tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41872725559129825082024-03-15T03:50:40.258-04:00CathyComComputer Support for the Rest of Us.Cathy Contanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03170751757600301594noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-37830785292187486292019-10-21T11:05:00.002-04:002019-10-21T11:05:21.984-04:00UPDATES ARE COMING.
Updates Are Coming. Is your computer ready?
Windows 10 computers will be receiving the next version update 1909 beginning with the November update cycle, starting November 12. It's not likely your computer will try installing 1909 on the 12th, but you should see it within the first month. If you've paused updates nothing will happen until after the pause date.
Be sure your Windows 10 computerCathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-67098110246640135562019-06-28T11:42:00.000-04:002019-06-28T11:50:41.478-04:00THE TIMES, THEY ARE A-CHANGIN'
I've had a long-time love affair with CCleaner, and installed and used it on countless computers for many years. I've insisted you all use it, too, but things change and technology improves and it's time to say goodbye to CCleaner.
Background: For some time I've been unhappy with the default settings and the fact there's no internal updater so in order to use the current version you have to Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-84968212679774151992019-04-29T14:39:00.000-04:002019-04-29T14:39:36.599-04:00I GOT AN EMAIL WITH MY PASSWORD IN IT - HAVE I BEEN HACKED?
Have you received a scary email saying your computer, your email and/or your passwords have been hacked, and you need to follow instructions to pay up or things will get worse? Stop the madness and read on.
First, calm down. You probably haven't been hacked, there's likely no keylogger installed on your computer, and your porn-surfing habits won't be exposed to the masses. Ok, I'm not saying Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-84484905180602849252018-11-21T18:13:00.000-05:002018-11-21T18:14:00.192-05:00
2018 COMPUTER BUYER'S GUIDE
You've decided to replace your computer, or buy one for someone you love. Great! This is the best time of the year to make the purchase.
Whether you're looking for a desktop or laptop, the minimum and recommended specifications are the same. If you'd like in-depth information to help you decide on form factor (laptop or desktop), check out my wordy Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-79471064495753299522018-06-26T13:25:00.001-04:002018-12-09T15:51:47.594-05:00COMPUTER MAINTENANCE ROUTINE
COMPUTER MAINTENANCE ROUTINE
by Cathy Contant - cathy@cathycom.com 315-573-4905 Last Updated October 2 2018
Running some simple tasks regularly will improve the performance and extend the life of your computer while reducing popup reminders and likely, your stress.
I've developed my cleaning and maintenance routines over the last 30 years.
You can look Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-61931636472745173502018-06-04T11:58:00.003-04:002018-06-04T11:58:39.787-04:00LOW DISK SPACE ERROR AFTER APRIL 2018 UPDATE - WINDOWS 10
If you're using Windows 10 and have installed the recent April 2018 Creators' Update, you may be seeing a warning about your Drive E or Drive F is low on disk space. Don't panic - it's a known issue and can be quickly solved. Or, you can wait for Microsoft to install a patch.
Here's how you can fix it. If it looks like you don't want to do this, contact me and I can do it for you remotelyCathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-35877763592288275422018-06-03T12:50:00.004-04:002018-06-03T12:50:49.393-04:00SHOULD I REBOOT MY ROUTER - AND IS THAT ENOUGH TO AVOID VPNFILTER?
Are you wondering if you should reboot your router after all the warnings about VPNFilter malware? Quit wondering and just do it.
It's simple, it takes less than ten minutes, and you should be rebooting it anyway every once in a while. Here's how:
1. Unplug the power cord from the back of your cable or DSL modem.2. Unplug the power cord from the back of your router.3. Wait two minutes, then Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-47884378047283986272017-12-12T10:19:00.001-05:002017-12-12T10:19:38.294-05:00DECEMBER 12 - PATCH TUESDAY UPDATES
DECEMBER 12
It's Patch Tuesday and my grand-nephew's first birthday. Cake later, here are the updates, so far - and how to get them.
CCleaner, Adobe AIR, Adobe Flash and Microsoft
CCleaner: Open the program, then click the "Check for updates" link in the lower right corner. Follow the prompts to download, then install the FREE VERSION ONLY. If you can't find it, I can help.
Adobe AIR: And Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-31190398239066420172017-10-18T19:09:00.003-04:002017-10-18T19:09:27.188-04:00TWC/SPECTRUM EMAIL WOES - AGAIN
Still using a roadrunner.rr.com email account? Are you getting fed up with it working only some of the time, whether you use the old Windows Live Mail (WLM) or the TWC email portal? Please don't change any settings - it's them, not you.
For weeks - ok, actually well over a year - Time Warner's email system has been unreliable. And if you're still using the no-longer-supported Windows Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-12353229708944764332017-09-14T12:57:00.000-04:002017-09-14T12:57:18.311-04:002017 DESKTOP COMPUTER BUYER'S GUIDE
Your desktop computer has served well
for years, but it's time for an upgrade. Many of the points in my 2017 LaptopBuyer's Guide apply equally to desktops; where to buy, minimum specifications,
what not to include.
Desktops are usually less expensive than laptops, run
faster and cooler and last longer. Many of us like the comfort of the keyboard
and big screen. Desktops are usually Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-91835658586393286592017-09-07T22:40:00.001-04:002017-09-14T12:28:25.962-04:002017 LAPTOP BUYER'S GUIDE
How To Pick Your Best Computer
What To Look For and What To Avoid
Why We Don't Buy $300 Laptops
Why We Don't Buy Refurbished Electronics
This information is the product of my 30+ years' experience buying, selling and servicing computers. No one pays me to recommend their product - which means I'm free to tell you the truth, as gleaned from my service files.
WHEN TO BUY
The bestCathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-11613952670851999152017-08-02T11:10:00.004-04:002017-08-02T11:10:35.132-04:00DON'T FEED THE SCAMMERS
DON'T FEED THE SCAMMERS
"Hello, this is XXXX and I'm calling about your Dell computer. It seems as though your softwares and warranties are out of place. Have you added any softwares or changed anything recently?"
That's none of your business, XXXX. **CLICK**.
Another scammer off to call another number. Do not engage with these people! They have no way of knowing what kind of computer you Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-78120935671966722872017-07-20T11:06:00.003-04:002017-07-20T11:06:47.429-04:00NEW UPDATES - JULY
NEW UPDATES - JULY
We've made it past Patch Tuesday without much disaster this month. Thank you, Microsoft.
If your computer seems sluggish and unresponsive, check to see if it's downloading the huge Creators Update for Windows 10. This update will take a few hours and the best way to keep it from bothering you is to let it finish. Don't close the lid to your laptop or let your desktop go to Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-53736456864422428672017-06-14T10:58:00.003-04:002017-06-14T10:58:22.883-04:00SNIPPING TOOL - COPY YOUR SCREEN
SNIPPING TOOL - COPY YOUR SCREEN
You want to save or email something on your computer screen, whether it's a recipe or photo in your browser, part of a newspaper article or an error message on your screen. There are several ways to do it besides taking a photo with your camera or phone.
WINDOWS SNIPPING TOOL
Available in Windows 7, 8.1 and 10, this is a great tool to learn to use. In Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-65433599422406117282017-06-13T12:05:00.000-04:002017-06-13T12:05:00.436-04:00PATCH TUESDAY - JUNE 13 2017
Welcome to Patch Tuesday
Microsoft has released a number of updates today, and if you have Automatic Updates enabled you should start seeing the request to "Update and restart" your computer. If you want to be sure you have the latest patches and fixes you can check for updates manually. On Windows 7 click the Start button, then click on Windows Update in the menu. On Windows 8.1 and 10 Click Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-44084684170600079152017-06-07T11:23:00.003-04:002017-06-07T11:23:39.807-04:00WHY YOU DON'T NEED FOR-PAY SECURITY SOFTWARE
WHY YOU DON'T NEED FOR-PAY SECURITY SOFTWARE
SPECTRUM CUSTOMERS: did you get an email from Spectrum with a download link for your free McAfee Security Suite software? Think hard before installing it.
If you're using Windows 10 or 8.1 your computer already has good security included - it's called Defender. If you're using Windows 7 or Vista you can use the free Microsoft Security Essentials.
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-75461609862636675192017-03-25T13:31:00.000-04:002017-03-25T13:31:30.199-04:00RIP WINDOWS LIVE MAIL - NOW WHAT?
RIP WINDOWS LIVE MAIL
Surpassed in popularity only by Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail (WLM) has now joined its predecessor in "No Longer Supported" heaven. While most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) stopped helping customers with WLM when Microsoft first announced end of support, at least we could still install and use it... most of the time.
No more. Microsoft has put up Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-4868574629719840192017-03-16T10:07:00.001-04:002017-03-16T10:08:15.175-04:00WANT TO PAY ME ONLINE? HERE'S HOW
WANT TO PAY ME ONLINE? HERE'S HOW
Now just click this link and follow the prompts to pay your invoice via PayPal. Ask if you have questions!
https://www.paypal.me/CathyContant
Thanks very much for your support!
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-55415592971273867292017-02-14T12:30:00.001-05:002017-02-14T12:30:52.801-05:00UPDATES - DO I *REALLY* NEED TO INSTALL THEM?
UPDATES - DO I *REALLY* NEED TO INSTALL THEM?
AND - WHICH ONES?
AND - HOW?
It's Patch Tuesday, Valentine's Day, and a great day to make your computer safer to run. Maybe even speed it up and *gasp* protect anything you don't want to lose by backing it up!
Microsoft releases updates (patches) all the time, but the second Tuesday of the month brings the majority of them to us. Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-12639300166835920912017-01-18T11:07:00.001-05:002017-01-18T11:07:25.117-05:00JAVA UPDATE
JAVA UPDATE
You've probably seen the prompt to update Java. If you have the Ninite Updater installed on your computer - and you do if I've worked on it - run that instead of worming your way through the Java prompts, trying to avoid 3rd-party software they'd like to shove onto your computer.
Current version of Java is now 8.0, version 121
If you're still unsure you can go to the Java check Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-13150562638508354872017-01-17T12:35:00.003-05:002017-01-17T12:35:44.840-05:00CCLEANER COMPATIBILITY ISSUES?
CCLEANER COMPATIBILITY ISSUES?
You may have seen a message telling you CCleaner isn't compatible with your version of Windows. It results from a recent Windows update and isn't a big deal.
You can uninstall CCleaner and reinstall it, which actually is the best answer because Piriform (CCleaner's developer) released a new version of CCleaner today anyway.
Most of us only need the free version Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-27736808486911417572016-12-22T17:11:00.001-05:002016-12-22T17:11:46.624-05:00MALWAREBYTES 3.0
What is going on with MBAM (Malwarebytes AntiMalware)?
If you recently updated Malwarebytes you may have received the
next-generation version, and wow – does it look different. And it installs the
Premium Trial by default so you’ll be constantly nagged to “upgrade” (read:
purchase). What do I do now?
MBAM 3.0 (or more precisely now, MB – since they dropped the “AntiMalwareCathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-67997905754267484452016-11-29T10:59:00.001-05:002016-11-29T10:59:04.404-05:00FACEBOOK: "ACCOUNTS ARE BEING DUPLICATED" - sharedExaggerating a problem that's happening to some doesn't help. Be aware, protect yourself, but don't become an alarmist!
From the smart people at That's Nonsense.
http://www.thatsnonsense.com/accounts-duplicated-facebook-warning-explained/Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-39076988217083878062016-11-28T10:21:00.005-05:002016-11-28T10:21:56.486-05:00"CAN YOU GET A VIRUS FROM FACEBOOK" - sharedDon't condemn an entire community for lack of understanding. Most infections acquired by Facebook users are self-inflicted and it's good to inform yourself.
That's Nonsense lays it out for us:
http://www.thatsnonsense.com/can-you-get-a-virus-from-facebook/
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187272555912982508.post-26022837898208031612016-11-07T11:52:00.002-05:002016-11-07T11:52:23.394-05:00TIME TO TAKE OUT THE TRASH
TIME TO TAKE OUT THE TRASH
Electronics disposal has become a bigger challenge and hassle than it should. Finding a convenient local collection spot or event is next-to-impossible. So I'm doing something about it, while hoping to regain the use of my garage for the winter.
If you're a client of mine and have electronics you no longer need, you can drop them off at my lab this week - and this Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456462768699151427noreply@blogger.com0