I am sure that most of you know how to change "double click" to "single click" in order to open program icons in your desk top.
I also know that probably some of you do not know how to do it; (many people I have helped did not even know that this was possible. This post is for you).
I for one, can't stand having to "double click" an icon every time I want to open a program.
For those of you who have no idea how to do it, here goes: ( I really do not understand why Windows does not have an icon on the start screen to make this option available at the touch of you mouse button).
CLICK START
CLICK CONTROL PANEL
SELECT "APPEARANCE AND PERSONALIZATION" TITLE
SELECT THE "FOLDER OPTIONS" TITLE
UNDER "GENERAL TAB" SELECT "SINGLE CLICK TO OPEN AN ITEM POINT TO SELECT" OPTION.
That's it, from now on you will only have to single click rather than double click any icon in your desk top in order to open programs.
George Freire
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
SD FLASH DRIVES READER PROBLEMS?
Most computers come now with SD flash drives readers so that you can plug in your camera SD drives directly to the computer and transfer your pictures.
Somehow all of a sudden these readers do not show at all in your Windows Explorer under "Computer", the end result being, you are not able to see the content of your SD drives.
Do not ask me why this happens, I really do not know. Windows will many times perform in strange ways that are difficult to understand.
A friend of mine called me last Sunday for help: "George I cannot check my camera's SD chip in my new computer SD reader. I've tried everything to no result".
I happen to know some little secrets about Windows strange surprises such as this one, because I have helped other people with the same problem. How do i know this? well it is simple to explain, I do a lot of investigation on the internet , forums etc. when I don't know the answer to a problem; I keep doing it until I find the answer.
If you have a problem with your SD reader such as the above do the following:
Click "Start", go to Control Panel and select the "Appearance and Personalization" title.
Now select "Folder Options" sub title.
On the "Folder Options" box click the "View" tab.
Scroll down until you see the option " Hide empty drives in the computer folder".
Uncheck the small square box on the left of this option.
Click "apply" and then "OK".
And voila ! now your SD reader is back in business.
George Freire
Somehow all of a sudden these readers do not show at all in your Windows Explorer under "Computer", the end result being, you are not able to see the content of your SD drives.
Do not ask me why this happens, I really do not know. Windows will many times perform in strange ways that are difficult to understand.
A friend of mine called me last Sunday for help: "George I cannot check my camera's SD chip in my new computer SD reader. I've tried everything to no result".
I happen to know some little secrets about Windows strange surprises such as this one, because I have helped other people with the same problem. How do i know this? well it is simple to explain, I do a lot of investigation on the internet , forums etc. when I don't know the answer to a problem; I keep doing it until I find the answer.
If you have a problem with your SD reader such as the above do the following:
Click "Start", go to Control Panel and select the "Appearance and Personalization" title.
Now select "Folder Options" sub title.
On the "Folder Options" box click the "View" tab.
Scroll down until you see the option " Hide empty drives in the computer folder".
Uncheck the small square box on the left of this option.
Click "apply" and then "OK".
And voila ! now your SD reader is back in business.
George Freire
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
WINDOWS SYSTEM RESTORE, WHAT A LOT OF PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT
All of a sudden you try to boot your computer and nothing happens, blue screen, black screen or even worse... If you know how to use "System Restore" properly you might be able to solve most of these problems, however, sometimes it is exasperating to get it right.
Before I tell you the best way to get this application to work right, just consider that it can be used two ways: if you are able to boot your computer, fine and OK but if you cannot, you still can use it in "Safe Mode". I assume you all know how to boot in "Safe Mode", but if not, it is very easy: "restart the computer and immediately tap...tap F8. The computer will go into several gyrations and when finished will give different choices to open. Choose "Safe Mode" and wait until it boots completely.
How does it work? Your computer will automatically create "restore points" whenever a new program is downloaded and installed, when programs are updated and many other situations.
When you use "System Restore", your computer virtually goes back to the restore point you select, (a date and time prior to the moment your troubles started), and should be back to business as usual. This sounds simple enough, however problems can just pop up and you get a message such as "your computer cannot be restored to your selected restore point".
Now here is the easy way to get to "System Restore" either on regular boot or "Safe Mode" boot:
1- Click "Start/Control Panel/System Security and on the top right search box, type "system". A new box will open. The first title in that box is "System". Under "System" go down until you see "Restore system files and settings from a restore point".
2- A "System Restore" box will open. Read the instructions and click "next" on bottom right.
3- A new box opens with a top title " Restore your computer to the state it was before the selected event" Under that there will be a chart showing at least one restore point, with date and time and description of the restore point. Below the chart, on the bottom left, there is a square box with the title "Show more store points".
4- Check that box and immediately the chart fills up with several restore points that have been created in the past several weeks or even months.
5- Make sure that you select a restore point with date and time prior to the moment you started having problems. I normally select a date and time in the previous day. Click "Next" and the computer will start the restoring operation. It will restart and stop etc. just let it go until the whole process is finished.
6- The computer will be restored to the point you have selected and any traces of whatever programs or updates installed after the selected restore point that caused your headaches will vanish.
"System Restore" does not affect any of your documents, pictures or any other personal data; however, recently installed programs and drivers will be uninstalled.This process is reversible, in case it does not work right.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to post comment.
I hope this will be of help to some of you.
George Freire
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Win 7 Internet Security 2012 Virus Threat
Do you remember my post of April 2, 2011? If you don't, just go to the archive select it and read the content.
The subject was about fake anti virus software offered on the Internet or through e-mails, designed to steal your personal information and charge your credit card for purchasing this software that does absolutely nothing except damaging your computer to a point that you cannot open any programs, go to the Internet etc.
Today there is out there another version of this pesky virus and it is called
"Win 7 Internet Security 2012" and it has nothing to do with Microsoft as it implies. It tells you that if you download the software it will analyse your computer Win 7 operating system, find any bugs, improve speed etc. etc.
Once you scan your computer with "Win 7 Internet Security 2012", it scares you with a fake report on all kinds of problems found. Then it tells you that if you buy the the full version, it will clean up the computer for good. If you fall for it, this program instead of fixing the computer will make it inoperable, will destroy files and drive you crazy for paying money to these crooks and finding that now they have your CC # and other information on you.
This virus software is very dangerous and extremely difficult to get rid of. In some cases it will close every program you try to open making it almost impossible to run program in an infected computer.
First thing to do is to call the CC company, explain what happened, cancel that CC and they will issue another in no time flat, most cases by sending you a new CC by "UPS next day".
Recently I helped another friend, (not the one mentioned in my post of April 2, 2011), who fell for this scheme.
I am going to tell you how to remove this virus software from your computer; you'll need a little patience, it will pay to be patient:
A- If you still can get to the Internet you may use your infected computer for this step, if you cannot access the Internet, use another computer either yours or a friend's:
Open IE or other browser and download "PROCESS EXPLORER" from Microsoft Web Site. Save it as "explorer.exe". (if you use another computer, save it in a flash memory stick to copy it later to the infected computer). "PROCESS EXPLORER" is a free utility which will give you the capability to forcefully close down the Win 7 Internet Security 2012 virus software, so that you will be able to remove it later.
B-Once "explorer.exe" is in the infected computer, click on it to run it. (it takes just a couple of seconds). This utility will open the "processes list" screen. Select "End Process Tree"
and click "yes" on the next dialog box. This will forcefully close "Win 7 Internet Security 2012" virus software, so that you will be able to remove it.
C-Download, (using the same method outlined under A above), the utility "Spy Hunter", and do a full scan of the infected computer. This utility will remove the infection. Restart the computer and now you are done !
I hope this will help those of you who were caught by this bad bad malware.
PLEASE NOTE: If you cannot copy and install the utilities referred above in the infected computer, run it in safe mode, (I assume you know how to put a computer in safe mode), and follow steps A, B and C above in safe mode. It will work out OK.
George Freire
The subject was about fake anti virus software offered on the Internet or through e-mails, designed to steal your personal information and charge your credit card for purchasing this software that does absolutely nothing except damaging your computer to a point that you cannot open any programs, go to the Internet etc.
Today there is out there another version of this pesky virus and it is called
"Win 7 Internet Security 2012" and it has nothing to do with Microsoft as it implies. It tells you that if you download the software it will analyse your computer Win 7 operating system, find any bugs, improve speed etc. etc.
Once you scan your computer with "Win 7 Internet Security 2012", it scares you with a fake report on all kinds of problems found. Then it tells you that if you buy the the full version, it will clean up the computer for good. If you fall for it, this program instead of fixing the computer will make it inoperable, will destroy files and drive you crazy for paying money to these crooks and finding that now they have your CC # and other information on you.
This virus software is very dangerous and extremely difficult to get rid of. In some cases it will close every program you try to open making it almost impossible to run program in an infected computer.
First thing to do is to call the CC company, explain what happened, cancel that CC and they will issue another in no time flat, most cases by sending you a new CC by "UPS next day".
Recently I helped another friend, (not the one mentioned in my post of April 2, 2011), who fell for this scheme.
I am going to tell you how to remove this virus software from your computer; you'll need a little patience, it will pay to be patient:
A- If you still can get to the Internet you may use your infected computer for this step, if you cannot access the Internet, use another computer either yours or a friend's:
Open IE or other browser and download "PROCESS EXPLORER" from Microsoft Web Site. Save it as "explorer.exe". (if you use another computer, save it in a flash memory stick to copy it later to the infected computer). "PROCESS EXPLORER" is a free utility which will give you the capability to forcefully close down the Win 7 Internet Security 2012 virus software, so that you will be able to remove it later.
B-Once "explorer.exe" is in the infected computer, click on it to run it. (it takes just a couple of seconds). This utility will open the "processes list" screen. Select "End Process Tree"
and click "yes" on the next dialog box. This will forcefully close "Win 7 Internet Security 2012" virus software, so that you will be able to remove it.
C-Download, (using the same method outlined under A above), the utility "Spy Hunter", and do a full scan of the infected computer. This utility will remove the infection. Restart the computer and now you are done !
I hope this will help those of you who were caught by this bad bad malware.
PLEASE NOTE: If you cannot copy and install the utilities referred above in the infected computer, run it in safe mode, (I assume you know how to put a computer in safe mode), and follow steps A, B and C above in safe mode. It will work out OK.
George Freire
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Windows 8 Consumer Preview: A Visual Tour
From PCWorld here is a preview of what Windows 8 will look like.
Windows 8 has come a long way since the Developer Preview last year. While you wait for the download, here’s a look at what you can expect.
Click the following link to find out:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/250909/windows_8_consumer_preview_a_visual_tour.html#tk.nl_dnx_h_crawl
George Freire
Windows 8 has come a long way since the Developer Preview last year. While you wait for the download, here’s a look at what you can expect.
Click the following link to find out:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/250909/windows_8_consumer_preview_a_visual_tour.html#tk.nl_dnx_h_crawl
George Freire
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
PokerTH Texas Hold-Em Portable
PokerTH Portable is a Texas Hold-Em style poker game with computer-generated opponents as well as network play against opponents all over the world. You can play against up to 10 computer-controlled players or jump into an online game against real people all over the world.
This is a portable program, and can be installed on a USB flash drive so you can take it with you and play on any computer. It can also of course be installed in your computer. Some security programs will flag it as a potential virus. Don't worry; it's perfectly safe
PokerTH Portable is a classic Texas Hold Em style poker game. With support for up to 10 networked or computer players, custom avatars, custom cards, online chat, sound and an easy-to-use graphical interface, it's sure to provide hours of fun play. Learn more about PokerTH...
To download, click the following link, and... have fun!
http://portableapps.com/apps/games/pokerth_portable
George Freire
This is a portable program, and can be installed on a USB flash drive so you can take it with you and play on any computer. It can also of course be installed in your computer. Some security programs will flag it as a potential virus. Don't worry; it's perfectly safe
PokerTH Portable is a classic Texas Hold Em style poker game. With support for up to 10 networked or computer players, custom avatars, custom cards, online chat, sound and an easy-to-use graphical interface, it's sure to provide hours of fun play. Learn more about PokerTH...
To download, click the following link, and... have fun!
http://portableapps.com/apps/games/pokerth_portable
George Freire
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Pendulums: A joyful experiment
For you guys who enjoy scientific experiments, this is absolutely mind boggling.
A good friend sent me this and after I watched it, I said to myself, "I have to post it on my blog".
I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I did.
Harvard students built a device with a series of 15 pendulums in a row, each one slightly longer than its neighbor, then set them in motion and filmed the result.
Just click on the link below and be entertained for a couple of minutes:
http://sciencedemonstrations.fas.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k16940&pageid=icb.page80863&pageContentId=icb.pagecontent341734&state=maximize&view=view.do&viewParam_name=indepth.html
The result in this short video is quite fascinating. I want one!
George Freire
A good friend sent me this and after I watched it, I said to myself, "I have to post it on my blog".
I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I did.
Harvard students built a device with a series of 15 pendulums in a row, each one slightly longer than its neighbor, then set them in motion and filmed the result.
Just click on the link below and be entertained for a couple of minutes:
http://sciencedemonstrations.fas.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k16940&pageid=icb.page80863&pageContentId=icb.pagecontent341734&state=maximize&view=view.do&viewParam_name=indepth.html
The result in this short video is quite fascinating. I want one!
George Freire
Monday, February 13, 2012
5,000 Visitors!!
I opened up my blog this morning and noticed that during this week-end the number of visitors reached 5,000.
Just a word of thanks to you all for your continued interest and loyalty.
I have however one request to make to you all: PARTICIPATION.
Please participate by writing comments, by telling us about your computer problems, how you solved them or if you were not able to, ask us for advice.
This blog would be a lot more interesting and helpful if some of you would participate. Don't be shy, tell us stories and experiences, (I am sure many of you must have lots of interesting experiences that happened along the years you have been working with computers).
As for me, I'll try to keep bringing good material and advice to this blog, but PLEASE think about it and do PARTICIPATE !!!
Thanks,
George Freire
Just a word of thanks to you all for your continued interest and loyalty.
I have however one request to make to you all: PARTICIPATION.
Please participate by writing comments, by telling us about your computer problems, how you solved them or if you were not able to, ask us for advice.
This blog would be a lot more interesting and helpful if some of you would participate. Don't be shy, tell us stories and experiences, (I am sure many of you must have lots of interesting experiences that happened along the years you have been working with computers).
As for me, I'll try to keep bringing good material and advice to this blog, but PLEASE think about it and do PARTICIPATE !!!
Thanks,
George Freire
Friday, February 10, 2012
New Digital Spam: How Bad Guys Try to Trick You; How to Avoid the Traps
Hi everyone, sorry for the lack of news these last few weeks.
Today i have to link you to a very good article from PCWorld, which has the perfect timing, taking into consideration the spam attacks we all are subjected to every time we turn our computers on.
The latest forms of digital spam include clickjacking, junk apps, bad QR codes, and much more and unfortunately some of you will fall for these if you are not alert and careful.
Let's not waste any more time, just click the following link or copy/paste to your browser address bar:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/249300/new_digital_spam_how_bad_guys_try_to_trick_you_how_to_avoid_the_traps.html#tk.nl_bnx_h_crawl
I am sure you'll enjoy it and learn how prevent being taken by the bad guys...
George Freire
Today i have to link you to a very good article from PCWorld, which has the perfect timing, taking into consideration the spam attacks we all are subjected to every time we turn our computers on.
The latest forms of digital spam include clickjacking, junk apps, bad QR codes, and much more and unfortunately some of you will fall for these if you are not alert and careful.
Let's not waste any more time, just click the following link or copy/paste to your browser address bar:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/249300/new_digital_spam_how_bad_guys_try_to_trick_you_how_to_avoid_the_traps.html#tk.nl_bnx_h_crawl
I am sure you'll enjoy it and learn how prevent being taken by the bad guys...
George Freire
Monday, January 9, 2012
THE POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE
A good friend sent me the following email. I thought that most of you would like to read it:
THE POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE:
Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them?Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us.If Wal-Mart is lowering prices every day, how come nothing is free yet?
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors....but they all exist very nicely in the same box.A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.Have an awesome day, and know that someone who thinks you're great has thought about you today!.."And that person was me.".....
Working for God on earth does not pay much, but His Retirement plan is out of this world.
George Freire
THE POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE:
Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them?Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us.If Wal-Mart is lowering prices every day, how come nothing is free yet?
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors....but they all exist very nicely in the same box.A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.Have an awesome day, and know that someone who thinks you're great has thought about you today!.."And that person was me.".....
Working for God on earth does not pay much, but His Retirement plan is out of this world.
George Freire
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The 21 Greatest PC Mysteries--Solved!
First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYBODY !!
What follows is a fascinating article from PCWORLD, that I just have to publish here for you viewers of this blog to read and digest.
Modern PCs are certainly marvels of technology--and yet for all their advances, computers still do crazy, inexplicable things happen...
In this article and its available several links, you'll be able to find out why your documents won’t print, where your downloads disappear to, what a .dat file is, how those infernal toolbars invaded your browser, and much more.
Just go to the following link and enjoy!!
http://www.pcworld.com/article/217250/the_21_greatest_pc_mysteriessolved.html#tk.nl_wvx_h_cbstories
Sorry for the long absence, but with all the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and our, (my wife and I), 53rd wedding anniversary, I was as you can imagine pretty busy.
Best wishes to you all.
George
What follows is a fascinating article from PCWORLD, that I just have to publish here for you viewers of this blog to read and digest.
Modern PCs are certainly marvels of technology--and yet for all their advances, computers still do crazy, inexplicable things happen...
In this article and its available several links, you'll be able to find out why your documents won’t print, where your downloads disappear to, what a .dat file is, how those infernal toolbars invaded your browser, and much more.
Just go to the following link and enjoy!!
http://www.pcworld.com/article/217250/the_21_greatest_pc_mysteriessolved.html#tk.nl_wvx_h_cbstories
Sorry for the long absence, but with all the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and our, (my wife and I), 53rd wedding anniversary, I was as you can imagine pretty busy.
Best wishes to you all.
George
Saturday, December 24, 2011
HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
JUST TO WHISH YOU ALL MY VIEWERS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MAY THE NEW YEAR 2112 BE MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN 2011!!!
GEORGE FREIRE
GEORGE FREIRE
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
How to Remove Malware From Your Windows PC
I am today bringing you a very useful article, (from PCWorld), that will help you to handle a problem that sooner or later will make you lose your patience when using your computer:
Is your computer running slower than usual? Are you getting lots of pop-ups? Have you seen other weird problems crop up? If so, your PC might be infected with a virus, spyware, or other malware--even if you have an antivirus program installed on it. Though other problems, such as hardware issues, can produce similar symptoms, it's best to check for malware if you aren't sure. But you don't necessarily need to call tech support or the geek across the street to scan for malware-- this article will show you how to do it yourself.
Go to:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/243818/how_to_remove_malware_from_your_windows_pc.html#tk.nl_wvx_h_cbintro
You'll find the information easy to follow and after you tweak with it, you'll thank PCWorld for it.
happy Thanksgiving to you all.
George Freire
Is your computer running slower than usual? Are you getting lots of pop-ups? Have you seen other weird problems crop up? If so, your PC might be infected with a virus, spyware, or other malware--even if you have an antivirus program installed on it. Though other problems, such as hardware issues, can produce similar symptoms, it's best to check for malware if you aren't sure. But you don't necessarily need to call tech support or the geek across the street to scan for malware-- this article will show you how to do it yourself.
Go to:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/243818/how_to_remove_malware_from_your_windows_pc.html#tk.nl_wvx_h_cbintro
You'll find the information easy to follow and after you tweak with it, you'll thank PCWorld for it.
happy Thanksgiving to you all.
George Freire
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
HOW DO I KEEP MY COMPUTER IN TOP SHAPE? (CONTINUED)
Today I'll discuss another issue that is also important for a good computer management and safety:
-How to keep track of drivers for all your computer components and peripherals:
Drivers can get outdated in a hurry. If this happens you have a choice: go to the Webpage of your component or peripheral manufacturer and download the latest drive available for the product. This can be somewhat time consuming, therefore I am going to let you know about a free utility that will help you out: Double Driver 4.1
PCWorld describes the Double Driver utility as follows:
One of the main reasons why you would want to collect installed drivers is if you don’t have the Driver CD that came with the computer or they are unavailable online. This comes in quite handy if you purchase a computer and want to backup the initial set of drivers. It can be quite difficulty for example to find drivers for hardware installed in a notebook if the operating system has to be setup again. Luckily Double Driver can now lend you a hand with that and save you a lot of time.
Double Driver is a very simple and useful tool which not only allows you to view all the drivers installed on your system but also allows you to backup, restore, save and print all chosen drivers.
Double Driver analyzes your system and lists the most important driver details such as version, date, provider, etc. All drivers that are found can easily be backed up the application and easily restored at a later point in one go.
Double Driver is freeware. Feel free to use and give this program to anyone you know. Your donation or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
To download this utility go to:
http://www.boozet.org/dd.htm
See you again soon
George Freire
-How to keep track of drivers for all your computer components and peripherals:
Drivers can get outdated in a hurry. If this happens you have a choice: go to the Webpage of your component or peripheral manufacturer and download the latest drive available for the product. This can be somewhat time consuming, therefore I am going to let you know about a free utility that will help you out: Double Driver 4.1
PCWorld describes the Double Driver utility as follows:
One of the main reasons why you would want to collect installed drivers is if you don’t have the Driver CD that came with the computer or they are unavailable online. This comes in quite handy if you purchase a computer and want to backup the initial set of drivers. It can be quite difficulty for example to find drivers for hardware installed in a notebook if the operating system has to be setup again. Luckily Double Driver can now lend you a hand with that and save you a lot of time.
Double Driver is a very simple and useful tool which not only allows you to view all the drivers installed on your system but also allows you to backup, restore, save and print all chosen drivers.
Double Driver analyzes your system and lists the most important driver details such as version, date, provider, etc. All drivers that are found can easily be backed up the application and easily restored at a later point in one go.
Double Driver is freeware. Feel free to use and give this program to anyone you know. Your donation or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
To download this utility go to:
http://www.boozet.org/dd.htm
See you again soon
George Freire
Thursday, October 6, 2011
HOW DO I KEEP MY COMPUTER IN TOP SHAPE ? (CONTINUED)
Hi again,
Today we'll talk about one of the most important subjects every computer user should pay attention to: BACK UP YOUR FILES, BETTER STILL BACK UP YOUR ENTIRE HARD DRIVE, SO THAT IF IT FAILS, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO RECOVER EVERYTHING, INCLUDING ALL YOUR INSTALLED SOFTWARE PROGRAMS AND YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM, 100%.
First things first: in order to have a complete and safe back up of your hard drive, it is obvious that doing the back up in a separate folder in your hard drive is not the way to go; why? if your hard drive fails, there goes your back up too.
So, what should you do?
Get an external hard drive or another internal hard drive that you can install in your computer. The first option is by far the best because all you have to do is connect it to your computer via an USB terminal.
The second option, with due respect, can be a little difficult for those who are not very familiar with the computer internal components.
External drives are not expensive anymore. You can buy a 500 GB external drive for less then $100.00, (they used to cost #200.00/$300.00 in the past), and it is an absolute must to have.
How to do a complete back up? it is not that difficult. If you have Windows 7, it is really quite easy.
Click Start, go to control panel/ system security/backup and restore.
Today we'll talk about one of the most important subjects every computer user should pay attention to: BACK UP YOUR FILES, BETTER STILL BACK UP YOUR ENTIRE HARD DRIVE, SO THAT IF IT FAILS, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO RECOVER EVERYTHING, INCLUDING ALL YOUR INSTALLED SOFTWARE PROGRAMS AND YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM, 100%.
First things first: in order to have a complete and safe back up of your hard drive, it is obvious that doing the back up in a separate folder in your hard drive is not the way to go; why? if your hard drive fails, there goes your back up too.
So, what should you do?
Get an external hard drive or another internal hard drive that you can install in your computer. The first option is by far the best because all you have to do is connect it to your computer via an USB terminal.
The second option, with due respect, can be a little difficult for those who are not very familiar with the computer internal components.
External drives are not expensive anymore. You can buy a 500 GB external drive for less then $100.00, (they used to cost #200.00/$300.00 in the past), and it is an absolute must to have.
How to do a complete back up? it is not that difficult. If you have Windows 7, it is really quite easy.
Click Start, go to control panel/ system security/backup and restore.
This will open a window, "Backup or Restore your Files". There you will be able to set up a schedule for regularly back up you files, (I am nor going into details, just read the instructions), but before you do that I strongly recommend that you create a system repair disk and a system image of your hard drive. All you have to do is click each title on the left column of the window and follow instructions.
A system image is an exact copy of a drive. By default, a system image includes the drives required for Windows to run. It also includes Windows and your system settings, programs, and files. You can use a system image to restore the contents of your computer if your hard disk or computer ever stops working. When you restore your computer from a system image, it's a complete restoration—you can't choose individual items to restore, and all of your current programs, system settings, and files are replaced with the contents of the system image.
Although this type of backup includes your personal files, we recommend that you back up your files regularly using Windows Backup so that you can restore individual files and folders as needed. When you set up Windows Backup, you can let Windows choose what to back up, which will include a system image, or you can select the items that you want to back up and whether you want to include a system image.
If your computer contains several drives or partitions, you can create a system image that includes all of them by following the steps in Back up your programs, system settings, and files.
There is a very good free utility that does all this, perhaps more efficiently : Macrium Reflect Free Edition. You can download this very good program by clicking the following link:
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
I think I have given you plenty to work with for the week-end. Of course I am talking to those of you who do not yet have taken care of your computer back up procedures. I hope most of you have already done it if so great.
See you soon.
George Freire
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
HOW DO I KEEP MY COMPUTER IN TOP SHAPE ? (CONTINUED)
Hi again,
For those who did not read our last three posts of September, please read them before you read this post.
Today let's talk about drives fragmentation, registry disruptions and how to uninstall programs no longer used, but still using a lot of space in your hard drive.
Because hard drives capacities have greatly increased in the last couple of years and storage is now relatively inexpensive, most computers now come with 1GB hard drives. High capacity hard drives even if somewhat fragmented, do not cause great problems and do not really need to be defragmented every few days as it is the norm with smaller capacity drives, 250 GB to 500GB and the like.
HOWEVER, it is always advisable to defragment your hard drives, (less frequently for larger ones and more frequently for smaller ones). All version of Windows for the last 10 years have a defragmentation program, (control panel/system and security/administrative tools/defragment your hard drive), but this program takes forever to defragment the whole drive, so if you want to use it, schedule it for a time you are not using your computer, such as late evening.
I don't use this Windows program. There are several defragmentation programs available on the market some you have to pay for, others are totally free. My favorite, (which is free to download), does an excellent job and can be scheduled to operate whenever the computer is not being used. Since it operates continuously, the end result is that your hard drive is always in a very low status of fragmentation. To download and install this program, "Smart Defrag 2", click on the following link and follow the instructions:
http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html
Registry disruptions possibly cause the most problems in your computer. Some registry files can be corrupted, half empty, no longer in use etc.. This happens because when you install just about any program or download stuff from the Internet, registry files related to such programs or downloads are created in the Widows registry. When you uninstall a program using Window Uninstaller, some files related to that program, most of the time remain in the Windows registry. These registry files can accumulate and after a while you have a big mess, that causes considerable slowdowns in the operation of your computer.
There are two ways to get rid of such files: use an uninstaller program that leaves no file remnants in the registry and use another program that cleans the registry.
I use a wonderful free uninstaller program that when started, opens a window which includes and shows every program and other software that are installed in your computer! Is also great just to show you all the software you have in your hard drive, (new, old, stuff you haven't used in ages etc.etc.).
All you have to do is click on the icon of the program you want to uninstall, select the uninstall button, click and presto, uninstalling starts immediately. At the end of the uninstallation, this program shows you all the remnant files left over in the registry and gives you the choice to delete them. Here you have to be careful, because only the files shown in bold are safe to delete. This little jewel of a program is called "REVO UNINSTALLER". It can be downloaded free by clicking the fol.lowing link:
http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
Registry cleaning programs are in most cases included in utility software programs designed for good computer maintenance such as "Registry Mechanic", "Ashampoo Win Optimizer", "Advanced System Care" and others, but these are my favorites.
You may download these and test them free, (Google the titles and you'll be directed to the Web sites where you can do it), however in order to take full advantage of their capabilities you must buy the full premium program. You really do not need to have them all; download the free trial versions, try them and then decide which one you like the best and buy it. Cost for these is normally less than $20.00 but really well worth it.
This is it for today. Soon I'll discuss the other subjects of interest such as drivers updates, back up your computer, keep your computer booting as short as possible AND OTHER SUBJECTS THAT YOU MAY WANT TO DISCUSS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS POST YOUR QUESTIONS.
See you soon,
George Freire
For those who did not read our last three posts of September, please read them before you read this post.
Today let's talk about drives fragmentation, registry disruptions and how to uninstall programs no longer used, but still using a lot of space in your hard drive.
Because hard drives capacities have greatly increased in the last couple of years and storage is now relatively inexpensive, most computers now come with 1GB hard drives. High capacity hard drives even if somewhat fragmented, do not cause great problems and do not really need to be defragmented every few days as it is the norm with smaller capacity drives, 250 GB to 500GB and the like.
HOWEVER, it is always advisable to defragment your hard drives, (less frequently for larger ones and more frequently for smaller ones). All version of Windows for the last 10 years have a defragmentation program, (control panel/system and security/administrative tools/defragment your hard drive), but this program takes forever to defragment the whole drive, so if you want to use it, schedule it for a time you are not using your computer, such as late evening.
I don't use this Windows program. There are several defragmentation programs available on the market some you have to pay for, others are totally free. My favorite, (which is free to download), does an excellent job and can be scheduled to operate whenever the computer is not being used. Since it operates continuously, the end result is that your hard drive is always in a very low status of fragmentation. To download and install this program, "Smart Defrag 2", click on the following link and follow the instructions:
http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html
Registry disruptions possibly cause the most problems in your computer. Some registry files can be corrupted, half empty, no longer in use etc.. This happens because when you install just about any program or download stuff from the Internet, registry files related to such programs or downloads are created in the Widows registry. When you uninstall a program using Window Uninstaller, some files related to that program, most of the time remain in the Windows registry. These registry files can accumulate and after a while you have a big mess, that causes considerable slowdowns in the operation of your computer.
There are two ways to get rid of such files: use an uninstaller program that leaves no file remnants in the registry and use another program that cleans the registry.
I use a wonderful free uninstaller program that when started, opens a window which includes and shows every program and other software that are installed in your computer! Is also great just to show you all the software you have in your hard drive, (new, old, stuff you haven't used in ages etc.etc.).
All you have to do is click on the icon of the program you want to uninstall, select the uninstall button, click and presto, uninstalling starts immediately. At the end of the uninstallation, this program shows you all the remnant files left over in the registry and gives you the choice to delete them. Here you have to be careful, because only the files shown in bold are safe to delete. This little jewel of a program is called "REVO UNINSTALLER". It can be downloaded free by clicking the fol.lowing link:
http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
Registry cleaning programs are in most cases included in utility software programs designed for good computer maintenance such as "Registry Mechanic", "Ashampoo Win Optimizer", "Advanced System Care" and others, but these are my favorites.
You may download these and test them free, (Google the titles and you'll be directed to the Web sites where you can do it), however in order to take full advantage of their capabilities you must buy the full premium program. You really do not need to have them all; download the free trial versions, try them and then decide which one you like the best and buy it. Cost for these is normally less than $20.00 but really well worth it.
This is it for today. Soon I'll discuss the other subjects of interest such as drivers updates, back up your computer, keep your computer booting as short as possible AND OTHER SUBJECTS THAT YOU MAY WANT TO DISCUSS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS POST YOUR QUESTIONS.
See you soon,
George Freire
Friday, September 30, 2011
HOW DO I KEEP MY COMPUTER IN TOP SHAPE ? (CONTINUED)
Hi again,
Before reading this post, please review the two previous posts of September 26 and 27.
Let's start with the most important subject of security: protection against viruses, spam, phishing and other disrupting attacks all computers are subject to.
Most of you I am sure, have some kind of protection through an antivirus, anti spyware and other similar programs. The problem is that many of you, (I know because I come across it all the time when friends call me for help), do not keep or forget to keep these programs updated on a regular basis, or forget to pay the annual fees that many of these programs require.
Those of you who have Windows 7 are in better shape than those who have earlier versions of Windows, because this version has quite a lot of built in safety programs such as a much better firewall , spyware and popup blockers. Also, both Internet Explorer 8 and 9, come with good malware and phishing built in protection. Regardless of all this, you still will require a good anti virus program.
If you just bought a new computer or you are planning to buy one, most likely it comes with some form of anti virus program, such as Norton or other similar programs already installed. HOWEVER, such programs are try-outs that will expire normally within 90 days at which time you must sign up and pay the annual fee, otherwise the program will stop working.
Here is my advice:
I myself use in my 3 computers my favorite security program NORTON 360. The license fee is about $69.00/year but you can use the program in as many as 3 computers, so you can install this program in two other computers owned my family members, friends etc. and share the cost with them...
NORTON 360 is a very complete program because it includes many exceptional features other than just virus protection such as security protection for web browsing and email, identity protection, computer back up protection, PC tune up including disk optimization, files clean up, registry clean up, diagnostic report, start up manager improvement and many more other useful features.
Enough for today. I think I have given you plenty of info for you to browse the above, download the programs and start giving your computer the best protection available today.
This week-end we'll explore other subjects such as drives fragmentation, registry optimization and how to back up your hard drive in such a way, that you will be able to recover all your installed software, (including the operating system), and all your files, should your hard drive fail or die from old age.
See you soon.
George Freire
Before reading this post, please review the two previous posts of September 26 and 27.
Let's start with the most important subject of security: protection against viruses, spam, phishing and other disrupting attacks all computers are subject to.
Most of you I am sure, have some kind of protection through an antivirus, anti spyware and other similar programs. The problem is that many of you, (I know because I come across it all the time when friends call me for help), do not keep or forget to keep these programs updated on a regular basis, or forget to pay the annual fees that many of these programs require.
Those of you who have Windows 7 are in better shape than those who have earlier versions of Windows, because this version has quite a lot of built in safety programs such as a much better firewall , spyware and popup blockers. Also, both Internet Explorer 8 and 9, come with good malware and phishing built in protection. Regardless of all this, you still will require a good anti virus program.
If you just bought a new computer or you are planning to buy one, most likely it comes with some form of anti virus program, such as Norton or other similar programs already installed. HOWEVER, such programs are try-outs that will expire normally within 90 days at which time you must sign up and pay the annual fee, otherwise the program will stop working.
Here is my advice:
I myself use in my 3 computers my favorite security program NORTON 360. The license fee is about $69.00/year but you can use the program in as many as 3 computers, so you can install this program in two other computers owned my family members, friends etc. and share the cost with them...
NORTON 360 is a very complete program because it includes many exceptional features other than just virus protection such as security protection for web browsing and email, identity protection, computer back up protection, PC tune up including disk optimization, files clean up, registry clean up, diagnostic report, start up manager improvement and many more other useful features.
There are a few other programs that are excellent and free to use. My favorites are :
-Microsoft Security Essentials anti virus utility.
-Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus.
Avira free version is one of the best available and will take care of most daily problems confronting computers that browse the Internet, however they also have the premium version, ($29.00 fee/year), which is very much on top of the class.
You can find all the details for the above mentioned programs by checking the following links:
Enough for today. I think I have given you plenty of info for you to browse the above, download the programs and start giving your computer the best protection available today.
This week-end we'll explore other subjects such as drives fragmentation, registry optimization and how to back up your hard drive in such a way, that you will be able to recover all your installed software, (including the operating system), and all your files, should your hard drive fail or die from old age.
See you soon.
George Freire
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
HOW DO I KEEP MY COMPUTER IN TOP SHAPE (CONTINUED)
As promised, here we are again on the subject of my last post.
First let's outline most of the disrupting situations that can get the good operation of ANY computer totally out of control, not necessarily by order of importance:
-Virus, phishing, spam and pop-up attacks.
-Fragmentation of drives.
-Registry disruptions.
-Software installation gone wrong.
-Program deleting errors.
-Remnant files, temporary files, trash files left on the hard drive.
-Poor cooling of main components especially the CPU, hard drive, RAM memory package
and GPU unit.
-Poor back up of your computer hard drive where all your important files are located.
-Accumulation of internet downloaded and browsing history files.
-Not updating Windows and other software programs on a regular basis.
-Not making sure that all your program drivers are the latest available.
The above are for sure the main causes of most computer problems, computer slowdowns and worse of all, computer failure and loss of all your valuable files.
All of you will be able to prevent most of the above situations from happening. You must prepare yourselves with a proper maintenance routine and of course install good reliable, (not necessarily expensive and some free), utility programs.
This is where I can help you by describing what I do to protect my computers which, ( knock on wood), have been operating trouble free for many years, save some exceptions now and then which can be easily resolved.
For now, just read the above list of possible problems and think hard: how many have I come across and what have I done to fix them?
It is late in the afternoon, time for dinner. We will continue tomorrow.
George Freire
First let's outline most of the disrupting situations that can get the good operation of ANY computer totally out of control, not necessarily by order of importance:
-Virus, phishing, spam and pop-up attacks.
-Fragmentation of drives.
-Registry disruptions.
-Software installation gone wrong.
-Program deleting errors.
-Remnant files, temporary files, trash files left on the hard drive.
-Poor cooling of main components especially the CPU, hard drive, RAM memory package
and GPU unit.
-Poor back up of your computer hard drive where all your important files are located.
-Accumulation of internet downloaded and browsing history files.
-Not updating Windows and other software programs on a regular basis.
-Not making sure that all your program drivers are the latest available.
The above are for sure the main causes of most computer problems, computer slowdowns and worse of all, computer failure and loss of all your valuable files.
All of you will be able to prevent most of the above situations from happening. You must prepare yourselves with a proper maintenance routine and of course install good reliable, (not necessarily expensive and some free), utility programs.
This is where I can help you by describing what I do to protect my computers which, ( knock on wood), have been operating trouble free for many years, save some exceptions now and then which can be easily resolved.
For now, just read the above list of possible problems and think hard: how many have I come across and what have I done to fix them?
It is late in the afternoon, time for dinner. We will continue tomorrow.
George Freire
Monday, September 26, 2011
HOW DO I KEEP MY COMPUTER IN TOP SHAPE (MOST OF THE TIME)
As you may have noticed I have been very slow in publishing new posts lately. I apologize to all of you but especially to those who are frequent visitors.
No escuses except perhaps, this is still summer, you get somewhat lazy and sometimes not being able to think or find good stuff that will keep you interested and ready to come back at a later time.
This week I just finished building the best computer I ever built... just think: I put together a machine that among other things has a six core 3.7 MHz AMD Phenon 1100T processor, a top of the line ASUS mother board SABERTOOTH 990 FX, AME+, 16 GB high speed RAM memory, a Sapphire Radeon 6770 GDDR5 graphics card, 750 watt power supply and 2 hard drives each 1000 GB SATA 6 units and of course a computer case with a superior cooling system that will last forever.
This is quite a machine and the best part is that the mother board will be capable to handle any future super processors that AMD still has on the drawing board. This means that I will be able to keep this computer up to date just by upgrading when new and better stuff comes up.
I know you are already asking, "how much did you spend in this machine, George, is it worth it?" It cost me a shade below $900.00, but please note that I am using my old monitor, keyboard and mouse. I have seen computers that are not even close in quality and capability advertised in computer magazines for well over $2,000.00.
I intend to keep this computer for a long long time, therefore I intend to keep very good care of it, the same way I always have taken care of my other past computers.
This really is the main subject of this post: " HOW TO KEEP YOUR COMPUTER IN TOP SHAPE "
You can check the archives of this blog and you will find an endless number of posts that address this subject; that can be time consuming, however well worth it.
I'll try to explain the best I can, how I do it myself and save you some time. It is not hard but it requires some patience a a little dedication at first, however once you start the process it will become easier and easier and above all prevent many headaches in the future.
Of course many of you already follow many of the procedures I'm about to tell you and that is great. However, hardly a week goes by that I don't get calls from friends and other people asking for help because their computer froze, died, can't run some software etc.
This is all for today. I will get you all the details throughout the rest of the week, I promise. This way you'll have to come back to read the blog and find out about what I do about maintenance, virus protection, free and paid software and utilities I use, how to create a complete image of your hard drive, how to set up an automated back up system etc. etc.
See you soon,
George Freire
Monday, September 5, 2011
Microsoft Windows 8: Here's What We Know So Far
Here is a very interesting article from PCWorld concerning the latest info about Windows 8.
Sooner or later, after it is available come 2012, most of us will switch, if the hype about this new version is really for real.
This is good reading and you will know a lot more about what is coming...
Go to:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/239131/microsoft_windows_8_heres_what_we_know_so_far.html#tk.nl_dnx_h_crawl
and enjoy.
George Freire
Sooner or later, after it is available come 2012, most of us will switch, if the hype about this new version is really for real.
This is good reading and you will know a lot more about what is coming...
Go to:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/239131/microsoft_windows_8_heres_what_we_know_so_far.html#tk.nl_dnx_h_crawl
and enjoy.
George Freire
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