Computer Tips on Keeping your pc and laptop running fast and virus Free!
1. Clean your temporary internet files on a regular basis. You can do this by clicking on "Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Cleanup". This will clear your machine of unnessesary files and help prevent malicious programs from being activated from that location.
2. Run your antispyware program regularly. We have a free download from SPYBOT above. Most programs do not run automatically, so you need to both run the program and delete the files that it finds.

3. Every 3-6 months start your computer in safe mode. (you can do this by restarting your computer and when it starts to reboot, hit the F8 key). Once in safe mode clean your temporary files and then run your anti spyware program. The reason for doing this is that sometimes a program file that already resides in the temp location may be running and cannot be deleted without being in safe mode. Now run your antispyware program and then restart your pc.
4. Check on your antivirus program once a week. Make sure that your definitions are up-to-date and that it has running the scan daily. If a bug has got into the system it will attempt to disable your antivirus program. If you can catch it early enough you can sometimes start your pc in safe mode (described above) and get rid of the bug before it does any major damage.

If you do not have an antivirus program you can download from the link to AVG above, but be warned that if your machine is already infected you may have to bring it into the store as some viruses will disable the anti virus program as you are downloading it. We can clean it up and install the software for you.


5. Beware of what you click on! If you get a pop-up on your screen that says that your pc is infected and that you need to run this program to get rid of it, do not click on the file. Also DO NOT click on the x to close it, this will only cause your pc to become infected*. To close the pop-up click on Control W and then run your run your antispyware program in safe mode* 

*Example: You see a popup. It has an "X" on it, so you click it to close the window. That triggers the download and install of malicious software. The software disconnects you from your ISP, dials a $4.99 per minute "premium service" and you end up with a huge phone bill.

What happened? The "X" was fake -- the whole window was just a graphic. Anywhere you clicked was a link to the "drive-by download".

How can you avoid drive-by downloads? A good way is to prevent popups in the first place. If you do get a popup though, close it using the "Ctrl-W" trick. (As soon as it pops up, hold down the Ctrl key and press the W key). That way you won't trigger the download.


 
Adding a Printer to the Home Wireless Network

1. On the main computer that is connected to the printer. Go to Control Panel – The Printers and Faxes. Right Click on the printer that you want to share. Click on Share the Printer.

Computer Tips on Keeping your pc and laptop running fast and virus Free!
1. Clean your temporary internet files on a regular basis. You can do this by clicking on "Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Cleanup". This will clear your machine of unnessesary files and help prevent malicious programs from being activated from that location.
2. Run your antispyware program regularly. We have a free download from SPYBOT above. Most programs do not run automatically, so you need to both run the program and delete the files that it finds.

3. Every 3-6 months start your computer in safe mode. (you can do this by restarting your computer and when it starts to reboot, hit the F8 key). Once in safe mode clean your temporary files and then run your anti spyware program. The reason for doing this is that sometimes a program file that already resides in the temp location may be running and cannot be deleted without being in safe mode. Now run your antispyware program and then restart your pc.
4. Check on your antivirus program once a week. Make sure that your definitions are up-to-date and that it has running the scan daily. If a bug has got into the system it will attempt to disable your antivirus program. If you can catch it early enough you can sometimes start your pc in safe mode (described above) and get rid of the bug before it does any major damage.

If you do not have an antivirus program you can download from the link to AVG above, but be warned that if your machine is already infected you may have to bring it into the store as some viruses will disable the anti virus program as you are downloading it. We can clean it up and install the software for you.


5. Beware of what you click on! If you get a pop-up on your screen that says that your pc is infected and that you need to run this program to get rid of it, do not click on the file. Also DO NOT click on the x to close it, this will only cause your pc to become infected*. To close the pop-up click on Control W and then run your run your antispyware program in safe mode* 

*Example: You see a popup. It has an "X" on it, so you click it to close the window. That triggers the download and install of malicious software. The software disconnects you from your ISP, dials a $4.99 per minute "premium service" and you end up with a huge phone bill.

What happened? The "X" was fake -- the whole window was just a graphic. Anywhere you clicked was a link to the "drive-by download".

How can you avoid drive-by downloads? A good way is to prevent popups in the first place. If you do get a popup though, close it using the "Ctrl-W" trick. (As soon as it pops up, hold down the Ctrl key and press the W key). That way you won't trigger the download.


 
Adding a Printer to the Home Wireless Network

1. On the main computer that is connected to the printer. Go to Control Panel – The Printers and Faxes. Right Click on the printer that you want to share. Click on Share the Printer.