 comes with several tutorial videos for fast
access. You can play them via this submenu.
Glossary
If you have questions concerning a term used in MAGIX PC Check & Tuning
2011 or you would simply like to improve your PC skills, then just look into the
glossary.
Find knowledge & workshops...
You can find interesting workshops and useful tips on the topic of simple
workflow with MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011.
Hint: This function requires an Internet connection.
www.magix.com
78 Additional features and settings
Open magix.info - the Multimedia Knowledge Community
Directly from within the program you'll be able to access magix.info the new
MAGIX knowledge base (view page 87). You'll find answers to all the most
frequently asked questions about MAGIX products and multimedia in general.
Couldn't find an answer to your particular question? No problem – just ask the
question yourself!
Professional system analysis
With MAGIX Pro System Analysis, you can receive a detailed analysis of your
PC configuration from our experienced experts.
You will first receive an activation code for a program, which you may
download and install. This program analyzes your PC and connects you to our
experts. You will receive a detailed analysis of your PC configuration and a
personal recommendation for solving problems and errors and improving your
system performance.
MAGIX Screenshare
This function makes it possible for you to offer assistance to other users
directly via the Internet, or to get help from others. To do this you have to
register MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 first.
Hint: To inform the screensharing guests of exactly what is being shown, it is
also a good idea to telephone or chat simultaneously.
Register as host for a screen transfer
1. If you want to start a screenshare instance yourself, then you have to
register as a host first. To do this open the menu "Online" and then select
"Screen transfer as host...".
2. In the dialog you can enter a name for the screen session. Your user
account name is used here by default.
3. Now click on "start session". A small window will now open in the bottom
right corner which displays the status of your screen session. A number will
also be displayed (session ID) which serves as a password for your guests.
4. Start the screenshare instance.
Register as guest of a screen session
1. You have to register as a guest to view a screensharing instance. To do this
open the menu "Online" and then select "Screen transfer as guest...".
2. Enter the password you received from your host (8-digit session ID).
3. Now click on "start session". A window will open displaying a smaller
version of your host's screen.
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Additional features and settings 79
Register online
This option opens the MAGIX homepage for online registration where you can
register yourself as a MAGIX user.
Registration grants you access to the MAGIX support website
http://support.magix.net (see support) where various program updates and
help programs can be downloaded.
With the registration form supplied (start menu under "MAGIX PC Check &
Tuning 2011 -> Service and support -> Register") you can register via post or
fax. Simply print it out, fill it in, and send it off!
Online Update
Connects directly to the online update page where you can get the latest
version of your program.
Show instruction dialog again
Once installed, MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011 displays a number of security
queries and instructions in various parts of the program. Each of them can be
switched off by clicking the small box at the bottom that says "Don't show this
message again". If you would like to see all these dialogs again, click on "Show
all instructional dialogs again".
Reset repair of Windows registry to original state
Before optimizing your PC for the first time, MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011
saves the current state of all affected settings and files. Thus, you can always
reset your PC to this original state.
Reset registry to original state
The state of all services, monitored and optimized by MAGIX PC Check &
Tuning 2011 is recorded before the first optimization. This allows you to return
to the original state.
Reset cleaning of Windows registry
Click here to restore the Windows registry to its original state before the first
cleaning.
About MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011
Displays copyright info and version number of MAGIX PC Check & Tuning
2011.
www.magix.com
80 Tips & tricks - Problems & solutions
Tips & tricks - Problems & solutions
Here you will not only find useful tips & tricks which may help you with your
computer, but also some background information.
What is a backup?
Copying of files to a different file storage medium to secure these files is called
backing up, or creating a backup.
There are three different variants of data backups:
• Full backup: All marked files will be compressed and saved in one file.
• Incremental backup: Only files that have changed since the last backup will
be compressed and saved.
• Differential backup: Only files that have changed or have been added since
the last full backup will be compressed and saved.
Safe mode
If Windows can no longer start du, for example, to erroneous drivers, safe
mode offers an opportunity to conduct some repairs. In it, you may backup all
files used by you.
Note: Save these files on a different hard drive - best on an external drive.
There, they are independent of the system and may be used on a different PC
if needed.
In safe mode, only the absolutely necessary drivers are loaded, so that
Windows operates on bare minimum resources. You may select this start
option to remove or change registry entries to broken drivers.
In this mode virus protection programs may also access files and system
components which are usually protected by the operating system. For this
reason, safe mode is also recommended for searching for errors.
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Tips & tricks - Problems & solutions 81
In Windows XP/Vista you can enter safe mode by following these steps:
1. Restart computer
2. To enter the expanded Windows start menu, press the F8 key several times
before the Windows logo appears.
If you have several operating systems installed on your computers, press F8
when the selection menu for operating system appears.
3. In the expanded Windows start menu, select the "Safe mode" option.
In the selection menu, you may also select the following start options:
• Safe mode: Windows starts in safe mode with the Windows GUI screen.
• Safe mode with network drivers: Windows starts in safe mode with the
Windows GUI screen and loads the most important services and drivers for
working on the network.
• Safe mode with command prompt: Windows starts in safe mode in DOS
mode (command prompt) without a Windows screen and network drivers.
Problems during boot-up?
PC beeps when switched on, but doesn't boot.
Possible cause: The sounds are generated by the main board BIOS and signal
a deficient or broken hardware configuration. The number and length of the
tones indicate the precise error code. Unfortunately, different manufacturers
use different codes.
Possible solution: Please look in your main board's manual for the precise
meaning of the tone succession and follow their advice.
Windows starts with a blue screen: IRQ not less or equal or similar.
Possible cause: An IRQ assignment is apparently false, and for this reason an
IRQ is probably doubly assigned.
• or
• an introduced card (graphics, sound, TV, network and so on) or a device on
the main board uses an IRQ that is already used.
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82 Tips & tricks - Problems & solutions
Possible solution:
1. Set automatic IRQ assignment in BIOS. (To open BIOS, boot your PC and
press the "Delete" key or "F2".)
2. Switch the slots of inserted PCI cards.
3. It is recommended that you reserve exclusive IRQ slots for certain cars in
BIOS (for example, graphics card).
Windows starts with a blue screen: Memory error or similar.
Possible cause: The memory is not functioning or functions incorrectly with
your main board.
Possible solution: It is recommended to conduct a complete RAM test.
This may be accomplished, for example with a free program called
Memtest86+. You may download it at www.memtest.org.
Download the current the current ISO image. With this ISO image you may
create a bootable CD containing Memtest86+. All you have to do is insert this
CD into your PC before it is booted, and Memtest86+ will start automatically.
Tip: It is recommended to let Memtest run a few times.
Windows starts with a blue screen: Defective driver or SYS file, or similar.
Possible cause: An important driver was accidentally erased or an
incompatible driver installed.
Possible solution:
1. Start the PC and hold the F8 key during booting to enter the Windows start
menu.
2. Now select "Start Windows in safe mode“. This will start only the necessary
devices and drivers.
• If you would like to start Windows in safe mode:
Go to the command line (entry prompt: for Windows XP select "Start >
Execute...") and enter "sfc /scannow" (without quotation marks). All important
protected system files will be reset to their default settings.
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Tips & tricks - Problems & solutions 83
Afterwards, restart your PC and conduct all updates (Windows Update
Service) and install all necessary drivers in needed.
• If Windows won't start, even in safe mode:
Try using Windows-own repair service.
Please insert the Windows installation CD/DVD and start the PC again. You
may also first change the boot order in BIOS, so that the PC will first boot from
the CD-ROM drive.
You will be asked if you wish to conduct repairs. Confirm with the R key. After
repairs, you should install all important updates and update the drivers for you
devices.
PC turns off on its own
During calculation-intense processes such as, for example, video encoding,
the PC turns off on its own.
Possible cause: The computer gets too warm and turns off for safety reasons.
Possible solution: After the crash, check the temperature in BIOS (most likely
in the section "PC Health"). If a very high temperature is shown there, check
whether the built-in ventilators work. If needed, ask a technician to check if
your PC's cooling takes place correctly.
Windows XP repair function
If the safe mode doesn't help, there is a last option of using the Windows
repair service. All system files are restored, and the PC will be returned to a
functional state.
If you have Windows XP, proceed as follows:
1. Please insert the Windows XP installation CD/DVD and start the PC again.
2. Press any key (for example the space bar), to boot from the CD. If the PC is
not booting from the CD, you have to adjust your BIOS. To do this, please
proceed as described below.
3. Let the installation program run and when you see the welcome dialog,
press "Enter" to start Windows installation and the repair function located
there.
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84 Tips & tricks - Problems & solutions
Warning: Don't start the repair console. This is not the same as the repair
function.
4. Agree to the license conditions by pressing "F8".
The set-up routine automatically searches the hard drive for existing operating
systems. If the program finds Windows XP, even if it is defective, the
installation routine will offer to repair it.
5. Using arrow keys, select the partition (if you have multiple), where your
Windows XP is installed and press enter.
6. Now, press the R key to start repairs. Installation files for repairs will be
copied to your PC.
7. Follow the program's instructions and after a restart, your computer should
work again.
Warning: After repairs, install up-to-date device drivers and updates for
Windows XP itself (Service Pack 2 and 3), to update the system.
Boot function (start from CD)
If the boot function is not activated on the CD-ROM proceed as follows to start
from your Windows CD:
1.To open BIOS, boot your PC and press the "Delete" key or "F2". Here you
can change important system settings.
2. In BIOS find the list determining the order of boot drives (boot sequence,
boot device or others) and set it to CD-ROM.
Note: It is recommended that you use your main board's manual to set up your
BIOS. All the steps and functions should be described precisely.
3. If you haven't already done so, place the installation CD into the CD-ROM
drive.
4. Confirm the change, so that BIOS is updated, and restart the PC. The CD
drives will be searched for bootable programs and the Windows CD will boot.
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Tips & tricks - Problems & solutions 85
Windows Vista repair function
If the safe mode doesn't help, there is a last option of using the Windows
repair service. All system files are restored, and the PC will be returned to a
functional state.
If you have Windows Vista, proceed as follows:
1. Please insert the Windows Vista installation CD/DVD and start the PC again.
If the PC is not booting from the CD, you have to adjust your BIOS. To do this,
please proceed as described below.
2. Enter the desired language and click "Continue".
3. Click "Computer repair function" in the next window.
4. Select the operating system to be repaired. (If you have several operating
systems installed, all will be listed.)
5. Select "System restoration options > complete Windows PC restore“.
Restoration will start and Windows will be repaired.
Boot function (start from CD)
If the boot function is not activated on the CD-ROM proceed as follows to start
from your Windows CD:
1.To open BIOS, boot your PC and press the "Delete" key or "F2". Here you
can change important system settings.
2. In BIOS find the list determining the order of boot drives (boot sequence,
boot device or others) and set it to CD-ROM.
Note: It is recommended that you use your main board's manual to set up your
BIOS. All the steps and functions should be described precisely.
3. If you haven't already done so, place the installation CD into the CD-ROM
drive.
4. Confirm the change, so that BIOS is updated, and restart the PC. The CD
drives will be searched for bootable programs and the Windows CD will boot.
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86 Tips & tricks - Problems & solutions
Start file rescue from CD
You have the option of opening the "Restore deleted files" function via the
installation CD. This way, you can rescue data without installing MAGIX PC
Check & Tuning 2011before.
The advantage is that the deleted files won't be "accidentally" overwritten by
new data from MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2011. This would the old files
unusable.
By opening the CD, you may also access File rescue functionality (view page
49).
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MAGIX services in detail 87
MAGIX services in detail
magix.info
Share your knowledge & get answers This MAGIX service offers you and the
MAGIX Community at large a central platform for exchanging knowledge,
photos, videos, and music, for discussing and evaluating, for communicating
with one another, for presenting yourself, and networking with other members.
You will find the sections "Questions & Answers", "Show & Discuss", "Online
Training", and "Chat" where you can play an active or passive role in the
MAGIX Community. For this there's not only the www.magix.info
http://www.magix.info/uk portal, but magix.info directly in your product.
Ask questions online
If you have questions or problems with your MAGIX program or you're looking
for tips & tricks concerning multimedia, then you're at the right place.
Display all questions & answers...
Use the questions which other community members have asked and the
collective knowledge of the answers to improve your own working methods, to
solve problems, and to get to know the details of MAGIX PC Check & Tuning
2011.
Launch the online training center
Learn not only theoretically, but also practically what the program is capable
of: "learning by doing", quickly and uncomplicated.
Let your friends view the contents of your MAGIX.info screen over the
Internet on their PCs.
Ideal for viewing photos and videos together or for receiving support for
questions arising during your creative workflow while using the program (a
licensed client will be installed for this purpose).
www.magix.com
88 MAGIX services in detail
MAGIX Online Album
In the MAGIX Online Album you can post your favorite photos online and then
send the link to your friends. All photos are immediately available from
anywhere in the world on a professionally-designed photo website, in
well-organized photo galleries, as full-screen slideshows, or in the form of a
personal photo e-card.
• Personalized photo website in many designs.
• Unique Internet address (URL).
• Upload your pictures directly from a camera phone, send the link, and share
the picture with other camera phone users.
• Full-screen online slideshows with fade effects and music.
• Send custom designed e-cards with your own photos.
• Share your photos with friends, including Internet management and password
access to private albums.
Your photos online
MAGIX Online Album is available in three versions, of which the smallest (the
FREE album with 500 MB webspace for your photos) is entirely free.
The larger versions (CLASSIC or PREMIUM) are available for a monthly charge,
but also come with many handy features, such as a faster website, 5,000 MB
or 10,000 MB storage space, more website designs or access by mobile
phone/PDA.
More information about prices and services is available at the MAGIX
WEBSITE.
Using your MAGIX Online Media Manager, you can quickly manage your
photo website, upload photos and music, create new albums, add designs
and text, and much more. All online without even having to download any
extra software! Worldwide, easy and quick in just a few clicks. At
http://www.magix-photos.com
The following options are also available:
Send e-cards and photo emails
Send your photos as unique ecards with great designs or as a photo email to
your friends and family.
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MAGIX services in detail 89
Order photo prints and gifts
Order paper prints or great photo gifts from your MAGIX Online Album and
have them delivered directly to your home, or pick them up from a photo lab in
your area. Delivery time is usually just 2 - 3 days.
MAGIX Online Print Service
MAGIX Online Print Service gives you the opportunity to order photo prints and
gifts, for example, t-shirts or mugs. With just a few clicks, your photos are
uploaded into the Web and the finished photos or gift items are delivered to
your home within a few days.
• High-quality prints in all standard formats or poster size
• Fun photo products like t-shirts, calendars, mugs, mouse pads, etc.
• Convenient round-the-clock order service from your home
• Fast delivery within just a few days directly to your doorstep
• Easy to reorder online with just one click of the mouse
Quality prints and great photo gifts from your digital pictures – it's that easy
1. Select photos
Click on "Order" on the MAGIX Website http://www.magix-prints.de and on
"Upload photos now" if you would like to select, edit and order your photos
without MAGIX Photo Manager.
Click the arrow button to upload, and then select the images which you would
like to print and click on "Upload images".
2. Format and select
Select the desired texture, amount and the print format (10 x 15...) or photo
gift (cup, t-shirt...).
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90 MAGIX services in detail
One great option is the crop function for your prints. To do so, click on the
"Image format" while preview of your photo. In the preview window you can
see how your photo print will come out.
3. Send order
After you have made your settings selections, click on the button "OK". Now
simply enter your address and the delivery method.
You receive an order confirmation by email which contains a link providing you
with the status of your order.
Home delivery
Have your prints and photo gifts delivered to your house, or pick up them up
directly at a local photo lab, and save on delivery costs. Delivery time is usually
2 - 3 days.
You can also read the FAQ (frequently asked questions) on the Internet.
MAGIX Website Maker
Not only is Internet surfing easy! Thanks to MAGIX Website Maker creating
websites also becomes child's play!
This service offers:
• Your desired domain (www.desiredname.com) and a subdomain
(http://your-name.magix.net/website).
• 250 MB memory space with 5 email accounts, 1 GB each.
• Website Maker with website templates, intros. Also animations, text effects,
form and design objects, picture and graphic templates, and buttons. And
everything without any ad banners!
• Photo (*.jpeg), video (*.wmv) & music (*.mp3) options.
• Additional software: MAGIX web mail for managing your email inbox.
MAGIX Website Maker offers 3 months of free, non-binding service. This way,
you have enough time to find out everything about MAGIX Website Maker and
all existing possibilities for editing and managing your homepage.
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MAGIX services in detail 91
MAGIX Website Maker offers everything for the perfect Flash
®
website:
• Design templates: Numerous high-quality website templates in the latest
professional Flash
®
design with pre-finished, customizable subpages, start
pages, profile pages, photo pages, video pages, and much more.
• Text & text effects: Freely positionable text fields with fantastic fonts and
animated text effects can be added and individually formatted with ease.
• Multimedia content: Select your favorite photos, spectacular slideshows,
videos and an online video player with your own background music, or
integrate it all as an online music player with playlists.
• Decorative elements: Attractive design objects, plenty of vector shapes,
background images, buttons, and much more offer more possibilities for
designing unique websites than ever.
• Animation objects: Large selection of dynamic, impressive animation objects
for breathtaking, moving websites.
• Links: Easily add links to your own or external websites.
• Top extras: Enhance your website with a visitor counter, guest book, contact
form, and many other useful extras.
Export function: Conveniently add individual components of your website
(e.g. video player, slideshow, online music player) or even the entire website to
external sites as an embedded website.
Proceed as follows:
After registering your desired domain, you can start creating your website right
away.
1. First, select a design for your website in MAGIX Website Maker
2. If you would like to place an intro (start animation) at the start of your
domain, select your intro as a next step.
3. Now you can replace the mock text with your own text as you see fit. All
free-standing elements on all webpages can also be moved as you please.
To do so, click to select the element and move it using your mouse.
4. Once everything is just how you want it, you can put your page online, so
that your domain can be accessed.
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92 MAGIX services in detail
MAGIX Blog Service
YOU make the news – Create you own online journal with MAGIX Blog Service!
Easy to use and lightning fast – Design your own online journal (blog) however
you want: Categories, keyword for quick searching, calendar, archiving, and
much more. No HTML knowledge required!
Create an account and add up to 5 individual blogs; you decide what your
subdomain should be (http://your-name.magix.net/blog) – all without any
banners.
Spam guard: Captchas make the commenting function even more secure
against spam and comments which come from IP addresses or contain links
that are listed in different blacklists.
Manage it: MAGIX Blog Service lets you invite authors for your blogs to work
together on their growth. Up to 10 authors can work together on a single blog.
Every editor can be assigned specific rights: Editor and chief editor - entries by
an editor must be authorized by the chief editor before going live. The chief
editor does not require any authorization!
Webspace: All media that you use in MAGIX Blog Service is managed in the
storage space for MAGIX Online Album. If you still don't have MAGIX Online
Album, then you will receive a free album with 500MB worth of space when
you register for the blog service. Upgrade to classic subscription with 2,000
MB, or you can switch to the premium service with 5,000 MB of memory at
any time for a small fee.
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Glossary 93
Glossary
A
ActiveX
ActiveX is a software component developed by Microsoft for active contents,
which may also be used by other applications and software development
programs.
The control elements included in ActiveX serve, for example, for creation of
dynamic Internet pages and may even act as independent programs. This
provides Internet users with a comfortable experience while visiting websites.
Note: The ability to execute programs on the Internet user's computer with the
help of ActiveX presents a risk that dangerous codes (such as viruses, Trojans,
malware) may get into your computer.
Autostart
"Autostart" is a Microsoft Windows function which allows an automatic
program start along with system boot. A folder exists, where a list of programs
or processes is found, which are executed when Windows is started or a login
takes place. Some of the processes and programs are necessary for Windows,
while others are optional.
B
Backup disc
Copying of files to a different file storage medium to secure these files is called
backing up, or creating a backup.
BIOS
Abbreviation for "Basic Input Output System". Is a small representation of the
operating system, and is stored in a chip on your main board. When the start
button is pressed, BIOS starts the first loading of the components. It checks
the built-in hardware and creates connections between various components of
the computer. It carries on the start process to the point where the operating
system can take over. The operating system cannot start without BIOS.
Note: Settings in BIOS are retained even after the PC is turned off.
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94 Glossary
Bit rate
Bit rate is the data stream during playback of audio or video data. It is given in
kilobyte per second (kbit/s or kbps) and also determined the file size. An MP3
file that is 3 minutes long and has a constant bit rate of 128 kbit/s is ca. 2.8
MB in size.
Blue screen
The blue screen is a critical Windows error message. It is issued only when
significant errors for the computer's function are found in the core, drivers or
hardware. Because the errors are not caused by programs, which may be
simply shut down, the computer has to be restarted.
Blu-ray
Since early 2008, Blu-ray discs are viewed as successors to DVDs and offer
especially high storage capacity of up to 27 GB in a single layer (double-layer
up to 54 GB) with very few write errors. The high storage capacity of the
Blu-ray disc suits high definition videos and slideshows in high quality perfectly,
since these are characterized by large file sizes (depending on material
approximately 40 MB/sec) and very high memory use.
The term Blu-ray Disc comes from the blue color of the laser. Because a color
cannot be registered as a trademark, the letter "e" was removed from the word
"blue".
boot-capable
Storage devices are boot-capable if they feature a sector that helps load an
operating system.
Browser
A browser (also known as web browser, or Internet browser) is a computer
program that displays websites. The best-known browsers are Internet
Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Opera.
Button
Refers to an element of the graphic user interface of a program. The button
initiates an action in the program via left mouse click.
Button
Refers to an element of the graphic user interface of a program. The button
initiates an action in the program via left mouse click.
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Glossary 95
C
Cache
Simply stated, this is a temporary folder where frequently accessed files are
saved so that they can be quickly launched while you are working.
Clipboard
The clipboard is used to temporarily store objects during execution of
commands like "copy" and "cut".
Clipboard
The clipboard is used to temporarily store objects during execution of
commands like "copy" and "cut".
Codec
The term "codec" combines the words compressor and decompressor. It is a
process or program which describes compression in the compressor and
decompression in the decompresser of a file. The process may be used for
various multimedia files, in order to compress them in order to save space, but
still be able to play them back in realtime (decompress).
Cookies
Cookies are information about websites and the Internet user as well as his
data, which are saved by the Internet browser on the PC.
Warning! Cookies save personal information, which wind up on the web
during surfing various pages. If a hacker or a special program gets this
information, they may use it against you. For this reason, you should never let
sensitive information (such as bank data, passwords) be saved for longer
periods in cookies. Different Internet browsers (Firefox, Internet Explorer and
others) have a function for deleting cookies or for not allowing them to be
created in the first place.
Copyright
Protection of intellectual and creative property against unauthorized copying.
Copyright
Protection of intellectual and creative property against unauthorized copying.
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96 Glossary
CPU
Central processing unit: The name for the main processor of the computer
(CPU). Modern computers have even two or more processors, or one
processor with several cores.
D
Defragmentation
Defragmentation is the rearrangement and collection of files and data
distributed on the hard drive.
A fragmentation in data carriers comes about from fragmented recording of
data in the form of data blocks. The reason for this is the construction of hard
drives, where constant writing takes space away and deleting creates new
space. This leads to eventual distribution of free data blocks all over the hard
drive. When saving a new file, it is separated into fragments and distributed
over the still free memory blocks.
Dialog
A dialog opens in a new window and lets the user interact with the program.
This means that the dialog can present information to the user and/or expects
to receive input from the user.
A dialog can contain various user elements which can be manipulated by a
simple mouse click. Keyboard entries are also possible.
Disc types
The disc types determines the format and medium (CD, DVD, Blu-ray disc,
etc.) to which the current project will be burned.
Double-layer
DVDs can consist of one or two storage layers, and both of these can be
written to. Video DVDs increase the capacity up to 4.5 or 8.5 GB.
During the write and read process, each layer can be accessed without
damaging data on the other layer. One of the biggest challenges of
development of this medium was making normal DVD players able to playback
these discs.
Drag & drop
Enables files and objects to be moved freely between various applications (or
within an application) by dragging the object and letting it drop using the
mouse cursor.
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Drivers
Glossary 97
A driver is a control program for technical devices. Drivers send the operating
system important commands which enable connected devices to interact. The
Windows system itself already includes numerous drivers for various devices to
make devices that are connected available automatically. Most drivers are
delivered by the device's manufacturer and are often available for download via
the Internet from the manufacturer's homepage. Driver updates may also be
available from these pages.
F
Firewall
A firewall is a technical system for protection against unwanted external access
or hacker attacks.
There are hardware and software firewalls. Hardware firewalls are mostly
technical devices with network interfaces (for example, router or proxy), and
are therefore sometimes called network firewalls. Software firewalls run as a
program on an operating system and control outgoing file traffic as well as
attacks from the web. They also protect against unwanted secret sending of
data from the computer by other programs.
Note: It may come to a blockade of communication between programs or
processes in your own system if your security level is set too high.
H
Hard disk
Storage medium with the largest storage capacity where the operating
system(s), programs, and files are saved. A hard disk can be built into the
computer, but there are also external hard disks which can be used with
different computers via a USB connection (portable drives or external hard
disk).
Hard disk drive
Storage medium with the largest storage capacity where the operating
system(s), programs, and files are saved. A hard disk can be built into the
computer, but there are also external hard disks which can be used with
different computers via a USB connection (portable drives or external hard
disk).
Hardware
The all-encompassing name for all internal components of a computer. For
example hard disk, graphics card, mainboard, etc. External peripheral devices
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98 Glossary
are also considered hardware, i.e. printer, scanner, monitor, etc. The
synchronization of single hardware components is coordinated by the
software.
HD DVD
The HD-DVD is intended for playback on HD-DVD players and cannot be
played on normal DVD players. By default it is created in "1080i" (1920 x 1080
pixels) format. The amount of data is four-times that of normal DVD formats.
Advice: Toshiba declared at the beginning of 2008 that the manufacture and
further development of the technology (including devices) would be stopped.
This makes Blu-ray the official successor to the DVD.
HDD
Storage medium with the largest storage capacity where the operating
system(s), programs, and files are saved. A hard disk can be built into the
computer, but there are also external hard disks which can be used with
different computers via a USB connection (portable drives or external hard
disk).
I
Image
An image is a representation of a CD, DVD, hard drive, or another storage
medium that is saved as a file.
The difference from a copy or backup is that an image contains information
about the structure of the original storage medium, and not just individual files.
This enables 01:01 copies of complete storage media to be created.
Caution! Copyright laws forbid copying of commercial CDs/DVDs, and for this
reason, this process can be prohibited by copy protection.
IRQ
IRQ stands for "Interrupt Request". This interrupts running programs in order to
complete other tasks with a higher priority. The command sent to the
processor for this interruption is called an IRQ. The reason for these
interruptions is to enable input and output devices such as mice, keyboards
and hard drives to react quickly.
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Glossary 99
M
Menu
Menus contain practically all function of a program. They can be opened using
a simple mouse click on the corresponding menu. Keyboard shortcuts, if
available, are also found at the end of menu entries.
The graphical surface of a CD/DVD will also be represented as a menu.
Menu bar
Almost every program has a menu bar. It can normally be found underneath
the title line of the program. A simple mouse click opens a corresponding
menu.
Motherboard
This is the centerpiece of hardware components of a computer. All other
hardware components like CPU, RAM, hard disk, additional drives, graphics
cards, as well as other cards for specialized uses are connected to the
motherboard.
Motherboard
This is the centerpiece of hardware components of a computer. All other
hardware components like CPU, RAM, hard disk, additional drives, graphics
cards, as well as other cards for specialized uses are connected to the
motherboard.
Motherboard
This is the centerpiece of hardware components of a computer. All other
hardware components like CPU, RAM, hard disk, additional drives, graphics
cards, as well as other cards for specialized uses are connected to the
motherboard.
O
Operating system
After the computer is turned on, the operating system will be loaded. Without
this software, you would not be able to work on the computer. It executes the
most important functions and allows other programs to start. Microsoft
Windows is the most commonly used operating system. Other systems
besides Windows exist, one example being Linux.
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100 Glossary
P
PAL (Europe)
Phase Alternating Line, or PAL, is a process for color transmission for analog
TV that is primarily used in Europe, but also in Australia, South America, and
many African and Asian countries.
The image repetition rate for PAL is 25 Hz.
Partition
A hard drive's storage space can be divided up into several areas which can
be used as separate, independent hard drives. These areas are called
partitions. Every partition in Windows receives its own drive letter.
Hard drives may only be partitioned after being re-formatted, or cleaned of all
data.
Note: There are special programs, which can partition unformatted hard drives.
However, they do not guarantee that this happens without any data loss!
PCI bus
The PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus is a standardized bus
system, which supplies a PC with expansion cards.
PCI components are mostly self-configured, or plug-and-play enabled. The
main processor may quickly access the most important input and output
components (such as the sound card or network card) locally via the PCI bus.
Performance
Performance describes the capacity of the data processing system. A PC's
performance indicates the computational strength of the system or how much
memory is available. This is a relative value and serves to compare the system
to others.
Plug-in
Plug-ins are additional programs that expand the functionality of the main
program. They are inserted into the main program.
Process
A process is a running program. You may view all programs being run at the
time in the Task Manager. You will see many processes, even if no windows
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