Triona's Tech Tips

I frequently hear about computers that seem excessively slow. What can you do to keep your computer running at peak performance?

1. Make sure it’s free of viruses. Infection is the number one reason computers slow down. Use a good security suite, scan often for viruses, and follow best security practices to keep your computer clean.
2. Reboot regularly. Restarting your computer forces it to refresh its memory, which will often speed things up. Turning your computer off and on is more effective than simply using the Restart command.
3. Use bona fide computer cleaning software. This can be trickier than it sounds, because just as there are fake antivirus programs, there are also fake computer cleaners. I recommend CCleaner for Windows and Snow Leopard Cache Cleaner for Mac.
4. Remove files and folders from your desktop. Aliases (aka shortcuts) are fine, because they are merely links. But if you are storing the majority of your documents on your desktop, your computer will be correspondingly slower.
5. Remove unnecessary startup programs. In Windows, go to Run under the Start menu (or Start, Search Programs And Files in Vista and Windows 7), then type the command MSCONFIG. The Startup tab will show you what’s running, and you can remove anything you no longer use. On a Mac, go to the Apple Menu, System Preferences, Accounts, Login Options and select the Login Items tab for your account.

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How can you keep your new computer running as smoothly as it did when you took it out of the box?

The very first thing you should do is install a good security program. As I’ve mentioned, the freebies are no longer enough. You need a robust software suite that includes antivirus, anti-spyware and a firewall. See here for my antivirus recommendations for Windows and Mac.

Next, make sure your computer software is updated to the latest version. Even out of the box, there may be new updates available. For Windows computers, visit update.microsoft.com. Mac users should run Software Updates under the Apple menu.

Windows users should strongly consider installing a browser other than Internet Explorer, such as Mozilla Firefox. You can still use Internet Explorer if you have to, but the alternate should be your default. This will help keep you safe from viruses and spyware.

While you’re setting up your new computer, configure backups at the same time. You can use an external hard drive (most come with automatic backup software) or choose an online option. See here for more information on backups.

Don’t forget to fill out the warranty card for your new computer. Should you buy the extended warranty? That’s up to you. Personally I don’t think it makes sense to spend a lot of money on a warranty for a computer that cost less than $500, but I’d want to protect a more expensive investment.

And, finally, have fun with your new computer!

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It was 1998. Windows 98 had just been released. Apple introduced the first iMac, and a little company called Google was formed. I was a seasoned IT worker trying to decide my next venture. I’d done everything from help desk support to Internet security, but my only options for career advancement meant getting away from the technology I enjoyed.

Most of my experience had been with large companies, places with plenty of IT staff. But I also knew some small business owners and people with home computers. They struggled to find the same sort of IT help that was readily available at the larger organizations. It occurred to me that I could take my skills and help those people succeed.

Thus was born my company, which later became Guidry Consulting, Inc. My goal, then as now, is to help small businesses and consumers with their computers. My initial services included tech support for PCs and Macs, everything from large-scale networks to individual machines. Since then I’ve broadened my skills to include web design, blogs, social networking, seminars, and freelance writing on business and technology.

It’s amazing how far technology has come in twelve years. Equipment once available only for enterprises is now affordable for consumers. Security and privacy issues have gone from viruses on floppy disks to data mining and Facebook scams. Yet, at its core, what we do with technology remains the same: we communicate, we inspire, we seek better solutions.

I look forward to continuing to help you with all your computer needs.

Don’t miss my upcoming fall seminars:

Advanced Social Networking
Cary Grove Chamber Of Commerce
Thursday, October 7, 2010, 12pm-1:30pm
Fox River Grove Village Hall, 305 Illinois Street in Fox River Grove

You may submit your questions ahead of time to info@guidryconsulting.com.

Discover real tips for using Facebook, LinkedIn and more. Learn advanced techniques for staying on top of today’s social media, and bring your questions and issues for our expanded Q&A session. To register, contact the Cary Grove Chamber at (847) 639-2800.

Maximize Your Membership Benefits
Cary Grove Chamber Of Commerce
Wednesday, October 13, 2010, 12pm-1pm
The L.O.F.T. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2107 Three Oaks Rd. in Cary

Join our panel of Chamber experts over lunch to learn how to maximize your Cary Grove Chamber membership benefits. I’ll be participating in the panel, talking about how to use Social Networking with the Chamber. To register, contact the Cary Grove Chamber at (847) 639-2800.

Getting The Most Out Of Your Mac Computer
Crystal Lake Chamber Of Commerce Business Builder Breakfast
Friday, November 5, 2010, 8:30am-10:00am
Crystal Lake Chamber, 427 W. Virginia St, Crystal Lake, Illinois

Discover how to get the most out of your Mac computer. We’ll review the basics, discuss the similarities and differences between Macs and PCs, then delve into some of the Mac’s advanced features. We’ll also talk about Mac security and troubleshooting. To register, contact the Crystal Lake Chamber at (815) 459-1300.

PC Troubleshooting
Crystal Lake Chamber Of Commerce Business Builder Lunch
Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 11:30am-1:00pm
Home State Bank, 611 S. Main St., Crystal Lake, Illinois

Learn how to fix your own computer with the same techniques used by the experts. We will discuss troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and security tips for PC (Windows). To register, contact the Crystal Lake Chamber at (815) 459-1300.

Why get a generic geek when you can work with an award-winning computer professional for less? My rates for 2010 (pdf) are the same as 2009, and include brand-new options such as personalized advice on social networking and blogs.

Guidry Consulting, Inc. provides computer services for business and home. On-site service is available in the northwest Chicago suburbs.

• Tech support for PC and Mac
• Networks, servers, and security
• Web design (see my portfolio)
• Computer classes (see my schedule)
• Blogs
• Social networking including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter
• …and much more!

But don’t take my word for it. Find out what my customers are saying, then learn how I can help with your computer needs.

Your free email subscription to Tech Tips includes bonus tips, tricks and product reviews. Through January 31, 2010, new subscibers will also receive a special gift: my IT Business Continuity Checklist. Click here to subscribe or send email to techtips-request-at-guidryconsulting-dot-com, subject “subscribe”.

Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to assist with your computer needs. I hope to work with you in the new year!

Is upgrading your computer the right choice for you?

I’ve mentioned before that computers have built-in obsolescence. This has less to do with your use of them and more to do with computing in general. An older computer is hard-pressed to compete against Internet threats and cybercrime, especially if it’s not running the latest Windows or Mac software. The longer you’ve had your computer, the more susceptible it is to errors and infection.

One popular upgrade option is memory. There are two kinds of memory on a computer, the RAM and the hard drive. RAM is like the top of your desk: the larger it is, the more room you have to work on files. Hard drive space is like your filing cabinet. The more drawers you have, the more you can store. You’re going to run out of RAM before you run out of hard drive space, unless you have a very small drive or are working with very large files. Fortunately, RAM is relatively inexpensive at the moment. Check with your manufacturer to see how you can upgrade your computer’s memory.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to the latest versions of Windows or Mac software, check your hardware against the compatibility lists. Check Microsoft’s requirements for Windows 7 or try the Upgrade Advisor. Mac users will want to compare their hardware against the system requirements for Snow Leopard.

Sometimes you just have to buy a new computer. But if you plan ahead, you might be able to stretch this one a little bit longer.

In January I’ll answer the question, How Secure Is Social Networking? Through December 31st, new subscribers to my Tech Tips email list will receive my tip sheet on Creating Strong Passwords. Click here to sign up.

As with any new operating system, Windows 7 has a few glitches. Here are some of the most widely-reported problems.

• Some users have experienced problems when upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7. (There is no direct upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7; to do so requires a clean install.) Information on the “endless-reboot bug” can be found here and here.
• For some, the upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 hangs at 62%, an issue referred to as the “62% bug” (see reports here and here).
• Others have reported issues syncing iPhones to Windows 7 PCs with Intel’s P55 Express chipset.
• Some people who purchased the bargain $29.99 student edition have had problems downloading the software. Microsoft says part of the problem is user confusion over whether they have 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows. It’s not always easy to tell which one you have, so I think Microsoft and Digital River (their online software distributor) ought to cut everyone some slack.

In addition there are scattered reports of problems with certain hardware devices and software programs as well as power management on laptops.

I strongly recommend that you begin with multiple good, solid backups before upgrading to Windows 7. And be sure to test those backups before upgrading! Look for my in-depth look at Windows 7 coming on November 15th.

Through December 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet: Ten Step Computer Troubleshooter. Just click here to sign up.

This week sees the public release of Microsoft Windows 7. I’ll be giving you an in-depth look at Windows 7 in next month’s Tech Tips (so don’t miss your free subscription and special gift). To whet your appetite, let’s talk about whether or not you should upgrade.

If you use Windows, you’ll have to upgrade eventually, especially if you haven’t already made the leap to Vista. Many people have delayed this either because they don’t like the changes to the Windows look-and-feel, or because they have software that isn’t compatible. But, as I said in a previous article:

It’s sad to say, but our decisions to upgrade have become less about whether we need it for productivity and more about whether our computers can remain functional against the continual onslaught of cyber-attacks. Remember, Windows XP is 8 years old. These attacks are sneaking through despite our best defenses. Windows Vista is no panacea, but its improvements in security offer better protection.

This is even more true of Windows 7, which improves on Vista’s security while eliminating some of the headaches that slowed Vista adoption, notably incompatibility with drivers. In the past most of us have chosen to hold off until the first Service Pack comes out, but in this case we may not have that luxury. Hardware makers aren’t likely to support three versions of Windows, so they will be eager to get everyone off XP as soon as possible by making new equipment Vista- and Windows 7-compatible only. Between that, the Internet threat risk and Microsoft’s lifecycle policy, XP’s days are numbered.

The good news is, Windows 7 is supposed to be more stable than Vista, so waiting for the first Service Pack isn’t a necessity. Also Windows 7 comes with a compatibility mode for XP, which may make migrating your applications easier.

If you have an older computer and are considering an upgrade anyway, Windows 7 is a wise choice. If your computer is less than three years old and doing what you want it to do, you don’t have to move to Windows 7 right away. But plan for the future, knowing you will eventually have to make that leap even if you’re not fond of Windows 7′s Vista-like look.

Are you planning to move to Windows 7? Why or why not? Click Comments to discuss.

Through November 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet on Four Easy Ways To Protect Your Computer. Just click here to sign up.

We all know the risks of computer viruses, but what do you do if you think you have one?

First, follow Douglas Adams’ advice: Don’t Panic! Run your antivirus and anti-spyware software to see if they can remove the infection. Windows users might try the free online virus scanners from McAfee and Trend Micro. Malwarebytes is a good Windows resource for removing spyware and other kinds of virus-like intruders. Mac users should try the free programs Avast for Mac or ClamX AV.

Some viruses are easily removed, but others embed themselves deep within your computer. The worst-case scenario is having to format and reinstall your computer from scratch, which is why backups are a must.

There are some commonly-held misconceptions about how to prevent computer viruses.

• Adding “aaaa@aaaa” to your address book doesn’t work. It was a trick from years ago that only applied to one particular virus… for about five minutes, until the virus-writers wrote a workaround. These days it’s the equivalent of fighting a wildfire with a squirt gun.
• Booting into Safe Mode also doesn’t work. Safe Mode is used to diagnose computer problems by starting Windows into a minimal version where only the basics are loaded. Most of your software won’t function and the virus will remain in the background, chewing on your system.
• Fake antivirus software and computer cleaners will only add to your woes. Ads for these run rampant across the Internet, especially when you’re searching for legitimate tools like the ones I mentioned above.
• Fake security bulletins claim to be magic cure-alls, but they’re far from it. They are scams out to trick you into clicking on malicious links and further infecting your computer.
• Fake pop-up Web windows pretend to scan your computer, but they are also scams trying to trick you into clicking them.

Your best protection is prevention. Maintain good backups and stay tuned to Tech Tips for the latest computer news. Through November 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet on Four Easy Ways To Protect Your Computer. Just click here to sign up.

In November I’ll teach you about Do-It-Yourself Tech Support. If you have any computer questions, let me know.

The computer zombie problem (see here and here) is only getting worse. According to a recent study by Trend Micro, computers often remain infected for up to two years, with median infections lasting 300 days. Many people don’t realize they are infected, and never get rid of the problem until they replace their computers.

What’s wrong with having a zombie computer? Viruses and other infections can slow down your computer, and cause freezes and other unpredictable behavior. There’s also the risk of data and identity theft. And if that doesn’t concern you, consider this: most virus infections, spam and other threats come from the zombie computers of innocent victims.

The good news is, there are easy ways you can keep your computer protected. Through November 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet on Four Easy Ways To Protect Your Computer. Just click here to sign up. And keep an eye on the Tech Tips blog, where you’ll find the latest computer news plus links to free resources that can help keep you secure.

I’d like to encourage you to spend fifteen minutes today checking and updating your computer’s protections. Your computer will work better, and you’ll be doing the world a public service by helping to eliminate Internet threats.

In November I’ll give you an in-depth look at the new version of Windows in The Lowdown On Windows 7. If you have any computer questions, let me know.