This Computer Blog provides you, the home computer user...
with new and valuable information to keep your computer safe and secure
free and useful programs to use on your computer
many tips and hints to improve your computing experience.
Sep 4, 2010, Did you buy a Toshiba Laptop in the past 12 months?
If you bought a Toshiba laptop for $600 to $800 between August of 2009 and August 2010, there is a chance that your computer has an overheating problem.
If it is one of these models, Satellite T135, Satellite T135D or Satellite ProT130, then you need to continue reading.
How to Correct the Problem.
Download the update (BIOS revision) to correct the problem from the Toshiba website. Scroll down to "Resolution" and click the appropriate "hot link" for your machine. It may automatically fix the problem. That is the simple and convenient solution.
But, if after you download this update and it finds that a harness failure is occurring, it will disable your external power. Your power supply will be cut off. In other words, you won't be able to use the power cord to run your computer!
You will then need to contact the Toshiba call center to set up a warranty repair. This repair work is free of charge, but you cannot use your computer in the meantime.
You can use the remaining juice in your battery to save any open files and then, shut down your computer.
Your best option would be to schedule an appointment with the repair center before you download this update.
Then, a couple of hours before your appointment, download the update. If it corrects the problem, just call and cancel your appointment. (Check to see if they have a cancellation policy and adjust accordingly.)
By preparing ahead of time, you can minimum the downtime of your computer.
It is the general term for any kind of destructive software. Virus, Trojan Horse, Computer Worm, and Spyware all fall under this catagory.
It's any software program that's design to harm your computer. If you have used a computer for any length of time, you realise the damage that can be done by these programs.
Sep 2, 2010, What is a Computer Worm?
It is a destructive program that enters your computer system through security holes and openings.
It will cause your computer to slow down or even become unuseable.
It's like a thief who will find an open window to easily enter your house and steal from you.
It's like a running back in football who looks for the openings or holes in the opposing team and goes through them
It's like driving in heavy traffic. You find the open lane and use it.
Sep 1, 2010, What is a Trojan Horse?
It's a software program that appears to be useful and beneficial, but it's not!
When you open it up, your personal information is accessed and sent to a hostile source.
Aug 31, 2010, What is Spyware?
It's taking information off a computer without the user's consent or knowledge. It's stealing.
It's like a robber entering your house while you are asleep or gone, and taking everything valuable.
Aug 30, 2010, What is a Computer Virus?
It is a small software program that is created to interfere with the normal operation of your computer.
Examples:
It's like dropping a rock in your blender while it is running.
It's like putting water in the gas tank of your car and driving it.
It's like running out in the middle of a football field while they are playing a game.
It's like screaming at the top of your lungs while a minister is preaching at church.
Aug 29, 2010, Best Way to Protect your Computer
Maybe, you use your computer mostly for writing papers or looking at pictures. You don't need to be connected to the internet to do these things.
Most of the trash that accumulates on your computer comes from being online. Disconnect it!
Start>Connect to. Right click your network connection and click "Disconnect".
If you use dialup or DSL, unplug your phone line to your computer.
Viruses, Worms, Spyware can't get to your computer if there isn't an open doorway to it.
Aug 24, 2010, Using a computer without a mouse or keyboard
Development of computers without the need for a mouse or keyboard are in the near future.
I have changed this section to make it easier to understand and follow the steps to complete this task.
This is a valuable process to use when your computer needs an "overhaul." Rather than buy a new computer, you may be able to cleanup your old one and continue to use it.
Students may opt for these new tablet computers. They are designed to be portable with a long battery life.
At $300, they are affordable by most everyone.
Home users may find these machines useful as well. The ability to use your computer away from home will make your life easier and more productive.
Most laptops will only last for a couple of hours. 10 Hours of battery life will give you plenty of time to complete quite a bit of your work before you need to charge it.
Aug 17, 2010, Upgrading to Windows 7 with Zinstall
If you are planning to use Zinstall XP7 to move to Windows 7, you need to have at least 20 GB's of free space on your hard drive.
Once your XP programs and setting are installed in Windows 7, you will be able to delete XP off your computer completely and regain that space on your hard drive.
Hopefully, all of you are using this valuable tool to protect and secure your computer.
Adobe flash player and Adobe Air need to be upgraded if you use these programs. In the toolbox, use the Solution Wizard to update these programs.
If the change isn't recorded by Secunia, you may need to reload the interface. Just right click the icon in the taskbar and then hit "Reload Interface."
You can download and install the updated versions now or just wait till you get to a webpage that asks if you would like to install it.
Aug 11, 2010, Is your Computer Protected?
The amount of Malware is continuing to increase every day. If you don't have good protection, you will end up with a virus which will slow you down.
Microsoft releases patches and updates today. Make sure your computer installs these important updates.
This is the best and easiest way to keep your computer running smoothly.
Start>Control Panel>System and Security>Windows update.
Click "Check for updates" in the left hand column and install all critical updates and optional updates that are important too. (New definitions for Microsoft Security Essentials.)
Norton is a well-known company that sells internet security software. You may recognize their logo because it was on your desktop when you bought your computer.
Could they be selling products that have adverse affects on your computer?
If you don't have your computer set to automatically download and install critical updates, you need to add this emergency patch just released by Microsoft.
Start>Control Panel>System and Security>Windows update. Click "Check for updates" in the upper left hand column and install this important update.
If you use these 9 maintenance tips, your computer will give you many years of trouble-free service.
You don't have to spend a lot of money to secure and protect your computer.
You don't have to find the Best software program(s) to use on your computer.
You don't need a lot of computer knowledge to keep your computer running well.
You don't need to pay someone else to download and install all the various software programs so your computer won't crash and burn.
You can do it yourself with the help of Computer Clean Up Tools. Don't put off what you can easily do now. Waiting till later may be too late!
Aug 2, 2010, Upgrading your Hard Drive?
It was my daughter's 21th birthday so I decided to give her a 500GB hard drive. She had filled up her 100GB drive quite awhile ago.
I also bought her an external hard drive enclosure and software to move her data to the new drive.
It turned out to be a simple process. I just downloaded the software, attached the new hard drive to her computer via the cable that came with the enclosure, and followed the prompts of the software.
That was it! It was that simple. The process took about an hour and 15 minutes.
After the transfer of data was complete, I just installed the new hard drive into her computer. We checked the space available and found that she now has more than enough room for all her photos, video, music, etc.
Jul 31, 2010, Make somebody happy! Donate your old computer.
These events are happening all over the USA. In fact, I will be dropping off some old and unneeded electronic equipment today at a free electronic disposal site.
If you have time, watch the video. It shows you what is done with your equipment and how it is dispersed to needy people.
You can make a huge difference in our environment as well as influence the well-being of others.
Jul 31, 2010, Updates for Microsoft Security Essentials
A couple of updates are available for MSE. Check your updates manually.
Start>Control Panel>System and Security>Windows Update. In the left hand column, click "Check for updates". Install any update for MSE. It may be listed under "Optional updates".
A little extra work will keep your computer safe and well protected.
Do you have any questions about the use of Microsoft Word 2007? Here are some manuals that will help you understand and use the program.
It probably has more information than you need, but it's all here. Just scan through it till you find what you want.
Take what you need. It's free. This opportunity may not last forever so you can download it now and store it on your hard drive, flash drive, or anywhere else.
Are you looking to increase the size of your hard drive? Have you thought about how you will transfer all your data to the new drive?
If you think about it too much, you may decide to just "forget it" and make due with what you have now.
I am buying my daughter a brand new 500GB hard drive for her birthday. She has a boatload of videos on her laptop.
So, how am I going to transfer all her data to the new hard drive? Will I have to spend all weekend doing it?
I hope not. I have found a product that is supposed to do it quickly and easily.
After I test it out, I will share my results with you in a week or 2. Stay tuned...
Jul 27, 2010, Desktop or Laptop?
This is a great article giving the basic differences between a desktop and laptop. If you are looking to buy a computer, this will help you make the right choice.
I like having a larger monitor when I use my computer.
My wife uses my desktop when she has a lot of typing. She says it is a lot easier with my larger keyboard.
I would rather use a mouse rather than the touchpad on my laptop.
By the way, I also have a laptop devoted to my business. How often do I use it? Hummmm. I think maybe a couple of days over the past 6 months!!!
Only you can decided which machine will be best for your particular situation. If you plan ahead, you will be happier in the long run with your choice of computers, desktop or laptop.
One of the best ways to protect your computer is to keep it updated. Windows update is for your windows programs.
You need a separate program for your third party programs. Secunia is the program which meets this need. Run this scan every week for the best protection.
Jul 25, 2010, Disk Cleanup & Defragmenter
These are 2 vital tools to use on a regular basis. They each do a different job in cleaning.
Disk Cleanup removes all the unwanted/unnecessary files.
Disk Defragmenter organizes all the data on your hard drive.
Run Disk Cleanup first, then Disk Defragmenter. You don't need to arrange files that you will delete from your computer. The order of operation is very important.
They are found here: Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools.
Jul 24, 2010, Using the Help Desk
The Help Desk has been around for many years. It is no different today than when it first was used back in the old times.
I hope you enjoy this spoof about the first IT help desk.
I ran it today on my computer. While running this program, this notice
appeared at the bottom of the page.
45 minutes lately when the scan was done, this page appeared.
I clicked "Clean computer" and my machine was clean once again.
MSE is a great and simple tool to keep your computer running well. You just have to use it in order for it to do its job.
You can run the full scan anytime. If you continue to use your computer while the scan is running, it won't affect your work too much unless you are running high intensity programs.
If it is a problem, take a break from your computer. Eat some food, go for a walk, play with your kids, walk the dog. You get the idea.
Jul 24, 2010, Fix Your Computer
There are many ways to fix your computer. You can do it yourself. You can take it to the computer repair shop. You can ask your techie friend(s).
Or you might try this...