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.
How do I know if I have WPA or WEP I can use when traveling?
Wireless encryption hardware support is actually only half the battle. Knowing whether or not it will be used is the other. And it likely will not.
What's the difference between using Outlook Express versus my ISP's email?
Email programs, email access and email servers are all frequently confusing to many people. We’ll review where email goes, and how you can get at it.
How do I prevent auto-download or auto-start video?
Video embedded on web pages will sometimes begin to download, or even begin to play, before you hit play. We’ll look at one inelegant solution.
Please don't spam me!
Asking someone not to spam you when handing over your email address is probably ineffectual. Consider carefully before you give out your information.
Do I need to use a screen saver if I have an LCD screen?
Screen savers were initially intended to keep CRT monitors from burning images into the screen. Now there are other reasons to continue to use them.
How do I access Hotmail using Outlook Express?
Outlook Express access to Hotmail is being phased out, as is Outlook Express itself. We’ll look at alternatives.
Do icons on my desktop mean programs are running or will they otherwise slow down my system?
Many desktops are completely cluttered with icons for various shortcuts. It doesn’t affect the computer’s performance, but it’s still messy.
Why is my PC's clock wrong?
Your PC’s clock is probably good, but not great. Left uncorrected it can drift and lose accuracy. There’s an internet service for that.
What are these 127.0.0.1 entries in my system hosts file?
127.0.0.1 is used in the hosts file by malware, anti-malware and ad blockers to block access to certain sites. The domains blocked will tell you which.
You may want to rethink your recommendation of this product I had problems with.
I value feedback on the recommendations I make, but quite often I hear about things I’ve not recommended at all, as if I had. We’ll look at why.
Why does Outlook tell me it wasn't closed properly?
Outlook maintains a database of your email in a file called a PST. If that file has not been properly closed it’ll be checked for errors on startup.
Can my ISP turn off my modem if I use bittorrent?
ISPs can take action based on the types of things you do on your internet connection. Turning off the modem might be possible, but unlikely.
FastStone Image Viewer – An easy to use tool to view, organize and manipulate images
There are many image viewing tools available. FastStone Image Viewer is free, fast, easy to use and includes several commonly used editing features.
Why do picture colors vary from computer to computer, or when I print them?
Color matching from device to device is difficult. Most monitors are not well calibrated initially, but doing so can return excellent results.
How can an infection like Antivirus XP 2008 happen?
Viruses seem to come at us from all directions, and lately that includes websites. We’ll look at how this happens and what you need to do to stay safe.
How do I get rid of this loading error on startup?
Errors about failing to load some file on startup or login are not uncommon. Typically they’re the result of malware or a failed or improper uninstall.
If everything's infected, how do I get anything done?
Sometimes it might seem like everything’s infected, but with a few steps and preparation you can work, surf and use the internet safely.
How can I tell from where an EXE file is being run?
Malware authors often attempt to hide their work by giving them the same name as system process. The difference comes down to location.
Why are some pictures blocked in email, and how do I stop that?
Blocking remote images in email is a common and important anti-spam technique. We’ll look at how to turn it off, and then discuss why you shouldn’t.
How do I block Windows XP Service Pack 3?
Windows XP Service Pack 3 is relatively stable for most people. If you have issues you may want to block Windows Update from installing SP3.
How do I reduce the amount of computer maintenance I'm supposed to do?
Computer maintenance need not be a huge burden. Setting a few utilities up to run automatically can reduce the amount of manual work dramatically.
How do I remove a pesky message in Windows Mail?
Windows Mail improves slightly on Outlook Express by keeping messages in separate files. That can be used to resolve issues with some messages.
How should I save files before reformatting my computer?
Reformatting a computer erases everything on the primary hard drive, so it’s important to save your data first. Backup solutions are often best.
Why am I being told I'm connected when I'm not?
If your computer is connecting unexpectedly, there are things you should check. You may have spyware, or your email program may have a mind of its own.
What do terms like "opt-in", "opt-out" and "double opt-in" mean?
Particularly when dealing with email, terms like opt-in and opt-out have specific meanings that often clarify what is, and is not, spam.
This Is True – Weekly Weird News, Humor and Insightful Commentary
This Is True publishes a weekly look at the strange and true events happening around the world. Always good for a laugh and thought provoking as well.
How do I get rid of a "Windows cannot find |sass.exe" error message on login?
Windows runs software when you log in, but if it can’t be found, Windows reports an error. This can happen after an incomplete virus removal.
Why are some of my file names blue?
Windows Explorer will display compressed files in blue. Files can be compressed to save disk space, but there are ramifications to consider.
How does Windows delete files, and what can I do to keep my files secure?
Windows file deletion can be a complex process that might not work as you expect. If you need to keep data secure, extra steps are likely required.
What are the $NtUnstallKB* folders in my Windows folder, and can I delete them?.
Windows Updates saves uninstall information into hidden folders that, with a little planning, can be deleted to free up disk space.
Why does my internet connection slow down sometimes?
We’ve come to rely on our internet connections and quickly notice when speed isn’t what it should be. The problem is that there are many possible reasons.
Can I prevent a file from being deleted?
It’s possible to make it very difficult to delete a file, but someone with motivation and physical access to your machine might still cause trouble.
How do you remove wireless connections in Vista?
It’s possible to accidentally connect to wireless networks you didn’t expect. We’ll look at how to make sure you get the connection you expect.
How do I format and partition my new external hard disk?
Partitioning and formatting a new disk, internal or external, is often not needed but it’s easy to do using Windows built-in disk manager.
What is Silverlight, and do I need it?
Silverlight is Microsoft’s new collection of software to support rich web-based applications. You may not need it yet, but eventually you might.
How secure is standby mode?
When your computer is put into standby mode, it’s turned off … mostly. And it might wake up again on its own. Is that an added risk? Not really.
Is it safe to uninstall updates?
Some updates might be safe to uninstall, but doing so makes some risky assumptions. Most programs keep only the patches they need.
How do I transfer my email from one ISP to another?
Actually moving a web based email account to a different provider is nearly impossible. We’ll look at some of the reasons and alternatives.
How do you keep track of new mentions of yourself on the internet?
There are many tools to search for interesting keywords. Combined them with an RSS reader and you can easily stay up to date on topics you care about.
ScamBusters.org – Keep Yourself Safe from Internet Scams and More
ScamBusters.org is a web site and resource dedicated to educating people about keeping themselves safe from internet scams in all forms.
How do I backup and restore the registry?
“First backup the registry” is a common instruction when troubleshooting other problems. We look at three different ways to backup the registry.
Will putting a label on a CD hurt it?
Putting a label on a CD or DVD you’ve burned yourself seems like a good way to identify it later, but you do need to be careful in how you label it.
Can I save the Sent Items folder to CD in Outlook Express?
Microsoft’s ubiquitous Outlook Express is a very popular email program, but suffers from several limitations. Saving multiple messages at once is one.
What's an "instance"?
In casual computing the term instance frequently signifies one of multiple copies of the same running program.
Why can't I create a folder named CON? (And other "Crazy Facts")
Unexplained behavior can often seem mysterious and even magical, until the real, more mundane reasons are understood. And so it is with Windows.
Foxit Reader – A Faster Free PDF Reader
Foxit Reader is fast, free alternative to Adobe Reader for 99% of PDF documents.
Can I tell when my Hotmail account was created?
Windows Live Hotmail will typically show you the date your Windows Live account was created – even if it was created before Windows Live existed.
What's the difference between RAM and a Memory Module?
The terms RAM and Memory Module are occasionally used interchangeably, but in fact they’re two different ways of looking at computer memory.
Is DHCP safe?
DHCP is a fundamental technology to assign IP addresses to computers connected to a network. There are scenarios where DHCP might be spoofed.
Why am I suddenly getting spam?
Getting spam is the norm these days. If you suddenly start getting spam when before you had not, the question isn’t “why?” – it’s “what took so long?”
