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How To Properly Delete Files

Sometimes we want to sell our computer or perhaps recycle our hard drive, but how do we know that we’ve properly deleted all of our sensitive files? We delete things from our computers all the time, we go to the file menu and press delete, and then we empty the trash.

But have our files really been deleted?

The way computers function is they take the files from the trash folder and rewrite over them, so the traces of your sensitive files are still there, long after you’ve emptied the recycle bin. Here is how you can be sure you have deleted the supremely sensitive stuff:

Go to the file menu and select “Secure Empty Trash”, which will give you a box asking if you are sure. Normally, when we delete files they just get stored and later are written over and used again. But if we really want to get rid of a file, is secure delete secure enough?

We can go to the Finder menu and select “Utilities”. When we open the “Disc Utilities” application, on the left are all the drives that are available. Select the drive you want to delete and select the “Erase” button in the right. You will then be given a range of ways you can delete your files, you can choose the one you feel would be most suitable. You can also erase the”Free Space” part of your computer, which covers all those files you put into the trash.

Having taken these steps, you can now rest assured that no person in the future will be able to retrieve your personal information and files. Just like we have to beware of how we throw out our personal documents in the real trash bags of our lives, we need to be equally alert with our digital trash. Now go and clean!

Filed Under: Common Solutions, Software Tagged With:

What is a Computer Bug?

We hear the term ‘bugs’ all the time when dealing with computer security, but what does the word actually mean in this context? Every time we hear this word, we have visions of ants and cockroaches sleeping beneath our keyboard, but in actuality it’s got nothing to do with sentient insects and everything to do with human error.

A computer bug is defined as a fault in a computer program that causes it to act in expected or flawed ways. There may be mistakes in the program’s source code or in it’s design. The bugs can, when serious, cause computers to crash or freeze. It may make the computer system go haywire and freak out any humans sitting at the thing.

But where did the bug come from? The truth of the matter is that bugs, more often than not, come from the actual human programmer who sat down one day and wrote the computer’s program. He or she may have left out an essential character in a program’s code. This was famously the case in 1962, when a hyphen was omitted from a Fortran program that resulted in the loss of the Mariner 1 Venus probe -a vastly expensive mistake.

There are other times when bugs arise when different programs within a computer, or different parts, interact. This happens all the time in the development of new programs. The job of the computer programmer is increasingly becoming a task of sitting there and dealing with bugs. Even if they may have created an exceptional new program that the whole world is loving, there are always endless bugs that appear down the line, which the programmer needs to patiently fix.

So, next time you hear talk of these bugs, don’t get out of the fly swat. It’s actually a case of cause and effect, and it’s not your fault.

Filed Under: Common Problems, Software Tagged With:

Defending Against Trojan Attacks

The virtual world of the Internet is a surreal place, with all sorts of dangers swirling around the ether. It’s not only our body that gets sick these days – we have to also protect our computer against viruses, hackers, bugs and Trojans. The latter is a particularly nasty threat you’ll want to keep at bay.

You Mean Like the Horse?

The story comes from ancient Greece, where the Greeks invaded the city of Troy by building a wooden horse and hiding a bunch of soldiers inside. In walks the horse through the city gates, and out jump the soldiers, wrecking utter havoc upon the community.

Our computer is the city of Troy, and Trojans are malicious executable programs that, just like the horse, come along as something seemingly friendly and passive ” but are in reality a bunch of villains.

You might be emailed a song or a free game, or even a movie. Once you open this program and download it onto your computer, the horse has entered the city walls, and the Trojan will start to watch your computer from the inside ” recording details such as your credit card information. It’ll also possibly erase your files and spread out and attack all of your friends’ computers.

How to Defend Yourself

Installing anti-virus software is the first rule of thumb, but the key to successful protection against Trojans lies in your own hands: stay mindful. If you are emailed or sent a file, make sure you trust the source very well before you open it – even if it comes from a friend. If it doubt, don’t open it.

As long as you remain aware of this as you go about your daily activities online, your odds of overcoming an invasion are much higher. Think of yourself as a guard standing at Troy’s city gates: surely there was something odd about that horse made of wood?

Filed Under: Common Problems, Security, Software Tagged With:

Protecting yourself against a computer virus

We may understand the cold better than we can articulate a computer virus, but one thing’s for sure. We know it when we’ve got one. Either our nose or our computer freezes up and C’est las vie to what we were doing before that.

Good news. There are specific ways we can protect our computers from unwanted viruses. Like an unwanted cold, there are steps to take to prevent the sickness from happening in the first place.

-If an e-mail attachment comes from an unknown source, don’t open it. You may be asked at some time”if you haven’t been already”to paste your information into the body of the e-mail instead of attaching your document before you send it. This is why.
- Be careful about the free software available on the Internet.   If you are not using a reliable resource like sites that allow downloading of open source software like vlc player or Ares, then it’s better to save up for the real deal tomorrow than to be stuck with computer problems today. Be cautious about what you download. Make sure you are downloading from a reputable site.
- Get your hands on some anti-virus software. Prices vary; some software is free. Use the trial period if they offer it. Update this software monthly.
- Do some regular scanning of hard drives. Especially when you share a lot of files using p2p software like Ares Galaxy.  Include everything on your system, including e-mail.
- What are the minimum system requirements? This is a”must know” when desiring to install something new that your system may not cover.
-If your computer is running slowly, complete a virus scan immediately.
-A firewall protects you from hackers whether you have a Cable or a DSL connection.
- Already have a virus? Get the latest information on the subject by typing in to your computer the specific virus name followed by the word “virus.”By scanning the hard drives you will be alerted to the virus(s) you have. After discovering what you have, put your system through a FREEWARE program to remove the virus(s).

Most problems that come because of viral attacks, like the common cold, can be avoided with a little pre-planning and pre-cautionary safety.

Filed Under: Anti-Virus, Common Problems, Software Tagged With:

Computer Trojans 101

What is the difference between a computer Trojan and a computer virus? And how can you get rid of them if you have them? Like the Trojan horse, the truth is not what appears on the outside but what is waiting to destroy huddled inside. It’s what you don’t see the counts.

Here are the basics:
- Trojans don’t replicate themselves or infect other systems like viruses do.
-A virus comes from a computer programmer hoping to obtain your information, while Trojans pretend, through disguise as wonderful and captivating software; to be something they’re not. Worms are similar to Trojans in that they pretend at being a software application and then spread through computer networks.
- A Trojan has two parts: client and server. The client is the cleverly disguised software, the server is you.
- A Trojan is hidden in e-mail, programs, chat software, image files and through computers already infected with a virus.

What does a Trojan do to your computer?
- Accesses all of your personal information from files and often destroys and deletes them. Can record keystrokes, reboot your computer, and take you to unwanted sites. It finds passords,changes your desktop and can make a mess of your desktop icons.
- Creates too much Internet traffic so that you can’t visit websites or download anything.

What you can do to stop them:
- If you have a virus, get rid of it as soon as possible.
- If your computer is prompting a DLL error, you have a Trojan.
- Learn more about Trojan’s through a website specializing in Trojan removal.
- The removal site of your choosing will take you through various steps. Delete-Computer-History.com has some easy to follow steps in removing a computer Trojan from your computer.
- Protect yourself through antivirus software and firewalls.

Computer Trojans are like anything else bothersome in your life-the sooner you take care of them, the sooner you can get back to your life.

Filed Under: Common Problems, Software Tagged With:

Crack Down on Computer Hackers

What would happen if you lost all of your computer documents, if hackers pried into your personal life and escaped with your bank account numbers? Could you protect yourself from this catastrophe ever happening again?

Here’s what you need to know:

Computer hackers can be anyone. They may have begun as a programmer searching security issues while maintaining a system at their place of employment. They may have been a student, or someone at home searching for something challenging to do. But whoever they are, and wherever they began, hackers of all ages and persuasions want your information.

Hackers want your bank account passwords and your pin numbers for your credit cards. Some like to see what they can do to crack codes and get inside so that they can say they did it. Others get excited about the sales game; because they can then sell the information they’ve hacked to the highest bidder.

What you can do:
-Run an antivirus program once a week.
- Use firewalls.
- If you don’t know the source of the software, don’t install it.
- Leave e-mail attachments alone unless you know the person sending the e-mail. Never send e-mail attachments to someone you don’t know or someone who hasn’t given you permission to send them an attachment.
- Check the quality of your passwords. If you’ve made is so easy that you won’t forget it, the hacker will more than likely discover it easily enough too.
-Install all the proper security patches. Security patches fix and update the supporting data of a computer program. Patches fix bugs and provide a better computer performance as well as protect the user from hackers.
- Be cautious of SPAM mail. Delete it as you see it unless you’re sure of the source.
- If your computer is running slow, check for viruses including Trojan viruses.

Keeping your computer free from hackers is no easy task, but knowing you’ve done all you can will minimize worry about being hacked in the first place.

Filed Under: Common Problems, Security, Software Tagged With:

Computer Bugs. How to manage them.

You get bugs in your house; spiders, ants and the unimaginable cockroach, and you get them out. So what do you do when computer bugs have decided to live inside your computer?

Unlike the livable, breathable kind, computer bugs come from mistakes and errors in source code and design. You may not know you’ve even created the problem until the little buggers have found ways to wreck havoc with your system. They may not even bug you for awhile because your system still works (more or less) and you’re able to get the job done. But as the problems persist and worsen because more bugs have made their way inside, you will find yourself performing some clean up.

And then you’ll need some help.
- Reproducing a bug for process of elimination is no easy task. Get help from a professional; someone who understands the best process of bug elimination. Many such reputable businesses can be found on the Internet.
- Keep on the alert for fake security programs. Nothing really works in these programs. What happens is that the company will offer you a full ride security program for a price because the free ones offered by them prior did not take care of your computer’s problem.
- If a “bug report” pops up on your computer screen, investigate.
- Bugs can get around fire walls so update Windows regularly.
- Get some anti-virus software. Learn how to use and read the software.
- Unlike a virus, a computer bug may not affect your computer at first, so tackle the problem when the problem is small because a computer bug’s next step is to turn into a virus-and you don’t want that.

The good news about computer bugs: If you can get them before they’ve spread, then you’ve accomplished something major as well as saved yourself hours of time cleaning up an even greater mess.

Filed Under: Common Problems, Software Tagged With:

When your computer runs slow-what to do

Your computer is running slow, and your frustrations are mounting. What is causing the disruption and what can you do about it?

The problem of your computer running slow could be caused by many factors, namely, fragmented data, a corrupted registry, the loading of unnecessary programs and too many services running at once. Malware is also a culprit to slowly riding computers. Malware includes worms, viruses, Trojans and Spyware.

Below is a list to help you with the answers.
- Disk fragmentation occurs when the computer must use the hard drive to figure out what the open file means. Run your Disk Fragmenter monthly to clean up the mess of the previous month.
- Use the Automatic Registry Cleaning Tool to clean up and repair a corrupted registry. For more information on corrupted registry and repair go to registryrepairsolutions.com.
- Free up some disk space. Use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files, the emptying of your recycle bin, files that haven’t been used for some time, and installed programs that are no longer of any use to you. Some Windows services are never used by most of us. A good list of services you might disable can be found at masternewmedia.org.
- Disk errors occur when bad sectors develop in your hard drive. Run your Error Checking utility weekly to prevent data loss.
- Spyware takes information from you without asking for it. Spyware steals your information through your usernames and passwords. Scan monthly to remove viruses.
- Be cautious about the attachments you open up. Make sure they come from someone you know or from a reputable site.
- Install a Spyware scanner in addition to your initial spyware scanner.

By following the above helps relating to your slow running computer you will find that it will not only fun faster, but you will no longer be waiting around for your computer to catch up with the load of work on your desk.

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When your computer freezes-what to do

You’ve been working on a document for your new business when, suddenly, your computer freezes up. You are frustrated and don’t want to do the wrong thing and make the problem worse. What do you do?

Computers can freeze up for a variety of reasons; the unit is overheating because various hardware is trying to access Windows at the same time, your operating system or computer software has bugs, the file is not playing because of a bad download, and more.

Here are some tips to get your computer going again:

- Press the Num Lock button on the keyboard. This first step will let you know if the computer is really frozen.
- If the light doesn’t turn off try, CTRL + ALT + DELETE. A task manager box may come up which will allow you to shut down the computer.
- If the above doesn’t work, press the on/off button until the computer shuts itself off. Count to 10 and then turn the computer on again. Remember, you will lose anything that hasn’t been saved.
- If you see an error message displayed, before you attempt any of the above steps, follow what the error message tells you.
- Update your input-output system or BIOS. Download what you need from the website manufacturer of your computer.
- Clean you’re Registry by using a registry cleaner obtained on line. Make sure you’re getting a reliable cleaner by talking with others to find out what they use.
- Keep free of Malware including viruses, Trojans and Spyware by investing in some anti-virus software.
- Do you have software that you don’t need? Uninstall it.
- Delete temporary files.
- Add some Ram. Double or triple what you have now.

To keep your computer from freezing, regular housekeeping is required but so is discovering how to work through the basics of getting your computer running again.

Filed Under: Common Problems, Hardware, Software Tagged With:

When your computer is making strange noises “or none at all” what you can do

Does the noise your computer is making sound more like a train running over train tracks? Is it suddenly as silent”as death? Folks from around the globe have wondered about the noises their computer makes; especially when the sounds don’t appear to be “normal.”

Good news. Like a watch that needs adjustment to keep the correct time, computers sometimes need some extra special care in running well and working in top performance.

Here’s what you can do:

- No noise? Possibly, a fan problem. If the fan has stopped, your computer will be suddenly-quiet. Check the power supply and replace both the fan and the power supply cord if needed.
-Loud noise? More than likely a fan problem as well. But if you’re using a CD-ROM/CD-Writer expect some noise. The high speed causes it. You may also want to take out your CDs when not in use.
- It may be that you simply need to clean off the dust from your external fan. Try a soft bristled paint brush. See what happens after you clean it. If the fan spins, you’ve solved the problem.
- Peel back the sticker on the external fan. Put a drop of sewing machine oil inside the small hole located above the spindle. If that doesn’t work, replace the fan.
- Your computer may be overheating. Overheating is more than likely occurring if your computer reboots or shuts down often. Place your computer in a cooler spot where it can have good airflow.
- You may have a hardware problem. A good resource: labnol.org,”Is Your Hard Disk Making Strange Clicking Sounds?” Check the sounds here and compare them with the sound your computer is making. If you have a match, you have a hard disk issue.

As with all noises we can’t place, it’s a good idea to get an expert to assist us if we have any doubts about opening up our computer and checking for problems we have little knowledge in diagnosing.

Filed Under: Hardware, Software Tagged With: , , ,
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