Computer Tips

Computer Care: It may be time to ditch your old programs

By Arthur Glazer
glazer.tech@gmail.com

POSTED: July 8, 2011 11:32 p.m

The last time we talked, I gave you some ideas on how to improve your computer system.

Given the constraints of this page, I had more to say than I had room to write. So where did that leave us?

Internet, RAM and back-ups are all covered, which brings us to programs. Most of us have too many of them installed.

If your computer came with WordPerfect and you now have Office or your kids are grown and you still have Toy Story Pinball, it's time for some housekeeping.

It's even more important if your computer is older. Older PCs came with only 40-60GB hard drives, which were considered large enough back then. We know better now.

Delete what you no longer need. Throw out the old; make room for the new.

Use Add/Remove Programs (XP) or Programs & Features (Vista/Win 7) all in Control Panel and then a registry cleaner. When the registry looks for that Disney game that's no longer there, it slows down the system.

Better yet, use Your Uninstaller ($39) or the free Revo Uninstaller, which both scour and optimize the registry after an uninstallation.

By no means just delete program icons from your desktop, because that's all it does - deletes the icons. The programs remain. They need to be uninstalled.

But that said, check your desktop for stray icons. Some you won't need; others can be stored in a folder.

To keep the desktop tidy, keep photos in the Pictures folder in (My) Documents, music in the Music folder and extraneous text files in the Docs folder.

Toss the trials to AOL or Office Student & Teacher if you never installed them.

You can right-click the desktop and choose "New," then "Folder." Call it what you want and store your stuff in it. How about one named Games, one for text, doc and pdf files called Text and another for Misc Stuff. You get the idea.

Try right-clicking on your desktop again and choose "Sort by ..." for options on organizing your icons. As long as "Auto arrange" is unchecked, you can drag them to wherever you desire.

If you have inadvertently deleted something and haven't rebooted the system yet, double-click on the Recycle Bin. Find the item in question and click on it, then click "Restore." Alternatively, right-click the item, then choose "Restore." It will revert to its original location.

Another right-click to your desktop (XP) will yield a choice to change the desktop image. Choose "Properties" and then the Desktop tab. Scroll through the list and choose your favorite. Click "Apply," then "OK." On Vista/7, choose "Personalize" from the right-click for many options to customize your system.

If you're running a scan, whether anti-virus, defrag or otherwise, try not to use your computer until the scan has finished. Generally ,they use most of the system's resources and you'll think something is wrong. It will be that slow.

Check the taskbar by the clock to see what's running, if you don't remember the scan schedules you initially set up. Best to set those scans for times like dinner or TV hours. The computer needs to be on for the scans to work.

Mentioned previously, but worth repeating, is the net spooler command, should you be unable to print due to a jammed queue, not a jammed printer. For the latter, open the door in the rear of the printer and gently pull the paper off the rollers, checking carefully for remnants.

For the queue, open the Run command in XP or use the Search box in Vista/7 and type cmd to open a command prompt box. Then type net stop spooler (wait for confirmation) and then net start spooler. After the final confirmation, just close down the box and try to print something.

Also, in the Run/Search area, use msconfig and click the startup tab to see what's in your startup folder.

Uncheck entries like schedulers and things you may not use often, like iTunes Helper or Microsoft Messenger.

This does not delete them from the system; only removes them from the startup folder, stopping them from initiating at each boot with Windows.

Alternatively, there are utilities to do the work for you, like StartUp Tool, Starter or Autoruns, all available for free on the Internet.

If you should need to run a boot utility or reinstall Windows, you'll need to be able to boot from your optical drive with a CD or DVD.

If your system fails to recognize the disk, watch the screen at boot for something like, "Hit F2 for Setup" or Click F1 for Boot Priority" to change the BIOS settings. Every system is different. Make changes to put your optical drive the first on the boot list and then try again.

Tread cautiously in the BIOS, as a wrong click could turn your computer into a doorstop, causing you to call someone like me.

Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly on the Business page and on gainesvilletimes.com.

Random PC tips

Computer Care: Random tips to keep your computer humming

By Arthur Glazer
glazer.tech@gmail.com


POSTED: June 25, 2011 1:00 a.m.

If you lose your Internet connection, do you know how to reset your modem? How about stopping the main cause for system overheating? Can you add memory to your computer or stop programs from starting each time Windows boots? If you can't answer "yes" to the above questions, keep reading.

Most requests I get are for tips on making computers run better and faster. Here are a few.

Whenever we have bad weather, you may lose your Internet connection. After the storm, instead of calling your ISP, do this: Unplug the modem for half a minute. If you have a router, unplug it, too. First, reconnect the modem. After the lights have stopped flashing, reconnect the router. Refresh your browser in your computer and try to get online.

Unless your neighborhood has an outage, this should do the trick.

If your computer overheats constantly or in the worst-case scenario, spontaneously shuts down, try cleaning the dust from both in and outside of the fan areas. On a laptop, there is a fan on the bottom and a corresponding vent on the side near the fan.

On a desktop there are two fans. The top one is for the power supply; the bottom one cools the processor. They all suck in, making your computer like a HEPA filter for whatever room it's in. If there is particulate matter in the air, it will settle inside your computer. If the dust accumulation is considerable, take the computer outside before continuing.

Get a can of compressed air and blow the fans clean. First unplug the computer, and then attack the fans from all angles inside and out, taking apart the covers, if necessary. Be careful to keep the can held upright. The cans use liquid propellant and you may short out the computer, if you're not cautious.

Adding RAM or system memory to a computer is not difficult. First go to memory.com to determine what type and how much RAM your system can use.

On a laptop, unplug it first and find which one of the small covers on the back houses the memory. Take the cover off. There are spring clips on either side of the RAM stick. Spread them apart and the old RAM will pop up at a 45-degree angle. Grab it without touching the contacts, paying attention to the orientation of the module, and pull it out.

Replace the new sticks the same way the old ones came out, watching the offset slot on the bottom. Slide in on an angle and push down until it clicks.

On a desktop, unplug it, take the cover off and look for a pair of long, flat boards mounted upright. They're about a half-inch high, 5 inches long and thick as cardboard. A clip at either end holds them. Push down on these to release and pull the sticks up gently.

Pay attention to their orientation as the new ones need to go back in the same way the old ones came out. Line up the notch and push firmly. The clips will lock them automatically if you push hard enough.

To stop most programs from loading and starting with Windows, type "msconfig" in the Run field if you have XP. With Vista and Win 7, just type it in the search box. From the window that opens, choose the startup tab. Uncheck the programs you don't want to automatically start when you turn on your computer.

Click "Apply" and then "OK." Should you decide to re-enable those items, just go back and recheck them.

There are a few important things you should do to your computer regularly, to keep it in shape.

Back it up. I can't be more emphatic about this point. I have worked on too many computers that were not backed up and important data was lost. Everybody has good intentions, but everybody procrastinates. I'll say it again. Back up your stuff.

Keep your anti-virus program current and make sure the virus definitions are kept up to date. Use only one anti-virus utility. Doubling up not only doesn't double your protection, it can cause trouble. Make sure you have a schedule set to scan at regular intervals.

Also install and use an anti-malware program.

Keep Windows updated. Initial Service Packs are already expired; Vista SP1 expires this month. With XP, use SP3.

Last but not least for keeping updated are your device drivers.

The drivers are free, but you'll need a program to find and install them. It's part of the cost of having a computer. An outdated driver can slow down or cause other problems within your system. Manufacturers constantly provide updates for their hardware. You only need to find them.

If you discover your computer has issues, first try using System Restore. If that fails, try Safe Mode. It loads only what's necessary for the system to run and is there so you can have a clean environment to work in to effect repairs.

By pressing F8 at boot, you can access Safe Mode and other choices. "Last Known Good Configuration" is one. Give it a try; it will either work, or not.

Should you get a blue screen, hope that you did a back-up and call a tech once you've composed yourself.

Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly on the Business page and on gainesvilletimes.com.

Don't neglect your computer

Computer Care: Don't neglect your computer or the bad guys will win
By Arthur Glazer
glazer.tech@gmail.com


POSTED: June 11, 2011 1:00 a.m.
Too many computer users expect to turn their machines on and just use them. They have little, if any, knowledge or skills to help them operate, maintain or repair their own computer.

It is tantamount to getting into a car without knowing how to drive. The computer is an expensive, complicated electronic device that should be treated with care and respect. Too often it is not.

Sure, it doesn't take a neurosurgeon to click a mouse, but there is much more to computing than simple mouse-clicking.

I have had many clients tell me that they had an anti-virus program installed. Why did they get an infection? Upon a little investigation, I found either outdated programs or outdated virus definitions. Many times the computer had simply never been scanned. Having the program installed is not enough. It has to be run.

"I didn't know," has been the general response. You need to know. You have a lot invested in that device, not just in money but in the data you have entrusted to it.

It is in your best interest to learn the basics of computing. Know how to operate your computer effectively, how to use Windows properly and how to browse the Internet safely. That's where your infections likely will come from.

Even I have been tricked into clicking on a wrong link. Had I followed through, I'd be removing an infection instead of writing this.

This was the scenario. There are nocturnal malcontent brainiacs whose only joy must be to infect others and attempt to get their money. They send virus-laden emails. They offer free programs and screensavers. They even create bogus websites.

I Googled a product, found some links and clicked on one. It ended up being something that sounded like what I was after, but was not the real McCoy. Just before I was about to download what was no doubt a bogus program, I realized what was going on. They asked me for a credit card for what was supposed to be a free program. That's when the light went on over my head.

When I suggest a program or a utility, the reason I don't list the address is due to its length. I let you Google it. But you need to use caution and be certain that you get what you are after, not end up with an unreasonable facsimile, as I almost did.

Now I'm going to break the rule I just mentioned, just this one time. Here are a few websites that will help the computer noob, as they as called online. If you are wet behind the ears when it comes to computing, these free sites may help.

Easycomputertips.com is one. Basic-computerskills.com is another. Also look at gcflearnfree.org/computerbasics and tech.tln.lib.mi.us/tutor/ for the absolute beginner. There are lots of others. Alternatively, you can call someone like me to assist.

Often the difference between what you want and what you get is the difference between a .com and a .org or a dash and an underscore. You need to be careful.

It's generally safer to cut and paste, instead of retyping what you read. Click on the beginning of a web address, drag the mouse across until the end of it, making it highlighted. Then right-click on the address and choose to copy it. Next click on the address bar and then right-click again and choose to paste. Hit "Enter" and you are there. Don't worry about prefixes like http or www. They are understood.

Ultimately, you are the only one responsible for your computer's health. If it gets infected, runs slowly or has a fragmented hard drive, it is on you.

Learn some useful keyboard shortcuts (Control + C is copy and Control + V is Paste), alter the Windows theme, adjust your mouse speed, pick a new desktop image or play with system sounds (instead of listening to the dings that came with the computer).

You can discover how to video conference with friends and relatives out of town.

Along with the fun things you can learn, also teach yourself the basics. Know what Control Panel is and how it can help you. Discover and learn how to use both and System Restore and Safe Mode.

Like a car, computers should be tuned twice annually. Basic maintenance and troubleshooting can be performed by you, the user, for many things. That vigilance help will keep people like me, the tech, from showing up.

You don't need to know programming but, you should know how to defrag your hard drive, reset your modem and check for malware.

Your eyes should be open wide to the dangers and vulnerabilities of cyberspace. It is a wonderful place to explore, but you need to be secure in your venture.

Be armed with protection against infiltration, along with the knowledge of how to operate your computer and traverse the Internet securely.

You don't drive with blinders on. You shouldn't compute with them on, either.

Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly on the Business page and on gainesvilletimes.com.

High tech devices are here

Computer Care: High tech devices bring the future to the present
By Arthur Glazer
arthur@glazerthepctech.com

POSTED: May 28, 2011 1:00 a.m.
Twenty-five years ago, my most high-tech device was an electric typewriter. Now I have GPS in my pocket and a Bluetooth in my ear. Being the techno-geek that I am, I can't help but wonder what the future holds.

I can only speculate what it'll be like in a few years, but I can tell you what we'll be using next year.

Cloud computing has taken hold recently. For those not in the know, the Cloud is the Internet. Instead of using your computer for storage, you can use a company's, via the Internet, often for free.

But more is coming. Soon apps will be available.

Actually some are already here. Currently Google has its Google Docs and Microsoft is working on a similar version of its own.

Many of the services are free, others are subscription-based.

According to Google, their Docs are a "software as a service" office suite. The same documents one can create with an installed office suite can be created in their cloud for free.

Documents can be shared and edited by multiple users simultaneously. Google Docs is one of many cloud computing document-sharing services. The majority of them require user fees, whereas Google Docs has none.

Google's Chrome laptop will be out this summer. Acer and Samsung will be the first to have the Cloud-based laptops. The operating system, in the Chrome browser with all apps and storage, will be on the cloud. You can switch computers and log onto your account to continue working.

If you lose your laptop, you can still access your stuff by logging on and recovering your docs with another computer. They are reportedly to be in the $300 range.

Sales of tablet PCs like the iPad and book-readers like Kindle and Nook are on the rise.

More computers are being sold with Linux, a free alternative operating system. In a bad economy, no one wants to spend money if they don't have to.

No matter what type of computer you will be using, chances are it will have some type of solid state hard drive in it (like the flash memory in your digital camera or your USB storage device). Conventional drives have moving parts; these don't.

Already, hybrid drives are in some of today's computers; part conventional, part solid state. They will be more apparent in the near-future.

A new kind of memory, ultra-rapid, non-volatile read-write magnetic memory, will also soon be in computers. They are supposed to be much faster and consume less power than what we use today. Although magnetic, it has no moving parts. Researchers say it should be in devices in 3-5 years.

Processors that began as a unit will go from dual to quad-core and be faster still.

If you look around, you'll realize computers, in one form or another, are ubiquitous. They are everywhere, not just in our desk and laptops. They're in our phones, cameras, televisions, stereos, thermostats, watches, kitchen and laundry appliances and even on our pets.

As microchips grow smaller and cheaper, they will appear in more and more devices.

Mobile computing is becoming easier as cellphones get smarter. While some PCs are getting more like phones, more phones are getting like PCs. Many connect to the Internet for web browsing and email. With the abundance of apps available, anything done on a PC can now be done on a smartphone.

Each phone company has its own operating system, making it confusing for the consumer. Perhaps one day Android, Apple, Windows Mobile, Palm and Symbian will merge to one ... nah.

Your smartphone will soon be used as a payment mechanism. According to Google, they along with Verizon, ATT, Sprint and T-Mobile, are building Google Wallet, a payment service that would let users buy goods from various vendors by scanning their mobile phones instead of a credit card. Their service should debut this year.

Another company offers Card Case, a feature within its app that also allows customers to purchase things without having to swipe a card. You open a tab in the app, say your name during checkout and are sent a text message receipt. See it at squareup.com.

They also offer a device for mobile merchants that will allow you to swipe a credit card. The free device will attach to most phones' audio ports. Their rates are 2.75 percent, which is not bad.

It's hard to keep up. The 1 terabyte (1,000 gigabyte) storage device you may have today is 50,000 times the size of the 20 megabyte hard drive from a 386-SX computer of 1988.

Even though Moore's Law states that computing power doubles approximately every 18 months, Murphy's Law says that just when you get to the point where you really understand your computer, it's probably obsolete.

Technologically it's been a great ride, full of thrills and breath-taking moments, even if the tickets have been expensive at times. I'm not always first in line for the next ride, but I always look forward to it.

Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly on the Business page and on gainesvilletimes.com.

Free Apps for your computer

Computer Care: Free apps can make your computer run smarter, better

By Arthur Glazer
glazer.tech@gmail.com


POSTED: May 14, 2011 12:30 a.m.

Over the past few years, I've advised you to update your operating system, renew your anti-virus, run a malware scan and defrag your hard drive. Not exactly a walk in the park, but necessary nonetheless.

Well it's time again for some system upkeep. Call it spring cleaning or consider it computer maintenance, but to ease the pain, I have some free apps for you. Some you may have seen before; some are new versions and some are new.

I am an appaholic. I'm always looking for programs to make my computing experience easier, faster and more enjoyable. But for every good program I find on the Internet, I find 10 bad ones. Usually, I end up uninstalling more than I keep.

Let's start with how Windows starts: with the boot process. I discovered a utility that is still in beta and released to the public for free. Soluto is an app that not only monitors the boot process, but advises what is necessary for the system and what is not. It allows you to remove it from the boot or delay when it runs. It is easy to use and can cut your boot time in half, depending on how much junk is in your startup folder. I cut about 30 seconds off of my boot time with Soluto. It's a keeper.

Advanced System Care 4.0 from the folks at Iobit has been around for a while, but the release of the enhanced new version boasts a new interface. It's now split into two separate programs; one for the quick fix and the other for a deep scan. For a free utility, it has lots of bells and whistles. Some new ones include right-click options for the recycle bin and a comprehensive uninstaller. It is worth the update.

Iobit also has a good free malware app called Security 360. It too, has many tools and in conjunction with a good anti-virus utility, will help keep your computer running smoothly.

There are a few good free anti-virus apps, two of which are Avast and AVG. I choose the latter only because it also offers a good utility to fix any major issues that may arise. Once discovered, it will allow you to fix the system once for free or they will sell you the program for unlimited use.

AVG does have a scheduler; the Iobit free apps do not.
Chrome by Google is still my favorite browser. I have never been an Internet Explorer fan and although I used to like Firefox, the new version is a bit cluttered and confusing. Chrome is fast and has just enough tools to make it a great browser.

Just like having two cars in your garage, I advise keeping two browsers on your system. Eventually, one will fail to get you somewhere. That's when it's time to back the other one out and take it for a spin on the Internet.

Ashampoo has some good free tools; all you need to do is register with them. Sure, it will yield some spam, but the quality of the apps makes it worth it. I like its CD and DVD burner. It offers many choices including data, music and video burning, as well as a disk copy option. See the website for a list of what they have to offer.

For comprehensive defragmentation, I like two apps. Iobit has Smart Defrag and Aulogics has Disk Defrag.
Malwarebytes has been a long-time favorite of mine. It's a great, free utility for finding rogue programs on your system.

Another old timer is Ccleaner. It will cleanse your computer of junk files, assist with cookies and keep your registry in order.

A new app I came across recently is FCleaner. It looks for junk files, has an uninstaller, a startup manager and gives access to Windows system tools. It works quickly and is easy to use.

Also new to me is Word Web, a thesaurus and dictionary for Windows. It can look up words from any program. It also includes pronunciations and usage examples.

For those who may not realize the difference between update and upgrade: Updates are free. Upgrades are usually an enhanced version of the program for a price.

Remember to turn off your AV program when installing any software and to turn off System Restore when scanning for viruses.

Keep your eyes open, know your sources and be safe online. Remember, all downloads are free. That doesn't make them free programs.

Keep in mind that most free apps lack two things: Support and a scheduler. But hey, they're free. Most good programs are intuitive; you can figure out how to use them. As far as a scheduler, well you'll need to remember to click the scan button when there is an issue.

If you want support and have scans run automatically, you'll need to shell out some bucks for the privilege.
Still, you can save a bundle as well your system by using the right apps.

Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly on the Business page and on gainesvilletimes.com.