Computer FAQ

 

 

 

Text Box: Q. I receive e-mails with attachments should I open them? A. It’s best not to open any attachments. Q. If I have a virus protection program can I open e-mail attachments? A. It’s still not a good idea. Even if your virus protection program is up to date. New viruses come out frequently. Virus protection programs aren’t always up on the latest viruses. They are sometimes a week behind. Since you won’t know until it is too late don’t open attachments. Q. What if a friend sends the attachment to me? A. I can’t emphasis enough that it’s not a good idea to open attachments. Q. When I have a computer problem it asks me to send a report to Microsoft. I then get an e-mail a few days later from Microsoft with an attachment. I can open this attachment can’t I? A. Definitely not, Microsoft doesn’t send out attachments in an e-mail. They might send you a link if you sent them a request through their tech support. But if you didn't ask or email their tech support I wouldn't even trust any link that claims to be from Microsoft. Q. How do I control what my kids are doing on the computer? A. Well there are some programs that allow you to set limits but the only good way is to put the computer in an area where they have no privacy. That way you can see what they are doing. There is also software that allows you to spy on all of their activity on the computer. But then again if your kids knows computers they can probably see what, when and where you have been on the computer. Q. I get several e-mails from porn sites, why? A. Even if you don’t frequent porn sites you can get these e-mails. Your e-mail address can be stolen, sold or even just sent by a ghost program. The ghost sends e-mail to any possible address attached to the domain name. Q. How can I stop the porn e-mail? A. The best way is to change your e-mail address often. There are some e-mail programs that help but don’t eliminate the spam totally. Q. I like to chat on the internet, how can I make it safer? A. Some chat programs allow others to see your IP address. Or they can ping your computer. Either way your general vicinity can be determined They can also find out by what you tell them in chat. If they want to know where you live or even a general area its best not to say. They can also get your IP from any email you send them. Q. I have been chatting with someone and I think I want to meet them? A. That’s a tough one. I met my girl friend through chat and we now live together. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are a very good judge of people. My girl friend and I chatted for a long time and we discovered we had some of the same friends. Real friends not chat buddies. Just like a blind date or a chance meeting its dangerous and you should be very careful. Q. I bought my computer a couple years ago. It has a virus program on it but my computer is acting weird. A. You should buy a new virus program every year. You should also update the program often which is free to do for one year after purchase. You should also find one that checks for Trojans, worms etc. Or buy a separate program that does. Q. How can I keep my computer up to date. A. There are several ways but one of the easiest is to download updates from Microsoft. They can provide you with security updates and all kinds of good stuff to keep you on line.