computer

Infopackets Reader 'Faskia' writes: " Dear Dennis, One of my PCs is now failing to connect to the Internet, and is showing a Security Warning screen on a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The blue background reads, 'A fatal error in IE has occured at ... 0028.C0011E36 in VXD VMM(01)+00010E36. Error was caused by Trojan-Spy.HTML.Smitfraud.c.' Would you please give me some simple steps to remove Smitfraud from my PC? " My response: The problem is that your computer has been infected with Spyware. According to the F-Secure web site, Trojan-Spy.HTML.Smithfraud.c is a phishing scam where "a ... (view more)

Spyware is a broad category of malicious software intended to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the user's informed consent. While the term taken literally suggests software that surreptitiously monitors the user, ... it has come to refer more broadly to software that subverts the computer's operation for the benefit of a third party. Spyware differs from viruses and worms in that it does not usually self-replicate. Like many recent viruses, spyware is designed to exploit infected computers for commercial gain. Typical tactics furthering this goal include ... (view more)

Synopsis: Are you a paranoid PC user? Got stuff on your computer that you don't want others to see -- like web sites you've recently visited, media files you've recently opened, or documents recently edited? In that case, you need Privacy Guardian! ... Believe it or not, it's pretty easy for *anyone* to find out what you've been up to (for example: Click Start -& Documents to see recently opened documents, or CTRL + H to see recently visited web sites)! With Privacy Guardian, you'll never have to worry about 'prying eyes' looking over your sensitive data again! Installs in minutes and super- ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'Faskia' writes: " Dear Dennis, One of my PCs is now failing to connect to the Internet, and is showing a Security Warning screen on a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The blue background reads, 'A fatal error in IE has occured at ... 0028.C0011E36 in VXD VMM(01)+00010E36. Error was caused by Trojan-Spy.HTML.Smitfraud.c.' Would you please give me some simple steps to remove Smitfraud from my PC? " My response: The problem is that your computer has been infected with Spyware. According to the F-Secure web site, Trojan-Spy.HTML.Smithfraud.c is a phishing scam where "a ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Aimee P. writes: " Dear Dennis, I would like to transfer some photos from my work laptop to my personal laptop. What is the easiest way to do this? Is there some cord I can buy that can connect the two laptops which will enable me ... to transfer the photos quickly? The work laptop is a Toshiba Satellite Pro Pentium 4 on Windows XP. My personal laptop is an old Compaq on Windows 2000. Any advice is appreciated! " My response: There are a number of ways you can transfer your photos [or any other file type, for that matter] from one laptop to another. My answer is in no ... (view more)

Synopsis: Looking for a way to optimize Windows without a lot of technical know-how? Look no further! Advanced System Optimizer v2 (ASO) is the most comprehensive system-tweaking utility ever created! ASO includes more than 30 tools for ... supercharging your PC's performance, plus more than 200 tweaks for customizing Windows and improving its performance! New features in version 2 include a Spyware detective, an email checker, icon manager, an ultra-fast emailer, and a comprehensive backup tool for Outlook and for files and folders. You can back up the registry and restore it if it's damaged by ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader B.R. Hudgens writes: " Dear Dennis, I just read your article regarding the Registry Mechanic v4 release, as well as the article on WinOptimizer Platinum Suite . I have not yet tried either of these utilities on my system, but plan ... to do so very shortly because my PC has become very sluggish. I was wondering if you would give your opinion on the comparison of Registry Mechanic to WinOptimizer Platinum? I'm a bit confused because your article on WinOptimizer states that it cleans the System Registry (as does Registry Mechanic). And, both programs, as far as I understand ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Phyllis R. writes: " Dear Dennis, I have just completed a 'disk cleanup' on my computer. When the disk cleanup finished, it said I could free up more space on my C drive if I deleted my Temporary Internet Files. Is this a safe ... procedure, and do you recommend it? Every once in a while I clean out my Temporary Internet Files and web site history, but was curious of your opinion. Thanks for any help you can provide. " My response: Before answering that question, it's important to understand the role of Temporary Internet Files before you go and delete them ;-). In ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Karen S. writes: " Dear Dennis, I ordered a new computer, digital camera (Kodak: model CX7530), and an Easy Print and Share printer from Dell a little while ago. I've recently had some time off work, and had a technician come over ... and set everything up for me. To my dismay, the technician told me that I am missing the digital camera software, power cable, and transfer cable (so I can transfer my photos to the computer). I called Dell for assistance, but they were unable to help me because I waited too long after my order to place a complaint; I was, however, able to ... (view more)

Since asking Infopackets Readers for their opinion on the best solution for Removing Scratches from CD or DVD compact disc, I have received a land-slide of great suggestions and insight. So far, the consensus has been that many users have ... successfully reported using ordinary house-hold cleaners, such as wood polishers (Pledge), Brasso (a metal polisher), and toothpaste (an abrasive tooth polisher) for small surface scratches. For deep scratches, by far the best recommendation I've received is to take the disc to a local DVD video or CD music rental store and have them repair it. These stores ... (view more)