Basics of Windows 7 and Internet Troubleshooting

Windows 7 has been a confusing switch for many new users who upgraded directly from Xp and have never used Vista. Menus are not where we left them and certain bits of information that we have become accustom to in one spot have all mysterious "vanished". We especially have this issue when the internet goes out. Something that I have run into quite a bit are people who are fixated on this lovely picture (notice the red x):

The above picture is the main network and sharing center page arrived at by going to the control panel and clicking on network and internet then network and sharing center. Users are confused because this page tells us absolutely NOTHING! except that our internet is broken. Where is the repair connection button? NOWHERE, apparently Microsoft does not want to make it easy to renew and release the IP address. A page that depicts a working internet connection is pictured below.

 However, any real user knows that the real information is found by going to change adapter settings along the left side of the screen and then right clicking either the LAN option or Wireless option selecting status and then the details button pictured below:

What we are interested in is the IPv4 address because that tell us whether we are connected to a router, modem, or the internet. Routers have a 192.168.x.x address, Modems have a 192.168.100.xx, and if you are connected straight to the modem generally your IP address will start with 2 digits. if you see 169.254.x.x then you know that you are not connected to anything...start looking for loose cables and that the modem is online. Generally 169.254 addresses indicate an issue with the computer and not a provider issue...especially if the online, cable, or ready light is on on the cable modem.

Finally we can now get to renewing and releasing the IP address for Windows 7 and Vista computers...the easiest way to do this is to just open up Internet Explorer and then click on diagnose connection problem. Part of diagnosing includes trying to renew and release the IP address. Speaking of IE issues make sure that you are not working offline in IE. To do so open IE and then click file, look for work offline, if that is checked then you are working offline if there is no check next to it then you are good to go for IE.

Furthermore, if your computer takes more than 5 minutes to start up you have something going on with your computer and it needs to be checked out...don't waste your time on the phone with the ISP to find that out after 30 minutes of troubleshooting and then get frustrated. Generally if a computer is slow something is wrong with it and it needs to be taken to a PC repair shop...your ISP is not a PC repair shop...they repair internet issues only NOT slow or malfunctioning computers.

Why Not Linux?

I have been working with computers for years now. It seems like everyone has heard of Windows and Mac (Apple), but few have heard of Linux...any distribution. I realize that Linux is the baby of the bunch being born in 1991 in comparison to Windows (1983) and Macintosh (1984). My point is that of the three Linux is free, stable, more virus resistant than either Windows or Mac, due mostly to a small user base, but also due to the fact that each application has its own little shell of programming so that if one application becomes corrupt all that one needs to do is reinstall it and then the virus is gone effectively making it simpler.

The issue with Windows is that all application software is in the inner-shell of Windows so that viruses can propagate more freely and Mac is similar to Windows in that respect. However, Macs use different coding therefore all that viruses need to do is use a different programming language to spread through Macs. So, now we come to the cusp of my question, why don't PC manufacturers use Linux given that its free, they could price the computers to sell and not pay for an OS and use that money to put more into computer design, or they could donate to Linux so that the code would get even better updates. Either way, why not Linux? As a stated before don't worry about viruses, less confusing software for end users, all that Linux really needs now is to make it easier to install applications, which it is due to the downloadable apps that install immediately just like when you go to the app store with an iPhone. Either way, Cheers! those are my 2 cents worth on Linux, if only it was more compatible with games...I would drop Windows in a heartbeat.

Virus, Worm, and Trojan Myths-Life Hacker

I just found this great post on Life Hacker, its all about computer myths. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about viruses, worms and trojans.

Hacking by PDF

I am not surprised that hackers are enjoying exploiting Adobe Reader since nearly everyone who works on a computer uses it at one point or another. In order to protect yourself make sure that you have the latest version of Adobe Reader. To check for updates and apply them all that you do is open Adobe Reader through the start menu. Then go to "Help" and select "About Adobe Reader __". Next check the version number then go to http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=10&platform=Windows and look for security updates that have a higher version number than what your Adobe Reader is. A simpler way to combat the Adobe Reader exploits is to use a different PDF reader such as Foxit. Foxit is an open-source PDF reader that is available to anybody, does that same things that Adobe Reader does, and is free to download.

Oh Why Symantec?

I always find it amusing when a big company starts doing whatever the hell they want and then get a slap on the wrist only to repeat the same mistake. Automatic renewals are great for those people who like just setting it and forgetting it, but for people who are more tech savvy it is simply annoying if you had planned on switching, in this case, anti-virus vendors. In my experience, once a company has charged you for a service it is a bigger pain to get them to do a charge back than it is to live with the annoying software for another year. This is one way that these companies keep their customers. These companies seem to think that if I charge a customer then that person will keep the service simply because it is a bigger pain to get the money refunded, remove the program, and then install the new anti-virus.

As far as anti-virus software goes, everyone needs it and some people do not realize the ramifications of not having the software. So, the result is that with these automatic renewals the "tech dumb" customers will remain protected. It a win win for the company and those types of customers. However, for people like me and those of us who are tech savvy it can just be a big pain. I personally think that Symantec is an ok company. My college campus has used their software for years and as a result I have as well. Often, though, I wonder why the university insists on paying for anti-virus software when they could get a product that is just as good through AVG or Avast (both are free anti-virus solutions).

For those of you who think that you get what you pay for that is true. These companies market their anti-virus software as free, but then they also have pay to use versions because those versions have more security and are the company money makers. The versions that you pay for are the free version plus other features such as email scanning and SPAM filters. I feel that anti-virus software should be free and if you want the extras then you should pay for the extras. However, I do not feel that software companies should charge your credit/debit card without notifying you at least 24 hours in advance, which is exactly what Symantec didn't do and why a class-action lawsuit has been served to them.

Online Computer Museum!

It has been a little while with my transition from University life to Graduated life. Anyway, I have a real treat for computer enthusiasts here. At old-computer.com we can find anything from computer hardware and software to consoles dating back to 1951. For every computer, console, piece of software or hardware there is a picture to go along with it. So, we can see and read about these monoliths. Additionally, this site features a new feed so that if you are a die-hard old-school gamer you might be able to play your old games on a newer system thanks to software emulators. To see more check out old-computers.com.