#1954766 - 06/08/08 07:30 AM
OT - Computer rant
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Rocky MacDougall
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Loc: San Antonio, Texas
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OK...I know I am old, and modern technoligy passed me by, and I was totally unaware it. But my computer is killing me. I just spent an hour trying to install a virus protection program and when finished I could not even connect with the internet. So, I'm here now after UN-instlling the program. I wish someone would make a computer for the stupid, illiterate, fat, old, blind people of this world. Plug and play, that's what I need. I have a hundred programs on my computer and have no idea what 90% are for and how they got there. I now know the meaning of "Love/hate" relationships.
Ok, I'm better now.
Rocky
Edited by Rocky MacDougall (06/08/08 07:32 AM)
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When you reach a point in life where you realize you don't know anything, then you are getting smart !
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#1954778 - 06/08/08 08:04 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Rocky MacDougall]
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Sanvean
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Registered: 12/01/07
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Rocky the anti-virus program probably closed your connection ports. What OS (XP, Vista, Mac) are you using? What was the virus program?
If you PM me a list of those "hundred programs", I'll be able to tell you what they do.
No worries,
Dave
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Tune Casiopea TWX 6 string
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#1954801 - 06/08/08 09:34 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Sanvean]
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Rocky MacDougall
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Thank you, I have Windows XP home edition. Internet connection is AT&T which includes a Firewall and Spam protection. I used to have Symantec on my old computer but did not put it on this one. I have tried to subscribe to Symantec several times but could not get it to work because it said I had another Anti-Virus system installed. I just tried to install "Panda" online and could not connect to the internet after the install, so I took it off.
Thanks for your help.
Rocky
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When you reach a point in life where you realize you don't know anything, then you are getting smart !
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#1954808 - 06/08/08 10:01 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Rocky MacDougall]
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MustangMan311
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Rocky, a suggestion:
Whenever you think it's time to get a new computer, talk to a local computer technician instead of buying something from Gateway or Dell. While you can score great deals from them, they often come bloated with un-needed software and warranties you don't need. I'm sure any nice tech will help you spec out a machine and build it for you, installing whatever software you need, and moving any data you need from the old computer to the new one! A nice, custom built machine turning on for the first time is a great, great feeling.
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#1954824 - 06/08/08 10:49 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: MustangMan311]
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mattulator
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Start - Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs
remove anything you haven't used or can't identify, including your virus software. Then reboot and reinstall your virus software.
Start - all Programs - Accessories - system tools. Run disk cleanup and defrag.
Find a friend who is fluent in "computer" to configure your internet and firewall or take a chance and call AT&T tech support and they will walk you thru it.
Edited by mattulator (06/08/08 10:52 AM)
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#1954835 - 06/08/08 11:18 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: mattulator]
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Wally Malone
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Get a Mac!
Wally
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#1954836 - 06/08/08 11:23 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: mattulator]
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forceman
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Ensure your Network Adapter is active. You might have to reset and reaquire the IP address.
As far as paid IT support is concerned: I have been in IT for 30 years and do all of my own PC maintenance. That said, if I ever needed a pro, or when I make recommendations to others I generally recommend Best Buy's "Geek Squad".
They have strong cost-containment policies in place and will stand behind their work.
I have chatted with several Geek Squad technicians in various stores and believe they know their stuff.
I would go to them before anyone else.
And no, I don't directly own any Best Buy stock.
My 2 cents.
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#1954857 - 06/08/08 12:47 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: forceman]
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Sanvean
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As Mattulator suggested, I would try those steps first.
Then I would download a registry cleaner, a free one is " Wise Registry Cleaner ". Install, run the program and clean the safe to fix entries... reboot.
Do you have Service Pack 3 installed? Also make sure that your installed Firewall isn't conflicting with Windows built-in firewall, that will shutdown your connection ports.
I know this might be difficult to follow, due to the nature of this communication, so with that said... Geek Squad.
Dave
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Tune Casiopea TWX 6 string
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#1955073 - 06/09/08 03:20 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Sanvean]
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Luke73
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Get a Mac and don't bother with Antivirus software or bloatware.
Seriously - it's the easiest, safest and most functional computer out of the box on the market today.
....or if you feel adventurous and want to try playing with a good operating system, get Ubuntu Linux (and don't bother with Antivirus software either).
.....don't get me wrong - I'm not a Microsoft hater - actually I know alot about this stuff - I teach Microsoft MCSE engineering in an Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering.
.......but I deliver all of my Microsoft training from my Apple MacBook.
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#1955078 - 06/09/08 03:38 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Luke73]
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Phil W
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If you stick with Microsoft use one of the top free anti-viruses like Avast or AVG. Don't go near Symantec with a bargepole.
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#1955086 - 06/09/08 04:11 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Phil W]
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mro
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PC's drive me nuts too. Mine crashed in december and it took awhile for it to work again after going thru system recovery and still to this day, iTunes will not work. I even spent 2 hrs with Apple support and we tried everything.My daughter has an Apple macbook that is just amazing and simple to use. I'm saving for one myself.
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#1955098 - 06/09/08 05:05 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: mro]
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Chewbubba
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Here's my 21 cents:
Rocky - I'd uninstall the antivirus, and then run these two programs. Both should significantly speed up your computer:
Spybot - Search & Destroy - some spyware removal programs are actually spyware themselves, but this ain't. It's one of the best and it's free. I've been using it for years now. Be sure and "Check For Updates" after you install it before doing a scan. They update every week.
Eusing Free Registry Cleaner - Another "can't live without" program. Works miracles. Before you start the scan, go FILE => BACKUP FULL REGISTRY just in case something goes wrong, but I've never had any problems using this software. Ever. mro, this might help your situation as well with iTunes (but likely not if Support couldn't figure it out).
As far as antivirus goes, Symantec is a near-impenetrable fortress, but like others have said, it's like putting on concrete shoes before going swimming. It didn't use to be this way, but this is the path of all virus software that wants to stay viable in the market. AVG... I've had a lot of experience with AVG... there's a reason it's free...  McAfee is also good, but it went the way of Symantec before Symantec did.  So what do I use? None. But I'm a little more tech savvy than the average joe. If I suspect I've got something I use Trend Micro's Online Scanner and/or Kaspersky's Online scanner. Kaspersky's online version won't fix anything, but it will tell me if I've picked something up and I can fix it on my own. If I was to recommend something to install and run actively all the time, I guess it would be Kaspersky.
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#1955108 - 06/09/08 05:22 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Chewbubba]
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Griffinator
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Chewbubba - thanks for the tip on Eusing. I've been looking for a good reg-cleaner on the cheap.
Meanwhile: My $0.08 (adjusted for inflation)
Folks, if you know enough not to follow bad links (free iPods, free porn, etc) and you don't use Outlook Express (hear the chant from the crowd: WEB BASED MAIL! WEB BASED MAIL!) then you don't need an antivirus program.
Get ZoneAlarm personal firewall - this solves the only other vulnerability your system could have (barring the two above) - a port scanning trojan.
Seriously, I haven't had an AV program on any of my 5 computers over the last 3 years, and haven't had a bug on any of them either.
BTW - Chewbubba - check out Spyware Blaster if you're really concerned about spyware. This isn't a removal tool, it's a prevention tool. It completely halts the installation routines initiated by these crap websites. To me, that's a lot easier than having to scan my system every other day!
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#1955124 - 06/09/08 05:45 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Griffinator]
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Paul K
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http://www.securitytango.com works for me when issues arise. It's just a recipe of things to do, including using Spybot. Key thing is that in the directions it tells you do boot windows in safe mode before doing the scans.
I have thought of using two computers; one for music, other for web.
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#1955136 - 06/09/08 06:17 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Paul K]
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Rocky MacDougall
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I like the two computer idea. One for personal bookkeeping, financial,music,etc., not connected to the net. The other, connected, with no vunerable information on it. I only open emails from people I know, who have anti-virus software, so they do the cleaning for me. When I do open an attachment from a source that I trust, I get a pop up that says "No virus detected" which is misleading because I don't have a program.
Rocky
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When you reach a point in life where you realize you don't know anything, then you are getting smart !
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#1955147 - 06/09/08 06:47 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Rocky MacDougall]
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Chewbubba
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The only real drawback to that idea is at some point, your non-connected PC will have to be connected simply to upgrade/patch your software. Some can be upgraded without the net, more and more cannot.
Rocky, you also mentioned having a bunch of software installed that you have no idea what they are. Generally, that's not a problem as far as computer slowdowns. It's the software that is actively running right now in the "background" of your computer that is the larger problem. Look near the clock on your taskbar at the bottom of the screen. Lots of icons? Lots of programs already running on your computer even though there are no windows open - all using computer resources and slowing your machine down. Many of them don't have to be running, like Quicktime, realplayer, etc. Not to mention, the things that are running in the background that are not associated with any of the icons on the bottom right.
I have one. The volume control. Of course, I tweak my machines for as much speed as the hardware can deliver (people pay me to do this for them). When I'm not playing bass, I'm playing resource-intensive video games...
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#1955165 - 06/09/08 07:09 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Chewbubba]
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natobasso
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Go to http://www.majorgeeks.com and download the free avg antivirus app. It's AWESOME and easy to use.
Uninstall any programs you don't want to use by going to Start/Control Panel/Add or Remove Programs. Only remove the programs you recognize. Any of the Dell service apps you can remove.
You may have installed a 'virus' program that was actually a virus itself; espcially if you clicked on an ad that was from a marginally trusted website.
Go to http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/thanks.aspx?ln=en&&thankspage=5 to have your computer checked by microsoft for the latest software. It's an easy way to update your computer.
I highly recommend Spybot Search and Destroy and to run it at least once a month.
Get CCleaner if you can as well. Cleans Internet Explorer caches and other unnecessary files your computer holds onto: http://www.ccleaner.com/
Edited by natobasso (06/09/08 07:12 AM)
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Thx Joe Mergens at Mojotone.
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#1955283 - 06/09/08 10:04 AM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: natobasso]
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Tater Nuts
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This thread is hysterical.
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#1955363 - 06/09/08 12:40 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Tater Nuts]
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Chewbubba
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You're a thread.
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#1955397 - 06/09/08 01:32 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Chewbubba]
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Tater Nuts
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I'm actually multi-threaded.
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#1955425 - 06/09/08 02:20 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Tater Nuts]
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TimR
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Rocky you forgot the mantra:
If it doesn't work. Hit it with a hammer.
If it still doesn't work. Hit it harder.
If it still doesn't wotk. Get a bigger hammer.
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#1955444 - 06/09/08 02:56 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: TimR]
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jeremy c
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Bumpcity, since you work for the evil empire, I'm holding you personally responsible for any problem anyone has with their computer.
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#1955457 - 06/09/08 03:19 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Tater Nuts]
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Luke73
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This thread is hysterical.
Hysterical, is it?
How about coming down from upon high and sharing some of your pearls of wisdom?
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#1955460 - 06/09/08 03:40 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: TimR]
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Rocky MacDougall
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Rocky you forgot the mantra:
If it doesn't work. Hit it with a hammer.
If it still doesn't work. Hit it harder.
If it still doesn't wotk. Get a bigger hammer.
I think the secret is, knowing where to hit it.
Rocky
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When you reach a point in life where you realize you don't know anything, then you are getting smart !
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#1955466 - 06/09/08 03:53 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Luke73]
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DJR_Bos
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This thread is hysterical. Hysterical, is it? How about coming down from upon high and sharing some of your pearls of wisdom?
+1
Not sure what’s so “Hysterical” about these folks trying to help Rocky out of a jam. Or is it Rocky’s jam it’s self that’s “Hysterical”?
At least they offer something beyond condescension.
So, yes, please do enlighten. Or silence is nice in a pinch.
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#1955473 - 06/09/08 04:14 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: DJR_Bos]
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Rocky MacDougall
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I thank all who have taken the time to teach me something about "The Beast". I regret that I don't understand most of your instructions, but I do appreciate every one of them. I am the only one on this Forum that fully understands the true meaning of "Old School".
Rocky
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When you reach a point in life where you realize you don't know anything, then you are getting smart !
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#1955506 - 06/09/08 05:18 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Chewbubba]
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Paul K
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Registered: 05/16/06
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I have one. The volume control.
Wow! You don't even have the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon? My printer put one there that I've yet to find box to unclick to get rid of it, a task that I'm usually pretty good at...
Outlook Express has been the "thing that causes the most problems". But when I try to use the road runner home page to check e-mail it just takes so damn long to manipulate each screen. Are other browser based e-mail screens equally slow and tough to manipulate? Would the mozilla thunderbird , or similar, help, or does that just substitute likes-for-likes?
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#1955531 - 06/09/08 05:44 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Tater Nuts]
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Kramer Ferrington III.
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I don't know... instructions such as "go into add/remove programs and get rid of everything you can't recognize" are pretty good, *assuming you know what you are doing* Otherwise, it's a bit dangerous. "Go to your car. Open up the hood. Chuck out all the parts you can't identify..." 
As far as removing stuff from the PC goes, I'd google everything that I was about to remove to see what it actually IS before going any futher. And I know... it's a toughie if you've lost Internet access.
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#1955537 - 06/09/08 05:56 PM
Re: OT - Computer rant
[Re: Kramer Ferrington III.]
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jeremy c
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Thunderbird works great for me. So does Firefox.
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