computer problems

lomuamart · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:15 pm Post subject: computer problems

First off, this a total computer idiot asking these questions. So, here goes.
1. When I download attachments/ pdfs Firefox does so, then only gives me the option to save them to disk. It also says that all files go to desktop. So why can't I find them afterwards?
2. Something about ActiveX controls comes up that seems to be messing with the process. From the limited bit I've read, you've got to be careful with ActiveX. Is this true?
3. I've got a new toolbar - myglobal search - that's attached itself to the Firefox toolbar. Having done a google search, it's a trojan. Advice was to download the latest version of FF which I've just done. The bugger's still there. Any suggestions?
4. I know I spoke to you earlier, Buksida, but I'm getting a bit brassed off with this pink/mauve hue to the colour scheme on the monitor. Having tried to repair the problem after an angry reset and before speaking to you, this has happened. The typeface has also reduced. Resolution fine, but I just can't help thinking that a stupid resetting on properties has landed me this problem.
Yours in frustration. It's been a hot afternoon and the computer's lucky to be alive.

lomuamart · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:19 pm Post subject:

Oh yes. Forgot to mention that at the same time the colour changed, my wallpaper did as well, to one supplied by the computer. It's that that makes me think it's something I've done myself

buksida · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:37 pm Post subject:

1) In FF settings you can change default download location, its probably putting them in your profile which would be in c:\Documents and Settings\Your Name\Desktop\

2) ActiveX runs in IE and yes should be disabled for security purposes as little nasties can get into your box with it.

3) Spyware. Kill it, if you've tried uninstalling and Spybot give Adaware 1.06SE a go. Downloadable from lavasoft.com

4) Sounds like hardware, easiest thing to do is test the monitor on another computer. Although that said your wallpaper shouldnt change itself Confused

Try playing with settings here > right click desktop > properties > settings > change resolution or go into advanced and change refresh rate if its flickering.

All that aside your hardware is 5 years old and you only have 64 Megs of RAM so you should be glad the thing even turns on Mr. Green

_________________
Luctor et Emergo

Yung · Member Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 75 Location: At sea

1. Go into the menues and find settings/options/properties something. There should be a sub-category about downloading (files). Here you can see which folder the files are downloaded to and change it if you like to.
2. Try running windows update and install the newest version of ActiveX
3. Install and run Spybot - Search & Destroy (or any other spyware killer), you can find it here: www.download.com
4. Sounds to me like your monitor is f#%*ed, if you have a degauss button on your monitor, you can try that, might work. Don't keep electrical equipment that have a strong electromagnetic field close to your monitor. (any equipment with a coil in it)
5. You can change your wallpaper and screen resolution by right-clicking on the desktop and choose properties->desktop and properties->settings

Anyway - get rid of that trojan first! If Spybot doesn't do it. Install Symantec Anti-virus/Internet security. This is a good investment in my opinion. (about 2000 Bath)

lomuamart · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks folks. I'll give them a try after dinner. There's just one other thing....

My brother sent some digital photos over by email. I've got those. Can I transfer them from the email to a saved photo album. Say for instance in my docs?

Yung · Member Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 75 Location: At sea

Open the picture, right-click on it, choose "save picture as".

lomuamart · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 7:16 pm Post subject:

Thanks Yung,
You're a mine of info.
BTW, I tried the settings/properties and messing around, added silver. The wallpaper is now displaying properly. Everything else after that has a background colour. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with the monitor.

buksida · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 7:24 pm Post subject:

Could be your graphics card, that also came out of Fred Flintstones' closet Mr. Green

_________________
Luctor et Emergo

Guess · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 12:41 pm Post subject:

There was a topic recently on the pros and cons of different browsers. I cnat find it but see it is mentioned here.

I took the advice of Yung and other and installed Mozilla and Spybot. Things have improved. However I still get a few pop ups and icons down loaded to my desk top. These icons are always porn sites, how to get rid of porn sites and anti spy ware sites. All require credit card details. I suspect they are connected as they always appear at the same time, usually when I have left the PC connected for long periods of time unattended.

Another strange thing is that occasionally I need to revert to Explorer for certain sites. When doing this last noght all of a dudden, just a few seconds after launching Explorer I noticed that 20 copies had fired up.

Can anybody throw any light on any of this.
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Remember. A turkey is for life not just for Christmas

buksida · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 12:59 pm Post subject:

Moz and Firefox both have popup blockers, make sure they're on:
Tools > Options > Web Features > Block popups

You can also block scripting as well if you want to be extra cautious.

You only get porn icons by looking at the wrong porn sites (I have a list of good ones that are spyware free Mr. Green

). You may well have a couple of dialers in there too.

Try not to use IE for anything if you can avoid it, make sure Moz is your default borwser.

If you've scanned and cleaned with upto date Spybot and Adaware, give this little tool a go and post your results:
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/hijackthis.html
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Luctor et Emergo

Guess · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 1:10 pm Post subject:

Yung · Member Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 75 Location: At sea

I would strongly reccomend that you install Norton Internet security with anti virus. I don't have any shares Mr. Green

, I just think it's great software! Since I first installed it about 5 years ago, I havent had any problems with hacker attacks, viruses, trojans etc. And my computers have usually been online 24/7. Some of the spyware get through though (mostly harmless stuff which you can easily remove with Spybot S&D). Have been warned and notified about port scans and suspicious scripts and sites. I think it's a very good investement, you pay about 2000 baht for the software and about 300 baht for subscription renewal every year.

buksida · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 10:04 pm Post subject:

Norton is ok but I find it a bit of a resource hog, all those services clogging up the system. Would not do for machines with less RAM such as lomuamart's.

I personally use AVG pro and Kerio Corporate Firewall which keeps all the nasties at bay. But thats for another thread!
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Luctor et Emergo

Yung · Member Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 75 Location: At sea

It uses alot of resources, yes. Thats the drawback. Neutral

lomuamart · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 6:38 am Post subject: