Computer, Software and Cellphone Questions and Advice

[Metal Mel]

A-squared is a good trojan scanner . you can find it at http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/

Another good program is called Ccleaner. http://www.ccleaner.com/
I am pretty good at fixing computer problems. I am NOT an expert though. Feel free to PM me and I will try to help you out.

I second on CCleaner - used it all the time at work to fix a lot of the employees laptops before defragging.

["What Tha....?"]

Webroot's SpySweeper. It is the best! It is worth it's weight in gold! Only costs about $30 and is easy to install. Got rid of 2 trojans I had last year, and is now an EXCELLENT preventative protector against trojans, spyware, malware and viruses. I HIGHLY recommend it!

[Miho]

Don't use Norton. Please God dont. Half of the slow computer problems in this world are from Norton. We can help! Don't do it for the sake of humanity :-P

[rickenbacker]

Don't use Norton. Please God dont. Half of the slow computer problems in this world are from Norton. We can help! Do do it for the sake of humanity :-P

YES! We have Symantec Corporate edition here. Once, just to prove a point, I uninstalled it during a virus outbreak (which Symantec/Norton couldn't find), installed AVG...BOOM! Clean and running smooth in 10 minutes. Then I and another tech had to argue with Symantec over the rogue process we found. We did the legwork for them, and they still wouldn't classify it as virus activity for 48 hours. Nice.

I would also recommend SuperAntiSpyware. It will also snag trojans.

Go here, and look for the "download free edition" link, right side of the page.

http://www.superantispyware.com/index.html

[Miho]

YES! We have Symantec Corporate edition here. Once, just to prove a point, I uninstalled it during a virus outbreak (which Symantec/Norton couldn't find), installed AVG...BOOM! Clean and running smooth in 10 minutes. Then I and another tech had to argue with Symantec over the rogue process we found. We did the legwork for them, and they still wouldn't classify it as virus activity for 48 hours. Nice.

I would also recommend SuperAntiSpyware. It will also snag trojans.

Go here, and look for the "download free edition" link, right side of the page.

http://www.superantispyware.com/index.html

No one ever believes me *L* Norton is EVIL. It releases trolls onto your harddrive and the only way to ever get rid of them is a clean start.

[Inked_Daddy]

I work in IT for a living and have removed a trojan or two in my time. First of all I would go the "free" route first.

1. Download and Run Spybot Search and Destroy... it has been around for years.
http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html

2. As a second scan run Adaware... another solid program for years
http://download.cnet.com/Ad-Aware-Anniversary-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5

3. Boot into Safe Mode and Run Spybot & Adaware both. Article on how to get into safe mode...
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm

4. Uninstall whatever antivirus you are currently running and reboot. Download and install the free trial of ESET Nod32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com/download/free_trial_download.php


I respectfully disagree with the previous posters. AVG is average at best. If you have to depend on a free antivirus then it is the best of that genre.

I would do one of two things...

1. Pay for Nod32 when the trial runs out and let it do its thing. It is very good but not as user friendly as other solutions (It is kind of the Geek's Choice Antivirus)

2. Buy Norton Antivirus 2009. Yes I agree that in the past it was a resource hog ( I had it installed on 600+ machines) but the new version is very lean, very user friendly, and has the best detection ratings at this time. I run it on the machine I am typing this from.


Just my 2 cents. Cheers!

[Metal Mel]

No one ever believes me *L* Norton is EVIL. It releases trolls onto your harddrive and the only way to ever get rid of them is a clean start.

Oh don't worry, I believe you.....I'm trying not to have flashbacks to some desktops I was trying to fix and found out I could not get Norton to uninstall properly.

Needless to say, clean re-install time.....

[Metal Mel]

4. Uninstall whatever antivirus you are currently running and reboot. Download and install the free trial of ESET Nod32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com/download/free_trial_download.php

I respectfully disagree with the previous posters. AVG is average at best. If you have to depend on a free antivirus then it is the best of that genre.

I will take a look at the Nod32 AV. Always happy to look at different/new tools out there.

I can only look at my own experience with both the free and paid versions of AVG. I've been using both for the last 6 years and have not had a single problem or virus infection since then. Granted - I'm probably not the best tester since I also practice safe surfing (LOL - sounds like safe sex!) and I run regular maintenance on my my machines. I will say that as you said, it is the best free choice out there, since many don't wish to pay for AV and its upkeep.

I should modify my comments about Norton to indicate that the problems I always had with it was the home editions. We used Norton at our work (whatever the high end professional version was...my mind just went blank) and it did work excellently and was not a resource hog. If they have improved things with the home edition with 2009, then kudos to them - it was a long time coming.

BTW - I just tried out SuperAntiSpyware last night too and I was very impressed with it. Another free tool that will go into my troubleshooting/repair tool list.

[cindyt]

...I has them. My cpu (I think that's what it's called) fan keeps farting. Hubs thinks it's dust in the workings, opened it up, and cleaned it out this afternoon. But who knows? It's four years old. I may have to save up and buy a new tower.

I'm just saying in case I'm not on here as often. I can use one at the library, but can only reserve one for 30 minutes.

Keep you fingers crossed that hubs was able to fix it.

[2Dogs]

Your fan is farting? lol The fan can be replaced.

[cindyt]

Your fan is farting? lol The fan can be replaced.

It just shuts down. Boom. And when I boot back up it has message about the fan failing. I'll check into buying another one. Thanks!

[kandykisses]

Get it fixed girl. We need you.

[cindyt]

Get it fixed girl. We need you.

I will.

[kandykisses]

[dirk diggler]

Cpu is getting too hot thus it's shuts the pc down as a safety precaution fan's probably stuffed easy to replace fan with a better one not expensive either i could do it in about 20 mins pity i live over ere tho..also make sure other fans inside the case are working ie the video or graphics card fan can clog up with dust as well and cause the pc to shutdown..

[cindyt]

Cpu is getting too hot thus it's shuts the pc down as a safety precaution fan's probably stuffed easy to replace fan with a better one not expensive either i could do it in about 20 mins pity i live over ere tho..also make sure other fans inside the case are working ie the video or graphics card fan can clog up with dust as well and cause the pc to shutdown..

Thanks, DD. Hubs is pretty handy with fixing things and I'm sure he could install another fan.

[mixxerr]

I ran into something like that a few years ago. Cpu was overheating and shutting down erratically. anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. I took out the cpu and put some lube on it.(lithium something?) and re installed the cpu. Also blew out the heat sink and fan with compressed air.

Try blowing out the dust and stuff first. Then, buy a new fan. You don't need to a new tower.

[cindyt]

I ran into something like that a few years ago. Cpu was overheating and shutting down erratically. anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. I took out the cpu and put some lube on it.(lithium something?) and re installed the cpu. Also blew out the heat sink and fan with compressed air.

Try blowing out the dust and stuff first. Then, buy a new fan. You don't need to a new tower.

Thanks.

[Miho]

The cooling units are easy to replace. Just so screws and clamps and wires.

[Missa310]

I use SuperAntiSpyware and I LOVE IT!! I have the professional edition. I also found another spyware/malware program called ComboFix. It works well. It's not for beginners though. It kinda takes over your system until it's finished, but it cleans EVERYTHING! I even have to reapply my wallpaper when it's done.


I swear by Norton, sorry. The 2009 AntiVirus edition is awesome. You don't need to "do" anything. If you set it up to scan automatically, it's virtually "not there".

[mdespain38]

We just had our laptop wiped clean & everything reloaded due to viruses. Now when we plug in headphones nothing happens. We've tried 3 different sets to make sure it wasn't the headphones. Any suggestions?

[Inked_Daddy]

We just had our laptop wiped clean & everything reloaded due to viruses. Now when we plug in headphones nothing happens. We've tried 3 different sets to make sure it wasn't the headphones. Any suggestions?

1. make sure you have not muted your audio.
2. make sure drivers are installed for your sound card/board.

[Inked_Daddy]

Now that I think about it, you propbably do not know how to find/install drivers.

Tell me the make/model of your PC and I can tell you what to install and from where. It is pretty common that sound does not work after just a base install of xp or vista.

[mdespain38]

It's an Acer 5315 laptop.

Thanks.

[Inked_Daddy]

OK...

Go here, http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/download.htm and select panamerica

A new page should open where you can make the following selections I circled in red, and you can download the driver for your audio card. Make sure you select the correct operating system that you are currently using

[mdespain38]

OK I get all the way to the last page you show but when I click on Audio nothing happens.

[Inked_Daddy]

If you click the orange arrow by the audio driver it should download.

[mdespain38]

Duh. Brain farts hurt.

Anyway, I got it to download, restarted, but it didn't fix my problem.

[Inked_Daddy]

At this point I am not sure what to tell you. Is it under warranty?

[mdespain38]

no. I'll take it back to the guy who cleaned it and see what he says. Thanks for the help though.

[pvezz]

When I click the link to post a pic, I get a pop-up saying something about scripted windows. Anyone know how to shut that off? I'd ask hubs but he is asleep - lol

[Inked_Daddy]

pvess, add findadeath to your trusted sites and that will stop
here is how...

http://surfthenetsafely.com/ieseczone7.htm

[ChiFan27]

We are having a contest at work to name a new website were we can collaborate and share information internal and possibly with clients. I get a pretty cool company jacket if I come up with the winning name.

I already submitted alliancenet@companyname.com


Email: Enterprise Applications is currently working on SharePoint collaboration solution for the company, providing the ability for project and team sites, in addition to extranet functionality. We would like your input on naming this new solution. The name should be something memorable, short, and professional. Keep in mind this name will be used potentially by both employees and clients.

[neilmpenny]

What is the nature of your business? What area do you deal in? You need to give more info.

[ChiFan27]

It's a large corporate consulting firm. Right now the site is for the IT department where we can collaborate about the projects we are currently working on. The name needs to be catchy or an acronym. Something where people can say 'hey just put it on...' or 'just go to...'

[BigBootyJudy]

how about something like
itme@..........
ideashareit@......
itlab@.........

Or my coworkers call my office.... geeklab (but of course thats not too PC for a large firm )

[ChiFan27]

Why ORCA? Does that stand for something?


Here is what people have submitted so far.


workspace.companyname.com
attune.companyname.com
easepoint.companyname.com
alliance.companyname.com
fusion.companyname.com
endevor.companyname.com

[Snoopy]

Insync.companyname.com

[ChiFan27]

Insync.companyname.com

This one is good.

[Snoopy]

Thanks! Hope if anything it gives you ideas. It's all yours! LOL

[ChiFan27]

Thanks! Hope if anything it gives you ideas. It's all yours! LOL

Thank you. I submitted it.

I knew this was the right place to post this. I've got some really good ideas.


I can put in multiple ideas. Keep them coming. The prize is a nice Fleece jacket and it will be nice to get it to battle this cold Chicago weather.

[Littleroben]

ok, how about

Knowledge@......
Resolve@.......
CoP@....... (for Communities of Practice - sorry have been studying them recently)
Collaboration@.......
Connections@........ (although I admit this sounds like a dating site)

[Guest]

CoPro@ "Collaborative Professionals"

[ichabodius]

CoPro@ "Collaborative Professionals"

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/copro-
http://www.mondofacto.com/facts/dictionary?copro-

copro-
<prefix>
A combining form or prefix meaning filth, dung, usually used in referring to faeces.
See: scato-, sterco-.

[Guest]

lmao! that's funny...didn't think to actually look up the definition..but only thought it sounded catchy...well it may work for their purpose!?

[ichabodius]

lmao! that's funny...didn't think to actually look up the definition..but only thought it sounded catchy...well it may work for their purpose!?

It would get my vote for sure!

[Guest]

it could be your own personal joke ChiFan...as long as none of them know or look up the definition..submit it..if it wins and they use it and people are saying it or visiting it all the time you could get a good chuckle each time it's used!

[michihunt]

How 'bout collaborate@....
or
brainstorm@....

[ChiFan27]

Thanks everyone!

I'm going to submitt COPRO too and I'll let you know if it goes through. lol

[imadeathhag]

I forget how to do it, but how do you cut out an image from a photo and place it in another with Photoshop? I have tried googling it, but some of these people don't use plain English. I am using the CS3 version.