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 PC Tech Support

Backup your Windows PC with DOS!

> Clean Your PC Sample [Site]

Don't Smash your PC
Read the tips below and click
on applicable subjects to
speed up/improve  your PC.

Don't Fall asleep waiting for a download!
Consider broadband....
 Cable or DSL
Wireless Broadband accessories: LinkSys

Useful Websites: (Mouse on link for information)
How Stuff Works
ExtremeTech.com
PortableApps.com
CutePdf.com
MakeUseOf.com

Windows XP was the most stable systems that Microsoft had before Windows 7.
Versions 98-SE and before crashed on a regular basis. ME and 2000 was terrible! NT isn't supported now and features are all included in XP.
Windows 7 doesn't support all XP programs but is stable.

If your PC is more than 2 years old consider buying a new PC if it crashes and cannot be restored.

Bite the bullet and by a new PC that will be MUCH faster and will operate better with newer software and faster motherboards with increased memory.
I suggest you buy the best computer you feel that you can afford as they are outdated in a short period of time and prices are dropping with new technology.

All current PC's come with a CD-R writer. Check prices on PC's that include a DVD + or - writer as they will hold 4.7 GB of data instead of 700 Mb compared to a CD-R R/W.  PC's don't come with floppy drives or serial ports sometimes as they seem to be outdated like 8 Tracks tapes.  However external USB devices can be added.
Be sure your new PC comes with "Restore CD's" in case you need to install your PC back to factory specs in the future!

Note: Unfortunately some of your favorite programs may not be compatible with Microsoft Windows 7 operating systems and you may have to update to newer versions. Check the program websites for programs you use on a regular basis for update pricing.

Don't install any program you won't use as it will slow your PC down. (Uninstall unused programs)
 

To keep your PC running trouble free.

bulletInstall an anti-virus program that will update to keep you current.
PS: Don't run more than one Antivirus program at a time! Uninstall all running ones before you install the one you will use and update definitions automatically.
I like Webroot Internet Security Essentials (3 User pack if you have more than one PC)
Also Avast Antivirus is recommended
I personally have had problems with Norton and McAfee
bulletKeep your Windows PC updated with the latest Microsoft Critical updates.
bulletCheck your Windows PC with: Microsoft Free PC Security Scan to find your PC Problems. (If you have legal Microsoft programs)
bulletPurchase an external FireWire or USB2 hard drive to backup data to.  (Most drives include auto backup programs.)
bulletCopy your important data to a USB2 FlashDrive. Search the Shop page for best prices. Recommended size 4 GB or above.
bulletBrowse free-reference.com - .net or .info for more information.
bullet Windows Shortcut Keys [Extremely helpful to use daily] More Keys
bulletImprove XP Performance
bulletAt this point: Bookmark this page and scroll down for more help.
bulletClick here for more help after reading this page.

bullet

EASIEST WAY: To Turn Your Windows Firewall On/Off (Before Win 7)
[Win-R] Type: wscui.cpl
Select Windows Firewall and Change to On/Off

Or:
To Turn on the Windows XP, ME or 2000 firewall to prevent viruses. (Turn off if using a router) Text file to print
[Left Click] Start
[Left Click] Control Panel
[Left Click] Network Connections
[Right Click] On 1st Connection
[Left Click] Properties
[Left Click] the Advanced Tab
Checkmark the Box: Protect my computer and Networks ...........
[Left Click] the OK button
The Connection should now show: Firewalled
Repeat for any other connections.
 

bullet

Improve performance in Windows XP
 

bullet

Setup CD R/W for Recording data files in Windows XP with one CD drive.
 

bullet

Microsoft Windows XP Tips
 

bullet

Print a Map to anywhere by entering a phone number.
 

bullet

Tech Terms ->  WhatIs.com - Webopedia - Dictionary.com - HyperDictionary.com
 

bullet

Test your Internet access speed and get your PC information.
 

bullet

Free Acrobat Reader HELP [Note: Basic information applies to any program to install]
Open any file in PDF format with the Free Acrobat Reader.

  1. Get the free Acrobat Reader HERE if you cannot read PDF files.
  2. Select: Downloads: Free Acrobat Reader
  3. Download program.
  4. Note the path where you saved the downloaded file.
  5. Close any open programs including Anti-Virus Software
  6. To install the program:
    Click: Start
    Click: Run
    Click Browse
    Click the file you downloaded
    Click Open
    Click OK to install.
  7. Restart your computer if asked.
  8. Now you can read PDF files from anyone.
     
bulletTwo (or 3) monitor displays in Windows
Install a video card in a free slot to display another monitor to stretch a spreadsheet to 2 monitors or view/edit pages.
 
bullet Free PDF Creator - PrimoPDF
Convert to PDF from any application by simply 'printing' to the PrimoPDF printer - it couldn't be easier! Within minutes, you can create high-quality PDF's by converting from Word, Excel, PowerPoint and virtually any other printable file type.
bullet

When you buy a new PC.
Be sure to have all program install program disks included in the package to re-install if needed later.
Register all programs included as asked. (Make notes and save any replies in Email for future reference.)
Write the CD key on the CD to help with re-installation at a later date if it is separated from the original case.
Save all passwords and CD keys for programs to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or other any other password protected file. 
Install an Anti-Virus Program  Norton Antivirus  or McAfee
Plan how to backup your files: Tape - CD - Other - (Suggestion)
Learn Windows Shortcut Keys.
Web Tools for more help.

bullet

Disable annoying "Windows Messenger" Pop up ads.
1. Click Start
2. Right Click on "My Computer"
3. Click on "Manage"
4. Click on "Services and Applications"
5. Click on "Services
6. Double Click on "Messenger"
7. Change Default setting "Automatic" to "Disabled"
8. Click "Apply" then "OK"
9. Click "Service Status" Stop button to stop now.
10. Close the page to return.
 

bullet

Get rid of the Script Debugging when you visit sites with Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click: Tools
2. Click: Internet Options
2. Click: Advanced
3. Scroll down to: "Browsing"
4. Check the "Disable script debugging" box.
You won't be bugged with debugging another sites scripts in the future............
 

bullet

Six of the most important Windows keys:

  1. [F1] Help

  2. [Ctrl-C] Copy: To mark an area to copy in a document: Place the cursor at beginning of area to copy. Hold the [Shift] key down and use the [right arrow] key to highlight area to copy. Release both keys.
    Another method on a web page or other application is to place the cursor at beginning of area to copy. Hold the left mouse button down and drag the cursor across area to copy. Release the left mouse button when area is highlighted. To copy to the clipboard. Press and hold the Control key and then press  the letter C.
    TIP: If you want to copy an internet address (URL)  from a browser address line to an E-Mail or somewhere else: Click on the address line once (It Will change color) Then:  [Ctrl-C]  to copy to the clipboard [Ctrl-V] in the destination.

  3. [Ctrl-V] Pastes clipboard data to the right of your cursor in your open application.

  4. [Ctrl-X] Will cut highlighted area and place it on the clipboard. Handy when moving data.

  5. [Alt-Tab] Will move to the next application that is open in Windows. Hold the [Alt] key down and touch the [Tab] key to change applications.

  6. [Alt-F4] Closes the application that you are currently working in.

 

More Windows Keys:

bullet

Windows + D: Minimize or restore all Windows

bulletWindows + E: Display Windows Explorer
bullet

System Properties: Press down the Windows Key and the Break/Pause button.

bulletWindows + F1: Display help
bulletPress Shift when inserting a CD-ROM and you can skip auto-run
bulletSHIFT+F10: Equivalent of right-click
bulletSHIFT+DEL: Deletes immediately without removing to the Recycle Bin
bulletSHIFT+TAB: Moves to previous control in the dialog box (TAB alone goes forward, SHIFT+TAB backward)
bulletPressing Shift while holding down CTRL and dragging to the desktop or to a folder creates an instant shortcut. (Of course, you can do the same thing by clicking and holding the right mouse button, letting go on the desktop, and choosing "create shortcut.")
bulletWindows: Display start menu
bullet Windows + Tab: Cycle through buttons on taskbar
bulletWindows + F: Display find: all files
bulletWindows + Ctrl + F: Display find: computer
bulletWindows + R: Display Run command
bulletWindows+ break: Display system properties dialog box
bulletWindows + shift + M: Undo minimize all windows

bulletDiagnostic Tools and Utilities for your PC.
 
bulletThree basic things you need to know.
 

1. Clipboard: A special file or memory area (buffer) where data is stored temporarily before being copied to another location. Many word processors, for example, use a clipboard for cutting and pasting. When you cut a block of text, the word processor copies the block to the clipboard; when you paste the block, the word processor copies it from the clipboard to its final destination. In Microsoft Windows and the Apple Macintosh operating system, the Clipboard (with a capital C) can be used to copy data from one application to another. Note: Clipboard contents are replaced with new data when you copy or cut new data to it. It is lost totally when you turn your PC off.

 

2. Memory: Internal storage areas in the computer. [Random access memory] The term memory identifies data storage that comes in the form of chips, and the word storage is used for memory that exists on tapes or disks. Moreover, the term memory is usually used as a shorthand for physical memory, which refers to the actual chips capable of holding data. Some computers also use virtual memory, which expands physical memory onto a hard disk.

Types of RAM:  FPM=1x   EDO=1-3x   SDRAM=4x   RDRAM=8-32x

Every computer comes with a certain amount of physical memory, usually referred to as main memory or RAM. You can think of main memory as an array of boxes, each of which can hold a single byte of information. A computer that has 1 megabyte of memory, therefore, can hold about 1 million bytes (or characters) of information.

There are several different types of memory:

bulletRAM (random-access memory): This is the same as main memory. When used by itself, the term RAM refers to read and write memory; that is, you can both write data into RAM and read data from RAM. This is in contrast to ROM, which permits you only to read data. Most RAM is volatile, which means that it requires a steady flow of electricity to maintain its contents. As soon as the power is turned off, whatever data was in RAM is lost.
bulletROM (read-only memory): Computers almost always contain a small amount of read-only memory that holds instructions for starting up the computer. Unlike RAM, ROM cannot be written to.
bulletPROM (programmable read-only memory): A PROM is a memory chip on which you can store a program. But once the PROM has been used, you cannot wipe it clean and use it to store something else. Like ROMs, PROMs are non-volatile.
bulletEPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory): An EPROM is a special type of PROM that can be erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light.
bulletEEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory): An EEPROM is a special type of PROM that can be erased by exposing it to an electrical charge.

 

3. Hard drive space - Storage of data - (Sometimes confused with memory for those new to PC's) HARD DRIVE: The mechanism that reads and writes data on a hard disk. Hard disk drives (HDDs) for PCs generally have access times of about 15 milliseconds or less. Many disk drives improve their performance through a technique called caching.

Helpful Tips. (Most apply to earlier Windows operating systems)  
 

bullet

To get a DOS window to a full screen when in Windows [Alt-Enter]

bullet

Free Up Disk Space in Windows 98 Second Edition:
From the Control Panel, open Add/Remove Programs.
Click the Windows Setup tab.
Select Online Services and then click Details.
Clear the services you don't want and then click OK.
Click Apply and then click OK.

 

bullet

To restart Windows 95 or 98 quickly: Hold down the shift key while clicking Start - Shut Down -  Restart and your pc will restart much faster.

bullet

To install fonts: Click the Start button on the taskbar.

  1. Select Settings from the popup menu.
  2. Select Control Panel from the popup menu.
  3. Double-click the Fonts applet.
  4. Select Install New Fonts from the File menu of the Font applet.
  5. Select the new fonts you want to add.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Close the Font applet.

  8. The font will now be available from within all programs.

bullet

When you start your computer, Registry Checker automatically scans for serious problems and will fix the registry from a backup copy. Since Registry Checker is a utility, you can also run it without having to restart your computer. 

To run Registry Checker, follow these directions:

  1. Single-click the Start button, mouse-over Programs, Accessories, and System Tools, and then single-click System Information.
  2. When the System Information application opens, mouse over the Tools menu and click Registry Checker.

Speed up your startup time by turning off those system-level tasks you don't need. Every application that launches at startup uses a few clock cycles, pulling power away from your CPU

To run MSCONFIG, follow these steps.

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Choose Run.
  3. Type in msconfig
  4. Press OK.

Now that you are in MSCONFIG, go to the Startup tab. Uncheck any programs that you are familiar with. Otherwise, you may inadvertently turn something off that you may need to compute normally. When you are finished selecting programs, click OK. Next time you start your computer, it should launch faster.

 

If you turn off a program that you need, simply restore it. Open MSCONFIG and click on the General tab. Select the box stating Normal Startup, restore all drivers and software.

 

When you visit a page, and Internet Explorer tells you about every error on the page, it’s annoying. There’s an easy way to turn off these useless message.
1. Click Tools on your menu bar, and select Internet Options from the dropdown menu.
2. Click the Advanced tab.
3. Under the Browsing section, you’ll see an option called "enable script debugging." Uncheck this option and Internet Explorer won’t bother you with script errors again.
 

More Help
 

bullet

Computing.net Drivers, Novices, How to.

bullet

How to get a "reciprocal link" from other sites to make your web pages easier to find in search engines

bullet

NetLingo Online dictionary contains definitions of hundreds of words that are emerging as a new vocabulary surrounding the technology and community  of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

bullet

Paint Shop Pro Tutorials

bullet

Computers Product information from desktops to handhelds.

bullet

PC Tweaks
 

Microsoft Program Help
 

bullet

Excel

 

bullet

To make a page be your startup page when you go on the internet:

 

To do this with Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 4, be on the page you would like to use then click on:

1. View
2. Options
3. Use current page

 

To do this with Netscape Netscape® Communicator Version 4 or later, be on the page you would like to use then click on:

1. Edit
2. Preferences
3. Use current page

 

Other Browsers will use similar keys. You can use the above notes for reference. You don't have to have any pages on the internet to have a page to start with when you sign on. Just follow the steps above.

Example http://free-reference.com/start.htm for you to use:  (Fast loading with most popular links to find your interests.)
 

bullet

To find a file on your PC: (Hold the Widows Key Down and touch the [F] key.
Or (Click on: [Start]  [Find Files or Folders] - (Look in) [Select a Drive] Search for the text or file you are searching for:
Sample searches:
[Searching for text files? Search for: *.txt]  
[Searching for a file:? Search for: [ANY PART OF THE FILE NAME] 

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