RedTec 

Since I began this site I receive a lot of Emails asking computer support related questions.  So I figured I would add this section of utilities, resources, and tips which might help ya'all keep your computers running smoother.  If there is anything you need and it isn't here, Email me and I will get it added and try ta get pointed in the right direction.  Enjoy and Good Luck with your computer issues.

Viruses:

The biggest problem plaguing puters today is Viruses.  There is not much you can do to avoid them other than not connect to the internet at all.  People as me daily what Virus Scan software I recommend.  Doing this for a living and fun I have only found one Antivirus I recommend above all others, Panda.  You can check them out at www.pandasoftware.com . You can download free fixes for viruses you have acquired.  Free 30 day trial versions of their software are available for download as well as online virus scans.

Ad-ware and Spy-ware:

The next biggest problem for internet surfers is Spy-ware.  Spy-ware are programs that run secretly tracking everything you do and report it back to advertisers to better target their sales strategies.   These build up on your computer and really slow it down.  You can download free spy-ware software at: Download Adaware

Boot Discs:

One issue I constantly run into personally when working on setting up or repairing a computer is Bad or missing Boot Discs.  Below are  links to download any windows boot disc. 

  Downloads - MicroSoft Boot Disks

 
  MS Dos v6
  MS Windows 95 & 95a
  MS Windows 95b (OSR2)
  MS Windows 98 & 98SE
  MS Windows ME (Millennium)
  MS Windows NT v4 (workstation & server) 4disks
  MS Windows NT v4 (Terminal server) 4disks
  MS Windows 2000 Professional 4disks
  MS Windows 2000 Server 4disks
  MS Windows XP Home Edition 6disks
  MS Windows XP Pro (including Corp) 6disks
  MS Windows XP Home SP1   6disks
  MS Windows XP Pro SP1 (includes Corp) 6disks
 
  MS Windows XP System setup disk
 
Allows you to boot from a single floppy disk, partition
  and format the drive and then begin the XP installation
  from CD.

Advice for slow computers and abundance of pop-ups:  The first thing I recommend trying is downloading and running Adaware.  Once you have eliminated the Spyware, if the computer still runs slow, move on to Virus scanning.  If you have no Antivirus software, download a Demo from Panda.  However, I can't emphasize enough how important it is to keep "Up To Date" antivirus software on the computer.  Doing this for a living I can tell you, that we have 100's of computers (all running different Virus Scan software) and the only one that I have found to catch ALL the viruses has been Panda.  I have watched Viruses walk right through the "Other" big Antivirus softwares. 

FreePCTechThis is a great source on Technical advice, Utilities, Downloads, Articles, and Goodies.

 

Where to find good deals on parts:

www.allstarshop.com this is a really good place to find great deals on Memory, cards, and upgrades.  I have also found good deals on Ebay.  However, you really have to know what you are buying and be careful not to buy defective or substandard product.

 

Top 10 ways you know a RedNeck has been working on your Puter:

10. The monitor is up on blocks.

9. Outgoing faxes have tobacco stains on them.

8. The six front keys have rotted out.

7. The extra RAM slots have Ford truck parts stored in them.

6. The numeric keypad only goes up to six.

5. The password is "Bubba."

4. There's a gun rack mounted on the CPU.

3. There's a Skoal can in the CD-ROM drive.

2. The keyboard is painted in camouflage.

AND the number one way to tell if a Redneck has been working on a computer is...

1. The mouse is referred to as a "critter."

 

A Lot More Coming.....