If you have any requests, suggestions, comments, or tips to offer, for replication here, please email me at the address below. If you wish, complete confidence will be maintained, otherwise credit for tips and hints will be acknowledged or credited with your written approval.

Thank you for your support,

Editor
johna@confed.com.au
Snail Mail: Confed-Computer Design Services, PO Box 895, Bridgetown, WA 6255, Australia
Ph: +61 (0)8 9761 2035 (zero only required within Australia)
Fax: +61 (0)8 9761 2069
Mob: +61 (0)4 3994 4110

The privacy policy of Confed-Computer & Design Services is very basic and very simple.  We value and will protect your privacy completely.  We will never publish, sell or reveal any information to any third party under any circumstances.  There are no "registration requirements" to use our web site, we do not use any tracking cookies, we collect no information.  If you send us an email we will not share your email address with anyone.  As stated above if you do submit a tip, suggestion or question, with your permission, you will be acknowledged but your contact details will not be published, exposed or revealed.

This tip is too important to remove. Protect yourself PLEASE!

Computer viruses are the "common cold" of modern technology. They can spread swiftly across open networks such as the Internet, causing billions of dollars worth of damage in a short amount of time. Five years ago, the chance you'd receive a virus over a 12-month period was about 1 in 1000; today, your chances have dropped to about 1 in 10. Actually it is probably even greater than that, I personally receive 2 to 4 virus infected emails daily, but then I also receive a lot of "spam" each week.

The best way to protect yourself from viruses is to avoid opening unexpected e-mail attachments and downloading files from unreliable sources. Resist the urge to double-click everything in your mailbox. If you get a file attachment and you aren't expecting one, e-mail the person who sent it to you before you open the attachment. Ask them if they meant to send you the file, what it is, and what it should do.

For added safety, you need to install reliable antivirus scanning software and download updates regularly. Major antivirus software vendors, including Symantec, Network Associates, Computer Associates, and Trend Micro, provide regular updates. (Computer Associates' InoculateIT is also free.) Some of the vendors also offer a service that will automatically retrieve updates for you from the company's Web site.

Regular updates are essential. Researchers at Computer Economics estimate that 30 percent of small businesses are vulnerable to viruses either because they don't keep their virus-scanning software updated or because they don't install it correctly.

Buy or download the best protection you can afford. If you have a "permanent" connection (DSL, ADSL OR CABLE) or you are on the web for an extended period of time, get a quality firewall such as Zone Alarm, which is free to non-commercial users.

DO NOT OPEN ANY EMAIL ATTACHMENT YOUR WERE NOT EXPECTING! KEEP YOUR ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE CURRENT! BE PARANOID, BE SUSPICIOUS!
As you probably are already aware, the most expensive virus software is much less costly than paying me or some other consultant to attempt to repair the damage after the fact. (All the Staff)

Check out the new Firefox browser from Mozilla.org, click the image below. This browser is fast, versatile, secure and the price is spot on, FREE

If your system is currently running Windows, you can perform a re-install of the OS. In other words, you can install Windows over itself. This is often referred to as an in-place upgrade. When you perform this type of installation, Windows XP is reinstalled to the same folder. Typically you would perform this type of installation if you were unable to boot into Safe Mode or if you were unable to repair an existing Windows installation. To reinstall Windows XP by using Windows XP, follow these steps:
1.Start your computer and log on.
2.Insert the Windows XP CD into your CD-ROM drive.
3.On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP page, click Install Windows XP.
4.On the Welcome to Windows Setup page, click Upgrade (Recommended) in the Installation Type box (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
5.On the License Agreement page, click I accept this agreement, and then click Next.
6.On the Your Product Key page, type the 25-character product key in the Product key boxes, and then click Next.
7.On the Get Updated Setup Files page, select the option that you want, and then click Next.
8.Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to reinstall Windows XP.
Once the re-install is complete you will once again have to install the latest service pack and any other updates that your system requires.

Langa List, http://www.langa.com/newsletter.htm
The Langa web site is produced by Fred Langa.  The web site and the newsletter are excellent sources of tips and tricks for all levels of computer users.  Join the list, it is free.  If you have a question send it to Fred, you will get thorough and easy to understand answers.  Found a source for good advice or great programs, let Fred know. I do read every issue of Fred's newsletter, it is informative and the basic edition is FREE.  (John)

Lockergnome Forums http://help.lockergnome.com/
Have a question, a problem or an answer?  The Lockergnome forums is the place to go.  Unlike many "forums" the language here is rated "G".  They have a forum for every flavour of computing.

Page last updated on 09 October, 2007