Windows Vista was a mistake according to so many people. Microsoft’s answer was to release Windows 7. And of course you have to pay for it.

After they ironed out all the bugs in Windows XP, it turned out to be a pretty good Operating System. I tried Vista and did not like it, just like everyone else. I stayed with XP which runs faster then Vista.

I recommend staying put with the Operating System you have until all the vendors software have a chance to screw up things. Then they will release some updates and service packs to fix those problems. I would give it 6 months to a year and keep checking out the news on the new Windows 7.

After they work things out, it may be ok to install then.

Of course you have your choice of Operating Systems.

MAC (Apple Macintosh)

Windows (Microsoft)

Linux (Lots of different versions and FREE)

And now the word out there is, Google is coming out with an Operating System. Google is changing the way we do things and it is so much better for us, the end user. Google already offers a ton of things for us all for FREE!!!!

I will post more on different topics soon!

Click this link to install the remote software -> Click Here

Pop-up advertisements occur when the administrator of a Web site adds code to the page you are visiting, making the ads open on your machine when you visit their web page. One way to prevent pop ups is to install a pop up blocker.

The best method to prevent pop-ups and to increase the security of your computer is to enable the Windows XP’s Firewall and upgrade to Windows XP SP2. (Service Pack 2) Windows XP SP2 turns off the Messenger Service by default, and enables the Windows firewall. This blocks the ports required for Messenger Service data transmission.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes a built-in Pop-up blocker. Google and Yahoo also has a pop up blocker on their toolbar. Never connect to internet without enabling the Firewall.

Are you getting tons of pop ups, many of them porn or online gambling sites, no matter where you go on the internet. It’s probably too late for this page. Odds are you have a virus.

IBM POST error codes
Phoenix Beep codes
0 hard disk found
Invalid CMOS information-run SETUP
Run SETUP configuration lost
Can not complete the CD writing wizard
System32configsystem file is missing or corrupt
Your system is dangerously low on resources
Errors found. F parameter not specified
Non-system disk or disk error
Invalid system disk
Record inhibited
Drive is not accessible
Disk boot failure
Data error reading drive
Dumping memory
Convert lost chains to files
Convert directory to file (Y/N)?
General failure reading drive
HDD Configuration Error
Error 403: Forbidden!
Fatal exception error
General protection fault in USER.EXE
Bad or Missing XXXX.DRV
The page cannot be displayed
Non system disk, replace & press any key to continue
Non system drive, replace & press any key to continue
Cannot reload COMMAND.COM
Incorrect DOS version
Bad or missing DRIVER.DRV
HIMEM.SYS not loaded
The Specified path is invalid
File already exists. Overwrite?
Bad or Missing Command Interpreter
Cannot load COMMAND, system halted
Cannot read file allocation table
Error loading operating system
File Allocation table bad, drive C
Invalid COMMAND.COM, system halted
Replace and strike any key when ready
A fatal exception (XY) has occured at xxxx:xxxxxxxx
Another application is using communication port
Cannot run program – Out of system resources
Cannot find a device file that may be needed
Cannot start more than one copy of xxx
Rund1132.exe has performed an illegal operation
Setup could not back up your system files
Windows Explorer is Dangerously Low on Resources
Windows was not properly shut down
You cannot format the current drive
Attempt to load dupliacate device
Cannot communicate with modem
Call to undefined dynalink
Cannot find the file “XXX” or one of it’s components
Cannot replace xxxx: Access Denied.
Destination disk drive is full
File already exists. Overwrite?
Insufficient memory to run this application
Invalid destination specified
Invalid VxD Dynamic Link Call
Keyboard error. Press F1 to continue
No association exists for this file
Print queue is still active
Sector not found reading drive X
The network could not validate
The printer on LPT1 is offline or not selected
There is no viewer capable of viewing this file
There was an error writing to LPT1:
X:/ is not accessible. The device is not ready
Soundcard error: DRIVER.XXX not installed
Unrecoverable Application Error
Data_Bus_Error (0X0000002E)
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (0x0000000A)
PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
Beginning dump of physical memory
AMI Beep codes
Invalid configuration
0 hard disk found
1701 press F1 to continue
1780 press F1 to continue
1781 press F1 to continue
1790 press F1 to continue
1791 press F1 to continue
Keyboard failure
Missing operating system
Keyboard not present
NTLDR is Missing
Out of memory
ERRORUNIT
Drive failure
Hard disk failure
MEMORY CONFIG
File creation error
I/O CONFIG ERR
Sector not found
Access Denied
Invalid page fault
llegal operation
A file can’t be found
A drive won’t load
OE exception
OD exception
System halted
Run-time error
Comile-time error
Cannot find file
Cannot read from drive x
Folder XXX does not exist
Write protected disk
File is missing
Not a valid filename
Abort, Retry, Fail?
Abnormal termination
Cannot copy file
BIOS fails to initialize
Cannot format disk
Divide by zero
Disk error
Could not print page x
Cannot start application
Insufficent disk space
Drive x: is inaccessible
Out of memory
Parity error
Port already open
System Error
This file name is not valid
Write protected disk
Port already open
Port in use
Not enough memory
Open with
No COM ports available
Not enough disk space
Cannot print. SoftRIP
error
Cannot read from drive x
A TSR is installed
Missing DLL file
Bad or missing
FILENAME
IRQ conflict
General Protection Fault
Fatal Exception
Fatal Error 1714
hpcmpmgr.exe
hpdarc.exe
Registry_Error
Unmountable Boot Failure
Unmountable Boot Volume
IDE Device Failure
Cold Boot

Malware

Perhaps the greatest contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Usually this is associated with downloading an application that contains spyware, by not having browser security settings high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files (peer-to-peer file sharing – ex. limewire, kazaa, etc.), or by failing to install security patches in a timely manner.

Step 1. Update the definitions of your anti-virus and run a complete scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Note that some viruses require additional steps before they can be removed; usually a websearch will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. If you cannot find a solution, contact PolkPC to request help.

Step 2. If the sluggishness is sudden, and you have recently downloaded an application, the problem may reside there. Test this by completely removing it. A wise user will generally perform a websearch about the application before downloading it because in most cases, any potential problem with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.

Step 3. Adware and Spyware can drastically effect your computer’s performance, and these are all over the Internet. A very recent study indicated that one out of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains contain at least one piece of spyware waiting for victims.

Update the definitions of your anti-spyware applications and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced users will regularly run two or three of these applications, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A list of very good, free anti-spyware applications is provided here). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding to the next step.

For further reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use PolkPC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have very good Help files that explain how they work as well as the unique features of each.

Uncontrolled Applications

Step 4. Review applications that self-launch on startup. Your computer can be a battleground for your attention. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-launch feature that allows them to be opened quickly; other programs will include an automatic update feature that requires them to be running in the background. Each of these slows down your launching Windows and each requires a small bit of resources while your computer is running.

The easiest way to review and than to manage start-ups is to use one of the many small utilities available (see the PolkPC list of free applications). If, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to turn off any you do not need. If you are unsure about what can be safely deleted, remember that PolkPC maintains a very comprehensive Startup Database that includes information about whether the questioned item is needed, optional, or not needed.

At the same time, remember that all those icons on your Desktop also take a small amount of boot time to place themselves.

Lack of Maintenance

Step 5. Clean up your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused programs and transfer old files to a CD. Unplayed games, lots of family pictures, zipped files that you have already opened, applications you have not used in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to delete temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc..

(Note for advanced users: some experts would include the additional maintenance step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are several applications to help do this. For the most part, registry maintenance will not make a significant difference, and unless you are very comfortable with Windows, and carefully make backups of the registry, you can do serious harm by making registry changes, so this step is not included.)

Step 6. Run scandisk/checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it repair anything it finds.

Step 7. Defragment your computer. Windows tends to put new files in any available open space; defragging will place associated segments of files closer together so your read arm has less travelling around the hard drive to do, saving wear and tear while speeding up programs.

Hopefully, now that you have have finished, you will see a marked improvement in computer performance. However, if you complete these steps and your computer is still sluggish, then the next step is to submit your problem to PolkPC for more detailed help. The problem, for example, may be application/operating system specific or turn into a hardware issue.

References:

Step 1 – Safe Mode
Step 3 – A list of very good, free anti-spyware applications
…. use this Tutorial section.
Spyware study:
http://www.informationweek.com/windows/sho…cleID=179102695
Step 4 – (see the list of free applications)

Are you infested with pop-up ads, new toolbars in your browser, is your home page changed or are you bombarded with irritating spam? Perhaps your computer is running very slow or worst, you can’t get on the internet. If so, your PC is most likely infectedwith adware, anti adware, spyware, spybot, trojans, viruses or another internet parasite. Viruses won’t go away anytime soon! More than 60,000 viruses have been identified, and new viruses are created every day, according to the International Computer Security Association.

What is a Trojan?

A Trojan is malware that performs unexpected or unauthorized, often malicious, actions. The main difference between a Trojan and a virus is the inability to replicate. Trojans cause damage, unexpected system behavior, and compromise the security of systems, but do not replicate. If it replicates, then it should be classified as a virus. A Trojan, coined from Greek mythology’s Trojan horse, typically comes in good packaging but has some hidden malicious intent within its code. When a Trojan is executed users will likely experience unwanted system problems in operation, and sometimes loss of valuable data.

What is a Virus?

A computer virus is a program of executable code that has the ability to replicate. Like biological viruses, computer viruses can spread quickly and are often difficult to eradicate. They can attach themselves to just about any type of file and are spread as files that are copied and sent from individual to individual. Some computer viruses can also destroy files, reformat your hard drive, or cause other damage. If the virus does not contain a damage routine, it can cause trouble by consuming storage space and memory, and degrading the overall performance and resources ofyour computer. Several years ago most viruses spread primarily via floppy disk, but the Internet has introduced new virus distribution mechanisms. With email now used as an essential business communication tool, viruses are spreading faster than ever. Viruses attached to email messages can infect an network or your computer in minutes, costingcompanies millions of dollars annually in lost productivity and virus extraction expenses.
What is Malware? Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any malicious or unexpected program or code such as viruses, and trojans.

What is Spyware?

Spyware is short for advertising supported software (Adware). Software that sends information about your internet habits back to the computer from which it’s launched. Spyware is often built into free downloads and works in the background without a user’s knowledge .Since it doesn’t record an individual’s personal information, it’s often used to create marketing profiles based on surfing habits. Why is it called “Spyware”? While this may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising companies also install additional tracking software on your system, which is continuously sending your tracking information over the internet. While according to the privacy policies of the companies, there will be no sensitive or identifying data collected from your system and you shall remain anonymous, it still remains the fact, that you have a “live” server sitting on your PC that is sending information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location.

What is a Wabbit?

Wabbit’s are rare. Oddly enough they don’t do much unless it’s on your computer. They don’t try to spread to other computers, but they can be devastating to your computer. What is a Backdoor? Backdoors are a lot like Trojans and worms, except they open a backdoor to your computer allowing hackers into your computer to load viruses or to send spam through your computer.

What is a Rootkit?

A Rootkit is the hardest virus to detect. It is designed to hide in the computers core processes making it difficult to detect. Itoften requires a complete wiping of the hard drive and reinstalling the original operating system. What is a Dialer? Dialers can be costly. A black hat hacker can use a dialer to dial those expensive telephone numbers in small countries or to transmit stolen data.

What are Exploits?

Exploits are what keeps Bill Gates andMicrosoft up late at night. Hackers try to find flaws in Windows to bypass security so they can get access to your computer. Service Pact 2 is an example of a patch that is used to correct a flaw in Windows. Is Spyware illegal? Even though the name may indicate so, spyware is not an illegal type of software in any way. However there are certain issues that a privacy oriented user may object to and therefore prefer not to use the product. This usually involves the tracking and sending of data and statistics via a server installed on the user’s PC and the use of your Internet connection in the background. These tools are perfectly legal in most places, but, just like an ordinary tape recorder, if they are abused, they can seriously violate your privacy.

What’s the hype about?

While legitimate adware companies will disclose the nature of data that is collected and transmitted in their privacy statement, there is almost no way for the user to actually control what data is being sent. The fact is that the technology is in theory capable of sending much more than just banner statistics – and this is why many people feel uncomfortable with the idea. When was the last time you read a privacy statement on a web site? Millions of people are using advertising supported “spyware” products and could not care less about the privacy hype, infact some “Spyware” programs are among the most popular downloads on the Internet. Spyware is often bundled with free software and games. There are also many PC surveillance tools that allow the user to monitor all kinds of activity on a computer, ranging from keystroke capture, keyloggers, snapshots, email logging, chat logging and just about everything else. These tools are often designed for parents, businesses and similar environments, but can be easily abused if they are installed on your computer without your knowledge.

Norton Internet Security 2007 – Add-On Packs

Windows Defender

Microsoft Security Assesment

Security Anayliser for IT Techs

Malicious Software Removal Tool

AVG Anti-Virus

AVG Anti-Spyware

Spybot Search & Destroy

Lavasoft Ad-Aware

System Shutdown Simulator (SSS)- Test Your Security  

Current Files

Name	Size	Uploaded	Actions
VISTA-XPBP_ESD.zip	16.77 MB	09/24/2007	Download
NIS2007-60day-vista-xp.zip	44.81 MB	09/24/2007	Download
NIS2007-60day-non-vista.zip	36.27 MB	09/24/2007	Download
XPBP_ESD.zip	12.60 MB	09/24/2007	Download
WindowsDefender.msi	4.92 MB	09/24/2007	Download
MsatSetup.msi	10.35 MB	09/25/2007	Download
MBSASetup-EN.msi	1.26 MB	09/25/2007	Download
Windows-KB890830-V1.33.zip	7.94 MB	09/25/2007	Download
avg75free-antivirus-432a861.zip	16.81 MB	09/25/2007	Download
avgas-antispyware-setup-7.5.0.50.zip	6.15 MB	09/25/2007	Download
spybotsd15.zip	7.09 MB	09/25/2007	Download
aaw2007.zip	16.18 MB	09/25/2007	Download
sss-final.zip	10.62 KB	01/07/2009	Download

There are paid anti-virus & firewall programs and there are also free programs.

I personally use Norton Internet Security (about $60. for 3 computers) and Windows Defender (free from Microsoft)

I would go to Wal-Mart, Staples, Best Buy (whoever has a sale going) to buy the Norton Internet Security.

$60.00 is a good deal for protection for a year.

If you computer gets infected because of no security, you may lose your files and pictures, and then spend more money getting your computer fixed.