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Steve
Basciano of High Voltage Computer Service in Edwardsville,
IL answers your questions about computer and technology
issues. Have a question for Steve? Send
us your question and watch for your answer online.
Is
it illegal to "grab" wireless signals from your
own home and use them with no intentions of wrong doing?
Just simply gaining internet access.
This
is a great question!! To answer you, Yes, It is very
illegal. You would be charged with "Unathorized
access to a computer network", which in most states
is a felony. There also could be other charges too, like
theft of service, etc. There are reasons why it is so
risky to have an unsecured network. The problem is that
most people who install wireless networks have no clue
about security, so they leave their system "wide-open".
This does not make it legal for you to jump their signal
though.
Keep
in Mind when you have a wireless system:
- You
are leasing this service through your provider, and
are responsible for its PRIVATE usage. Many Internet
providers have cancelled customers due to high usage
from wireless signals that are used by the whole neighborhood!!
- Linking
to a unsecured network, leaves you vulnerable to criminal
charges, as well as your system being hacked, viruses,
etc.
- When
you log into someone else's wireless network, the IP
address you use, is theirs!! So anything you do online
is making it their responsibility as well and will be
traced back to them, and then to you. You could also
be sued for any damages caused by you using their system.
- IP
addresses are like DNA or a FINGERPRINT on the Internet.
This is why you need to protect your wireless system
and keep people from signing on to your system.
- Leaving
your wireless system unprotected leaves you open for
illegal activities, viruses, and all your computer information
available to the world.
- Good
Example: If you have a wireless system unsecured, and
Joe Smith down the street uses your signal, he uses
your wireless network to access child pornography; your
provider throws a flag that child pornagraphy is being
looked at, distributed, etc.; they report YOUR IP to
the FBI; the FBI comes and raids your home, computer,
and charges YOU with child pornography; weeks later,
their computer experts will discover that your computer
was not involved and that it was Joe Smith down the
block. Do you really want to have your name all over
the news for being raided, EVEN if they clear you weeks
later?
- SECURE
YOUR SYSTEM!
TIP:
Free Utility to CleanUp Your Computer
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy
tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing
Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk
space. It also cleans traces of your online activities
such as your Internet history. Very good totally free
utility and there is no spyware or adware attached! Get
it at www.ccleaner.com.
Back
Up Your Data Or Take the Chance on Losing Everything!
Think
about all the documents, spreadsheets, data files, music,
pictures and emails that are stored on your computer.
Your data is extremely important to your professional
and personal life. Unfortunately, many people only find
this out after a hard drive crash, virus, or natural disaster
destroys their files.
A
backup of your important files and data serves two purposes.
A data backup routine protects your data. And if you store
the properly then it provides disaster recovery. Windows
computers include a backup component or you can buy a
3rd party backup software such as Norton Ghost. Or you
can just burn your data to media such as a DVD or CD.
You should back up your data daily or at the minimum weekly.
Once
you create a backup, you have to store it in a safe place.
A properly stored backup provides a disaster recovery
benefit. In the unlikely event of a fire, flood, or theft,
you would want some distance between the computer and
its backup.
Take
the time and back up your data on a regular basis; you
don't want to lose everything, and even in the event that
a data recovery company can save some or all of your data,
it could cost into the thousands to do it.
Notebook
Computer, External Monitor = Video distortion?
Very strange situation. One that I took a lot of time
to look into and solve. I have seen many complaints on
distortion in the video of all different monitors when
hooked up to a laptop and using an external monitor. People
would say that there are horizontal lines that flicker.
When they disconnect the power supply to the notebook/laptop
the distortion goes away.
After
spending some time and duplicating the issue every time,
I found what the issue is and how to correct it. The issue
is that ALL new monitors come with a VGA cable that simply
is not shielded enough. Due to costs, etc, I am sure they
downgraded the wires over the years. If you use one of
the OLD vga cables (gray) like off the old CRT monitors,
the distortion goes away permanently!!!! This is due to
the old cables being heavily shielded because of EMI,
etc that escaped from the monitor itself. So there are
two solutions: one is to use an old, thick/shielded cable,
or make sure to purchase a HIGH quality, double or better,
triple shielded VGA cable.
SYSTEM
RESTORE - Cure all?
System restore is a built in feature of Windows that is
there to help restore your computer to the state it was
in when it was working ok. System restore is not a back
up, and it will not save ANY of your personal programs
or files. It simply backs up the most important Windows
files (i.e., registry, DLL's, etc.). System restore is
definitely something I recommend using and make sure you
create a restore point before adding new drivers, or programs,
JUST IN CASE! System restore by default uses 12% of your
hard drive space. This is way too much if you have a drive
that is over 60gigs. What you want to do is go into the
system restore settings, and slide the usage bar down
to where it only uses 1 to 2 gigs of space. This will
give you 1-2 weeks worth of restore points, and that is
all that you will ever need. Also, while in the settings,
be sure to turn OFF the system restore on all other drives
that are not on your windows directory drive. It's not
needed, doesn't benefit you any, and just wastes space.
To get to system restore settings: right click on "My
Computer", select properties, then select system
restore. You will see an icon to go into settings.
Windows Vista - ??
Windows Vista is still in the early stages and working
out problems with compatibility and driver issues. I have
been spending the last few weeks trying to use VISTA under
many different scenarios. So far, some of the visual items
of VISTA are nice, but overall, I still would much rather
have windows XP pro. Windows XP pro is still faster, easier
and more stable.
Some
Tips So Far about Vista:
- IF you can, stay with windows XP - Wait 1-2 years for
Microsoft to come through with fixes. Windows Vista is
nothing to run out and upgrade over.
- Windows VISTA needs a minimum of 2 Gigs to operate efficiently
- MICROSOFT won't tell you this, but it is very much a
necessity.
- Vista's security features are a nuisance and irratating.
Every time you try to open a program, the screen goes
blank, then comes up with a prompt to make you click if
you really want to open the program. This slows you down,
causes some programs to hang, and is not needed if you
use a quality anti-virus program.
- If you have an external USB drive hooked up to your
computer, VISTA takes FOREVER to boot up. Unplug the drive
and vista boots pretty fast. - This is a glitch / problem
in Vista, still not corrected.
- Be prepared, if you upgrade, that even though programs
say they are VISTA compatible, it does not mean that the
3rd party propram will not have issues with other 3rd
party programs that are newly renovated for Vista.
- Best Advice... Stay with Windows XP as long as you can.
How
do I change the "From" name on my outgoing emails?
I am using Yahoo Mail, and used an alias name when I set
up the account so as to not give away personal information,
but now that I trust Yahoo, I want my real name to show
up on my outgoing messages.
As
far as yahoo mail, many people use aliases because of
identity theft. Yahoo has been a pretty good provider
so I can see why you would want to change your name to
the real one. When you log on to yahoo mail, go to the
top right of your screen and click on options. Then when
the options menu appears, click on general preferences.
You will see the spot to change your name to show "
FROM". This way when you email someone it shows your
name as to the person it is coming from. You're not done
yet though. While your on the options page, over on the
left you will see "account information". Click
on that. This will ask you password again. Enter your
password. Then when the menu comes up. This will allow
you to edit your name, address, etc with yahoo. After
you do both of those things, you will be set!!
Sometimes
I play games on websites like www.miniclip.com or other
sites. Where do these websites save my game data on my
computer? I'm done playing pointless games and I want
to know where I can delete these files so they do not
take up memory.
As
Far as miniclip games go, unfortunately, it is too hard
to tell. A lot will be stored in windows internet temporary
files and cookies, but their are so many different creators
of these games, there is no telling what and where things
are actually installed. A lot of these game web sites
are loaded with adware, possible viruses, and spyware,
so you have to be careful. In fact, if you look at the
www.miniclip.com disclaimer, they tell you that they are
not responsible for any programs or ads that get installed
from their web sites. This alone tells you it may not
be totally safe.
TIP:
Improving Computer Performance
Some sound advice for improving computer performance is
doing daily maintenance. Running the disk
defragment often will help, also running check
disk once in a while is good. Running Check Disk will
check the disk for any errors that may of developed and
correct them before it becomes worse or causes a failure.
Most people complain about their computer being slow.
There are a number of reasons this can happen. You want
to make sure you don't have adware or spyware by using
programs available to remove them. Also, you want to make
sure not to be running too many programs in the background.
IF you have a lot of icons in the bottom right hand corner,
then you are running a lot of things in the background
and this will slow things down. The easiest thing you
can do to drastically improve performance is to install
more memory. With today's programs and utilities, 1 gig
is about the minimum that I recommend. For most people
2 gigs would be more then enough. Also, to keep things
going well, you want to remove the cover of your computer
at least once every 3 months and use compressed air and
clean it. Computers trap a lot of dirt and dust. This
dirt and dust clogs the power supply, fans, heat sinks
and system board. This will cause things to heat up a
lot hotter then normal and will cause the CPU to throttle
back, or slow down. Always make sure to unplug the computer
before removing the cover. If you are not familiar with
how to do this, then you should refer to a computer technician
who can perform this required maintenance for you.
TIP:
Windows Vista? Upgrade or Wait... That is the question!
Many people that are already using Windows XP are asking
if they should upgrade to Windows Vista. About the best
advice I can give right now is to wait. Windows XP has
been the most stable and reliable windows operating system
to date. All your applications, drivers, programs and
hardware work fine with Windows XP. Support for Windows
XP is very easy to find as well. Windows Vista offers
some new features but is still unstable and has many issues
with drivers and different programs. I am sure eventually
everyone will upgrade to Windows Vista, but at this time
there is no real benefit of doing it. Unless you have
and use programs that only utilize Vista or you want to
take advantage of the 64bit version (which has very little
available right now) there is no real benefit of upgrading.
TIP:
Home Security
The holidays are here and while were all out being Jolly
and shopping for loved ones, criminals are lurking. This
time of year is the highest with thefts, burglaries and
robberies. Please be safe and utilize simple things to
make your home and holidays safe. Technology has improved
in the Home Alarms and security department as well. A
company called, Alarm.com has installers around the country
that install home security systems. Something new? No,
but they have something very unique. Their system uses
non-proprietary equipment. Which means that you aren't
stuck with one monitoring company. The other unique thing
about Alarm.com is that you can log in from anywhere in
the world via internet and check status of your home,
sensors, entry/exit, even program users allowed in your
system. All in real time. So if you want to check on your
home, you can!! You can also arm it, disarm it and even
assign temporary pass codes. Most insurance companies
give 10-20% discount for having a security system as well,
so over time it will pay for itself.
Some other advice for home security:
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Utilize dead bolts on exterior doors.
- Sliding glass doors - Use a piece of wood in the track
to prevent opening.
- Trim bushes and trees so your home/windows are viewable.
- Use night lights, timers and motion lights.
- Use a digital camera or camcorder and record all your
belongings. Insurance companies require proof of things
before they will pay if something was stolen.
- Keep jewelry, cash, valuables locked up in a safe.
- If you're going away for the holidays, let your neighbors
know. Have your mail held at the post office.
- Be smart. Be Safe. Happy Holidays!
We'd
like to get a wireless network for our home, but how can
we make sure it is secure?
Most people today have installed wireless networks in
their homes as it is convenient and eliminates the need
to run wires, etc. The problem is that people go to your
local retail store, buy a wireless router, come home,
plug in and then leave them. The problem is that most
people are unaware that you are leaving your internet
access, computers and network, wide open for anyone within
range to see your computers, and use your internet access
that you pay for every month. Wireless routers do not
come with security already installed. You must read over
the installation instructions and use the install disks
to install security. You will know if your network is
secure by "pad lock" that dispays next to your
network name, and it will say secured network. Having
a secured network will not let anyone connect unless they
have the exact "key" or pass phrase you choose.
You may think, this isn't important, but remember, your
internet access is your fingerprint / DNA so to speak
through the use of IP numbers. So if someone were to start
doing criminal acts using your wireless network, it will
be traced back to your door step. Also, some Internet
service providers have recently started cancelling service
due to overly high usage. This is most likely from unsecured
networks, etc. If you have any trouble or questions feel
free to email me: pcrepair@gohighvoltage.com
or go to my web site at www.gohighvoltage.com
and I will be glad to assist.
How
secure is my computer?
Computer Security is never a problem that goes away. You
need to constantly maintain it, just like you do for a
vehicle. With thousands of viruses being created every
day, you can never let your guard down. Most people use
their computers for purchases, banking, work, email, etc.
and you have to make sure you protect your information.
The following is a list of recommendations in order to
keep your information and computer safer:
-
Perform Windows Updates often. Microsoft comes out with
security updates quite often to combat new viruses and
software threats.
-
Make sure you update your virus software daily!!! If
your software is expired, renew it, or uninstall and
install some great FREE virus software. AVG and AVAST
both are Free anti-virus software that is very good.
I have used both Free versions and both work great!
www.grisoft.com
or www.avast.com.
-
Make sure your windows firewall is always on!! Many
people get software firewall's that supplement windows
firewall. I use the firewall that comes with SystemSuite
which is very good. Zone Alarm offers a very useful
free firewall www.zonealarm.com.
-
You can test your windows security (firewall) on a free
website www.grc.com
and select Shield's UP. This site will let you know
if your computer is safe or if there is openings for
viruses to enter your system.
-
Never open emails from people you do not know! Be very
careful of emails that have a link attached to them
that want you to install something to view. For example:
Many people received an email saying that they got a
greeting card from a friend. People would click on the
link, and it wanted to install a viewer, People would
click on this to install the viewer. What they just
did was isntalled a Virus that now just took control
of their computer and will use it to send spam to hundreds
of people. This is called "BOTNET" which is
a huge problem today.
-
Even if you get an email from someone you know and it
has a file attached to it that you were not expecting,
call them to verify first. Sometimes virues overtake
a person's email and send out the same virus to everyone
on their contact list.
-
If you are on a wireless network, Always make sure you
have WEP security enabled. You don't want your wireless
network to be open to anyone.
-
Clean up your computer often using anti-spyware. There
are many free programs offered on the internet. Lavasoft
offers ADAWARE and then another good software is SPYBOT.
If
you have any questions or need help, please contact me.
High Voltage Computer Service, www.gohighvoltage.com
or pcrepair@gohighvoltage.com.
TIP:
Defragment Your Hard Drive
Imagine your hard drive is like a book with many pages
of text. When you delete files from your hard drive, it
is like erasing random words or paragraphs that are scattered
throughout the book. Adding or deleting files on your
computer’s hard drive works similarly to the randomly
erased words in the book. When you add (save) new files
to your hard drive, the computer attempts to fill those
scattered erasures with the new files. If the new file
does not fit into the “hole,” the computer breaks
up (or fragments) the file and puts the rest of it into
the next available space. The more files are added and
removed from a hard drive, the more likely it is for them
to become fragmented. Defragmenting your computer every
two or three months will help keep it running efficiently.
If you frequently add and delete files, you should do
it more often. To defragment, go to the Start Menu, All
Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter.
Close all running programs before beginning this process.
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