Here are a few more tips that fit better in the category of 'Did You Know?'.  If, after reading the tips, you have additional questions, please contact us at support@EnterprisePCServices.com and we'll gladly provide any additional clarifications.  If you don't have the time or the desire to perform these recommendations, please consider the Flat Rate Annual Labor Maintenance Plans offered by Enterprise PC Services. 
We will do all this and much more for you on a regular basis.

Warning - some graphics on this page may take a while to load at dial-up internet speeds !

Table of Contents

1. Performance Upgrades
2. Firewalls
3. Windows Updates
4. AdWare/SpyWare
5. Broadband Internet Connections
6. Emergency Startup Disks
7. Learn to Single-Click Instead of Double-Clicking
8. Home/Small Business Networks

Performance Upgrades

Memory

Often the best upgrade for the dollar vs. increased performance is additional memory.  With today's Windows operating system memory needs coupled with the memory demands of applications such as word processing, graphics, photo processing, etc, if you have less than 128MB of system memory your system performance will become disappointing.  When you have more memory demanding applications running that you have main system memory available, you will notice your hard disk thrashing frantically to keep up.  This is because Windows is using your hard disk as temporary system memory while it swaps the data it needs from the relatively slower hard disk to the fast main memory, and vice versa.  As cheap as memory is today, this should not be constraint on your system.  Better yet, upgrade to 256MB or more.

Hard Disk

Today's applications and Windows itself consume lots of hard disk space.  Toss in music files, digital photo files from your camera and the like and you soon find that your available hard disk space is starting to dwindle quickly.  Two solutions are to delete unused files  and uninstall unused applications (click here for applications to help you achieve this) or to archive little used files to some other offline media, such as CD, Zip disk, etc.  These are important no matter what size hard disk you have, but if you have an older, smaller hard disk or just cannot find enough space to free up, then look to getting a new, larger hard disk.  Besides the extra space, there is a good chance your system performance will also benefit significantly if your computer is not more than 2-3 years old.  Recent computers should be able to take advantage of not only the extra space, but also the faster performance of new hard disks.  Even if your computer is not new enough to take advantage of the increased performance, don't despair, you can almost always add that capability via an add-in card that provides the updated electronics needed to take advantage of all the hard drive can offer.  Need help sorting through all this?  Please contact us at Enterprise PC Services at (703) 472-1232 or email us at support@EnterprisePCServices.com and we'll be glad to assist you.

CPU

Got an older computer that has just lost its horsepower and is overwhelmed by today's demanding applications and operating systems, but you really don't want to invest in a new computer?  Even with the reduced prices of new computer systems today, often it is still more cost-effective to upgrade your CPU to get several more years of satisfactory performance out of that old machine.  Or maybe you just want to use it as an additional computer or for your business, your children or whatever.  This is a very reasonable alternative to extending its useful life.  Enterprise PC Services is able to offer you a line of CPU upgrades that are among the most popular and reliable available for all platforms from older Intel 486 to the newer Pentium 4 based machines.

We can offer these to you at prices below the retail price available from the manufacturer on the internet.(Contact us for details)

Back to Top

Firewalls

Confused about firewalls?  Well, it can certainly be confusing whether you really need one or not.  The rule of thumb is fairly simple.  Anyone can use a firewall for added security, but if you have an always on, high-speed (broadband) connection like DSL or cable, you definitely need a firewall to provide the protection required.  This goes for homes and small businesses alike.  Again, there are numerous firewall solutions available, but our recommendation, from experience, for ease of installation and use is ZoneAlarm .

Back to Top

Windows Updates

Ever been working on your computer, connected to the internet, when all of a sudden a window pops up and says you have Windows Updates available?  When you install the Windows operating system, often the option to have the system automatically check for updates whenever you are online is automatically enabled.  But whether enabled or not you need to heed this message or manually check for new updates on a regular basis.  The majority of Windows updates, particularly those in the critical updates category, are security related.  These are patches to Windows which close up a newly discovered security vulnerability.  We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you always download and install the critical updates.  The remaining categories, recommended updates and drivers are generally related to performance updates for Windows applications or software drivers for your computer's hardware.  If things are working OK, you generally don't need to download and install these, in other words "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT !!!"  If you have questions about what to install or not, contact us.

See the graphics below to see how to manually check for Windows Updates.

WINDOWS 9X/Me UPDATE STEPS

Windows 9X Update Step 1

Windows 9X Update Step 3

Windows 9X Update Step 3

WINDOWS XP UPDATE STEPS

Windows XP Update Step 1

Windows XP Update Step 2

Windows XP Update Step 3

There is also another set of Microsoft applications that receive frequent updates and these are the Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.  These aren't as regular as the Windows updates and you cannot automate the check for these, but they are equally important to check for periodically.

See the graphics below to see how to manually check for Office Updates.

Microsoft Office Updates from Windows 9X/Me

Microsoft Office Updates from Windows XP - Step1 from Windows Update page

Microsoft Office Updates from Windows XP - Step2
 

Back to Top

AdWare/SpyWare

AdWare and SpyWare are not viruses (though some would argue this point because of how they get into your system), but are applications or even mini-applications (applets) that track your internet browsing habits.  Some of these purport to ENHANCE your browsing experience by modifying the way your browser or cursor or other Windows components.  Often these NEAT, FUN (?) enhancements are just a cover-up for what is actually going on in the background.  These are usually installed in conjunction with another legitimate application you bought or downloaded and it quietly piggy-backs on the installation to install itself.  Others come via specialized applets that quietly install themselves in the background when you browse various internet sites.

The AdWare/SpyWare then either attempts to insert Ad pop-ups based on where you browse or WORSE, send information on what sites you have browsed to some undisclosed internet address (purportedly just to gather marketing data) - ALL WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE or CONSENT in most cases (some so-called AdWare/SpyWare products argue that these functions are included in the legal language, i.e. fine print, that comes with the real product you thought you were installing - MORAL: at least scan the fine print before installing anything).  So while they aren't viruses, they are certainly an invasion of your privacy in most cases.  To make things even more frustrating, oftentimes, when you decide to uninstall some of these obtrusive

Below are just a few of the applications that fall in this category:

Adware, AdBreak, AdReady, Alexa, Aureate, Bulla.com, Comet Cursor, Cydoor, Doubleclick, DSSAgent, EverAd, eZula, Expedioware, Flyswat, HomePageWare, SEBar, OfferCompanion, Hotbar, OnFlow, TimeSink, Web3000, Webhancer, Transponder, Wnad, ZapSpot, SurfPlus, AdvertBar, NetPal, CashBar, WurldMediaBHO, MessageMates, EWA, Ezsearchbar, CommonName, GoHip, DownloadWare, NetworkEssentials, ImiServerIEPlugin, TopMoxie, Lop.Com, BDE Projector, UCmore, OpenMe, JaypeeSysBHo, FlashTrack, NetRadar, NetZany, NetSource, NowBox, TrustToolBar, WinAd, Kontiki, 7faSSt Search, iWonCopilot, many BrowserHijackers and more...

These and many more can be safely detected and removed by a FREEWARE product called Ad-Aware .  Click here for more details from their website.  Download and run AdAware and accept its recommendations to remove any detected components.  Then check for and download any updates and rescan every month or so.

And regain control of your internet browsing privacy !!!

Back to Top

Broadband Internet Connections

Broadband is anything faster than using a 56K (usually less) connection across your telephone line.  For most people, broadband is high speed internet access via DSL or Cable or Satellite.  Broadband service is not available everywhere, but if it is available in your area and you use the internet a lot, you'll NEVER regret spending the extra money to have the faster access.

Unless you have experienced broadband internet access, you cannot imagine what you are missing and how much TIME you are WASTING online with slow access.  Once you HAVE experienced broadband, you'll wonder how you lived without it and will never go back to the slow connections.  When you do get broadband access, don't forget to implement a firewall.

There are lots of vendors that offer broadband access, so check them all to learn what is available and what deals they are offering.  And as always, if you are overwhelmed by all this or just don't have the time or interest to do the research, contact us at Enterprise PC Services at (703) 472-1232 or email us at support@EnterprisePCServices.com and we'll be glad to assist you.

Back to Top

Emergency Startup Disks

'Emergency' makes it sound pretty scary, but that it when they are generally needed.  When an event happens that prevents you from booting your computer from your hard drive, a set of 'emergency' startup disks is invaluable to fix the problem and get things back to normal.  Events which can cause this range from computer viruses, improper or corrupted installation of applications, corruption of vital Windows system files to hard disk errors or even failure.

With an emergency startup disk, you can almost always get your computer started up into the old MS-DOS mode (the prompt), with access to your CD-ROM drive, to be able to troubleshoot or reinstall uncorrupted files, to scan for viruses or even to install a new hard drive.

The key to all this is to have an Emergency Startup Disk available BEFORE anything like this happens.  So get an unused floppy disk and make a startup disk NOW !!!

To create an MS-DOS startup disk for WINDOWS 9X/Me:

The MS-DOS startup disk you create will allow you to boot into MS-DOS.

1. Insert a floppy disk into your computer's floppy drive.
2. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel
   
   
   
   then double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon
   
   
    
3. Click on the Startup Disk tab, then click on Create Disk.
4. Follow instructions to complete the startup disk creation.
5. When completed, be sure to label the floppy disk as your Windows Emergency Startup Disk.
6. Leave the floppy disk in the drive and restart your system to test the Emergency Startup Disk.
   Your system should restart and show the C:> prompt.  (If you have problems, repeat the whole
   process with another floppy disk.  The original may not be readable for some reason.)
7. Remove the floppy disk, store it in a safe place, then reboot from your hard drive as usual.

CAUTION:

Notes

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To create an MS-DOS startup disk for WINDOWS XP:

The MS-DOS startup disk you create will allow you to boot into MS-DOS.

1. Insert a floppy disk into your computer's floppy drive.
2. Open My Computer  (see note below), and then click the floppy disk drive to select it.
3. On the File menu, point to the name of the floppy drive, and then click Format.
4. Under Format options, click Create an MS-DOS startup disk.
5. Click Start.
6. When completed, be sure to label the floppy disk as your Windows Emergency Startup Disk.
7. Leave the floppy disk in the drive and restart your system to test the Emergency Startup Disk.
   Your system should restart and show the C:> prompt.  (If you have problems, repeat the whole
   process with another floppy disk.  The original may not be readable for some reason.)
8. Remove the floppy disk, store it in a safe place, then reboot from your hard drive as usual.

CAUTION:

Notes

Back to Top

Learn to Single-Click Instead of Double-Clicking

OK, you browse the internet and SINGLE-Click links to navigate the world-wide-web.  So why do you have to DOUBLE-Click
everything in Windows?  Why waste all that energy, wear out the mouse quicker and increase your risk of carpal tunnel
syndrome?

Well, the answer is that since Windows 98, you no longer have to DOUBLE-Click you icons.

1. Open My Computer  (click Start, and then click My Computer)
2. Click on Tools, Folder Options
   
   
   
   For Windows 9X/Me, follow step 3a.  For Windows XP, skip ahead to step 3b.
    
3. a. (Windows 9X/Me) On the General tab, select Single-click to open an item (point to select)
   and optionally select Underline icon titles only when I point at them
   to provide you feedback as to where your mouse is actually pointing.
   
   
   
   b. (Windows XP) On the General tab, select Single-click to open an item (point to select)
   and optionally select Underline icon titles only when I point at them
   to provide you feedback as to where your mouse is actually pointing.
   
   
    
4. That's it - NO MORE DOUBLE-Clicking !!!

Back to Top

Home/Small Business Networks

You have more than one computer (and maybe printers) and they are in different rooms.  You'd like to be able to set them up in a small network to share files and printers and perhaps other peripherals.

There are many ways to accomplish this, from direct cable links to running Ethernet cabling between rooms (or through walls & ceiling) to wireless networks.  All have their advantages and disadvantages, but we would generally recommend the wireless solution for Home/Small Business Networks, as the easiest implemented with today's technologies.  It is quick to set up, administer and provides sufficient performance to be very cost-effective for most network demands in the Home/Small Business.

Besides many networking methods, there are numerous reputable vendors of networking equipment.  For the Home/Small Business Network, we have had excellent experience with the LinkSys line of networking products.

Having said this, we also caution that every user's networking needs and expectations can differ significantly, so if you have any questions about what is best for you, how to implement it and to save on your equipment costs, please contact us at Enterprise PC Services at (703) 472-1232 or email us at support@EnterprisePCServices.com and we'll be glad to assist you.

Back to Top

This site was last updated 12/18/03                                                                       
All Rights Reserved © Enterprise PC Services 2002-2003