Frequently Asked Questions - Systems & Maintenance
Q: How do I backup my personal information on my computer or laptop?
A: Download instructions for how to backup your personal information here. (PDF)
Under proper supervision here are directions for laptop recovery when using a VPN.
- Plug laptop into AC power.
- Turn on laptop.
- Insert recovery DVD into CD/DVD drive/
- Press during initial boot process to invoke boot menu (if it starts booting into Windows, you missed it)
- Select CD drive to boot from CD/DVD drive.
- Laptop will automatically start the recovery process (Norton Ghost will launch). The recovery process will take up to an hour.
- Once done, remove the recovery DVD and reboot. The laptop will boot. Connect to the VPN (BE SURE TO CONNECT TO THE VPN the first time following recovery)
- Once connected to the VPN, Log onto laptop with Administrator and the local administrator password.
- Once logon occurs, the laptop will then attempt to join the domain. This will take a while.
- When done, reboot, log onto VPN, log onto domain as normal user.
- After that, we’ll need to push the antivirus software to the laptop (we can do that from the server, just let us know when you’re at that point) and the laptop’s done.
It sounds like a lot of steps, but it’s pretty straightforward.
Q: I have a new flat-panel monitor. The type on this monitor does not appear clear. However, the store insists that it is normal. Is this normally a problem with flat-panels?
A: Some people do have a problem when they view type on a flat-panel monitor. A process called anti-aliasing is used to smooth the edges of type. It doesn't work as well on flat-panels as on old-style CRT monitors.
Microsoft recognizes the problem, and includes in Windows XP a feature called ClearType. It can make the type on your flat-panel much more readable. The improvement may also be worthwhile on a CRT.
To access ClearType, press the Windows key and the letter "d" to go to the desktop. Right-click anywhere on an empty area of the desktop and click Properties. Select the Appearance tab and click Effects. Check the box marked "Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts." In the dropdown box, choose ClearType.
Next, ClearType has to be fine-tuned. You can do that on Microsoft's Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/typography/cleartype/tuner/1.htm
The site gives examples of type from which you must choose. Displays vary slightly among monitors, and selecting the type that looks best is an easy way to match ClearType to your monitor. To select the type, click the one that looks best to you.
People using Windows 98 and ME should be sure they have enabled the font-smoothing feature. To use it, right-click on the desktop and from the pop-up menu, select Properties. Click the Effects tab. Check the box next to "Smooth edges of screen fonts."
Q: I just purchased a flat-panel monitor for my teen daughter. How can I be sure that it is set properly in terms of brightness and contrast ? She uses Windows XP.
A: Let’s start at the top. Flat-panel monitors look best at their native resolution. This should be in the monitor’s specifications. It will be a number like 1024 X 768.
Most monitors have buttons that let you set brightness, contrast, focus, readability, convergence and more. In there, you may find a button that will bring the monitor back to its default settings. Those are the factory settings. Or better yet, your monitor may have come with software that helps set it up properly.
If your monitor did not come with software and you can't deal with the monitor's buttons, there is hope. Just download and use the Nokia Test. This free utility helps set any monitor for optimum display. You'll find it here.
Don’t forget about your environment. To prevent eye strain, your monitor should be at least 25 inches from your eyes, preferably more. Plus, you want the viewing area of the monitor to be between 15-degrees and 50-degrees below horizontal eye level.
Lighting is important, too. You want to use indirect lighting in your office or work area and avoid overhead fluorescent lights. If necessary, install blinds or shades to control outside light. I have halogen spotlights in my office. They can get a little bright. To fix that, I put a dimmer switch in my office. I find it works best when the lights are adjusted to about 75 percent.
Q: When I download things from the Internet, what is the difference between Run and Save? Which one should I use when, and why?
A: An Internet download usually comes with a prompt from your browser. You're asked whether to run (sometimes open) or save the file. What should you do? Is there even a difference?
If you select Run, the file will go to your Temporary Internet Files folder. Then it will run or open automatically. If you select Save, you choose where the file is stored on your hard drive. There the file sits until you open it yourself. So Run is convenient, but Save gives you more control.
It's generally safer to choose Save. Once the file is saved, you can run a virus scan and examine the file. On the other hand, you shouldn't be downloading something of which you are unsure. Downloads from companies you know—for instance, Microsoft, Adobe or Apple—are always OK.
Even if you do choose Run, you may still have the option to do some checking. Internet Explorer often lets you view digital signatures from the download prompt. After you click Run, it will pop up a digital certificate message. You can click on the name listed under Publisher for more information.
Under Digital Signature Information, it should read, "This digital signature is OK." Otherwise, the file is a higher risk.
Another option you might see is a checkbox labeled something like "Always ask before opening this type of file." Other browsers might use different phrasing, like "Always perform this action with this type of file." The phrasing can be tricky; the two examples here have opposite effects. So be careful with options that include always, never or automatically. Select the setting that will alert you with every download.
Q: I downloaded a beautiful screen saver with a waterfall and flowers around a lake. My friend told me that the screen saver contains spyware. Is this possible? And if it contains spyware, what are the risks of using it ?
A: Yes, the screen saver you downloaded could contain spyware or even viruses. In fact, any executable file you download can contain malware.
The makers of free or inexpensive software need to make a living, too. So they often accept money from advertisers to include spyware with their programs. If the screen saver is legitimate, the spyware should be disclosed in the user terms. So read them before installing the screen saver.
If the product is not legitimate, the screen saver may simply be a Trojan horse. Many Trojans and viruses are distributed via spam as screen savers. Never open a spam attachment that includes a screen saver. It almost certainly includes a malicious program.
Spyware can collect a lot of information about you. Most spyware records your Internet surfing habits. This information is used to serve you targeted advertising.
Other types of malware are more pernicious. I call it snoopware, but some people group it with spyware. Snoopware can steal passwords, credit card numbers and other sensitive information. No reputable company will distribute programs that contain snoopware.
Regardless of what else it does, spyware can slow your computer to a crawl. So it is frustrating at best.
You should always read the user agreement before installing anything, but especially free programs. Frequently, the user agreement alerts you to the presence of spyware. By accepting the agreement, you are accepting whatever accompanies the screen saver.
Screen savers are plentiful on the Internet. A Google search for "free screen saver" returned more than two million links. I'm sure many of these screen savers are identical.
Why is this important ? Some sites have been known to take others' screen savers. Often they will repackage them with spyware. So two screen savers that look identical could be very different, indeed.
If you have your heart set on a particular screen saver, you might find a similar one without spyware. However, you could compromise your security trying to find it. I don't recommend downloading free screen savers except from trusted sources.
Fortunately, you do have other options. First, you can create your own screen saver. Windows XP and ME allow you to use your own photos as a screen saver.
Right-click on the desktop and select Properties. On the Screen Saver tab, select My Pictures Slideshow. It will display the photos in My Pictures in succession. Click Settings to specify a different folder or to select other options. Click Apply and then OK. These instructions are for XP, but ME is similar.
IrfanView, a free photo-editing program, also creates screen savers. I like IrfanView because it allows you to save the screen saver. You then can share it with others. This is a great way to share your precious digital memories. In IrfanView, click File>>Slideshow. Use the navigation tools to find the photos you want to use. Then click Add. Click "Save as EXE/SCR file." Select "Create SCR file" and specify any options you want to apply. Then click Create. Your screen saver is ready to go!
Also, you'll find cool screen savers on fan sites. So check the sites for your favorite movies, television shows and music artists. And if you're a car buff, don't forget automobile manufacturers' sites. You'll be amazed at what you'll find.
How do I clear my cache in my browser?
In Internet Explorer 6, go to "Tools -> Internet Options". On the "Internet Options" tab, under "Temporary Internet File" you'll see an option "Delete Files". You will see a popup box with an option to "check" if you want to "Delete all offline content". Check that box. And click OK. Then close your browser.
If that doesn't work, try the above again, close your browser, and then reboot your computer.
If that still doesn't work - go to the same area but click "Delete Cookie" and "Clear History". Close your browser and reboot your computer.
If you're still unable to see changes that you are sure have been made, you may need to run a System Cleaner on your system. You can do this in Windows by going to "Start -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup". and also "Start -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defrag". You may also have other programs on your system such as "CCleaner".
If you have tried all of the above options and you're still unable to see changes, it is possible that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) keeps a level of cache on their servers which you will not be able to do anything about. You can check with them, or wait for a few days and see if you see the changes then.
In Internet Explorer 7, Open Internet Explorer. Do NOT go to a page with Flash on it.
Then click on Tools.
Click Internet Options.
On the General Tab, Under Browsing History, click Delete.
At the top where it says Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Files.
When it says "Are you sure" click Yes.
It may take a few moments for the system to clear, so allow it to continue.
When it's finished, click Close and Ok.
Close your browser (IE7)
Then reopen and go to the page in question. You should see all flash changes.
IF that doesn't work, you may need to go through that process again and reboot your computer. But don't do that unless this doesn't work.
In Firefox, Open Firefox. Do NOT go to a page with Flash on it.
Then click on Tools.
Click on Clear Private Data.
Click OFF of everything except "Cache"
Click "Clear Private Data Now"
Then Reload your page. Maybe even reload twice.
You should see the changes.
