Helpful Tips
Example 2:
Collapse all | Expand all What is wireless internet?
Wireless internet allows you to connect your laptop or desktop computer to a network using radio signals. Similar to the technology used with cordless phones, you will have the freedom to work from anywhere in your home. You can also easily add computers to your network, without the added expense and hassle of running long bulky cables.
How much does wireless cost?
The cost of having a wireless network installed can vary and depends on the layout of your home, how many computers you have, and what type of computers you have. Many laptops today come with wireless networking devices built-in, but most desktop computers will need a wireless network card. Feel free to contact us today to get an estimate.
What is the range of a wireless router?
Under optimal conditions, the wireless signal has a range of 300 feet.
What is spyware and how do I avoid getting it on my computer?
Spyware is software which gets installed, usually without your knowledge or consent, which generates pop-up ads and/or monitors your browsing habits. Not only is this an invasion of privacy, but it can affect the performance of your computer to the point of being unusable.
As for how to avoid becoming infested with it, there are two main ways that it happens. Installing ActiveX plugins (Internet Explorer toolbars, etc) and installing software which comes bundled with it.
How do I stop the bothersome, annoying pop-up advertisements?
It depends on what kind of pop-up you're having trouble with. Some websites generate pop-up ads when you visit them. If you're running Windows XP, Microsoft's recently released Service Pack 2 includes pop-up blocking. If you're not running Windows XP, Google's free toolbar contains "pop-up stopper" software which can automatically stop most of these pop-ups.
If you have pop-up ads when you're on a page which shouldn't have them such as Yahoo, Google, etc., or if you get them when you're not even on any page, you're probably infected with spyware (see our spyware tip). Lavasoft's free Adaware will remove most spyware infections.
How can I prevent unwanted email from arriving in our inbox?
Unsolicited email, or "spam", is a huge problem. Fortunately, there are several methods currently available to relieve some of the pain.
Many sites make you give them your email address before letting you do anything. Instead of submitting your main email address, create a free email account with Yahoo, Hotmail, or any free email provider. You can give this address out freely - just go in about once a month and delete all of the junk mail.
Microsoft Internet Explorer can be set to provided limited filtering of the subject line. To get to the "Content Advisor" settings, click Tools > Internet Options > Content (tab).
Install software such as Norton AntiSpam or McAfee SpamKiller.
Beware of registering for free offers - a proliferation of unsolicited mail usually follows.
Check with your internet provider to see if they offer "spam filtering".
How can I block unwanted websites while surfing the net?
Content-filtering software such as Cybersitter, Netnanny, and Norton Parental Control is available. With the proper setup, one can strike a balance between protecting children from pornography while still allowing access to healthy online information.
What is the difference between firewall and anti-virus software?
Anti-virus software will keep viruses and worms away from your computer, while a firewall keeps malicious users from accessing your computer from the internet without your knowledge.
How do I check which websites our computer has accessed?
In Internet Explorer, click on View - Explorer bar - History. Click on the day to view pages visited. To view the details of a visit, right-click the page and select "properties".