ADMIN: Frequently Asked Questions
Oct. 6th, 2009 11:13 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
invisionary posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
computerhelpThese are taken straight off the ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
computerhelp community on Livejournal. As there is need and interest we can update these on an ongoing basis.
Q: Why and how do I do a System Restore?
A: If you did something to your computer and it screwed it up, it is very possible that a System Restore (XP and later) or Time Machine backup (OS X 10.5 "Leopard" and later) can repair the problem. Instructions for doing a System Restore are here (along with a thorough FAQ on System Restore). All the information you could want on Time Machine can be found in Apple's Knowledgebase.
Q: What application opens file type .XXX?
A: This database of File Extensions likely has your answer.
Q: Is there a better browser than Internet Explorer?
A: Internet Explorer is the bundled web browser provided by the Microsoft Windows operating system. Versions 6 and earlier are known to have considerable security vulnerabilities, and as such we highly suggest upgrading to a newer version. Whether or not you use IE as your regular browser it is an integrated part of Windows and thus represents a risk if left outdates.
Other browser choices, available on many different platforms (operating systems) include Firefox and Camino (for Mac), Safari (for Windows too!), Google Chrome, and Opera. All of these are full-featured browsers that in general have a reputation for being better than IE (although it has become better in recent years). A Google search for any of these will give you far more info than this FAQ could.
Q: My computer seems to be infected with a virus. How can I remove it?
First, you should do a full virus scan on your computer. If you don't have any virus protection currently, please see the next question for how to proceed. If any virus-related problems still exist, turn off System Restore and run your anti-virus program from Safe Mode (turn off the computer, turn it back on, and start tapping F8 until you get a startup menu that lists Safe Mode, then select it). If this still fails to correct the problem, proceed with the instructions for removing spyware. Don't forget to re-enable System Restore when you're done!
Q: My computer does not have antivirus protection. What should I do?
Any Windows-based computer, whether or not it is connected to the Internet, should have a quality antivirus program running at all times to maintain data security. Mac and Linux users should use anti-virus if they are on a Windows network or frequently receive files from Windows users. Frequent updates are necessary to ensure you are protected. We recommend the following software. Choose the program that best fits your needs. All of these programs have free and premium versions - the free versions will scan your system and accurately report any infections.
Avast Antivirus MOD'S CHOICE
Grisoft AVG
Antivir Antivirus
Kaspersky Antivirus (no free version, only trials)
We do not suggest using Norton Antivirus in any form unless you already have it installed on your computer as its effectiveness is questionable and takes up far more of your system resources than it needs to. You'd be better off uninstalling it and replacing it with one of the above options, even if you paid for your Norton. Also, do not use multiple antivirus programs on the same computer, as they often conflict. If you need a second opinion (or don't presently have AV software installed, you should fix that ;-), Trend Micro HouseCall offers an online scan you can try.
Q: My computer seems to be running slower than I remember. What can I do? (OR)
Q: I think my computer is infected with spyware. What can I do to remove it?
A: Many free programs exist to assist in removing malware of various forms, however there are also many that claim to do so but are actually malware themselves. Stick to the following well-known programs for automatic scanning of your system.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Spybot Search & Destroy
Lavasoft AdAware Personal
SpywareBlaster (Works like antivirus for spyware)
Webroot Spy Sweeper (Commercial, but excellent if you're paranoid)
Some otherwise legitimate programs use malware to support itself (through advertising revenue). They many not work properly if these components are removed. If you have questions about these programs, please feel free to ask.
If these programs do not work, their use is not an option, or a community member has advised you to get a HijackThis log, please refer to the Posting Guidelines for instructions on how to proceed.
Q: How do I get a question/answer added to the FAQ (or have an existing question/answer revised)?
A: PMinvisionary, as he's the maintainer. Groveling not required, but is amusing and may help!
computerhelp community on Livejournal. As there is need and interest we can update these on an ongoing basis.Q: Why and how do I do a System Restore?
A: If you did something to your computer and it screwed it up, it is very possible that a System Restore (XP and later) or Time Machine backup (OS X 10.5 "Leopard" and later) can repair the problem. Instructions for doing a System Restore are here (along with a thorough FAQ on System Restore). All the information you could want on Time Machine can be found in Apple's Knowledgebase.
Q: What application opens file type .XXX?
A: This database of File Extensions likely has your answer.
Q: Is there a better browser than Internet Explorer?
A: Internet Explorer is the bundled web browser provided by the Microsoft Windows operating system. Versions 6 and earlier are known to have considerable security vulnerabilities, and as such we highly suggest upgrading to a newer version. Whether or not you use IE as your regular browser it is an integrated part of Windows and thus represents a risk if left outdates.
Other browser choices, available on many different platforms (operating systems) include Firefox and Camino (for Mac), Safari (for Windows too!), Google Chrome, and Opera. All of these are full-featured browsers that in general have a reputation for being better than IE (although it has become better in recent years). A Google search for any of these will give you far more info than this FAQ could.
Q: My computer seems to be infected with a virus. How can I remove it?
First, you should do a full virus scan on your computer. If you don't have any virus protection currently, please see the next question for how to proceed. If any virus-related problems still exist, turn off System Restore and run your anti-virus program from Safe Mode (turn off the computer, turn it back on, and start tapping F8 until you get a startup menu that lists Safe Mode, then select it). If this still fails to correct the problem, proceed with the instructions for removing spyware. Don't forget to re-enable System Restore when you're done!
Q: My computer does not have antivirus protection. What should I do?
Any Windows-based computer, whether or not it is connected to the Internet, should have a quality antivirus program running at all times to maintain data security. Mac and Linux users should use anti-virus if they are on a Windows network or frequently receive files from Windows users. Frequent updates are necessary to ensure you are protected. We recommend the following software. Choose the program that best fits your needs. All of these programs have free and premium versions - the free versions will scan your system and accurately report any infections.
We do not suggest using Norton Antivirus in any form unless you already have it installed on your computer as its effectiveness is questionable and takes up far more of your system resources than it needs to. You'd be better off uninstalling it and replacing it with one of the above options, even if you paid for your Norton. Also, do not use multiple antivirus programs on the same computer, as they often conflict. If you need a second opinion (or don't presently have AV software installed, you should fix that ;-), Trend Micro HouseCall offers an online scan you can try.
Q: My computer seems to be running slower than I remember. What can I do? (OR)
Q: I think my computer is infected with spyware. What can I do to remove it?
A: Many free programs exist to assist in removing malware of various forms, however there are also many that claim to do so but are actually malware themselves. Stick to the following well-known programs for automatic scanning of your system.
Some otherwise legitimate programs use malware to support itself (through advertising revenue). They many not work properly if these components are removed. If you have questions about these programs, please feel free to ask.
If these programs do not work, their use is not an option, or a community member has advised you to get a HijackThis log, please refer to the Posting Guidelines for instructions on how to proceed.
Q: How do I get a question/answer added to the FAQ (or have an existing question/answer revised)?
A: PM
invisionary, as he's the maintainer. Groveling not required, but is amusing and may help!