ComputerEase of Pittsburgh PA

"Practical Solutions from People You Trust"

(724) 443 - 8100

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ComputerEase Pittsburgh Computer Repair
 
 
 
ComputerEase   Pittsburgh PA
 

Internet Security Solutions
 

Wide & Local Area Networking
 

Email Filtering
 

Sonicwall Partner
 
 
 

 

Frequent Computer Questions
How can I reduce the chances of my computer getting a malware infection?

 

Answer

Don’t use the preview pane in your email software
Don’t open email from unknown sources
Reject all free Internet stuff unless it is distributed by a highly respected company
Never select the “opt out” invitations included in spam, these are just ways to confirm your email address or worse, install unwanted software
Visit only tasteful, professional web sites
Keep Windows up to date with fixes
Use one, and only one, name brand virus checker, keep it up to date
Use the Windows built-in firewall
Use one or two name brand spyware checkers
Run an online scan using “Housecalls” at www.antivirus.com monthly
 

I have a router with a firewall built in. Is that adequate to protect me from the hackers?

Answer

The evolution of the Internet has included an escalating sequence of hacking methods and necessary defensive tools. Consequently, protection from hackers requires keeping ones defenses up to date. The following list of defensive methods, in chronological order can be used to identify how adequate your firewall is:

a. Network address translation (NAT)
b. Statefull Packet Inspection (SPI)
c. Intrusion Detection
d. Intrusion prevention
e. Unified Threat Management (UTM).
Anything less than UTM is no longer adequate.
 
My computer is not as fast as it used to be. What tips can you give me to speed it up?

Answer

There are many possible causes, the most common are:

a. Insufficient RAM. Check properties of “my computer” to see what you have. Windows XP SP3 needs at least 512 Mb. Windows Vista and 7 should have at least 2000 Mb (2 Gb)

b. Insufficient hard drive space for Windows. The logical drive with Windows on it, usually “C” drive, needs spare space at least three times the amount of RAM identified in a. above.

c. Too many Windows and/or Browser temp files. Run the Disk Cleanup tool on the programs menu of windows. Use that tool to delete all files in a “temp” category.

d. Infection by Malware that is using up resources. See answer to question below for suggestions.

e. Too many programs running when Windows starts. Remove programs from the “startup” group. Check icons on task bar and note any unnecessary programs. Go to the control panel and uninstall those programs. Further actions require editing the registry and should be left to experts.

f.  Fragmented hard drive. Use the defragment tool on the program menu of windows.
 
I think my computer might have a virus. What should I do?

Answer

a. Make sure your virus checker is up to date and do a complete scan.

b. Use Internet Explorer and navigate to www.antivirus.com  Install and run the one time, free, Housecall tool.

c. Use Internet Explorer and navigate to http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

and do a full system scan.
 
My laptop computer won’t power on, what could be wrong?

Answer

The BIOS may be confused. Remove the battery for 30 seconds, replace it, then try again.
 
My desktop computer seems to power up but shuts down in a few seconds or minutes, what can I do?

Answer

This is usually a cpu overheating problem. Open the case and blow the dust off the heatsinks. Replace any dead fans.

 

  
 

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