Tool bars

Tool bars ,its striked out for a reason.
They're a pain in the ass and they cause more problems then they solve.... and seeing as they solve no issues..... screw 'em!
The thing is they come with almost all freeware downloads and some other downloads so you have to make sure you're un-checking the boxes that say "add blah tool bar to your internet browser" and "Change blah to your home page" other wise you end up with crap that just clutters up you space/ causes easy entrance for virus infections.
Since I'm mentioning this now My Web Search and Webfetti are my two biggest No-no's, at my work we've classified them as technical Malware infections because even if you do choose to uninstall, it takes some serious work to physically pick it out of your system. (and yes that is a pain in any tech's ass)
So just remember...... * Say No to Toolbars*.
That was my mini update for the night... yea its small but as I said there's more to come!!!(Testing multiple free ware programs out currently)

Digsby... your socail life connected

In my recent conversations with an old friend I was told about Digsby.
I was iffy about it at first but I have to say it has mad life frigging awesome!!!
Digsby is the better half of my life now...
It connects all emails all the messengers you have and all the social connections you have (myspace FB and linked in). Everything you could possibly have in one organized spot!!!!
I've actually learned to be updated while working at the same time.... For those of us who can't keep up this is one of those better options to keep track of everything.
Down side though when you Download it you have to keep track of what you accepting onto the computer... otherwise you end up with a changed home page and an extra toolbar.... and tool bars are usually a bad thing.

But here's you download.... click here -----> Digsby

Also this can be found on FILEHIPPO (haven't yelled their name in a while)

Windows Live

Time for my random update... it's been a while I know. Work being as busy and fruitless as it has been, I decided to go ahead and check some stuff out.
So to start out I decided to squander some time with Windows live essentials 2011. Although Windows live was actually announced in 2005 it has been a little rocky to use. After adding some extras to the pot Bill Gates has scored himself a gold star again.
If you don't have outlook Windows live mail is a great exchange, it's a lot nicer and much more streamlined then the older versions of outlook. When you download windows live essentials you also get the the writer, msn manager, bing bar, the outlook connector, and silver live.
It's a pretty sweet deal, the only thing is that most of the package isn't compatibly with XP so, its kinda of a downer if you still have an xp machine... and a lot of us still rock it out.
Well that's the mini update of the day I'm actually compiling more data and I will be adding more than one post soon.
And per the norm your download if the day can be found here ----> WLM

Oh and bang to the extra's I found Windows live mail for XP (right when I was just going to give up looking to!) ----> WLMXP

And we're back!!!

Well now that the holidays are finally over and work being as back logged as it was I've found that due to the Wiki-leaks issue my work load has doubled in size. And this seems all the more reason to bring up internet security. There are a lot of viruses out there. And since these kids with too much knowledge but not enough sense started this whole "we like this dude who talks to much and puts our country in danger" tantrum, turning all the computers in the open into zombies I've been enforcing new anti-virus laws all by my lonesome.
So lets go over the basics,
If you don't know who sent you the email... don't open it Delete it!!!
If the email is a forwarded from a friend, don't read it delete it... its probably not all that funny anyway.
Don't click on adds
Stick to websites you know
Run anti-virus software once a week
Password protect everything and never save the password on the computer keep it on paper hidden.
Never tell anyone your password, ever!
Get a fire wall.
Keep your pop up blocker on!
Use one of my previously mentioned internet browsers with the security add-ons!
Back everything up once a month, use once again a previously mentioned software for that.
And if your at home using a wifi router make sure you have changed the name the password security option and once your connected, hide the broadcast.
All of these items can be seen in detail from previous posts.

Welcome to the New Year which means New issues.... but just remember I'm here for you!!!!!

Something news for you to know about Vista

Windows Vista has been an underrated Operating system. A lot of people don't like Vista because of a bunch of random reasons. I've personally become quite fond of Vista, there's a lot of memory required for the operating system it self but if you have the right equipment it's a great system to work on. But beyond all of that I started this post because of the parental controls that are offered on Vista.
Here a list of amazing tricks on Vista
There's a time limit control offered
Ratings for Games that are allowed by choice
A block for specific internet sites that are preset within the system
and of course windows defender which is a really nice anti-virus program that's for free that's installed with the Operating system.
So for all you parents out there think Vista when you're buying think Vista!

5 things if you didn't do before you should now.....

In my recent work from home computer repair days I've notice a lacking in some basic B to the Gates knowledge....
So Let me lay it down for you here's my top ten basics for windows...

1. Windows update.... you need to update it in the the last three computers I've fixed each one only had SP1 (Windows XP) we're currently on SP3 (Service Pack = SP)

2. Active X... it's not a want, its a need you need it to get your windows update done, plus anything else you might need to get on the DL from File Hippo etc.

3. Disk Defrag & Disk cleaner (I covered this earlier) is there for a reason... please use it

4. Any thing that your ISP ( internet service provider) as anti virus software.... sucks, use my list you will be better protected.

5. If a virus has shut you down and you can still use email, find me here and have me fix it up...

Well how 'bout them connections....

Last night I went to bed thinking what oh what could I talk about, that thought stayed in my head until 330am (that the the dukes of hazard was on and I couldn't look away) Just before I closed my eyes I got it. Networking made easy.
Since there are levels this to this I'm labeling this one the basic session because why start at advance.
So here is my ez guide to what you should know/do about your network.
We will start with the knowing.
So you just brought home a router (and if you didn't that's OK). You should know how to stay secure. Your router just came with a disc. You follow the instructions(plug it in and make sure its connected) Then the interesting questions come in What you want to name it (this is known as the SSID), you should name it something different so that you know that it is yours (i.e. Smith house, joe's connection) . Then another question comes up about what security you want WEP, WPA, or WPA2. Now this is actually easier than most of you think there's just a couple of questions to answer before you pick.
Do I have wireless? No. Then you want WEP. (see easy)
Now if the answer is Yes, then you want WPA. And as far as WPA2 goes we will get to that at a later time. (that one is a tad bit confusing I have to word it properly and I haven't yet.) Now with the both choices you have to give a password, use letters and numbers and as many of them as you can so that if someone did want to hack your internet connection they would be spending enough time to want to quit. Passwords should be changed every month but, the same goes with emails social pages any account you would have. I have a suggestion for that if you have a different password on everything you just rotate them until you have used them all and then come up with a new series of passwords (and I mean completely different no same words, and numbers) when you do this just write them down somewhere only you will find it and poof your covered.
Well this has been Networking made EZ.
Like I have said before have questions, comments or any subject you would like covered I would be more than happy to tell you or write long rant about it.

Back to Basics..

Well I started with a lot of information but I'm going back to the basics general stuff you should know about how to care for your computer!
Cleaning seems like a good spot to start.
If you got some gross stuff on your screen DO NOT use Windex, or any other glass or all purpose cleaner instead do yourself a favor and hit it with a microfiber towel (you know the kind that you use for glasses) or a damp cloth. Not to wet not to dry don't go ruining your keyboard or monitor with something that's going to electrocute you. Bill Nye the science guy would not approve of fuzzy hair and a shock to your system.
Well moving on to my ultra favorite subject... and for those cat lovers out there cover your eyes, you won't like this.
If you have a cat its quickly ruining your computer, they like warm stuff, their fur makes your computer warmer by sucking up their shedding hair. So your computer is now going to survive half the time it would with out a cat. News for you right? Kick the cat out... you know you want to.
Moving on.....
Since your computer seems to run a little slow here are some quick regular activities you should run every week.
Now here is how you find it START> ALL PROGRAMS >ACCESSORIES > SYSTEM TOOLS
What you're going to run is Disk Defragmenter and Disk Clean up they both take a bit of time but it will speed the computer up when you've noticed it's gotten slower. Just remember once a week.
Now I know I left a list earlier of anti-virus free ware, but realized shortly after that I would want to leave a basic list the easiest to use for the lesser of the computer literate. Sooooo time for a new list. (Of course on FileHippo)
Avast!
ClamWin
SpyBot Search & Destroy
ComboFix
Now for ComboFix you will find on Download by Cnet.
All the links are on the side bar of my blog.

I think that covers it for my basics.
And once again any questions? I can give you answers.