1. What can I do to make my computer run faster?
2. What regular maintenance steps should I perform on my computer?
3. Should I apply all those Microsoft system patches?
4. I saved the file, but now I can't find it. How do I search for a file?
5. I lost the start button. How do I get it back?
6. If I am connected to the Internet, how do I protect my computer from unauthorized access?
7. How do I protect my computer from Virus infection?
8. How do I know if I have a virus?
9. What is spyware?
10. What is adware?
11. How can I stop all these unwanted e-mail solicitations?
12. How can I stop all these pop-up ads?
13. What does this error message mean on returned e-mail messages?
14. What should I do in a bad storm or when a hurricane warning is issued?
15. How do I know if my data is backed up properly?
16. How do I recover a deleted file?
17. What can I do when a computer locks-up, and I haven't saved my document?
18. What is the best way to find information on the Internet?
19. I am using AOL and I have encountered a problem. What should I do?
20. Where can I find some really cool FREE photos and graphics to include in my PowerPoint presentation?
21. My document won't print. What can I try?
22. I want to change the size of the text on the icons on my screen. What do I do?
23. Should I turn my PC off at the end of the day?

1. What can I do to make my computer run faster?

1. Keep in mind that "add-ons" such as desktop wallpaper, webshots, weatherbugs, and other utilities take up system resources and can slow your computer's performance. Turn them off if you are experiencing slowness.
2. As above, minimize the number of applications that are running. Close out programs that you do not need to have open at the moment.
3. Check your Anti-virus software settings. Perhaps have it scan incoming files only. Or if you are not going to be opening e-mail, browsing the web or downloading files, temporarily disable the anti-virus persistent scanning.
4. Spyware, viruses, etc will impact your system's performance. Run anti-virus utilities.
5. Run "Defrag" and "Scandisk" periodically.
6. Make sure you have adequate free disk space. Delete files in your recycle bin. Delete temporary files.
7. Have a support specialist review and evaluate your system's configuration to determine if modifications or simple upgrades would improve the performance.

2. What regular maintenance steps should I perform on my computer?
With the newer operating systems, such as Windows XP, a great deal of system maintenance takes place automatically. In general, we recommend:

1. Run Defrag and Scandisk about every 3 months, more frequently if you have downloaded a great volume of files and/or installed an uninstalled a number of large applications.
2. Run your Anti-virus scanner at least once a week.
3. Delete temporary files once a month, including temporary Internet files.
4. Test your UPS, if you have one, by unplugging it from the wall power source to insure that it will allow you to perform a graceful shut down of your system.
5. Keep dust off and away from your system. Remove any dust that accumulates on the fan unit or chassis vents.
6. Keep the system away from liquids.
7. Verify your backup by restoring a file as a test.

3. Should I apply all those Microsoft system patches?
Typically yes, on a workstation. Sometimes patches do interfere with applications or customized configurations on PC. Anytime there is an option to backup files before applying the patch, you should make sure to select this option. If you have any concerns about applying a specific patch, call your support specialist.

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4. I saved the file, but now I can't find it. How do I search for a file?
Windows systems have search utilities built right in. On Windows 2000 and XP, click Start, Search, "For Files or Folders". Then give the search criteria. For Windows 98 PCs, click Start, Find, " Find files and folders".

When specifying the search criteria, be sure to select where the starting point of the search will be. For example, in the "Look in" box, you may need to maneuver up to the "Local Hard Drive C:" folder if you want to search the entire drive.

You can search for file by name, date modified or file size. You can also do text searches within the content of files. For example, the box "Containing text" and enter a text string, such as "information" or "information regarding the use of". Windows allows the use of "wildcard" characters in searches. Use the "?" for a single character wild card and the "*" for multiple character wild cards. As an example, to search for all files that begin with TSG, type "TSG*".

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5. I lost the start button. How do I get it back?
Usually if a start button is lost, it is because the task bar has been hidden. Move your cursor to the very bottom of your screen. If the arrow becomes a double-headed arrow, press the select button (usually the left button) and drag upward. If it does not become a double-headed arrow, try the same on both sides and the top of the screen as well. Somehow the taskbar got moved!

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6. If I am connected to the Internet, how do I protect my computer from unauthorized access?
If you are a home or business user without a filewall:

1. Don't enable file sharing.
2. Disable Windows Messenger service.
3. Keep your anti-virus software updated. Invest in an anti-spyware utility
4. Use a software or hardware firewall if possible.

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7. How do I protect my computer from Virus infection?

1. Invest in a good anti-virus application such as one from Symantec, McAfee, Cheyenne or TrendMicro.
2. Keep your virus signatures up-to-date.
3. Check the TSG alerts page frequently for news of recently discovered viruses
4. Be sure your anti-virus scanner is active when opening e-mail attachments, downloading files or opening files received on disc from another computer.
5. Do not open e-mail attachments with suffixes such as .scr, .vbs, .exe, .com, .bat, or .reg.

8. How do I know if I have a virus?

1. Your anti-virus application alerts you. Follow its instructions to clean the infected file, or call your support specialist.
2. A system slow-down, frequent crashes or errors, receipt or propagation of a large number e-mail messages are all symptoms. If you experience these abnormal events, make sure your anti-virus software is current and run a scan. If this does not resolve the problem, call your support specialist.

9. What is spyware?
Spyware refers to any software capable of gathering and/or reporting information from your computer. Spyware can be in any form of executable programming code that can be used to "spy" on the user. It can be found in various forms, such as a program or installation utility, "cookies", HTML code on a web site, a Browser Helper Object, or Java applet or script.

Examples of spyware include small programs which run silently in the background of your computer, recording every keystroke and mouse-click. Programs that attempt to collect data on who a specific web site or ad has been visited or viewed. Web Site and Ad trackers can be simple statistical counters or can contain code to capture your personal data (name, address, e-mail address, credit history, etc.) for correlation with which sites and ads you have viewed. They can gather information about e-mail addresses and can use an address book to propagate messages to contacts in that address book. Passwords, financial information, and credit card numbers can be also compromised by this type of program.

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10. What is adware?
The term "adware" refers to applications that are supported by advertising. Generally, when you visit the web site or use the program, part of your screen is used to display one or more advertisements.

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11. How can I stop all these unwanted e-mail solicitations?

1. Use a spam scanning service such as Velocity-online, or Anti-spam software such as that available from Symantec, McAfee or others.
2. Use an email account other than your primary one when you provide your e-mail address at web sites.

12. How can I stop all these pop-up ads?

1. Disable the Windows Messenger service.
2. Use Pop-up blocking software.
3. Some Anti-virus applications have a malware scanner to block pop-ups.

13. What does this error message mean on returned e-mail messages?
Most error messages and undeliverable mail are do to incorrect addresses or incorrect spelling of addresses. Sometimes the recipient mail system is temporarily down. Infrequently there is a configuration problem at your mail server or Internet Service Provider, generally requiring a reconfiguration of IP addresses or configurations. Here are some examples and explanations of frequently seen errors:

Example 1: "<name@domain.com>" (reason: 550 Host unknown)
Explanation: Probable wrong domain name. Check the spelling of the domain name.

Example 2: Error: "550, No such recipient"
Explanation: Probable misspelled recipient name or incorrect address. The receiving system does not recognize the recipient.

Example 3: procmail: Quota exceeded while writing "/var/mail/userid" 550 5.0.0 ... Can't create output"
Explanation: Apparently the recipient's mailbox has reached its storage capacity limit. If you are sending a large message or attachment, try breaking it down into smaller segments. Otherwise, the recipient may need to remove some messages to free space.

Example 4: Received an automatic e-mail message from an Antivirus application stating that you sent out a message containing a virus.
Explanation: Many viruses spoof (i.e., fake) the sender's name. When these messages are recieved it does not mean that you have a virus or have sent a virus. It probably means that someone with your address in thier address book has a virus. But you may have a virus also. Run your antivirus scanning program.

14. What should I do in a bad storm or when a hurricane warning is issued?

1. Make sure you have a current backup and that you know it is good (because you have tested your backup system recently).
2. Make sure critical systems are on a functioning UPS.
3. If you leave the location, turn off machines and unplug from wall.
4. Protect systems from areas where water may leak in.
5. Unplug telephone and LAN connections into systems.
6. Take the most recent backup tape off site.

15. How do I know if my data is backed up properly?

1. Review the application's backup log for messages.
2. Review the job details to see what folders and files were selected for backup.
3. Perform a test restore periodically.

16. How do I recover a deleted file?

1. In Windows systems, for files stored on local drives, check the Recycle Bin. Select the file and click File, Restore.
2. If the file was on a Novell server, use Windows Explorer and browse to the folder where the file used to exist and right-click on the folder and select "Salvage". From the list of salvageable files, click to select the file you wish to restore, then click "Salvage File".
3. For files located on a Windows server, the file will have to be restored from backup tapes.

17. What can I do when a computer locks-up, and I haven't saved my document?
This is always frustrating. Hopefully your word processor or spreadsheet software has been configured to perform automatic backups. Sometimes just walking away from the computer for a few minutes allows a hung process to timeout and relinquish control of the system. So, step away and get a cup of coffee.

Also, do not panic and start clicking the mouse multiple times, as this can aggrevate the process. Each click is another command to the system. Be patient for a few minutes. If it still doesn't "unhang", the following method is sometimes successful in "unlocking" a system:

1. Press the Control + Alt + Delete keys simultaneously. If the keys beep and no pop-up showing running tasks appears, you are probably totally locked up and will have to do a power off and back on. Skip to step 7.
   Otherwise...
2. In Windows 98/ME, you will see a list of running programs. In Windows 2000/XP, select "Tasks".
3. Click a running program from the list and click the [End Task] button. Repeat this for several non-essential programs. IMPORTANT: Do Not select Explorer or the application you have been working with.
4. After selecting and ending several programs, attempt to save your document again. If you are still not able to, repeat the above process, ending additional programs until the only ones you have left running are Explorer and the pertinent application.
5. Try to save again.
6. If you are on a network, check to see that the server is available to other users. If the server is offline then get it back on line. Reconnect drive mappings and server connections. See if you can now save your document.
7. If you are not able to save the file, press and hold the power-on key of the computer for several seconds until the computer shuts down. Power the system back up.
8. Open your application. Hopefully you will receive a message that a backup file exists. If so, select the option to open the file, and then immediately save it. If not, do not create a new document yet. Search through the temporary files (do a text search ) on your C: drive to see if there is a temp file with your document in it.

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18. What is the best way to find information on the Internet?
Internet is a powerful resource for information retrieval. Search engines are systems that are used to find information throughout the Internet. Some web sites and programs are specific to certain subjects, such as legal information. We believe that the most useful search engines in general are www.google.com, www.yahoo.com, www.excite.com and www.altavista.com.

If you are trying to find sites where people can post questions and answers to questions, search for subject-specific forums. There are many technical forums, for example, reachable through vendor web sites. Try groups.google.com. For more detailed searches, use the Advanced Groups Search.

Keep search critera short and specific. Get more general if you don't find the information you are seeking. To find specific text phrases, places quotation marks around text you wish to find.

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19. I am using AOL and I have encountered a problem. What should I do?
There are a number of problems running the AOL browser on Windows PC, such as files that won't download, incorrect or incomplete display of pages, Internet applications that don't work or Secure Internet sites don't work.

We have found that if you minimize AOL and use Internet Explorer (the big icon on the desktop) many of the AOL-related problems are resolved.

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20.Where can I find some really cool FREE photos and graphics to include in my PowerPoint presentation?
Several websites allow downloading of free images for non-commercial usage, although many even allow unrestricted commercial usage as long as any content is not redistributed or resold.

Whatever be the case, be sure to read every disclaimer or agreement on a web site site before downloading images to make sure that no copyrights are violated by your intended use. If any copyright info is not clear or obvious, always email the contact identified on the web site hosting the image.

Note: Most imagery on the web is only 72 dpi (not suitable for printing) and almost all free content is the work of amateur photographers using digital cameras.

Listed below are links to various sites that allow download of free images and textures:

• www.morguefile.com
• free-stock-photos.com
• office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx
• www.freefoto.com
• www.freeimages.co.uk
• gimp-savvy.com/PHOTO-ARCHIVE
• www.zettweb.com/grab-a-picture
• www.bigfoto.com
• nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/photo_gallery
• www.freemediagoo.com
• www.mayang.com/textures

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21. My document won't print. What can I try?
First check your connection to the printer.

• Is it directly connected to your computer?
  If so, make sure the printer is powered on and in the "ready" status.
• Does it have paper in all paper bins?
• Is the cable securely fastened to the back of the printer and to your computer?
• Right click the printer icon under My Computer, Printers. Is "Pause Printing" or "Use Printer Offline" checked?
  If so, click to uncheck those options. Then, Right click the printer icon again, and select Properties. On the General tab, select the option to send a test print job to the printer.

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22. I want to change the size of the text on the icons on my screen. What do I do?

1. Right click an area of space on the desktop (not an icon, but the desktop space).
2. Click Properties and then Settings.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. On the General page, under Font Size, select "Large Fonts". IMPORTANT: do not change any other settings without consulting an IT specialist!
5. Click OK to save the setting. Depending on the system, you may have to reboot your computer for the new setting to take effect.

23. Should I turn my PC off at the end of the day?
Turning on a computer, like turning on a lightbulb, is more taxing on the circuitry than any other function. To reduce wear-and-tear on the circuitry, many people recommend leaving systems turned on during normal weather conditions.

When there is a chance of storms with lightening, there is the greater possibility of power surge damage, so shutting off your computer is a good idea.

If you leave your system on, reboot it at least once a week. A "soft reboot" is when you press <Control + Alt + Delete>, and then select "Restart". This is easier on the circuitry than a "hard reboot", or power off. However, to initialize newly attached hardware, a full power off is often required.

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