Very, & not just the High Priority updates. Everyone should
occasionally, (monthly), manually run their microsoft or windows
update & choose the 'custom' option -vs- the 'express' which
your PC checks or downloads for you automatically in most cases.
Check out the software & hardware updates that are available
for your system here. In most cases these are upgrades, updates
or patches available for software and hardware drivers that are
very important in keeping your resources up to date. Out of date
software w/out the latest patches/updates quite often = security
risk(s) to your PC or network. Try & keep up with your software
& hardware updates to ensure your security & top performance
from your system.
Are
Wireless Networks secure?
More now than in the past & only if set up correctly, yes.
The key to your security & network performance is proper setup,
period.
Should
I fix my PC or buy a new one?
This is a relative question with multiple variables but the
same logic applies to determining the answer in every situation.
Do a little research, weigh your variables & situation to
come to your own conclusion. Repair or upgrade costs X amount
and a new machine costs X amount. Make a smart decision that meets
your personal situation based on the totals & circumstances.
Typically, yes. You can never have enough memory. If you purchased
a typical system on sale at Best Buy, etc. that is a standard setup,
the answer will be yes 95% of the time. If you custom ordered a
machine or had one built I don't think you will be looking at this
question.
Yes, almost every mail software has import & export options
but they can get a bit tricky when transferring from one type of
software or operating system to another.
Yes, but only if they are compatible with your current operating
system. In most cases your settings, templates or data can be transferred to a different or upgraded version of your software.
If you have anything of personal value to yourself or others that
you do not want to risk losing, yes. Music, documents, pictures,
email, etc are easily saved to CD, DVD or a USB/FW storage unit
to keep things simple. If you would like to keep your entire OS
backed up please see the next question.
Via Imaging or standard backup utilities to your CD's, DVD's,
portable HD, etc. Offsite or online backup is the safest option.
They are easy to use & affordable as well.
(XP) From your desktop: navigate > Start / control panel /
add or remove programs. Locate & left click the item you would
like to remove and click 'remove'.
(XP) Most install programs are very self explanatory. If you run
into a situation that isn't, from your desktop: navigate > Start
/ run / browse. Now locate the item you want to install, left click
it & click 'open / ok' or another option is, (when installing
from CD), from your desktop: navigate > Start / control panel
/ add or remove programs. Click 'add new programs' & then 'CD
or Floppy'. Windows will locate the setup.exe or install.exe for
you automatically.
Well, there are a lot of different possible reasons why. Is it
up to date? Is it the latest version? Do you scan regularly? Is
it configured properly? if the answer is, "I'm not sure"
or "no", to any of those questions, one or all of them
is most likely the problem. There are also many anti-virus or protection applications that are ineffective & should be removed &
replaced. Unfortunately, these are typically installed on most new
PC's when you get them.
This is most likely an infection of the Adware variety. More specifically
a Trojan, Hijacker or similar. It is very popular for malicious
applications to create popups on your system while you are surfing,
or in some cases even when you are not. You should clean your system
thoroughly to remove all infections.
This is most likely an infection of the Adware variety. More specifically
a Trojan, Hijacker or similar. It is very popular for malicious
applications to change, manipulate or redirect your home page. You
should clean your system thoroughly to remove all infections.
Well, lack of periodic maintenance is usually the cause but ineffective
software may also be the problem as well. Have a trusted professional
recommend the proper software & configurations for your proper security & hassle-free surfing operation.
There are unlimited reasons for this but the most common are an
over loaded startup menu, prefetch list & various registry run
locations. This could also be due to infections of different types,
software or resource conflicts, incorrect paths, not enough memory,
slow or failing CPU, slow or failing hard drive, etc. Have a professional
check out your system to determine the problem(s).
The first thing to do is copy the specific error & simply 'Google® it' to research the proper cause & fix of your specific
problem. Beginner to intermediate users have a professional check
out your system to determine the problem(s).
If this happens on a regular basis, it's most likely your power
settings. From your desktop: Right click on a blank area of your
desktop & click 'properties / screen saver / power' Here you
will typically have six different tabs to adjust your appropriate
power settings while you are plugged in or running on battery power.
If it happens very sporadically & without warning or errors
attached then have a professional examine your system for the cause.
Same as the Laptop previous ^ If this happens on a regular basis, it's
most likely your power settings. From your desktop: Right click
on a blank area of your desktop & click 'properties / screen
saver / power' If it happens very sporadically& without warning
or errors attached then have a professional examine your system
for the cause.
Don't we all some days! ..& other days we love them. Your
PC should be a positive addition to your life not a cause of stress.
Make sure that your PC is in optimal working order & has all
of the proper tools to ensure your privacy and system integrity
& you should be able to enjoy & get the most from your PC.
