More computer problems - Page 2

Duke · 02-02-2005, 06:24 PM

Firewall will only help protect you from hacking but does nothing for virus'. This is the most complete computer health package that I know of but even it can't catch everything. Virus' are distributed all the time and it's a while before Virus Software Companies actually get enough information about the virus to deal with it. By that time the virus may have infected millions of computers worldwide. That's what makes virus' so deadly, not the fact that they can't be beaten but due to the fact they spread so widely before software is written to properly dispose of them.

Meanon · 02-02-2005, 07:01 PM

THANKS for the link, Duke. I'll use it tomorrow.

I did a quick ad/spyware scan using the whatever tonight and found another 348 infections! Will the widows thing sort that out? Should I pay to get the scanner to sift things as I go along or do I need a better firewall? What is a firewall? If I download the mozilla (sp?) browser would that do the job?

Duke · 02-02-2005, 07:13 PM

If your finding this amount of problems in your system, you may be at a point where an entire re-format and re-install of the Operating System is required. Windows update will help minimize some of the chances of getting a few of the nastier virus' but it's not certain at this point.

Some people prefer Mozilla because it doesn't come with a lot of the vulnerabilities that IE does. The thing to keep in mind is that Mozilla doesn't have nearly the amount of users that IE does. Should Mozilla ever have the numbers that Internet Explorer does then it will be hacked and exploited equally.

Ask your internet service provider if they provide you with a software firewall, many of them do these days. Essentially, a firewall makes it a little more difficult for someone to take over your computer or hack into your system than without. Firewall doesn't help at all with virus' as far as I know, that's all handled by software. I believe Hardware Firewall's (like a router) are more effective than software but it certainly can't hurt to have both.

Meanon · 02-03-2005, 06:26 PM

Repair shop 4 me I think. If I have to learn how to re-format and re-install an operating system I may lose the will to live.

Duke · 02-03-2005, 06:47 PM

I can talk you through the process if you want.

Are you using Windows XP?

Here's a good link that will help you out: http://www.cyberwalker.net/faqs/how-...stall-faq.html

Meanon · 02-07-2005, 11:16 AM

Thanks Duke. I think I need to stick with doing things that make me feel I'm a half way normal human being, rather than things that make me feel like a tard (this word is contagious - your fault!

).

I appreciate the offer though, maybe one day I'll take you up on it. I have an A in A level Maths, why is it so difficult? How did you all learn this stuff? You can't all work in computing. Thank God for my friends here who think it's nothing short of miraculous that I have been able to make a connection between emails arriving and my mobile phone. Maybe there's hope for me yet.

I have widows but know not if they are XP or non-XP. Xtra pretty? Xtremely powerful? I think they are 1998 but not second edition, I'm told.

By the way, I keep getting total freezes on post replies. I have to switch off and restart to clear. Computer problem or site problem?

Duke · 02-07-2005, 06:14 PM

Could be the site freezing a bit, it's been acting up a bit lately. I'm keeping my eye on the situation and Canaca in the loop.

Just so you know, I didn't even know how to turn on a computer about 8 years ago and couldn't install an operating system, patch or program about 4 years ago. Everything I know I've learned by trial and error and reading lots. Whenever I have a problem, I try and solve it on my own or look on the internet or discuss with friends how to fix things. I've never had anyone over to fix my rig and never will.

Star · 02-07-2005, 08:30 PM

i didn't know how to turn a computer on when i got my first one in 96. I had a friend's brother who would fix things for me and i watched him every single time and asked questions. the first time i reformated i was so scared but i did it! now, i can install hardware, programs, fix bugs, reformat, get rid of viruses...everyone i know calls me to fix their puters now. maybe i should start charging some bucks! :wink:

Duke · 02-07-2005, 08:56 PM

I've actually done the same for a few of my friends as well. It gets easier the more you do and if you can, it's always best to get some advice on what to do but try and do as much of the work as possible yourself.

darkangelism · 02-07-2005, 09:21 PM

its basically all experience, i have 8 years of building systems and am certified, but i still learn new things all the time.

Star · 02-07-2005, 09:37 PM

There's always something to learn with computers. I learn something new everyday. I never used the help, trial and error here too. You're right duke. it does get easier to do.

Duke · 02-07-2005, 09:49 PM

I think that's also the best part about using a computer star, you never stop learning. I wish I knew how much I loved computers years ago, I'd likely be a coder by now at EA or somewhere.

Meanon · 04-28-2005, 11:44 AM

Yipeeeeee I have Broadband at last!!!!

No more whittering from meanon, at least not about computers.