Articles in Category: ask-leo.com
These are articles that have been migrated from the old “ask-leo.com” site but have NOT yet been cleaned up or otherwise updated. They’re here primarily as a reference. We’ll be updating the more important and popular ones over time.
What is "signature scanning"?
“Signatures” are the unique data patterns that malware scanners use to detect viruses as they scan your files or data.
Where did my folders go in Windows Live Hotmail?
The recent redesign of the Windows Live Hotmail has many people reporting missing folders. It’s likely that they’re not missing, just hiding.
Just what is the Malicious Software Removal Tool that I keep getting in Windows Updates?
Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool is downloaded and updated periodically by Windows Update. It’s not an complete anti-malware solution.
What Kind of Maintenance Should I Do to Avoid Software Rot?
Regular maintenance of your computer can help keep it performing well, but some things like software rot, can only be delayed not avoided entirely.
How do I print or capture the information from a "blue screen" error?
Blue screens are bad enough, but they’re further complicated by the fact that capturing the information presented is nearly impossible without a trick.
Google Mail – Free Email that works and leaves you in control
Free email accounts, when used properly, can be very useful. Google’s GMail is the current best of breed, primarily because it can be “used properly”.
How do I print my email with the latest Windows Live Hotmail?
Windows Live Hotmail changed the way they display messages, and in doing so apparently changed the steps you need to take to print a message.
Why am I getting "Windows cannot find" messages on startup?
On startup Windows automatically runs certain programs. If those programs aren’t found, it tells you. Often the question is “how did they get there?”
Why is my internet connection slowing down?
There are many reasons your internet experience might slow down. We’ll look at some that might not involve your machine, but rather your ISP.
What's the difference between Closing and Killing a program?
Closing and Killing programs are both ways to shut down programs from current use, but the ramifications are very, very different.
What is the .NET Framework, and do I need all these versions?
.NET framework is an important support library for many programs. Unfortunately, its versioning and updating leave a lot to be desired.
How can I get the old Windows Live Hotmail back?
Windows Live Hotmail changes occasionally and typically there’s no going back. If that’s a problem, my question is: Why are you still using Hotmail?
Does sharing a router make me vulnerable to those I share with?
Being on the same local network as another machine implies a certain level of trust. Without that trust, additional security steps are called for.
Where did the Windows Live Hotmail Reply and Forward buttons go?
Every so often the Windows Live Hotmail interface changes and it’s easy to miss where certain things went. I’ll point you at Reply and Forward.
Are there any issues listening to streaming music over the internet?
With faster connections being the norm, it’s quite possible to listen to streaming audio over the internet for long periods of time. But should you?
How to find the IP address of my computer?
Determining your own IP address is very easy, but it first requires understanding which IP address it is you want to see.
What's a port scan, and should I be worried about them?
Infected and malicious computers out on the internet are continually looking for ways to infect your machine. A firewall is an important barrier.
Can a virus be transmitted in a picture?
In general, it’s very unlikely that a picture would become infected with a virus, but there are related scenarios to be aware of.
Can a virus destroy my computer or hard drive?
A virus attacks the software installed on your machine. Fixing it may take work, but hardware should not need to be replaced due to malware.
Fujitsu ScanSnap – A Fast, Sheet-fed Document Scanner
Digital document management is often faster and easier than paper. The Fujitsu ScanSnap makes getting those paper documents into digital form a breeze.
How do I set up a system with more than one screen?
Putting more than one display device or monitor on your PC is relatively easy these days. With the right hardware you can create huge virtual desktops.
Should I get the 64 bit version of Windows?
Windows Vista is available in both 32 and 64 bit versions. We’ll look at what that means, and what that implies for the average user.
Why does my email program ask for a username or password when I try to download mail?
Desktop email programs will often prompt for information they need to do their work. In order to send or receive email, a username and password are required.
Should I password protect my BIOS?
Many computers allow you to password protect your BIOS. It’s a fine additional layer of security, but it’s not absolute.
Just what is PDF format, how do I view it, and why do people use it?
PDF format allows documents to be viewed across many different types of computers and operating systems, and look the same everywhere.
What is the prefetch folder, and why are there copies of system files there?
Windows uses several techniques to try to run as fast as it can for you. The prefetch folder is an aspect of one such technique.
What does "Pri Master HDD Error" mean on boot?
Your computer’s BIOS is often the source of cryptic error messages on boot. “Pri Master HDD Error” is an example of an apparent hard disk failure.
Why does answering cordless phones cause some wireless connections to drop?
Occasionally, answering or using a cordless phone can cause computer wireless or WiFi connections to drop. We’ll look at why, and what to do.
CA Anti-Virus – solid, reliable anti-virus protection.
Everyone should have trustworthy anti-virus protection installed on their PCs. CA Anti-Virus is one solution that’s been solid and reliable.
I have annoying malware, but my anti-malware tools don't remove it. What do I do?
Every so often malware comes along that the current crop of anti-malware tools don’t remove. We’ll look at why, and what steps you should take.
I've installed anti-virus software, but Windows says I haven't. What do I do?
Windows tries to ensure that you have anti-malware tools installed, and warns you if it thinks you don’t. Sometimes it’s wrong.
How Do I Add a Program to My Start Menu?
Most programs will add themselves to the Start Menu on installation. For those that do not, it’s a simple task to add to the Start Menu manually.
How do I uninstall software that doesn't provide a way to uninstall?
Most software installed on your machine should provide a mechanism for uninstalling. If not, there are ways but they require caution and a good backup.
My computer is crashing and having troubles, is it time to replace the power supply?
Computer crashes and other difficulties can certainly be caused by a failing or overtaxed power supply, but there are other places to look first.
A program is telling me to uninstall its competitor; should I?
On install, some anti-malware programs may warn you if issues might result. Occasionally, one of those issues is the presence of a competing product.
When will Hotmail return an undeliverable message?
Email services are now very inconsistent in how they approach undeliverable or “bounce” messages. We’ll look at why, and what you can count on.
Why would the defragger tell me I still need to defrag after it's done?
Occasionally, the disk defragmenter will tell you that you still need to defrag even after having just done so. We’ll look at why, and what to do.
How do I install an msi file that requires administrative privileges in Windows Vista?
Installation packages that use msi files may require administrative rights in Windows Vista, but it might not be obvious how to grant those rights.
Belarc Advisor – Detailed information about your computer's hardware and software
It’s often desirable to have a comprehensive list of all the hardware and software installed on your machine. Belarc Advisor is the way to get it.
Where Can I Find a Missing Windows File?
It is often possible to locate missing Windows files elsewhere on your hard disk, but when all else fails they can be found on your installation media.
Do I need a new computer to keep up with my faster internet connection?
If your new faster internet connection doesn’t perform as expected there are several things to look at, but the age of your machine probably isn’t one.
I have an old, old program I need to run in Vista, but it won't. Is there a way?
Windows Vista includes some settings that may help older programs designed for older versions of Windows to run with compatible settings.
Is a backup an alternative to having no Windows installation CDs?
If you’ve received a new machine without installation media, and you can’t get installation media, an immediate full backup can be an alternative.
Am I stealing someone else's IP address by resetting my router?
Resetting a router can cause it to revert to its default. If you’d been using a static IP it may revert to dyanmic configuration, but is that theft?
How do I recover a corrupt system file if my Windows was pre-installed?
Pre-installed copies of Windows often come without an installation CD, which makes some types of recovery difficult, and occasionally even impossible.
Does a sandbox or virtual machine help protect your privacy?
Sandboxes and Virtual Machines can help isolate you from certain types of threats. We’ll look at what they are and how they might, or might not, help.
How else can websites get my information?
We look at three additional ways that web sites, and others, might gain access to information you might not realize you’re providing.
Word Tips – Microsoft Word Tips, Tricks and Answers
If you use Microsoft Word at all, you’ll probably have frustrations or at least questions. Word Tips has the answers to the Microsoft Word problems.
WebDrive – Make FTP connections appear as virtual drives.
Transferring files via FTP requires special tools and interfaces. WebDrive is an FTP client making transferring files as simple as copying in Windows.
Why am I getting spam on this email address I use only for one newsletter?
There are many ways spammers harvest email addresses. While unlikely, simply sending and receiving email might well be enough.
