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Riding Shotgun with Rick

Watch the lights

Since many of us are now using high speed connections to the Internet, we run into new problems. A customer of mine called me today and said she couldn't get email any more. When I asked if she was connected to the Internet, she thought she was. Knowing she had DSL, I asked how many lights were on the DSL modem (thingy from the phone company that connects the computer to the Internet with a cable running from phone line to it, and then another cable from it to the computer). She saw three lights on her particular modem, an Actiontec, which should have a minimum of four lights on it.

The solution:  unplug the power from the modem for about fifteen or so seconds, plug it back in and wait for about a minute or so until the four (or five if wirelss is enabled) light up. We waited, she checked her email and presto, it worked.

I should have trusted my instincts

I teach my kids to trust their instincts when making decisions, taking tests, and dealing with people. I try to do the same, but sometimes my brain (or maybe ego and curiosity) gets in the way. Over the past few years, we have talked at length about computer security and the dangers of not being secure.  After spending many hours hunkered down over an infected computer and trying to get overwhelmed computers fixed, we have come to a conclusion about fixing some of these problems. In some of the worst cases, it is cheaper and quicker to backup up the necessary user files then format the hard drive and start over with a fresh install of Windows, its updates and the proper security software.

Ordering HP – Compaq Recovery CD’s

Few computer manufacturers include the original installation disks or even recovery disks for new computers today. Almost every computer user will have a need to access these important disks over the life time of the machine. Most computer makers' web sites allow you to order these recovery CD's via their support sections. Also, you can (and should) make your own set of recovery CD's or DVD's through tools installed by your manufacturer on your computer. These tools can usually be found on the desktop or the Programs menu.

If you own an HP or Compaq computer, however, finding where to order these disks online is fruitless.

E2Give Spyware removal

I forgot to post this earlier in the week. One of my customer's had a particularly nasty spyware infection that needed a specialized tool to remove it. The spyware is called e2give. If one of your spyware programs detects it, use this tip to get rid of it:

Download the removal tool here.

Then follow these instructions:

– Extract the file you downloaded to your Desktop
– Double click E2TakeOut.exe
– Click the Begin Removal button
– Wait until the program is finished scanning
– Once done, it will produce a popup stating that the infection has been found and you need to reboot you computer to complete the removal
– Reboot your computer
– Once your computer has rebooted E2TakeOut will open and produce a report

Another reminder

For nearly ten years, I have preached the importance of keeping your anti-virus software up-to-date. Two of my clients today alone were not keeping their software updated and problems arose because of it. Every month more than 500 new viruses are released by hackers and their ilk. If your anti-virus software doesn't know about these new problems (via updates), it can't protect your computer from them.

If you have a high speed Internet connection, chances are very good that your software is staying updated by itself. However, you need to check it at least weekly to make sure the program is updating. When you open any anti-virus program (we recommend AVG and vigorously oppose the use of Norton), you will see a date next to a section marked "Virus definitions or database". This date should never be more than two week old. If it is, initiate an update immediately.

You are wasting money!!

Yes, YOU are wasting money if you don't take advantage of this web site, our newsletter and the radio show. One common trait that Adam and I share (despite occasional thoughts to the contrary by our wives), is that we hate wasting money on technology. Of course, we love technology, but we don't like throwing money at it unnecessarily. Not too many technology nerds will tell you not to upgrade your Windows 98. Likewise, not too many technology people will tell you not to buy a photo printer.

We look at each individual situation and customize our answers and solutions to the requirements and uses of each computer user. Pre-packaged, one size fits all tech support and advice does not work, never did work, and never will work. People are too regimented and stubborn to change their ways without significant reason or pain. We recognize that human trait and strive to mold our advice to each individual situation. Not only do we strive to provide that kind of service, I challenge you to find anyone, anywhere who accomplishes such a task at the level we do!

LED’s

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. They are designed to last for years and come in mostly green and red. However, you will find orange and blue ones as well. Where? Look on the front of your stove, microwave, TV, DVD, VCR, digital alarm clock, computer tower, power strip, modems, routers, cell phones, printers, electric tooth brushes. They are literally everywhere. At night my office looks like the Las Vegas Strip! Tonight, I decided to photography the lights to see how they would come out. The picture doesn't do justice to the light these little guys can emit, but you get the idea.

Big Box Electronic Stores Tech Help

Our town is getting ready to open a Best Buy. We have had a Circuit City for five or six years and recently (probably in preparation for the opening of Best Buy) they started offering in-store computer repair. I am not privy to the training these sales people go through to learn to fix and troubleshoot computers, but I do have anecdotal evidence that these post-adolescent sales people have no business

The infamous Mentos and Diet Coke Video

Adam first shared this with me a few weeks ago. Since then it has been copied many times and has garnered world wide attention. If you haven’t seen this video, you will have fun. High speed Internet will make viewing easier, but it is worth the wait even if you are using dial-up. Also, make sure to turn your speaker’s sound up.

Take out the garbage in one step!

I thought that this piece of information was pretty common knowledge, but apparently it isn't so I'm discussing it today. When you delete an email, it gets moved to the Deleted Items folder and accumulates there. When you delete any type of file or document on your computer, it goes to the Recycle Bil and accumulates there unti you empty it.

For email in almost any email program (except AOL), you can RIGHT click on the Deleted Items (Trash) folder and click "Empty Deleted Iterms (Trash)" option. You will then be asked if you are 'sure' that you want to delete all of the trash…click Yes. In Outlook Express, you find this function in the Edit menu as well. Outlook users will find it in the Tools menu, and Mozilla or Thunderbird users will find a similar funciton in the File menu.