Updating your computer can be frustrating if you aren’t sure which updates you need. This list will help you recognize the important ones. These updates are for the good of your computer. Mostly they are offered when a software company realizes there is a security flaw – meaning a “hole” that is allowing viruses or spyware to get through. These updates help to prevent these attacks.Windows Updates – If you computer is set for automatic updating, most updates will download and install without you having to do anything. Check in the “Security” section of your control panel to make sure it is set for automatic updating. You can also use your start menu, by going to All Programs – Windows Updates.
Java Updates – Many websites use Java these days. If your Java is out of date, you may have trouble loading many web pages. For security reasons and to help your computer run better, install these updates. Just watch for any additional software that it tries to install with it!
Adobe Updates – Your Adobe Reader which allows you to read pdf files may have security updates. It is in your best interest to allow them. From the same company, you may be notified that your “Flash” is outdated. Flash is used by many websites and again, without the newest software on your computer, the pages may not load.
In the News
Thousands may lose Internet in July. An international hacker ran an online advertising scam to take control of infected computers around the world. The FBI set up a safely net months ago using government computers to prevent disruption for those infected users. However, this system is set to be shut down in July! Visit this website http://www.dcwg.org which is run by a security partner of the FBI. It will scan your system and if you are infected, it will tell you how to fix the problem. If you are infected, you will not be able to connect to the internet after July 9, 2012.iPad Apps
OnLive Desktop – Cost: Free – Sign up online for a free account at http://desktop.onlive.com/. After you have done this, visit the App store on your iPad and install the App. You can then transfer PowerPoint, Word or Excel files from your PC or Mac to your iPad and easily access and edit them.Go To My PC– Cost: Free – This App is now free which wasn’t always the case. You can set this up to access your computer while you are away from it – from either another room or another country.
Evernote – Cost: Free – A great note taking system that allows images, clips from the Internet and more. It’s also free for your PC or Mac, and it will sync with it through the Cloud eliminating the need for a cable.
Tip of the month
4 ways to speed up your pc
1. Free up disk space -If you have programs on your computer that you are not using, uninstall them! Go to Control Panel – Add or Remove Programs. Look in the list for programs that you aren’t using anymore. Also, use Disk Cleanup to remove Temporary Internet files, downloaded program files,and empty your recycle bin. Go to My Computer and right click on the “C” drive. Choose Properties with a left click and you should see a Disk Cleanup button on the General tab.2. Speed up access to your data –
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. Go to My Computer and right click on the “C” drive. With a left click choose Properties. Choose the “Tools” tab and the “Defragment Now” button. If your hard disk doesn’t need defragging, it will give you that message. If not, let it run. Optimally you should check this weekly. If you delete a large number of files or you start to receive a message that your hard drive is low on disk space, check. the disk defragmenter.
3. As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors which can cause your computer to slow down or sometimes make data writing difficult or even impossible. If possible, run this utility at least once a month. Go to My Computer and right click on the “C” drive. With a left click choose Properties. Choose the “Tools” tab and the “Check Now” button (part of Error-Checking).
4. Remove spyware and make sure you have up to date Anti-virus protection.
There are a few good free programs that you can download. Go to www.cnet.com/downloads to find most of them. On that page you should see a column of “Most Popular Downloads”. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is great for removing spyware/malware. In the same popular list you should also see a few free Anti-virus offers – AVG, Avira and Ad-Aware. A free program is better than no program at all. DO NOT put more than one anti-virus program on your computer, though. Once you have installed one, make sure you keep it updated. Many of the programs will let you know when an update is available and most “paid for ” programs like Norton, will update automatically.
