Computer Info – May 23, 2001

This Week’s Meeting

        Install Norton AntiVirus 2001 and take a look at its features. Also look at MS-Config and what information it contains. The usual question and answers also.

Norton Anti-Virus 2001 (version 7)

System Status
        This screen will show you
                    When the last virus was found
                    How many days before the update service for your virus definitions expires.
                    The date of your virus definitions
                    How many items are in quarantine
E-mail Status
        This screen will list your e-mail accounts and let you know if they are protected.
Scan For Viruses
        This is where you scan an individual file – a floppy – a folder – all drives, etc.
Reports
        View and manage what is in quarantine.
        View a report on what viruses Norton has found and the action taken
        View a list of all the viruses that Norton is protecting against (over 49,000)
Scheduling
        This is where you can set up a schedule for your virus program to scan your complete system
LiveUpdate
        Takes you online and downloads the latest updates and virus definition files.
Rescue
        Creates a set of disks to help you run your anti-virus program in the event that a virus has made your system unbootable. The rescue disks can be made using two methods – Zip Rescue (which puts the information on a Zip disk and a floppy) and the Basic Rescue (which will put the information onto floppy disks).
Options
        This is where you can make changes to how the program operates.

MS-Config

        MS-Config is the System Configuration Utility that is available in Windows 98 and Windows ME. To run it, from the START button – choose RUN. Then type in MSCONFIG.
        Here you will find a tab for GENERAL – WIN.INI – SYSTEM.INI – STARTUP.
        USE THIS UTILITY WITH CAUTION !!! USE IT MAINLY FOR LOOKING AT AND NOT FOR MAKING CHANGES UNLESS YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE DOING !!!

Web Sites

Virtual Reality Panoramas
                    360 degree scenic panoramas – has scroll bars or you can move it smoothly with your mouse.
                                                               http://www.carlheilman.com/virtual.html
Free Answers
        This site allows you to ask a question about any MICROSOFT – ADOBE – or INTUIT product – and it will search it’s database for an answer for you.
http://www.freeanswers.com/default.asp

TIPS FOR TINKERING WITH YOUR PC

        1. Back it up. Backing up your entire hard disk might be impractical, but make sure all your data files backed up. Don't just do it once--make it a regular habit.
        2. Make sure you have up-to-date Windows startup disks (Control Panel >Add/Remove Programs > Startup Disk). Be sue to have copies of all your device drivers handy as well.
        3. The Windows Registry is not something to be fooled with unless you have some experience using it already. Even if you are familiar with the Registry, you should be extremely careful not to stray from the task at hand or you'll risk severely damaging your system.
        4. Did we mention that you should back up your files?
        5. Partition your hard disk. Put your data files on a separate volume from your operating system and programs. Put a copy of your operating system on a separate hard disk as well: It will make backups and re-installation of software much easier.
        6. Paste a copy of each program's serial number to its CD jewel case, or use a permanent marker to write the number on the CD itself (on the label side!).
        7. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you have no compelling reason to open the case or upgrade your operating system or applications, don't.
        8. Backup is important.

Lockup Problems with Windows

        There are a number of reasons why the operating system (Windows) could seize up and you may want to investigate why it’s happening before you take action. First of all, try to remember when the lockups started happening. Was it after you installed a new game or software? Was it after you downloaded an attachment in an email? Usually the root of the problem is somewhere along those lines. If so, simply click on Start in the task bar. Go to Settings and then Control Panel. Here, double-click on Add/Remove Programs. You’ll see a list of all the programs you’ve installed on your computer. Simply highlight the possible culprit application and then click the Add/Remove button. The Windows Uninstaller will do the rest. If the problem began after downloading an email attachment, it might be wise to run your virus utility on the hard drive to determine if it can be repaired. If neither of these is the case you may want to try reconfiguring your start up files if you have Windows 98, 98 SE, or ME. Go to Start and then Run. In the dialog box that appears type in MSCONFIG. This will conjure the System Configuration Utility. Here you can click on the Start Up tab and see all the items that are loading whenever Windows initializes. Technically, you only need to have a few things checked in here – System Tray, Task Monitor, Scan Registry, Load Power Profile and Multifunction Keyboard (if you have one) – every other check can be removed. When finished discarding the unnecessary shortcuts, you can click Apply and then OK. Your computer will prompt you to restart and you should notice a quicker startup time too. (Note – Removing the checks in MSCONFIG does not remove programs from the computer, it simply takes them out of the startup group. You can still access them from the program menu).
        Another thing you can try is running Scan Disk and a Defrag. Go to Start, Programs, Accessories and then System Tools. Here you will see the two utilities, Scan Disk will comb the hard drive for errors and can even repair various errors if they are detected. Defragmenting the drive is a way to organize data written to the disk so that it is easier to access. One thing to keep in mind is that the time to run a defrag is proportional to the size of the drive.
 
 

File Name Extensions

        By default, Windows Me (and Windows 98) hides file name extensions for all known file types, which is fine if you're in Details view. But you many want to see extensions in other views—and some e-mail programs may even have difficulty recognizing attachments without them.
        To turn on extensions -----
                    1.On the Tools menu in Windows Explorer, click Folder Options.
                    2.Click the View tab.
                    3.Clear the Hide file extensions for known file types check box.