Help! How do I...
...set up a firewall?
...restore my computer (Windows XP)?
...get rid of spyware?
...disable Windows Messenger popups?
...remove viruses?
...protect my computer from viruses?
...update my operating system?
...get network card drivers?
...safely open my computer case?
How to Set Up a Firewall
Why do I want to do that?
See this Firewall FAQ at TechTV.com.
How do I do it?
Download and install Zone Alarm for free.
How to Restore Your Windows XP Computer
Why do I want to do that?
You should create a restore point when your computer is working well, especially before you try installing anything new. If something goes wrong with
your machine, you can undo the damage by reverting to the restore point.
How do I do it?
Follow this tutorial at TechTV.com.
How to Remove Spyware
Why do I want to do that?
Spyware is a file or program that was installed on your computer - usually without your knowledge or consent - in order to monitor your computer
and internet usage and serve you ads. Many people consider this to be an invasion of privacy. Additionally, these programs can slow your
computer's performance over time if enough of them are running at once.
How do I do it?
Download, install, and run AntiSpyware software such as these free products:
(These links are provided only for your benefit and does not constitute an endorsement of any of these products.)
(These links are provided only for your benefit and does not constitute an endorsement of any of these products.)
- Full McAfee VirusScan + AntiSpyware (available only for on-campus students)
- Windows Defender
- Spybot Search and Destroy
- SUPERAntiSpyware
- AVG Anti-Spyware Free
- Ad-Aware Free
- PC Tools ThreatFire
How to Disable Windows Messenger
Why do I want to do that?
Windows Messenger is not the same as MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger, which you may use to chat with friends. Windows Messenger was intended for network administrators
to be able to send messages to Windows users on their network. It can abused and used to send "popup spam" to anyone running the service.
How do I do it?
Follow the instructions written by Microsoft.
How to Remove a Virus and Prevent Future Infection
Why do I want to do that?
See this information from Wikipedia..
How do I do it?
If you already know what virus your computer has, download the removal tool from Symantec or Grisoft.
If not, you can download and install an all-purpose anti-virus program such as these free products:
(These links are provided only for your benefit and does not constitute an endorsement of any of these products.)
(These links are provided only for your benefit and does not constitute an endorsement of any of these products.)
How to Update Your Operating System
Why do I want to do that?
Operating system manufacturers frequently discover bugs that can affect system performance and security. Frequent updating ensures that your computer
is running the latest fixes.
How do I do it?
Windows users should refer to the Microsoft site for updates.
Mac users should refer to the Apple site for updates.
Mac users should refer to the Apple site for updates.
How to Get Network Card Drivers
Why do I want to do that?
Having the most recent drivers is important for your network card to communicate with your computer.
How do I do it?
Find your card's manufacturer and model number. You may have to refer to the card's manual or open the computer case and look at the card. For instructions on
how to safely look inside a computer, refer to this excerpt from The Secret Guide to Computers.
Once you have determined your card's manufacturer, go to the appropriate web site and find the driver for your model number.
Once you have determined your card's manufacturer, go to the appropriate web site and find the driver for your model number.
How to Safely Open Your Computer Case
Why do I want to do that?
Because you're curious? Or because you need to look at your hardware to get a model number so you can update a driver.
How do I do it?
Here is an excerpt from The Secret Guide to Computers:
If you wish to open the system unit's case, to remove dust from inside it, be careful not to give your computer a shock of static electricity. The computer's chips are delicate and can get destroyed by even the smallest spark. To avoid shocks, do this:
Avoid working on the computer in the winter, when the air is cold and the humidity is low. Wait until summer, when the air is warm and the humidity is high.
Avoid shuffling across the carpet in rubber-soled shoes. Remove your shoes and socks (so you look like a beach bum or hippie). Remove the carpet, or cover it with a plastic mat (or newspaper), or put anti-static spray on the carpet.
While working on the computer, keep it turned off but still plugged into a 3-prong grounded socket. Keep touching the outside of the computer's case, which will be grounded. You can also keep touching other big metal objects in the room - so you'll shock them instead of your computer.
Avoid directly touching the chips.
When fiddling inside the computer's case, make sure you don't loosen any of the cables inside, since if a cable gets loose you might forget which socket it belongs in and which direction it should be twisted in.
To remove dust, wipe it off - or just take a deep breath and blow, but try to avoid blowing spit.
If you wish to open the system unit's case, to remove dust from inside it, be careful not to give your computer a shock of static electricity. The computer's chips are delicate and can get destroyed by even the smallest spark. To avoid shocks, do this:
Avoid working on the computer in the winter, when the air is cold and the humidity is low. Wait until summer, when the air is warm and the humidity is high.
Avoid shuffling across the carpet in rubber-soled shoes. Remove your shoes and socks (so you look like a beach bum or hippie). Remove the carpet, or cover it with a plastic mat (or newspaper), or put anti-static spray on the carpet.
While working on the computer, keep it turned off but still plugged into a 3-prong grounded socket. Keep touching the outside of the computer's case, which will be grounded. You can also keep touching other big metal objects in the room - so you'll shock them instead of your computer.
Avoid directly touching the chips.
When fiddling inside the computer's case, make sure you don't loosen any of the cables inside, since if a cable gets loose you might forget which socket it belongs in and which direction it should be twisted in.
To remove dust, wipe it off - or just take a deep breath and blow, but try to avoid blowing spit.