Articles in Category: Administration
Items related to Leo, Ask Leo! and overall website and related operations and administrivia.
If my Windows XP is not genuine, can I download an older version for free?
It’s tempting to pirate an older version of Windows to replace an illegal copy of a current version. Unfortunately, it’s likely just as illegal.
How Do I Replace My Laptop Keyboard?
Replacing a laptop keyboard is possible if you know what you’re getting into. Through photos, I’ll show you how I replaced my wife’s laptop keyboard.
ImgBurn – Free CD/DVD Burning Tool
ImgBurn is a free, powerful burning tool that can be used to burn files and ISOs to CD/DVD/HDDVD/Bluray discs, or to create images of them.
Why shouldn't I include my email address in a Twitter post or 'tweet'?
Twitter is fairly new and currently very popular communications tool. Along with popularity comes abuse in the form of spammers.
What's the risk of connecting to the internet without protection?
Connecting to the internet without protection in place is a very dangerous thing to do. Fortunately, this danger is very easily dealt with.
How do I get Windows Explorer to show folder names in its taskbar buttons?
If you have multiple Explorer windows open it can be difficult to see which is which from the taskbar buttons. There’s a setting for that.
Why does my anti-malware software say a link is suspected phishing?
Anti-malware software examines links to see if they go where they claim to go. The problem is that valid links can be mislabeled as phishing attempts.
Does accessing my computer's hard disk over the network impact the computer's performance?
In most cases, remote file copies to and from a machine impact that machine very minimally. However, there are scenarios that might be noticed.
My anti-virus performed a virus removal but I still have a symptom, how do I get rid of it?
Your anti-virus program may claim successful virus removal, but if symptoms remain then clearly the job’s not really done.
Should I get Windows Vista or XP?
When purchasing a new machine if offered a choice, Windows Vista may or may not be a clear choice over Windows XP. We’ll look at the issues involved.
I Accidentally Deleted My Recycle Bin, but Got to Thinking: Do I Even Need a Recycle Bin?
The Recycle Bin is a convenient safety net for accidental deletions. The cost is low, and the value can be very high. But it’s not required.
Can my computer get a virus from my camera?
Cameras are not likely to themselves be infected by a virus, but without care they can act as carriers, transferring viruses from computer to computer.
How Do I Add a Signature with a Picture to My Emails?
The ability to add a signature to email depends on the email program you use. Whether or not you can include an image also depends on that program.
How can I be sure my actions aren't being logged on this computer I'm using?
When using a public computer it’s practically impossible to know for certain that your activities aren’t being logged.
refdesk.com – A Comprehensive, Free and Family-friendly Internet Reference Portal
refdesk.com is a reference portal containing links to hundreds, if not thousands, of quality reference resources on the internet.
Do people really still fall for this stuff?
It seems with all the constant news and awareness about spam it would disappear as people fail to fall for it. Sadly, that’s nowhere near the case.
Why isn't my wireless operating at full speed?
Wireless equipment is advertised as carrying data at a particular speed, but the part that’s not highlighted is that the conditions must be right.
What's a Volume Name?
A volume name is a descriptive name that you assign to disk. Some utilities require that you enter it before they’ll do something risky or destructive.
How do I convert to NTFS?
Converting a disk drive or partition from FAT32 to NTFS is fairly easy. We’ll look at when you might want to, and the few options for converting back.
What do I do if a program requires 16 bit color?
Some graphics intensive games may be written to require your video be set to 16 bit color. If you’re running something else, it’s an easy change.
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.
