Frequently Asked Questions
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My computer is running slow what steps can I do to fix it?
Answers:
Check hard disk drive space
Run Defrag to help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible order.
Clear Temporary Files
Clear Temporary Internet Files
Clear Cookies
Run an Anti Virus Check
Run a Spyware Check
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What is a computer virus?
Answer:
A computer virus is a software program that has been intentionally created to cause a user grief, spread to other computers, or destroy data on an individual's computer. To help prevent a computer from becoming infected by a virus, software developers have developed anti-virus programs that stay active on the computer helping to protect it. It is important to realize that many computers do not come pre-loaded with these already installed and that if computers do come with these programs, the programs may expire within 90 days.
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Does Windows come with a virus protection program?
Answer:
All versions of Microsoft Windows do not come pre-installed with a virus protection program. This includes: Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows 2003.
Early versions of Windows (Windows 3.11) did include a very basic virus protection program. However, this program is no longer updated and is considered out-of-date and should not be used to protect your computer against viruses today.
Finally, some computer manufacturers that include bundled software with their computers often include a virus protection program with their bundled software. Although these are often good solutions to help keeping your computer protected against viruses make sure it is not simply a trial program. Many manufactures only include a trial of the virus scanner, which means the program stops working after 30 days.
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Do Macs get viruses?
Answer:
It is possible for an Apple Macintosh to get a virus, so the short answer to the question is "Yes". However, the likelihood of an Apple Macintosh user getting a virus when compared to a Microsoft Windows user is very little to none. In fact, many of the Apple Macintosh users don't even run an anti-virus protection program.
Below are some of the reasons why Apple Macintosh computers do not have as many viruses as Microsoft Windows.
Newer Macintosh operating systems, such as the Mac OS X, is built on the Unix kernel, which is one of the oldest and most secure operating systems available.
Microsoft Windows is used by a lot more users. Because more users use Microsoft Windows, it is a lot better of a target than Apple Macintosh computers.
Most of the virus writers are familiar with the IBM platform and Microsoft Windows, and therefore are only going to be able to create a virus for that platform.
Many of the tools and scripts used to help users create viruses or other malware are designed for Microsoft Windows
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Can I get a virus when I read my e-mail?
Answer:
Simply reading an e-mail message will not infect your computer with a virus or other malware. Computer viruses, trojans, and other malware infects your computer when an e-mail attachment is ran from an e-mail.
If while reading an e-mail you double-click, run, and/or save any attachment and that attachment is infected with a virus your computer will then become infected.
Even if you have no intentions of running or opening attachments that are sent to you through e-mail we still strongly suggest all users have an anti-virus protection program on their computer.
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Is my computer upgradeable to Windows Vista?
If it ain't broke don't fix it, but for those of you that just have to have the latest, Microsoft has a downloadable program that will check your system out for you.
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor
Want to see if your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista? Just download, install, and run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.
This small software tool will scan your computer and create an easy-to-understand report of all known system, device, and program compatibility issues, and recommend ways to resolve them. Upgrade Advisor can also help you choose the edition of Windows Vista that best fits the way you want to use your computer.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx
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How can I cut down on all that junk email that I get?
SPAM and how to control it...
Check with your Internet provider, most provide free tools or services to deal with SPAM.
Check your Email program for built in settings to help filter all that junk.
If your Internet provider doesn't provide the tools or you find them lacking you can sign up for a free Email address from numerous services that offer spam filtering along with the bonus of checking your Email from any Internet computer. Hotmail, Yahoo mail and Gmail from Google are just some examples.
Those are the FREE ways to control SPAM. You can also pay for a software solution or a filtering service.
There are numerous software programs that you can buy. They download the messages and then filter them on your machine so that your in-box contains only valid messages. Check your local stores for such products and check their websites for trial versions and reviews. Most are good for a year at which time you have to renew your subscription.
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