March 27th, 2009
You can easily add a password to your user account to keep unwanted people out of your computer.
To add a password in Windows XP or Windows Vista do the following:
Click on start then control panel, make sure you are in classic view (upper left corner), then click on user accounts and click on add/change your password.
Tags: Password, PC Protection, Security
Posted in PC Protection, Security | No Comments »
March 26th, 2009
Keeping your LCD screen clean will ensure you are getting the best possible picture from the screen. The best way to clean your screen is to use a shame clothe. If you have some hard to remove spots you may to use a little water but do not use any kind of cleaners as they can be harmful to the screen surface.
Tags: Cleaning, Computer Cleaning, Computer Maintenance, LCD Display
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March 25th, 2009
It is a good idea to routinely clean the build-up from the bottom of your mouse. This will help to keep it moving as smoothly as possible. The easiest way to do this is use a fingernail or a flat screwdriver to scrape it off.
Tags: Cleaning, Computer Cleaning, Computer Maintenance, Mouse
Posted in Computer Cleaning, Maintenance | No Comments »
March 24th, 2009
Many computers are damaged from power surges. Surges can come thru your power line as well as thru your phone line. A surge protector is an inexpensive way to protect your computer and other equipment from being damaged from surges. If you have a phone line connected to your pc then it is highly recommended to have a surge protector with phone line protection as well.
Tags: Power, Surge Protection
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March 23rd, 2009
Pop-ups can be very annoying but they can also be harmful to your computer. It is best not to click on pop-ups while browsing the internet as they can infect your computer with malware. It is best to have a pop-up blocker enabled or installed. Most browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox have pop-up blockers built right in.
You can check to see if your pop-up blocker is enabled by opening up Internet Explorer, click on Tools, then click pop-up blocker and make sure it is enabled.
Tags: pop-ups, spyware protection, Virus Prevention
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March 20th, 2009
The data on your hard drive is the most critical item inside your computer, and the only item which can
not be replaced.
5 Simple Ways To stay protected:
1. USB Flash Drives
2. Burn Data To Disks
3. External Hard Drive
4. Extra Hard Drives in system
5. Online Storage (stop in to Computers On The Run to learn about our Affordable Automated Off-site backup solution)
Tags: Backup, External Hard Drive, Flash Drive, Off-site Backup, Online Storage
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March 19th, 2009
Many people don’t think of their computer when doing a bit of cleaning around the home, but perhaps
they should. It is recommended to remove the dust from the fans inside your computer monthly to prevent overheating and system failure. Come in to Computers On The Run and buy a can or air for this task. Only use canned air or an air compressor to clean your computer. Never use a vacuum on your computer.
Steps to blowing out your computer:
1. Turn off and unplug all cables from your computer
2. Take your computer outdoors or to another well ventilated area
3. Remove the side panel from the pc which is usually held on by 2 screws or a latch
4. Blow out any fans and other areas you see that have accumulated dust
Tags: Air Compressor, Canned Air, Cleaning
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March 18th, 2009
Make sure you are protected from others using your internet for free or seeing what is on your home
PC. The easiest way to keep your wireless router protected is by using a WEP key to limit access to your network. The process for setting this up varies depending on the brand of router you own. The best thing to do to set this up is look in your owners manual that came with your router or you can use the CD that came with the router which will help to walk you thru this process. Be sure to make a not of your WEP key in case you ever need to re-enter it.
Tags: Internet, Router, WEP, Wireless Security
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March 17th, 2009
Service packs are a key part in keeping your computer up-to-date. Not only do they help to protect your computer from the latest security threats but they also enhance and sometimes add new features to the windows operating system.
Here is how to check to see which service pack is installed on your computer:
XP & Vista - Click on the start button, then control panel, then system (if you dont see it then click classic view on the left side) and there it will display what version of windows you are running along with the service pack version.
The newest service pack for Windows XP is Service Pack 3.
The newest service pack for Windows Vista is Service Pack 1.
Here is how you can download the newest service pack:
XP & Vista - Click Here or to manually open the Windows Updates click on the start button, then all programs, then click on Windows Update.
Tags: Service Packs, Windows Updates
Posted in Service Packs, Windows Updates | No Comments »
March 16th, 2009
The only way to prevent viruses and spyware from entering your PC while downloading music is by
using paid services to get your music. Software like Limewire and others will cause your system to get
infected easier. Not only can downloading music for free infect your computer with viruses but it is also ILLEGAL! Paying for software such as Limewire will not save you from infections or make it legal.
We recommend downloading music from one of the following locations:
Walmart Music Downloads
iTunes
If you have any questions about this tip or any others please feel free to give us a call at 308.381.0561
Tags: itunes, Music Downloading, spyware protection, virus protection
Posted in Music Downloading, Virus Prevention | No Comments »