Computer Tips to Share

[Excon]

Bottom line for me is..

Nothing wrong with that.

I still don't like the interface and would just resort to the classic.

And I know "Fences" well. Had the Pro version for the longest time.

Looks like they no longer distinguish though.

And it is a free app in case others are interested.

Stardock Fences - Your tool for a clean desktop



Stardock Fences - Your tool for a clean desktop

 

[Oozlefinch]

First of all, I have two monitors.

I also use 2 monitors, and on the rare occasion I can't use 2 (like at school), I feel like my computer is crippled.

For me and the way I post, this is almost a requirement. Almost every time I post I do a lot of research, which means having my left monitor filled with a browser with 3 or 4 tabs open to reference sites, and the right (my main one) with the post I am replying to. And when things are slow, I can have anything else on the left side I want, full screen movies, or full screen maps for a difficult area I am working through on a game while it is open on the right side.

As for the title of this thread, I am going to take it literally, as computer tips, not browser tips.

Two screens, do it. After a week or so I can guarantee that you would wonder why you had never done it in the past.

ReadyBoost is another one. If you use any version of Windows from Vista on, this is built in. Basically you take a USB flash drive and turn it into a cache drive. This speeds up many operations, and effectively gives you a big boost in RAM for very little money (some version sof Linux have this also, like the DragonFly BSD with "swapcache").

Do not buy a desktop computer from the mass marketers (Dell, HP, Gateway, etc), but find a good reputable local computer builder. They use industry standard parts, are much easier to upgrade, are generally of a higher quality and just all around better. I built my computer in 2007, and it is still performing wonderfully. 1 CPU upgrade (dual core 3000 for dual core 6000), 2 video card upgrades, and a few other tweeks and my 6 year old computer still screams and has no problems playing even the newest games. How many 6 year old HP's or Dell's can make a claim like that?

And when you find a reputable computer place, bring your computer in annually and see what they recommend for upgrades. A good store qould suggest things you actually need, not just try and sell you things to make money. For example, if you bought your computer 3 years ago and it is getting slow, they might be able to just give you an upgraded processor and more RAM, and you would be good for many more years, at a fraction of the cost of a new computer.

Always keep your Antivirus current, I can't stress that one enough.

Run a good anti-spyware program also. I use several, but SpyBot is one of the best, and it is free.

Update your OS and protection programs regularly, at least weekly.

If you are one of those that leaves your computer running 24-7, give your computer a fresh reboot at least once a week.

Backup, backup, backup, backup, backup. I can't stress that one enough.

Add a second drive, and keep all your data (pictures, movies, music, documents, etc) on that drive. That way in case something happens and your computer does need to be reloaded, you do not have to worry about loosing anything important. It also increases the space available for programs on your main drive (I frequently have 3-6 hard drives in my computer).

Do not shop for a computer based purely on price. If we bought cars the way most people shop for computers, everybody would be driving around in Yugo's and Geo Metro's. Remember, you get what you pay for. Yes, I can build and sell brand new computers for $400, just like Dell does. But I will not, because I refuse to use parts and components of that poor of a quality.

I can go on for hours, but these are some of the most important ones I could think of.

 

[Mycroft]

I can go on for hours, but these are some of the most important ones I could think of.

Excellent tips. I concur with all of them.

I would add one more tip, though: Get an SSD (Solid State Drive). No matter what OS you are running, you'll see a BIG boost.

 

[Excon]

How many 6 year old HP's or Dell's can make a claim like that?

HP's can claim that.
My last one was at the 5 year mark when I turned it into a brick. :doh lol
The HP before that was 6.

The HP I have now is a year.

 

[ChuckBerry]

As an offshore surveyor I often have to use a degree sign to indicate vessel headings. To make it, hold down the ALT key and press 0176 on the number pad (won't work using the number keys on a qwerty keyboard.)

On my iPhone so I can't make one atm.

 

[Oozlefinch]

Excellent tips. I concur with all of them.

I would add one more tip, though: Get an SSD (Solid State Drive). No matter what OS you are running, you'll see a BIG boost.

That might be something I suggest for power users, but for 90% of computer users out there, it would essentially be a waste of money. They would probably be better off putting the money into more RAM and a faster processor then into something like that. Because the reason why most computers tend to be slow is not the hard drive, but running anemic processors and insufficient RAM.

For most users, the most intensive things they do are internet browsers, the occasional word document and some light photo editing. The expense of an SSD for these kinds of applications is not really an efficient use for the money. Now if they were regularly using Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, or something like this that really taxed the system I might suggest something like that.

 

[Oozlefinch]

HP's can claim that.
My last one was at the 5 year mark when I turned it into a brick. :doh lol
The HP before that was 6.

The HP I have now is a year.

Could your HP easily handle Adobe Premiere and Adobe Audition? Or handle Fable III at all, let alone at the minimum requirements?

Even your higher-ended HPs of that era used single core Celeron processors, AGP (if that), and PATA. My wife's from that era has a dual core Celeron, a PCIe slot, and SATA, and was one of the higher ended models of that year. But it still would require a processor upgrade, additional RAM to even play Fable III at even the lowest settings.

And if you got an HP, I would give you one suggestion I make to everybody, upgrade your power supply. One of the biggest problems with the mass market computers is the absolutely horrendous power supplies they come with (and the cases, but that is beyond the abilities of most typical users). I often see those things still with 350 watt power supplies, where I would not use anything under 600 watts for anything within the last 4+ years. If you know a geek, those are generally standard ATX boards, so spending $100 or so for a good case (with lots of fans) and power supply is one of the best investments I could suggest.

 

[Excon]

Could your HP easily handle Adobe Premiere and Adobe Audition? Or handle Fable III at all, let alone at the minimum requirements?

Each one has handled Audition as well as its originater, Cool Edit Pro, just fine. (I am into w.a.r.e.z. )
And Photo Shop only lagged if I was multitasking with more than two programs on my last computer.
Though Paint Shop Pro did not. Adobe Premier? Never used it.
And if you are into gaming, you are going to want a graphics card regardless.
My last purchase of one was awhile ago but it is still fine. ASUS ENGTS450 Top (overclocked to 925 MHZ, NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450, 1GB DDR5)
For my level of gaming interest, it is just fine at this time.
And using the Dolphin Emulator, I enjoy many more games.

Even your higher-ended HPs of that era used single core Celeron processors, AGP (if that), and PATA. My wife's from that era has a dual core Celeron, a PCIe slot, and SATA, and was one of the higher ended models of that year. But it still would require a processor upgrade, additional RAM to even play Fable III at even the lowest settings.

You are obviously knowledgable about Computers. But I think you are assuming a lot here about HP's.
My first HP came with an AMD.

The last came with an Intel Core 2 Duo E4300.
Upgradeable to any of the following.

Core 2 Duo E6x00
Core 2 Duo E4x00
Pentium D 9x0 Dual Core
Pentium D 8xx Dual Core
Pentium 4 6x1 series
Celeron D 3xx series
HP Pavilion Media Center TV a6057c Desktop PC Product Specifications​

My current is an Intel Core i5 2400s

Operating speed: 2.5 GHz (up to 3.3 GHz turbo)
Number of cores: 4
Socket: LGA1155
Bus speed: DMI (Direct Media Interface) - 2.5GT/s​

Upgradable to

Core i7-2600S 65W
Core i5-2xxx 65W
Core i3-2xxx 65W

HP Pavilion p7-1047c Desktop PC Product Specifications​

​

All purchased at Costco which automatically covers it with a two year warranty.

Now I agree with you about the propitiatory aspects of Gateway and Dell, but not with HP.
HP's are upgradeable with " industry standard parts".
Additionally, any of these manufactures are fine for the regular user. And that should be the point.
And if one wants to upgrade later, HP's are just fine. No mater the level of the user, as they are going to select one that is appropriate for them to start with.

And if you got an HP, I would give you one suggestion I make to everybody, upgrade your power supply. One of the biggest problems with the mass market computers is the absolutely horrendous power supplies they come with (and the cases, but that is beyond the abilities of most typical users). I often see those things still with 350 watt power supplies, where I would not use anything under 600 watts for anything within the last 4+ years. If you know a geek, those are generally standard ATX boards, so spending $100 or so for a good case (with lots of fans) and power supply is one of the best investments I could suggest.

Power supply is fine for the system as set up. If you add additional hardware, such as a Graphics card, then yes, upgrade the power supply as well.
And with adding a Graphics card, most likely unavoidable.

 

[obvious Child]

I have been using Firefox more lately.

Any similar tips for that browser would be appreciated.

Download the plug in "faster fox" then you can highlight anything, left click and select what search engine you want to plug it into. Basically everything becomes searchable via the mouse.

 

[obvious Child]

I also use 2 monitors, and on the rare occasion I can't use 2 (like at school), I feel like my computer is crippled.

Never have your main account be an administrator account.

Use a limited account as your regular account. Between that and free anti-virus, you're pretty much safe.

 

[Oozlefinch]

Never have your main account be an administrator account.

Use a limited account as your regular account. Between that and free anti-virus, you're pretty much safe.

I would have suggested this a few years ago when XP was the standard, but that is now turned off by default in Vista-7. Even when you do log on as Administrator, you need to activate it specifically each time you need to use the Administrator rights (I had to do that tonight in class, is a pain to try and run CMD as administrator).

 

[obvious Child]

I would have suggested this a few years ago when XP was the standard, but that is now turned off by default in Vista-7. Even when you do log on as Administrator, you need to activate it specifically each time you need to use the Administrator rights (I had to do that tonight in class, is a pain to try and run CMD as administrator).

You sure? My clean install on Windows 7 started me off as administrator. I had to setup my own limited account. It didn't setup a limited account during setup for me.

 

[Oozlefinch]

You sure? My clean install on Windows 7 started me off as administrator. I had to setup my own limited account. It didn't setup a limited account during setup for me.

In Windows Vista-7, "Administrator" simply means you have access to "Administrator Rights", but those rights are by default turned off. That is why you are constantly asked whenever you try to install anything, and mayhave to do the right-click "Run As Administrator" to actually get something to operate with Administrator rights.

And yea, I am sure.

Try this fun little experiment. Bring up a DOSBOX, and run "NETSTAT -b". It should say something about needing elevation. That is because that command can't be run unless by an administrator.

Then use Windows Explorer to find the actual CMD in C:/Windows/System32. Try again, still not work. Now, open the CMD box by right-clicking on it, and select "Run As Administrator". Now it should work as it should.

And if you want to repeat and see what this would be like without "Administrator Rights", create a typical user account without those rights, and repeat the above experiment. If you notice, you will not be able to do the NETSTAT -b no matter what, because you simply do not have the authorization.

This was part of a lab we had to do the other day, and because our access on the school computers of course did not give us admin rights, I had to open a virtual machine, then do that in order to successfully run the command (then explain to everybody else how to do it).

Welcome to the wonderfull world of Security, Rights and Permissions. You could set all that up like XP, where it no longer asks you for authorization every time something tries to load or run, but I would not suggest it.

 

[Excon]

You sure? My clean install on Windows 7 started me off as administrator. I had to setup my own limited account. It didn't setup a limited account during setup for me.

Not saying yours wasn't, but the actual Admin account is usually hidden.

Enable the (Hidden) Administrator Account on Windows 7 or Vista

First you’ll need to open a command prompt in administrator mode by right-clicking and choosing “Run as administrator” (or use the Ctrl+Shift+Enter shortcut from the search box)


Now type the following command: net user administrator /active:yes


The computers actual Administrator's account is now unhidden and accessible.​

​

​

Enable the (Hidden) Administrator Account on Windows 7 or Vista - How-To Geek​

Do with it as you choose. Even rename it if you like.

 

[obvious Child]

Welcome to the wonderfull world of Security, Rights and Permissions. You could set all that up like XP, where it no longer asks you for authorization every time something tries to load or run, but I would not suggest it.

I honestly don't remember it asking me every time when I was in admin. But since I moved to limited, it's not a real issue for me

 

[Excon]

I honestly don't remember it asking me every time when I was in admin. But since I moved to limited, it's not a real issue for me

For those who do not know and would like the tip.

Disable User Account Control (UAC) the Easy Way on Win 7 or Vista

Note: Disabling UAC will lead to a less secure system, so be warned.


Disable UAC on Windows Vista

Open up Control Panel, and type in “UAC” into the search box. You’ll see a link for “Turn User Account Control (UAC) on or off”:​

[...]

Disable UAC on Windows 7

Windows 7 makes it much easier to deal with UAC settings, and in fact you don’t have to completely disable UAC if you don’t want to.
Just type UAC into the start menu or Control Panel search box.
You can simply drag the slider up or down, depending on how often you want to be alerted.​

[...]​

Disable User Account Control (UAC) the Easy Way on Win 7 or Vista - How-To Geek​

Follow the above link. It is complete with full instructions and images.

 

[MadLib]

These are security related and there are quite a few of them:

Please don't download bootlegged software. It goes without saying that you are a douche if you download Warez, but they are often bundled with malware.

A lot of the paid antiviruses suck. McAfee is ****. Spyware Doctor is way overpriced but can't detect squat. Norton and Symantec are mediocre. A lot of the best are free, like Microsoft Security Essentials and avast! free antivirus (the professional and Internet Security licenses for these are paid but they add extra features, they don't improve the virus detection itself). ESET's NOD32 is paid but it is very good.

Don't use more than one antivirus and antispyware at once. Instead of helping each other, they will actually conflict.

Get an antispyware program to complement your antivirus. MSE and avast! have spyware detection engineered into their antivirus program. SpywareBlaster helps block malicious
scripts, cookies and websites, and it is passive, so it won't conflict with existing antispyware software. SuperAntiSpyware and Adaware are frequently used antispyware programs as well.

Get a firewall. Windows Firewall is sub-par and there are other good free ones, like Online Armor. They help block malicious connections.

As a person whose butt has been saved multiple times by Malwarebytes, I HIGHLY recommend getting Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The free version is excellent at removing malware during an infection, but it does not proactively prevent malware. The professional version includes real-time protection and a malicious-IP blocker, it does not interfere with existing security programs, and the malware removal experts recommend it. Since I hunt spam on the MBAM boards they gave Spam Hunters a free license

There are quite a few good add-ons for Firefox that keep it more secure. WOT is a website rating add-on that derives its ratings from community reviews, and it is uses color coding to identify the safety of websites. NoScript blocks scripts such as Java unless you specifically allow it for that site. It is annoying to put safe websites on the whitelist, but trust me, if you get redirected or fall for typosquatting (using typos for legitimate websites to bring users to bad ones) NoScript will prevent the website from infecting your computer via script.

Update your Hosts File.

Update your security software daily. This helps prevent zero-day malware from sneaking through.

Internet Explorer sucks. Use Firefox or Chrome, although Google will one day take over the world. You're laughing right now, but just wait and see. It will happen.

If you get infected, God forbid, do not spend money on an IT guy. Go to a support forum, like MBAM forums or Bleeping Computer. They have removal guides as well as experts who will read HijackThis or other logs and help you remove the infection. If you go to a support forum it cannot be stressed enough to follow the instructions they give you to the letter. They will prescribe tools such as ComboFix if need be. ComboFix is not an antimalware application. It is a power removal tool. If antiviruses are like security cameras for your home, then these power tools are like AKs and grenades to clear out burglars. If used incorrectly they can actually cause more damage than the malware itself.

Most importantly, don't be an idiot. Don't download porn. Don't click on ads. If popups appear telling you that your computer is infected, but the popups either don't tell you what program is making the popups or are listed under a generic name (Security Tool, for example) they are likely fake. Check the reliability of a site before you download from it. CNET is a good download site although apparently they may have been bundling malware with their downloads. Don't pirate software. Don't click on a random link because it seem interesting.

 

[Mycroft]

Another step you can take to increase your Windows security is to upgrade to Windows 8.

Windows 8 security explained | News | TechRadar

 

[Oozlefinch]

Not saying yours wasn't, but the actual Admin account is usually hidden.

Enable the (Hidden) Administrator Account on Windows 7 or Vista

First you’ll need to open a command prompt in administrator mode by right-clicking and choosing “Run as administrator” (or use the Ctrl+Shift+Enter shortcut from the search box)


Now type the following command: net user administrator /active:yes


The computers actual Administrator's account is now unhidden and accessible.​

​

​

Enable the (Hidden) Administrator Account on Windows 7 or Vista - How-To Geek​

Do with it as you choose. Even rename it if you like.

Yea, but this takes some work on the part of the user, something the majority of users would have no idea how to do.

Remember, 90% of users barely know how to get into the Control Panel, let alone how to manage user accounts. I knowingly guage the majority of my posts to the level of the common user.

I bet that less then 2 in 10 even know how to edit their registry, let alone the command to bring the editor up. Generally people that can do things like edit users are more of a POWER USER, so beyond the scope that I generally post to.

 

[SMTA]

To copy - control + C

To paste - control + V

Works very quickly!

 

[zstep18]

I don't know if this has been said, but there are several free antivirus programs (Avast, AVG, Avira, etc) that you can find online which are just as good, if not better than the expensive versions (Norton, McAfee, etc).

 

[Excon]

Please don't download bootlegged software.

Fair enough. Yes everybody, please do not.

It goes without saying that you are a douche if you download Warez,

Ridiculous.
It is as ridiculous as saying that everybody who labels another is a douche. It just isn't true.

but they are often bundled with malware.

Depends on how you define often.
My experience tells me that it is 'few and far between". Meaning, you are more likely to get infected from poor surfing habits.

A lot of the paid antiviruses suck. McAfee is ****. Spyware Doctor is way overpriced but can't detect squat. Norton and Symantec are mediocre. A lot of the best are free, like Microsoft Security Essentials and avast! free antivirus (the professional and Internet Security licenses for these are paid but they add extra features, they don't improve the virus detection itself). ESET's NOD32 is paid but it is very good.

Don't use more than one antivirus and antispyware at once. Instead of helping each other, they will actually conflict.

Get an antispyware program to complement your antivirus. MSE and avast! have spyware detection engineered into their antivirus program. SpywareBlaster helps block malicious
scripts, cookies and websites, and it is passive, so it won't conflict with existing antispyware software. SuperAntiSpyware and Adaware are frequently used antispyware programs as well.

Get a firewall. Windows Firewall is sub-par and there are other good free ones, like Online Armor. They help block malicious connections.

As a person whose butt has been saved multiple times by Malwarebytes, I HIGHLY recommend getting Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The free version is excellent at removing malware during an infection, but it does not proactively prevent malware. The professional version includes real-time protection and a malicious-IP blocker, it does not interfere with existing security programs, and the malware removal experts recommend it. Since I hunt spam on the MBAM boards they gave Spam Hunters a free license

There are quite a few good add-ons for Firefox that keep it more secure. WOT is a website rating add-on that derives its ratings from community reviews, and it is uses color coding to identify the safety of websites. NoScript blocks scripts such as Java unless you specifically allow it for that site. It is annoying to put safe websites on the whitelist, but trust me, if you get redirected or fall for typosquatting (using typos for legitimate websites to bring users to bad ones) NoScript will prevent the website from infecting your computer via script.

Update your Hosts File.

Update your security software daily. This helps prevent zero-day malware from sneaking through.

Internet Explorer sucks. Use Firefox or Chrome, although Google will one day take over the world. You're laughing right now, but just wait and see. It will happen.

If you get infected, God forbid, do not spend money on an IT guy. Go to a support forum, like MBAM forums or Bleeping Computer. They have removal guides as well as experts who will read HijackThis or other logs and help you remove the infection. If you go to a support forum it cannot be stressed enough to follow the instructions they give you to the letter. They will prescribe tools such as ComboFix if need be. ComboFix is not an antimalware application. It is a power removal tool. If antiviruses are like security cameras for your home, then these power tools are like AKs and grenades to clear out burglars. If used incorrectly they can actually cause more damage than the malware itself.

Most importantly, don't be an idiot. Don't download porn. Don't click on ads. If popups appear telling you that your computer is infected, but the popups either don't tell you what program is making the popups or are listed under a generic name (Security Tool, for example) they are likely fake. Check the reliability of a site before you download from it. CNET is a good download site although apparently they may have been bundling malware with their downloads. Don't pirate software. Don't click on a random link because it seem interesting.

All good advice folks. The bottom line is, "get protected".
And it really doesn't mater which one as long as you have something for both a firewall and anti-virus/malware. Something is always better than nothing. And it usually boils down to preference amongst seasoned users.

For free Firewalls, Comodo has been rated as "Spectacular" by CNET's editor.
Firewall ? Download Free Firewall Software From Comodo
They have both free versions for a Firewall and an Anti-virus.


Me, I Like Zone Alarm and use it's advanced settings.
PC Mag, for the 2012 versions, rated Zone Alarm Free Firewall as Excellent, and Comodo's as Good.
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 2012 | Review & Rating | PCMag.com
Comodo Firewall 5 | Review & Rating | PCMag.com

Just make sure you have one besides Microsoft's.
Find one you are comfortable with and then learn how to use it and configure it. Just don't rely on it's "out of the box" settings.

And test your firewall with online scanners.
Such as the following:

"Shields Up" by Gibson Research.
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Port scan by SecurityMetrics
https://www.securitymetrics.com/portscan.adp​

And do not forget about the security settings in your router.
Learn about them and set them.



There are also online anti-virus scanners that you can use . Because no scanner actually catches everything, look in to them.


And as recommended above - Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a must.
Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware download


Clean your browsers cache.

---

General tips.


Clean out your temporary files. OldTimer has a tool specifically for this.
Get it and use it from time to time. It is free.
The download link is across from the heading in a green box that says "Download".

TFC - Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer - Geeks to Go Forums


Use your systems "Disk Cleanup".

From the screen listing your drives.

Right-click on the drive (usually "C" drive), select properties.
On the General tab to the lower right of the Pie-graph, will be a button to select disk clean up. Choose it and do it from time to time.​

 

[Excon]

Another step you can take to increase your Windows security is to upgrade to Windows 8.

Windows 8 security explained | News | TechRadar

You really seem to like Windows 8.
Others think it sucks.

---

Remember, 90% of users barely know how to get into the Control Panel, let alone how to manage user accounts. I knowingly guage the majority of my posts to the level of the common user.

Time to expose them to more then.

God Mode!

Well, not really. It's just a name.

Create a folder anywhere and name it the following: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

Any name will do before the period though. Such as Lump.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

Then open it up and be surprised.

Or read the below for a better understanding before doing.
Not for Vista 64, or so I have been told.

How to Open God Mode on Windows 8, 7 & Vista

[...]
Windows in God mode? On first instance this looks joke but it is true and NOT A JOKE. God mode makes you true Windows God allowing you to access all Windows settings without having to click or hop between different dialog windows.
[...]​

How to Open God Mode on Windows 8, 7 & Vista​

Stupid Windows 7 trick: unlock the secret God Mode folder

[...]
Well, for starters, it's not really a mode. And it's nothing you need to be a deity to pull off, either.
Rather, it's a folder packed with shortcuts to just about every settings change and administrative function in Windows 7. Everything you'll find in the Action Center, Backup and Restore, Autorun, Desktop Gadgets, Devices and Printers -- it's all there. All dumped in one central location for easy access.
[...]​

​

​

Stupid Windows 7 trick: unlock the secret God Mode folder​

 

[Mycroft]

You really seem to like Windows 8.
Others think it sucks.

Yes, I do.

Not only does it do Win7 stuff better than Win7, but I can do all the cool new Win8 stuff too.


To those who are tempted by GODMODE, I will only offer this reminder:

"With great power comes great responsibility"
- Uncle Ben -

 

[Excon]

Yes, I do.

Not only does it do Win7 stuff better than Win7, but I can do all the cool new Win8 stuff too.


To those who are tempted by GODMODE, I will only offer this reminder:

"With great power comes great responsibility"
- Uncle Ben -

The interface was designed for 3 year olds.
That's cool if that is what you prefer.