Desk Top Support

sampleThe most frequently asked question by far runs something like this:

My computer is slowing down, has popup windows from somewhere or similar symptoms.  "I think I have a virus."

To run your computer safely, including on the Internet, you need the following tools:

Anti-Virus Software: The big 3 are McAfee, Norton and free AVG antivirus.

You should (if possible), have a cd-rom based copy of your anti-virus software in case you have to re-load the software after re-formatting the hard disk. Check PC Magazine for reviews on which Anti-Virus software is currently "the best."

A Firewall: If you are running XP home or XP pro, Microsoft has included a competent but incomplete firewall. Vista Home has a competent firewall. You should use the help system to confirm that your firewall is running.

Why is the XP firewall incomplete?

Because it doesn't check on programs sending out information/packets.  If your computer is infected this is one of the ways you can discover that.  If an unknown program is sending out stuff you may have a problem.  A free replacement Firewall is at www.zonelabs.com You download it and install the free version.  Don't check the "Pro" version unless you want to pay for it.

I don't have Windows XP or Vista. I have Windows 2000 Pro or Windows Millennium or Windows 98se.

Please install the ZoneLabs firewall at once!

Install two or more Anti-Spyware Programs. I recommend two(2) long time anti-spyware programs. Ad aware from www.lavasoft.com. Make sure you download the free individual use one. And Spybot Search and Destroy. These programs appear to have about a 30% overlap and kill two different groups of spyware. Many of the anti-virus programs are beginning to attack spyware.

I recommend a replacement for Microsoft's Internet Explorer. I recommend replacing IE not because it is a bad product but because it comes under attack so often. There are maybe as many as 5 replacement browsers (both free and shareware) out there that will do a decent job. I have been pretty happy with Foxfire. You can download it through here. If you're dead set on keeping IE please download the latest version (at this writing IE 8). If you are running Yahoo's Messenger service, you will also want to upgrade to the latest IE for increased stability of that service (according to Yahoo).

So what do I do?

  1.  Do a complete scan of your hard disk with your anti-virus software. Delete all virus's.
  2.  Make sure you have a firewall up and running.
  3.  Install the spyware programs mentioned above and scan/fix/delete all problems.  This should speed up your browser significantly.
  4.  Replace your IE with another browser.

My computer is still slow. What do I do?

  1. Uninstall any and all programs your not using frequently.  If  you must leave a program installed make sure its absolutely necessary.
  2. Remove all programs you don't need to startup immediately from the Startup folder and/or using XP's startup utility from the command line.
  3. Defragment/Re-Organize the Hard disk using the tools in the Accessories/Systems tools menu.
  4. If your brave, get a registry cleanup program and use the automatic registry cleaner.  I like both AML registry cleaner and Regseeker.

I did all of the above, its still slower than it used to be. What do I do?

  1. Add more system memory
  2. OR backup all your data, re-format the hard disk and re-install the OS and all applications you really need. Copy the data back onto the computer.
  3. OR take two aspirin and call me in the morning to setup an appointment for desk side support. My phone is: (785) 331-5956 a local call from Lawrence, Lecompton and Eudora in Kansas, USA.