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Quote of the day:
Realize that if you have time to whine and complain about something
then you have the time to do something about it. (Anthony
J. D'Angelo )
It must be summer as a lot of our members were away either on vacation
or just keeping cool. A new member is into Digital Cameras and
asked about a good programme to download pictures. Digital Pro – 10
was suggested as being user friendly. Check out this site: www.microsoft.com/products/imaging/.
Also mentioned as an inexpensive printer was the Epson CX 4600.The
Stylus Color CX4600 is an affordable all-in-one that combines a four-color
inkjet printer and a 600ppi scanner in one unit. That price is hard to
beat for a general-purpose all-in-one—if you’re willing to
settle for slow print speeds and lower resolution scans.
A member seemed to be having problems defragmenting and wondered if
it was the fault of Zone Alarm.
Degragmentation Snafus And Other Common Problems
While browsing for information this writer came across some useful
information which also addresses defragging:
- Problem: a member's computer tries to access the Internet
frequently.
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This is due to an application, probably the email program
trying to check for mail, at a scheduled interval. The Operating
System (looking for security updates), Virus Checkers (looking for
updated virus lists) may also do this, clock setters checking the
current time, etc. Other less-benign possiblilities include malware
trying to inform their owners of your activities, and Denial-of-Service
bots and other trojans and virusus trying to do their dirty deeds.
Zone Alarm will monitor attempts to call out, and let you know what
the offending application is; then you can decide what to do about
it. (If you don't have Zone Alarm installed yet, do it NOW!). You
can usually re-schedule the "good guys" to call less frequently,
or only when you're connected to the Internet. And Zone Alarm will
allow you to prevent the "bad guys" from phoning home. |
- Problem: error message meaning?
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For unknown error messages, best option is to copy the error message
exactly, and paste it into a google search between quotation marks.
This finds most very easily. Remember, a Google Advanced search can
limit the searching to a particular domain (e.g. Microsoft.com). |
- Problem: Defrag stops and restarts.
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While documentation indicates you can run Defrag under windows,
it often hangs, or gets part way and starts over ad infinitum. Avoid
the hassle, run Defrag from DOS or safe mode (for instructions, see
the SPAUG Newsletter
June 2002. Also, don't be surprised by a long time at
10% done; this is normal. Get concerned only if the hard drive activity
light stops blinking. |
- Problem: Laptop runs to hot for lap.
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Some laptops run very hot when running off AC rather than battery.
This is because they run at full speed when plugged in, but more
slowly under battery power (to conserve power). You could use your
laptop under battery only, or adjust the settings if possible (tech
support or documentation should be consulted). |
- Problem: Antivirus has exceeded subscription.
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If you're in the market for a new Antivirus
program, Norton AV 2003 has been just released. Uninstall your current
AV application, then install the new one. Some viruses are programmed
to deactivate the AV software; this is even more reason to keep your
AV software up to date. |
- Question: Can you run your laptop plugged in to AC
without a battery installed?
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A laptop battery acts as a line filter and surge suppressor,
so laptops should be run with battery installed. You might be able
to run without one, but it is not a good idea
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