Defragging Your Disk

It seems like everyone knows that you should Defrag your disk on a normal basis.  Heck, even my grandma knows that.  She does it on a daily basis, as she sits and watches the entire process very closely. But do you know why? Hard drives are basically thick disks, with many moving parts inside of them.  As you save files and programs to the hard drive, your operating system keeps track of the location on the actual disk those files are saved.  But eventually, this process begins to break down, and the files are scattered all over the disk.  This can lead to crashes, slow startups and freezing. It is a good idea to perform a Disk Defragment once in a while.  Not every day, like grandma does, but maybe once every couple of months.  The defrag process can take a long time, so it is a good idea to run defrag when you will not be using the computer.  The steps below illustrate how to run this utility for Windows users: Click Start–All Programs–Accessories–System Tools–Disk Defragmenter. Highlight the (C): drive and click Analyze. The Analyze tool will determine if the drive should be defragmented.  A window will appear stating that the drive should or should not be defragmented. Click the Defragment button to start the process. The process can take many hours, and it is not recommended to use your computer while the program is running.  Once the process is complete, reboot the computer before you start using it again. Fret not Mac users.  You can also resolve many issues with a good old fashioned defrag.  Mac users may be affected by more issues when your drive starts getting 60% full or higher.  There is a great software program that can make the defrag process easy enough for grandma to use, called iDefrag.

Why Windows 7?

Much of the hoopla by the Microsoft marketing team talks about all the benefits of upgrading to Windows 7.  But is it all smoke and mirrors?

Speed – One of the great things about Windows 7 is the vast improvement over Vista when it comes to using the memory on your computer.  Booting up, switching applications and browsing the internet are all significantly faster with Windows 7.

Compatibility – One big complaint with Vista was the lack of support for many of the software programs people used in Windows XP.  Windows 7 makes the process of installing software and hardware much easier.  More software programs can be used with Windows 7, and installing hardware like printers and cameras has been streamlined.

Hardware Specifications – Windows Vista required a huge investment in hardware, including more memory and a better processor.  Windows 7 can work on more Windows XP hardware, making the transition less expensive.

Search – The built-in utility for search runs incredibly fast and is very easy to access.  Simply click on the start menu and start typing your search term.  With extensive indexing, search will look within files on the hard drive, emails and compressed folders.

Windows 7 is definitely an improvement over Vista, and can be an option for improving features in XP, especially security.  Remember, be sure to back up all of your important files before performing an upgrade, just in case something goes awry.

Plugging the Holes in Internet Browsers

Everyone knows that you should use antivirus software to protect your computer, but did you know that your internet browser may be letting viruses and malware infect your system anyway? Whether you use Internet Explorer, Firefox, or even Google Chrome, there will be vulnerabilities in your browser.  It is important to keep your software up to date with the latest security patches and updates. To keep Internet Explorer up to date, use the Windows Update program that is built into windows.  Click START–ALL PROGRAMS–WINDOWS UPDATE to manually check for updates. Mozilla Firefox will automatically notify you of any important security updates and makes it easy to stay current.  To manually check for updates, click HELP–CHECK FOR UPDATES from the Firefox window. Google Chrome is easy to update as well.  Just click the “wrench” icon and choose ABOUT GOOGLE CHROME.  At the bottom, you will see a message that states “Checking for Updates”.  If an update is found, it will notify you. Simply updating your web browser is not enough.  Any of the programs or “Add-Ons” you have installed inside your browser also need to be updated.  Recently, some very popular Add-On applications like Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash have created vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer and Firefox. To check for updates for Add-Ons in Mozilla Firefox, click on TOOLS–ADD-ONS.  Click the FIND UPDATES button. Unfortunately, Internet Explorer makes it a little harder to update the Add-Ons.  Click TOOLS–MANAGE ADD-ONS.  This will list all of the Add-Ons that are installed.  Make a note of each one.  Open the following website and search for each add-on:  http://ieaddons.com/en/ Updating Add-Ons, or Extensions in Google Chrome is fairly easy and straightforward.  Click the “Wrench” icon in the top right-hand corner, then click EXTENSIONS.  Click the “Plus” sign next to the header DEVELOPER TOOLS.  Now click the UPDATE EXTENSIONS NOW button. Remember, updating the security of your computer is a never-ending process.  By making sure the things you use the most are updated, you should be relatively safe.

Keeping Viruses and Malware Off Your Computer

There are lots of nasty viruses and malware lurking on the internet.  Just how can you keep your computer safe?

DO keep antivirus software installed and updated on your computer.  Although some viruses and malware can sneak past some programs, the majority of them don’t.

DON’T click on any links from emails, instant messages, Facebook, etc., even if you know the person who sent it.  Their machine may be infected and sending out fake messages to spread the virus/malware.

DO regularly update your operating system with the latest security updates.  Most Microsoft systems will do this automatically, however, you may have to approve the installation of the security updates.  If you get a pop up you are unsure is a real update, just click START—WINDOWS UPDATE to manually run the update process.

DON’T use peer to peer sharing software programs like Limewire, Bittorrent, etc.  Not only is downloading and sharing programs and music illegal, a lot of those files have viruses hidden inside of them.  Some peer to peer sharing software is actually malware in disguise.

DO run regular virus and malware scans of your computer.  Your antivirus software will probably do this automatically.  You may also want to install an additional spyware/malware scanning program.  We recommend Malwarebytes (free on www.downloads.com).

DON’T visit questionable websites.  An obvious culprit are porn sites, but other ones may include sites offering “warez” (free cracked software), foreign sites (unless you can really read what you are clicking on) and even some popular children’s sites (lots of those kid’s sites require them to download special players and programs to play the free games, installing spyware and malware at the same time).

DO perform a registry scan on a normal basis.  The registry is like the key to a map.  It holds all the information about everything on your computer, from where files are saved, how programs run, etc.  Some viruses and malware will make changes to the registry which can cause many problems.  There are several free programs out there.  We like Ccleaner (free on www.downloads.com).  It is easy to use and very affective.

DON’T think that to clean a virus off your computer, you have to reinstall the entire operating system.  This is the first line of defense for some computer professionals and companies, but not inQuo.  We can clean 99% of computers without reinstalling Windows.

The Weird and Wonderful Safe-Mode!

This article works better if you hum the tune to “The Magical Mr. Mistoffelees” from the musical Cats. Spend any amount of time talking to a computer nerd, and you will probably hear them talk about booting in “Safe-Mode”. Ask them why, and they may act like a magician guarding a sacred illusion. Here at inQuo, we like to shake things up. So now, for the first time ever, we are letting you in on the secrets of nerdy magicians. Safe-Mode is a diagnostic tool that allows you to boot up a computer (Windows or Mac) with a minimal set of drivers and functions. By scaling down the amount of services and drivers that run, you may be able to boot the computer up when otherwise it would not power on. When a computer is plagued by viruses and malware, and is crawling along slowly, Safe-Mode may be the only hope. As computer technicians, using Safe-Mode is a must when removing viruses. Many of the protocols and programs that viruses and malware use have been disabled in Safe-Mode, allowing the tech to remove the pesky malware much easier. Safe Mode can also be used when opening certain programs. On a Mac, you can open most Microsoft Office programs in Safe-Mode. This is useful if you are experiencing issues opening certain documents with corrupt fonts, a known issue with a Mac. The popular internet browser, Firefox, also has a Safe-Mode option. If the browser has been compromised by viruses, Safe-Mode is a good way to temporarily get around the issues the virus may be causing. So Safe-Mode is where it’s at for troubleshooting and fixing problems. No more will your eyes start glazing over when your favorite computer nerd starts spouting lingo and acronyms. You are empowered with knowledge! Now go out into the world, and use Safe-Mode for good, not evil!

How to Waste Time on the Internet

Ok, so most of you already know how to waste plenty of time on the interwebs.  Facebook anyone? Here are some cool sights and sounds to experience when you need to take a break. Worth1000 – The ultimate photoshopping contest site.  Expert and novice graphic designers create the wildest and coolest photoshopped pictures ever, based on themes and ideas from the site’s owners. Instants! – A whole page of buttons that emit various sounds from movies, television and other special effects noises.  Yeah, you can waste a whole bunch of time with this one! Joshua Hoffine Horror Blog – For you horror fans out there, Josua Hoffine is an excellent photographer that stages movie worthy horror scenes for photography. NeatoGeek - For the nerds out there.  Holla! Internet Movie Database (IMDB) - For film buffs and the casual viewer, IMDB will tell you what actor played in that little indie film you just watched, and cross link all of the films he has been in, as well as movie trivia, quotes and more. PropertyRoom.com – Like eBay for merchandise seized by the cops.  Some great deals. Slate – A very popular online magazine with lots of great articles on nearly any subject. Cute Overload – Every cute picture ever taken of animals.  Don’t spend too much time on this site.  You may get nauseous. People of Walmart – Really, you can’t touch your toes but you wear short shorts?  You shouldn’t.  This site can really make you feel sad about the future of humanity….or LOL.

Weird and Wonderful Bluetooth!

I was recently at my grandmothers house, and she asked me what the heck that thing in my ear was.  As I explained to her what my Bluetooth headset was for, she seemed astounded.  Of course, Grandma is still using a VCR and rabbit ears on her tube TV. Bluetooth Now Most people, besides Grandma, have heard of, or use, a Bluetooth device.  Bluetooth technology uses tiny short-range radio signals to connect devices together.  Any Bluetooth device can communicate with another Bluetooth enabled device, regardless of who actually makes the equipment. Unlike standard wireless network connections, Bluetooth is a short term connection.  Once one of the devices is finished transmitting the data it needs, the connection is terminated. The most common Bluetooth devices are headsets.  Lightweight and easy on power consumption, Bluetooth headsets make hands-free communication easy and within reach of most people.  Any new cell phone is Bluetooth enabled, and headsets can cost as low as $20. Other popular Bluetooth devices include keyboards and mice, speakers, stereo headphones, remote control devices and even video transmitters. Bluetooth in the Future As more and more devices incorporate this technology, everyday functions like paying for gas, ordering meals, and redeeming coupons may all be done using a handheld device. The medical field may find dozens of applications for monitoring and maintaining patient’s health using Bluetooth.  Imagine a doctor being able to monitor a patients vital signs as they are sitting in their living room.  How about a lifesaving phone call if an ill person cannot make the call themselves?  Medical testing now involves leads and wires that are intrusive and can sometimes produce inaccurate results.  Bluetooth testing devices may solve some of those issues. Common household appliances may soon be fitted with Bluetooth hardware, allowing your fridge to alert you if the door has been left open, or your dryer can tell you that your clothes are ready to be folded.  You could use the same handheld device to call your parents, order pizza online and change the channel on your television. As the technology improves, the quality of data, audio and video should increase, making Bluetooth a universal transmission catalyst.

Internet Privacy

It seems like every day, we hear about how companies misuse our personal data online.  How is our information used online, and is there really any concern? What is my information being used for? Typically, most information that is gleaned from your internet searches, social media networks, blogs, etc. are used to better match products and services that fit your profile.  Advertisers see this as a great tool for giving you the information that would most benefit you. There are more sinister uses for your personal information.  People that are in the business of stealing identities can find a wealth of information about you, including addresses, birthdates, names of relatives, and job history.  How much of that information can be used to fill out a fraudulent credit card application? Another cause for concern is how your personal information is being stored.  Perhaps, innocently enough, your preferences for products and services, along with much of your personal information is being used for advertising.  But who else can get to that information. Big Brother is a term used for governments or other entities that control information.  If Google technically owns all of your emails, with all of the personal information contained within them, as well as your calendar entries, pictures, etc., could they one day be considered a Big Brother type entity?  Have you ever watched the Terminator or Matrix movies? Ok, you have scared me straight.  Now what?!?!?! Facebook has recently come under fire for how they use your information.  They do have built in protocols that you can adjust to minimize the information you share.  Google, and most other sites that store your information have these same controls.  Sometimes, navigating the security settings can be a little tricky.  Simply type in a phrase like Facebook Security Settings or Google Privacy Settings into a search engine, and you should find many articles on how to manage your privacy settings. Unfortunately, personal information about you may come from other sources.  Social media lets people share information about themselves, and their friends, family and other associates.  You may not be able to always control the information that is floating out in cyberspace. A good rule of thumb is to not disclose any information online that you would not disclose in public.

Surge Protectors

Chances are, if you have a computer, it is plugged into a surge protector.  What is a surge protector, and does it really protect your computer? So What Exactly Does It Do? Surge protectors are sold as a shield from power bumps, surges and other electrical impulses that can cause damage to the sensitive hardware of computers, like memory, motherboards, power supplies and the hard drive. Power surges can come from outside the home through lightning strikes and power outages.  They can also come from other electronics and appliances inside your home.  A good rule of thumb is to have any major appliance, televisions, and other electronic items plugged into a surge protector.  You may have a whole house surge protection system in place, but that really only protects surges that come from the outside of the house. For most computer hardware and other small electronic devices, a surge protector with a Joules rating of at least 4,000 should do the trick. Some Surge Protectors are kind of Pricey The prices for surge protectors can range from a couple of bucks, to well over a hundred dollars.  Although a cheaper model will probably work ok, the parts inside of it may wear faster.  You may experience power surges inside your house all of the time, without even knowing it.  A mid to high range surge protector will probably last longer than a less expensive model.  Eventually, any surge protector will stop being effective as time moves on. Is a Surge Protector the same as a UPS? A UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) is similar to a surge protector with one big difference.  It also has a battery inside that will keep your electronics running even if the power goes out.  Although a surge protector can prevent power surges from frying the circuits inside a computer, a power outage can cause other problems for electronic components. Most home UPS systems will only power your devices for minutes, but this can be enough time to properly shut down your computer, and save any important documents you were working on at the time. The bottom line is to always plug your expensive electronics into a surge protector.  Serious over here!

Reboot Your Computer!

"You're Welcome!" We all know that the first thing a computer guy will tell you is to reboot your computer.  That small act of turning it off, then back on seems to be a miracle cure for many technical ailments. But why does it work? When you turn on your computer, whether its an Apple, or Windows based PC, the operating system will manage all of the memory for each program to use.  Think of the memory on your computer as if it were a pie.  Every program that runs needs a slice of that pie.  Even the operating system itself. The longer you have a computer running continuously, the harder it is for the operating system to manage how many pieces of pie are left, and how large or small the pieces are.  As you open and close programs, surf the internet, save documents, edit pictures, and complete the hundreds of other tasks on your computer, the operating system does its best to keep up. Sometimes a mistake is made.  Memory may be given to a new program starting up that was originally promised to a program that was already running.  When that happens, one or both of the programs may freeze up or behave erratically.  Sometimes the whole computer will freeze. If a software program is written poorly, it may require much more memory than it originally said it needed.  When a program starts using more memory than it was originally given, this can also cause freezing and other issues. Rebooting the computer levels the playing field, and lets your operating system start fresh. As more electronic devices become smarter and more feature rich, you may be rebooting everything from your televisions, mobile phones, and even your electric toothbrush.  Ok, maybe not the toothbrush, but remember, a reboot is really a great way to begin the process of troubleshooting issues.