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LACS Computer Forum: Jan 8, 2008 Information on some items discussed: 1. AOL Spam - An AOL user reported a recent dramatic increase in spam. Suggestions: Review/update Spam Control settings. If that doesn't result in reducing spam to the former level, contact AOL Tech Support. The user thought that AOL offered e-mail forwarding, a feature which would permit using a mail service with better spam protection while keeping his AOL address. According to Forward America, a fee-based e-mail forwarding service, says that AOL does not currently offer e-mail forwarding. To minimize getting spam and controlling matters relatively easily when you do, is to start with a base of at least one e-mail address for those correspondents you trust and a few other addresses all others. One
free mail service with good spam protection is Google Mail (Gmail);
spam protection details here.
Gmail offers web mail with free POP and IMAP options permitting you to
use a mail client, e.g. Outlook, Outlook Express, Thunderbird.
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Information on some items discussed: 1. Tech Support Website - LACS member Jim McKnight has a personal website with a large selection of PC Support documents written for his personal use to help in his assisting others with their PC problems, (click here). "I am happy to share, so use whatcha like and ignore whatcha don't like. These documents are updated regularly as I learn new stuff. Stay tuned." 2. Firewall & Router - Question was asked about using both a firewall and router. Two Cent answer: Routers, by their very nature, contain a firmware firewall which only operates on incoming Internet traffic while most software firewalls operate on both incoming and outgoing Internet traffic. While there's some functional overlap, they can be used together without difficulty. NOTE:
When using a router, it is strongly recommended that you change its password
to keep the router from being hacked. For a list of default router
passwords, (click
here).
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Information on some items discussed: 1. Buying an XP Desktop Computer - A visitor asked about buying a moderately priced replacement desktop computer with Windows XP rather than Vista. Computer activities are limited, e.g. e-mailing, web browsing, and word processing. Since XP is being phased out, sources are limited. Following are some suggestions: Mail Order - Factory refurbished
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Information on some items discussed: 1. Keyboard Comparison - A member did a brief "Show & Tell" of two keyboards, one with conventional "soft keys" and the other which used "Buckling Spring" type keys. The latter was made by Unicomp who purchased the technology in 1966 from Lexmark International, the former IBM Division and long-time maker of high quality keyboards for IBM. Many consider this "IBM click" type keyboard superior. For more information (click here). 2. Patch Tuesday - On the second Tuesday of the month Microsoft (MS) releases critical updates for Windows XP/Vista and Office, and occasionally at other times. While MS recommends that users let them update your computer automatically, some users prefer to use the "Notify me but don't automatically download and install them." option so that they can schedule the update at their convenience rather than that of MS. To check/change the update option, open the Control Panel and left click Automatic Updates. 3. Mouse Change - Q: Would there be a problem changing from a mouse with extra buttons to a conventional one, i.e. 2 buttons with a scroll wheel? A: While you'll lose the additional functions provided by the extra keys, the conventional mouse will most likely work without a probem. To ensure that, uninstall any special software which the old mouse used (this also reduces memory usage). In addition right click My Computer | left click Properties | left click Hardware | left click Device Manager and scroll down to Mice & other pointing devices | left click the box with a + | highlight the name of the current mouse and left click | left click on Driver | left click on Uninstall | left click OK | shut down and reboot, During the boot process you'll be notified that New Hardware was found. Done. |
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Information on some items discussed: 1. TweakUI - is a Microsoft PowerToy which gives you access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface, including mouse settings, Explorer settings, taskbar settings, and more, (click here) - WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) not required. :-) 2. Windows Secrets - is an i-newsletter which brings you essential tricks of running Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Windows Update, and more. Published twice a month and occasionally more. Two versions: free and pay, (click here). 3. Norton Anti Virus - A member is having a problem uninstalling Norton (Symantec) Anti-Virus. This is a common problem with Windows Add/Remove Programs. Many others have reported a similar problem when trying to uninstall McAfee. Symantec knows that many user have this problem and have provided a tool to augment the Windows Add/Remove Programs, (click here). |
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Information on some items discussed: Future Meeting... |
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Information on some items discussed: Future Meeting... |
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Information on some items discussed: Future Meeting... |
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Information on some items discussed: Future Meeting... |
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Information on some items discussed: Future Meeting... |
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Information on some items discussed: Future Meeting... |
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Information on some items discussed: Future Meeting... |