Articles in Category: Administration
Items related to Leo, Ask Leo! and overall website and related operations and administrivia.
Can I use ImgBurn to create a restore file for a GPS Navigator?
It is unlikely that manufactures of devices like cameras and GPS navigators
would allow users the kind of access needed to restore an ISO file. But, there
is a way to test that flash drive question.
Is there a free way to set up an XP machine to delete everything added since powerup?
There used to be a software that provided this service, but it required
administrative access. Your options may be limited.
Is it okay to run several malware scans at the same time?
I tend to avoid simultaneous virus scans. What’s more important is to make
sure your several tools are not competing as they search for various types of
malware.
How do I tell if a blue screen 'CRC Fail' error is coming from my motherboard, hard drive, or RAM?
The place to start is with your hard drive although this error can also come
from RAM and the motherboard. But, start with that hard drive…
Should I set up two partitions on my hard disk?
There’s a diversity of opinion on the topic. I’ll look at why I recommend only a single partition per hard drive and what partitioning does and does not get you.
When I use DBan will it nuke USB drives and all my partitions?
DBan has a user interface that allows you to select drives to be nuked. Be
sure to look at your options as you move through the process.
Can I delete email simultaneously from both my PC and iPad?
It boils down to the difference between POP3 protocol and IMAP, but you’ll
need to reconfigure your email account and keep an eye on your quotas.
How do I save a large amount of information across multiple DVDs?
You have 16 gigabytes of data and 4.7 gigabyte DVDs. I’ll look at the various approaches to splitting that data across multiple discs.
What is Java and what will happen if I uninstall it?
When we say “Java,” it can be two completely different things. First, we have
to decide which you are talking about.
Is Virus and Salutations Center and MS Safety Scanner Safe?
Those names are just enough “off” to be suspicious. Internet Explorer might
be blocking it for a very good reason!
Is a dual core processor really better? Or is it just a gimmick?
A computer with a dual processor can finally do several things at the same time. That gives programs a lot more options for speed.
How do I get access to a second-hand PC that's password protected?
Getting into that old computer is probably not a good idea. Better to start
from scratch.
How do I stop websites from knowing what I'm doing?
The simple act of getting online shares a certain amount of information
about you with any website’s tracking code. Does anything really need to be
done about that?
Why does my hard drive just spin and then shut off?
Spinning and freezing is not a good sign for this hard drive. There is
usually only one easy way to get on with your life in a case like this.
Why does my mouse curser freeze so I have to shut down with my keyboard?
A frozen cursor is common with wireless mice. But there are a few steps that you can take
to help diagnose the problem.
Why do I get obviously wrong locations from IP addresses?
It’s no surprise that locations from IP addresses often come out wrong. In
fact, Google has mapped us in a way that might surprise you.
Is It Dangerous to Use a Wireless Mouse or Keyboard?
Most newer wireless keyboards have good encryption on them and limited
range. But, you should still know the danger of getting sniffed.
Why did a CD disc explode in my computer?
A CD disc explodes inside a machine! Now, how do you find out how much damage
it has done?
Will turning off programs save me from hackers when I get online?
Many computers are online all the time, receiving no additional threat from
hackers. It’s your browsing habits that matter.
How do I get around being blocked from watching Youtube videos?
If your ISP blocks you, they are blocking you: there may be little you can
do other than changing your physical location.
Can I plug all my router plugs into a switch to get more speed?
The way packets get routed, it’s unlikely that you would see any real benefit
from that connection; and it’s possible that could end up confusing things.
Is it okay to use hibernate to shut down my computer daily?
Hibernate is a fast way to turn a computer on and off. On many computers, it
works reliably.
Webinar #13 – What's on Leo's Computer?
Webinar #13 – What’s on Leo’s Computer? – was Sunday, June 10th, 2012.
Why are my two anti-virus tools giving different results?
It comes as no surprise that different computer protection tools operate
differently. Here’s a short rundown on my recommendation.
Is it faster to write to a drive that has lots of space than to one with less space?
Surprisingly, it just might be faster to copy to an empty disk. But the
reason for this is a little more complex than simply the amount of data on a
drive.
What IP address do I put in my browser to secure my router?
To connect to your router, you first find your gateway address and type that
into the address bar of a browser window: I explain how.
What's your take on the online spying bill CISPA?
CISPA is a bill that is worth reading about. In this article, I recommend
several reliable sources for information.
How do I get outgoing mail to display "Undisclosed-Recipients:;" in the TO field?
“Undisclosed-Recipients” may be placed in the To: field by mail programs or ISPs if the To: field is empty. It’s not standard and not in your control.
How do I change my Hotmail alternate email address if I can't access it any more?
If you lose access to the alternate email address configured for your Hotmail account, it can be difficult, perhaps impossible, to remove or change it.
Has LastPass had a security breach?
I recommend LastPass because of their transparency and security model: even
LastPass cannot recover your login!
Is there an easy way to share photos with my family that's free?
Sharing files with family and friends is made easy with Dropbox.
How do I tell if my computer is capable of having a wired internet connection?
Look for an ethernet cord socket on the computer. Finding one will be good
news.
What can I do about a pop-up that says, "Internet Explorer has stopped working?"
Pop-up errors can be annoying… or a sign of serious computer trouble. I give
a brief description of both.
Why is my important folder suddenly gone and not in the recycle bin?
A folder can go missing only through some sort of direct action. Finding it
again might be tricky.
Why do I get an error that says "The requested operation requires elevation"?
When a computer requests “elevation,” it is asking you to increase your
administrative privileges to the next level.
Can I delete the paging file if I'm using an SSD drive with 8GB of RAM?
The paging file and hibernation file can be turned off. Whether it affects
the speed of your computer will depend on how heavily you use it.
How do I turn my DVD drive on to boot so I can test my rescue disk?
Your computer will be set to boot from various locations in a certain order.
To boot from a disc, you set the boot order in the BIOS.
Is there a way to run a DVD disc off my hard drive?
There is a free recipe of programs available online, which can help you run a DVD directly from your computer’s hard drive.
How do you run TrueCrypt with Dropbox?
Dropbox files can be encrypted with TrueCrypt. It works well as long as you understand how it synchronizes.
What is a Meebo bar? And is it bad?
Websites often add toolbars to their pages that do not install on your
computer. They will show in your browser whether you sign up for the service or
not.
Why does my computer turn itself back on from standby?
Normally, a computer in standby should remain there until you turn it back on. I’ll look at a few of the possible reasons why it might wake up early.
How do I read my Acronis backup data on a computer without Acronis?
Most backup software solutions have proprietary software. Trial versions can
often help out in a situation like this.
Is there a way to prevent toolbars from ever downloading to a computer?
Many software vendors offer a download for browser toolbars… whether we want
them or not. Sometimes, the offers are hidden.
Can I turn off my modem when I am gone?
Turning off a modem can actually clear up connection problems. However, you may want to explore some other methods for dealing with a sluggish system.
How do I get my two monitors to run different programs?
Attaching additional monitors to laptops is common. There are several
settings to look at in order to make them work as expected.
Can I run two hard disks with different operating systems on one computer?
You certainly can run two hard disks with different operating systems on one computer, but I actually recommend setting up a virtual machine instead.
Why is my back up aborting with a code of 0x810000037?
Some research reveals that this may be the result of malware infecting the
machine. Up-to-date virus tools should solve the problem.
Why can’t my DVD drive read a data CD?
Sometimes media on a disc is incompatible with a particular drive causing it to not work properly. Unfortunately, there are limited options for solving this.
Will deleting games free up more space on my hard drive?
Deleting games will definitely free up some disk space, but perhaps there is more you could do.
Will drilling my hard drive wipe it of all data so I can donate it?
Drilling a hard drive will certainly destroy it! Your data should be safe
from most recovery efforts.
