Are there things that an average user or even a more experienced computer user can do themselves to fix simple problems with their system?
Surprisingly there are several things that you can do to help speed up and even diagnose or troubleshoot your way through many common problems completely on your own without the help of a professional like me.
The reason I offer this advice is because I would personally rather have you fix these common problems. It will save you money.
For virus and spyware issues the first thing you should do is reboot your system in safe mode (be sure to specify safe mode with networking). If you are not sure how to boot your system in safe mode, use the following process:
From a cold boot or after a system restart, press your F8 key repeatedly while the system is booting up. You may have to tap the key in succession for several seconds during the entire boot up sequence to insure that the bios detects the keystroke successfully.
You should be presented with a black screen with several options one of which will be: 'Safe Mode With Networking'.
Use your arrow keys to highlight the selection and then press enter/return.
You should see many messages scroll down the screen as the libraries are loaded.
Be patient this process can take a few minutes.
You may be warned that you are in safe mode which is fine. Once you have reached the desktop check to see if you can bring up an internet explorer.
If you can and still do have access to the internet make sure that your browser is not being redirected through any proxy servers (this is a tactic that some virus/spyware programs use to send you to their sites).
1. From the internet explorer tools menu select 'Internet Options'.
2. Using the tabs in the Internet Options dialog box select 'Connections'.
3. On the Connections menu press the button labeled 'LAN setting'.
4. Make sure that none of the boxes on this menu are selected.
5. Press OK twice to return to the Internet Explorer.
Now in cases where you have lost your Internet Access this is a technique that can restore access many times.
1. Click on Start.
2. Type 'msconfig' into the search box.
3. You should see 'msconfig.exe' appear at the top of the search dialog box.
4. Using your mouse click on 'msconfig.exe'.
5. The system configuration utility should start and a dialog box should appear on your screen.
6. Using the tabs at the top of the dialog box select 'Startup'.
7. Press the button labeled 'Disable all'.
8. Press 'Apply' and then 'OK'.
Now reboot your computer and in many cases your internet connection will have been restored and you can safely download a virus/spyware scanning application to remove whatever may have been causing your problems.
24.4.11
Types of Infections
Lately, the term "PC virus" is used a lot, although often inaccurately. If you wish to be able to protect your computer from them, it is very important that you know what exactly they are and also what they do. It's also valuable to learn if you have got malware, adware, spyware, or some other sort of system infection on your computer. After you learn those things you can start to discover how to get rid of viruses. Below you will find a variety of the most common kinds of infections along with a simple explanation:
Malware: Short for malicious software, malware is a computer software program constructed to secretly gain access to your PC. Malware is a generic term and is comprised of viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware, scareware, crimeware, in addition to other unwanted applications.
Viruses: In short, a computer virus is a software program that can reproduce itself and infect a PC. The most typical ways to be able to receive viruses involve launching them in seemingly harmless e-mail attachments, by CD, or thumb-drive. While some computer viruses can merely be pesky, others might end up being very destructive, wiping out documents, crashing your computer, and/or emailing itself to all your contacts, just to name a few.
Worms: Worms are usually similar to viruses except they replicate and spread much easier and faster due to the fact that they need to have less (if any) human behavior to spread. They normally spread by means of the internet rather than like a virus which mostly spreads by means of e-mail.
Wabbits: No, I'm not talking about the Warner Bros. cartoon. Computer wabbits are an unusual type of malware, and usually the least ambitious. Unlike the majority of malware though, wabbits will not spread from computer to computer, but instead focus on destroying a single computer.
Spyware: The main distinction between viruses and spyware is how you get it. You get spyware from downloading and installing free software programs that will in addition contain spyware. Like the name suggests, spyware monitors your every action on your computer and could gain access to your private information, browsing history, and surfing habits. Spyware is additionally known to adjust PC configuration settings which may result in different home pages, slower connection speeds, as well as loss of internet connection. Spyware will not copy and spread itself like viruses do.
Trojan Horses: Named after the Greek myth, trojans are usually comparable to spyware, where the user installs the software program unknowingly when they install a useful program. A trojan horse, once downloaded and installed, can install more spyware, adware, and so on.
Adware: Otherwise known as advertising-supported software, once downloaded and installed, adware will automatically play, show, or install ads on your PC. The object of adware is to generate revenue for its author. Despite the fact that it can be incredibly frustrating, adware by itself, is ordinarily harmless.
Keyloggers: Logs your keystrokes, ordinarily to figure out financial data and/or passwords.
URL Injector: This program automatically switches certain Web addresses you type into your browser with an affiliate link to the exact same website so the creator of the program will get a payment on many things you pay for on the web.
Dialers: This application utilizes your computer's modem to dial usually premium-rate phone numbers.
While knowing what type of infection your computer has is important, it won't fix the problem for you
Malware: Short for malicious software, malware is a computer software program constructed to secretly gain access to your PC. Malware is a generic term and is comprised of viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware, scareware, crimeware, in addition to other unwanted applications.
Viruses: In short, a computer virus is a software program that can reproduce itself and infect a PC. The most typical ways to be able to receive viruses involve launching them in seemingly harmless e-mail attachments, by CD, or thumb-drive. While some computer viruses can merely be pesky, others might end up being very destructive, wiping out documents, crashing your computer, and/or emailing itself to all your contacts, just to name a few.
Worms: Worms are usually similar to viruses except they replicate and spread much easier and faster due to the fact that they need to have less (if any) human behavior to spread. They normally spread by means of the internet rather than like a virus which mostly spreads by means of e-mail.
Wabbits: No, I'm not talking about the Warner Bros. cartoon. Computer wabbits are an unusual type of malware, and usually the least ambitious. Unlike the majority of malware though, wabbits will not spread from computer to computer, but instead focus on destroying a single computer.
Spyware: The main distinction between viruses and spyware is how you get it. You get spyware from downloading and installing free software programs that will in addition contain spyware. Like the name suggests, spyware monitors your every action on your computer and could gain access to your private information, browsing history, and surfing habits. Spyware is additionally known to adjust PC configuration settings which may result in different home pages, slower connection speeds, as well as loss of internet connection. Spyware will not copy and spread itself like viruses do.
Trojan Horses: Named after the Greek myth, trojans are usually comparable to spyware, where the user installs the software program unknowingly when they install a useful program. A trojan horse, once downloaded and installed, can install more spyware, adware, and so on.
Adware: Otherwise known as advertising-supported software, once downloaded and installed, adware will automatically play, show, or install ads on your PC. The object of adware is to generate revenue for its author. Despite the fact that it can be incredibly frustrating, adware by itself, is ordinarily harmless.
Keyloggers: Logs your keystrokes, ordinarily to figure out financial data and/or passwords.
URL Injector: This program automatically switches certain Web addresses you type into your browser with an affiliate link to the exact same website so the creator of the program will get a payment on many things you pay for on the web.
Dialers: This application utilizes your computer's modem to dial usually premium-rate phone numbers.
While knowing what type of infection your computer has is important, it won't fix the problem for you
What's really going on in your PC, FIND OUT!
Well, how would it feel if you could read what was written in someone else's system without having to ask them or letting them know? Yes, you can do this with a lot of spywares that are in the market. This kind of software enables you to track all desktop activities, keystrokes, emails and chat conversations taking place on a particular computer.
If you have a doubt on who your wife keeps chatting to online, this is exactly what you need. Have you ever had a problem with your husband working late night on the computer? Spywares are there to help you. It will make it possible for you to check out all chat conversations, emails and sites which have been surfed on the computer. The software is also perfect for all those parents who are really worried about the sites their children have been visiting. Most schools have labs today and it has become easy for children to access illegal sites. However, with the use of such spywares, this can be taken care of. You can keep an eye on the kids and protect them from viewing explicit adult material.
Now, you may be worried about the working of this type of spyware. You may feel that your wife/husband or child will get to know about the software being installed on your computer. However, that is absolutely not the case since it works in complete stealth mode. It makes use of the latest technologies in system security which means that you will never see any icon or button of the software in the process list, Taskbar, Task Manager List or uninstall list. It will be hidden even from a professional computer user as it functions in the most advanced stealth positions of the PC.
You would also be scared about what will happen when you go away from home for a holiday. But do not bother. You will still receive the files via email or they will be uploaded through FTP. The whole idea of this is to make you feel comfortable even while you are not around computer to check and sift through things.
In case you have a few computers on the home network, you can choose to send files to a remote network folder. A User and Password may be set for the folder and the spywares will verify itself to attain access to the folder.
If you have a doubt on who your wife keeps chatting to online, this is exactly what you need. Have you ever had a problem with your husband working late night on the computer? Spywares are there to help you. It will make it possible for you to check out all chat conversations, emails and sites which have been surfed on the computer. The software is also perfect for all those parents who are really worried about the sites their children have been visiting. Most schools have labs today and it has become easy for children to access illegal sites. However, with the use of such spywares, this can be taken care of. You can keep an eye on the kids and protect them from viewing explicit adult material.
Now, you may be worried about the working of this type of spyware. You may feel that your wife/husband or child will get to know about the software being installed on your computer. However, that is absolutely not the case since it works in complete stealth mode. It makes use of the latest technologies in system security which means that you will never see any icon or button of the software in the process list, Taskbar, Task Manager List or uninstall list. It will be hidden even from a professional computer user as it functions in the most advanced stealth positions of the PC.
You would also be scared about what will happen when you go away from home for a holiday. But do not bother. You will still receive the files via email or they will be uploaded through FTP. The whole idea of this is to make you feel comfortable even while you are not around computer to check and sift through things.
In case you have a few computers on the home network, you can choose to send files to a remote network folder. A User and Password may be set for the folder and the spywares will verify itself to attain access to the folder.
10 Things All Tablets Need
In order to help you decide on a tablet, here is a list of 10 things that a tablet must have for you to even consider buying it.
Big display: By big display I mean a display that is big enough for you and for your intended use of the tablet. If you intend to do mostly web browsing and stuff like that, a 7 inch screen would be big enough. If, however, you intend to watch video's with the family or do photo editing or play high resolution games, then a bigger screen size would perhaps suit you better. The intended mode of transport must also be taken into consideration. If you intend to carry it around in your handbag, then it must typically be smaller than your handbag. If, however, you are going to carry it around in a briefcase or its own carry case, then go as big as you like. Just remember that with increased size comes increased weight, and the heavier it is the less comfortable it will be to use for extended time periods.
Good Operating System: Can the tablet's operating system do what you want it to do? At the moment, the most proven operating systems are the iOS from Apple, and the Android 2.2 and Android 3 (or Honeycomb) from Android. Until they can successfully convince the critics, rather stay away from Windows 7 or webOS for the moment.
Lots of Applications: The availability of applications is a major must-have for any tablet. Applications extend the functionality of the device and typically provides more entertainment and productivity. Apple has a huge collection of apps available for its iPad and iPad 2, some free and others not, so you don't have any worries there. Android also has more than enough apps available, and isn't as strict as Apple when it comes to accepting new apps, meaning you could easily write your own apps and make it available to everyone else for free or at a cost.
The Right Price: This is something only you can decide on. It is important to keep in mind that you most often get what you pay for, so it is best not to go for the cheapest no-name brand made in China. That being said, the most expensive ones are also not always the best. Compare features and functionality, then bring in price.
Value for Money: This one is a follow-up on the previous point. Is it worth its price? Does its features and functions justify the price? This all depends on what you value most. If you value luxury more than practicality, be prepared to pay for it.
Two Cameras: Only if you want it. It does add value (and price) to the device. Use it for video calling, taking video's and pictures, etc. If you don't need two cameras, you can consider a cheaper tablet with just one or even no cameras. Once again, it depends on what you value.
Excellent Virtual Keyboard: Since a tablet uses a touchscreen interface, the only way for you to communicate with it and through it is by using its virtual keyboard. Therefore, it must be easy and comfortable to operate. The virtual keyboard must be very responsive without making a lot of mistakes. Test drive a few tablets' virtual keyboard to see which one is more comfortable and efficient for you.
3G connectivity: An absolute must if you live in South Africa or any country where Wi-Fi hotspots are not readily available or not in your neighbourhood. Even if you are lucky enough to have Wi-Fi hotspots close by, a tablet is meant to be a mobile companion and 3G connectivity is crucial to achieving that.
Flash Support: If you plan to use your tablet as a partial computer replacement, this is a must. Many websites today use flash, and if your tablet doesn't support it, your web browsing experience will be seriously crippled. Apple decided that Adobe's Flash is a potential security risk that it does not need, hence the iPads don't support flash. Android, on the other hand, have shown them that they actually do need it, and Android operating systems from version 2.2 onwards support flash.
Good Battery Life: Once again, a tablet is meant to be a mobile companion. You therefore don't want to be limited in that mobility with a power cable every few hours. Depending on what you intend to use your tablet for, you should consider what kind of battery life you require and can settle for. The longest is obviously the best, but comes at an increased price. Whatever you decide to do with your tablet, you must be able to get at least a few hours of work out of it before it needs recharging. Remember that web browsing uses more battery power than just running applications. Most tablets have separate battery life specifications for web connected and non-connected activities.
So that is my list of must-have features for a tablet. I hope it proves to be helpful if you are looking at buying a tablet.
Big display: By big display I mean a display that is big enough for you and for your intended use of the tablet. If you intend to do mostly web browsing and stuff like that, a 7 inch screen would be big enough. If, however, you intend to watch video's with the family or do photo editing or play high resolution games, then a bigger screen size would perhaps suit you better. The intended mode of transport must also be taken into consideration. If you intend to carry it around in your handbag, then it must typically be smaller than your handbag. If, however, you are going to carry it around in a briefcase or its own carry case, then go as big as you like. Just remember that with increased size comes increased weight, and the heavier it is the less comfortable it will be to use for extended time periods.
Good Operating System: Can the tablet's operating system do what you want it to do? At the moment, the most proven operating systems are the iOS from Apple, and the Android 2.2 and Android 3 (or Honeycomb) from Android. Until they can successfully convince the critics, rather stay away from Windows 7 or webOS for the moment.
Lots of Applications: The availability of applications is a major must-have for any tablet. Applications extend the functionality of the device and typically provides more entertainment and productivity. Apple has a huge collection of apps available for its iPad and iPad 2, some free and others not, so you don't have any worries there. Android also has more than enough apps available, and isn't as strict as Apple when it comes to accepting new apps, meaning you could easily write your own apps and make it available to everyone else for free or at a cost.
The Right Price: This is something only you can decide on. It is important to keep in mind that you most often get what you pay for, so it is best not to go for the cheapest no-name brand made in China. That being said, the most expensive ones are also not always the best. Compare features and functionality, then bring in price.
Value for Money: This one is a follow-up on the previous point. Is it worth its price? Does its features and functions justify the price? This all depends on what you value most. If you value luxury more than practicality, be prepared to pay for it.
Two Cameras: Only if you want it. It does add value (and price) to the device. Use it for video calling, taking video's and pictures, etc. If you don't need two cameras, you can consider a cheaper tablet with just one or even no cameras. Once again, it depends on what you value.
Excellent Virtual Keyboard: Since a tablet uses a touchscreen interface, the only way for you to communicate with it and through it is by using its virtual keyboard. Therefore, it must be easy and comfortable to operate. The virtual keyboard must be very responsive without making a lot of mistakes. Test drive a few tablets' virtual keyboard to see which one is more comfortable and efficient for you.
3G connectivity: An absolute must if you live in South Africa or any country where Wi-Fi hotspots are not readily available or not in your neighbourhood. Even if you are lucky enough to have Wi-Fi hotspots close by, a tablet is meant to be a mobile companion and 3G connectivity is crucial to achieving that.
Flash Support: If you plan to use your tablet as a partial computer replacement, this is a must. Many websites today use flash, and if your tablet doesn't support it, your web browsing experience will be seriously crippled. Apple decided that Adobe's Flash is a potential security risk that it does not need, hence the iPads don't support flash. Android, on the other hand, have shown them that they actually do need it, and Android operating systems from version 2.2 onwards support flash.
Good Battery Life: Once again, a tablet is meant to be a mobile companion. You therefore don't want to be limited in that mobility with a power cable every few hours. Depending on what you intend to use your tablet for, you should consider what kind of battery life you require and can settle for. The longest is obviously the best, but comes at an increased price. Whatever you decide to do with your tablet, you must be able to get at least a few hours of work out of it before it needs recharging. Remember that web browsing uses more battery power than just running applications. Most tablets have separate battery life specifications for web connected and non-connected activities.
So that is my list of must-have features for a tablet. I hope it proves to be helpful if you are looking at buying a tablet.
Your Actual Internet Speed
When you need faster computer performance one of the first steps in troubleshooting and finding the problem is often overlooked. There are of course several things that can slow your online work or browsing down. First is the Internet speed itself or do you have the very common slow computer?
If you still think it might be slow internet access causing at least part of the problem, a quick, free test will actually tell you how fast your online connection is really running. It is very simple and several websites offer these quick tests.
Do a Google search for "Internet speed test" or something similar. You will then simply need to choose a city close to you or enter your zip code and the test will start. It takes less than a minute and it will give you the download speed and the upload speed of your connection. This is the speed coming into your computer not what is reaching your house or office building.
A typical downloading speed is around 6mb/s but that can vary based on your agreement with your Internet service provider, if you have on a DSL line or Cable connection (cable is normally a good bit speedier), and your residence or office's closeness to the a strong Internet line. If your connection speed is below 4mb/s you probably have a slow Internet speed problem. If you find that your speed is too slow you may want to speak to your ISP by telephone and they can run a speed-test themselves, online, and see what is causing your slow speed internet.
But one thing you may want to do before making that call is to check out your wireless router and how well it is working. The best way to know if your router is OK or not is to operate more than one computer doing internet downloading at the same time and see if it makes the computers run slower. You can simply have 2 or more computers on the wireless network browse the web, going fast between different pages and sites. For this test you need to browse web sites the computers have not been to before.
If this little test does not affect browsing speed then the Internet and wireless system in your home or office is not the culprit.
If you still think it might be slow internet access causing at least part of the problem, a quick, free test will actually tell you how fast your online connection is really running. It is very simple and several websites offer these quick tests.
Do a Google search for "Internet speed test" or something similar. You will then simply need to choose a city close to you or enter your zip code and the test will start. It takes less than a minute and it will give you the download speed and the upload speed of your connection. This is the speed coming into your computer not what is reaching your house or office building.
A typical downloading speed is around 6mb/s but that can vary based on your agreement with your Internet service provider, if you have on a DSL line or Cable connection (cable is normally a good bit speedier), and your residence or office's closeness to the a strong Internet line. If your connection speed is below 4mb/s you probably have a slow Internet speed problem. If you find that your speed is too slow you may want to speak to your ISP by telephone and they can run a speed-test themselves, online, and see what is causing your slow speed internet.
But one thing you may want to do before making that call is to check out your wireless router and how well it is working. The best way to know if your router is OK or not is to operate more than one computer doing internet downloading at the same time and see if it makes the computers run slower. You can simply have 2 or more computers on the wireless network browse the web, going fast between different pages and sites. For this test you need to browse web sites the computers have not been to before.
If this little test does not affect browsing speed then the Internet and wireless system in your home or office is not the culprit.
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