I'll try to list here what I get asked most often, or the issues I see most often. I'll provide links to some of my favorite sites, as they often can answer better than I. If you don't see your particular question, or close to it, then Contact Me.
- Q: What to do about
Windows 10?
- A: Windows 10 was officially released July 29, 2015, and the free upgrade period ended July 29, 2016. As with any new Windows Operating System, there have been, are, and will be 'bugs' to iron out. Windows 10 does have many similarities to Windows 7, but retains some of the features of Windows 8/8.1. It still retains the Windows Desktop (background), with shortcuts to your favorite programs. The Task Bar is still at the bottom of the screen, with the (new) Start button in the lower left, followed (left to right) with the (now relocated) Search box, which includes Cortana, Microsoft's voice-controlled virtual assistant. Cortana is followed by a group of favorite shortcuts, just like in Windows 7, followed by the far right which include icons representing (some) programs running in the background (anti-virus, network, time, date, etc.). Windows 10 is here to stay...for awhile. Learn to work with it.
- Q: The light to my (monitor, computer, router,
cable modem, etc.) will not come on.
- A: No light usually means either the item is turned
off, or there is no power to that item. Try these steps
(it's often the obvious that is overlooked):
- Make sure the power button is on;
- Check that the power cord to the (monitor, computer, router, cable modem, printer, etc.) is plugged into a 'live' wall outlet, power strip, or battery backup is seated properly (sometimes these outlets fail; plug a known working device, such as a lamp, into the 'test socket' to make sure there is electricity to that socket);
- Q: How do I 'tune up" my computer?
- A: There are "zillions" of programs available which claim to "fix" whatever ails your computer. However, you must be very careful and selective in which program(s) you download and install. All too often, "free downloads" lead to programs that scan and find thousands of "threats", but then require payment to remove the "threats". My favorite cleaning programs are CCleaner (by Piriform) and Glary Utilities (by GlarySoft).
- Q: My PC runs slow. How can I speed it up?
- A: Call me! Ha! Generally, your CPU (central processing unit) and/or the RAM (random access memory) in your computer may not be enough for the work you do. For most home users, I suggest a minimum 2.0 Ghz CPU and a minimum of 4 Gb RAM. These numbers will ensure you don't have enough time to walk the dog while you wait for your computer to boot up.
- Run Microsoft's System Configuration Utility (msconfig). Review the programs and services running/enabled under its Startup and Services tabs, and 'turn off' those that are not needed to run continuously in the background.
- Running programs like CCleaner and Glary Utilities once or twice a month will go a long way in keeping your computer free of temporary and junk files. I've also successfully run these cleaning programs to remove problem extensions and add-ons within browsers.
- A: No light usually means either the item is turned
off, or there is no power to that item. Try these steps
(it's often the obvious that is overlooked):
- Q:
When will support from Microsoft Windows Updates end for me?
- A: Users with Windows Vista no longer receive automatic updates from Microsoft as of April 2017. Vista joins the list of previous outdated and unsupported Microsoft Operating Systems (1.0, 2.0, 3.1, 95, 98, Me, and XP-SP3.). What do you do? You can still use these older versions, but you will not receive automatic security updates, many/most newer programs will not work with them, and accessing the Internet will make you more vulnerable to threats and infections. Realize that your computer will still continue to work; you just won't get updates and security patches from Microsoft anymore. Upgrade to Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10. For more info, click here.
- Q: How do
I know if my computer has been hacked into?
- A:
http://ask-leo.com/how_can_i_tell_if_my_computers_been_accessed_by_someone_else_and_how_do_i_prevent_it.html
- http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/itanswers/how-do-you-know-if-your-computer-has-been-hacked-into/
- http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial24.html