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F A Q 's
If you have a question you think should be posted, please e-mail me with it and be sure to have the subject line read "FAQ".
Q. My Internet doesn't work anymore. It was working fine yesterday, but now I can't surf the web!!!
A. There are many things that could be the culprit, but the first thing you should do is; turn off your computer[s], unplug the router [if you have one], unplug the cable/DSL modem. The router and/or modem may have an off switch... UNPLUG THEM!!! Walk away for about ten minutes then reconnect them in the reverse order. This will most likely fix the Internet connectivity.
Q. My computer takes forever to start up and then runs very, very slow.
A. Your computer is most likely being attacked by Spyware and/or Viruses. I suggest you click the "FREE DOWNLOADS" button to get the required software to help determine and eliminate any threats. Don't assume that your ISP's security software is taking care of this cause it ain't.
Q. I have AOL or COX Security Suite, but my computer is still running slow.
A. I have found that most "Security Suites" provided by an ISP are ineffective at best.. Remember the ISP's #1 concern is providing you with the Internet, protecting your system is a secondary concern. USE A COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES IN PROTECTION. The "FREE DOWNLOADS" found on my site are very good and the price is right.
Q. What is the difference in RAM memory and Storage memory?
A. You may find at some point that you computer needs more memory. A common mistake is that the user [you] will check the "memory" on the hard drive and have it show that there is 80% free space of memory not being used. The "memory" on the hard drive is not memory at all, it is physical storage space. Think of it as a closet, the bigger the closet, the more junk you can store in it. The "memory" that your computer needs in order to increase speed is known as RAM [Random Access Memory]. This memory is usually a small, long, thin type of microchip that simply pops into a slot on the Motherboard. The more RAM your system has, the faster programs are able to open and run. RAM is only used as a temporary area in which the programs on your system reside as there are needed, the more area [memory] that is available the more efficient the system programs run which can speed things up sometimes dramatically. When the computer is turned off, any information or programs that were utilizing the RAM is cleared completely, which is a good reason to turn it off from time to time.
Q. How can I speed up my computer?
A. The easiest and usually the cheapest way to speed up a system is to increase the system memory [RAM]. RAM comes in different types, sizes and speeds, so first determine which is compatible with your system. Most RAM upgrades are simple and can be done yourself.
Q. How do I find out what type of RAM I have ?
A. Some websites have a simple program that can detect what is currently installed in your system and may be able to give recommendations on what size would be good for an upgrade. It may also be able to inform you of the maximum amount of RAM possible and the number of slots on the motherboard. Try "Crucial.com".
Q. Where can I find computer hardware [RAM, video cards, MoBo's, DVD RW drives, CPU's, etc.] at a discounted price?
A. A good source for almost anything that goes into a computer from the power supply to the case and everything in between is "Newegg.com". This site is pretty user friendly and the "Customer Reviews" are very helpful in deciding which item is right for you. You can shop around, but it's difficult to beat their prices.
Q. What is the difference between spyware and viruses?
A. Viruses are primarily designed for data destruction along with other malicious properties. Spyware can be much more problematic. Spyware doesn't just add hidden programs to your computer that may slow it down to a crawl, but can be detrimental to your personal identity. Many Spyware programs are accessing the files on your hard-drive looking for bank account info, Social Security #'s, Ebay accounts, and passwords for any and all listed here and much, much more. You need to protect yourself.
Q. Some games that I play from off the Internet or other pop-up type windows don't seem to want to open up correctly in a new window and run properly, sometimes the computer just stops and hangs.
A. This one can be many things. First, are you using a program that is supposed to block pop-up's? If so, disable it temporally to see if that helps. Also check the Security settings thru the Tools, Internet options. These settings may have been increased somehow and now need to be reset to a more reasonable level.
Q. How do I know if my computer is "WINDOWS 7" compatible?
A. Microsoft has a "Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor" Program you can download free. After running the program, the Widows 7 advisor will be able to explain to you in detail what if any upgrades you must/should perform on your system before installing the Windows 7 operating system.
Q. My hard-drive is full with MP3's and Vids. How do I increase storage space.
A. The easiest way to increase storage space is to ADD an additional hard-drive. This is pretty simple and can be done in less than an hour. Just make sure you get the correct type of drive. Basically there are two choices, ATA and Serial ATA [SATA]. After you decide which is required, just follow the directions in the box.
Q. My computer crashed and all I can get is the blue screen of death. I have important files on my drive and can't afford to lose them by reloading windows.
A. First of all... BACKUP YOUR DRIVE. But if it's too late for that, try this method and increase storage space at the same time. Buy another hard-drive, disconnect the current drive, connect new drive as the "master" and install windows. Now on the old drive, move the jumper pin to the "slave" setting and reconnect. You should now be able to access the files from the old drive. If the old drive was password protected, this method may not work, so BACKUP YOUR DRIVE.
Q. I have more than one computer in my house and world like to exchange files between them. The sytems don't see each other or they do but still won't allow sharing.
A. A common problem for this is that the firewall you are using hasn't been setup to allow connections in the network [that's it's job]. I recommend checking the manual as each firewall software is different. If NO firewalls are being used, make sure the files or folders are "shared". Usually this is done by right clicking the file/folder and on the popup menu click properties, then share tab and click were necessary.
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