Can you explain USB versions?

Universal Serial Bus (USB) debuted with version 1.1, a dual speed 1.5/12Mbps connection for a growing number of peripherals. Recently Hi-Speed USB or USB version 2.0 was introduced. This new version adds 480Mbps as a third speed to the previous speeds offered in version 1.1.

In terms of compatibility, USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 are interchangeable. The USB system will run each device at its optimal speed. However, the speed of the USB controller on the computer will determine the overall speed. For instance, if you plug a USB 2.0 device into a computer that is USB 1.1, the USB 2.0 device will run at 12Mbps and if you plug a USB 1.1 device into a computer that is USB 2.0 compliant, the device will run at the USB 1.1 speed (12Mbps). However, if you plug a USB 1.1 device and a USB 2.0 device into a computer that is USB 2.0 compliant, each will run its maximum speed (12Mbps for the USB 1.1 and 480Mbps for the USB 2.0). top

How do I know if a virus infected the computer?

Viruses have many different and unusual symptoms. A common symptom among newer viruses that spread by email attachments is having emails automatically sent to every email address stored on the computer. Sometimes, odd, rude or politically incorrect error messages can be indications of viruses. Other viruses produce errors that are identical to normal software issues.

To find out if a virus infected the computer, first update the virus definitions of the virus protection software, and then run a virus scan. Virus protection software scans the computer for known viruses. Virus protection software relies on virus definitions to detect known viruses. It is important to keep the virus definitions of the virus protection software up to date. Up to 15 new viruses come out every day.

Symantec AntiVirus Center has up to date information about the symptoms of the most popular viruses. Visit http://www.sarc.com for information about the symptoms and removal instructions of the viruses that are currently causing the most trouble. For a more complete list of viruses visit the Expanded Threat List and Virus Encyclopedia on the Symantec Web site at http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/vinfodb.html. top

How do I manually perform a virus scan (Norton AntiVirus)?

Open Norton AntiVirus 2002/2003.

In normal view:
From the Start menu, point to All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, and then click Norton AntiVirus 2002 or Norton Antivirus 2003.

In Classic view:
From the Start menu, point to Programs, Norton AntiVirus, and then click Norton AntiVirus 2002 or Norton Antivirus 2003.

In the Norton AntiVirus window, click Full System Scan, and then click Scan Now. top

How do I protect my computer from Viruses and Spyware?

Some of the biggest problems facing PC users today are virus or spyware infections and hackers. What can you do to prevent an infection getting into your PC? What can you do to remove the offending files without reformatting your computer?

What is spyware or adware? Spyware and adware can be secretly placed on your computer when you install certain software, or download music, games or movie clips.

This is where you will find the information necessary to answer these questions, as well as some of the programs designed to help with these problem areas. top

Why do computers lockup or stop responding?

During the normal operation of most computer systems, memory and software conflicts can potentially cause your computer system to stop responding. When this occurs you will lose control of the program running and your computer keyboard and mouse may become non-responsive. You can also lose any unsaved information in the program you were working on.

If the computer stops responding, the normal procedure to get it working properly is to try to close the offending program. To do this, hold down the CTRL and ALT keys, and then press DELETE (CTRL+ALT+DELETE).

If the computer is in a soft lockup, CTRL+ALT+DELETE should bring up the Close Program dialog box. Sometimes it takes several seconds for the Close Program dialog box to appear.

If the computer is in a hard lockup, CTRL+ALT+DELETE may not have an affect. The power button must be pressed and held down until the computer turns off.

If the Close Program dialog box appears, look through the list and find an item that says "Not responding" after it.

If there is not an item that states "Not responding" after it, click Cancel and then try the CTRL+ALT+DELETE again. Sometimes items do not immediately report that they are Not responding.

If there is an item like this, select it, and then click End Task. After several seconds, an End Task dialog box may appear. Click End Task to finish closing the problematic application. This process may need to be repeated several times and sometimes it is better to restart the computer than trying to end task multiple items.

If the system was improperly shutdown because of the lockup, there is a possibility that the file allocation table on the hard disk drive is corrupted. Run Scandisk to correct any potential disk problems caused by the reboot.

Common Causes for Lockups

When the computer stops responding, it does not mean that it is broken. The issue could have occurred after an unusual key sequence or just an unfortunate circumstance. In these situations, the issue should not occur very often, if ever again. Another possibility, and a more likely scenario, is that the physical hardware in the computer works properly but there is something wrong with the software installed on the computer. The software could be an application or even the operating system itself. In the situations where the software causes the issue, they are most likely soft lockups rather than hard lockups. Often, but not always, a hard lockup is caused by hardware failure or a corrupt device driver.

Some reasons why a computer may stop responding:

Trying to Fix a Lockup

It is difficult to determine when, where, or how often a lockup may occur. The first step to try to fix a lockup is to know more about it. Ask yourself these questions:

When did the problem start?
Does it happen only in one application or in any application?
What application does it occur in?
Does it only occur when performing a certain function within the application?
How often does it occur?
Are there any error messages that are displayed before the computer locks up?
When you know more about the issue, you can try to narrow it down. Here are some things that you can try:

Note: This may erase new files, programs, or data. Backup important data before performing this step.

Maintenance

Once the issue has been better identified and actions have been taken to try to resolve it, the computer should be tested for the lockup again. Save your work frequently to reduce the amount of loss that will occur if it stops responding. It is also good to try to do some maintenance on the computer. Your car needs an oil change and a regular checkup to maintain it. This helps keep your car running good and prolongs its life. Just like your car, your computer needs maintenance to help keep it running good and to prolong its life.

Here are some things to help maintain your computer:

Change the Date
Change the Date in the Date area. Click the drop-down list arrow beside the month, then click another month to use. Click the up or down spinner button beside the year to change the year setting. Then, click the proper date on the calendar.

Change the Time
Use the settings in the Time area to change the time. In the text box in that area, click in the section of the time (H:MM:SS:AM/PM) that you want to change, then click the up or down spinner arrows as needed beside the text box to change the time. Repeat for other sections of the time as needed.

Change the Time Zone
If you need to select another time zone, click the drop-down list arrow for the Time Zone list, then click the desired time zone. If you live in a time zone that does not adjust for daylight savings time, click the Automatically Adjust Clock for Daylight Saving Changes check box to clear it, so your system won’t automatically change the time for daylight savings.

Apply the Changes
Click the OK button in the Date/Time Properties dialog box to close the dialog box and apply your changes.

View the Date
To see the current system date without displaying the Date/Time Properties dialog box, move the mouse pointer over the time in the system tray at the right end of the taskbar. A yellow ToolTip with the date pops up. Simply move the mouse away from the time to hide the date.(See the later tutorial, “Change Regional Settings,” to learn how to change the date and time display format in Windows.) top

How do I change the way my mouse behaves?

Adjusting Double-Click Speed
On your screen, locate then click the Start button. From the Start menu, point to Settings, then click Control Panel.

In Control Panel, double-click the Mouse icon.

At the Mouse Properties window, click the Buttons tab.

In the Double Click Speed box, move the slider to the right to make the double click speed faster and to the left to make it slower.
NOTE: The double-click speed can be tested by double-clicking in the Test Area to the right of the slider.

Click the OK button when finished.

Adjusting the Mouse Speed
On your screen, locate then click the Start button. From the Start menu, point to Settings, then click Control Panel.

In Control Panel, double-click the Mouse icon.

At the Mouse Properties window, click the Motion tab.

In the Pointer Speed box, move the slider to the right to make the mouse move faster and to the left to make it slower.

Click OK when finished. top

Using the Microsoft Intellimouse Scroll wheel

Here are some exciting tips most of us don't know about. Many of the computers sold in the last couple of years have come equipped with the Microsoft Intellimouse with the scroll wheel. Many users may not know of the different ways to use that scroll wheel. Here are some tips that may help.

Of course, most of us are familiar with its ability to scroll us up and down a page. Many don’t know that if you push the button down first, it gives a four-way cursor. The further you move the mouse from the cursor the faster you will scroll in any of the directions available.

When you are using many programs, you can also hold the CTRL key on your keyboard while scrolling and you will notice the viewing of fonts is enlarged or reduced. In Internet Explorer this can be useful when you go to a web page whose type is so small you can’t read it. However, not all web pages are designed with enlargable fonts.

If you have the specific drivers installed with your mouse, you have other options with the mouse. In the Start menu, choose Setting/Control Panel/Mouse, and select the Wheel tab. Check the Turn on the wheel button check box and select a function for the wheel from the Button Assignment drop-down list. Click OK. Now the central button will perform the function you've assigned to it. top

How to share your DSL or Cable-Modem Internet connection with other PC's in your home or office

Sharing your Internet’s DSL or Cable modem connection with other computers in your office or home is actually quite simple. We recommend an inexpensive product by Linksys.

Here’s how they are setup. You connect the cable coming from your DSL modem or Cable modem into the Linksys Router. Then plug each of your computers into the router. The routers come in single port (used as just a hardware firewall or to plug into your existing hub), 4 port and 8 port. The last step is software setup, which is simple and explained in the manual.

In larger offices, you may want to get our help. We have on-site technicians that can set these up for your office. top