• How do I ... ?
• My computer is ... ?
• I think I have a virus... ?
• What is spyware ... ?

How do I shutdown my computer...it won't turn off?

Usually a Windows based computer will automatically turn itself off when you perform a "start-shutdown" sequence.  Occasionally however, the computer may get stuck and won't power down.  In newer computers, to prevent someone from turning off their computer by accident, most computer manufacturers have a built-in "soft" power-off feature.  This means if the normal "start-shutdown" procedure doesn't work, in order turn off your computer, you must hold the On/Off button for 8 - 10 seconds.

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My computer is "frozen" so what do I do now?

You may first try to "end task" by simultaneously using the ctrl-alt-del sequence to open the task manager. Find the problematic program under the applications tab and hit "end task."  If this fails to work you will need to restart your computer.  Some programs may 'fault' or 'crash' causing your programs to get "stuck" or will even "freeze" your computer.  Before calling for technical assistance, try restarting your computer.  It's best to actually turn the PC off completely and let it "rest" for 2-3 minutes - then turn it back on.  If the problem continues, it's probably wise to call for help.

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I think I have a virus, how do I get rid of it?

First, make sure you have an Antivirus program installed.  Also, insure that your program is up-to-date.  Run the scan feature of your Antivirus program letting it check your entire computer.  If you receive a warning that you have a virus and it could not be cleaned or removed, then you should call for technical assistance.

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What is spyware and how do I remove it?

Spyware is software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users unwittingly install the product when they install something else.

Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from the user by using the computer's memory resources and also by eating bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware's home base via the user's Internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability.

To remove spyware you may use the tools listed in the download section of this website.  Sometimes you will need technical assistance to completely remove spyware from your computer. Further some additional safeguards, which will help "immunize" your computer, may need to be installed or configured as well.

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