Jeffrey's Guide to Computers and You

RollAround Ads and You

2015-03-12T19:43:00.000-06:00

The RollAround Ads (aka "PUP.Optional.RollAround.A" or any variant)

This is very disturbing! As always check with a local computer technician expert on matters regarding your PC and safety.

So as some of you may or may not be aware, not only have I worked extensively on computer technology and electronics for a fair amount of my life including childhood, I'm also going to college where I'm learning even more about said technology and the concepts therein to become a fully capable, competent, and respected computer technician. This is what I've done in the past, this is what I do for both a hobby and for education, and I am always happy to share my data with anyone who wants to inspect my work.

As part of being an aware computer-savvy technician, I'm always looking to new improvements to computer tech, as well as the network security news, and all matters related to consumer PC safety including online habits. Before reading up on any new information, my first priority is to make sure that my own PC's, both my desktops and my laptops, run at their peak efficiency, and that they are all virus free, malware-free, and spyware-free (or at least, as much as humanly possible with scans runs on a somewhat frequent basis about once or twice a week, more if I find hidden viruses or malware previously undetected).

I've spent the last 72 hours determining the extent of the problem that exists with certain malware that has been showing up recently in my weekly security sweeps on my laptops. The following information is for anyone that doesn't know about RollAround popups adware/malware. Your anti-virus or anti-malware software may not even detect it for weeks, even months. Mine certainly did not, and again I run security scans at least twice a week on my own computers, and at least bi weekly on the rest of the devices and computers on my home network.

At first, I had not heard about "RollAround" AdWare / Malware, so to me it's relatively new. After extensive research, I have found that it's been around for years. I don't know how far back it goes, but it was simply too disturbing to ignore.

From what I've read, "PUP.Optional.RollAround.A" or some variant disguises itself as a persistent cookie installed onto your computer via one of your favorite browsers, say Firefox for example. You might be asking the same question I did when I researched this relatively new tracking tool, and you'd be right to say to yourself "I didn't opt to participate in this tracking cookie. How do I get it off my system? How did I get it in the first place?" Well, that last part I'm working on for myself. Apparently, just by visiting any site that uses these special persistent cookies, you've automatically agreed to it. At least, that's how their legal terms and conditions states it. You can always opt-out, and even block cookies specifically, but unless you REALLY know what you're doing, it can be a tedious task, and one that can change the way you access your frequently visited websites. I was especially surprised that the community college I go to has this cookie on their website, and I have used both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox interchangeably, and have frequently deleted cookies to make sure my site visits aren't tracked, even marked the checkbox in Chrome and in Firefox "Do Not Track" or their respective equivalents. Though, it's obvious that even my weekly scans haven't given me any indication up until recently that there was anything mischievous going on with my PC systems. I had no clue whatsoever, and I had been constantly trying to figure out why my systems would run so sluggish.

RollAround malware/adware tracks everything from your online viewing preferences, to shopping habits, purchases, what sites you do or don't visit, even if the visit is accidental (So, even if you inadvertently click on an ad that sends you to that awful porn site, it'll track that and think that's your preference). It can run even when you're not physically on your PC, but your computer is still running and connected to the internet. This is another reason I like to turn off my PC nightly, but I haven't been because I want security and other updates to occur while I sleep. There's always the option, if you have it available, of turning off all network traffic via your firewall, or disconnecting from the router or cable modem directly and physically. However, that still doesn't solve the problem of what to do with this malware.

I truly thought I had a handle on it just yesterday after running three full and complete scans with both MalwareBytes' "Anti-Malware" scanner, and Norton Antivirus provided by my ISP Comcast / Xfinity (don't judge, I just prefer to NOT go with Dial-Up or DSL if I can help it). For whatever reason, it keeps popping up on my system. From what I've researched, these cookies can come from any number of [now questionably] reputable companies like Microsoft, Yahoo, and other companies with investments in online shopping, and online ordering, who want YOUR data, your shopping habits, your internet browsing patterns, what products and services you find interesting, what products and services you don't buy, etc. While this is NOT a new tactic for businesses, what is new is the legal loophole that they've all found to install software onto your computer without your knowledge, and then leave an opt-out open for anyone who doesn't want their data tracked, but even using that tool doesn't guarantee that your information, your browsing habits data, won't be tracked by other companies who use the same technology.

So here are your options from the way I see it after trying to either deal with or remove this garbage from your PC (and mine when I encounter it in my scans):

Accept it. It's pretty safe to say that this new legal technicality where just by visiting a website, your data on a site you've visited or are visiting, even by accident, could be tracked, even if everything you do tells that site you don't want to be tracked. By now, it's fair to say it's a standard practice for nearly every company that does business online to use this tracking software. Even non-internet businesses, reputable business use this strategy when concocting advertising and sales. There is the supposed idea that your data is kept confidential, but I question that when I get dozens of ads unrelated to what I'm viewing. For better understanding of this practice, I suggest watching the episode "Attack of the Killer App" from the TV series "Futurama" (available on Netflix as long as Netflix doesn't replace it with something crappy). Although the episode features technology slightly different from a PC, the message in it is clear. You want convenience? You pay a price. This is that price!
Go "Off the Grid". Put your tin foil hats on, because conspiracy theorists are gonna go ape-shit over this. Like I said earlier, this practice is not new, but the way it's being done is relatively new from the perspective of a computer / internet consumer. Many people, fed up with the way their data is being collected, dissected, analyzed, and processed into relevant ads for their personal preference, will often take to "cutting the digital cord" by not using any and all electronic devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, etc. Even using their old TV could be "beaming commercial ads into your brain" while you sleep. I have personally never believed that last part, but if you feel you can handle being off all electronic devices, more power to you. Though as I said before, this practice is still in use offline as much as it is done online.
Customize your online experience. There are ways to limit what data is collected, tools that have been (only recently) built into consumer grade internet browsers. Tools like "private browsing" where no cookies are stored, no data is shared, and your browsing habits are only minimally tracked, if at all. I've not yet had a chance to test this option specifically to verify that is what happens, but since it's my job to know what internet-related news including network security threats are out there, I might for one week try this method of "private browsing" and see if it works. Though, you can, without going to "private mode", "incognito" or "InPrivate Browsing" depending on your preferred browser, customize your browsing software to accept cookies only from certain sites, especially from those specific sites you frequent the most so that the accidental click of a pornographic ad won't lead to your browser sending personal data about your "accidental" porn viewing habits. While I disagree on some of those clicks being "accidental", it does happen even to the most careful user where they'll click on an ad that leads to a pornographic website. There are other ways, other software that is designed to block ads so that this doesn't happen to you, but now it's just getting convoluted and complicated to keep your browsing data from being collected, even "accidental" data being transmitted.
Run Anti-Malware, Anti-spyware, and antivirus scans regularly. This should go without saying. Be self-conscious about internet safety. Like myself, you may have been as careful as you could possibly be, but that ONE accidental click could end up putting you in a compromising position of having to explain why suddenly your PC now redirects to pornographic websites to your significant other, your loved ones, etc. While that may or may not be difficult depending on how well your loved ones know you, it doesn't hurt to do the prudent thing and run scans at least once every two weeks, or more frequent depending on your online viewing habits, just to be safe rather than sorry.

On a final note, this practice is how companies as well as would-be identity thieves and scammers are able to send targeted spam email (and regular snail mail) to your inbox, attempting to sway you into either buying their ridiculous product, or getting suckered into a scam that costs you all of your finances. Just because you practice safe internet browsing doesn't mean everyone else who uses your PC will do the same. As I found out, even (supposedly) reputable companies are not honoring their commitment to keeping your data confidential and safe. They'll sell it to whomever they can, even to lowest bidders, just to get that extra $1.25 per click.

So, do us computer technicians a favor. When we attempt to help you with cleaning your PC system, be honest. Even with those "accidental" clicks on porn ads, that information could be extremely helpful in finding out why your system is being infected so aggressively and frequently. We're not here to judge you, make fun of you, or embarrass you in front of others like your family or friends, we're here to help. If there's been a mistake in online internet browsing, own up to it. Even if you don't think ANYONE in your household has done so, admit the possibility that mistakes do happen. I've long thought, and am still a believer in the fact that computers do not make mistakes. Humans often do, even if they're not totally aware of it.

I'll do my best to keep you all updated on this and other internet/computer/network security related tips. Please feel free to comment. If you'd like me to answer a question, or research a related topic, please feel free to email me at "halfblind79@gmail.com". Thank you!

Cryptolocker Virus and You

2013-11-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

I came across this article Cryptolocker Virus News Article and believed it was noteworthy to point out some good tips and ideas drawing from experience.

First off, these viruses are usually the result of visiting sites that are less than reputable. Never submit information on a website you don't trust or (let's be honest) is completely riddled with pornographic images. Secondly, always keep your anti-virus updated with the latest definitions. Third, keep your anti-malware scanner software updated as well. Lastly, even with the latest updates on both antivirus and anti-malware, it does you no good if you don't run regular scans on your PC. Most PC techs will tell you to run a scan at least once a week or more often depending on your web surfing activity.

Depending on your antivirus program, be sure to visit its website for information on this virus, and tips on how to prevent it from giving you trouble on your PC. A good rule of thumb for myself is that I clean my browser history, delete my cookies, and run every scan possible with both my anti-virus and anti-malware software programs at least twice a week. This is not because of pornographic sites, but because I do a lot of research both on black hat sites and white hat sites. I have to be well versed in network security. But for the average user, a scan of both programs at least once a week is more than prudent.

Also, if you have children, please limit their internet activities, set parental controls, and block websites entirely if you think there may be some questionable content. For more information, please visit the following sites I believe to be helpful:

Microsoft.com
Symantec.com - For Norton security products.
McAfee.com - For McAfee security products.
avg.com - For AVG security products.
kaspersky.com - Kaspersky Security products.

If you still need help, please contact a PC technician immediately for assistance. Also keep in mind that like with any new virus or computer or network security issue, updates are being put together as fast as humanly possible. Patches are being made, and updates are being designed to close loopholes. Be sure to keep up-to-date on all updates (whether you're a MAC or PC user).

For more information, contact your network or system administrator if in a work environment.

US and UK spy agencies defeat privacy and security on the internet (Courtesy: www.theguardian.com)

2013-09-06T01:14:00.002-06:00

This latest blog I wanted to share because of the rise of concern over privacy and security. I felt it necessary to write about this after reading the following link:

US and UK spy agencies defeat privacy and security on the internet

(http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/05/nsa-gchq-encryption-codes-security#_=_)

I stumbled upon this when I was checking my "Google+" account. To be fair, I haven't read the article in its entirety. Though playing devil's advocate, I can see some potential benefits to this happening. And because of the rise in concern over privacy and security after the recent leak of NSA (National Security Agency) domestic eavesdropping, I felt it necessary to point out some of the potential benefits here as opposed to the potential pitfalls some folks jump to (the conspiracy theorists).

The first and foremost benefit is this: It's better this happens by the United States and the United Kingdom's spy agencies than have it happen by someone with less-than-honorable reasons. Let's face it, everyone would be in an uproar if someone in a much more foreign (and hostile) sovereign power did it. I'd be in total concern that someone broke my encryption codes in a foreign hostile region than my own government. Besides, unless I'm doing something completely illegal, I have nothing to hide.

Another benefit to this development is that because of this government sanctioned "breach", a "white hat" or ethical hacker (someone who is paid to legally break into secure networks and computer systems) can find solutions to such breaches of security and privacy, and find new countermeasures and defenses against such cyber attacks.

Suppose these "white hats" didn't exist. Let's just say for the sake of argument that our governments weren't proactive in setting up these legal breaches, who would be responsible for the safety and security of our computer systems and networks? The manufacturer's? The individual public users? "Black Hats"? Those are the folks we really should worry about. They are the ones who hack for many reasons. Primary reasons include greed, bragging rights, and to "just have fun". Sometimes, although rare, "Black Hats" have been used for political cyber attacks on politician's systems, networks, etc.

My personal suggestion to get an idea of what this all means, watch the movie "Live Free or Die Hard". In this movie, they talk of something hackers everywhere both live for and fear called a "fire sale". I won't explain the details of which since they are explained in the movie, and while I don't think it'd actually happen, it's a very real worry. "White hats" who work on government payroll are constantly working on making sure someone or a group of people are not able to perform this theoretical "fire sale".

One final thought on this subject, for those of us in I.T. (Information Technology)/I.S. (Information Security) industries, this can be a useful development, because it means someone is already working on solutions and remedies to counteract such breaches and cyber attacks. Those of us in said industries are working hard to keep up with developments like this so that we can do our job that much more effectively and efficiently. The last thing we want is for someone to blame us for something that wasn't within our control, or even a degree of control.

Have questions or need something explained? Send me an email at halfblind79@gmail.com, and I'll do my best to either answer your question or provide an explanation. If I cannot, I'll point you in the right direction. If you'd like your question or explanation featured in a blog, let me know too! Thanks for reading.

Basic Terminology (Jargon)

2012-09-23T03:22:00.000-06:00

If you're anything like me, you get tired of people who term components of a computer incorrectly. It's annoying, frustratingly confusing, and worst yet is when a consumer/customer gives you an incorrect term, it can lead you to the wrong conclusion, which leads to an incorrect solution, and therefore a very unhappy customer because now they feel they've not only been misled to believe you can help, but it also reflects badly on your organization.

This post is NOT for those of you who are like me. No, this is a post for the average "joe" consumer who, over the past 25 years has heard the usage of terms through second- and third-hand accounts of computer trouble being handled improperly, mostly because a tech was given incorrect terms.

The purpose of this post is to (hopefully) educate the consumer public, the tech support caller, and the general computer operator / user on proper terminology when speaking tech to a tech. Let's face it, when you use incorrect terms, it can mean the difference between getting your problem solved or mishandled, sometimes worse.

It's a lot like negotiations in business. You can make or break a deal using either the right or wrong words or phrases. Only instead of losing a million dollar contract, you might lose your data on your PC system including important spreadsheets for your job, important contacts, or in the case of the home user you might lose precious pictures that haven't been processed for actual photo prints, videos of your family's invaluable moments in your lives, your email, sometimes even your family medical and financial history. We have to face the reality that in today's world, the PC system is much more than a business tool. It has become a tool for the home user, and when it fails with no backup system in place (hard-copies, physical items in a safe, etc) we lose a piece of ourselves with it.

The following are a list of proper terms. This is not an all-inclusive list, but it should illustrate some key differences in how we think about a computer system.

RAM - Random Access Memory. This is a component of your computer with both physical and virtual parts to it. The physical part is the memory module chip that is installed inside your PC system. Sometimes it can be removed and replaced with an upgraded chip or set of chips. Usually rectangular in design, small, and relatively inexpensive, though for higher memory upgrades, the prices do go up. This part of the computer is what stores information (temporarily) when accessing data (files like spreadsheets, databases, word processing documents, pictures, music files, even the internet), and writes data to the hard drive after being temporarily stored for use.

ROM - Read-Only Memory. Just like it describes, this is a type of memory that can only be read, and not written to. Things like date/time, processor information, hard drive data, internal components are stored here, and are for general informational use. It's not meant for modification or manipulation.

CD - ROM - Compact Disc Read Only Memory. Just like ROM, the information stored on a CDROM Disc is meant for general use and cannot be modified or written to (with some exceptions). Sometimes it can be software, firmware for a product, or filled with data files pertaining to a product or device. There are different types of "CDROM" discs, but we'll cover that later.

CD - ROM / DVD - ROM Drive - This is a component of the computer system that reads discs. Depending on how old the system is, it might ONLY read CDROM software discs and music CDs. If it's a newer system, chances are it's a DVD-ROM drive where it can read most types of discs. Some examples are CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R/DVD+R*, and DVD-RW/DVD+RW* as well as music CDs, photo CDs, regular movie DVDs, etc.

*Note - There is a difference between the (-) disc and the (+) disc. A good discussion on what the difference is, and what the benefits are of each can be found on C|Net's discussion forum here - LINK

A little side remark about CDROMs and CDROM/DVDROM drives, customers/consumers use these two terms interchangeably, so be careful in providing the right term when speaking to a technician. It can mean the difference between you having to either buy a new disc or buying a new CDROM drive (which depending on your system specifications can get expensive, and we haven't even discussed labor costs).

CPU - Central Processing Unit. This is a processor chip that drives your computer. It's the brains of the whole operation. This is what provides the billions of calculations per second, handles all components inside the system, and assigns tasks to said components while still controlling the flow of data between your hard drive (we'll discuss that term as well) and the installed RAM. Some home users believe that their entire PC tower is the CPU. We'll get to explaining that later. Without the CPU chip, the computer system is nothing more than a dead and expensive paperweight. A quick note here. If the chip were to malfunction or all-of-a-sudden NOT WORK, the computer system will turn on, but nothing would boot. The OS, the BIOS, NOTHING would go. And yes, we'll discuss those terms, too! Although unlikely to fail, when it does, you'll know it well before the tech does.

HDD - Hard Disk Drive. This is an internal component in your PC system that handles the semi-permanent storage of your computer data, including your Operating System (OS). In the early days of computers, Hard Drives didn't exist. Data was stored on what were called "Floppy Disks" in FDDs (Floppy Disk Drives). Because of the decline in the use of Floppy Disks, we won't even go over that topic (unless you're a hardcore computer technician that's worked on them for 30+ years). Once again, should this component malfunction for whatever reason (corrupt drive, virus, missing OS), the computer will turn on, even boot the BIOS, but after that nothing will load. Only a cursor that might say something like "Bad or missing data" or "No Operating System Found"! Another quick note, be careful what you delete on your drive, and in fact, never delete any file you are unsure about. It may mean the difference between being able to load your Operating System, and having to either have a tech reload software for your OS, or buy a new PC altogether. Also, run virus checks as well as general maintenance checks (defrag, ScanDisk, backup, etc) regularly.

Once again, the average user will sometimes say "My hard drive failed, and I can't load anything!". This is another example of incorrect usage, although sometimes they will be right on the money. Consumers often mix-up CPU & Hard Drive to describe the fact that their computer has failed. What they say, and what they mean are not necessarily incompatible, but often times they are. So be sure to know your terms before you ask a tech for help.

Computer Monitor Screen - Whether it's the old CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) big ass box with a screen, or the newer LCD displays, this is what displays all the information from your PC including the OS, your data files, music, video clips, your internet sites that you visit, that Facebook or Twitter account you frequently check for updates, your email, etc. Consumers often mistake this for it being their whole computer, and often times it's just the display itself that has failed, although certain exceptions can occur. A good rule of thumb is to make sure it's NOT the display by using another one in its place and running the computer. If you are able to see the computer loading, then it's not something inside the PC. If you cannot, it's a good bet something else is going wrong.

Computer Tower (Tower Chassis) - The box that houses all the above components (along with other key elements) of a computer. It also has blinking lights, a power light, and often will include the ever-popular power button. On newer systems, it may even include USB ports, memory card slots, and microphone / headphone jack ports. This is where consumers mix this term up with CPU, HDD, and OS. If something fails, they will usually use this term first before they get to the correct term. Some of the components inside besides the RAM, HDD, CD/DVD ROM drives are:

1) Video Card - This is what connects your LCD or CRT display monitor and allows you to view your system data whether it's your internet sites, your data files, your pictures, etc. The older systems might require these, but on newer systems, the video feed is "On-board" meaning it's integrated into the system. This has been explained in another blog entry.

2) Sound Card - Ever wonder how you are able to hear music files, video clips, and other sounds from your PC? It's usually from the sound card plugged into your speakers via a 3.5mm speaker jack port. On older systems, it's not necessarily required, especially on business-class PC systems. On newer systems, just like the video card, it can now be integrated into the system without you having to buy an unnecessary item.

3) LAN/NIC Card - LAN (Local Area Network) or NIC (Network Interface Controller) card is what connects you to your network whether its your ISP, your router, your Network Hub, etc. It's what controls the traffic of data and information between your PC and the World Wide Web/Internet. Once again, older systems might require a separate controller card to be installed in order to use the network. On newer systems, like the video and sound, it's now being integrated into the PC so you don't have to take it apart to install. The standard cable to use on this is the ethernet cable or RJ-45 cable jack.

4) Dial-Up Modem - Although now considered archaic, this was widely used on systems older than 2003. It was considered the industry standard to have a 56k (that's 56 kilobits) modem connecting to a dial-up network (D-U-N) provider. These types of modems usually use the RJ-11 jack cable, otherwise known as "telephone cable" like the one used when plugged into a wall to either a standard telephone, or the more widely used portable phone with a power base. Some consumers use the term "Modem", and those of us techs old enough to know the difference between DSL, Cable, etc think of dial-up modems automatically. Just be sure to let the tech know what type of connection you do have. If you don't know, please call your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and find out. Most of the time, if you get a bill from your provider, you should already know.

Some PCs are coming out with "Wireless" capability built-in, which replaces the need for ethernet wire or NIC cards. Though be sure to let your tech know the difference by describing if you are using a wireless connection to your network, or if it's wired in. The reason being is that we techs have to change our approach in dealing with network problems when it's one or the other. Obviously we can't use tactics to fix a wired network problem on a wireless network, and vice-versa.

5) USB (Universal Serial Bus) port - This is a relatively newer type of port that can connect devices such as cameras, webcams, scanners, printers, and about a 100 other types of devices. Some debate has been going on for some devices whether you can have the computer running and plug a device in. Although it is considered "hot-swappable" (meaning the device can be plugged/unplugged while the computer is in operation), some devices require that you install software either before or after a device is plugged in. Without getting into the technical detail, let's just say that the computer has to be aware of the device before or after software installation that controls your device. I've yet to see a USB port "die" or fail, but when it does there's usually nothing you can do except maybe buy a USB hub or buy a new system. It's cheaper to buy a USB hub and plug it into a working USB port.

6) Power Supply - DO NOT under any circumstance try to repair this item inside your PC. You CAN, however, replace it yourself or have a tech do it. It supplies power directly inside the PC to load your system and provide you with access to your PC relatively quickly. Without it, your computer won't work. The caveat to this is the fact that although the power supply can fail, the computer won't necessarily have to be replaced. However, if the failure is severe enough, like say during a powerful thunderstorm with lightning, it can fail to such a degree that your computer is rendered useless, even after repair. When users have come to me complaining their computer won't turn on, this is what I check first. I check to see if A) the computer's power cord is plugged in to a working socket, and B) if it can display information on the monitor screen. Although techs know when the power supply fails, it can sometimes be a challenge for the average consumer to know the difference between a hard drive failure and a power supply failure. A good rule of thumb is simply if you can get power to the PC, it's NOT the power supply. If you press the power button and absolutely nothing happens, it's a good bet your power supply is fried like chicken.

So next time you go to your PC systems administrator or a PC specialist tech, please be aware of these basic terms. It can mean the difference between you getting your PC fixed, or being frustrated with the PC tech because there's been a misunderstanding between you both, and you both walk away feeling frustrated one way or another.

Have questions or need something explained? Send me an email at halfblind79@gmail.com, and I'll do my best to either answer your question or provide an explanation. If I cannot, I'll point you in the right direction. If you'd like your question or explanation featured in a blog, let me know too! Thanks for reading.

Until then, keep your "cookies" tuned in! :-D

Hoax Warnings vs. Real Warnings & You

2012-04-27T07:27:00.001-06:00

We've all seen them. Someone posts an email, a status update on Facebook, MySpace (blech), etc, and it usually says something to the effect of "DO NOT ADD [insert person's name]! This person is a [insert hacker, pedophile, sex predator, or some automated implanted virus]. While there may be some truth to this, I would exercise caution on these warnings about certain individuals to your Facebook/MySpace/Whatever! There are individuals out there who would love to prank an unsuspecting victim with a virus, or a video clip that is embedded with a virus.

Admittedly, I fell victim to something like this years ago on MySpace, and to date, my entire internet-connected family thinks it was I who initiated the whole thing. Bottom line, if the video clip doesn't seem like the kind of thing your friend or family member wouldn't post, i.e. Grandma posting a pornographic video clip that just doesn't seem like something she'd do, or post an obscene message, it's a good bet that either her account has been hacked, or someone imitated your Grandmother's name, sometimes a very obvious misspelling, and posted to your wall. In other words, don't click the link. Contact your friend or family member by phone, or talk to them in person if possible, and get the facts straight. My suggestion is to not jump to conclusions about any link, video clip, picture post or any other post that seems out of character for that person.

With all that being said, I stumbled across a message from a friend on my Facebook account from Snopes.com about a "Don't Add" Warning! While I understand it's message of caution, I like to think that people would use common sense. A few things to think about when seeing these warning messages:

1) Do I know this person / website / organization? If the answer is no, it's a good bet you're not going to add them anyway. In fact, the names listed will probably sound like generic names that could be just about anyone in the world trying to glean information off your PC using a keylogger virus, or by some other method. This opens up your friends list (especially on Facebook/Twitter/MySpace) to their list of targets. In other words, EXERCISE caution whenever possible.

2) Do I recognize that email address? Hackers are pretty sneaky, and there are some REALLY gullible people out there who think to themselves "Oh that must be....[insert relationship status here with a name]! I guess I just wrote their email address wrong!" You'd be surprised how often this is the case. If there is any doubt in your mind, and I mean ANY doubt whatsoever, my personal suggestion is do NOT add that email address or handle ID to your Instant Message programs (Y! Instant Messenger, AIM, MSN/Windows Live Instant Messenger, Skype, etc). Better to be safe than sorry later.

3) Have I contacted this person without the use of a computer? If the answer here is no, there's no need to go any further. Just delete the request, and move along with your daily social media and instant message usage as normal.

The key piece of logic to remember here is that if they don't sound like someone you know, you're better off getting a complaint by phone from that friend rather than risk getting scammed. I refer to my previous blog entry here Email Spam and You where it mentions "If it's too good to be true, it's probably not true." The opposite can also be applied here. "If it sounds too far fetched and bad to be true, it probably is." If you're ever unsure, contact a PC specialist in your area. Many offer a free or low-cost consultation. If you're concerned about privacy, find a member of your family that has some extensive troubleshooting experience. You may end up saving yourself some time, some frustration, and of course the biggie, MONEY!!

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Customer Service in General (By Chris Minagil)

2011-07-12T19:10:00.003-06:00

Okay, so this kind of is NOT exclusively a post about computers, but it is related to how we, the consumers of the public, treat customer service representatives, billing representatives, and technical support representatives in general. On my first post, I mentioned how best to approach an issue when calling a technical support help desk, but this goes far beyond what I wanted to say. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank my friend, Chris Minagil, for writing what I have wanted to say for years, but felt I couldn't because of certain... implications and certain legal ramifications. The following is what he wrote in a note on Facebook. Feel free to give me your comments, and as always, if you have a question of a technical nature, please feel free to email me at halfblind79@gmail.com.

Over the years many of us have had the opportunity to obtain service from another person for goods and/or services ranging from pumping gas, ordering fast food, arranging travel, tech support in any capacity, or speaking with a local utility. Many of these transactions can be pleasant or unpleasant regardless of outside circumstances based upon the customer service aspect alone. This is a small guideline (or perhaps a personal wish-list) for those who wish to keep these experiences as a customer and a service provider as positive as possible.

1. Speak with a smile and use voice inflection. Regardless of your disposition, an aggressive tone tends to shut people off to your cause. If you are providing service this will cause your patron to not want to talk to you and your business will lose money (or your job if it happens too frequently). If you are a customer this may cause the person providing the service to you to not want to speak with you and deny any requests or cause a very short and terse conversation as a reaction to your attitude. Smiling whilst speaking is a fantastic way to brighten your outward appearance (physically and audibly) and help make the conversation just a little more pleasant, plus when you add a more pleasant voice inflection it gives the appearance that you actually care (regardless if you are even paying attention or not). Customers and customer service representatives don't generally get angry with people that sound happy and are seemingly paying attention regardless of the situation.

2. Read and understand the fine print before you agree to it. Many companies have Terms and Conditions, aka fine print or T&C, that governs the products you purchase. Certain conditions such as non-refundable, non-cancelable, non-transferable, photo ID required, time restrictions, as well as location restrictions and age restrictions. These terms are there to not only protect the company providing the service/products to you but to protect your interests and rights as a consumer from people that would defraud you. Knowing these terms and understanding that many companies do not bend them for simple convenience based reasons will make your purchase process and their customer service process much simpler.

3. Shop around before committing and don't be afraid to look in multiple places for the best deal. Most customer service representatives will be more than happy to discuss one or two options in person or over the telephone, but refrain from monopolizing their time for too long as other people are shopping too and may require the same assistance you are receiving. You'd be amazed at how different prices can vary on the same product, as well as how many companies have items like a price guarantee or a price match option. It never hurts to ask what the terms are, but make sure if this is something you are interested in make sure you get all the details or it won't work when you try to use it.

4. Know all your details before you buy. If you are purchasing something age sensitive, gender sensitive, or something date sensitive you need to make 100% certain you have all the details or those T&C mentioned above could come back to bite you. Leaving dates "general" or not knowing full names, birthdates, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses can leave you in a bit of a lurch especially if what you're purchasing is time sensitive or nonrefundable. If you guess and get it wrong there could be penalties involved in fixing the issue (if fixable at all, airline tickets can't change names once issued).

5. If you have an issue kind words go further than yelling and a bad attitude. Please understand that you are speaking with human beings on the other end of the phone, and just like you they generally don't respond well to angry demands and general abuse. You can still get your point across if you have an issue or that you feel you may have been dis-serviced, please refrain from calling anybody names as this will only strengthen the customer service representatives resolve to NOT help you fix your problem. Also make certain that you are calling about something they can help you with in the first place and not get mad if what you're asking has already been covered in the T&C you may or may not have reviewed when you paid for the service/product. Now, please don't be offended by any customer service individuals if they are in good spirits and you're not. They understand the gravity of your situation and are indeed trying to help you, they are simply trying to keep the best attitude possible in the face of adversity.

The number one complaint of many people regarding certain companies is the (lack of) customer service, and in many instances those same companies customer service individuals have similar gripes about the customers for many of the same reasons. Please do us all a favor and spread a little kindness, or at least tone down the negativity, so the rest of the world can get on with their day and feel good about putting food on their family's tables and a roof over their heads.

I'd love to share some horror stories (from both CS and customer perspectives), but that's just unprofessional. Maybe I'll save that for another time :)

KVM Switchbox (TRENDnet)

2010-09-10T19:23:00.001-06:00

Once again, I find myself reviewing a product that I think is wonderful, and yet so simple!! Normally, I don't like to review items until I have had a chance to use them for at least a month (or at the very least a week), but this is going to be one of those exceptions. I don't know why I didn't think of something like this years ago.

I'm talking, of course, about the use of KVM switch boxes. This little devices are so very cool, and yet offer the simplest of solutions to a very common dilemma. Say you have two or more computers that you want to use, but you only have one keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The solution? A KVM switch box. It's a great way to have control over multiple computer systems without having to purchase a separate keyboard, mouse, and monitor for each.

The particular product I'd like to review is the TRENDnet 2-port KVM switch with integrated cables (the TK-205i model). It's a relatively simple setup. You simply plug in the hardwired KVM cables into the appropriate monitor, mouse, and keyboard ports on each computer system, then you plug in a mouse, keyboard, and monitor into the central hub. The device comes with a couple of neat little features. First, you have a button in the middle that you can use to switch back and forth between computers. Second, if you're lazy like I am, you can alternatively use keyboard shortcuts to switch back and forth as well.

Below you will find a picture of this model to get a better idea of what it is you would be purchasing. Remember, this is the model I, myself, purchased, but there are other models and makes out there that are just as good, if not better.

TRENDnet 2-port KVM Switch with Integrated Cables (Model TK-205i)

There are a couple of noteworthy limitations to using this particular model. One, you don't have the option of splitting the audio between computers, although for a little bit more money, you can purchase another model with that function. Second, this particular model uses a PS/2 port for both the keyboard and the mouse, and unfortunately, most models either have only PS/2 or USB ports, and not a combo of both. This was a little disheartening as I wanted to use my USB optical mouse, and even with the PS/2 adapter that it came with, I couldn't use it. But for the amount I paid for it (I got it used for a little under $10), I can't really complain too much.

Overall, I highly recommend using this type of product (this model included) if you plan on using two or more computers, and especially if you're going to be changing the role of your computer systems like I am.

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Email Spam and You

2010-09-06T19:05:00.001-06:00

(WARNING TO READERS: This entry may contain adult content, language, and some sexual content not suitable for minors under the age of 18!)

Howdy, folks! I thought I'd follow up to an earlier blog entry concerning emails, and go a little bit into SPAM messages. We all know what they are, and we all hate spam, but some people around the world are constantly being duped by these false promising emails. What can you do to protect yourself and avoid being a victim? What are some of the tools that anyone can use to avoid being tricked by someone in Nigeria or Libya? Do you have recourse if you've become an unfortunate victim? We'll go over some of those questions, and cover some basic practices that should be used on a routine basis.

First off, what is a spam email message? What does it look like? A spam email message, for the most part, is an attempt to lure you into either a false product, service, or trapping you into a financial nightmare. Some spam email is designed to exploit a sexual desire, or perhaps a financial ambition, but ultimately, they are designed to scam you, and leave you high and dry. Secondly, preventing spam is a lot like preventing the sun from rising to start the day. You just simply can't stop it, but there are ways to either avoid it, or at the least spot when one is attempting to "dupe" you into its lure. Lastly, if you've been duped, DON'T PANIC!! That's the worst thing anyone can do in any situation. Calm down, realize that there could be a potential mess ahead, and focus on one problem at a time. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Let's talk a little bit about some of the more common spam messages that are received DAILY!! There are three main categories of spam email messages. There's 1) Financial spam, 2) sexual spam, and 3) prize spam. Each of these categories have a few things in common, they all want YOU to THINK that you NEED one of these things, or that YOU are stupid enough to think it's genuine. They also want your money, and they also want to scam everyone you know out of their money too.

1) Sexual Spam - These should be obvious! They'll promise to make your dick bigger, harder, longer than ever before, or they'll promise that your girlfriend or wife will be satisfied with the "results" for weeks and months, if not years. Or perhaps you've been a bit lonely, and the messages will offer companionship of a sexual nature with the message title of "Fuck local women today!" I would hope that these can be spotted without any blink of an eye at all. Remember, these messages want YOU to THINK you need their services, products from a sexual standpoint. Unless you're just that freakin' horny, you really don't need their help, and you especially don't need to waste your money.

2) Financial Spam - These are the messages that some people still have difficulty discerning from the real deal. There's a simple rule on this one. If it sounds too good to be true, IT IS!! There's no exceptions, no "ifs", "ands", or "buts". The plain and obvious truth is your bank didn't make that kind of error where you'd get millions, or that a deposit of millions has occurred and the bank wants you to verify this. There's also one going around where it acts as though it's from an official bank message system (usually Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc) and that a problem with your account occurred, and they want YOUR information to correct it. First off, your bank already has your information, so there should be no need to re-enter it, and secondly, a bank will never ask you to enter information on a web-based form. If you feel this might be a legit message, call your bank or financial institution to check. NEVER enter any information of any kind on a web-based form, period. If your bank asks you to do this, politely decline and ask for a standard paper form! Another popular spam message going around is (supposedly) from Paypal. A couple of good ways to tell if it's a fake is 1) spelling - sometimes spammers get so excited that someone might actually be dumb enough to fall for their lure, they get careless with common words. This is a good indicator that something may be "fishy" with the email (hence the term "Phishing"), and 2) Check the links - Most email programs, and even AOL users have the feature where if you simply move your mouse over the link (DO NOT click on it), it should tell you what address (URL) it will open.

3) Prize Spam - These spam messages are damned clever if you ask me. They'll try to convince you that you've won an Xbox, PS3, desktop computer, laptop (netbook/notebook) PC, or that you've won $1 million in some sort of contest. Again, these should be obvious ploys. First, unless you really did enter contests, it's safe to assume these are false in any capacity. And even if you did sign up for a contest, chances are you'd either get something in the mail, or receive a phone call notification of your winnings. Second, just like the financial spam messages, these too will have grammatical and spelling errors that should be the most blatant indicators of a spam message. Even some of the email addresses, web addresses, etc will have something wrong with them. For example, earlier today, I checked a message that my mother received supposedly from PayPal saying she had gotten a credit. Upon careful examination of the email, I determined that it was false. Everything looked legit on it, except when it came to looking at who it came from. The email address was the giveaway when it read "service@paypal.comt"! Notice anything wrong? Looks official right? You'd be wrong. The extra "t" at the end of the ".com" is there. Most of the time, messages from PayPal and other like companies will have been auto-generated, meaning it's the same address each and every time. Remember one of my previous blogs says that computers don't make mistakes, people do. In this case, when people make mistakes, it can either cost the victim, or the would-be suspect. With this scenario, the would-be suspect lost, because he or she chose to ignore simple errors thinking that my mother would be dumb enough to fall for it.

Sometimes a spam email message can be very tricky in determining if it's a real message or something designed to lure you. Here are some general tips to remember when it comes to Spam emails!

1) Sounds Too Good - Common sense will dictate a very simple rule. If it sounds too good to be true, IT IS!! I think I speak for every computer tech out there who probably has it screaming in their heads when I say "DON'T OPEN IT!! JUST DELETE IT!" Seriously for a moment, if there's any sort of doubt in your mind as to the legitimacy of an email, and I mean any doubt at all, it's best to go on that doubt and delete the message. Don't even give it any of your time or thought.

2) Check and Double Check - Again, going back to checking the validity of emails. If you really think it may have come from a legitimate source, it's best to contact that source by alternative means, either from that source's official website, email contact address, or by phone. Probably best to just use your phone, period. Don't even give it a second thought. It's best to be safe than to be sorry!!

3) Different Email, Same Name - Oh, this is one of the more clever practices of spammers. They'll try to guess the name of your friend to make it seem trustworthy. Don't be fooled. Check the email address against the one you know from your friend. If they don't match, delete the email. There's one exception to this, and that exception is that your friend might have actually changed their email address. Check with your friend BY PHONE! The worst that happens is that they have to resend the email, and you would have to add them to a sort of "Safe Contacts" list. There are instances when you'll get an email that looks like it's from a friend, but the name will be sort of misspelled. Again, use a bit of logic, and check with your friend by phone, but if there's any small doubt in your mind, just delete it.

4) Unsubscribe - Some spam messages give you the option to unsubscribe. This would be a useful idea if it weren't for the fact that 98% of the time it doesn't work, and actually gives companies your email address to send even more spam to. Until it becomes a federal crime to send spam messages, the unsubscribe function in a spam message is about as useless as a ordinary condom on "Superman". You can have him put it on, but realistically, it's just for decoration and nothing else.

5) Emailing directly - Some of us have actually gone and done the stupid thing and emailed the spamming offender directly. Bad idea. Again, it gives them your email address to spam to even more, and again, it's just a useless idea. Sure, you'll get your point across, but let's be honest here. They're not going to give a shit.

6) Contacting authorities - Let's just say that contacting authorities really doesn't provide relief, or any sort of results unless an actual crime has been committed. And since sending Spam messages isn't exactly illegal, there's nothing any law enforcement agency can do. Best to not even try.

For the most part, if you use common sense and logic, most of the spam messages you receive will be easily spotted, and you can take the appropriate action of deleting them. But what if you do get trapped in a scam? Is there any sort of recourse one can take? Before I close this entry, I want to briefly touch on some advice.

1) DON'T PANIC!! - This is about the worst thing anyone can do in any situation. Try not to panic, and realize that while there may not be much you can do, you can however try to reduce the impact. Write down what happened, and keep it to the point so that when you file that police report, you can stick to the facts.

2) Focus - Focus on the main problem, and realize that for each small step you take to recovery, it's going to be toward resolving the main problem.

3) Tackle the smaller things - Because of the complexity of being scammed, it can feel overwhelming, even when it comes to simple things like calling your bank, or filing the police report, etc. Don't try to tackle it all at once.

4) Get an advocate - If you feel you are getting no where with police, your bank, your creditors, etc, you may need the services of an advocate. Not quite an attorney, but someone who can speak on your behalf to resolve matters related to identity theft and financial scams. Though, I will admit that hiring an attorney can be just as helpful, if not more-so, since attorneys have legal authority in some of the more complex matters.

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Upgrading Your PC and You

2010-08-07T22:13:00.000-06:00

So, you've decided to do some upgrades to your PC, and you're not sure where to begin. Well, the truth is, there is no easy answer, but for the moment what we can discuss is some general ideas to keep in mind. First and foremost do not assume that because it's top dollar it will be top quality. Do your research and figure out what your needs are.

With that in mind, let's get some general tidbits out of the way. First, determine what you are upgrading your PC for. Is it for gaming? Productivity? Or perhaps you just want to be able to surf the internet faster. Second, determine the capabilities of your PC. Can it hold that extra 2GB of RAM? Can it support a 2TB hard drive? Lastly, what are your goals for an end result? Faster processor speed? Faster response time for loading webpages? Consider your goals, and consider what kind of budget you want to stick to when asking these questions. On average, an upgrade to a computer (already pre-built) is about $40-$200 depending on what you want to accomplish.

Some tips on most Windows PC computers (you'll have to look up the MAC equivalents, because I do not support MACs):

1) Interfaces - If you are going to be upgrading ANY component of a computer, you'll want to know the most basic of information. Interfaces are one of those basic information pieces. There are many that a computer uses, so be sure to know what kind of interface you'll need. For example, most hard drives use an IDE/EIDE cable. Knowing this, you should know to look for a hard drive that will use this cable. Another example is that some computer mice still use a PS/2 port. If you're going to buy a mouse, be sure it has an appropriate USB to PS/2 adapter, otherwise, you'll be out of luck unless you'll be using that USB connection.

2) Capabilities - What is it that you are upgrading and what are the capabilities you are looking for? Upgrading from a CD-ROM burner drive to a DVD-ROM burner drive is one of those "upgrade features" that seem to stand out. Also, looking for something that has faster speed, buffering, or data transfer rates are good indicators of what you might need. A CD/DVD drive that runs 52x will definitely run faster than a 24x speed CD-ROM drive, but remember that faster isn't always better.

3) External or internal? - Many devices are internal to the computer, meaning some disassembly may be required. If you want to avoid this, then external is the way to go. In fact, it's been well-known that external devices are far more stable than internal, so this is something else to keep in mind.

4) Input or Output? - You may want to consider if the device or component you want to upgrade is an input device or an output device. Network interface cards are both, whether wired or wireless. However, sound cards are usually output as well as video cards. This is especially important when placing the new component inside the computer. Most USB devices are input devices.

5) Size - I know this may not seem important, but if you have limited desk space, a big and bulky item may not be a good idea. Similarly, a device that is relatively small will be ideal for most desk spaces. Determine what kind of device you are looking for, but make sure it doesn't take up a bunch of workspace that you may want to use later.

Remember that as with any upgrade, ALWAYS keep yourself GROUNDED. In other words, don't let static get to your upgrade, your computer, etc by using either an anti-static mat, or a wrist strap available online or at most computer retailers. Doing so can harm it irreparably, and will end up costing you a fortune more! Always perform your upgrades in a clean environment, and always wear appropriate safety gear (eye protection, gloves, etc). If you are a novice computer user, always have upgrades performed by a certified professional!

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Groups and You

2010-07-28T16:15:00.000-06:00

The internet has given birth to something not necessarily new. It's been around for ages, but the internet gives us the instant gratification of responses through email. We're talking about groups. Online discussion groups. The general theme of a group is in such a variety that one can find literally ANYTHING they like, and join a group about it. This can be both good and bad, but mostly good. However, there are some things that one should know and consider before joining a group.

The first thing to consider is if you are going to actively participate. Will you simply be on the sidelines, or will you be actively sending messages to the group for EVERYONE in that group to read? Many groups lay dormant for many months before activity picks up, then all sorts of emails from that group come pouring in, and it can seem overwhelming. Second, is this the kind of general topic you are passionate about or are you just in there to prank people? Let's be honest here, there are folks who are in a group just to be an annoyance, or have some other devious agenda on their mind.

Whether you are a moderator, or you are simply participating, here's some general ideas to keep in mind when joining a group.

1) Email - Yes, when joining a group this means you WILL be receiving (by default) EVERY piece of email that is sent to the group. Will this be something that might overwhelm you? Do you have a personal email account that wouldn't be affected by this? If not, you may want to create one specifically for that group.

2) Settings - Almost every online group that I've come across have settings for individual members. These settings can help alleviate the congestion in your email inbox by selecting your group's equivalent of "Special Notices Only" "Web Only Access", and "Digest Messages" Just a quick note about Digest emails. These are emails that compile a wealth of emails that have been sent to the group. This can be set to either daily, weekly, or monthly depending on what service you are using, i.e. Google Groups, Yahoo Groups, etc. This can be very useful if you want to avoid a mess in your email inbox. However, if you feel you must discontinue your participation in the group, most of the group sites allow you to unsubscribe in one of many different ways. The first is through email, and usually that information is provided through the email messages you receive. The second option is through the group site (e.g. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/aplustechnicians/)

3) (For Moderators) Controls - You can set up a function on the group where a file/email message is sent out on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis where it can contain information on general group objectives, how to utilize member tools, and perhaps even a guideline list if you must moderate discussions. Controls can also help limit the messages sent by your membership, or even have it where messages must be approved when it comes to individual member posts.

4) (For Moderators) Events - Perhaps a better way to get people to participate without clogging each other's email inbox is to schedule an online interactive discussion. Some group sites allow for online chat rooms specifically for your group. Alternatively, you can set up a chat that is NOT on your website or the group site. There are a number of alternatives available.

5) (For everyone) Conversations - Try to enjoy the conversations, and remember that the reason you joined or created a group was to get people together for a common cause. However, some conversations can get a little out of hand. If a message must be sent and replied by someone specifically, it may be a better idea to ask the person individually if you may email them directly, instead of airing your comment to them in such a public forum. Remember, the goal of a group is to promote a common idea, but if the conversations get too out of hand, it can easily overwhelm a new member.

Moderators, don't forget that as a moderator, you do have the authority to delete messages or deny/reject memberships and messages as you see fit, but don't abuse this function. People join groups for the purpose of sharing their ideas about the general discussion, but they will quickly leave if they feel their messages are being blocked unjustly. Have ready a list of reasons why you might reject a message or a membership, and give advice on how they can overcome this hurdle.

It should go without saying that some discussions can get abusive when they don't need to be. Try to establish some general guidelines for members, and make it clear that members have an obligation to keep the conversations going positively, smoothly, and most of all fun for everyone to participate in.

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Counter-Strike & Steam: To Hack or Not To Hack

2010-05-26T19:32:00.001-06:00

For a while now, I've been a participant in what is called "Counter Strike" on a client platform known as "Steam" v1.6. It's premise is relatively simple, play "T" or "Terrorist" and your objective is one of three. Either a) plant the bomb, b) hold hostages ransom, and if necessary, kill em, and/or c) kill your opponents or the "CTs" (Counter-terrorists). If you play "CT", then your objective is the opposite of those three "T" objectives. In my view, it's very addictive, especially when using weapons that are close to real world weapons, instead of some made-up super-weapon.

There are no levels, and there are no "invincibility" cheats to exploit. But there's a side to this game that almost no one talks about anymore, and it's also the reason I feel is the decline of the popularity of the game. When I first started, I had used a computer far inferior to the one I have now. It's capabilities were limited at best, so running this type of game required, quite literally, an all-night adventure. It's also the reason I felt I was lacking in the game, and really there wasn't much I could do about it, except go and spend $500-900 for hardware that I felt wasn't justified. Though even on a Cable Modem connection, there's still moments of sheer lag that just makes the game horrible to play, even as a fan.

Removing the hardware/software issue of the game, and removing the variable of my computer system being an issue, I've noticed that there seems to be blatant disregard for certain guards against cheating. Whether by design, or by design flaw, many have chosen to exploit the vulnerability in the system to their liking. Steam (aka Valve) has put into place what is called "VAC" or "Valve Anti-Cheat" system. Supposedly, this logs a user who is frequently exploiting "hacks" to better their aim, their efficiency, even their kill rate. In theory, this VAC system will log the user's IP address, and send a signal to Valve's mainframe computer that the user has fraudulently exploited the system, and will subsequently ban that user for life. In other words, if one decides to cheat, they run the risk of being given the permanent kick in the ass.

However, as my best friend and I soon found out, this VAC system is nothing more than a glorified joke of an Anti-Cheat system. During play on one of my favorite servers, I notice that many still use "hacks" despite the warning that displays during a load of every server, saying that if caught, that player will be banned. But what are some of the more popular cheats that one can use? What's the most surprising is that despite this so-called "VAC" system, there are hacks available that are undetectable by such system, rendering it rather useless.

I did some digging around, went to a few various sites, and what I found wasn't exactly surprising, though I wonder why Valve hasn't done the same search to find these cheat-producing users, and ban them for life. Among some of the more exploits are:

1) Auto-Aim (aka AimBot) - This is probably the most popular of the hacks. I'm not entirely sure the process, but it allows one to simply sit back, relax, and simply click the mouse when needed to make a kill. No forced moving around the mouse to get a good clean shot, you just wait, and kill when the time is right.

2) Wall Hack - Probably the more talked about (and rather annoying) hack of them all. This is when you are clearly NOT in view of any enemy, yet seemingly you are killed. Why? This hack will basically allow someone to clearly see you on the other side of a wall, and shoot you with any weapon for a kill. Some claim that they do not use this exploit, but I've witnessed people shooting at walls only to get a good 2-3 kills out of it. This can't just be a user being "that good" at playing.

3) Speed - Whether increasing your overall speed, or slowing everyone else down, this hack is when someone clearly is moving faster than the rest of the players on a server. This is not only an annoying hack, but it can also create server-side lag that makes playing the game honestly very difficult, and turns off many new players.

4) Invisibility cheat - Self explantory, but not quite. Basically, a player can conceal himself in a less visible way, wait for the time to strike, then knife another player's character to death. This I feel is one of the worst cheats/exploits/hacks. No matter how good you are, someone ALWAYS has this exploit running, and they WILL find you. Doesn't matter where you are, they will hunt and kill your character.

So what drives an individual to "hack" a game that is intended to be an honest, fair, and otherwise fun game? Some do it for fun, but for most it's about increasing their statistics, especially their kill-to-death ratio. Some do it just for the simple fact that they can, and haven't gotten caught. A good majority do it for the fact of being considered "the best", even though they are really cheating both themselves and the people who they use these exploits against. Unfortunately, despite Valve/Steam's best efforts, I believe "hacking" / exploiting the game still goes on, and is a much more widespread practice than what is believed by newbie players. This type of exploint turns off most veteran players from even joining games.

What can be done to curb this total disregard for playing an honest game? What measures can be put into place that ensure the spirit of the game isn't "hacked" or cheated upon? For one, I think Steam/Valve needs to routinely (and randomly) check a good sampling of servers every month to verify that each one is abiding by their VAC system. If they have to, they should hire people trained to spot "hacks", and report the behavior to those who can review, even suspend and/or terminate accounts whose holders have decided it was time to cheat.

Another idea would be for Steam/Valve to do a regular Google search. Just quick few keywords and I was able to locate "hacks" for Steam/Counter strike within a few minutes of my time. If Steam claims this kind of involvement would require too many man-hours, they are wrong. Again, it only took me a few minutes to figure out what cheats were out there. Based on the "hacks" that are available, one could argue that Steam has the resources to combat this behavior, and even write new patches to detect these exploits better, and eliminate those players who breach rules more aggressively.

Lastly, I think Steam ought to provide a reward system for those who report suspicious behavior. Give an incentive for players who report "hacks" and game-exploitations, like $5 off a purchase from Steam/Valve. That would certainly get me to start reporting people left and right. Although, I agree that this might require manpower, not only to investigate, but to enforce rules, and if necessary carry out the consequential actions.

Over the past 6 years, this has been my #1 game, but not for the good reasons. It's been on my crap list of games that people exploit for their own gain, and even though I still play it, I wish I didn't. Too many have "hacked" the game to the point where it's not even fun anymore. There are very few servers to login to where cheating isn't exactly widely used, and the servers one does find it is not long before someone who is cheating logs on and takes the whole fun out of it all.

In closing, and I hope this is read by Valve/Steam, because this really is the reason in my opinion that has brought upon the decline of players. It was only a few short years ago that I would log on and the number of servers would number in the THOUSANDS, possibly tens of thousands. Today, logging in, I only find a few hundred servers, and most of which are infested with "hackers".

I've thought about using such "hacks" for my own gain, but then I would be lowering myself. I don't want to do that. I feel that if one is to play an online multiplayer game, one should be able to play fairly, and without the use of "enhancements" or hacks to get ahead.

Steam/Valve, if you are reading this, you've still got a lot of work to do.

Social Networks And Security Settings (And You)

2009-12-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

It should go without saying (by now, I hope) that social networks are a great way to keep in touch (or reconnect with) friends of old, new, and in between. It has been my experience that sites like MySpace and Facebook are excellent tools to share ideas (whether similar or otherwise) with friends, family members, and even local news stations are getting in on this great tool. There are, however, drawbacks to having such an open-book lifestyle. Some of the more common drawbacks are the increasing demands of employers to invade personal lives, intrude on people's personal business, and even use that information against their own employees.

One of the more serious threats, notwithstanding businesses who wish to use social networks as their own personal "big-brother", is the reality that there are individuals who seek to destroy personal lives for their own personal gain. One such practice has been the increasing presence of scams that appear to be genuine, but in truth are designed to elude you into a false sense of "doing the right thing." Other practices are quite common that include getting you to provide your information in hopes of "hacking" your social network account, and post messages, videos, links, and photos that are pornographic in nature, or just simply ruin your good name.

It's worth noting that aside from my own personal experiences using such sites, I've watched news tips and reports on Facebook, MySpace, etc, and have found that while some of their tips are genuinely good, a lot of it is designed to scare you into seclusion. While it is true that many of us fear that someone may one day steal our identity with something as simple as using a No. 2 pencil (this is not new, by the way), we can however, take some steps to minimize a potential threat, or even neutralize an existing one. On that note, it should be completely clear that if you're not using common sense, you shouldn't be on any social network sites, and should be sticking with good ol' email. Better yet, stick to the regular snail mail.

On a related note, social networking sites can cause problems within a family, and usually dealing with children and/or pre-teens/teens. If you are a parent, there are some tips that may prove helpful while only minimally encroaching your child's privacy. It should go without saying that there are potentially hundreds of threats that children face daily while using the internet, the least of which has almost nothing to do with acts of a sexual nature. I emphasize "almost", because it's not necessarily what predators are after. I'll probably cover this more in an opinion blog later down the road, but the best defense for any parent against this would be to "TALK TO YOUR KIDS!" My best advice is to be an active listener, and be reasonable.

So, how does one protect themselves against the seemingly endless array of online threats when using social networking sites like Facebook? What steps are practiced widely? As a computer tech, I can say with certainty that there is no simple solution, but there are simple steps that anyone with a brain can do to minimize those threats.

(One final note before getting into the details, if you're that concerned over being safe, it's probably an exaggeration, but my advice would be to shut down your PC, stay indoors, and lock your doors, and windows up nice and tight)

Since some social network sites are different in how your account interacts with others, I'm going to base my observations from using Facebook. If you are having difficulty with the social network site of your choice, please refer to that site's help or frequently asked questions page for more information.

Some steps you can do:

1) Settings - Whether it's privacy settings or the account settings, this can do a multitude of tasks designed to protect you. First and foremost, unless you are like me and you know exactly who you are interacting with, you'll probably want to limit the information that people can see. On Facebook, there are ways to set the privacy level of most given sections of your profile to either "Everyone", "Only Friends", "Friends of Friends", and "Customize". There's also an option where you can selectively block people from accessing certain information, or block them from your profile completely. This is also true for the photo albums and their respective settings. You'll want to lock out anyone who might find your night of passion with a hot date objectionable.

2) Wall/Status Posting - Obviously there are some things that don't need to be communicated over the internet, such as "I'm going to take a huge dump!" That's probably something you want to keep inside your head, rather than share with the world. There will, however, be some grey areas about what's acceptable to post, and what should never be posted. While everyone should agree that posting something like "I hate my fucking boss" is just not acceptable, especially when someone, say a co-worker, sees that, and decides to play the politics game, which can land a person in trouble very quickly, and quite possibly fired. A huge debate is going on about that, and while I agree that we have rights to free speech, it can however damage an employers' reputation, no matter how warranted it may be. Maybe that person feels he or she is being mistreated at work, or treated unfairly, or perhaps they deserve the unfair treatment for their poor performance. Whatever the reason may be, posts like this should never circulate on a scale that rivals even the best phone chains. An obvious post like "got a date with a hot blonde from the mall" after calling in sick would be VERY inappropriate, especially if that person is friends with an assistant manager or something like that. The key here is to use your best judgment, use logic, and above all, use common sense.

3) Usernames and Passwords - This is perhaps a most understated point, and couldn't ever be stated enough. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER let anyone know your username and password... On ANYTHING! Not even a close friend, not a co-worker, not even your most trusted computer technician should know YOUR username and YOUR password. Statistically speaking, some 85% of social network users use their personal email address, and the same password to access said email account as their login for Facebook. If anyone knows this information, even by accident, it could mean trouble for the victim. My best personal advice is either to never give out your information (which is the top advice of ALL computer techs), or if anyone in your circle of trust needs to know that information, set up a separate email account and password specifically for Facebook. This is good for two reasons. One, you can minimize the damage by immediately changing your associated email address on Facebook, and two, if you cannot change it (usually because it's been changed by the "suspect" who has your login information), this lets you deactivate the email account, so that the suspect in question can't change anything else, and therefore will be stuck with an account that can't be closed due to the email no longer active. (This has happened to me with an old MySpace account)

4) Applications - Applications can be a lot of fun, and can be even more fun when shared with friends who have similar interests. Though there are some apps that shouldn't be shared for the same reason some statuses shouldn't be as well. Do yourself a favor. If you are really going to add that funny application that has some mature content to it, make sure you don't post anything that someone in your family might see. Remember what I said in my previous blog about "if grandma shouldn't see it"? Same is true for applications on social network sites.

5) Fan Pages - This can be both good and bad. I'll start with the bad first. Once again, if family members see that you are a fan of "porn", that might cause some problems, so it's probably best to avoid the obvious material that is objectionable to some. Similarly, there are sometimes fan pages to TV shows and movies, which are harmless in nature, but can spark sharp differences between friends, family members, and sometimes leads to severed communications. Just like applications, this can be good though in the sense that you can share similar interests with friends and family.

6) Links - Setting up links for people in your friends list to review can be a good way to get your ideas posted, and have a resource to back those ideas up. Some links are well-intentioned, but can have devastating effects. It goes without saying that a posted link about sex might get some friends' attention, but it might also get unwanted attention from family members who have children who view YOUR page. Once again, if grandma shouldn't see it, your kids shouldn't either.

7) Comments - This is one of those lovely topics that seem to bite people in the ass more times than I'm sure anyone cares to admit. Comments are very powerful, and sometimes can have a lasting, but unwanted result. I'm talking about comments that are, at times, objectionable to some individuals. Honestly, I couldn't care less who reads my comments, but over time I've been selective in what comments are visible on my profile. Nevertheless, some comments should remain as inside thoughts in your head. I've seen some pretty nasty comments that include racist remarks, political bigotry, and even some content that includes acts of a sexual (and grossly peculiar) nature. This has led me to believe that a person's comments can sometimes reflect what a person is really thinking and feeling, but would probably not say in a face-to-face meeting with a person offline. Although, this is not necessarily true, it once again comes to the point that if grandma shouldn't see it, your family, and even more-so, your employer shouldn't see it either. Posting something like "Oh man, I want to just take off her clothes, rip her panties off and bang her every which way but loose" is probably going to get a lot of male friends' attention, but will certainly turn off a lot of women, and even more so, they'll drop you like a bad habit.

8) Groups - No matter if you're using social network sites, or sites like Yahoo that utilize "groups", they can be fun, sometimes informative, and even provide valuable information about a product, service, idea, or just a fun online get-together with friends who have similar interests. Just like the aforementioned sections, groups can also be bad when friends, family, and even employers might put you in a negative light depending on what groups you belong to. Groups can also provide insight into what a person likes, dislikes, and in some cases, tell a prospective employer why they should NOT hire you. Again, do yourself a favor. If you are applying for jobs, DO NOT give employers your personal email address. Instead, give them an email that has been specifically set up to receive employer applications, and one that can't be searched for on social network sites.

9) Friends/Family - Okay, this one is another one of the grey areas that people are a little hot (like my friend John Brown might say) about. Certainly, social network sites are fun and useful when it comes to connecting with current friends, reconnecting with old friends, and even connect with family members that are hundreds or thousands of miles away. However, they can also be hurtful if there are clashes between friends you know from column A, and those from column B, as well as family members. I've been extremely fortunate that most of my friends know me well enough, and most are of the same type of personality, that there is rarely a moment where clashes occur. That being said, clashes can often occur where there is a strong difference of opinion on both sides of an argument. I think that it's a great thing to be able to share ideas openly, but there is a point where some ideas, no matter how well-intentioned, can be hurtful, even if that wasn't the intention of the originating post. Does this mean you need to ask if you can share your thought? No, but a word of advice. Use your brain, it's there for a reason. Knowing who might benefit from an idea, or benefit from some new way of looking at an idea can be helpful to everyone on your friends list. Better yet, instead of mass posting it to the world about your idea, send it to a few individual friends or family members and get their thoughts about it.

10) Profile Information - There isn't much to discuss here. You can provide as much or as little information as you want, but a good rule of thumb would be to limit what you expose of yourself to others. Again, this goes back to the privacy and account settings mentioned earlier. I've heard of stories where a suspect got a victim's name, address, and phone number just by looking it up on Facebook. However, what that story DOES NOT include is that person was probably careless with their settings and was showing it to EVERYONE. I can't stress this enough, but I'm a strong advocate of COMMON SENSE! There's an old phrase that says "Use it or lose it" My twist on that is, you should "USE YOUR BRAIN" or "LOSE YOUR PERSONAL LIFE", because it can and will be exposed if you are not careful.

A final word on social network sites, if you are new to using such sites, my advice is to get to know the settings. Play around with them, and see what works for you. Often times, I get people who come up to me and ask where a setting is, and after guiding them to that setting, they forget it quickly. Practice makes perfect, and if you visit the settings page regularly on your favorite social network of choice, you should be able to navigate your way into using the security settings that are provided by the developers. Use them wisely, but again, use common sense, it does work!

On my next blog, we'll get more into the opinions side of social networks, starting with parenting. I'd like to ask my readers that if there is a point you'd like for me to make in my next blog, I want to know about it. Send me your ideas to either my Facebook inbox, or email me at halfblind79@gmail.com!

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Passwords and You

2009-11-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

In today's world, passwords are on almost everything. Online Journal sites, email, forums, message boards, and even chat rooms are sometimes password protected. Back when I was growing up, if I didn't want someone to see something I've written on my computer (this was back in the day of "IBM-PC clones), I came up with passwords that no one in my family could ever venture to guess, but if I wanted to get into something of theirs, the passwords were quite easy to figure out. The purpose of my blog today is to focus on passwords, and what you can do to minimize the possibility of your account being hacked into. One piece of information that I'd like to point out is that even the strongest password encryption is no match for the most sophisticated trojan virus. Keep your anti-virus definitions up-to-date and have the latest security updates and service packs installed. If you have trouble with this, please refer to your computer manufacturer for help.

So you might ask what makes a good password? What can make your password even better than what it is now? After reviewing a lot of information on various sites, and drawing from my own experience, here are (what I think) some good guidelines to go by for creating a password that is highly improbable to break or hack:

1) Use the KISS method - Keep It Short And Simple. In other words, creating a password that has 35 characters in it is NOT going to be easy to remember. Usually a password containing 6-10 characters should be sufficient enough.

2) Use both numbers and letters (alphanumeric) - I can't stress this enough. Using both letters and numbers in your password decreases the possibility of your password being hacked. A good example that I like to draw upon is when I used to watch Star Trek (TNG or DS9) and whenever a character calls the computer for protected information and uses their name and some military phonetic pronunciation of an alphabet letter with a number, e.g. "Picard 47 Alpha Tango" (one of my favorites) In this case, I would use Picard47AT. Again, just an example. I don't know who in their right mind would use that exact password to begin with, but you get the idea.

3) Don't Use Common Words - Words like bank, bird, flower, dog, or even children's names should never be used as passwords. First, they are easy passwords, and second, given time someone can and will figure it out. Also, avoid using the dictionary. Like my first suggestion, using the dictionary may not only end with you being frustrated that you can't remember your password, but now you'll have to go through an entire letter in the dictionary just to find it.

4) Rotate Your Passwords - This is sort of a personal suggestion. At any given time I have at least 5 passwords that I can use to replace a hacked one. I used to keep a list, but they're all in my head now. Well, most of them anyway. The point is, a good idea will be to keep a list of passwords somewhere safe, secure, and readily accessible. Creating 5 unique passwords should be sufficient enough, and rotate them every 3-6 months. Most employers who set up authenticated access usually require this step, anyway. So do yourself a favor and have a primary password in mind, and have at least 4 alternates. One quick note on this, I've worked for employers where after changing your password at the required interval, you cannot go back to your original password until at least 6 different passwords have been used. In this instance, I had to get creative with my password generating process.

5) Get Creative - If you've created your passwords list, and you've run out of them in a short amount of time (believe it or not, this has happened to some folks), then it's time to use a bit of imagination in creating your next password. In my experience, I've used the military phonetic alphabet full name, say "delta" and then a number from something in my 30 years of life like part of a phone number (either the first 3 digits, or the last 4 without area code), and area code, or even a zip code that only I've been to and no one else would figure it out. For example, sometimes I'll go with a password like "charlie702", or even better would be "tango89107".

6) Use capital letters and special symbols - Some sites require this step, and even some employers. While I admit that this adds a little more security in your password, I would recommend against it. Too many times have I used this type of password, and almost every time I forget to put in the symbol or capital letter. It goes without saying that I've even locked myself out of accounts because of this security step. But if it is required, just make sure to add a mental note of the special requirement. Write it down if you have to, but if you do, make sure to keep it stored somewhere safe and secure where no one else will find it.

I'd like to end this with a few quick tips to go by. First, never assume that someone needs your account information, including your password, for anything. In the wrong hands, someone can really have a devastating effect on your life just by knowing how to gain access to sites that you visit frequently, and with your information. Avoid at all costs giving ANYONE (even a friend or a family member) your login information for anything. Second, never assume that just because you have a strong password means you are invulnerable. Always make sure you have installed the latest updates to your operating system, especially security updates, and also make sure you have both a firewall and an anti-virus program installed. Lastly, some articles I've read suggest you use a password manager to help you with password-protected sites and managing your login information that way. This is both good and bad, and for many reasons on both. Personally, I'd recommend against using any such program, especially if your computer is shared with others.

One final piece of advice to close this blog. If you do share your computer with others, I recommend that you ALWAYS log out of sites and programs that you use or go to, even restart the computer if you have to, clean your internet cache and your browser cookies regularly. This prevents anyone from accessing your information after you've finished using the computer system. Also, never assume that you've been logged out completely from any visited site. Your friend might be respectful and log you out as a courtesy, but someone else may want to prod and poke around in your personal affairs. Putting it mildly, if you don't want friends or family to see what kind of porn you're into, either stay out of it completely, or make damn sure you've logged out and that your login information is not shared with ANYONE outside your brain.

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Troubleshooting Errors On Your PC

2009-10-15T18:42:00.001-06:00

I will wager a bet that at some point we've all run into some sort of error on a PC or a MAC. Errors are inevitable, annoying, and they interfere with what we are doing on our computer system. Back in the day, the first thing most people would do is reach for the phone and dial the phone number to technical support, and have the person on the other end walk us through a seemingly endless array of tasks to narrow down the problem to find a solution. In today's world, we are a little more responsive to errors, and with the availability of the internet we can look up a solution to almost 95% of problems that occur. Depending on your level of expertise, these solutions can be relatively easy to very complex to the point where only an advanced user should be performing the resolution. There are some tips, though, that can be done by anyone of any usage level to eliminate some key suspects in a situation where an error comes up.

Once more, I have to caution the reader that this information is strictly guideline only. If you feel your error or problem is much too complex, please contact your system administrator, or go to your local computer repair outlet where a certified and trained computer technical professional can assist you.

As I said, most errors have a commonality to them, and most can be resolved with a few simple tricks. Listed below are some general tips that I think are the best possible tricks short of taking your computer in for a more thorough examination. Again, they are just general guidelines.

1) Document the Error - It should go without saying that if you encounter an error that you are unfamiliar with (and even if you are), you should definitely write it down, including all error numbers and codes as well as what you were doing when the error occurred. This can help you narrow the possibilities down to a minimum and work from there. The most frequent complaint of techs is the lack of documentation with an error, especially what transpired prior to and during the problem. Please do us techs a favor and give us as much detail as possible related to the error or problem. No, we don't need your life story, and no, we don't need to get into how new your computer is, and how much you paid for it. All we need are some basic items of information such as your Operating System, installed RAM, the program you are using, and what error occurred and what happened before and during that problem. If it involves porn, come clean and get it over with. We've heard it all, trust me!

2) COLD BOOT - This should be your first and last troubleshooting technique when it comes to error troubleshooting. One of my former technical supervisors had a small, but clear message on his emails that he sent out regularly to other techs, which said "If all else fails, COLD BOOT!". That seemed to always stick, and 65-80% of the time, this trick worked. Doing a proper shutdown of Windows (or whatever your OS is) is key, and once properly shutdown (if the computer doesn't turn off automatically), you should definitely power down everything on your computer. After 30 seconds, it should be turned back on until everything has booted successfully, including any background programs. Once up and running, try performing the task you were doing when the error occurred. If you are able to proceed, then there is no further need to troubleshoot.

3) Background Applications/Programs - Turning these off may either provide a temporary solution, or resolve the problem altogether. But, if you're like me, and want these background programs to come on, then you'll want to systematically, and methodically, turn off each program until you've found the culprit that conflicts with what you are doing. After identifying the cause, there are two things you can do. Either turn it off for good so that it doesn't interfere with what you are doing, or contact the provider of that other program to see if there is a fix or some other solution. My personal advice would be to do the former since background programs aren't really that necessary, and just clutter up memory.

4) Websites - Often a program vendor has a website that you can go to, and some even have user forums where you can chat with others who may have experienced the same error or problem. Forums often provide a rare opportunity to share knowledge to other users, and is a great way to earn friends. A word of caution though. Those same forums also have users who are simply there to belittle others for what they do not know. I've had the unfortunality of going to one such forum where my question had been met with ridicule from a few inconsiderate individuals with nothing better to do than to troll forums and be jerks. This avenue often offers patches for programs and applications that can solve a lot of frustration. Check to see if your application has a website that you can check to see if there's a new update to your program version.

Finally, if you've exhausted all other avenues, it's time to call technical support and be guided through some other procedures. A tech support agent will most likely walk you through steps that you may or may not have done before. If this happens, please do us techs another favor and don't get all bent out of shape about it. We're just doing our jobs, and would appreciate a level of respect during the phone call. Just let us do what we do, and we'll get you the quickest possible resolution.

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Anti-virus Software and You

2009-10-14T03:04:00.001-06:00

Okay, so we all know by now (one would hope) to have a good, solid anti-virus program installed on your computer, whether you use a MAC (heaven forbid! Just kidding!) or a PC. If anyone has taken the time to read up on reports throughout the tech world, you'll know that hundreds of viruses are created every day that can have devastating impacts on your computer, and your wallet. As a computer tech, I know the risks involved not having in place a software program to protect my PC, so I make sure to have one installed and active at all times.

Some people have asked me repeatedly what good antivirus programs they should use. Naturally, I tell them what I use, and people seem to go with it. Is that enough, though? Are you asking the right questions to your computer technician when it comes to your computer? The average person will settle for something that is "out-of-the-way" at a reasonable cost, and does its own updating on its virus definitions/database. For the advanced users, like myself, we tend to go with products that allow for more control, flexibility, and above all reliability. If the antivirus program doesn't detect things that could harm our computer, we don't want it. That's numero uno on our list!

There are many good programs to use out there on the web. Some are free to use, and some have a try-then-buy string attached. Whatever you decide on using, there are some good ideas to keep in mind before using a new antivirus program, or switching your existing program for another. What I'd like to do is go over some brief points to consider. Please keep in mind these are guidelines.

1) Price - I'm sure most of us will agree that price is usually at the top of anyone's list. Obviously, we'd all like our software to be free, but free isn't always effective. After shopping online and in stores, I've found that most antivirus programs are between $25-$50 depending on where you shop. Some of them are really reasonable, and offer relatively good protection. There are a few that, even after purchasing, you have to purchase a separate subscription to get updates. So it's up to you how far you are willing to go to protect your computer.

2) Features - A lot of programs offering antivirus protection also offer many side-benefits such as anti-spyware, malware protection, etc. Some are packaged as a suite of security products that include a firewall, parental controls, and it just goes on. This is where you should write down what your computer needs and compare those needs to what features are offered. Obviously, if you are single and have no kids, you really don't need parental controls, unless you're that much of a control-freak that you have to control your own movements.

3) Reviews - These can be both good and bad. It should be noted that not all reviews are created equal, so do your own research, and read carefully what these reviews tell you. Maybe what one person experienced won't apply to you, or maybe it will. It's almost like movie reviews. Sometimes, critics will rave about a movie that you absolutely hated, but give poor marks to a movie you simply loved, and would see again and again. My advice is to never go off of reviews alone, even professional reviews. In my view, reviews are just biased ways of altering the public's perception of a product, regardless of the intent. I've even read some that go as far as to bash a program-maker, i.e. McAfee, Norton, Microsoft, Avast, etc. I know, they don't go and outright bash those companies, but if you read carefully the reviews, it can be more obvious than a turd in a punch-bowl.

4) Simplicity or Complexity - This is sort of related to number two. Do you want a simple program to just locate, quarantine and destroy unsanitary files, or do you enjoy fiddling with settings like an amateur advanced user? For some, a simple yet effective program is all they need for their computer's protection needs. Others want a more advanced, fully-featured, complex program where they can actually manipulate how the program behaves when a virus or other potentially harmful file is found.

I could go on and on about some of the other guidelines, but these are the four core ideas. When asking a tech to give you a recommended product, make sure they know what you use your computer for. An obvious thing would be to avoid telling the tech how much you love internet porn! Yes, believe it or not, I've heard that one unfortunately. Also, let the tech know if you have children who will be accessing the computer as well, since this could mean the difference between your computer running smoothly, and the kids downloading something... errr... not-so-safe.

Just a little note from me (the author), I've used many different antivirus programs over the years, and one thing that I can say is that there's always going to be an anti-virus program that seems bigger, better, and more advanced than the last, but remember that all good things do come to an end. I can't begin to count how many times I've had to switch my anti-virus program because it became outdated very quickly.

Again, don't just go off of what the tech tells you. Do your own research, and find out what program is best for you. Remember that cheap isn't always a good deal, and all the fancy features aren't for everyone. My best advice would be to talk with tech friends who have experience with such dilemmas, and ask them what their best anti-virus experience was.

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Email and You

2009-10-04T13:12:00.001-06:00

With all of the wonderful adventures one can have while browsing on the internet, it's important for all of us to have that one piece of communication that exists which allows us all to connect to each other in a rather personal way. We're going to discuss the topic of email, its rules, etiquette, and some general practices that can keep you and your computer safe. Some of the following may seem like common-sense items, but overall they are worth repeating. However, you are ultimately responsible for the email that you open, read, and write (which eventually you'll send out).

Over and over, I hear it all of the time. "Don't open this email, or your computer will explode!" I can't help, but laugh my freaking ass off when I hear that. Unless your computer is rigged like in the movie "Live Free or Die Hard", your computer WILL NOT explode from an email, or from a virus, or from any other source other than some C4 with a remote detonator. Okay, so I exaggerated that, but the point is the same. I get emails all of the time from family members claiming there is an email that is going around that, if opened, will download a virus that copies everything on your hard drive and sends the contents to the FBI, then erases your drive to the point of being useless. Again, exaggeration! While some of it may be funny, it is always prudent to be careful.

Though, a chief complaint among techs is the ever popular (and at times, annoying) practice of chain-letteremail messages. I'm sure most of us have been victim of, or at some point the originator of, such emails. These annoying pieces of email can clog an inbox quicker than a FOX News Commentator's voicemail. The following are just some guidelines, tips, and general etiquette rules for email. Whether you follow them or not is up to you, but I assure you that your friends and family will thank you for following such practices.

Etiquette Guidelines:

1) Keep it "G" rated (or at most PG-13) - My general rule of thumb is that if it can't be broadcast on TV in some form or another (cable TV, over-the-air stations, etc), it shouldn't be sent in an email, especially to people that might easily be offended. Likewise, if you are sending an email to a friend or family members' work email account, it's probably best not to include explicit material. I've known friends who have been terminated not because of what they did, but rather what their friends or family members sent to them in email. Again, if grandma shouldn't see it, it's not a good idea to forward.

2) Pictures in Email - This is kind of tied in with number one. Obviously, it's never a good idea to send mature material to people who might otherwise find it objectionable. In other words, that hot and steamy weekend with that hot date at the lodge over the weekend shouldn't be viewed by your co-workers at the office. Remember, if grandma isn't going to like it, it's always good to assume no one else will, either!

3) Keep it Short and Simple - I think I speak for every tech out there when I say we don't particularly like getting emails that require our long-term attention. Email is meant as an excellent substitute for snail mail, but not always. Remember that email is almost instantaneous, and with that said, you can email your contacts with as much or as little as you want. There is no need to fit your entire life-story into an email. Writing an email is like having a short, but casual conversation in person, only you have a rather short delay.

4) Grammatically Proper - One of the main things I hear about all of the time is that people get upset over an email, and 95% of the time is because their friend or relative has used a term that has been misinterpreted, and often because of either poor grammar or vocabulary. This is especially true when doing job searches. Always, and I mean ALWAYS, use proper grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary, even in email. Yes, it is meant as a means of long-distance communication, but it's not like email has a word limit. It's not like the old AOL days where you had to type everything in code. It's easy to interpret something the wrong way with a given word, phrase, or how it's been punctuated. Take time in writing that paragraph for your resume, or that email to a long-time friend. I know your emails aren't being graded, but a lot of how you punctuate, use proper grammar, and good vocabulary can be a window into your life. Unless your friends and family know how to read your "code", it's probably best to write in the same manner as you did in high school or college for a report on whatever subject you were assigned.

5) Reply to ? - We've all heard the jokes, and we've all heard the stories I'm sure. When sending an email, make sure you are sending it to the appropriate addresses, and make sure you are not clicking on the "Reply to All" button when it's not intended. One of the more popular stories I've heard involved a guy who was getting married, and had gotten an email from an old ex-girlfriend, who had sent it to him and all of his buddies. What the email said I don't know, but what I do remember hearing is that the guy had clicked REPLY ALL, and typed something really raunchy, then sent it off thinking it was only going to be seen by his ex-girlfriend. Well, it wasn't just sent to her, it was sent to several of his buddies, one of whom was his bride-to-be's brother, and was also his boss. Needless to say, the wedding was called off, he was fired, and he never heard from his ex-girlfriend again. The moral of the story should be obvious.

Now on to the general tips and guidelines. Again, some of these should be obvious!

1) Email Warnings - I'm sure a good number of us all have received one of these at lease once per day or week. Usually the emails come from family members (or friends) asking everyone to "watch out" for an elusive and deceptive email with some creepy subject line and accompanying message body. Sometimes these can be helpful alerts, but often I find them to be useless since a lot of it is just common sense practice that should be utilized often. For example, one of the more recent emails that I got was entitled "Fw: PLEASE READ THIS!!! Urgent e-mail!", and it talked about an email that contained a video (or video link) featuring Osama Bin Laden being hanged, and that upon opening this email or video link that it would download a potentially hazardous computer virus onto your computer, and destroys all data on your primary hard disk. I filed it away, because it was from family, and I did read some of it, but to be honest, I ignored it for two reasons. First, I know by common sense and logic that Osama Bin Laden has not been captured (that we know of), and two, when I checked out (did my research) on this particular email, I found out that it had been years ago that this email had gone around. Most major anti-virus software makers have probably found a fix to prevent this type of attack, and if they hadn't after five years, something would definitely be very wrong. So, moral of the story is: "USE YOUR BRAIN!"

2) Propaganda and other Topics - Once again, we are visiting the infamous work-safe email topic. This is yet another reason why I've never given out my work email address to anyone outside of work. I've known friends who have received emails from family members (and other friends) referencing religious and political themed ideas at their work email address. Some of it was harmless, but in the eyes of the employer, that material is an offense that almost certainly warrants termination. Some employers tolerate to a degree, but most won't. We (us techs) have a term for such emails. They're called "NWS" or "Not Work Safe". This includes any email that talks about religious ideas, political garbage, and other more serious topics such as racism in any form, sexuality (including pornography), as well as emails that refer to a family members' sexual orientation in a way that is demeaning and hurtful. My personal recommendation is to just not post such topics in an email without adding to the subject line "NWS" that way we'll know you're sending material not suitable for viewing at work. Even better yet is to not send it to your family member or buddy's work email address in the first place. On the flip side of that, folks, a work environment is NOT the place to view your personal email accounts. I've personally had the unfortunality of watching a friend at work being escorted out, because that person decided to view something on his personal email account that wasn't "G" rated. Employers can be very strict when it comes to that kind of thing.

3) Keep It Separated - I know I'll probably sound a little redundant here, but it's worth reiterating. When using email, it is ALWAYS best to keep your professional and personal lives SEPARATED. When I think of the phrase "What goes on in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas!" is not necessarily true if the person in question is careless. Most of us I'm sure want to have some sense of privacy, and employers aren't necessarily firing people for what they do at home, it's when their home (personal) life interferes with their job. An employer could care less what you do in your own home, but if it's communicated to the wrong person, say a co-worker who has "morality" issues, that person may decide to report you to your boss, even if you've done nothing wrong or illegal. These are the kinds of people who play the politics game, and it can get ugly FAST! Not to mention that there could be a possible termination, and possible legal trouble as well. Do everyone (including yourself and your loved ones) a favor, and keep your personal lives out of work, and your work lives out of your personal life.

4) Not A Laughing Matter - This is one of those areas about email that can be tricky. A lot of what I receive from family members and friends tend to be harmless fun with jokes, funny stories, quirky messages, etc. However, there's a lot that can be sent that not everyone finds particularly enjoyable. For instance, I receive a lot of emails that contain stories that, at the end, have a funny, but sexual tone to it. While I might find this material enjoyable, someone else may not. Also, just a side note, it's worth mentioning that if you are a parent, it's best not to let your children under 14 view any of your email messages, unless it's an email from Grandma or Grandpa specifically addressed to them. Again, thinking back to the idea "if Grandma shouldn't see it".

Caution Recommended
Many of us at some point or another get emails that talk about our children, grandchildren, or other relatives, and while it may seem harmless and innocent in nature, it can be viewed as exploitation. Obviously, there shouldn't be a video email from a relative that shows that person offering marijuana to their 5-yr old son, and in fact, that shouldn't be happening in the first place, period. However, as we all know, some government agencies like to aggressively seek incidents that are questionable at best. There was a story on the news not long ago about a couple who was charged with child neglect and exploitation after they had inadvertently sent an email to some random individual that contained a picture of their 6-yr old daughter in a rather strange, but cute position (fully clothed, mind you). I don't remember the details of the story, but ultimately charges were dropped, because of the questionable practices of Child Services in that county/state. The moral here is that while your photos of your kid acting funny and childish may seem innocent to you, others might not. So it's very important to always check, double check, and then check again the email addresses you are sending to.

Some Final Thoughts
There may be some of this that you may perceive as patronage, and that is up to you to think that. However, I am strongly advocating the use of common sense and logic when using email. It's far better to be prudent about using your email account than to be careless and get in trouble for it. Be wise and careful when sending email, and be mindful of the people who send (or receive) messages. While I agree that we all shouldn't have to censor ourselves with email, it's become almost a necessity when there are very sensitive individuals who get offended easily, even by a polite "Hello" email message. The best practice by far that I've found effective is to screen everyone's emails, and even screen my own, or better yet, not send them at all.

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Troubleshooting Your Internet Headaches (Part 3: Email)

2009-09-04T20:52:00.001-06:00

Many of us are familiar with the difficulty of getting our precious email messages. Whether you have gotten an error, or the email message was cut off, or perhaps embedded pictures didn't load, it's all frustrating, and there's a good chance that you had similar difficulties like those at some point in your internet browsing experience. I, too, had experiences of extreme difficulty in getting my email to open properly. However, like previous blogs of mine have mentioned, if you are willing to have patience, and a cool-headed approach to the problem, you will be able to overcome most obstacles in this area.

There are many different interfaces to read, write, and send your email to your friends and loved ones. like Hotmail, Yahoo, even Gmail. And then there are those of us who prefer having a software client email program like Outlook, Outlook Express, AOL, and others. Many times do I get the familiar question "Why can't I open my email?" Well, the reason can be many depending on how you are accessing your email whether through a web-based service like Hotmail, Yahoo, even Gmail, or through a more traditional client software program like Microsoft Outlook, Eudora, or even AOL's own software program. Whatever interface you use, it's important to know how to approach each type. First, if it's a web-based service email like Hotmail, Yahoo, etc, you'll want to follow standard internet troubleshooting as covered by my two previous blogs on this topic, Part 1, and Part 2. And second, if you are using an email client program, you'll want to read on further about what tips to consider when dealing with a problem accessing your email.

1) Settings - Commonly, the problem lies with settings in an email client program. Just like a web browser, if the settings are too high, you're going to have problems, but you don't the security settings too low either. Also, making sure you have the SMTP and POP3 fields properly configured is another trick. If these aren't set EXACTLY as they should be, you're not going to get far with your emails. On rare occasion, these settings can change, so always check with your ISP or your email provider to make sure your settings aren't in need of tuning.

2) Firewalls - Yep, these can be full of problems on their own, but add an email client to the mix, and you can bet you'll run into some issues. The best advice on this is to make sure your firewall is configured to allow your email client to connect with both inbound and outbound connections, and since most POP3 email setups use ports 110 and 25, there shouldn't be much of a problem, unless you are using Gmail in your client program, which the ports are 995 and 465. If ever your client program stops processing inbound (or outbound) messages, this is a good place to start.

3) Your Internet Connection - I know, pretty obvious, right? Remember what I said about the obvious, sometimes it's overlooked, because it is obvious. Always check to make sure your internet connection is active. If it's not, do the internet troubleshooting as described in Part One, and if still unsuccessful, it may be time to contact your ISP for more assistance.

4) REBOOT! - Again, always let this be your FIRST and LAST step. Sometimes, it can be the client program itself that is not working, and a simple restart, or a cold boot can resolve the issue. Never underestimate the power of the reboot/cold boot process.

5) Anti-Virus - It is true that these programs can be helpful in either cleaning an infected file or computer system, or even prevent one. However, in my experience, I have found that sometimes (not often, though) programs like these can cause more issues with email than what they solve. Additionally, an email that doesn't show through means two things, one is that the email might be infected with a virus, and your Anti-Virus software won't allow it to be viewed, or two is that the settings for the Anti-Virus are so sensitive that any file is considered a virus, even if it's a false positive. Always be sure you are using the latest Anti-virus definitions and updates, and if you are still having problems, try resetting the software back to defaults. If still unsuccessful, there may be a problem with the email message itself.

Programs like AOL have their own internal mechanisms for retrieving email, chatting, and internet browsing. If your standard internet troubleshooting hasn't worked, it may become necessary to call the technical support line. There's not a lot I can tell you about programs like these where your email isn't showing, except that there are ways to resolve the problem, but none are generally available since AOL is proprietary software (meaning no "one size fits all" troubleshooting method can be applied). Furthermore, AOL technical support reps usually know about tricks that can be used on the software that most other techs do not know about.

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Troubleshooting Your Internet Headaches (Part 2: Internet Browsers)

2009-09-01T22:21:00.000-06:00

Have you ever come across a situation where a website or a page on the web doesn't load like it should? Do you frequently ask (to anyone and no one in particular) "Why is this page not loading?" or you get the page to load, but pictures, text, and other aspects are missing from the page? Ever wonder why a page might take seemingly forever to load, even though you've visited that site many times before with little to no difficulty? If you have tried my tips from the previous blog and are still calling technical support constantly, you'll want to read further to see if any of it applies to you.

There have been many occasions where I've been asked to help a friend or a family member in getting their web pages to load properly, or to print something successfully. Many times, it is something really simple, and often overlooked, even by a lot of techs. The following are just some of the many useful tricks that we techs use in our arsenal of troubleshooting an internet problem, and more specifically websites, pages, and other internet sites. You're going to hear this a lot from me, but please do not attempt to perform these tips if you are unsure of how to do so safely. Always ask for assistance from a trained technical and professional source if you have any sort of doubt. While some of these tips are simple, it's still a good idea to use your best judgment.

It is worth mentioning that I use both Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox internet browsers, but for the purposes of this blog, I am going to use Microsoft Internet Explorer as a basis for my examples. Please refer to your browsers help file for information on your browsers' equivalents. These tips can be helpful when dealing with issues connecting to a website, page, or trying to print a page from the internet.

1) Temporary Internet Files (or cache) - This is set up by your browser as a place to briefly store files related to your internet browsing on your hard drive, usually in a folder already set up by the browser when it was installed. It will store things like pictures, text, and other graphics files that are used by web pages. The reason the short-term storage exists is for the sole purpose that the website or page can access the graphics and text from a local source rather than being downloaded every single time you visit that page. Deleting these files will help clear up the storage. Remember, this is only temporary storage, and as such, it will only use the amount of space you specify. Even more restrictive is the fact that once that space limit is reached, it will go no further in downloading the files to your temp storage. Deleting these files have a plus and a negative consequence. The plus side is that the site or page you were attempting to connect to may finally be accessible. However, sites that you may have visited before may need to re-download the files necessary for view from a local source, which can take time, depending on your internet connection speed. To delete these files on Internet Explorer v6 and up, go to Tools, then click Internet Options. In the General tab, there should be a middle section entitled "Browsing History" or something similar. This section will have two buttons (three on some versions) that say "Delete..." and "Settings". The settings will allow you to specify the location of the folder on your hard drive where these files are stored, and will let you allot the limit which these files can be saved, usually in MB (that's MegaBytes, not Megabits or Mb!). Some programs are available to help you delete these files automatically, and on a set schedule so you don't have to remind yourself to do it. I recommend deleting these files at least once every other week, or on a weekly basis. As for the settings, this is up to you, but remember my original blog about general tips with this particular subject. The larger the limit, the more time it will take to load. Setting your browser's internet cache to "Every Visit to the Page" is also very helpful.

2) Browser Settings - I know, this is probably another one of those tips that gets repeated on every site's FAQ page or troubleshooting section. Though, it is true, browser settings can either help or hurt a situation depending on what settings are enabled. Some of the common settings are Java, JavaScript, Cookies, ActiveX, and SSL (Secure Socket Layer, and no, I don't know what that means in detail). Make sure these settings are enabled to view most web pages. Again, the default settings are generally recommended, and will allow you to view most websites without a problem. If you are using custom settings, and having some difficulty loading internet websites, web pages, etc, it may become necessary to reset your browser's settings to default, and try again. Security settings can also play a big part. For Internet Explorer users, this is on the Security tab under Tools, Internet Options. Again, if the security setting is too high, it will not let you view web pages unless you have put them under the Trusted Section. Likewise, a site in the "Restricted Sites" section will not be accessible, or at the least most of the site will be restricted.

3) Your Internet Connection - Sometimes general internet troubleshooting is the answer. Often times, when I'm having a problem with a specific web site, page, or something else, I'll perform troubleshooting as though my internet connection was not working like it was supposed to. Refer to my last blog about general internet troubleshooting tips.

4) Firewalls, Routers, and Proxy Servers - Although unlikely, sometimes a firewall or a router can be the source of your trouble when viewing a website or page. Again, like your browser itself, if the settings are custom set too high, or too low, you may eventually run into problems. For the most part, the default settings will be enough. Most routers have a built-in function to allow you to block access to specific websites, or websites with certain keywords. Refer to your router documentation for information on how to access these settings. Firewalls are not necessarily the problem, since all they do is direct traffic (inbound and outbound connections) on your local computer. Hardware firewalls are sometimes an issue, but honestly I am not familiar with how they operate, so it's best to refer to the manufacturer, your documentation, etc for help on determining if your hardware firewall is a possible issue. Proxy servers are a lot like firewalls, except that they are usually the business equivalent of parental control programs. They can direct traffic, but also limit what sites can be viewed, what sites are restricted (mostly to specific users), and what sites are absolutely off limits! For this reason, proxy servers SHOULD NOT be tampered with.

5) RESTART! - I know, it's an overused tip, but important, and relevant nonetheless. I don't necessarily mean restart your computer, but that too is an option that I would recommend. What I mean is to restart your internet browser. On occasion, I have had to restart my internet browser in order to view a particular web page. I'm not entirely sure as to why, but I think it may have to do with the cookies being used for that particular web page, or it could be that the files (graphics, text, etc) needed to be downloaded again. Whatever the reason may be, it's still a good idea to restart.

6) Your ISP - Although rare, it has been confirmed that there are ISPs (Internet Service Providers) who block specific websites for various reasons. Some are obvious, like known hacker websites, or it could be the threat of a virus-infected page. Even more rare is to come across an ISP that has blocked a site for content reasons. Still, if this is the case, you may or may not be able to view the page, and there's not much you can do about it, either. If you're looking for a tip here, there is none to be told. All I can say is that if there is a website that, despite your best efforts, can't be viewed on your computer, try a different computer, and if still unsuccessful, try a different computer on a different ISP.

7) Have You Updated Your Browser Lately? - Some websites require that you have the latest version of your browser in order to access the website you are trying to view. In some cases, your browser may not be compatible at all to view the page content. So you have two options depending on your situation, and what the website you are viewing requires. Your first option is to upgrade your browser to its latest version. Some of the popular ones are Microsoft/Windows Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, & Safari (MAC users). A second option is to use an alternate browser. My personal recommendation is to have at least two internet browsers installed on your computer. One for general viewing, and the other for specific websites that you enjoy to visit. This way, no matter what, you have a compatible browser to use for viewing any web page.

8) Cookies - This is related to an earlier point about browser settings. Specifically, a site may not be loading or running like normal, because of a problem with its downloaded cookie (the little file that contains instructions for a specific site or page, including your preferences on said sites, login info, etc). Deleting all cookies is probably not a good idea, so instead try to locate the specific cookie that contains information about the site you are having difficulty with. If still unsuccessful, then I would suggest deleting them all, in case there may be a conflict of some sort. A word of caution, if you do delete either the single cookie file, or all of them, you will lose pertinent data related to your website visits.

There are probably more tips that I can go into, but I won't simply for the reason that those tips can impact your computer's ability to communicate with an internet service, and vice-versa. Always seek the advice of a trained service professional who has the tools, resources, and experience to guide you through more complex tips that I am not able to discuss here.

I know this blog has been shorter than my others, but I am confident this is all you need in order to maintain your internet connection. On a related note, there should never be a situation where you would need to reinstall your internet browser. As long as you follow the tips and tricks that I provide, you should have very little (if any) difficulty in viewing any website, page, or other service on the world wide web.

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Troubleshooting Your Internet Headaches (Part 1: General)

2009-08-30T12:22:00.000-06:00

"My internet is slow!" "Facebook won't load!" "Why won't my email come up?" "It just won't work anymore!" Do these sound familiar? Whether you're a tech support representative, or an average user like the rest of humanity, you'll be quite familiar with phrases like that. Adding to that is the irritation of trying to fix it without any help, and the problem is either still there, or has been made worse by something done wrong. A good example is when a tech tries their best to explain how to fix an internet-related problem to an average consumer, and instead of following the techs instructions carefully, the consumer becomes agitated, clicks on something OTHER than what they were told, and now their email is gone. I know I'm probably exaggerating, but the idea is the same. Most consumers are much more comfortable to follow the instructions of family and friends than we are at following the directions of a technician that we have asked for help, and why is that? I'll probably cover that in another blog, but my point is that when we take a tech for granted, we lose sight of the real problem at hand, and we become know-it-alls who don't know the answer. Ironic, I know, but true in almost every sense.

My favorite example is when I worked as a technical support specialist in a call center, and received the kind of call every tech out there dreads to receive. I'm talking about the so-called "Systems Administrators", "Network Admins", "Computer Technicians", and of course my favorite, the "Company Owner" who happens to be a jack of all trades! These people are generally rude, abrasive, and very abusive to a tech support agent over the phone. Whether they are simply of that personality, or it's because they are lacking something else, these people annoy the hell out of techs everywhere. They will go on and on about what certification they hold (sometimes more than one), and will insult the tech at every opportunity, ignoring the fact that they are the ones who called for help. Fear not, though, because a tech will find just the right moment to make even the most "educated" Network Admin feel stupid with a resolution that is so simple in its implementation.

The phone call I received was no different. I had received a phone call from a supposed "System Admin", and for the first 3 minutes of the phone call, he berated me up and down, left and right, and called me everything but a white-boy. He was absolutely PISSED! What his issue was, I can't remember, and I don't care to. I remember it had to do with an error of some kind that had to do with his internet connection. Anyway, he demanded to speak to a supervisor, told me I didn't know anything (of course, he laced it all with much more colorful metaphors), and was generally insulting to myself and every other tech in the building. After calming him down a bit, I got him to accept a little bit of help from me. I told him that I would help him as best I could, and if I couldn't do so in 10 minutes, I would be happy to transfer him to a supervisor for whatever assistance they could provide. Reluctantly, he accepted. It didn't even take 10 minutes when I had him use a simple networking technique (I couldn't tell ya what it was that I had him do, because I don't remember), and the error was resolved. Not only did he become apologetic to no end, but he still wanted to speak to a supervisor, and for a different reason altogether, but just before that was the moment of clarity. The "ah HA!" moment if you will, where the guy was just dumbfounded, stupefied, and above all, speechless.

Internet troubles can be frustrating, especially when you are unsure of how to resolve the problem on your own, or even who to ask for help. First, you need to have patience when approaching this very broad issue. Not always will an issue be quick to resolve, and not always with a simple measure. Keep in mind that a simple solution can still have frustrating consequences if not done correctly. Second, never be afraid to say "I don't know what to do!" Too many times have I come across someone (male and female) who simply is at their wits end trying to fix an internet problem, and then that person becomes quite agitated when they do not know the answer. Admitting to yourself that it's time to ask for help is not an end, but a beginning. This doesn't mean you have accepted defeat, you've only changed how you are approaching a problem. Remember to look at my previous blog and read about tips to reduce the anxiety over asking for help, and to get some ideas on where to go, who to ask, and how. These tips are life-savers! Lastly, expect the unexpected. I know that's a hugely overused cliche, but in the case of troubleshooting anything related to computers, and especially internet connection issues, it rings true to finding resolutions that seem out of the ordinary. One quick note to mention. When it comes to troubleshooting computers and the related issues, NOTHING is ever ordinary in solving a problem!

Because of the complexity and broad scope of this area of computer troubleshooting, I am going to do this topic in parts. Mainly for the reason that there are steps different from one another for each part to this topic. In this segment, I will try to go over some of the more basic techniques. I will assume that most of us, by now anyway, should be using a broadband connection. Also, I will attempt to cover some dial-up troubleshooting techniques as well, but only briefly since it's not as widely used as it once was with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like AOL, Earthlink, Netzero, Juno, etc. Once more, it is worth mentioning that I am only providing these tips as a guideline, and are not intended to substitute professional advice and assistance from a trained source.

Let's go over some of the dial-up techniques first, shall we?
(**NOTE** Again, I am going off my personal use of Windows-based operating systems, so always check to see what your operating system equivalents might be)

1) Modem Functionality - 80-90% of all dial-up related problems occur from a single source, the dial-up modem itself. You need to verify if the modem is the source of the issue. The first thing to do is to establish that the modem itself is communicating with Windows. This means that the communication between the software driver, and the modem (whether internal or external) exists to begin with. To do that, you must go to Control Panel, then go to Modems (for XP users, this will be titled "Phone and Modem Options"), click on your modem (this will be the modem tab in XP), and click Properties. In the properties of the modem, there should be a tab that says "Diagnostics" depending on your Windows version, you should see either your modem listed, or you will see both the COM port and the modem listed. Either way, this is what you select and click either "Query Modem" or "More Info". This is important, because what this test will do is confirm that the modem can be communicated with through its driver in Windows, and it will indicate that the modem can be initialized using the driver. If the modem can't be initialized or communicated with (and this will be apparent when you do this test), it's safe to assume that the modem may not be working at all, and a replacement will be necessary. You may want to verify the modem driver in Windows has been installed properly, or you may have to reinstall or update the driver. This can also resolve many issues related to dial-up modem errors.

2) Hyperterminal - Another useful test is Hyperterminal. This is a built-in program in Windows that allows you to test whether your modem can successfully dial a phone number, and connect to it via the "computer handshake" (Not sure if that is a proper term, but it's something that has stuck with me since my dad first said it). It's always best to do this test after you've successfully determined that the modem is communicating properly with Windows, and that the modem can be initialized successfully through its software driver. There are two parts to this test. The first, and most obvious, is the dialing phase. Can your modem successfully initialize and dial out to another modem on another computer? You'll know right away if it cannot dial. The second is the connection phase. Do you hear the ever-famous "handshake" noise or is it quiet? Being quiet doesn't necessarily mean trouble, since it could simply mean that the modem speaker is off. Remember the modem properties screen? You may want to check if the modem speaker is turned on and turned up through that prompt before attempting this test. After the handshake, you should get a listing of various commands or even a message. If the commands or the message comes back garbled, there is a possibility that the modem (either on your end, or the other) has a problem decoding the messages it is receiving. It is recommended that you try at least three different numbers in Hyperterminal before assuming that it's a problem with your modem.

3) Different Access Numbers - Every dial-up ISP that I've ever used has almost always had, at the least, three different numbers to which I could use as access numbers. Many of the popular dial-up providers I've used always had local numbers to use, since calling long-distance at the time was rather expensive. Today, this is not a typical problem anymore. If you are having trouble with connecting to your ISP, try a different number to access. If all of the alternate numbers fail, you may want to contact your ISP and ask if there is a toll-free alternative phone number to use as an access number, at least temporarily. On rare occasion, I've had to use a phone number that was long distance, but this was only to determine if my local access numbers were inoperable.

4) Power to the Modem - I know it sounds corny, but true nonetheless. Techs everywhere agree that the most overlooked troubleshooting techniques are usually the most obvious. So, don't be surprised if you call and get a tech who answers, and during the call at some point, that tech will ask you "Is your modem turned on?" I put this at #4, but really it should be at the top. I bring this up only after the other tests, because let's face it, we all forget at some point to look for the obvious. Hopefully, this will get you to perform this technique first and foremost. Too many times have I run into a situation where someone using an external modem forgot to make sure it was plugged in, and turned on. And it's not isolated to internet/modem problems, this can be any peripheral device, or even the computer itself for that matter. I can't stress the point enough. ALWAYS check to make sure the device you are using is plugged in to a power outlet (if applicable), turned on, and ready to be used. You will save yourself a lot of aggravation by doing this simple task.

5) New Replacement - If you've done everything else, and your modem still can't connect, it may be time to start thinking about replacing your dial-up modem. There are some considerations to take in, but this can be a good way to determine if your modem is truly defective in some odd fashion. External modems are relatively easy to replace, and in some cases, cheaper in the long run. Internal modems are a little more involved, but generally easy as well. After replacing your modem, if it becomes necessary, always perform some of the tests above like Hyperterminal, the modem query in Windows, etc to ascertain that your new modem is working and functioning in a way that is consistent with your old, defective modem.

6) Dialing Rules! - Yet another overlooked troubleshooting step is the dialing rules. It's another obvious step that should never be underestimated. In some areas, especially in the United States, a locality or region might require someone to dial an area code first. This is known as 10-digit dialing. For example, in my area, we have to dial in this format xxx-555-1212. Also, unless you are using a dedicated phone line on your dial-up connection, you should make sure your modem is configured to dial call waiting before dialing the actual access number. Most telephone providers require the use of *70 to turn call waiting off. Although, I will admit, that wasn't always helpful during my time using dial-up providers. Even turning call waiting off, I still got "bumped" from the internet quite frequently. Another note to mention is that some places, like businesses and other office buildings, often use a phone system that requires you to use *9 prefix to get an outside line. Make sure before you begin modifying the dialing rules in Windows. This can be found in the Modem Properties area, or sometimes in the Dial-Up Networking window of the connection you are using, depending on what version of Windows you have.

7) Phone Line Extras - Some telephone lines have other features that are not standard, and can disrupt a dial-up connection. The more popular, and frustrating, feature of dial-up users is the voicemail provided by the local phone company. This is simply an inbox for messages that are stored by the phone company rather than your answering machine. This is especially problematic when you receive a voice message on this service, because what happens is that your dial tone starts to beep, indicating that you have messages. Dial-up modems are incapable of recognizing this beeping dial-tone as a dial-able tone. Therefore, you will get an error with this. Also, although it's not thoroughly documented, and most techs are unsure of why, but using a fax machine on the same phone line as your dial-up connection can also cause issues to arise. Again, using a dedicated phone line will reduce this problem greatly. If you have to have your fax machine on the same phone line, your best bet is to alternately switch from one to the other depending on what you need to use. The most accepted reason that I've been told for not using the same phone line as the fax is that the fax machine continually is beeping on the phone line. This means that the fax machine is constantly waiting for a fax signal to come in, so that it can be ready at a moment's notice to process the incoming message.

8) Dead Phone Line - Too many stories to tell, and not enough time. If you have tried everything else, try the obvious. Connect a regular phone (preferably a corded telephone, and one that is NOT battery operated) to the phone line and try to make a phone call. If you cannot, there's a problem with the phone line itself, and of course, the modem has to terminate the attempt to connect. Also, make sure that your phone line is dedicated. I know I've said this before in this blog, but it's worth repeating again and again. If someone picks up the phone while you are connected, your modem will interpret that as an interruption (which it is), and will terminate the connection abruptly. The same is true if someone is already on the phone line talking to a friend, relative, or placing some kind of order (pizza, anyone?), and the modem will interpret the absence of a dial tone for a dead phone line.

9) Reboot - This should always be tried FIRST and LAST in your efforts to troubleshoot and repair a problem with your dial-up connection. If you are using an external modem, your first order of business should be to reboot the modem itself by powering it down, waiting 30 seconds to a minute, power it back on and wait for the initial power-up sequence to complete before trying it again. If still unsuccessful, try rebooting the computer alongside rebooting the modem, and for the same amount of time. Stories are abound with consumers who have tried everything above, with little to no success, and upon a reboot of either the modem, computer, or both in some cases, the issue is resolved successfully. In the case of rebooting both your computer and your modem (external), always turn the modem on FIRST, then the computer. This way we will know if the modem itself can power on, and do it's own initial power-on diagnostic sequence (the lights that go on sequentially).

During my time as a technical support representative, I found other steps that can be attempted when dealing with a dial-up problem, but I chose to omit them since they were procedures not known to the general public, and for good reason. Doing the extra steps that I know can cause more problems than they solve. It's best to perform the omitted steps with the guidance of a trained technical support professional to reduce the chance of something going horribly wrong.

Broadband users are a special breed. They enjoy the wonderful benefit of not having to deal with dial-up problems, frustrations, and headaches, as well as enjoying the faster speeds to load webpages, download files, and all done without the use of an ISP provider's software program. However, they too will encounter problems similar to dial-up, but not quite. While each broadband internet provider is different with how the connection is achieved, most techs will agree that simple techniques can resolve 80-90% of connectivity problems. Like the dial-up measures, I will attempt to cover some of the techniques used by techs to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve broadband internet issues. The following tips are presented with the assumption that you have a modem or other broadband device directly connected to your computer, and NOT through a Router or Hub.

1) REBOOT! - Just like the dial-up methods of troubleshooting, your FIRST and LAST resort should always be to reboot. My standard procedure is to restart through Windows doing the proper shutdown sequence first. In other words, I'm not just pressing the power button on the computer! That would be bad and in so many ways! A proper sequence to shut down is to go to Start, then either Turn Off Computer or Shutdown and select Restart. Again, DO NOT press the power button at this point. Usually this takes less than a minute before the computer restarts, and brings you back to the Windows Logon screen or desktop screen. If this doesn't resolve your issue, try what's called a "COLD BOOT" procedure. This is where you actually do turn off the computer using the same steps as the restart, only you select "Shut Down the Computer" or "Turn Off" (for XP and newer users). Although, most computers today will shut off automatically, so you may not need to do anything else, but for the older computers, you may have to wait until you see something that says "It is safe to turn off your computer" and then you may, at this point, use the power button. Never assume that a computer is completely shut off. To that end, always turn the computer off from it's "master switch" in the back (if your computer is pre-2002), and unplug the power cord (the thick black one).

2) Broadband modem - Whether you are using DSL, Cable, T1, or something much different, it's safe to assume that you will be using some kind of device that allows you to rid yourself of using a dial-up connection, and connect to the internet with blazing speeds that dwarfs dial-up any day of the week! However, there are times when these devices need to be reset. The procedure for doing a modem/device reset is simple, yet very effective in resolving a good portion of connection issues with broadband internet services. To power your device off, unplug the power cord from behind the device, wait about a minute or so, then plug the power cord back in. After the initial power-on sequence, you should try connecting to the internet again. If not, it is always recommend to do a full shutdown of both the device, and the computer. When turning the computer and the device back on, make sure to do the device first, THEN the computer AFTER the device has gone through the initial power-up sequence. On a related note, this gets a tad more complicated when you add a router or hub to the mix, so I will cover that in another blog. If you can now connect, your issue has been resolved. If not, proceed to the following tips.

3) Software - Yes, I know, broadband users don't necessarily have to install new software to use their connection (unless directed by the broadband ISP). However, software still plays a big part in how we connect to the internet, whether by dial-up modem or by a broadband internet device/service. In the case of broadband, though, the software used is mostly already installed on your computer. Each version of Windows is slightly different, but relatively the same, while Linux, Macintosh, and other fine operating systems have much different ways to set up the equivalents. While I don't know anything about other operating systems other than Windows, it's safe to assume that some software is widely used and accepted as a standard. There will be two parts to this tip. One is for the widely used (and popular) use of network cable (aka Cat5, RJ-45, or Ethernet), and the other is the slightly used USB part.

Network Cable - Most ISPs will have you using a device that have you using your computers network card or built-in port to use their internet hardware on your computer. This means that you must have the driver properly installed for your network card or onboard port (remember, these are a part of the motherboard, and not an expansion card as some older computers were built). Sometimes, though not often, a user might have to reinstall the driver for their network adapter. This can be achieved through the Device Manager in the System Properties of the Control Panel. Also, this is where you can manually update your network adapter's driver. Another piece of software that is usually installed with the network adapter driver are the protocols themselves like TCP/IP. Without this software, your computer wouldn't connect to the internet at all, regardless if you are using dial-up or broadband. On Windows 9x systems, you will want to right-click Network Neighborhood and go to Properties. This will allow you to view the network adapter, and the protocols and client software installed. Usually you will have the name of your network adapter (usually either the dial-up modem adapter, the network adapter, or both), TCP/IP and Client for Microsoft Networks. On Windows 2k, you see Network and Dial-Up Connections from going to Start, then Control Panel. Windows XP has Network Connections under the same area, but can be accessed through Control Panel directly, and Windows Vista calls it Network and Sharing Center. Each one can allow you to verify that your broadband device has a corresponding network connection set up. Most often this will be labeled "Local Area Connection" and will have subtext that lists your network adapter. When you right click these and go to Properties, you will see a listing of the protocols installed there. Again, you should see Client for Microsoft Networks, TCP/IP, etc. Wireless and Broadband connection listings are only different in name, but everything else is relatively the same. Reinstalling these protocols will often resolve problems with your internet service connection, but I would only recommend re-installation of these protocols if nothing else works.
USB Port Cable - Some devices that allow you to use broadband internet service also have a USB port if your computer has no network adapter (onboard or otherwise). If you are going to use this type of connection to your computer, all the same principles of a dial-up modem software driver, and networking configurations will apply. In other words, check if the driver has been installed, check the cable, and check if proper protocols are installed. There's little else that I can tell you about USB broadband internet devices, except that you should expect little difficulty in their use.

4) Reset and Restart - Just like restarting (or cold booting) a computer system, there are times when only the software needs to be reset. Most techs will have you do one of two things, or both depending on the person who answers your call for help. First, they will have you cold boot everything. Expect to have to do this often when calling technical support. It will be their first and last troubleshooting step, regardless of what you have done. Second, they will have you use what is called the IP Configuration tool. While I don't fully understand what specifically happens using this tool, I do know that this is similar to a cold boot of a system without the Cold Boot process, and more precisely it will refresh your network adapter driver and TCP/IP. This does not mean that your TCP/IP settings have been reset, nor have they been modified in any way. Think of it like the old Nintendo game systems (the old 8-bit system). At a certain point, if the game was frozen, a lot of us (including myself) used that reset button on the front to get the system unstuck. The same is true for the network adapter as well. Sometimes it will just simply get stuck, and IP Configuration can release it from being stuck. To use this tool, go to Start, Run, and on Win9x systems you want to type `winipcfg' and press Enter, or on Win2k and newer, you will want to use `cmd' which will bring up a DOS command prompt. From there, you will want to type "IPCONFIG" and press enter. This should give you basic information about your adapter including IP address, subnet mask, gateway address, etc. Both versions of the IP Configuration tool, you have to "release" the adapter, and then about 15-20 seconds after, you have to "renew" the adapter as well. On Windows 9x, your network adapter card (not the dial-up modem) should be what's currently selected, so if it's not, make sure to use the drop-down menu at the top and click your network adapter (usually Linksys 10/100, Cisco, Realtek, or something similar). On Windows 2k and up, the tool will only reset the primary adapter, which in most cases will be the LAN/Network driver.

5) Other Considerations - While I won't go into much detail about it here in this first part, I want to touch briefly on the use of firewalls, proxy servers, and other security programs. I'm not going to explain what each of those are in this blog, but if you want to know, post an email to me and I'll do a blog to specifically explain them. What I can say is that these items can either help or hurt your connection. Specifically, I want to talk about firewalls. Firewalls are designed specifically to keep inbound connections OUT for the most part, and only allow the programs designed for internet connectivity to use outbound connections. This can also include your network adapter, and its related software. An analogy would be like an airport, and just like an airport, you have lots of airplanes coming in, and going out. Well, a firewall is like both a control tower and boarding gates, and will allow some airplanes to land, and refuse others. It can also allow or deny passengers to board a plane based on their assigned permissions from the user. If the settings are set too high, your computer won't be able to connect to anything on the internet, regardless of what you do. If the settings are too low, your computer is vulnerable, and prone to security threats. The default settings usually will allow you to connect, but will allow the firewall to "learn" what programs are allowed to fly, and what inbound connections can "land".

6) Network Routers And Hubs - Using a Router or a network hub, wired or wireless, can be useful when you want to allow more than one computer in your home or place of business to connect to the internet. However, problems can occur with either one. A hub will simply allow your computer to share resources with another computer including internet connections, folders, files, and even printer resources. There is one flaw with using a regular network hub, and that is when you do want to connect another computer using the same internet connection as your primary computer, you have to contact your ISP and obtain a 2nd IP address, which usually will cost an extra fee a month (usually anywhere between $5-$7/mo depending on your provider. A router will allow you to not only connect multiple computers to the same internet connection without paying for a 2nd IP, it will also function as a network hub for resource sharing. When troubleshooting, always try to remove the hub or router from the equation. Connect your broadband device in directly to your computer first. If your device allows your computer to connect to the internet, then your router or hub might be the problem. I can't go into specific details on what that might be, since each router and hub are different in the way that their interfaces (if applicable) are accessed, but I can provide one simple trick that may or may not help. Two words: POWER CYCLE. Just like cold booting your computer or broadband device, try doing the same for your router or hub. I would advise to power down the computer first, then unplug the power from the router or hub, and LAST to be turned off (power cord and all) should be the broadband device. When turning them all back on, do the reverse. Turn the broadband device on first and wait for the power-on initialization, then do the same for the router or hub, and then turn the computer back on last. One quick way to know for sure if your router is the problem is to try accessing its user interface. Usually it's an IP address such as 192.168.1.1 (or something close to that). If you can access your router's setup page, then there's a good chance your router just needs a firmware update. Firmware updates are like software drivers, but they are embedded within the hardware. Most manufacturers of devices that use firmware also provide updates to that firmware that may or may not resolve your issue. Even if you don't have a connectivity problem, ALWAYS make sure your device whether it's the broadband modem or your router is up to date with the latest firmware available.

Just like other troubleshooting tips, there are some methods not known to the general public, and should be done under the guidance of a trained technical support professional. If these general tips haven't helped you, it's time to call so that you don't take out your frustrations on something or someone important. Remember to take a break once in a while, and try to write down anything that you think might be helpful when calling technical support.

Have a comment? Suggestion? A topic you'd like to have discussed on my blog? Email me at halfblind79@gmail.com. And if I don't know the answer, I'll post up information on who to ask, where to go, or what to do to get your answer. :) Until then, have a great day, and I hope you've enjoyed reading my computer tips so far!

Upgrading Your Operating System

2009-08-29T00:05:00.000-06:00

So, the other day I thought to myself, "WOW! Windows Vista sucks ass!" I was trying to install software drivers for my cousin's new Cricket Broadband modem. That completely sucked ass, but what was worse was that it took so long on her computer, which runs Windows Vista. On an XP computer, as demonstrated by the representative at a Cricket Corporate office in Wheat Ridge, CO, it went and installed seamlessly (and quickly). No problems, and we were connected right away, but NOOOOOooooo, Windows Vista had to be a pain in the ass.

Well, this got me thinking, is anyone ever ready to upgrade to a new operating system version, whether by Microsoft or another company? When I look back on how many times I've upgraded to a new version of Windows, which were frustrating at times, I found that there were some good reasons to upgrade, and some not-so-good reasons. Whether good or bad, the reasons usually were based on new features, improvisation on existing features, or laced with enhancements to that are supposed to make the experience that much more enjoyable. At the time of doing these "wonderful" upgrades, I thought I was improving my computer performance, and at the same time, I was learning a new operating system. The latter was true, but not the performance. A lot of times, it suffered greatly.

Some people might ask, "So, what do I gain out of upgrading my computer's operating system?" There are a lot of pros and cons to upgrading your operating system. I want to go over some of the pros (the positive side) of upgrading your operating system first.

1) Newer Features - Sometimes an upgrade to the latest operating system will allow you to do something that you couldn't before. An excellent example was when Microsoft went to Windows 95 from Windows 3.x. A lot of users were pretty skeptical, and some rejected upgrading up to two years after it had been available on the market. One of the main, and most popular, features that Windows 95 offered was a more streamlined user interface (start button, program menu, control panel, etc) which allowed the user to access programs much more efficiently, and without so much clutter to go through (i.e. program groups).

2) Upgraded Drivers - Another sticking point of upgrading has been the idea that when you upgrade, certain drivers are updated as well. Although this didn't happen from Windows 3.x to 95, it did once Windows 98 came along, and even better was Windows 98 Second Edition (Win98SE for short). Drivers for things like your mouse, keyboard, and in some cases, your sound and video card were updated with the latest (but very basic) software. Then Windows XP came along, and all of that changed drastically. Instead of just worrying about basics like your keyboard, mouse, and sound drivers, it also carried with it some common drivers for networking, video, sound, modem, and USB drivers (which have since become very popular in almost all peripheral devices). Even webcams, and other drivers were now available with Windows XP, and in a lot cases, no further install was necessary, except on rare occasion where the driver CD had to be used.

3) Greater Flexibility - With each new operating system upgrade came the greater flexibility of creating multiple users on one computer system. Although Windows 95 through Millenium Edition didn't offer much in the way of user authentication, Windows NT through 2000 did, and then Windows XP was designed as a hybrid of Windows 9x/Me and Windows NT/2k. Since XP, a computer administrator (aka "Owner" on XP Home Edition, and I think Media Center Edition as well) could create multiple user accounts, and set their access level accordingly. Almost all versions of Windows since XP have now incorporated a "Guest" account where someone other than the household users could log in, and have basic access to most programs. All guest accounts (except when the administrator does something crazy and allows it) are restricted from installing and modifying programs. This is especially useful when parents want to limit their children's activity on the computer system. New operating systems have also meant more control on what programs are available to users. In the case of Windows-based operating systems since XP, an Administrator/Owner can restrict what programs are available to "Limited" and/or Guest accounts, even block them as necessary.

4) Support for Compatible New Products - An upgrade to a new operating system can be frustrating, but imagine for a moment if we never got past using Windows 95. Although patches are available, support would not exist for products using FireWire, USB, HDMI ports, DVI, etc. And the support Windows 95 would have for those kinds of ports would be severely limited. In fact, some of the older versions of operating systems didn't start widespread support of some of these ports until early 2001 when it became clear that USB and FireWire were not going away as some might have hoped. A study done years ago confirmed that USB is now the most commonly used port in use today (whether on PC or MAC) versus the much older parallel and serial ports. It's not limited to USB, FireWire or any other type of port that operating systems expand their support of new products. It can also be for hardware upgrading reasons, including hard disk capacity upgrading, memory, CDROM/DVDROM drives, etc. Sometimes, an operating system upgrade will allow you to use a newer product than its predecessor would have.

5) Support for newer software - It's a well known fact that in order to use some of the latest software like games, productivity software, and some security programs, you have to be running a compatible operating system with the latest security updates and service packs. Some software programs, like one I used to do technical support for, simply won't install based on the operating system installed. Some hardware products are like that, too, where the device or peripheral simply won't work unless you install an upgrade for the operating system, or in some cases, the device or peripheral will work, but have limited capabilities.

Those points, in my view, are the pros to upgrading your operating system to the latest and greatest version. There might be more reasons to upgrade, but those are the common incentives to do so. Now, I give you the cons.

1) Too much hassle - Although most operating system upgrades are fairly easy to do, problems can arise that make even the simplest of upgrades very frustrating, and time-consuming. There's also the problem of having to purchase a hardware upgrade such as memory or a new hard drive, because the OS upgrade requires it, or you have simply run out of room.

2) Incompatible Software/Hardware - While most upgrades can be done with existing hardware, there might be an issue or two with what is called "legacy" hardware or software. In other words, products and software that are considered "old" and out-dated. A problem like this came up for me when I upgraded from Win2k to WinXP and found that my Realplayer software was not going to work on XP (this was years ago, by the way). After downloading the new version, it worked. However, not all solutions will work the same way. You'll either have to contact the manufacturer or provider for help, or simply abandon the upgrade until a patch or update can resolve the conflict. Another great example was when I had done another upgrade on a different computer system of mine, and this time it was a fresh, clean install of Windows XP, and when all was said and done, my secondary CDROM was deemed unusable by XP. I was NOT a happy camper, but at the very least it forced me to do a hardware swap.

3) Intimidating New Interface - This has happened more times than I care to admit. Imagine using Windows 95 your whole computer-driven life, and all of a sudden you are using Windows Vista. Talk about throwing you off your whole game, right? I mean, you spent how many years learning a new interface (from Win3.x to Win95, and now Vista), and now you have to learn where programs and utilities are located in this new version that you are unfamiliar with! Well, it can be a little bit like that, or sometimes, much more intimidating. A lot of users refuse to upgrade simply for this reason alone.

4) New Problems and Other Fun Adventures - Yep, we all know it's happened, and on more than one occasion. The stories are endless with my tech support brothers and sisters. I've even been there a few times myself, doing an upgrade, and all-of-a-sudden it brings up the BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH!!! Yeah, pretty frightening, especially when you're as clueless as I was when this message came up. Or worse yet, you get through the entire installation, and when you go to open a program, your entire computer crashes. Any new software, including Operating Systems have always been prone to bugs, new types of hacker attacks, vulnerabilities, critical errors, conflicts with software or hardware, and an abundance of new security threats.

5) Useless Features - Again, I've been there myself. I've got my computer upgraded, and found a feature that looks cool, but it is ultimately useless in practice for the home environment. This is especially true when you've done like me and bought Windows XP Professional and found all sorts of new security features, but haven't found a way to incorporate them into your use of a computer system. Some features have proved to be fairly useless in nature. In Windows Vista, they have a capability where you can monitor your children's online activity, and even put in protocols to limit activity. For parents, that might be a useful item, but for me, it's just not practical in use.

6) Support Options - In recent years, consumers still on an old and outdated operating system are being shut out of support by the companies that make them. Microsoft has been one company in particular that has been methodically ending support for older operating systems. Most OS makers do not charge for updates, patches, etc for their software when applying them from a web-based service, but if support for an OS version is ending, that option may not be available. So, if you still have Windows 98, and run into a situation where your problem would warrant going to Microsoft Update, you might not be able to get the fix that you need. Even calling technical support for an OS may not be an option either. Sure, there might be someone out there willing to post a fix or patch, but as more and more people upgrade, that option may soon fade, too.

Of course, there might be more negative considerations for upgrading an operating system, but those are pretty much the core ideas. While this next list is not exclusive, it is a good basis to use as a sounding board, maybe with a friend, or just some items to think about when trying to determine if an upgrade to your operating system is weighing on your mind.

A) Cost - Most of us techs can agree that operating system software (whether full version or upgrade-only versions) is expensive. It can be difficult to justify spending a couple hundred dollars for an upgrade to your OS, and even more so will it be just as hard to validate the idea of upgrading hardware to suit the new OS upgrade.

B) Benefits and Disadvantages - If you have to, write your own list of pros and cons from upgrading your operating system. Look over its features, capabilities, and other points of interest to determine if this will be a worthwhile expenditure or if you will be wasting dollars on a product you might not even need. There are some consumers who will buy an upgrade to an OS simply for the fact that it's new, or that the new upgrade will allow them to use the program that they've been waiting to use, but couldn't with the old operating system.

C) Learning Curve - This has been covered earlier, but a lot of consumers who upgrade their PC's OS have reported that the newer version is simply too hard to learn or that they cannot find certain tools, programs, etc on new OS. A great idea to this is to simply use a friend's computer that has the new OS version. See how you like it, try a few programs, tools, and other features to get a feel for what you are upgrading to. My personal recommendation is to try a new OS version for at least a whole day or two, and in some cases up to a week, before you begin to consider upgrading your PC to the new OS version. If you have to, try to borrow a laptop from a friend or a family member so that you can get familiar with the new OS version as much as possible.

D) Experiences - Some of the gossip about new operating system versions have originated mostly from user-generated opinions, rather than expert advice and professional reviews. Although, choosing to upgrade your OS version is a lot like picking out a suitable physician or an auto mechanic, and just like that kind of decision, you have to do your homework and research the facts yourself. Don't just go off what you hear from family, friends, etc. The bigger complaints that I've seen and read about new OS versions is that there is a problem with a hardware device or peripheral, or a software program won't work, because of some sort of error, or incompatibility issue. Majority of the time, some believe that a problem simply exists for no reason, and that there is no solution for sole reason it's a new OS version. In my ever so humble and little opinion (for what it's worth), a good way to research is to look for forums that talk about the problem or issue. See what other users have experienced, and what might be a suitable solution to the same problem. On the contrary, you may not even have to worry about the problem that others face with the new OS. For instance, user A reports that their new OS upgrade isn't allowing them to use XYZ camera, because of an error, but you don't use XYZ camera, you use ABC Camera, or you may not even be using a camera at all.

To recap, this list is NOT exclusive. There may be other ideas to consider when trying to decide if you need to upgrade your OS version. Personally, I'd advise to look beyond the obvious and take a fresh look at what is motivating you to upgrade. Maybe talk with a friend or a family member to see what their motivations were to upgrade. Try to look at the overall value of what OS you will be upgrading to, and then Focus on what needs and wants it will satisfy in both the short- and long-term.

Have a subject to discuss about computers, or computer related questions? Email me @ halfblind79@gmail.com. I'll do my best to discuss the topic as thoroughly as possible (and as my experience and education allows) on my next blog. Hope you've enjoyed this article. Have a great day!

~Jeffrey

Your Computer & You!

2009-08-24T19:29:00.000-06:00

I’ve been asked this by many friends, and family members, “Why is my computer so slow?” and “How can I improve my computer system?” The simple answer is that there is no simple answer to that question. What I will do is provide some tips, tricks, and general ideas on what to search for when a problem arises with your computer. If you are looking to increase the performance of your computer (translated loosely meaning “beef-up” your computer), there are some points to consider. I’ll get to those in a little bit.

The first, and most important, point to consider is that computers do not make mistakes, humans do. It is roughly estimated that 75-80% of errors that occur on any given computer system are, by nature, the result of the operator trying to do a task that is neither possible nor practical. The other 20-25% is caused by a genuine problem. A valid example is when a person is downloading several files, uploading multiple pictures, switching back and forth from one program to another, and viewing several web pages (facebook, myspace, etc), and the computer appears to be “frozen”. This is when the operator of said computer begins to panic, and pushes all sorts of buttons on the keyboard in the hopes of “unfreezing” the computer. The infamous "control+ALT+Delete” button combination is ultimately the last resort anyone should ever try, but in recent years, that combo is frequently turning to a futile effort.

A computer may seem “frozen”, but the operator fails to realize that the computer is doing everything the operator has asked it to do; it’s just longer than normal to process all the tasks. That’s what the little blinking light is for on the front of most computer systems. It is there to signal the user that the processor and the hard drive are processing the information, tasks, and other calculations. My best example of this is when my mother tries to put on too many pictures in a single email message. Eventually what happens isn’t surprising as the computer seemingly “locks up”. After several minutes, the computer resumes a somewhat normal operation mode.

Another prime example is how a person might perceive a problem like an error. The first idea that pops into the average person’s mind is that there must be a problem with the program itself. In this case, let’s say a person decides to double click on a program icon, and nothing happens. The operator waits patiently (usually gives about 30 seconds or so), and tries again. This time, they receive a message that there was an “access violation” and that the program was terminated. That person may ask “Why?” The answer should be apparent, since the program was being loaded; it was just taking longer than usual. When it failed to load as quickly as the operator expected, the operator tried again and got an error, because the computer can’t access the same program twice, unless it was designed (or programmed) that way.

All of that aside, here are some tips that I’ve found to be quite useful when dealing with a computer that is “slow-going” or has multiple problems popping up. Admittedly, some of these tips I don’t follow as often as I would like, but they are useful nonetheless.

**NOTE**

I have based these tips on my experience using a Windows-based operating system such as Windows XP, Vista, 2k, etc. Refer to your operating system’s user manual for their equivalents.

1) Scan your drive for errors – This should go without saying. An error on your hard drive could be potentially hazardous to the data collected. This means any pictures, music, or other files not mentioned here could be at risk for corruption. Do this frequently. A good rule of thumb is to scan once a week.

2) Use Disk Cleanup often – After scanning your drive for errors, see if you can free up disk space by using this simple tool. It detects things like Temporary Setup Files, Temporary Internet Files, etc. If you are finding that you are running out of disk space, try using this tool first before deleting your own files.

3) Delete files that are unnecessary – WARNING: DO NOT delete ANY folder/file that could be used in a program or for the operating system as a whole. If you do, it can be VERY VERY bad. There’s no other way to describe it. With that said, you’ll want to delete files that have become unnecessary to keep, i.e. that important project you’ve already completed on Microsoft Word and have turned in, or some large video files that you’ve probably not viewed in months. A good practice is that if you haven’t viewed the file in over 3 months, it’s time to get rid of it. Also, if you click Delete using a Windows or Mac system, chances are it has ended up in either what’s called the “Recycle Bin” or “Trash” (Windows or Mac respectively). This means that what you’ve deleted hasn’t completely been erased. If you are positive about deleting an item, make sure this is emptied. I don’t know what the key command is for Mac systems, but right-clicking on Recycle Bin allows you the option to “Empty” its contents.

4) Use DEFRAG – Free space issues can be resolved by simply defragmenting your hard disk. It will position everything on the physical hard disk so that your files are stored at the “front” of the disk, rather than being “scattered” all over the place. This is also useful, because the computer’s processor, memory, and the hard disk itself won’t have to take forever to look up a file. Think of as a parking lot, and all the cars are parked in various spaces throughout the lot. This tool is the equivalent of a tow truck, but instead of towing the car off the lot, it’s simply moved so that all of the cars are parked in a more confined area, leaving more open space for new cars and trucks to park.

5) Use Anti-Virus programs – This probably is the most underused point you’ll ever read. No matter how many times this tip is viewed on any given site or forum, it has largely gone ignored. Fellow computer techs will agree with me when I say that a good practice to get into is to scan your hard disk at least once a week. Viruses (aka Virii, which is an unofficial plural for virus) can do nasty things to computers, and should be taken seriously, regardless of the severity of the virus, if one is detected. Make sure your anti-virus program is up-to-date with the latest updates possible.

6) Use Anti-Spyware/Adware programs – Just like anti-virus programs, these can also be useful when detecting “cookies” that are slowing down your browser’s ability to look up websites, pages, etc, and getting rid of them. There is no official tip on this, but my own rule of thumb is to run this scanner at least twice a week, if not more. As with the anti-virus program, make sure your anti-spyware/adware software is also updated regularly.

7) Shutting down your computer – While there is much debate over this tip, I personally recommend shutting down your computer at least once weekly or every other week. One of the points in this debate is the fact that the computer has built-in heat absorption technologies, i.e. cooling fans, heat-sinks, thermal absorbers, etc. What these items SHOULD do is keep your computer running cool. However, without these items installed, a computer can run very hot. Just like a car, it can overheat, even with the radiator operating with coolant and water. And just like a car that overheats, a good 30-minute shutdown will do wonders. There are going to be problems that arise which, no matter what we do, are not going away easily. For this kind of problem, sometimes the only thing we can do is shut everything down, wait a minute, and turn the computer back on. The only explanation I can think of for this tip is that the computer resets all connections, puts files back in order, reorganizes resources, and reorganizes the pagefile ready to begin another session.

8) Use cooling systems – This tip ties in with the last. Unless you have custom built your own system, most computers available at retailers are “stock” computer systems. What this means is that your computer has been built with basic operating components. No frills, no thrills, no bells or whistles. This also means that the manufacturer has given the system only basic means to which it can be cooled. Usually, this will consist of a heat-sink or a fan for the CPU (sometimes both), and a fan for the power supply. Many retailers, especially online retailers like Tigerdirect.com and Newegg.com, sell many different cooling fans and other devices to help keep your system running cool. A system that runs cool will run efficiently.

9) Use registry cleaning software – Just like any other aspect of efficiency, registry cleaning is also important. Remember that parking lot analogy? This would also apply for the Windows Registry as well. Every file and program used on Windows is registered, and if there are registry entries for programs and files that no longer exist, your computer is going to be busy looking for something that isn’t there.

10) Uninstall unnecessary programs – Just like deleting files that have outlived their usefulness, this also applies to programs you may not use any longer. This would be games, applications, and other software that you might have installed. Depending on the software manufacturer’s instructions, it would be recommended to use the software’s own uninstaller program first. If none exists, then you may use the Add/Remove programs feature in the Windows Control Panel.

11) Backup files – This is an optional item, but I highly recommend it. If there are files you need to get rid of, but are afraid you may need them later on, BACKUP BACKUP BACKUP! If you have a CD-Recordable drive, any blank 80min/700MB CD-R disc can be used to backup your data (it would probably be better if it were a CD-RW). Other media can include external hard drives (growing increasingly popular and can sustain an entire hard drive), USB drives (usually anywhere between 1-32GB), etc. DVD-R discs are also good if you have a DVD-recordable drive. Like CDs, DVD-RW would probably be more suitable.

12) Registry hacking – Not particularly recommended, but this can be useful. I strongly discourage this option if you are a beginner to intermediate user of Windows. Registry hacking is like performing surgery, instructions must be performed PERFECTLY! Using search engines, you could find some useful registry hacks. Again, I strongly discourage it unless you know what you are doing.

13) Temporary Internet Files settings – I personally recommend setting this to “Every Visit to the Page” and setting the size to something equivalent to your installed RAM. Mine is set to 128MB, but a good setting would be 256MB. However, the larger the size, the more time it will take to load a webpage.

14) Use MSCONFIG – I don’t know about Windows Vista or newer, but MSCONFIG can help in a number of ways. One way in particular is to decrease the number of startup programs when Windows loads up. There are plenty of articles on how to do this, so I won’t get into it too much. Needless to say, the fewer programs you have starting up in the background (and continually running), the more you will see an improvement in performance. A quick side note, startup programs (those little icons you might see at the lower right corner of your screen) are mostly a feature for those of us too lazy to double-click an icon.

15) PAGEFILE sizes – The pagefile serves as virtual memory for the computer to supplement the installed RAM. Let’s say you have 256MB RAM, and the pagefile is set to 768MB on Drive C. This means that on top of the 256MB RAM, Windows will use 768MB of hard disk space as memory as well. After much research, my recommendation would be to set the minimum file size to 1.5 times your installed RAM, and the maximum size should be set to 3 times your installed RAM, e.g. your installed RAM is 512MB, so the minimum should be 768MB. A word of caution: setting the pagefile to a size ridiculously large or similarly too small will severely impact performance.

16) Use a firewall - Firewalls are good, especially with the threat of hackers using various means of gaining access to your computer. They can also be bad when you are unable to connect to the internet. For most average computer users, the default settings are usually sufficient in protecting your computer. Keep it that way. The last thing anyone should try is to mess around with the settings.

17) Avoid potentially risky websites – Hackers love to put up sites that mimic sites that you probably visit frequently. Be wary, be on your guard, and most importantly, if it looks and smells weird, chances are you’ve been duped. Look for things that are obvious signs of fraudulency, i.e. words misspelled, and links that are not affiliated with the site, etc. Any internet security advisor will tell us that hackers like to prey on individuals who aren’t careful, are easily scared off, and are easily manipulated into believing what they see.

18) Avoid opening odd emails – We’ve all seen them, and at some point or another, we’ve all opened them. I’m talking about emails that look like they are from friends, but are not. Some emails are obvious ploys to get you to click a link that asks for your information like your name, address, phone number, etc. Those are emails that, I hope, we can all spot from 10 miles away without even breaking a sweat. There are some, however, that are really clever in tricking people. Some of the more infamous ones have been about U.S. soldiers who either died, are dying, or have loved ones in need, and are asking you for money. There are some emails going around that are from individuals pretending to be charitable organizations, even ones we all know, asking for your financial help. Exercise caution when reviewing an email from someone you do not know.

19) Avoid downloading suspicious files – This kind of goes without saying, but it’s still worth noting. If you receive an email, even from a friend or relative, and the file attached looks odd, DO NOT download it! Unless you fully trust the person sending you the file, it’s best to leave it be, and delete it. Most anti-virus programs available can scan the file as it is downloading, so you shouldn’t worry too much. However, if it detects a virus, immediately quarantine and delete the file. It is also a good idea to let your friend or relative know, BY PHONE, to check their systems as well to make sure they’ve not had a computer infection.

20) Install more RAM – The installed RAM on a factory-built PC can be very limited at best, and even worse it’s often not enough to play some of the more popular games out on the market today. If you have a PC with 512MB RAM or lower, you have some choices to make. This option will increase performance of a system in a variety of ways, but primarily it will help relieve the processor from having to be limited to what processes can be completed based on RAM. While this option may not be cost effective in the short-term, it can be considered “long-term” relief of problems related to sluggishness of a computer system. Most PCs today are being built with well over that minimum, some even up to 4GB (that’s Gigabyte) of RAM, which is mind-boggling to me. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the amount of memory some small computer systems are built with. Depending on your system, and manufacturer guidelines, you may be able to install up to 2GB RAM. Refer to your system’s manual or user guide for information on that.

21) Install a newer hard disk drive – While I’m not entirely sure how this helps, I do know that a newer and bigger capacity hard disk can help with the virtual memory (or pagefile) end of things. It is also helpful to get a hard disk drive that is 7200rpm or better. I know from experience that drives with 5400rpm are deficient when it comes to performance, but are cost-effective in the longer run. With a 7200rpm drive, the computer can access hard drive data much faster, and will process information to RAM and the CPU in a much more efficient way.

22) Install a 3rd Party Video Card – Many computer systems available today have what is called “built-in” video adapters. What this means is that the video feed coming from your PC to your computer monitor is generated without the use of a “card” inside your computer. This is both a good thing, and a bad thing, and mostly a bad thing. The good part about it is that when you buy a PC, it can be plugged in, and ready to be used right away, no messing around with taking apart the PC to install something you may not need. However, and this is where the downside is (in my view), “onboard” video adapters (as they are commonly called), “share” the computer’s installed RAM in order to function. In other words, a PC may have 1024MB RAM, but what Windows is actually using is more like 1008MB RAM. This is because the onboard video adapter is using 16MB RAM to generate video (and the computer’s performance is impacted severely). Installing a third-party video card with its own onboard installed RAM (say 256MB or better) may not be cost-effective, like installing more of your computer’s RAM; it can be helpful in the long-term.

23) Install the latest drivers – Another overused, but understated message from techs everywhere. Always check to make sure every device driver is up-to-date for things like your printer, video adapter, sound drivers, etc. Many problems can be resolved simply by using a more updated driver. If you are unsure of how to get the newest drivers for your computer, refer to your computer user guide, or call the manufacturer tech support desk for more information. If you are using a custom-built computer, then you should be able to go to each device’s manufacturer website and download the driver from there.

24) Windows Update – Some might call Microsoft some sort of evil empire bent on world domination through the public’s use of Windows operating systems, and while that may be true, we still use Windows-based systems (for the most part), and we will also need to stay updated with the latest service packs, critical updates, hotfixes, etc. For that reason, Windows Update is your friend. Use it often. There may be a fix to a problem that you are having through an update here.

25) Avoid Static Electricity – A fried computer system is no laughing matter, especially when so many of us use one to collect photos, save important documents, and other fine items. Sometimes, even our emails are most precious to us. However, it can all be gone in an instant if the slightest ZAP makes contact with your computer. Does this mean you should wear an anti-static wrist strap or be sitting on a chair that sits on an anti-static mat? No, of course not, but there are precautions you can take to eliminate the threat of static-electricity making contact with ANY computer system or computer peripheral. First, make sure you are grounded. Touch any object that does NOT conduct electricity first before touching any computer part. Second, if it can be achieved, use a chairmat. This will eliminate your feet from building up a static charge. Lastly, avoid contact with others who have built up a static charge. If they can pass it on to you, you can pass it on to your computer.

26) Use Surge Protectors and UPS systems – No, a UPS system is not the same as the shipping company UPS. It stands for Uninterruptable Power Supply, and yes, it is expensive, but even more expensive is replacing a computer system altogether, and the information stored on a computer system is almost irreplaceable. A UPS system will ensure continued operation of your PC in the event of a power outage, giving you time to shut down your PC for the duration of that outage. A good alternative is to A) use Surge Protection power strips, and B) during a storm, SHUT DOWN your PC.

27) NEVER plug or unplug a cord or device from a PC while powered ON – I know this is a much over-stated tip, but it’s still never a good idea to unplug or plug any cord or device attached to the computer system while it’s still on, unless it’s “hot-swappable” like FireWire or USB. If you do, it can cause a short ZAP in the outlet or port that it’s plugged into. Remember what we said about ZAPs? They can be bad, and in some cases, it can permanently damage a PC beyond repair. So, the bottom line remains, DO NOT unplug or plug a device, cord, or anything else for that matter. This is especially true for the power cord.

28) Save your Software – SYS (Save Your Software) is a lot like SOS in the sense that you might need it later on. An example would be if you intend on wiping your computer clean for a quick sale, or if you are like me, and you just want a fresh start to when your computer was first opened out of the box, you’ll want the “Restore CD” to revert the system back to factory defaults. Being a pack-rat for computer discs (and disks) can be extremely helpful, especially when you keep your Windows CD-ROM disc.

29) Stay organized – Computer techs everywhere agree that an unorganized hard drive creates difficulty when it comes to fixing a problem. The “My Documents” folder is offered by Windows to allow for your “work-in-progress” documents and other projects to be stored in a single location, rather than scattered all over your hard disk. If you must put files somewhere else, maybe for security purposes, or you have some sort of disagreement with a boyfriend, girlfriend, jealous wife or husband, or just some nosy kids, create a TEMP folder off the root drive directory, and store your files there for short term storage. If you are really that concerned about your files being seen, get a USB drive. They are cost-effective alternatives.

30) Try a newer piece of hardware – A lot of times, I’ve been in a situation where everything I’ve tried has simply been unsuccessful. My best example is when my CDROM drive no longer wanted to read discs. I tried cleaning the discs, tried using known good discs (scratch-free and clean), and I’ve tried reinstalling drivers for the CDROM, but still had no success in fixing the problem. Finally, after much frustration, it came down to either replacing the IDE cable inside the computer or the CDROM, and it turned out to be the CDROM drive itself that became unsalvageable. There are two schools of thought on how one proceeds with this. The first school of thought is to try the malfunctioning device, peripheral, or computer part on another computer. I like this idea, but it has obvious flaws. One of those flaws is that the other computer may have issues capable of further damaging the part, peripheral, or the device in question. Another school of thought revolves around the idea of using a spare of the part, peripheral, or device that is malfunctioning. An obvious problem with that is the fact that not everyone has spares, nor can they be afforded at times. So, my personal advice, TRY BOTH! Here’s how I do it: A) I try the device, part, or peripheral on another computer, B) if said item works on another computer, but not mine, I go to my plan B which involves using a spare, if I have one. C) If neither plan works (nor can’t be done for obvious reasons), then I go inside my own computer and replace the IDE cable. You’re probably asking what happens if none of that resolves the problem. Well, in that particular instance, there’s really nothing you can do, except replace the entire PC. Any tech will tell you that trying the device, part, or peripheral on another system, or trying the same, but newer item on your PC is a good troubleshooting technique. This is especially true if you are coming across errors related to that item.

The tips above should be used only as a guideline, and not to be used as a substitute for a professional computer technician who is trained to service and repair problems related to your system. Always check your user manual, guides for specific details (if possible), and websites for the latest information. If there is a problem that these tips haven’t been able to cover, I suggest the following avenues for help:

1) Manufacturer websites – Probably the best sources for issues related to your computer system, or a specific computer peripheral device.

2) Online Forums – Many sites out on the web have forums for problems that come up with computer. Check them, and check often. Your issue may be posted. Alternatively, you may post your problem to an online forum, and receive feedback on possible solutions based on what information you provide. You may be asked for basic information such as the computer make, model, installed RAM, Operating System, etc etc. Provide as much detail as possible so that other online forum posters can provide the best possible solution. My personal side note to this is don’t use only one of the solutions posted, try each one until you get a resolution.

3) Use Search Engines – A good deal of my experience with repairing computer systems has come from the use of search engines. Usually I type a few keywords in, say “Error 455” and I get, literally, thousands of results. It is best to tie-in your error to a specific device or computer system, i.e. “Error 455 Compaq Presario” This will narrow down your search considerably.

4) Friends & Family – Sometimes a friend or a family member may have had the same problem as you. Check to see if they’ve run into the same issue, and see what resolved it. This is where the “Remote Assistance” feature can be very useful for those who use Windows XP or newer, which allows a trusted friend or family member to remotely access your PC, with your permission, and see what you’re seeing, and even (again, with your permission) take control of your PC to further investigate the problem.

5) Tech Support – As much as I hate to admit it, tech support (in my opinion) can be useful in a variety of ways. As a former technical support specialist for a large company, I can say with certainty that not all techs are useless sheep reading off a script. It is rare, but while walking through a procedure (that I’m sure we’ve all done by the time we call, anyway), a technical support agent can come across a solution that may or may not work, and if not, it can be thoroughly documented. I’d keep this to a “very last resort” status.

Most of the time when we call technical support we dread it, not for the whole ordeal of explaining our problem, but because we usually get someone with a language barrier. It’s easy to get frustrated, and while our views on the overseas workforce differ from person to person, just remember, these people are trying to help. I’ve known and worked with great techs who, admittedly, were a little hard to understand, but are absolutely brilliant technical minds. In their defense, some of them have been very impressive in their work. That being said, here are some general tips for when you decide you want to use that “very last resort” life-line:

A) Take 10 – One of the chief complaints of techs everywhere is that people call when they are angry or frustrated, and usually have taken it out on the techs themselves for no good reason. Before calling, take a moment to breathe calmly, take inventory of what you have already done, the steps you’ve tried, and what the outcome has been. Document everything, including the error (if one is present), and everything you did before the problem occurred. Above all, take a 10-minute break and walk away from the computer. It will do you some good to relieve the tension. The tech will thank you for it.

B) Be Clear and Concise – No offense to anyone who has ever called a support line, whether it was customer service, billing, tech support, etc, but please, when calling, be concise. In other words, get to the point. Don’t tell us about your life story, and how your dog was run over, and that your kids haven’t been the same since, and now the computer is a mess since your troubled kid got on it. We really don’t need that information to do our job. Focus on what the issue is, what happened when it occurred, etc. Also, be clear when giving details. Again, no offense, but it helps a lot when you are in an area that isn't flooded with a bunch of background noise.

C) Be Honest – A tech will help you as best he or she can, but if you are lying to them, it’s only going to make the issue perpetuate. Be honest about how the issue came to be. Saying something like “It just did it by itself” is not an acceptable answer. By now, we should all know that computers don’t do anything without the user’s input. We’re not in a courtroom, what you say is NOT going to be used against you, and your conversation with the tech is kept confidential, so if you did go to that porn site, come clean, get it over with, and let us do our job as techs.

D) Be Respectful – Another complaint from us techs is that some callers often verbally abuse those who answer the phones. Whether warranted or not, it’s still rude and very inappropriate. Remember, techs are people who have feelings, too. Insults and other inappropriate comments are not well-tolerated, and most companies I’ve worked for have policies in place where an agent is allowed to discontinue the call with or without notice, and in some cases, the caller is instructed not to call again. With some minor exceptions, we (us techs) really do want to help you, the caller. That is what we get paid for, and that’s what we’re going to do.

E) Be Reasonable – Asking the impossible is simply over our heads, even for supervisors. If you are calling with the intention to ask us to do something that isn’t possible, you’re going to have a really bad experience on the phone, regardless of what the tech says or does to try to alleviate the problem. I could go on with stories of client callers who asked me to perform nothing short of a miracle, but I won’t. Bottom line, if your request is beyond the capability of even supervisor-level authority, you are better off with a compromise. In other words, we can’t just magically fix a problem without some sort of effort on your part, and at the very least, we can offer alternative methods, and yes, even a compromise.

F) Listen Carefully – Sometimes the worst part about being a tech is when average individuals pay no attention to our instructions. There are two main reasons why we ask you to perform tasks to solve a problem, even if you’ve already done those tasks. First, we want to make sure the steps are performed in an orderly fashion to rule out certain aspects of an issue. Secondly, we also want time to research the problem so that we don’t have to put you on hold and ask for help. We would rather that be OUR last resort.

G) Be Prepared – A solution to a problem may not always be covered in one phone call to tech support. Sometimes we will need to refer you to another resource. Again, the stories are endless. If we cannot help you on our end, we will provide you with information on resources that may or may not be helpful. Some information might be websites, phone numbers to another support desk, etc. Or we may have to (in some cases) send out a technician to either your home (if appropriate) or place of business to further investigate the problem and evaluate potential solutions, and we will give you a ticket or service number for reference. Be ready to write this information down so that you have a reference point. Also, if you feel the need to, write down the agent’s name and the date so you know who you spoke to with regards to your issue. Lastly, have any software CDs and other disks handy when calling. The computer tech advisor may have you reinstall a device, the software for it, or a patch that may be on the CD itself may need to be installed. Whatever the reason, be sure that you have these disks and other CDs ready to be used if asked.

H) Ask Relevant Questions – An annoyance of us techs is the fact that some callers might ask questions that have no bearing on the issue at hand. We don’t mind questions, and in fact, we value them, because we can provide good information, provided they are relevant. In other words, asking “Will I be charged for updates to my [product name]?” is relevant, but asking about prices on market items that we might suggest is not. We don’t answer billing questions, nor are we sales agents. If your matter is outside the technical arena, we will refer you to another number for those questions, and in some cases, we’ll offer to transfer you to that other department after we are done addressing your issue. Also, asking about a device unrelated to the issue at hand is ok, but we would rather save that for after the problem has been resolved, or at the least addressed in some way.

I) Be Present at the computer system – Nothing is more annoying for a tech when a call comes in from a consumer who isn’t anywhere near their computer system. We understand this happens, but it happens more times than we care to like. For this reason, and if it can be helped, try to be present at your computer. We want to know if the possible solutions work or not, and if you are not at your PC, it can be difficult to determine what could be causing your issue to occur. If you are unable to be at your PC for reasons that you may or may not want to share, we will ask you to write down steps to try, and to document the outcome so that when you call back, with a reference number of some kind and at your PC, we can further assist you more effectively.

Whether you need general help with a computer such as a “How-to” question, or if it’s something more complex like an error with a program or a peripheral device, or maybe something else in between, it is important to remember that these tips are provided as a general set of instructions. My best advice is to approach each and every problem, big or small, with an objective attitude, an open mind, and lots of patience. Remember, if a problem can be resolved without buying a new product, then you’ve saved yourself both time and money. And with how our current economy is going these days, it never hurts to try a few tips to give your computer a boost in the efficiency department.

Have a question related to computers that you are having trouble with? Email me @ Halfblind79@gmail.com, and I'll do my best to cover that topic in my next blog.