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Favorite Tips:
To
select more than one item
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To select more than one item in any list, hold down
the Ctrl key on the keyboard,
then click on the items you want to highlight. Or, if the items are all
together in one block, click on the
top item, then hold
down the Shift key
and click on the
bottom item. Then release the key and do
whatever action you want on the highlighted items, such as Delete. (These procedures work in just
about any program.) |
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Spyware: |
Be sure to use a spyware remover program regularly (at
least once a month) to remove spyware on your computer. Spyware tracks where
you go on the Internet and sends this information to marketers. This can
result in more pop-up ads, a slower computer, an inability to get on the
Internet and can even prevent your computer from starting up or shutting
down properly. Spyware is often surreptitiously installed on your computer
when you download and install "free" programs, such as the
KaZaa music downloading program or the
IncrediMail e-mail
program, but can also be transferred to your computer just by visiting
certain web sites.
Ad-Aware, which is a free program, and
Spy Sweeper, which costs about $30.00, are two
good anti-spyware programs. To learn more about spyware, visit
Doxdesk.com. |
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Virus Alert:
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If your computer slows down, or starts acting
strangely, or if you are receiving many e-mail messages saying "the message
is undeliverable," then you may have a virus on your computer.
Click here
for more information.
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Previous Tips: |
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Top Ten
Misconceptions about Computers
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Computer Glossary
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Important
Phone Numbers
Specifications
for a New Desktop & Laptop Computer
Webmaster's Bio
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TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS (SOFTWARE):
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An obvious tip: Always change just one thing, then see if the problem disappears. This will take longer,
but you'll know exactly what fixed your problem, and you'll learn more this way.
A less obvious tip: Keep a Computer Diary. Put in any problems, error messages, and the solutions. This
could save you much time in the future when the same problem happens again. Your Computer Diary is also a good
place to jot down the Serial Numbers or Product Keys of the hardware and software you buy. |
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Our Favorite Troubleshooting Web Sites (Software):
Aumha.org
House of Help
Microsoft Support
PC Mechanic
Regedit.com
Startup Programs & Files List
Tech Support Guy
Windows Annoyances
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TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS (HARDWARE): |
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An obvious tip: Replace the part or component that you suspect has failed with an identical or nearly identical
part. Keep doing so until you've narrowed it down to the bad part.
A less obvious tip: The most common part to fail is the battery on the motherboard, which usually lasts
anywhere from two to five years. If your clock slows down or the year reverts to 1956 or 1980 on your computer,
suspect the battery first. |
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Our Favorite Troubleshooting Web Sites (Hardware):
Tom's Hardware Guide
A
Guide to Motherboards |
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