A common problem that many users face when they attempt to upgrade their Windows operating system from Windows XP/Vista to Windows 7/8 is their microphone not working. If you are a Windows user and are facing issues with your microphone, then this article was made for you. In fact, the vast majority of the solutions outlined below should work on all versions of Windows.

Folders are an integral component of the operating system, as they enable us to save and categorise our favourite pictures, movies and personal documents. However, in order for us to do this, we need a graphic user interface to interact with a file management system. The most common file management system is Windows Explorer, as it comes as standard with Microsoft Windows.

The monitor is undoubtedly one of the most important components of the computer system, as it’s the device that allows the user to interface with their computers. Monitor flickering can be an issue on both CRT and LCD monitors, but more so on CRT screens, as technically flat panel screens do not flicker. When a monitor flickers uncontrollably, it can adversely affect your ability to see and also cause headaches.

While using your Windows based system, it’s not uncommon for you to encounter various issues and errors that may not be directly related to the operating system but third party applications, drivers and devices connected to it. One error you might have encountered (if you are on this page) is the COM Surrogate Has Stopped Working, on your Windows based system. So what is this error, why does it occur, and what can you do to fix it?

Skype is currently the number one software platform for messaging, audio and video calls. Through the utilisation of this application you can send and receive instant messages from friends and family. You can also exchange images, files and host conference calls.

For those of you wondering what is Acrotray.exe, how it functions and whether or not it’s important; well, to put it simply, it’s an extension to the Adobe Acrobat program. It is an essential component of the program as it’s used for PDF formatting and various other functions, so its usages spreads over the generality of Adobe Acrobat’s feature set. With that said, there are many people out there that classify Acrotray.exe as bloat-ware (which is a component that is not essentially required for the smooth running of the application it is attached to) with limited functionality.

Ntvdm.exe is an important component of your Windows Operating System (OS), as its function allows your OS to open 16-bit applications (such as MS DOS) in a 32-bit environment. With that said, this particular file is not unknown to hackers, as it is quite frequently targeted by such people, however, despite that reality, whenever people encounter problems with this specific file, it’s usually due to system issues such as program conflicts, the installation of certain system updates and data corruption.

Cideamon.exe is an EXE file developed by Microsoft for use in its older Windows based operating systems, such as Windows NT4/2000/XP. So, a quick explanation of what EXE files are; basically they are files that, within them contain instructions that a computer operating system follows in order to complete a desired goal or function. Whenever a user double-clicks on one of these files, the operating system will then carry out the designated instructions outlined by the software developer.