Computer problems, ISP support services, Viruses, spyware and what else..
Computer problems and who eventually does not have them? Caused by viruses, spyware, malware, faulty computer equipment, or corrupted software, even a faulty ISP services. So where do you start? Note and write down what the symptoms are firstly. http://postedat.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/microsoft-fix-it-even-improve-performance-safety-and-security-in-internet-explorer/
Secondly start with the security software.
Lately supposedly the reason many even Vista personal computers seem to freeze up is that some people have not updated all of their software, especially their Adobe software, that Microsoft explorer also uses such as http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ http://get.adobe.com/reader/ http://get.adobe.com/air/
But do note that if you are having a continual problem with your computer, ISP, web access, spyware, or whatever, and are looking for a quick, simple, easy fix, solution in 5 minutes.. you can generally go back to sleep and dream on.. first turn off the alarm buzzer as well..
So, what is a good virus protection to use?
Again… as we learn … that there is no one program that gives 100% protection against viruses and malwares. ** Not all computer problems are caused by viruses and malware. But first and foremost, do immediately get some computer protection. This includes anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, a firewall, anti-bot software and overall malware protection. One other way to help prevent spyware and other unwanted software is to make sure all your software is updated often too.
I am a pretty secure guy when it comes to using and maintaining my computer and so here are my suggestions that I rely on for a pretty trouble free computer for my Windows PC Keep your system up to date – visit http://www.windowsupdate.com to run a scan. It’ll step you through it.
Get Windows defender – head to www.windowsdefender.com to grab this. It’s free and is from Microsoft. It does a pretty decent job of preventing spyware from entering your machine. Also, I love it for the feature of removing programs that start when your computer starts up . . .
Get an Anti Virus software – Certain anti-virus software could bog down your machine However, I’m using Avast and it’s doing great, it’s effective. And, best of all, it has a free version. Now, to find from their website you head to www.download.com and search for Avast
On top of that since I found not one security software does everything still, periodically I also use the freeware Ad-Aware 2008 and/or Spybot – Search & Destroy and they are easily obtained on the same site www.download.com and also do See all of the most popular downloads
For anti-spyware I would recommend Ad-Aware 2008 or Spybot – Search & Destroy. Simple enough. Install and update although I wouldn’t recommend the extra features (teatimer and whatever the other one is) because they can get kind of annoying.
Also do take a look at Free: Comodo Internet Security Suite Its main program window presents the three major defense components: Antivirus, Firewall, and Defense+. Configuration options are plentiful on all three. The virus scanner supports automatic updates, flexible scheduling, multiple scanning profiles, excluded directories and files, and detailed logging. As you’d expect, the firewall offers a myriad of rule and configuration options. Granting and revoking trust from applications, ports, and networks is a clear, simple process. Novice users will either want to leave the default settings alone or spend some time reading the detailed (and user-friendly) help files, as a couple of wrong clicks can quickly create networking headaches. An active connections screen is also available and it presents information similar to Sysinternals’ TCPview, providing insight as to which applications are transmitting or receiving data. To download CIS, please visit: http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/download_cis.html
I do urge you to update your operating systems, security software, updates regularly, even at least every other day, and do also perform virus & spyware scans frequently. The question is not if you will get a virus or spyware, but rather when?
As for other security recommendations, download and do use Mozilla Firefox. It is a faster, more secure, and easier to use. I would also recommend installing addons called Ad Block Plus and Fasterfox. Mozilla Firefox Install note: by default, some software may or will install a toolbar and/or also change your home page. Pay attention to the install screens, and deselect them if you’re not interested.
Other notes:
– GOM is most favorite media player, cause it lets me readily access so many options too. GOM Media Player Play back video files in most of the popular video formats. http://www.gomlab.com/eng/
-Resolving the Windows Update 0×8007043b Error. Windows Update is a service provided by Microsoft for users of Microsoft Windows which provides updates for the operating system and its installed components is also not error proof, sometimes things can go wrong and errors occur. This article on the Windows Update 0×8007043b Error should help you fix the problem: http://www.updatexp.com/0×8007043b.html
– A Windows “Updater” Alternative… Microsoft sends out the monthly operating system updates and/or the updates for Microsoft Office (if you have it installed); Or if your computer crashes, you do a complete restore and now you have to download all of the updates all over again (very time consuming). Another scenario is that your Windows updates become corrupted and the updater is not working properly or one of the updates from Microsoft is basically dead in the water… Well there is a solution that may assist you in each of the scenarios. It is called “AutoPatcher“… this is “techie” software and I Really it is not that hard to do… Description of AutoPatcher from the website: What is AutoPatcher? AutoPatcher could be described as an offline Windows Update. AutoPatcher provides an interface to a large collection of updates, common applications and registry tweaks, that can be easily and quickly applied to your computer system. What are the advantages of AutoPatcher over Windows Update? The main advantage is that you just have to do one download in order to have all the patches and add-ons, such as Sun Java, MSN Messenger 7.x and Windows Media Player 10. If you have many computers or if you format your computer frequently, it saves both time and bandwidth. With AutoPatcher, you can install critical patches offline, You can also come in handy when updating a friends PC, if he/she can’t access the Internet (or uses a narrowband connection). AutoPatcher – http://www.autopatcher.com/
And yes even the macs are very easy to hack. Just look at this list is known exploits http://www.milw0rm.com/platforms/osX
– As for computer cleaning software I would recommend CCleaner. CCleaner Clean up junk files and invalid Registry entries. Just click “Run cleaner” and “Scan registry for issues” (blue square) and that should clean out most of it. Also, running disk cleanup and disk defragmentor should speed up your computer significantly (Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools). http://www.ccleaner.com/download
– As for computer cleaning software I would recommend CCleaner. CCleaner Clean up junk files and invalid Registry entries. Just click “Run cleaner” and “Scan registry for issues” (blue square) and that should clean out most of it. Also, running disk cleanup and disk defragmentor should speed up your computer significantly (Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools). http://www.ccleaner.com/download
– DriverMax Extract and back up your Windows drivers and reinstall them easily after a new Windows setup.Now that you have some of the knowledge you need to know. Help others now too. Pass it on http://www.drivermax.com/download.htm
– uTorrent Download torrent files to your PC. Be still wary of popular “free” music, free files and all of the free movie file-sharing programs, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged associated with those programs. http://www.utorrent.com/download.php a free torrent download software
– uTorrent Download torrent files to your PC. Be still wary of popular “free” music, free files and all of the free movie file-sharing programs, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged associated with those programs. http://www.utorrent.com/download.php a free torrent download software
– Christian Music torrents http://www.mininova.org/sub/57
– Free great TV guide http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/
– Install two web browsers at least, Internet explorer and Firefox, and if you have web page connectivity problem check it with both of them first. http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
– But Do see More great software http://www.snapfiles.com/
– Install two web browsers at least, Internet explorer and Firefox, and if you have web page connectivity problem check it with both of them first. http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
– But Do see More great software http://www.snapfiles.com/
Your Windows PC – Best Practices Here are some more basic tips on keeping your computing experience as trouble-free as possible.
1. Backup your files/information monthly at least
2. Use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer for web browsing
3. Use a reliable web based email like Gmail, so you have a backup of your emails online as well as onsite… you can set up POP access or access via web browser.
4. Don’t download software from unknown sites
5. Don’t use peer-to-peer software like Limewire; if you must use them, remember: caveat emptor
6. Ensure MS Windows is updated
7. Ensure MS Office is updated if equipped
8. Ensure the Windows Firewall is enabled
9. Use a hardware firewall like a router if possible
10. Don’t leave a wireless network unsecured/unencrypted
11. Ensure antivirus software is installed and updated
12. Ensure antispyware software is installed, updated and run periodically
13. Defragment hard drive monthly
14. Disable unused/unnecessary programs from startup in MSCONFIG
15. Use Google Desktop Search for more efficient document retrieval and processing
16. Keep all software disks that came with the computer and any peripherals; especially any software installation keys
17. Don’t turn off your computer by unplugging it
– Plus avoid emails from people you don’t know.
The PC World’s and other’s quick fixes for your worst security nightmares that will happen likely if you do nothing about it..
Follow all of these simple tips to reduce your own Computer vulnerability.
Hackers tend to exploit known security holes that many users haven’t bothered to patch even by relying on the sad propensity of the millions of computer users who had failed to do things they’ve been told over and over to do,, or done what they have been told not to do.. And you don’t have to be a Computer Guru to avoid these common computer attacks either. Implement a few simple fixes, and for a start you’ll avoid most of the bad stuff out there.
1: Do get and install adequate computer firewall protection immediately
2: Did you listen to the so called experts, and Have you wrongfully turned off the automatic updates for Windows and other programs on the rationale that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?” Dream on in reality tfor the still he unpatched software gives hackers the perfect opportunity to do exploit still your computer by launching a series of probes against your PC in search of just one unpatched vulnerability that a probe can exploit. If it finds one, you really better hope your insteleld, adequate antivirus program catches the ensuing attack. Otherwise you likely won’t even notice anything amiss as it infects your system until it is too late, and your computer slows down, acts funny now instead. Hackers like to find the holes es in seemingly innocuous applications such as QuickTime and WinZip as well as in Windows and Internet Explorer or whatever. So do get and do turn on the automatic update features for any and all software that offers the service–it’s your quickest and easiest option for getting patches.
3: Fix all of the potentical security Holes now and Get the free software updater http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/ at http://www.filehippo.com/
4: No browser, software completely eliminates the risk of being hacked, damages, but do regualry stay update with the updates ..
5: Check your downloads at http://www.virustotal.com/ Virustotal is a service that analyzes suspicious files and facilitates the quick detection of viruses, worms, trojans, and all kinds of malware detected by antivirus engines. More information…You can easily upload any file (up to 10MB) to the site and have it scanned by a whopping 35 different antivirus engines, including ones from Kaspersky, McAfee, and Symantec. A report tells you what each engine thought about your file. the lack of warnings doesn’t guarantee a file is safe, but it does give you pretty good odds. Use a good virsu chekcer Virus to check every e-mail attachment and download you’re not 100 percent sure about, and you’ll likleyt avoid hcaker’s induced catshrophes. Do also download the free VirusTotal Uploader. Once you’ve installed the utility, just right-click a file, and you’ll see an option (under Send To) to upload it to the VirusTotal site.
6: Rescue Your main mail Inbox From Spam. Use as well disposable e-mail addresses. Such an address is something you create every time you encounter an online shopping site, forum, or other service that requires you to enter an e-mail address. If that address gets flooded with spam, you can terminate it.
That’s a better system than the alternative, creating a multiple of free Web mail such as Gmail , Yahoo Web mail and a good, free service is available from http://www.spamgourmet.com/ a service that’s quick and easy to set up and use; it allows you to create disposable addresses on-the-fly that will forward e-mail messages to your regular address next.
That’s a better system than the alternative, creating a multiple of free Web mail such as Gmail , Yahoo Web mail and a good, free service is available from http://www.spamgourmet.com/ a service that’s quick and easy to set up and use; it allows you to create disposable addresses on-the-fly that will forward e-mail messages to your regular address next.
Fix 7: Develop an Antiphishing Habit The best approach, and the most straightforward, is never to click a link in any e-mail message to access your financial accounts. Instead, always type the URL or use a bookmark. That one habit will protect you from almost every phishing attack.
Tthe latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Opera they All have built-in features to block known phishing sites ( Avoid Safari, which lacks
any built-in antiphishing protection.
any built-in antiphishing protection.
8: Make Your Passwords Secure–And Easy to Remember Use at least both letters and numbers for a start
9: Do not hesitate to Get Extra Cleaning Help for Stubborn Infections.
Sometimes even the best antivirus program misses an infection. And once a virus or Trojan horse gets in, removing it can be incredibly tough. If you suspect some nasty got past your defenses, then it’s time to bring in extra help. Many antivirus makers offer free and easy online scans through your Web browser.
Trend Micro HouseCall: Will detect and remove malware; works with both IE
and Firefox.
BitDefender Online Scanner: Detects and removes malware; requires IE.
Kaspersky Online Scanner: Detects malware, but doesn’t remove it; works with
IE and Firefox.
F-Secure Online Virus Scanner: Detects and removes malware; requires IE.
ESET Online Scanner: Detects and removes malware; requires IE.
and Firefox.
BitDefender Online Scanner: Detects and removes malware; requires IE.
Kaspersky Online Scanner: Detects malware, but doesn’t remove it; works with
IE and Firefox.
F-Secure Online Virus Scanner: Detects and removes malware; requires IE.
ESET Online Scanner: Detects and removes malware; requires IE.
Open the computer and run it open after cleaning out all dust bunnies. Be careful when you clean; use compressed air and be gentle. Observe all fans (overheating will cause system freezing and/or crashing). This includes the fan on your video card if you have one. Obviously you can’t do this with a laptop, but you can hear if the fan is running and feel if the laptop is getting too hot. For a desktop, without touching anything, hold your hand close to the inside of the case and feel how hot things are getting.
Test the RAM – I like Memtest 86+ from http://www.memtest.org . Obviously, you have to get the program from a working machine. You will either download the precompiled Windows binary to make a bootable floppy or the .iso to make a bootable CD. If you want to use the latter, you’ll need to have third-party burning software on the machine where you download the file and burn as an image, not as data. In either case, boot with the media you made. The test will run immediately. Let the test run for an hour or two unless errors are seen immediately. If you get any errors, replace the RAM. It is extremely important that you get RAM that is compatible with your motherboard (and the RAM already in the machine). Crucial Technology has a Memory Selection Tool on their website.
Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the drive manufacturer. If you aren’t sure what drive you have or can’t find a utility for it, Seagate’s SeaTools for DOScan test non-Seagate drives. Download the file and make a bootable floppy or CD with it. You need third-party burning software and to burn as an image, not as data. Boot with the media you created and do a thorough test. If the drive has physical errors, replace it. http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools
The power supply may be going bad or be inadequate for the devices you have in the system. The adequacy issue doesn’t really apply to a laptop, although of course the power supply can be faulty. For a desktop, test by swapping out the PSU for a known-working one. If you have one of the higher-end video cards that requires a separate power supply connector, make sure it is in place.
Test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from http://www.tufftest.com or the Ultimate Boot CD. Sometimes this is useful, and sometimes it isn’t.
Testing hardware failures usually involved swapping out suspected parts with known-good parts. If you can’t do the testing yourself and/or are uncomfortable opening your computer, take the machine to a reliable professional computer repair shop. Check with others as to who is reliable and who is not first too. . Have all your data backed up before you take the machine into a shop. “
Here is an unbeleiveable tip that now I have have used twice.. I had computer problems that were periodic.. the the computers would not boot up next.. I replaced hard drives, cables and what ever.. Finally I next sprayed the mother board with a wd-40 lubricant spray very llightly.. and it solved the problem.. I guess there was a contact problem some where.
Diagnosing your internet connectivity issues
Testing your ISP- Understanding Your Internet Connection
PING TEST- CONTINUAL PING TEST-TRACE ROUTE TEST If you question the speed or reliability of your ISP, your Internet connection please run the following Internet connectivity tests. These two tests are a great way to see how you are connecting to the servers.
Now what about also still testing the reliability of your ISP, your Internet service provider.. with a speed tests http://www.acanac.ca/speedtest/ which still alone are not an adequate solution here too. So what is? Old fashion Hard work, reading, evaluating, talking to others is often required still too. And often much more..
*You may need to run a software program as an administrator To run a security software or any , other program as an administrator, go to the software short cut, Right click on it, got to the properties, Go to the Advanced box, click on it, And select Run as Administrator, save the settings
Resolving Cable, Broadband Internet Connection Problems in Windows Vista “If the computer is still having issues connecting to the Internet and the network test passes or repairs the connection, it is possible that the service is down, the Internet connection software that was provided by the ISP is not configured correctly. Call the support phone number for the ISP for help with configuring the settings in Windows and the ISP software. Be sure to provide the ISP with the information from the network diagnostics utility.” http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&docname=c00829717&dlc=en
Internet Explorer 7 Freezes Or Crashes Frequently In Windows Vista.
If you find that your IE 7 Freezing or Crashing frequently in Windows Vista, here are some trouble-shooting steps you may try:
A – Run your anti-virus and an anti-spyware like Spybot, to check for malware infections.
B- Clear Cache. Or else run your Junk Cleaner or CCleaner.
In IE 7, click Tools > Internet options > Security > Reset all zones to Default level
C- If still you find your IE7 giving problems, close it and run IE (No Add-ons)
This opens up the browser without loading any add-ons, toolbars or plug-ins.
If you find that your IE 7 Freezing or Crashing frequently in Windows Vista, here are some trouble-shooting steps you may try:
A – Run your anti-virus and an anti-spyware like Spybot, to check for malware infections.
B- Clear Cache. Or else run your Junk Cleaner or CCleaner.
In IE 7, click Tools > Internet options > Security > Reset all zones to Default level
C- If still you find your IE7 giving problems, close it and run IE (No Add-ons)
This opens up the browser without loading any add-ons, toolbars or plug-ins.
If you find it running OK, then the problem is most probably caused by an add on.
In such a case then you have two options :
1) use the manage Add-ons tool, and disable each one after the other to find out which one is causing the problem.
2) Else in Internet Options, go to Advanced Tab and click on Reset tab. Restart IE. This step deletes all temp files, disables any add-ons, plug-ins, toolbars and also resets all changed settings to default. Although this is a quick-fix, you will have to re-install the add-ons. The settings which are affected by this are mentioned here.
Do see also Tips n Tricks Internet Explorer http://cooltipsntricks.blogspot.com
A: How do I increase the number of simultaneous downloads Internet Explorer will allow?
B: I want to take a screenshot of a video in Windows Movie Maker without getting just a black screen?
C: I’m a technician, and I hate the “Unsigned Driver Warnings” XP presents to me when I’m installing some drivers … how do I get rid of these warnings?
D: Internet Explorer 7 doesn’t allow you to download more than 2 files at a time.
http://cooltipsntricks.blogspot.com/2007/11/increase-number-of-simultaneous.html
http://cooltipsntricks.blogspot.com/2007/11/increase-number-of-simultaneous.html
About My own ISP problems
– I tend to be a heavy, systematic, daily user, and I have many different blog sites, about 16 at least.. wordpress.com, windows live, multiply.com , windows group, etc.,
Recently I had problems with my internet connection for a whole week, and I get different advice from the so called experts to last a life time too.. Trouble shooting problems with computers can be a complex undertaking caused by a very small unresolved problem even.
-I tend to deal often with the same sites regularly, daily, I do try to access and post on my many of blogs daily, or weekly.. posting or accessing many of my own blogs has become difficult,
-the connectivity problem is generally a more consistent one. meaning it last for days, weeks and not a periodic one meaning where it fluctuates from day to day, or site to site
– The problem is not my Internet download, internet speed, I am happy with the download speeds presently
I also do know that different people will speak on the subject from the degree of their level of expertise, ignorance and actual knowledge.
-Some people said it was my firewall, or my anti virus security causing the problem.. but when I had removed both I still had the problem.
-Some people said it sounded like a virus.. well I checked my computer with 5 separate anytime virus, antispyware software.. no problem, clean bill of health
-Some people say it sounds like a computer, operating system problem. I used 3 different computers with different software, each with different operating systems and got the same problem. It is not the cache, hard disk, Vista, XP problem for sure. I have a new HP high speed computer and it had the same problem that my Dell windows 98, etc., did, and also my high speed Clone XP did too
-Some people said it was related to windows upgrade, but there has not being any direct proof of that.– Hey yesterday I could not even access http://www.acanac.com/support/
Like I have said before.. I learned long time ago just cause some one has a degree, a title, does not mean I have to believe his word, or believe that if he has a degree he has any professional competency now too. That includes all kind of professionals now too. My dad pays hundreds of dollars for a new set of glasses, and had to wait a month to get them, wore them for a month, and he still could not see.. when I went to see the optometrist he next had said he had done his best. Crap I said, my father did not pay him to do his best but only paid him to do professional job and I next demanded my father’s full money back and we next got it. We went immediately to another competitive optometrist next door and I got a new pair of glasses at half the price in one hour and they worked well, and my dad was happy.. so much for the so called professional.
How come my access to my internet site is not continually reliable? The internet, computer and the tech support services, are like one big jig saw puzzle, leave out some pieces and the puzzle is not pretty any more. Dealing with others can be a bore.. I cannot believe it I have had 10 bell technicians come to fix my internet problems, and none of them seem to know how to use a computer, One Bell tech had even asked me to give him some instructions on how to use his windows 98 laptop. One persons tells me to put it on, the other one next says take it off.. includes the local network connection configuration setup internet version protocol version 4 Preferred and alternate DNS . As long as we deal with any others things will never be perfect.
Me being Unable to connect to the internet from my home.. A Bell technician finally after 2 years showed up today at my home at 1:30 PM at Acanac’s suggestion and he reduced my internet, modem speed from 10 megs to 5 megs.. because he thinks the Acanac modem is the problem, it does not want to accept the 10 meg causing the recent past internet connectivity problem.. Somehow I doubted it .. there also had to be other factors elsewhere? Everything works great so far, web page connectivity and Utorrent download, so how can I complain, and let’s hope it lasts that way.. But I also suspect the peak line demands, capping, and line balance is part of the problem. The problem came back. I am still having problems to access my internet sites even http://thenonconformer.wordpress.com/ and also to access my email, The next morning at 10 am I saw 2 Bell trucks, and two employees working at the closet Bell telephone junction box about 10 yards from my home near my home, and I bluntly went and asked them if they were responsible for making my internet ineffective, but it appears they next did not solve my internet problems. Now do tell the Bell to fix the problem. I have often rightfully said it that what Bell fixes on one hand the other hand makes it worse next. Reality.
Many times logging off your Internet service provider and then back on will resolve the problem. If you continually have a problem, you may want to have your line tested for noise or dropped packets by your ISP or you may want to get a different Internet service provider. http://www.mastertrader.com/education/intconn.asp
Here is what I know for sure from my last two years of experiences in dealing with Bell..
-If I make enough noise, somehow next the bell tech fixes the problem for one week at least.. and next it comes back it seems.. someone has asked me if this was deliberate by Bell the return by Bell, and my reply was not they are generally pretentious incompetence.
-That includes Bell techs who visited my home, Bell support managers I talked to on the phone about 5 different ones, and the many Bell support personal I had talked to only line, by phone, and I had generally followed by email, the results of this action, and copies of them can be found on the web on many sites too. Almost all of Bell tech who came to me did not know how to sue a computer or the software on it, seemed to have very little real computer expertise.. none of them were electrical engineers forma University
-They all tried to say the same basic useless things to me, connection between the computer and the phone jack, line fitter, line connection, modem inadequate, possible other connections to the phone line. I have one phone, one computer, connected to one phone jack. a simple installation. The home connection is not the issue. also they Bell have also replaced 9 modems in one year so for sure it is not the modem as well.
Being a past professional engineer, contracts manager too, I have been ready to look into all the possible problem aspects in detail for the last 12 months too.. including management of Bell and it’s support personnel. It is very Inadequate for sure.
Funny how all my Bell ISP problems eventually got fixed on their own after I made enough noise about it…
Help yourself by now helping others too, pass this and other security tips to them as well.,
** Quite often even if the ISP, Internet Service Provider lies to you and says the internet problems are solely on your computer it can be in fact be rather with the ISP itself, their cable or phone lines still too. As too often is the case with Bell. But anyway next do also test your own computer also
Finally you alone have to take all the responsibility for dealing with the problems and solutions on your computer.
Happy computing, everyone!
Do pass on this page also to others..
http://thenonconformer.tripod.com/
http://canadatoday9.multiply.com/journal/item/4/HOW_TO_DEAL_WITH_MAJOR_COMPLAINTS
– Don’t just download stuff you really don’t know anything about.
– Avoid always going to risky sites (you can probably guess).
-Make sure you use secure passwords. These should be 8+ characters, consisting of numbers, letters and alphanumeric characters. It should also be something more complicated than a name or nickname. And for a few examples would be SkAl2134!$ or S0mT1Ng$%#.
1st Wittness 
thenonconformer
/ November 17, 2008