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Are you frustrated with your computer? ...let me help you! | Click for Like music? | |
Click on the How To... link to see a list of articles that explain how to do different things on the computer. This page last updated: June 8 , 2009 |
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Use the Google Search to look for terms on the entire World Wide Web or in this site only. |
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SpywareDownload All these tools Spybots: This is a Spyware removal tool. This link will take you to the Spybots homepage where you can learn about using this program. Here's a page where you can learn about using spybots. SpywareBlaster: This program will help prevent Spyware programs from downloading onto your system in the first place. You should run the Spybots first to remove existing Spyware programs, then the Spyware Blaster to prevent future infestations. Want help running the program? See this page Secunia Online Scanner: This Free Online Utility Service Will Scan Your System For Out-Of-Date Software That May Be a Security Risk See this page AVG AntiVirus, version 8.0 and newer, now has a spyware detection, removal tool as well. See more about this by clicking here. HiJackThis Another good removal tool. You can get assistance with using this tool to remove unwanted registry settings that "Browser Hijackers" use to alter your computer system. See the "Help Forums" link on the page. Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File The Hosts file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. This file is loaded into memory (cache) at startup, then Windows checks the Hosts file before it queries any DNS servers, which enables it to override addresses in the DNS. This prevents access to the listed sites by redirecting any connection attempts back to the local machine. Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block other applications from connecting to the Internet, providing the entry exists. See this image to see what the hosts files does on a page that contains a cookie containing advertisement. Note the "Back" button showing the ad that does not display. If you clicked "back" the browser will not open the ad. Check your browser for some common infections: Click Here |
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Free (for private home use) Anti-Virus from Grisoft. Keep hackers and data thieves out of your computer with ZoneAlarm, the award-winning PC firewall that blocks intrusion attempts and protects against Internet-borne threats like worms, Trojan horses, and spyware. There is a free version for home use. Click the link in the last column labeled: "Basic Firewall ". |
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Keep Your Computer UpdatedIt is very important to keep your computer updated with all the latest "Critical Items" offered via free download from Microsoft. To get these updates, you can click the "Tools" menu in Internet Explorer, then click the "Windows Update" link. There have been a number of Microsoft Windows XP systems experiencing update difficulties recently. This is often caused by the new version of the MS Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) tool that was released on March 1st. This new Anti-Piracy tool will overwrite previous validation files. If the new WGA engine could not be installed, it was most likely caused by one of the following factors:
Or you may see the error message "The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view". I think the best method to fix either of these problems is to use the free support offered by Microsoft when system updates experience difficulties. Click here for the MS on-line support, then click the "Need more help?" link. Microsoft will email you with a detailed step-by-step repair procedure. |
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The following section lists Websites and free programs that I use a lot and really like.I've tried to break them down into categories and to provide a brief description of each.
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This page offers tutorials on a variety of Microsoft products. There are downloads available which include slide show presentations. And you will find a variety of "How to..." articles. |
Spell Checker for ieSpell is a free Internet Explorer browser extension that spell checks text input boxes on a Web page. It should come in particularly handy for users who do a lot of web-based text entry (e.g. web mails, forums, blogs, diaries). Test your spell check. Copy paste this in to tst your spell check. |
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This exceptional site by Jan Smith explains the computer, using terrific graphics. This site is the by far the best I've seen. This section explains the Windows Desktop and about working with files and folders, and the mouse. Basic but vital information for the computer user. |
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Keep Your AntiVirus Updated It it also extremely important to keep your AntiVirus program updated. If the program isn't updated, it will not be able to protect your from all the new viruses released on the Internet or via email every day. Microsoft offers some valuable information about keeping your system updated. Click Here Note: AVG still has the free version for home use. It is found at http://free.grisoft.com
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Microsoft Error Message Information List of error messages and repair explanations. |
This program allows you to compress and decompress files. (.zip) Shareware - Free for 30 days - $29 to keep. See the How To... section below to read about downloading and using this program. |
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A compilation of Windows tips and tricks. |
This is an excellent Outlook Express help site . This link is to a FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions about Outlook Express. |
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Marshall Brain's site that offers explanations of how things work. Everything from automobile engines to rocket ships. It has good computer information as well. |
This program allows you read .pdf (Portable Document Format) files. Most computers nowadays come with the program already installed, but if yours doesn't have it, you can download it here. Freeware |
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Make the most of your hardware, software, and |
Blatant Advertising If you live in Anchorage, or the surrounding area, I can give you personal, in your home, computer assistance. Or I can assist you using a remote connection via the Internet.
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If you have a question about your computer, you can ask one of hundreds of volunteer "techs". for assistance. This service is completely free of charge and the quality of the tech support is excellent. You will be asked to fill in some basic information about your computer skill level and about your system. You will be emailed a reply. |
Webopedia. It provides information about all those acronyms found in "geek speak". |
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Automatically fills in online web forms. Freeware |
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Search the Microsoft website for solutions to computer problems. |
Google is my favorite search engine. It is especially good at searching for specific items |
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New Windows XP Advice & InformationWant to create a movie? Maybe make a photo album CD with a music or voice over background? Read the page about "Photo Story" |
Folder Print for Disk labels, etc. Freeware
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Zip Codes + 4 from the USPS
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Need a ride in Anchorage?
(907) 338-8888
or |
If you are buying or selling a home, this site is a great resource: Rod Stone (907) 727-9379 |
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This is an excellent community forum where you can ask and answer questions about a variety of subjects. Just register (it is free) and you can ask questions and get your answers from real people. This opened for business on June 3, 2002. |
MS Word Help/variety of other Windows information |
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This site tells you what programs are associated with file types. File Extensions determines what programs open when a file is opened. For example, if a file has the extension, .doc Windows knows to open either MS Word or Word Pad to run the file. |
PC WIZARD 2008 is a powerful utility designed especially for detection of hardware, but also some more analysis. It's able to identify a large scale of system components and supports the latest technologies and standards. This tool is periodically updated (usually once per month) in order to provide most accurate results. |
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This site has a number of Dynamic Link Library files available for download. It also offers a very good explanation of how DLL files are used. Look under "File and Driver Guide" This site has a number of Windows Tips. |
X-Setup Simplifies Windows systems adjustments. If you want to personalize your Internet Browser for example, this program offers a simple to use Wizard that enables you make a number of changes, including removing the AOL icon and "Provided by" information in the browser title bar. Freeware |
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This wonderful site by Paul Collins identifies those startup programs (start automatically) and explains how to remove them. |
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Free Downloads, Product Reviews, Buying guides, Technical Support, Online Training Books, and more. |
OK, Teach Me! Very good site for learning computer basic procedures: I would suggest that both of this site and Jan Smith's are worth your time.
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GeekGirl really is an awesome site with a simple interface full of easy-to-read, well-written tutorials.
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A free downloadable picture viewer, IrfanView:
IrfanView is a very fast FREEWARE (for non-commercial use) Click Here to see a step-by-step tutorial about downloading and installing IrfanView. |
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Click on the How To link above to read "How To" articles describing how to do a variety of tasks on your computer. This section is constantly changing. Let me know via email if there is a subject you would like to see covered here. |
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*I can connect with your computer using the "Go To My PC" service. There is a free 30 day trial period, and then a $20 per month fee (unlimited time) which you can cancel at any time. You can extend the free trial period to 45 days using the Stephanie Miller ad-cast. See the details here. You'll be asked for the promo code; you can use use "stephanie" (without quotes). See this image You can cancel this service at anytime within the free trial period and there will be no charge. But... If you would rather not sign up for the Go To My PC service, I can add your computer to my account. I will need to charge a one time $20 service fee that you would pay directly to me. Email me at my Hot Mail Account for more about Windows Live remote connections! Email me for more about Go To My PC remote connections! I'm having a problem with my computer |
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