Computer Repair Services
Posts tagged XP
Support is ending for some versions of Microsoft Windows
- Support for Windows Vista without any service packs will end on April 13, 2010.
If you’re running Windows Vista without any service packs and you’re not ready to upgrade to Windows 7, you should install Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2), a free update.
Windows Vista SP2 includes support for new types of hardware and includes all of the updates that have been released since Windows Vista SP1.
Get Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista, it’s free! http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Learn-how-to-install-Windows-Vista-Service-Pack-2-SP2
- Support for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) will end on July 13, 2010.
If you’re running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) and you’re not ready to upgrade to Windows 7, you should install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), a free update.
Windows XP SP3 includes all previously released updates and a small number of new updates. It won’t significantly change the Windows XP experience.
Get Service Pack 3 for Windows XP, it’s free! http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/learn-how-to-install-windows-xp-service-pack-3-sp3
How to prevent “Scareware” (Rogue Antivirus)
Practically all my service calls the last two months have been due to Scareware related issues. Rogue anti-virus programs that claim every program is infected and that for some amount of money your computer can be secured. Unfortunately, the scareware program IS the infection and your money is sent immediately to some far off country while little if any relief is provided for your payment. It is a scam. And the worst part of it is you no longer have to be surfing the seedier side of the Internet to become a victim!
The authors are actually paying people to infect you, which means it is being included in blogs, forums, even websites you actually pay to use. Typically they rely on your trust of a website to open up the security of your web-browser, to drop your guard, to OK a download.
They operate primarily by using Javascript Code. Javascript is very common and the internet would be a horribly bland place without it, which makes it the perfect vehicle. Javascript are little snippets of code that are included in websites to generate dynamic content, like time stamps and the like. They allow a website to offload some of the heavy lifting and More >
Three programs every Windows PC user should install
I am a minimalist. low drag = high speed. Piriform embraces this philosophy as well, offering three free programs that are sure to win their place pinned to the top of your start menu. They cover the holy trinity of computer maintenance… file clutter, fragmentation and recovery. If you havn’t tried any of these programs you should.
CCleaner - A freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system – allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it’s fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware!
Tip: If you rely heavily on your web-browser saving and inputting passwords for you, be sure to uncheck COOKIES! Better yet, add the websites cookie to the list of protected ones in options!
Tip: The registry cleaner in CCleaner is one of the safest I have used, but use it sparingly and when prompted to save a backup, do it!
Homepage: http://www.ccleaner.com Download the SLIM version here: http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds
Defraggler – This freeware utility differs from other defrag tools on the market, by enabling you to quickly and simply defrag the files More >
Computer Virus or Spyware? Try this first!
If you suspect your computer has become infected by a virus or spyware program (sluggish performance, pop-up windows, internet search takes you to an unknown site etc.) following the steps outlined below may save you some time and money. Simply running the programs listed below could correct the problem(s). If additional help is needed, the programs listed will generate reports you can submit here for more precise removal instructions.
If you feel your computer is infected and/or a program below confirms it you should NOT continue to use your computer for online banking or other sensitive operations such as logging into your work computer. Many infections include programs that track and record your keystrokes! Things like account info and passwords are highly sought after on the “black market”.
Download, Install, Scan instructions After installing and updating each one, Do the Scan to clean in SAFE MODE, offline with IE closed How to start the computer in Safe mode Windows 98: »support.microsoft.com/kb/180902 Windows XP: »support.microsoft.com/kb/315222 Windows Vista: »windowshelp.microsoft.com/Window···033.mspx Copy the instructions in the link above for easy use in safemode since you will not be able to access online information. (Note: Safe Mode with Networking is not recommended) Copy any other instructions you need to operate the programs you are using so you More >