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Is Junk Email or Spam Filling your Mailbox?
Junk Mails or Spam are unwanted e-mail sent by spammers or advertisers. At one time these mails are sent with identical messages to numerous email IDs.
These e-mails in your mail box are the best medium to drive advertising for anything, for other sites or direct selling. Also, these mails are the most common medium to infect your PC with Virus and Worms. Hence, it’s always recommended to open only mails from known addresses. Also, never open any attachments without a Virus Scan.
To avoid these mails, the following measures can be taken:
- Do not open Junk Mails. Delete them unread.
- Open the mail while Internet Connection is closed if you feel anything could be wrong with the e-mail.
- Do not reply to Junk / Spam Mails.
- Do not complain about Junk mails as it confirms your e-mail address to the spammer.
- Do not sign up at any unknown website/company. Do not enter/share your e-mail ID at any unknown web site.
- Stop auto response mail generation.
- Do not subscribe to any newsletters unless from a certified/known site.
Spam is the cheapest way for commercial advertising. It forces the user to read the advertise being sent to him by flooding the mail box with the same mail. Once the user reports the spam, his e-mail ID is confirmed to exist and then further on he would receive more of these mails. Spammers continue to send these bulk mails and there is nothing much that can be done against them. The same is a loss for the Internet Service Providers as they have to make available extra capacities to cope with this overflow of mails. Spam eats up a lot of network bandwidth.
There is no solution really available to spam/junk mails. There are various activities and protests against the same and for now the solution that is practiced is to report the spammer/spam to the network/Internet service provider. Also, available are certain sites which help block the spam before it enters your personal account.
We at Ask PC Experts can help you combat these Unsolicited Commercial Email by helping you install relevant Spam fighting tools on your PC and blocking the Spam before it does any harm to your PC. You can always call us at 1-888-889-3335.
Anti Virus Software - How it Works
What is anti-virus?
Anti-virus is a program which searches and removes Viruses from your drives.
The Virus directly attacks and damages your hardware, software and files. So in order to safe guard your file against any kind of virus – anti-virus is used.
Internet is fast growing and most of the businesses; organizations etc use this medium for various purposes. This medium is also fast growing and popular in the fields of networking, communication etc. Thus, it is very important for every PC to be shielded against the threat of a virus.
To provide this shield a variety of Anti-Virus software are available. The anti-virus software has the ability to scan each and every file on your system, it may be data file or a system file; the scan checks every file to check if it is a virus. The virus if present is always in the RAM or memory of your PC. When you start your scan in a while you will be able to see the results, whether your computer is safe or not. If there is virus in you PC then the file name and location will be highlighted by the anti-virus software. It provides options to delete and remove the same from your system permanently. You can easily delete the file from you PC and ensure its safe.
Anti-Virus software’s have the facility for auto scan and auto updates, wherein you do not have to check every time for a scan or an update, the virus scan will be done every few days that you have set the scan for and update itself whenever you go online.
It is very important for the Anti-Virus to be updated. In this way it is able to protect you PC from the current viruses. Some Anti-Viruses also scan for Virus by:
1) Emulating the beginning of the code of each new executable that is being executed.
2) By Sandbox method
But sometimes in spite of the above some Macro Viruses can be missed. Hence, its best suggested to safe guard your PC first by yourself and then by the Anti-Viruses software available.
To check if your Computer has an Anti-Virus Protection, and to get the best deals on Anti-Virus protection, please visit Ask PC Experts.
Internet Fraud and Pop-Up, Advertising - Ask PC Experts
What are POP-UPS?
Pop Ups are additional browser windows that are generated automatically while you click/open a web page.
These Pop - Ups can be:
- Advertisements: When you open a web page the site you are browsing may open along with it a hidden browser window which may be advertising something. This is one of the most common ways to advertise online. Especially because you have to click on to close the window. These ads can be designed to trick you to reveal personal information, track e-mail addresses etc. so it’s very important to be careful with them.
- Links: These are generally used on online shopping web pages, wherein when you click on the smaller picture the larger picture of the same opens up in another browser window for a better viewer and a larger image of the product.
- Downloads: While you log on to a site to download some software, when you click on download a new pop up window opens up for the same.
In a few cases pop ups appear even while you are not opening a web page. In such a case please check, your system may have a spy ware. Never, click on any link/download provided by a Pop Up window. This leads to a lot of times download of spy ware into your system without your knowledge. Such pop ups are generated by Ad – wares and Spy wares.
In the above case, scan you PC for spy ware and repair the same at earliest.
These Pop Ups can be blocked quiet easily. Blocking these Pop Ups will avoid all the hassle and in case you need one to download from an authentic site you can always press Cntrl key and click on the link.
Blocking Pop Ups:
Internet Explorer
< Tools
< Pop Up Blocker
< Turn on Pop Up Blocker
For more information on Pop Ups, Spy ware, Ad ware etc Call us on 1-888-889-3335 or visit Ask PC Experts and we shall be glad to help you.
Back Your Data to Protect Your System with Ask PC Experts
Why is a BACK UP so important?
Data – the information that is stored in form of files, programs, software and other various forms on your PC.
This data that is stored within your system can be a collection of your personal information, files, photographs, music, work related presentations, e-mails, Address books, Personal projects, accounts or research paper. It can be anything which you have made/collected and stored over a period of time.
Do you think this data in your PC is safe? Would it remain there forever? What happens if you loose this data? In moments your business can be in for a complete loss as you have lost all data. All your personal accounts and tracking are in for a complete mismatch if you loose all the records made of the same.
In simple words, this data can be lost anytime, any moment. And none would like to risk getting into a situation wherein all the information is lost.
Thus, a BACK-UP process is used to safe guard your information from loss due to any kind of system failure, memory crash, corrupt files etc. A back-up is really important.
While taking a back up on does not need to copy the entire systems programs and software’s. The software/programs can be re-installed easily. It’s just required to copy the files/folders which carry data to be copied. It is like making a duplicate of the originals. These duplicates can be made on:
· Secondary Hard disk
· CDs/DVDs
· Pen Drives or other external hard disk’s
· Zip Drives
· Online
All established businesses always have a back up for their data files to ensure that incase of any tragedy they always can go back to their normal work and do not have to face major looses due to loss of information and records.
Back up can be done while physically copying the files and writing them on the other drive/CD etc. It can also be done by using various software available. The back up files can also be made password protected to ensure none can access the same other than you.
To create back up on your secondary hard disk you can also go to:
Start Menu > Programs > Maintenance > Back Up and Restore Center
To protect your data and Back up your system, Call 1-888-889-3335 visit ASK PC EXPERTS now.
No Disk Space, Computer Slow - Ask PC Experts
What are Temporary Files? How they affect your PC? How can the same be get rid off?
Temporary files are files created by the programs and applications used by the user. They are created during both times – online as well as offline. They are the temporary bits of data stored by the programs on our system. In basic language they store the history of your system usage.
Temporary files or Cache does not harm your system in any way. It creates a history or record of the Web Pages you visited, Files you have opened or viewed. Online these files are created while you are online. The same is stored by the Web Pages onto your system, like in form of Cookies.
Most of the times these files are deleted automatically when the application use is over. But sometimes the same has to be done manually. The reason for the same is: sometimes over a period of time these files accumulate and occupy too much space on the hard disk. This can directly affect the performance of your computer. Also, to avoid people’s access to your personal data the same is recommended to be deleted/removed from the system.
Clean up of Temporary Files/Cache:
1) Cookies: -
· Open the Internet Explorer.
· Click on Tools in the Toolbar.
· Select Internet Options
· Click “Delete Files”
· You shall see various options to Delete Cookies, History, Temporary files etc.
· There is an option of Delete All. You can click on the same to Delete all Temporary Browser Files.
· You can also click on the box one by one to “Delete” for Any of the information you wish to delete.
· Click “Close” once done.
2) To Clear History on IE:
· Open the Internet Explorer
· Click on Tools in the Toolbar.
· Click on the General Tab
· On the option saying “Clear History”
· Click OK.
3) To Clean Up Temporary Files:
· Click Start
· Go to Programs
· Go to Accessories
· Go to System tools
· Go to Disk Cleanup
· Choose the Drive i.e. C:\,D:\ etc
· Check the boxes in the list and delete all files.
There a user friendly various software’s available for the same. They help keeping the system clean, restore list files and others.
You can call ASK PC EXPERTS at 1-888-889-3335 for further information. We will be glad to help you.
Remove Virus, Worms, Trojan - Ask PC Experts at 1-888-889-3335
Anyone who uses the computer dreads one problem, and the problem is of his system getting damaged by a Virus, Worm or a Trojan.
Most of the people who use computers are aware of the above words, but it’s very few who really know what these things really are; and what is the problem they really cause. More importantly how these problems get created in a perfectly functional system?
At ASK PC EXPERTS we would like to share some information about the same with you.
Virus: A Virus is a bug which travels through the medium of a program or a file. The most common way by which your PC gets infected by Virus is by opening unknown files/programs/attachments. It is also possible that when you receive a program from a friend and you run it on your PC - your PC gets infected. The reason is simple – your friend PC is also infected by a Virus. The Virus directly attacks and damages your hardware, software and files. A person with a virus may unknowingly infect your system by mailing, sharing a file or sending some attachments to you. Virus can spread through all executable files.
Worm: A worm can be a lot more dangerous and difficult than a virus. Like a virus it does not need any medium to be sent/spread to various systems. At any given point of time a worm can spread from your PC to hundreds of other PC’s. The most common problem faced while your system is infected by a worm is of slow functioning of your system as it consumes too much system memory, allows multiple users to access to your PC and can also lead to system crash.
Trojan: A Trojan is very different from a Virus and a Worm but like them it can be very dangerous and troublesome for you system. A Trojan enters your system through means of a software. You may think the software to be of some help, or the one which you might really need for your system but it may lead to right the opposite. For the same reason its always suggested to not download from unknown sites and to avoid pirated software. A Trojan can create access for multiple users to access to your personal files, may lead to deletion of files and other programs and various other unwanted changes within the system.
If your PC is not functioning in the way it used to, you are facing a crash, system is slow? You are unable to locate your files and the desktop has unknown icons! Kindly call as at 1-888-889-3335 to Ask PC Experts, we are here to help you!
Computer Crashed? Ask PC Experts - Best Online Computer Support
The mouse has stopped moving from its place? The key board keys are not functioning? Well then, it’s a computer crash. You may ask what’s that? Well mostly when the RAM or your Mother board have some problem in their functioning, it leads to computer crash. It is time you called in to Ask PC Experts!!
The same cannot be corrected by changing any part of the computer as the crash is due to the problem with the software of the computer and not the hardware.
There are various reasons as to why would your PC crash’s some reasons and solutions to follow:
Program Failure: If the problem is occurring every time you switch to a certain program then its quiet obvious that the same needs to be removed or re-installed.
Free Space: If the PC is having this problem after being worked on for some time there is a strong possibility that the PC has very low levels of free space/memory. Sometimes the system gives the alarm of low free space, if the same isn’t happening you can check by yourself in the Control Panel. < Performance and check the system resource available. If it only happens after long periods of use it could be that your free memory has dropped to unacceptable levels. If the free space is less than 20% then it needs to be checked on. One way to do the same is by rebooting your system. Also, avoid opening very heavy files specially when other program are turned on.
Internet Errors: If the mouse stops to move every time you are using the Internet the reason would be your ISP – Internet Service Provider. In this case you can try another ISP. Before you do the same you can also try uninstalling and re-installing your Dial Up Networking/Other networking.
Fatal Exception Errors Fatal exception errors are generally caused when a program that you started up and shut down has not released the memory it was using. This is a common problem. If you are unable to understand the message you can check the meaning from any of the Search Engines. Now you need to identify the program causing the problem. There are several programs running in the background of of your PC; boot the PC with all the programs running in the background turned off (Cntrl + Alt + Del, Task Manager, End All Programs). Now that you’re in Windows and have no programs running in the background it’s time for the trial and error. Open up the suspect program and use if for a while to see if it crashes. If it does it may need to be uninstalled (control panel: add/remove programs) and re-installed.
System Format: When none of the above cases strike to be the cause of the problem then the best solution to the same is system format/re-installation. Now installing all programs and data can be tricky and tough. Its not too simple. So, make a back up of your files first. Then, format the drives. And after the same is done, try new installation of windows. After the installation always use the latest drivers for your devices rather than the drivers you received when you bought your PC.
We hope the above quick session on System Crash down would help you relate and solve PC CRASH downs better.
PC Repair Tips - Keep Your Computer in Perfect Shape
Generally here you read on our blogs, the problems faced by our users, our solutions to them, their personal experiences; and some general PC problems and their solutions. Though we at Ask PC Experts try and bring solutions available to you from small to major problems you face, we would like to bring in some basic information to you to avoid some of these problems completely.
We have had many users having problems caused as they didn’t take care of the following basics; Kindly note:
- Often most of the users wouldn’t admit but quiet a number of times most of us switch OFF our systems directly from the main switch, Instead of the correct way of switching it off from the shut down/hibernate process. It is absolutely incorrect. In areas prone to electricity cut outs also, UPS (power backup) is used to avoid direct shut down. Please follow the right process.
- Try and avoid having too many icons on your desktop. It reduces the speed of your system.
- When you switch on your Internet never open/click on unknown mails/spam’s and links.
- Always use a good Anti Virus scan, scan at least once in 3 days to avoid your system suffer from Viruses.
- Use a good anti spy-ware and system/desktop cleaner.
- Try avoiding use of old/scratched/spoilt/tampered CDs/VCDs and DVDs.
- Never delete any of the system files to try making space in the hard-drive. It may lead to system non function and ultimately loss of Data.
- Before formatting have a data back up in any form of external memory preferably.
- If you have more than one hard-drive in your system please ensure that they are all in the same format – either NTFS or FAT 32.
- Always plug in the system properly and then switch on the power switch.
- The main switch of the plug-in should be perfect. Slight sparking or loose connection can direct blow any part of your PC set up.
- If the colors of the monitor go wrong it’s the problem of the Display card and not the system, please do not tamper with the system for the same.
- Use only original parts of the system – set up; buy system parts always from a licensed dealer.
- Always ensure the system has a good virtual memory and hard-disk space. Especially when you use specialised software’s.
- Always eject/remove safely the external drive attached. E.g. Pen drive, Camera etc. Remove only when system says safe to remove.
- The hard-disk you install windows software on should always have larger chunk of memory space.
These simple PC Repair Tips can ensure that your PC remains healthy and works longer. It will be more reliable and your overall experience with the machine will always be better!
Internet Not Working? Ask PC Experts!
Has it happened that you were trying to use the Internet and it simply refused to work? What was the first thing you did? Called the service provider..!
Now after the complaint is all done am sure you don’t have enough patience to wait for him. You still try and wonder what’s wrong after all? Why a working Internet connection has stopped suddenly. It was working perfectly the last time you used it.
You can see all the required lights blinking on the Modem. You can also see the blue connection light in the small connection indicator on the right bottom of your desktop. But still you IE says connect to Internet….! Where is the problem?
Problem is pretty simple and so is the solution.
Sometimes when you shut down your PC, the Modem settings go for a reset. Because of which next time when you start your PC and try to use the Internet connection it doesn’t work. This problem doesn’t happen too many times but it can happen anytime and can be too bothering if one doesn’t know the solution.
Solution is that you open your IE and go to the Service Provider’s site. Here you will have various columns from which you choose the settings. These settings are the main cause for the problem of the connection. From the various options you choose the required and save the same. Now you try your IE again. This time the connection works. Great! You have simply solved the problem by yourself sitting at home by simply making a phone call to Ask PC Experts!
So now no waiting for the Service provider to come within a few days to help you out. Completely avoiding all the follow ups you would have had to do.
With Ask PC Experts any solution any problem is just a phone call away.
Transfer Phone Contacts to a New Phone using Bluetooth & Laptop
When it comes to computers and other gadgets, the simplest of problem and can appear to be too difficult to handle. Especially when you need to do things quite too urgently and you cannot find a way to do it, it can be really bad. Here is another one from our customer’s experiences. She wanted to transfer phone contacts to a new phone and called Ask PC Experts’ at 1-888-889-3335 for assistance.
Though I have used a Sony VIAO for a year now and keep fidgeting with the system like most of us do I was stuck this time. I had to transfer my contact list i.e. phone book from one handset to the other. But the big question was how? I knew that I had Bluetooth and the laptop had the same. And it was the medium which would help me do the same, but how? I have no experience in transferring so many files from one handset to the other. Maximum I have gone to is manually transferring pictures to laptop via Bluetooth. Fortunately I got to learn from Ask PC Experts that all I needed to do was to firstly go online and seek for software for my handset. It was available for free from the Nokia website. It wasn’t as difficult as it sounded for the first time. I logged on to the net and following instructions got the PC Suite for the handset. Now when I installed the software etc I was sure I could handle it all on my own. But the Bluetooth of the laptop wasn’t on and I could find no way of doing it. I looked into all settings, control panel everywhere possible. At the end I knew that I had lost it. But then like always I could call the PC experts and find out. They told me to look for a switch on the laptop to switch on the wireless. And it was right there in front of my eyes. I couldn’t believe I had been going crazy for this. One switch and the whole thing started working for me. Problem solved. It’s surprising one can get so stuck with the simplest of problems. Thanks to some help we can always look forward to from Ask PC Experts!
It always gives us great pleasure to assist customers when they want quick help. It is simple to reach us, just call us at 1-888-889-3335, without any cost, or visit Ask PC Experts website for ‘best online support‘.
*AskPCExperts is a Microsoft Certified Partner. AskPCExperts is not affiliated with Sony Viao, Nokia or the Bluetooth Consortium. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners.