January 31, 2004

• I think I’ll end this month with my occasional computer blog.  I’ve been spending a lot of time over at www.techsupportguy.com lately.  There are a lot of computer savvy people over there and if you have computer problems, there is a good bet someone there could help you out (and it’s free).  You can learn a lot just by reading the questions and answers there also.  For this blog you can click on the underlined links for additional info.

  
  

   

  
  

  One thing you need to do is “Delete Your Browser Cache/Temporary Internet Files” occasionally.  Also it is a good idea to occasionally empty your “Internet browser history.”  Both these items take up hard drive space and can slow your computer down.

  
  

   

  
  

  After doing the above, it’s a good idea to regularly run ScanDisk  and Defrag your computer.

  
  

   

  
  

  To protect your computer while on the internet you need a good firewall which is software that asks your permission before allowing unauthorized entrance into your computer over the internet or unauthorized sending of info from your computer over the internet.  A good choice I use (and it’s free) is Zone Alarm.  There are a couple of other free ones out there and you can search TechSupportGuy for other suggestions.  Windows XP has a built in firewall but I’ve disabled it in favor of Zone Alarm.

  
  

   

  
  

  Another requirement is a good anti-virus program.  I currently use Norton as it came on my computer and I use another version of it on my other computers because I get it free at work.  One that I’ve heard favorable reviews of (and it’s free) is AVG Free Edition.

  
  

   

  
  

  Additional protection against “attacks” by spyware is required to keep your visits to various internet sites from downloading little spying cookies and programs on your computer and sending out this info to various places to track your surfing habits.  The two best (and free) ones are Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy.  You can find info and links to download them at www.TomCoyote.com (you may know him from xanga).  It’s a good idea to run them both as they both can pick up items the other didn’t see.  A little time spent at Tom’s site will turn up a lot of other valuable tips and info you might be able to use as well as forums where you can get help.

  
  

   

  
  

  Two other programs of note that I use occasionally are HijackThis which is a great diagnosis tool when having problems.  It’s useful for posting it’s results to TechSupportGuy (or similar forums) for analysis.  Another is BelArc Advisor which you can run to build a profile of the software and hardware on your computer.

  
  

   

  
  

  Two more sources I’ll mention are: 1) AnalogX where you can find lots of little programs to help you keep your computer running smoothly.  Back in the days when I didn’t have enough RAM I used their program MaxMem to help keep the RAM cleared out and running smoother. 2) Langa List a great (and free) twice weekly email newsletter with lots of great tips and information.

  
  

   

  
  

  God IS Good!
  
  Go Ahead! Say It! Believe It! Confess It!
  
  You're Invited!!
  
  Go to The Prayer List , don't forget the others in need!

  
  

   

  
  

  Due to some confusion as to where to send prayer requests I want to clarify that you can use the email link at Isaiah56 (The Prayer List) or use this link (Click Here).  Please include your xanga address so I know who you are!

  • 10:54 am
  • 7 Comments