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HINTS:
Computer problems
we've all heard about
--
(and then some)
Computers are marvelously complex pieces of machinery. When you consider how
many different hardware devices, drivers, dll's, and subroutines have to all
play nicely with other just to make the system boot up -- not to mention the
many thousands of lines of software code that have to be executed if you
actually want the machine to do something useful -- it's amazing that
computers aren't even more cantankerous than they are. The list of things
that can go wrong seems almost endless.
And yet, the majority of the problems we see on a regular basis fall into
the following ten broad categories:
1.
My computer is
running sloooooowly.
This is usually the result of a combination of factors. Too many programs
auto-starting, adware and spyware
running in the background, inadequate RAM, filesystem and/or pagefile
fragmentation, Master File Table fragmentation or corruption, registry
conflicts, and a buildup of garbage files on the hard drive can all
contribute to general slowness. Usually, a
tuneup (and maybe a RAM upgrade)
is all that's needed to perk up a sleepy machine.
2. Can't get
on the Internet. Many of the same factors listed in number 1
(above) can also affect Internet and network connectivity. Other
possibilities include a bad modem or network card, bad cables, corrupted
drivers, or viruses.
3.
Computer dials
itself onto the Internet all by itself. Adware or spyware is
usually the culprit. Other possibilities include programs that are set to
update themselves automatically are opening up an Internet connection to do
so; malicious programs (viruses, worms, or trojans) are attempting to do
their dastardly deeds; or "dialers" installed by unsavory Web sites are
trying to connect.
4.
My browser's home
page or default search engine has changed itself. No, it's been hijacked. This is another type of marketing
spyware that is becoming more
prevalent in recent months.
5.
My computer locks
up, freezes, or goes to the Blue Screen of Death. Spyware, inadequate or defective RAM, registry conflicts,
missing or corrupted dll's, filesystem or pagefile fragmentation, bad
device drivers, viruses... the list
goes on. But amazingly, about 80 per cent of the time, a
tune-up is all that's needed to
rectify the problems.
6.
My computer keeps
turning itself on all by itself. Usually this means that the BIOS
is set to "wake on LAN" or "wake on modem."
7.
My computer's
clock keeps losing time.
The
CMOS battery is dying. It's
replaceable.
8.
My computer
spontaneously reboots itself.
This is almost always a hardware problem. Usually its the power supply, RAM,
processor. or a dirty or defective cooling fan. Some
viruses, worms, and trojans can also
cause this to happen.
9.
My computer is
making noises.
Most likely, some moving part is failing. It could be the hard drive or one
of the various fans. Sometimes, however, squealing or whining sounds can
have purely electronic origins. Whatever the case, it's important to shut
down the machine and have it checked immediately.
10. My
computer won't boot.
Could be any number of things, starting with the power cord not being
plugged in. Check that first. You wouldn't believe how many times we've
responded to calls where the computer simply wasn't plugged in. If that
doesn't work, then call or
email
us.
We
routinely see these issues so please contact us if you have difficulties
with any of these issues.
(information from
geekontherun.net) |
In
This Issue:
HINTS: Common Computer Problems
TIPS:
Keyboard Shortcuts
REMINDERS:
Creative Passwords
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REMINDERS:
In today’s world people are worried about identity theft and
invasions of privacy, but they fail to protect themselves on a very
basic level… their passwords. It’s time to take that extra
step in protecting yourself and create yourself a strong password.
Creating a strong password is a fairly simple process that most people seem
to skip over for the convenience of having an easy password to remember.
Now, your password should be pretty easy for you to remember but it should
be hard for someone to guess. You should stay away from making your
password something that can easily be found out about you such as your
address or birthday. Passwords are supposed to protect your information so
it would be best to make you password something that someone can’t just type
in because they know you and guess the correct password. So here are a few
things you should consider before making your password or changing your
already existing password:
Use a
combination of upper and lowercase letters in your password. These should
be spread out and not follow the normal way that grammar teaches us. Put a
capital letter in the middle or end of the word to spice things up.
Use
numbers in your password as well. You should put numbers in the middle of
your password, not at the beginning or end. This will make it more
difficult for someone to guess whatever word you use for your password
because the number in the middle will throw them off.
If
you are able to, use a symbol somewhere in your password. Any symbol will
do as long as it is allowed by the site. These can be utilized to ensure
you’ve got a strong password.
A
good rule for strong password creation is to use numbers as a replacement to
letters. For example, if you were to make a password for this site, you
could do something like “@ll1n0n3$upp0r+” (allinonesupport), notice how the
password has upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols in it.
Also,
you should make sure that you don’t keep your passwords with your login
information written on post-it notes next to your monitor or keyboard.
That’s just making it too easy for someone to know all the information they
need to get into your account. If you are going to write the login and
password on something, try to write them in random locations, like in an
address book under the letters of the website they correspond to.
Remember that your password should be easy for you to remember but hard for
someone to guess. If you are going to use something like a pet or car, try
to mix up the letters so you password doesn’t resemble the original word.
If you need any assistance with passwords, please call or
email
us.
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