Tipping, Tricking and Tweaking all for the sake of Treats.

Home » Archives » 24. September 2009

Tips in Beating the 3 Online Monsters

September 24, 2009

For non-computer savvy and busy home makers like me, it is easy for us to neglect issues on computer protection.   We don’t bother ourselves about computer security, but we should be aware that most dangers slither beneath our cybertoes, waiting for you to make one mistake.   Then, there they are attacking your computer, your screen starts show numerous pop-up ads, you mouse is clicking without your assistance.  Or worse, your hard drive dies and you lose all your files or stole your identity by planting a spyware on your system.

Here are some simple tips to protect your computer from three online monsters, namely: SPAM, SPYWARE and VIRUS.

The SPAM

What it is:

This are annoying email (usually ads) sent without your permission.

Why it is bad:

They are simply annoying!  It clutters your inbox and wastes your time whether you read it or delete it.

How to stop it:

Enable spam blockers built into your e-mail program.  Do not hit “Unscribe” option on unsolicited e-mail.  It tells the spammers that your e-mail address is legitimate and your are reading the spam e-mail.  Instead, simply delete the e-mail.

The SPYWARE:

What it is:

It is a software downloaded to your computer without your permission that tracks every your action you made in your computer.

Why it is bad:

It launches unwanted pop-up ads or redirects you Websites that you haven’t type.  It can also cause your system to slowdown.  The worse is, some spyware records keystrokes and other activity made on computer.  Through this, they can record vital information such as password, credit card number, and sends them thieves who can steal your identity and money.

How to stop it:

Install a spyware removal tool.  Download only files from trusted sources.  Beware of free screen savers, games, utilities, videos, music and other file-sharing program.  They might include spyware.

The VIRUS:

What it is:

It is a program that embeds itself on a computer hard drive and replicates itself to infect others.  It works like a human virus.  

Why it is bad:

Some merely take up huge amount of memory that causes your system to slow down.  Others can destroy data or even your entire hard drive.

How to stop it:

Buy and run anti virus software regularly.  Avoid surfing and downloading files from porn sites, they are known to spread virus and spywares.  Never open e-mail attachment you aren’t expecting or from unknown sender, especially files that end with .vbs or .js, since a typical user would never have a reason to open these files.

Posted by tipsntricks at 10:39 pm | permalink | Add comment

Tips in Installing Direct TV Satellite Dish

Normally, Direct TV Satellite are installed by professional satellite installers as you purchase it.  Some charge a very nominal fee and other company installs it for you for free.  The purpose of this article is to provide a basic and working knowledge on how to install a Direct TV satellite.  Any knowledge about something is still an asset, but I still recommend to let the professional to job on this one.  

On this task you will be needing the following:  Satellite signal meter, RG6 coaxial cable, Dish antenna, screw driver, hammer, wrench, compass, carpenter’s level, drill and drill bit, Industrial staples, mounting bracket or pole, nuts and bolts, user’s manual.

1. Locate the ideal spot for the satellite dish.  The ideal location is high up on the roof, but sometimes is doesn’t need to be.  Satellite Directv are positioned in the southern sky, above the equator, and your dish needs an unobstructed view in that direction.  Make site that the spot you choose for your Direct TV dish is free from obstruction such as trees or other building.

2. In setting up the mast of the satellite make sure that the ground is even, use the carpenter’s level to make sure it is level.  Once it is level, attach it firmly into spot, and check it to make sure it won’t budge in the onslaught of wind or strong rain.

3. Attach Low Noise Block or the LNB arm to the satellite dish. Then, set the satellite dish on the top of the installed mast.  DO NOT tighten it in place yet, you will need to move it a bit for the fine tuning.

4. Put through the one end of the RG6 coaxial cable through its slot on the back of the LNB arm. Pull the free end of the coaxial cable out of the end of the LNB arm and connect it to the LNB array.

5. Secure the LNB array to the end of the arm.  You have to make sure that the cable is not sticking out.

6. Attach the other end of the RG6 coaxial cable to the satellite signal meter to get the signal strength reading.  Adjust the satellite dish to get the strongest signal available.  Tighten the Direct TV satellite dish.  

7. Place the other end RG6 cable in the wall to up to your TV.  Hold it in place by industrial staples; be careful not to stab the cable with staples.  

8. Screw the grounding block into the side of the house nearest the TV and attach the coaxial cable to it. Run the grounding wires from the grounding block to a metallic cold water pipe or similar piece of metal.  Do not use gas pipes or hot water pipes. Both ground wires must be on the same grounding point.  The ground is necessary to protect the satellite dish from lightning or electrical surges.

9. Drill a hole in the wall near the TV (make sure it is without any wiring or other stuff that makes the drilling difficult). A 3/8″ bit is perfect to ensure that the hole is the proper size.

10. Run the cable through the hole you have just drilled into the interior of your house.

11. Connect the end of the cable to your DirecTV receiver, and then connect the receiver to the TV.

12. Switch on the TV and follow steps listed in the user manual to check if the newly installed system is catching any signal.

Posted by tipsntricks at 1:01 pm | permalink | comments[2]

Tips in Installing Sound Driver

It doesn’t really take a genius or a degree in computer to figure out how to install sound drivers in your computer.  If you have lots of common sense and know how to read, then you got what it takes to install sound drivers or sometimes referred to as audio drivers.

When you got your new computer or a newly reformat computer you need to install drivers in order for your computer to work properly.   If have computer with built-in sound device, your sound or audio driver comes with motherboard drivers disc.   Here are the steps in how to install your sound driver (applicable for Windows XP).   

1. Insert installation CD on the disc drive.  Right click the My Computer icon on the desktop, then click the Properties on pull-down menu.

2. Then choose System Properties when a window is shown after clicking the Properties.  The index will appear that you are now on the system properties. You can also view you system information.

3. On System Properties, select Hardware on the tab.  Click Device Manager.

4. In the Device Manager window you will all the available drivers installed on your computer.  Select Sound, Video and Game Controllers by clicking on it.  

5. In the Sound, Video and Game Controllers you will see question mark icons such as audio codecs, legacy audio drivers (question mark icon indicate that the driver for that particular device is not properly installed). Right click on the audio codecs or any with the question mark icon. Then, click update driver.

6. After clicking update driver option, the Hardware update wizard will appear on screen. Select the radio button “No, not this time”. Then next to continue.

7. In the Hardware Update Wizard window select “Install the software automatically (Recommended)”, then select next to continue.

8. The computer will automatically search the CD you have inserted on the disc drive where the sound driver is located.  Wait until it finishes searching.

9. The Hardware update wizard will tell you whether the installation is complete or not. If it is not, the CD you inserted might not work properly or your audio driver is not match on the motherboard.

10. Repeat steps 5 to 9 if there are still question mark icons left.  If there are no question marks left then you successfully install the entire required audio drivers.

Note: Some computer will require you to restart your system after installation.  

Posted by tipsntricks at 12:44 pm | permalink | Add comment