Skip to content

Windows

Alternative Operating Systems

Not really alternative, but I wanted to get your attention. Today, three of my customers were not using Windows XP. Two were Windows 98 and one was an older Macintosh. It’s always fun for me to keep my hands on some of these older machines to keep my mind agile.

I am always amazed at how functional and quick Windows 98 can be. One of the customers called because their 98 machine was running extremely slow. Within 90 seconds of sitting down at their machine, I knew what was wrong. She had upgraded to the newest and biggest version of McAfee Security possible. We don’t recommend the large security suites from McAfee or Norton for any computer, but for older machines they can mean pure death. It took her computer a full five and one half minutes to boot up with the McAfee installed. When we took out the McAfee and added AVG instead, the computer booted up in less than two minutes. She was amazed and satisfied.

Security is Paramount

I’m posting from the road today as I sit waiting for my last customer. An earlier customer made a neat comment/observation. She said, "Geesh, I didn’t realize there was so much to setting up the security on a computer."

She had an expired version of Norton that we uninstalled. Then I loaded AVG Antivirus, Zone Alarm Firewall, and Windows Defender. Security setup seems time consuming and tedious during setup, but once installed properly it can work autonomously. The little extra time spent up front pays dividends down the road with decreased support calls and repair costs.

How did you learn all of this?

I saw two clients today who were setting up broadband for the first time. They were having identical problems, but the solutions were totally different.

Client #1 had paid for a package through the local cable network for cable TV and telephone service, but had failed to ask for broadband Internet as a part of the package. They had also told her that it would not work on Windows 98.

I bought her a network card, we called the cable service and asked them to turn on the broadband Internet and I got everything up and running.

Client #2 had the cable broadband running just fine on one computer, but the other computer refused to connect. I installed a new network card and everything worked great.

Remember the size of your program windows

Sometimes Windows forgets what size you like your application Windows to open up with when you start them. To get Windows to remember your preferences, follow these steps:

  1. Open your program
  2. Manually resize the Window using by clicking on the edge of your window and stretch it to the size you desire
  3. Now click File —> Close (or exit) from the menus

When you re-start the program, it should remember your preference.

 

Install Windows 98 over the top of Windows 98

This trick only works with Windows 98!

Occasionally Windows 98 will become too corrupted to use effectively. One possible solution to this is to do a fresh install of Windows 98 over the top of itself.

This process will not destroy any data on your computer.

1. Place the Windows 98 CD into your computer. If you have one, it is also a good idea to place the Windows 98 floppy into the floppy drive.

2. Turn off your computer and turn it back on.

3. Choose to start your computer With CD-ROM support – but do not select the option to Setup Windows 98.

4. The screen will eventually come to a C:>

Proper Cleaning of your LCD (flat panel) Monitor

Flat panel monitors make a wonderful addition to any computer. However, they do require more special care when cleaning than traditional CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors. CRT monitors all have a glass front. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors, on the other hand, have a much softer face…almost membrane like. Because of this, LCD monitors are much more prone to being damaged from being touched and poked.

Rule #1:  Never touch an LCD monitor with your fingers or poke them with any object. Permanent damage can result.

CRT monitors can be cleaned in a myriad of ways because of their glass exterior. You can use water, glass cleaners, or just about anything that you would use on your windows at home. LCD monitors should never be cleaned with harsh chemicals of any type. Instead, if a liquid must be used, use only water or water mixed with a little rubbing alcohol. Some people even recommend diluted vinegar as well.

Rule #2:  Never spray any liquid directly onto a LCD monitor. Instead, use a soft cotton cloth and apply the liquid to it first.

When cleaning any kind of glass surface, it is common and acceptable to use circular motions and any number of cleaning rags are acceptable. As you probably guessed by now, LCD monitors are different. ONLY use soft, clean cotton cloths or special made LCD screen wipes that can be found in electronic or office stores.

Rule #3:  When cleaning your LCD monitor, do not rub in a circular pattern. Instead, use a side-to-side motion or up and down. And even then try to move your rag in only one direction. For example, wipe from left-to-right only or top-to-bottom.

LCD monitors can last a long period of time and provide you with excellent images IF you follow the simple precautions above to keep it clean.

I always have my tools with me

Most computer problems have nothing to do with the mechanics of the computer. It is rare that I see a motherboard die, RAM go bad, a video card burn out or a power supply fail.

Almost all computer problems are software related. Among the hundreds of millions of lines of programming code, a few 1s and 0s crash together and things go screwy.

Whether it is a programming glitch or the problem is caused by an intentionally designed virus, the majority of computer problems must be solved by tweaking the software.

Twice today I had people comment on my lack of tools. I walk into a home or office with nothing under my arm. Everything I need is on my person.

Dude, where’s my shotgun?

Rick pointed out to me tonight that I haven’t put up any shotgun articles for a few days. It was at that exact moment that I realized that I hadn’t written any shotgun articles for a few days.

I have some catching up to do so consider this article one of the most important articles I have written for several days.

When I fix a computer I try to always approach the computer and the situation as if it were my own. I work hard at using techniques that allow me to get the best job done in the least amount of time. I ask myself three questions to determine the approach that I want to take.

Windows XP Repair Option

I was ‘back in the saddle’ today after a hiatus last week for spring break with my kids. Helped a client out with a problem that, fortunately, isn’t too common, but common enough that it warrants its own tip. It applies to Windows XP only and you might need to try using it if you cannot boot your computer up to anything other than the startup menu screen (where you get the option to start in Safe Mode…see picture).

If after turning on and off your computer a few times to try and get your desktop to come up, AND you can’t get into Safe Mode using the menu shown, AND using the "Last known good configuration" option don’t work, try these steps: