First, make sure your ISP is not having problems. Cable and DSL modems have a connection light that is on and not flashing when a connection is available. If you don't see a steady connection light, call your ISP to make sure that the problem isn't with your ISP. If your modem indicates a connection is available but you cannot get on the Internet, here are some safe and easy tips if you experience problems with your broadband connections that we've used over time and will help you get back on the Internet fast.
1.Try automated repair. Just right-click on the problem connection in the Network Connections folder and choose Repair.
2. Re-set your router: If you have a home network, the problem may lie with the router or in the connection between the router and your broadband provider. Follow the directions for resetting the router. Most always you can reset your router by unplugging the power cord, leaving the router off for at least one minute, then turning it back on. Routers vary though, so be sure to check your manual.
3. Re-set your cable DSL modem: If you have a broadband connection, the problem may be with the IP address assignment by your ISP. Turn off your cable or DSL modem by unplugging the power cord and leave it powered off for at least three minutes. Plug in the power cord and wait until the modem has cycled though its test cycle. Hopefully, you'll find that your back on the Internet.
Google Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows XP and Windows Vista (all versions)
Internet Explorer, Chrome, and/or Firefox installed. Keyboard shortcuts are great for those who don't like using a mouse. They can also save you time. A few of these are tagged "Chrome only" which means, they work in Google's new Chrome browser only. Most of these shortcuts work in Firefox, IE, and Chrome.
* (Chrome only) Ctrl+B toggles the bookmarks bar on and off.
* (Chrome only) Shift+Escape opens Google Chrome's Task Manager.
All of the following work in Firefox and Chrome, and most work in Internet Explorer too.
* Ctrl+L to move your cursor to the address bar.
* Ctrl+K moves your cursor to the address bar to enter a Google search.
* Ctrl+T opens a new tab.
* Ctrl+N opens a new window.
* Ctrl+Shift+T opens the last closed tab.
* (Chrome only) Ctrl+Shift+N opens a new window in "Incognito Mode."
* Ctrl+Tab cycles through open tabs; Ctrl+Shift+Tab reverse cycles through open tabs.
* Ctrl+J opens the Downloads tab.
* Ctrl+W closes the current tab.
* Ctrl+R refreshes the current page.
* Ctrl+H opens the History tab.
* Alt+Home loads your homepage.
* Ctrl+1 through 9 switches to a particular open tab position.
* Ctrl++, Ctrl+-, Ctrl+0 Enlarges, reduces, and restores default text sizes, respectively.
Fixing TCP/IP problems- Get back on the 'Net
Windows XP and Windows Vista (all versions)
1.Try automated repair. Just right-click on the problem connection in the Network Connections folder and choose Repair.
2. Re-set your router: If you have a home network, the problem may lie with the router or in the connection between the router and your broadband provider. Follow the directions for resetting the router. Most always you can reset your router by unplugging the power cord, leaving the router off for at least one minute, then turning it back on. Routers vary though, so be sure to check your manual.
3. Re-set your cable DSL modem: If you have a broadband connection, the problem may be with the IP address assignment by your ISP. Turn off your cable or DSL modem by unplugging the power cord and leave it powered off for at least three minutes. Plug in the power cord and wait until the modem has cycled though its test cycle. Hopefully, you'll find that your back on the Internet.
Free Online Virus & Spyware Scanners
Windows XP and Windows Vista
Never install more than one anti-virus program on your computer. Online anti-virus scanners are different. Most use an Active-X or Java component that interfaces with the scanning application which runs from a Web server. You don't have to worry about the "no more than one anti-virus program installed" rule because you're really not installing another anti-virus program, even though you might have to download a small Java or Active-X component to run the online scanner.
Kaspersky Online Virus and Spyware Scanner
Kaspersky has always been one of the highest rated anti-virus programs. It's been around a long time. While it probably hasn't earn the name recognition that Norton and McAfee have, or the popularity that AVG and AVAST enjoy (because Kaspersky does not offer a free version of their anti-virus program), Kaspersky's anti-virus always performs well on independent anti-virus tests. In short, Kaspersky is a reputable and reliable anti-virus developer. You should get the same excellent anti-virus scanning from their online scanner as you would from their regular products. Try it, see if you like it.
F-Secure Online Virus Scanner
F-Secure is a lesser-known anti-virus developer. Their anti-virus products always seem to rate fairly well in independent anti-virus tests. They've been around for a long time and have a good reputation. F-Secure's online scanner is a virus scanner only, it does not scan for spyware.
ESET Online Virus and Spyware Scanner
ESET is the maker of NOD32® Antivirus. NOD32 is consistently rated at the top of all anti-virus programs. While you may never have heard of ESET or NOD32, in independent tests, NOD32 almost always ranks at the top of all anti-virus software. If you want to double-check your current anti-virus program, this is the scanner many experts would recommend. NOD32 is an excellent, highly-awarded anti-virus program, and there's no reason to think that their online scanner isn't one of the best too. ESET Online Virus Scanner also includes a spyware scan. We highly recommend this one.
CA Online Virus Scanner
Before everything in the world became acronymized, CA was known as Computer Associates. They are one of the oldest security companies on the Web - but their products have fallen somewhat out of the mainstream. CA provides RoadRunner customers with a free security suite, but like all suites, it's lacking. CA makes, at best, a middle-of-the-road class of security programs. Their online scanner does include an anti-spyware and anti-virus scan, so it might be worth a look. You'll need to download an Active-X component as soon as you load their scanner page, if you want to perform the online scan of your computer, you'll have to download that small Active-X file. If you don't, just leave the site. Nothing will be downloaded without your permission. We're listing it here to provide you with another option.
Panda Online Virus and Malware Scan
We don't know what to say about Panda. They've been around for a long time but never seem to be able to crack into the "household name" category. Their products are decent, well-rated, and effective, but they never seem to get out of the niche group. Their Web site is attractive and well designed and their scanner is more than functional. Certainly worth a scan or two. Panda's online scanner can detect rootkits, viruses, Trojans, spyware and other malware. They claim to have a new technology that sees things other security software does not.
IETab Reprise
Windows XP and Windows Vista (all versions)
Firefox Installed
How to review your installed Windows Updates
Windows Vista
Did you know that you can easily review all your Windows updates in Windows Vista. Vista offers a much easier way of seeing exactly which updates you've installed and provides you with detailed information about each updates. It also provides you with a simplified interface to remove updates that may be causing problems with your computer - although with Vista this rarely happens.
To access your Windows Update History and see a complete list of all updates which have been successfully installed on your computer:
2. Click Classic View (on the left pane)
2. Click Windows Update
3. Click "View update history"
4. Double-click any entry to learn more about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment