Re: lost the lot

From: shaggysmum (shaggysmum_at_discussions.microsoft.com)
Date: 02/12/05

  • Next message: Geoff A.: "Norton" 
    Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 02:43:04 -0800

    thanx for all your help matt,i have learnt a lot and i have you to thank for
    that.
    i still don't have any sound though because i cannot get anywhere with
    information about e machines,inc imperial revision 0.90,i need the drivers
    for my sound coz they seem to be on the motherboard.
    everywhere i go about e machines they laugh coz i guess they are trying to
    say they are crap.by the way i put an old graphics card in only coz i didnt
    have any good colour before,i guess i need the drivers for that as well.

    "Matt Gibson" wrote:

    > *grin* Glad you've calmed down a bit!
    >
    > Now, let's get you fixed! Do you have internet access?
    >
    > If so, you might want to go to www.belarc.com and download the belarc
    > advisor. That'll help us to figure out what kind of components are in the
    > machine.
    >
    > Matt Gibson - GSEC
    >
    >
    > "shaggysmum" <shaggysmum@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    > news:18DAD90A-E049-4FB6-90C5-0AAC30DD5F5C@microsoft.com...
    > > thanks matt,sorry i sound peed off but i have spent a lot of time on this
    > > and
    > > i feel i am not getting anywhere.
    > > i am trying to sort out a good computer for myself and my kids after going
    > > to college and now i feel and look a complete dickhead because i cannot
    > > get
    > > anywhere.
    > > if my copy of xp pro is not legitimate then again that is not my fault i
    > > would not have bought it if i knew it was dodgy.
    > > i bought the whole computer with a lot of stuff already installed and i am
    > > now paying the price.
    > > naive me.i haven't got a lot of time left on this oh so cruel planet and
    > > was
    > > just trying to sort some things out so at least i did something good.
    > > thank you for your help and good luck with everything.
    > > by the way my real name is mark and you can see me on msn as
    > > themainmullsey
    > > of which in cannot even access that anymore because my id was stolen. i
    > > cannot sign in anymore under that name.
    > > i did try to get some help but to no avail and that is why i sound
    > > angry,sorry if i offended you or anyone else.cheers mate. mark
    > >
    > > "Matt Gibson" wrote:
    > >
    > >> So..
    > >>
    > >> A) You didn't have a legit copy of XP Pro
    > >>
    > >> B) You can't figure things out.
    > >>
    > >> This is somehow Microsoft's problem?
    > >>
    > >> Certain chipsets still need drivers to be installed manually. Your
    > >> motherboard (since it's more than likely onboard graphics) will come with
    > >> a
    > >> driver CD, or you should be able to go to intel's website to download
    > >> drivers.
    > >>
    > >> Now that you're back up, you should be able to reload your backups. If
    > >> your
    > >> drive isn't regconizing them, then there's either a problem with the
    > >> backups
    > >> (you DID test your backups right?), or you have a software problem (which
    > >> I
    > >> doubt, since you just reformatted), or you have a hardware problem.
    > >>
    > >> Get a "hardware" firewall (Linksys, Dlink, SMB...) and use that along
    > >> with
    > >> zone alarm.
    > >>
    > >> Make sure you're up to date on your windows patches, and TEST your
    > >> backups!
    > >>
    > >> Matt Gibson - GSEC
    > >>
    > >>
    > >>
    > >>
    > >> "shaggysmum" <shaggysmum@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
    > >> news:8F27BB83-4929-4822-BDED-210B1B70218F@microsoft.com...
    > >> > 1st of all thank you very much 4 all your advice.
    > >> > secondly i did make a lot of backups on cd but now the d drive displays
    > >> > nothing when i put them in also i did have zone alarm pro i had mcafee
    > >> > virus
    > >> > protection ihad trojan guard trojan hunter trojan scanner mcafee
    > >> > stinger i
    > >> > had nero6 to make backups basically i had grands worth of stuff. my id
    > >> > got
    > >> > stolen all over the place i have too many passwords,some with 12
    > >> > lettering
    > >> > or
    > >> > numbers or both. i had someone come out and they formatted my comp and
    > >> > told
    > >> > me to get another copy of xp pro coz i didn't have the original disc.
    > >> > when i set it all back up i now don't even have proper colour on my
    > >> > screen.
    > >> > it doesn't recognise all my intel stuff ie extreme graphics 3.it either
    > >> > has
    > >> > no drivers or everything looks like it is conflicting. i thought that
    > >> > xp
    > >> > pro
    > >> > recognises hardware that is in the computer and i also thought that
    > >> > intel
    > >> > was
    > >> > a name that it would recognise.but sadly for me it does not.
    > >> > so yeah i was a bit lazy,but no it waqsn't all my fault .
    > >> > you just don't expect that a simple guy like myself would be targetted
    > >> > who
    > >> > is only trying to give his children a good computer after spending 6
    > >> > months
    > >> > at college and learning ecdl which don't even cover security only apps.
    > >> > i
    > >> > was
    > >> > too naive thinking that xp pro would help me on the other ie security
    > >> > and
    > >> > recognising what i put into it .
    > >> >
    > >> > "Shenan Stanley" wrote:
    > >> >
    > >> >> shaggysmum wrote:
    > >> >> > i have xp pro i have lost all my office apps all my work all my
    > >> >> > software which was extremely valuable all my music over 3000 albums
    > >> >> > and songs and therefore you can see why i am so effed off.xp pro
    > >> >> > looks like it sux .
    > >> >>
    > >> >> > >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> is
    > >> >> likely inhibiting me from providing help...
    > >> >>
    > >> >> > >> Let's go through some maintenance first that should only have to
    > >> >> > >> be done
    > >> >> once (mostly):
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (1):
    > >> >> > >> ISORecorder home page (with general instructions on use):
    > >> >> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Pre-SP2 version:
    > >> >> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/IsoRecorder/download.asp
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Post-SP2 beta version:
    > >> >> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/download/ISORecorderV2B2.zip
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (2):
    > >> >> > >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (3):
    > >> >>
    > >> >>> >>
    > >> >> Tip (4):
    > >> >> > >> Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall (~$25 and up)
    > >> >> http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> BlackICE PC Protection ($39.95 and up)
    > >> >> http://blackice.iss.net/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tiny Personal Firewall (~$49.00 and up)
    > >> >> http://www.tinysoftware.com/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Perhaps you can find the right firewall for your situation in that
    > >> >> list and set it up/configure it. Every firewall MAY require some
    > >> >> maintenance. Essentially checking for patches or upgrades (this
    > >> >> goes for hardware and software solutions) is the extent of this
    > >> >> maintenance - but you may also have to configure your firewall to
    > >> >> allow some traffic depending on your needs. Also, don't stack these
    > >> >> things. Running more than one firewall will not make you safer
    > >> >> - it would likely (in fact) negate some protection you gleamed
    > >> >> from one or the other firewalls you run.
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Now that you have some of the more basic (one-time) things down..
    > >> >> Let's go through some of the steps you should take periodically to
    > >> >> maintain a healthy and stable windows computer. If you have not
    > >> >> done some of these things in the past, they may seem tedious at
    > >> >> first - however, they will become routine and some can even be
    > >> >> automatically scheduled.
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (6):
    > >> >> The system restore feature is a new one - first appearing in Windows
    > >> >> ME and then sticking around for Windows XP. It is a VERY useful
    > >> >> feature - if you keep it maintained and use it to your advantage.
    > >> >> However, remember that the system restore pretty much tells you in
    > >> >> the name what it protects - "system" files. Your documents, your
    > >> >> pictures, your stuff is NOT system files - so you should also look
    > >> >> into some backup solution.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> I'll mainly work around Windows XP, as that is what the bulk of this
    > >> >> document is about. I will, however, point out a single place for you
    > >> >> poor souls still stuck in Windows ME where you can get information on
    > >> >> maintaining your system right now:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Windows ME Computer Health:
    > >> >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsME/using/computerhealth/articles/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Pay close attention to the sections:
    > >> >> (in order)
    > >> >> - Clean up your hard disk
    > >> >> - Check for errors by running ScanDisk
    > >> >> - Defragment your hard disk
    > >> >> - Roll back the clock with System Restore
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Now back to the point at hand - maintaining your system restore in
    > >> >> Windows XP SHOULD be automatic - but I have seen the automatic go
    > >> >> wrong
    > >> >> too many times not to suggest the following.. Whenever you think
    > >> >> about
    > >> >> it (after doing a once-over on your machine once a month or so would
    > >> >> be optimal) - clear out your System Restore and create a manual
    > >> >> restoration point. Why? Too many times have I seen the system
    > >> >> restore
    > >> >> files go currupt or get a virus in them, meaning you could not or
    > >> >> did not want to restore from them. By clearing it out periodically
    > >> >> you help prevent any corruption from happening and you make sure you
    > >> >> have at least one good "snapshot".
    > >> >> (This, of course, will erase any previous restore point you have.)
    > >> >>
    > >> >> - Turn off System Restore.
    > >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405
    > >> >> - Reboot.
    > >> >> - Turn on System Restore.
    > >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405
    > >> >> - Make a Manual Restoration Point.
    > >> >> http://snipurl.com/68nx
    > >> >>
    > >> >> That covers your system files, but doesn't do anything for the files
    > >> >> that you are REALLY worried about - yours! For that you need to look
    > >> >> into backups. You can either manually copy your important files,
    > >> >> folders,
    > >> >> documents, spreadsheets, emails, contacts, pictures, drawings and so
    > >> >> on
    > >> >> to an external location (CD/DV - any disk of some sort, etc) or you
    > >> >> can
    > >> >> use the backup tool that comes with Windows XP:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> How To Use Backup to Back Up Files and Folders on Your Computer
    > >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308422
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Yes - you still need some sort of external media to store the results
    > >> >> on, but you could schedule the backup to occur when you are not
    > >> >> around,
    > >> >> then burn the resultant data onto CD or DVD or something when you are
    > >> >> (while you do other things!)
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (7):
    > >> >> You should sometimes look through the list of applications that are
    > >> >> installed on your computer. The list MIGHT surprise you. There are
    > >> >> more
    > >> >> than likely things in there you KNOW you never use - so why have them
    > >> >> there? There may even be things you KNOW you did not install and
    > >> >> certainly do not use (maybe don't WANT to use.)
    > >> >>
    > >> >> This web site should help you get started at looking through this
    > >> >> list:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> How to Uninstall Programs
    > >> >> http://snipurl.com/8v6b
    > >> >>
    > >> >> A word of warning - Do NOT uninstall anything you think you MIGHT need
    > >> >> in the future unless you have completed Tip (1) and have the
    > >> >> installation
    > >> >> media and proper keys for use backed up somewhere safe!
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (8):
    > >> >> Patches and Updates!
    > >> >>
    > >> >> This one cannot be stressed enough. It is SO simple, yet so neglected
    > >> >> by many people. It is especially simple for the critical Windows
    > >> >> patches!
    > >> >> Microsoft put in an AUTOMATED feature for you to utilize so that you
    > >> >> do
    > >> >> NOT have to worry yourself about the patching of the Operating System:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP
    > >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
    > >> >>
    > >> >> However, not everyone wants to be a slave to "automation", and that is
    > >> >> fine - as long as you are willing to do things manually. Admittedly,
    > >> >> I
    > >> >> prefer this method on some of my more critical systems.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Windows Update
    > >> >> http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Go there and scan your machine for updates. Always get the critical
    > >> >> ones
    > >> >> as you see them. Write down the KB###### or Q###### you see when
    > >> >> selecting the updates and if you have trouble over the next few days,
    > >> >> go into your control panel (Add/Remove Programs), match up the latest
    > >> >> numbers you downloaded recently (since you started noticing an issue)
    > >> >> and
    > >> >> uninstall them. If there was more than one (usually is), uninstall
    > >> >> them
    > >> >> one by one - with a few hours of use in between, to see if the problem
    > >> >> returns. Yes - the process is not perfect (updating) and can cause
    > >> >> trouble
    > >> >> like I mentioned - but as you can see, the solution isn't that bad -
    > >> >> and
    > >> >> is
    > >> >> MUCH better than the alternatives.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Windows is not the only product you likely have on your PC. The
    > >> >> manufacturers of the other products usually have updates as well. New
    > >> >> versions of almost everything come out all the time - some are free,
    > >> >> some
    > >> >> are pay - some you can only download if you are registered - but it is
    > >> >> best
    > >> >> to check. Just go to their web pages and look under their support and
    > >> >> download sections. For example, for Microsoft Office update, you
    > >> >> should
    > >> >> visit:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Microsoft Office Updates
    > >> >> http://office.microsoft.com/
    > >> >> (and select "downloads")
    > >> >>
    > >> >> You also have hardware on your machine that requires drivers to
    > >> >> interface
    > >> >> with the operating system. You have a video card that allows you to
    > >> >> see
    > >> >> on
    > >> >> your screen, a sound card that allows you to hear your PCs sound
    > >> >> output
    > >> >> and
    > >> >> so on. Visit those manufacturer web sites for the latest downloadable
    > >> >> drivers for your hardware/operating system. Always (IMO) get the
    > >> >> manufacturers hardware driver over any Microsoft offers. On the
    > >> >> Windows
    > >> >> Update site I mentioned earlier, I suggest NOT getting their hardware
    > >> >> drivers - no matter how tempting. First - how do you know what
    > >> >> hardware
    > >> >> you have in your computer? Invoice or if it is up and working now -
    > >> >> take
    > >> >> inventory:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Belarc Advisor
    > >> >> http://belarc.com/free_download.html
    > >> >>
    > >> >> EVEREST Home Edition
    > >> >> http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Once you know what you have, what next? Go get the latest driver for
    > >> >> your
    > >> >> hardware/OS from the manufacturer's web page. For example, let's say
    > >> >> you
    > >> >> have an NVidia chipset video card or ATI video card, perhaps a
    > >> >> Creative
    > >> >> Labs sound card or C-Media chipset sound card...
    > >> >>
    > >> >> NVidia Video Card Drivers
    > >> >> http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp
    > >> >>
    > >> >> ATI Video Card Drivers
    > >> >> http://www.atitech.com/support/driver.html
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Creative Labs Sound Device
    > >> >> http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> C-Media Sound Device
    > >> >> http://www.cmedia.com.tw/e_download_01.htm
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Then install these drivers. Updated drivers are usually more stable
    > >> >> and
    > >> >> may provide extra benefits/features that you really wished you had
    > >> >> before.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> As for Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP, Microsoft has made this
    > >> >> particular patch available in a number of ways. First, there is the
    > >> >> Windows Update web page above. Then there is a direct download site
    > >> >> and finally, you can order the FREE CD from Microsoft.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Direct Download of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP
    > >> >> http://snipurl.com/8bqy
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Order the Free Windows XP SP2 CD
    > >> >> http://snipurl.com/8umo
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (9):
    > >> >> What about the dreaded word in the computer world, VIRUS?
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Well, there are many products to choose from that will help you
    > >> >> prevent
    > >> >> infections from these horrid little applications. Many are FREE to
    > >> >> the
    > >> >> home user. Which one you choose is a matter of taste, really. I
    > >> >> wouldn't
    > >> >> list one here I had not personally used - and they all work. Many
    > >> >> people
    > >> >> have emotional attachments or performance issues with one or another
    > >> >> AntiVirus software. Try some out, read reviews and decide for
    > >> >> yourself
    > >> >> which you like more:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus (~$11 and up)
    > >> >> http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Kaspersky Anti-Virus (~$49.95 and up)
    > >> >> http://www.kaspersky.com/products.html
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Panda Antivirus Titanium (~$39.95 and up)
    > >> >> http://www.pandasoftware.com/
    > >> >> (Free Online Scanner: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/)
    > >> >>
    > >> >> AVG Anti-Virus System (Free and up)
    > >> >> http://www.grisoft.com/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> McAfee VirusScan (~$11 and up)
    > >> >> http://www.mcafee.com/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> AntiVir (Free and up)
    > >> >> http://www.free-av.com/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> avast! (Free and up)
    > >> >> http://www.avast.com/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Trend Micro (~$49.95 and up)
    > >> >> http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/personal.htm
    > >> >> (Free Online Scanner:
    > >> >> http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp)
    > >> >>
    > >> >> RAV AntiVirus Online Virus Scan (Free!)
    > >> >> http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Untested (by me):
    > >> >> eTrust EZ Antivirus ($29.95 and up)
    > >> >> https://www2.my-etrust.com/commerce/buy.it.cfm
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Most of them have automatic update capabilities. You will have to
    > >> >> look into the features of the one you choose. Whatever one you
    > >> >> finally
    > >> >> settle with - be SURE to keep it updated (I recommend at least daily)
    > >> >> and
    > >> >> perform a full scan periodically (yes, it protects you actively, but a
    > >> >> full scan once a month at 4AM probably won't bother you.)
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (10):
    > >> >> The most rampant infestation at the current time concerns
    > >> >> SPYWARE/ADWARE.
    > >> >> I hate this stuff. It has no purpose. I have seen people try to
    > >> >> justify
    > >> >> it over and over - it's worthless. It slows down your PC, it can send
    > >> >> your private information to people you'll never meet and did I
    > >> >> mention,
    > >> >> it's worthless. You need to eliminate it from your machine.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> If you use P2P software, this COULD make that stop working. Find some
    > >> >> decent software to do the same thing - what you are currently using is
    > >> >> crap.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Anyway - there is no one software that cleans and immunizes you
    > >> >> against
    > >> >> everything. Antivirus software - you only needed one. Firewall, you
    > >> >> only needed one. AntiSpyware - you may need several. I have a list
    > >> >> and
    > >> >> I recommend you use at least the first 5. I know that sounds like a
    > >> >> lot,
    > >> >> and you may be saying "But you said earlier that I should clean my
    > >> >> system,
    > >> >> now you are telling me to install more software - 5 pieces in fact!"
    > >> >> Okay,
    > >> >> I get your point, but please consider that this stuff has prevented
    > >> >> the
    > >> >> install of the latest service pack for some people, it has the
    > >> >> potential
    > >> >> to slow and crater your PC, it can send your private information
    > >> >> around
    > >> >> the world to people you do not know - it is all around BAD.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> First - make sure you have NOT installed "Rogue AntiSpyware". There
    > >> >> are
    > >> >> people out there who created AntiSpyware products that actually
    > >> >> install
    > >> >> spyware of their own! You need to avoid these:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
    > >> >> http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Also, you can always visit this site..
    > >> >> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
    > >> >> For more updated information.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Then, my suggestion again is that you at least install the first five
    > >> >> of
    > >> >> these: (Install, Run, Update, Scan with..)
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Lavasoft AdAware (Free and up)
    > >> >> http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/
    > >> >> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdn )
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Spybot Search and Destroy (Free!)
    > >> >> http://www.safer-networking.net/en/download/index.html
    > >> >> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdk )
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner (Free!)
    > >> >> http://www.kephyr.com/spywarescanner/
    > >> >> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate3 )
    > >> >>
    > >> >> SpywareBlaster (Free!)
    > >> >> http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html
    > >> >> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate6 )
    > >> >>
    > >> >> IE-SPYAD (Free!)
    > >> >> https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
    > >> >> (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate7 )
    > >> >>
    > >> >> CWShredder (Free!)
    > >> >> http://www.softbasket.com/download/s_8114.shtml
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Hijack This! (Free)
    > >> >> http://mjc1.com/mirror/hjt/
    > >> >> ( Tutorial: http://hjt.wizardsofwebsites.com/ )
    > >> >>
    > >> >> ToolbarCop (Free!)
    > >> >> http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Browser Security Tests
    > >> >> http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Popup Tester
    > >> >> http://www.popuptest.com/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> The Cleaner (49.95 and up)
    > >> >> http://www.moosoft.com/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> If used properly, you should have a malware free system now. The last
    > >> >> two of the first five I suggest you install are immunization
    > >> >> applications.
    > >> >> None of these programs (in these editions) run in the background
    > >> >> unless
    > >> >> you
    > >> >> TELL them to. The space they take up and how easy they are to use
    > >> >> greatly
    > >> >> makes up for any inconvenience you may be feeling.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Unfortunately, although that will lessen your popups on the
    > >> >> Internet/while
    > >> >> you are online, it won't eliminate them. I have looked at a lot of
    > >> >> options,
    > >> >> seen a lot of them used in production with people who seem to attract
    > >> >> popups
    > >> >> like a plague, and I only have a few other suggestions that should
    > >> >> help.
    > >> >> This
    > >> >> one ends up serving double duty (search engine and popup stopper in
    > >> >> one):
    > >> >>
    > >> >> The Google Toolbar (Free!)
    > >> >> http://toolbar.google.com/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Yeah - it adds a bar to your Internet Explorer - but its a useful one.
    > >> >> You
    > >> >> can search from there anytime with one of the best search engines on
    > >> >> the
    > >> >> planet (IMO.) And the fact it stops most popups - wow - BONUS! If
    > >> >> you
    > >> >> don't like that suggestion, then I am just going to say you go to
    > >> >> www.google.com and search for other options.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Please notice that Windows XP SP2 does help stop popups as well.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Another option is to use an alternative Web browser. I suggest
    > >> >> "Mozilla Firefox", as it has some great features and is very easy to
    > >> >> use:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Mozilla Firefox
    > >> >> http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> One more suggestion is to disable your Windows Messenger service.
    > >> >> This
    > >> >> service is not used frequently (if at all) by the normal home user and
    > >> >> in cooperation with a good firewall, is generally unnecessary.
    > >> >> Microsoft
    > >> >> has instructions on how to do this for Windows XP here:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> So your machine is pretty clean and up to date now. If you use the
    > >> >> sections
    > >> >> above as a guide, it should stay that way as well! There are still a
    > >> >> few
    > >> >> more
    > >> >> little things you can do to keep your machine running in top shape.
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (11):
    > >> >> You should periodically check your hard drive(s) for errors and
    > >> >> defragment
    > >> >> them. Only defragment after you have cleaned up your machine of
    > >> >> outside parasites and never defragment as a solution to a quirkiness
    > >> >> in
    > >> >> your system. It may help speed up your system, but it should be clean
    > >> >> before you do this.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> How to use Disk Cleanup
    > >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310312
    > >> >>
    > >> >> How to scan your disks for errors
    > >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315265
    > >> >>
    > >> >> How to Defragment your hard drives
    > >> >> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314848
    > >> >>
    > >> >> I would personally perform the above steps at least once every three
    > >> >> months.
    > >> >> For most people this should be sufficient, but if the difference you
    > >> >> notice
    > >> >> afterwards is greater than you think it should be, lessen the time in
    > >> >> between
    > >> >> its schedule.. If the difference you notice is negligible, you can
    > >> >> increase
    > >> >> the time.
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (12):
    > >> >> SPAM! JUNK MAIL!
    > >> >> This one can get annoying, just like the rest. You get 50 emails in
    > >> >> one
    > >> >> sitting and 2 of them you wanted. NICE! (Not.) What can you do?
    > >> >> Well,
    > >> >> although there are services out there to help you, some email
    > >> >> servers/services that actually do lower your spam with features built
    > >> >> into
    > >> >> their servers - I still like the methods that let you be the
    > >> >> end-decision
    > >> >> maker on what is spam and what is not. I have two products to suggest
    > >> >> to
    > >> >> you, look at them and see if either of them suite your needs. Again,
    > >> >> if
    > >> >> they don't, Google is free and available for your perusal.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> SpamBayes (Free!)
    > >> >> http://spambayes.sourceforge.net/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Spamihilator (Free!)
    > >> >> http://www.spamihilator.com/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> As I said, those are not your only options, but are reliable ones I
    > >> >> have
    > >> >> seen function for hundreds+ people.
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Tip (13):
    > >> >> ADVANCED TIP! Only do this once you are comfortable under the hood of
    > >> >> your
    > >> >> computer!
    > >> >>
    > >> >> There are lots of services on your PC that are probably turned on by
    > >> >> default
    > >> >> you don't use. Why have them on? Check out these web pages to see
    > >> >> what
    > >> >> all
    > >> >> of the services you might find on your computer are and set them
    > >> >> according
    > >> >> to
    > >> >> your personal needs. Be CAREFUL what you set to manual, and take heed
    > >> >> and
    > >> >> write down as you change things! Also, don't expect a large
    > >> >> performance
    > >> >> increase or anything - especially on today's 2+ GHz machines,
    > >> >> however - I
    > >> >> look
    > >> >> at each service you set to manual as one less service you have to
    > >> >> worry
    > >> >> about
    > >> >> someone exploiting. A year ago, I would have thought the Windows
    > >> >> Messenger
    > >> >> service to be pretty safe, now I recommend (with addition of a
    > >> >> firewall)
    > >> >> that most home users disable it! Yeah - this is another one you have
    > >> >> to
    > >> >> work for, but your computer may speed up and/or be more secure because
    > >> >> you
    > >> >> took the time. And if you document what you do as you do it, next
    > >> >> time,
    > >> >> it
    > >> >> goes MUCH faster! (or if you have to go back and re-enable things..)
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Task List Programs
    > >> >> http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Black Viper's Service List and Opinions (XP)
    > >> >> http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Processes in Windows NT/2000/XP
    > >> >> http://www.reger24.de/prozesse/
    > >> >>
    > >> >> There are also applications that AREN'T services that startup when you
    > >> >> start
    > >> >> up the computer/logon. One of the better description on how to handle
    > >> >> these
    > >> >> I have found here:
    > >> >>
    > >> >> Startups
    > >> >> http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >> If you follow the advice laid out above (and do some of your own
    > >> >> research
    > >> >> as
    > >> >> well, so you understand what you are doing) - your computer will stay
    > >> >> fairly
    > >> >> stable and secure and you will have a more trouble-free system.
    > >> >>
    > >> >> --
    > >> >> <- Shenan ->
    > >> >> --
    > >> >> The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
    > >> >> yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
    > >> >> responsible for your actions/problems/solutions. Know what you are
    > >> >> getting into before you jump in with both feet.
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >> >>
    > >>
    > >>
    > >>
    >
    >
    >

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