The 7 Most Frequently asked Internet Questions
Over the last few years, we’ve discovered that almost all tech-support questions focus on a few key subjects. In fact, we find ourselves on a weekly basis answering many of the following questions. We thought you might find the answers helpful.
1. How do I stop those annoying pop-up ads?
The best pop-up blocker I've found is also free! The Google toolbar (http://toolbar.google.com) does a great job at stopping these little windows. In addition, you get an easy way to search the Web!
2. What is spyware, and how do I stop it?
Spyware is any software that secretly monitors your computer activities and reports them to a third party. Many advertising sites use spyware to track your purchases so that they can better target their advertising. However, some spyware can be used to steal your identity. To discover and remove spyware, get Spybot: Search and Destroy, (http://www.spybot.info) a great free program. You will be surprised how much spyware you already have.
3. Is there a 'free' way to prevent viruses?
While Norton and McAfee control the majority of anti-virus software market share, they are not the only games in town. If you're looking for a good, free alternative, check out AVG Anti-virus (http://www.grisoft.com). The program and all updates are completely free for personal use. If you need a quick scan, check out Housecall (http:/housecall.antivirus.com). It'll check your system via the Web.
4. When I try to defrag my system, it constantly starts over. Why?
As files are saved on your system, they are chopped up to fit in the available storage spaces (clusters). To retrieve a file, your system must put these pieces back together. If these pieces are next to each other physically (continguous), the retrieval happens much quicker. Defragging rearranges the clusters so that they are contiguous.
However, if the Windows Defragmenter detects another program opening and saving files on your hard drive, it will start over (as the contents have changed). This can effectively prevent the defragmentation procedure from ever completing.
The best way to defrag is to boot your system into "Safe Mode". To do that, restart your system and continuously tap the F8 key until a menu appears. Choose 'Safe Mode' with your cursor keys and hit ENTER. Once it finishes booting, you'll be able to defrag with no interruptions.
5. My friends send me e-mail 'warnings' and stories. How do I know if they're true?
Most e-mail warnings and stories are false and are started by pranksters to see how 'far and wide' their joke is e-mailed. To encourage forwarding, they often tempt you with phrases like, 'Send it to your closest five friends and something neat will happen on your PC.' Before you forward one of these hoaxes to everyone in your address book, check it's validity at Snopes (http://www.snopes.com). It'll save you some embarrassment.
6. What's the best way to speed up my system?
First, destroy any spyware (see question 2), remove any programs you no longer use, and defragment your system (see question 4). If your system is still unbearably slow, consider purchasing more RAM. This low-cost investment can more than double your PC's performance, depending on how you have it configured. I've seen many 'obsolete' systems become usable again with this simple upgrade. Contact your PC's manufacturer for more information.
7. How do I stop junk e-mail (spam)?
First, realize that junk e-mail is a fact of life. You will not be able to completely stop it. However, the Federal Government (specifically, Congress) is working on a way to outlaw many of the deceptive practices used to send this junk. Until then, the burden falls on your shoulders.
We hope these tips have been helpful! For regular, monthly computer tips and tricks, register here
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