Question:

Sometimes when I’m online, a website says that I need to disable my “popup blocker” to continue using the site.  What is a “popup blocker”?

Answer:

Popular during the 90’s, popups were browser windows that opened when you visited certain webpages.  Especially if you frequented ‘questionable’ websites, then you’d spend more time closing these popups than checking out the website content.  Now your browser has got a built-in “popup blocker”, which prevents unwanted popups from polluting your eye candy.  However, it also sometimes prevents you from opening windows that you actually want to open.

When a popup blocker prevents a window from opening, a message will show up somewhere on your monitor.  It will likely have an option for you to allow the popup window to open temporarily.  If it doesn’t offer this temporary option, you will have to manually disable the blocker.

To manually disable you popup blocker, click on the “Options”, “Settings”, or “Preferences” portion of your browser’s toolbar, and look for a popup blocker setting.  Alternatively, you can check your browser for the same options.

If you have manually turned off your popup blocker, don’t forget to turn it back on after you’re done, or you may end up with an eye-full!

Question:

My computer tower is stored under my desk, so I don’t look at it very often.  I happened to drop something under my desk today, and saw my computer tower for the first time since…well, probably since I stuck it under there 6 months ago.  It looks like 2 dust bunnies were going at it like…well, like rabbits (c’mon, you knew that one was coming, right?) under there!  I know you can use ‘canned air’ to clean it out, but how?

Answer:  

When your computer tower looks like it was taken over by bunnies of the dust variety, you’re right, it’s time to clean!  A dusty tower can slow your computer, make it hard for your fan to cool the tower, and put your computer at risk!  If there’s dust on the outside, there’s bound to be dust inside.  To avoid a bunny-inspired computer meltdown follow these quick & easy steps:

1.  Before you tackle the inside of the tower, turn the power off, and unplug the main power cord.

2.  Disconnect the mouse and keyboard cords (if you haven’t gone wireless yet), as well as any other cables, from the back of the tower if there is heavy dust present.

3.  Remove the dust from the outside of your computer tower.  This way you’ll avoid kicking up dust, and your computer tower drawing the dust air in AFTER you’ve already cleaned the inside.

4.  Remove both side panels from the case, if possible.  Use a screwdriver if needed.

5.  Use an antistatic wrist strap, if you have one.  It will help to discharge the electricity that’s built up in the tower.  If you don’t have one, touch a metal part on the outside of the case, and this should discharge built-up electricity.  Do not touch any parts inside until you have done this!

6.  A can of compressed air (available in any office supply store, or big chain store that sells computer accessories) works great to get the majority of the dust out of your tower.  And, at a few dollars a pop, they also work well for cleaning out keyboards.

7.  Aiming from the inside of the tower to the outside, spray the compressed air using short bursts.  Blow the air (and dust/debris) from inside the case towards the vents and grilles.

8.  Move from the top of the case to the bottom, hold the can of compressed air several inches from any components, to prevent condensation from forming.

9.  DO NOT blow compressed air directly into a CD, DVD, or floppy diskette (ask you parents what this is) drive.

10.  Ensure that you clear the dust from the fan blades.

11.  Re-attach the side panels of the case.

Quick & easy, and no more dust bunny invasion!  I’m betting, if your tower is as dusty as it sounds, that you will notice a significant improvement in its performance.

If you have a question for our Resident Geek, send it to geek@tbyd.ca.  We’ll answer it, and translate it from Geek-lish to English for you!

 

 

Question:

Hackers, malware, viruses, phishing scams…there are so many ways that people can get into your computer and jeopardize your computer and it’s data.  What can I do to prevent all of this?

Answer:

There are many assaults on your computer’s security these days, and the consequences of not having a secure computer is huge.  Here are 6 vital steps that will help to keep your computer locked up tight…and your data safe from those pests:

1.  Block Malware

One of the most important things on your security list for any computer, is to make sure it’s running antivirus software.  With many free options, as well as paid ones, there really is no excuse not to.  Of course, with so many options, comes different security features.  Some features that are a must-have are real-time protection and frequently updating virus definitions.  These updates are usually very small, so they don’t take much time or energy when downloading/installing, but they are an easy way to make sure that your system is protected from the latest malware out there.

2.  Stay Current

Security is constantly being updated.  So it’s very important to keep your PC updates coming by turning on automatic updating.  To do so, click “Start”, then “Control Panel”, then “System And Security”.  Then, on the hyperlink underneath “Windows Update”, click the “Turn Automatic Updating On Or Off”.  Then choose the “Install Updates Automatically” option.

3.  Change Your Passwords Regularly

Your passwords are the keys to your PC kingdom, and they should be protected as such.  If you use one single password for all your PC applications (banking, social networks, email, etc) then you’re putting yourself (and your information) at risk by making it easy for hackers to access everything once they hack the one password.  Pick 3 or 4 passwords, making them difficult to guess by using upper & lowercase letters, as well as numbers.  The more characters in your password, the more secure.  If you use several passwords that are hard to remember, you can use a ‘Password Manager’ (see blog titled “Magic Password, Please…”).

4.  Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your Wi-Fi network provides an open invitation to anyone driving by to have access to your PCs, notebooks or devices.  To prevent this, you need to enable your router’s security protocols.  Most routers support WPA (Wireless Protected Access) or WPA2 encryption.  WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol), is an older technology (aka more vulnerable), but it can be used if no other option is available…it’s better than nothing!  To enable these protocols, you have to log into your Router’s setup utility using a browser and the router’s IP address.  You may need consult your router manual (yes…directions!).  From there you will choose your security type, and input a password (don’t choose the same one you use for everything else!).  By doing this, any device attempting to access your network will have to use this password.

5.  Permanently Delete Files

We create and destroy computer files daily.  BUT are they really being destroyed?  Getting rid of files (especially sensitive ones) is vital to your computer’s security, and dumping them in your recycle bin doesn’t cut it.  Even if you are diligent about regularly emptying the recycle bin, it still does not ensure the security of your computer.  Hackers have their ways of finding and recovering those files.  To ensure that deleted files are deleted permanently, you need a third-party application.  Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay for this, but it’s much cheaper than having some hacker find and use those sensitive files!  You can try WebMinds’ ‘Easy File Shredder’ (www.easyfileshredder.com).  This program ensures that those deleted files stay deleted.  It also protects your whole disk drive and lets you shred files on USB and SD cards.

6.  Enable User Account Control

User Account Control is the security that notifies you anytime a program or user attempts to make changes to Windows settings or to install something on your PC.  To access User Account Control, click “Start”, then “Control Panel”, then “System And Security”.  Then find the “Action Centre” section at the top of the window, and click “Change User Account Control Settings”.  The settings with the maximum security for your PC is “Always Notify” and “Default”.  Only users that run applications not certified for use on Windows 7, are recommended to drag the slider to the bottom two settings.

By making sure you follow this short list, you are ensuring that your PC is more secure against the ne’er-do-wells out there that are bound & determined to find your favorite pasta recipe that is saved on your computer…or your banking information.

If you have a question for our resident geek, email geek@tbyd.ca.  We’ll answer your question…AND translate it from geek-lish to English!

 

Question:

We’re constantly told NOT to use the same password for everything.  However, with so many passwords, it’s impossible to remember them all!  Is it safe to store all my different usernames & passwords in a spreadsheet, if it’s password-protected?

Answer:

With all the abundance of hacking, phishing, viruses, etc, security is a hot topic these days.

The answer to your question really boils down to your comfort level.  Does the spreadsheet contain ultra-important information (eg bank account passwords, passwords to online retailers that store your credit card information)?  Do you connect to public networks?  How strong is your computer security system?  Do you use a hardware firewall (in your router), a software firewall, as well as antivirus software (that is up-to-date)?

You can use a “password manager” that can store AND encrypt your passwords.  These programs can recognize when you pay a visit to a website, and automatically inputs your username and password.  Some are capable of handling the multi-check logins that banks use.  They often include password generators that can create long, secure passwords (the ones that are impossible to remember) for each of your logins.

You are right to use multiple (different) passwords for each application.  Those that use the same password for each of their applications, do have an easy time of remembering their password.  However, they run a HUGE risk of having a malicious user break that single password which opens up every single one of that person’s applications.

An important thing to keep in mind about online retailers is that they may have access to your password.  So if you complain about a company online, make sure you use different passwords for that company’s site and the site on which you post your comments.  Or you may be providing that company with the opportunity to access your posts and “edit” them.

Email your question for our resident geekto:  geek@tbyd.ca!