Computer Tips

Avoid The Computer Clutter Of “Free” Software

Everyone enjoys the availability of free computer software, however if the user is not careful the cost in computer clutter can easily consume the benefits of using free programs. To avoid the clutter:

· Separate your hand from the mouse – This eliminates a trigger-finger response
· Read the dialog boxes – Note which check boxes are default
· Don’t accept unnecessary add-on components – You don’t need a new browser toolbar, a new search engine or new homepage settings.

Along with the desired program, almost every free software package seeks to install browser add-on components. In most cases, the add-ons include a host of associated advertisements that will hinder your Internet experience.

Notice also the default actions associated with the installations “Continue” or “Accept” buttons. Before clicking “Continue,” remove the checks from unwanted add-ons. Sometimes you must even click a “Skip” button rather than the “Continue” button.

Learn to protect your computer from unwanted software additions. It will eliminate most of your compute hassles.

Comments

   

Cleaning A Computer Screen

When cleaning a computer monitor, you should make sure to disconnect it from a power source. You can clean dirt and fingerprints with ordinary household glass cleaner sprayed onto a lint free cloth, do NOT spray directly onto the computer screen. It is important not to get any fluid in the electrical components. Make sure you keep air vents clear from debris and paper. Obstructed monitor vents can cause monitors to overheat and even catch fire. Clean once a month or as needed.

Comments

   

Stop Computer Freeze-Ups

A computer will freeze-up if there is a bug or virus infected in the system. These can be contacted as easy as opening an email or visiting a website. Four out of five computers are infected with some kind of bug without the user even knowing it. To cure the problem you must first find out what it is. Follow these steps:

-Make sure your wallpaper, homepage, internet settings, or any of your personal settings have not been altered.

-Check your programs in the "Add/Remove Programs" section of the Control Panel folder. If anything looks suspicious, look it up on the internet or another computer to investigate it. A couple of good sites are liutilities.com and doxdesk.com. They will tell you if it is important or to delete it. If unsure, leave it.

-Search to find any programs installed in the time frame since problems were occuring. Usually it would be an application. If found, repeat previous step.

-Using your System Configuration Utility, go to the Startup tab and uncheck any box that you are sure you don't need. You may need to consult a professional. If unsure, leave it.

-Update all antivirus software and install Ad-Aware by Lavasoft. This program searches and finds any bug in the computer and will delete it for you. There are many programs that do this, but most prefer Ad-Aware. Run the program and perform a full system scan. Run the antivirus software and perform a full system scan.

-Defrag and run Scandisk.

If there was a bug or virus, it would have been found. If your computer still freezes, perform system file checker, replacing any corrupt files, update internet browser, or add RAM memory.

Comments

   

Accessing Computer Registry

Before you try to make any changes to your computer registry, make sure that Windows XP's System Restore option is turned on. Some users disable this feature because it eats a lot of system resources, but it should be turned on if you're going to make registry changes.

To reactivate System restore, single-click My Computer with the right mouse button and choose Properties. If the box marked Turn Off System restore on All Drives is checked, System Restore is deactivated. Click the box to remove the checkmark.

Comments

   

Computer Registry Settings and Spyware Programs

Spyware programs are insidious little programs that sneak onto your system and transmit your surfing habits (and other personal information) back to the server that spawned them. By their very nature, spyware is meant to be hard to detect and hard to uninstall. If your Internet Explorer home page has suddenly been changed, and you can't change it to a different page, chances are you're the victim of a particularly nasty form of spyware called a browser hijacker. Browser hijackers actually alter your registry settings to disable Internet Explorer options.

Comments