Help

Computer Help

This page is to help you with basic computing and security. If you read and follow the instructions your computer should run as it was designed. These tips are free, most are common maintenance and tweaks. Use this information at your own risk. If you READ and follow the directions you should not have any problems. The links provided are for free security programs to help reduce the costs of computing.

Windows Updates

Microsoft operating systems are used by most computers world wide. Because of this it is the main target for hackers and virus writers. By keeping your computer up to date you can avoid many problems. Windows comes with a link loaded on your computer to take you to the web site provided by Microsoft for updates. Direction are as follows:( >) this arrow is used to show you the next step to go to, Example: (Click) Start>All Programs>Windows Updates. This is a link to the Windows Update Web site. Follow the directions, download and install all critical updates. Other updates my be available you need to read though them and decide for yourself if you want them. You can set Windows to Auto update.

Click on this link AUTO UPDATES to learn how to set auto update.

Firewall

Cable, digital subscriber line(DSL) and dial-up Internet access are susceptible to hackers. The best way to protect yourself is to install a firewall. Some firewall's are hardware-based, they're actual boxes (routers) you purchase and hook up to your PC. Software firewall's are another alternative.

Zone Alarm, from Zone Labs, is such a creature. It's relatively simple, very effective, and free for personal or nonprofit use. Zone Alarm effectively bricks up your electronic back door to prevent unauthorized access. It also ensures that you can safely engage in all your normal online activities, including e-mail, chat, software updates, and of course, the all-important automatic downloading of CD track listings for your media player.

Once the file is fully downloaded, run the setup program to install your firewall. The first dialog box you'll see asks for your name, company name, and e-mail address. I know, I know: Registering a product is like reading a manual--nobody wants to do it. Well, don't be a goof. Make sure you do register, and put something in each field--even if it's none in the company field. Give Zone Labs a real e-mail address (the company says it won't share it with any outside party). That way, Zone Labs can keep you informed of updates and strategies that may help you to prevent future attacks. That's an arrangement that makes sense.

To a certain extent, that's all you need to do. After you've installed Zone Alarm, it runs whenever you start up Windows. It goes into action every time you connect to the Internet, and it protects your system the whole time, appearing as a small square icon in your task bar's system tray, next to the clock. If you are a beginner say so! Do the setup slowly and read, read, read the information it provides.

To download Zone Alarm free version click here: Zone Alarm For Vista Zone Alarm

Anti-Virus

Virus scanners operate by searching your hard drive(s) for files which might be infected by a virus. This method is never 100% secure, since only known viruses (or known virus patterns) are detected. That is why you update your anti-virus often. If an infection has been detected in a certain file, the virus scanner might be able to clean the file, but very often this is not the case. In that case, you can try another scanner to clean the file, you can try to replace the file or - as a last resort - delete it.
However, if many important operating system files are affected, it might be the best solution to reformat the hard drive and install the operating system from scratch. So always keep you important files backed upped on a CD or floppy or another external hard drive.
There are even viruses that can not be cleaned by mere hard drive reformatting. The so-called boot-viruses infect the boot-sector of disks, and will very often not be removed by simply reformatting the hard drive. In this case you will need to repair the boot-sector. Your first line of defense is a firewall, next is an updated anti virus program. There are many anti-virus programs, they can cost you lots of $$$. I use a free anti-vi rue program from Gibson Research Corps. I've used it for a number of years, found it very user friendly. It can be set to auto update, or you can check for updates at anytime. You must register to get the download and have a valid email to receive the password to install it. Spam blockers may stop the email sent so disable it or allow the email address on the registration page.

To Get AVG click here: AVG anti-virus and anti-spyware

Easy Step by Step Computer Tasks

My wife wrote this little book to help friends and family with tasks on there computer. Firewall and anti-virus are repeated here but we think they are the most important items for surfing the web. You can read by clicking here: Computer Tasks

Links to Helpful Web Sites

All links are safe to use or download programs.

To run a full systems check: PCPitstop

Free Microsoft Security Scan: SCAN NOW

Check your connection upload and download: Speed Test

To Scan your system online for viruses: Trend Micro

If you have Children using the internet you need to read this: Cyber Tips

Microsoft has released "FREE" software for safe surfing for children:The Shared Computer Toolkit

Digital photos organizing program "Free Download"Picasa

Replacement Program For Paint Shop Pro 8 and Lower Paint.Net

Safe Blogging: How to run a Blog and to protect yourself. Safe Blogging

GCFLearnFree.org is passionate about learning.