Moderated by Frank Myers



  1. Member tried to update Adaware and was asked to pay $59 plus tax. How do you update the free software?
      2. Answer:
    • You don't need Adaware if you have AVG 8.5 running - You can use MalwareBytes Anti Malware and SuperAntiSpyware as second and third anti spyware programs.

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  2. Is SuperAntispyware O.K. with AVG?
      3. Answer:
    • Professional MalwareBytes Anti Malware and AVG 8.5 run together O.K.

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  3. Member has Avast anti virus - is AVG 8.5 better?
      4. Answer:
    • It's a draw.

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  4. When an anti virus program finds a virus, do you put it in the vault or delete it?
      5. Answer:
    • Preference is to delete it. The history of AVG lists virus and malware in vault - hit "delete" and remove them.

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  5. What is the best way to run diagnostic tests on hardware and software?
      6. Answer:
    • A member suggests using Dr. Watson which comes with Windows. If warnings appear about your hard drive when you start your computer it is our recommended strategy to let it scan the indicated drive. If it finds bad sectors or faults, Windows will try to repair them. This warning usually occurs when your computer shuts down from a power failure or you push and hold the on/off button for 8 seconds.

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  6. Member has Acronis 11 and uses the installed program on his hard drive to get an image. Is this OK?
      7. Answer:
    • Windows is running so image may not be accurate. You should boot from an Acronis CD to get a true image. You use the installed program to generate this "bootable" CD. Click on "Tools", then on "Create Bootable Rescue Media".

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  7. What is the "image" you are referring to?
      8. Answer:
    • This is an image of your hard drive or a partition on your hard drive.

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  8. Does Windows ever get caught up and stop running?
      9. Answer:
    • Windows is running at least 50 small programs at any time. All kinds of programs (called ".dlls") are running to be ready to function when needed. AVG for example, is continuously checking the files on your hard drive.

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  9. Is it an honest image or compressed?
      10. Answer:
    • There are four levels of compression. The most compressed takes a long time.

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  10. Member wanted simple instructions to do basic copy of hard drive using Acronis True Image
      11. Answer:
    • Frank said he would be willing to do a presentation on this - perhaps in May.

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  11. How do you delete emails?
      12. Answer:
    • They aren't really gone unless you compact your emails. Compacting removes all emails flagged as "deleted".
    • Important note: In Outlook Express, click on "File", "Folder", then on "Compact all folders". When you ask to compact do NOT do anything while it does this task or you will have BIG trouble.
    • Overwrites take time. Compacting is not really to save space - it returns your email to a form easier to handle. When you are having email problems, Microsoft advises you to turn off anti-virus email checking and the compact your deleted email files.

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  12. Is Microsoft Outlook the same procedure?
      13. Answer:
    • No. Click on "File, then "Data File Management". Click to select your "Personal Folder" and then "Settings". On the "General Tab" click "Compact Now". Click "OK" and "Close".

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  13. Member has an external hard drive. Can you turn it off when the computer is running?
      14. Answer:
    • It can be turned off and really should be turned off when not being used - unless its main function is acting like a regular hard drive.

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  14. Items in the recycle bin - where do they come from?
      15. Answer:
    • It contains "items" that you have deleted; however, if you have made a mistake you can restore them.

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  15. Re: Delete if shared DLL - do you delete?
      16. Answer: When uninstalling programs, you may be asked to remove "shared" files. There are two schools of thought:
      • I can always get the dll file back if I encounter a problem later.
      • I don't want to risk a problem, so I'll keep the shared files.
      • Shared files are "general purpose" files more than one program can use. They usually come in the form of DLL files, and should be automatically installed with the software that needs them (assuming the setup program for the software includes them, most good setups will).
      • DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files are basically "support" files for certain types of software. They are generally (but not always) found in your Windows System directory.
      • They work like this: Let's say a program needs to perform an operation. Rather than all the coding being built into the program, it uses a particular DLL file that, with a simple call, can perform the operation for it. Saves lots of programming time, especially since many of the common DLL files are already installed with Windows.
      • I've also had lots of people ask about deleting these files. Well, the best advice is not to, since many of your DLL files are used by more than one program.
      • If you accidentally remove a critical dll, you get it back by re-installing the program that you were uninstalling.

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