Q: When I insert a photo in an e-mail message using Outlook Express, the picture often is too big for the message window. Is there a way to resize the photo so recipients can view it easily?
A: Most photo-editing programs let you change the size of your photos, but for the quick and easy approach, download Image Resizer, a free program that's part of the PowerToys for Windows XP. To get it, go to www.microsoft. com and search for Image Resizer. That will take you to the PowerToys page. You'll find the program in the column on the right.
Once you install Image Resizer, you can resize a photo simply by right- clicking on its icon and choosing Resize Pictures. You can choose from four sizes, but either the medium or small size should do the job. The program copies your photo to its new size while keeping the original.
Q: The hard drive in my PC is filling up. I want to add a second drive, but I can't decide whether to get an internal or external one. What would you recommend?
A: Prices of stand-alone external hard drives have fallen dramatically, making them a good choice for users wanting to add storage capacity or back up crucial data. Byte-for-byte, they're generally still more expensive than internal drives such as the one that came in your computer. But if you shop on the Internet and are willing to go with a lesser-known brand such as AcomData or LaCie, you can get a good deal that all but eliminates the price difference.
The biggest advantage of an external drive is that there's no installation hassle. You just connect it by cable directly to your computer. Some external drives use a computer's USB port, some use a FireWire port, and some can use both. If you opt for external, just make sure the drive you buy is compatible with your PC.
Q: I have a notebook computer that has a USB 1.1 port versus the newer 2. 0. I think my printer is 2.0, so I'd like to upgrade the computer to take advantage of the speed. Is it possible to do so without spending a fortune?
A: The upgrade is easy, and you won't have to spend too much. All you need is a USB 2.0 adapter that slips into the expansion slot in the side of your computer. Belkin, D-Link, Iogear and other makers sell adapters with two USB ports for about $50. Software drivers are included with the adapters, so you won't need anything else. And it's definitely worth upgrading, because USB 2.0, which transfers data at up to 480 Mbps, is about 40 times faster than the older version you now have.
Q: When I upgraded my mother's computer the other day, I made Firefox the default browser. Although I prefer Firefox -- as do most of my associates --
my mom is more comfortable with Microsoft Internet Explorer. How can I reset that as the default browser?
A: First open Internet Explorer. Go to the Tools menu and choose Internet Options. In the Programs tab, check the box labeled "Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser." Click OK, close Internet Explorer, then open it again. You should see a box alerting you that Internet Explorer no longer is your default browser and asking if you'd like to make it your default. Click Yes.
If your mom ever changes her mind, here's how to set Firefox as the default browser: With Firefox open, go to Options in the Tools menu, and in the General category click the Check Now button under Default Browser. A message similar to the one in Internet Explorer will let you know Firefox is not your default. Click Yes to make it so
What is spyware?
Spyware programs make money for their publishers by reporting your Internet
travels and sending you advertisements. Some also report your name, e-mail
address, and other personal information.
How did I get it?
Many ostensibly free programs come with spyware or adware. The program installer
doesn't always describe every program being installed.
Are adware and spyware different?
Different people have different definitions of each. CNET calls any program
designed to deliver ads or to get marketing information adware. Spyware
is a subset of adware, focused on reporting personal information.
How do adware-removal tools work?
Most adware-removal tools act like antivirus tools. They maintain a library of
spyware filenames and registry keys, and search for and remove them from your
computer.
How are pop-ups related to adware?
Many adware and spyware programs deliver ads via browser pop-ups, even if you
aren't online. Frequent browser pop-ups usually indicate adware has infected
your computer.
What does a firewall do?
Firewalls detect and block incoming and outgoing Internet traffic. They can
block spyware from sending your personal information to the Internet.
Is all adware bad?
Adware offers varying degrees of annoyance. Some adware merely delivers a small
ad banner in a program's interface, such as the ad displayed in ICQ. Other types
of adware launch pop-up browser windows over pages you're currently viewing. The
worst kind of spyware gathers personal data about you and sends it to a central
server.
How do I prevent adware from
infecting my system?
Both Ad-aware and Spybot come with immunizers that prevent known adware from
installing. WinPatrol can also hold off suspicious program installations. When
you install programs, make sure to read all the installer screens, especially
the license agreement.
Q: What sort of
maintenance should I keep in mind to ensure that my system runs smoothly?
A: There are a few things you can do & couple programs that you can run about once a week that will help
keep your system running at top performance (these don't apply to Windows NT.
Like changing the oil on
your car , regular maintenance on your computer can help it to run more
smoothly, more efficiently, catch problems before they become too big, and
prevent others before they start.
Here are our recommendations for PC Maintenance:
2) SCANDISK: You can use
ScanDisk to check your hard disk for logical and physical errors. ScanDisk can
then repair the damaged areas. ScanDisk should be run weekly for optimum
performance.
3) DISK DEFRAGMENTER: Disk
Defragmenter rearranges files, programs, and unused space on your computer's
hard disk, so that programs run faster and files open more quickly. Your hard
disk should be defragmented monthly.
4) VIRUS PROTECTION UPDATE: New viruses are being created as you read this! And each one of these could potentially cause great harm to your computer. Your virus protection MUST be updated regularly to provide protection against these. This should be done weekly at LEAST.
5) WINDOWS UPDATE: Windows Update is an online extension of Windows
98/ME/2000/XP that helps your computer work and run better. Windows Update
provides a central location to find product enhancements and specific files
customized for your computer. Product enhancements include service packs, system
files, device drivers, and new Windows 98/ME/2000/XP features. Windows Update
indicates the approximate download time and whether an update is already
installed on your computer. You can select one item or multiple items to
install. This should be done each month.
By doing these, you will
help to protect your computer, keep it running at it's best, and let it serve
you the way it should!
Q: Does installing other
software and hardware void my warranty?
A: Installing 3rd Party external hardware and applications shouldn’t void your
warranty, other than if any damage to the PC is done by a direct result of said
hardware or software. However, there are thousands of products available for
your computer, and each of these have unique requirements for installation and
use. Unfortunately, ACME Computer technicians can’t possibly have access to
all of the information necessary to support all of these devices. The
manufacturer or vendor of these products is usually the best place to turn when
you need help with a 3rd party product.
Q. How do I clean CDs if
they get fingerprints on them?
A. Use a clean, damp, lint-free, nonabrasive cloth. Do not use any harsh
cleaning agents. Wipe the disc using straight motions from the inside hole
towards the outer edge. Do not use circular motions when cleaning. You may also
purchase a compact disk cleaner like the CD Magician from us or from most local stores that sell music or data
CDs.
BIOS
Q: Is there a need for a
BIOS upgrade on my system?
A: If you aren’t experiencing any problems, then it is not recommended. BIOS
upgrades are normally used to fix problems that are occurring, or they may be
needed when upgrading the hardware or adding a program which is having
difficulties. They are not really developed to make your system run any faster
or perform any better. All our systems are Y2K compliant
Hard
Drives
Q: How can I find out how
much space I have left on my hard drive?
A: Double click on My Computer. Right click on the C: icon and choose
Properties. The diagram shaded in blue and purple represent the space used and
the space available.
A: Double click on My Computer. Right click on the C: icon and choose
Properties. The diagram shaded in blue and purple represent the space used and
the space available.
Q: My hard disk was
sold to me as a (for example) 3.2GB drive, but I only show a formatted capacity
of 3.05GB. Where is the missing space I paid for?
A: The operating system reports the capacity of the hard drive using the
assumption that 1MB is equal to 1,048,576 bytes. This is technically correct.
The hardware manufacturers compute the size a bit differently. They consider 1MB
to be equal to 1,000,000 bytes. You can see how this can cause confusion! If the
drive is advertised as 3.2GB (3,200,000,000 bytes), the operating system will
see it as approximately 3.05GB (3,200,000,000 / 1,048,576 / 1000=3.051758125).
The full 3,200,000,000 bytes are there.
Internet
Q: I downloaded a file
from the internet that has a .zip extension on it. What do I do with it?
A: A file that has a .zip extension on it has been compressed in order to make
it easier to download. To "unzip" the file and gain access to it's
contents, you need to obtain a program such as Pkunzip or Winzip to uncompress
the file. There are quite a few sites on the web which have this program for
download.
Q. I downloaded a
file from the internet and now I cannot find it on my system.
A. Click on
Start in the lower left corner of the desktop and choose Find.
Select Files or Folders and enter the name of the file you are looking for.
If you're not sure of the name you may use * as a wildcard. For example,
it you know the file began with the letters CAR you could enter CAR* to find all
files beginning with those letters.
Q: How do I change the
page that opens each time I log on to the Internet using Internet Explorer?
A: To change the page that it opens to when you log on to the Internet, perform
the following:
Memory
Q: Can I use my older
memory (running at 66 MHz front side bus speed) on my new PII 400?
A: No. Memory from a 66 MHz motherboard is not compatible with a motherboard
running at 100 MHz. All processors running at 350Mhz and above use 100 Mhz
motherboards. These require the newer PC100 SDRAM DIMMs.
Q: What does SDRAM stand
for and what does it do?
A: SDRAM stands for synchronous dynamic RAM (Random Access Memory). Sending data
from main memory to the system processor is typically one of the biggest
performance bottlenecks in any PC. Even the fastest standard DRAM and EDO memory
cannot keep up with the 66-MHz bus speeds used on many Pentium systems. SDRAM
incorporates new features that allow it to keep pace with bus speeds as high as
100 MHz. It does this primarily by allowing two sets of memory addresses to be
opened simultaneously. Data can then be retrieved alternately from each set,
eliminating the delays that normally occur when one bank of addresses must be
shut down and another prepared for reading during each request.
Modem
Q. My Modem won't
dial out?
A: 1. Rule # 1,
check the cables. Make sure your modem is connected to the phone jack and that
the phone line is connected to the plug labeled “LINE.” 2. When you install
a new modem, make sure you followed the installation instructions to the letter.
Different modems require different methods of set up, so be sure to do
everything that the instructions require. Skipping steps can and usually will
mean trouble later. WINModems sometimes require Virtual COM Port drivers to
provide access to a modem. These drivers usually come with the modem and the
installation instructions will describe the procedure to install them. 3. If you
have verified that the installation is correct and your modem is connected to a
valid phone line, make sure that the Dial-Up Networking is talking to the
correct modem. If you double-click the My Computer icon, then open the Dial-Up
Networking folder, and right-click on the icon for the connection you are trying
to make. Select Properties. Make sure the phone number is right, and at the
bottom you'll see "Connect Using:” Make sure the correct modem is
selected. 4. Check that dialing properties are correct. If you have to dial a
special number to access an outside line for local and/or long distance calls,
verify that the number has been entered. In Control Panel select the Modem icon,
press the Dialing Properties button and enter the number required to get a local
or long distance line.
Q: Why do I get a
"No Dial tone" message when attempting to dial into a service by
modem?
A: This
means the computer is connected to the modem, but the modem is not properly
connected to the phone system. Make sure you have an active phone line by
connecting a standard telephone and testing it (you should hear the dial tone
when you lift the receiver). Make certain you have plugged the phone line into
the correct connector on your modem. Common problems are: If your modem has both
a "LINE" and "PHONE" jack, be sure the telephone line
extending from the wall goes into the "LINE" jack.
Q: My 56K modem connects at 33.6 or less!
A: 1. If your Internet service provider doesn't support 56K, or
one of you uses x2 and the other uses K56flex, you're out of luck. 56K requires
that both ends have 56K modems, and they both have to use the same kind of 56K
technology (x2 or K56flex). Some Internet service providers have separate phone
numbers for 56K. Make sure you're calling the right number. 2. Check
with the modem manufacturer to see if they have an update to the firmware
available. Many problems disappeared once a new version of the firmware is
installed. 3. Try disconnecting additional telephone devices (fax,
phones, answering machines, etc.) from the phone line.
Motherboard
Q.
My sound doesn't work?
Make
sure you have your speakers connected correctly. Refer to the motherboard
manual for speaker, input, and microphone hookups. Do not go by the
diagrams on the ATX case as they are not correct.
Q: My
diagnostic software tells me that I have 266Mhz cpu on my Celeron 300 system!
A: There is no specific registry information on the Intel
Celeron processor other than the identification (type). Most of diagnostic
software on the market uses a pre-tested CPU performance reference table to
determine the CPU speed. If your diagnostic software has not
been updated with the latest information, it may report incorrect information on
the actual CPU clock speed, since the Celeron 266MHz and Celeron 300MHz are
relatively close in their performances. Please check with your software
manufacturer about the accuracy of the CPU speed testing.
Sound
Q. I am not getting
any sound from my system?
A: Check to see that your speakers are plugged into the right spot.
For systems with integrated audio the location is one of the three plugs below
the serial ports -- NOT the sound ports on the modem. Refer to the
motherboard or soundcard manual for the proper line out jack to connect speakers
to. Check to see that there is a speaker icon the lower right corner of
your screen. If not you need to reinstall the audio drivers. If the
speaker icon is present, double click it to verify sound levels are turned up
and mute is NOT selected.
Video
Q: I am interested in
updating my video driver. How do I know what version of video driver I currently
have?
A: Go to start, settings, control panel, and double-click on the “system”
icon. Click on the “device manager” tab. Make sure the “View Devices by
Type” circle is checked. Click on the plus (+) sign is front of the “Display
Adapters”, double-click the display adapter that is shown in that section,
then select the Driver tab. Click on the Driver File Detail button, on the next
windows the driver version should be shown.
Q: How do I change screen
resolution or number of colors
A: Right Click on your desktop, and choose properties. Click on the Settings tab
of the Display Properties. Adjust the resolution and color depth to your
satisfaction. Remember, at the highest resolutions, not all color depths may be
available.
A: Right Click on your desktop, and choose properties. Click on the Settings tab
of the Display Properties. Adjust the resolution and color depth to your
satisfaction. Remember, at the highest resolutions, not all color depths may be
available.
Q: When I load
Windows 95/98, my picture is either blank or all screwed up.
A: 1. This is due to an incompatible video driver that is attempting
to display on your monitor. The fix is to remove the driver so that Windows
loads with a standard driver, then choose the correct driver. In Windows,
restart the computer. When the screen displays the message "Starting
Windows." press the F8 key on the keyboard. This will put you in a Text
Based start-up menu. Choose "Safe Mode" from the menu. Windows will
load with the basic video drivers, which should give you a picture. Now you can
go to the Control Panel, select Display, and turn down either the number of
colors or the resolution. Assuming you choose a resolution that is compatible
with your display hardware, quit and reload Windows, the picture should be fine.
2. You may have a non-multisync monitor. For different graphic modes, your
video card puts out different sync rates. If your monitor isn't a multisync, it
will not be able to recognize these graphics modes. This will usually only be
the case when you try to use an old monitor with a new graphics card. All new
monitors will be multisync. If this isn't the case, you may have a defective
monitor. Try hooking it up to another machine to see if the picture comes
through. Otherwise, call a repairman, or buy a new monitor.
Q: Recently, my
monitor's image no longer fills the entire screen. It has a black border around
the edges. Or I am unable to change display resolutions. What's wrong?
A. Assuming the horizontal and vertical controls have been adjusted on the
monitor check to make sure you have a monitor driver installed by going to
Settings => Control Panel => System => Device Manager. Click on
Monitor and then verify a driver for your type of monitor is installed. If
it says No Monitor. Highlight it and choose Properties. Click the
driver tab and then choose Update Driver. If your monitor is not listed
choose Standard Plug & Play monitor.
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