Tired of Vista automatically restarting after an update? Follow the diagram below to set the settings so that the install does not happen until you want it to happen.

Warning Signs Of Hard Drive Failure

In some cases, you start to see signs of a problem before the drive up and dies on you. Early warning signs include:

1. Computer freezes often. When it happens, the mouse cursor is unmovable and keyboard input is ignored. Nothing works and a restart is required to recover the computer.
2. Files Mysterious disappearing.
3. Frequent lock-up during booting. I say “frequent” because all computers will freeze every now and then and it doesn’t necessarily mean the drive is failing. You’re looking for a pattern here.
4. File access mysteriously slows to a turtle’s pace. Saving files or open files simply takes forever.

These are typical warning signs of a pending drive failure. When you start to see a noticeable increase in these patterns, backing up your data needs to take top priority. Otherwise you really are playing Russian roulette with your hard drive.

When buying a computer compare apples for apples. You may see a complete Dell system for $500.00. But often that does not have top quality components. Also, you will only get a 3 month warrantee without incurring an extra expense.

At Anderson Computer we will use name brand products when building your computer and will give you a full one year warrantee. My biggest income comes from doing repairs for virus infected computers. Get Protection and buy it new every year. Do the updates and scans every week.

Windows XP with SP2 has most of the drivers you will need built in. It also has a firewall and pop-up ad blocker for Internet explorer.

When you are upgrading to Windows Vista you should first go to the internet and get the Vista drivers for your printers, scanners, cameras, USB ports, sound and game cards, network cards and any other add-ons. Usually you can go to the items manufactures site to get these drivers. You will also need the printer, scanner, camera and other older peripherals if you buy a new computer with Vista on it.

When using a study manual the most frequent mistake students make is not reading all the information in the directions. So to be successful when self studying read each direction completely, including the notes, then follow the steps. If thoroughly confused, close the file without saving it. Then start from the beginning.

virus protection

How to keep your pc safe: Computer viruses pose a real threat to the health of your PC, especially if you use the Internet regularly. Knowing what a virus is and how your computer could possibly contract one will help you take the necessary measures to protect your computer.

What is a computer virus? A computer virus is a man-made computer code that disrupts a computer's functionality by infecting its system and destroying data. It can be transmitted to your computer via an infected floppy disk or over a network, such as the Internet, when you receive e-mail or download a software program (known as "shareware") from a web site.

About 16,000 viruses have been identified by experts and approximately 1000 of these are actively "in the wild." However, according to research, about two-thirds of all infections are caused by the same 10 viruses.

How does a virus affect the way my computer functions? A virus disables your PC by reproducing itself either in your computer's memory (RAM) or on the hard drive. A virus can remain on a computer's hard drive even after it has been reformatted. Sometimes, a virus remains hidden and expands invisibly or quietly deposits itself in a document. This is called a stealth virus.

Your computer may have contracted a virus if one or more of the following symptoms appear:

If your computer is experiencing any of these problems, try rebooting it. If it is still experiencing the problem, contact your computer technician.

What can I do to prevent my computer from contracting a virus? Using an anti-virus program is the best way to keep your computer healthy and virus-free. Anytime you try downloading software, either from a CD-ROM or the Internet, the program will automatically scan the software to see if any viruses exist. The best anti-virus programs are Norton's AntiVirus and McAffee Virus Scan. There is also a company on the internet that has a free virus scan.  This same company has downloadable virus scan programs for a price. You can get to TrendMicro site at http://www.antivirus.com .

When buying software, do a bit of homework first and use a reputable software dealer. Be careful how you use and trade CD-ROMs and floppy disks with friends and family. Also, be careful when downloading inexpensive "shareware" from the Internet. 

Can a virus affect any other equipment attached to a computer? Even though a virus usually affects only software, it can cause problems with different hardware devices attached to a computer. A virus can cause printing problems, interfere with the keyboard by displaying multiple characters when only one key has been pressed, or cause random and unexpected accessing of other drives. This is because it affects the software that runs these peripherals.

When you use Excel's Auto Sum feature that will apply to a range of total cells, select the row or column where the formulas need to be located then click on the AutoSum button on the Standard Tool Bar.

"In life you are given two ends, one to think with and the other to sit on.  Your success in life depends on which end you use most.  Heads you win, tails you lose."   --Conrad Burns, US Senator - Montana

When to Use Tables: In word you can use tables for a variety of uses. 

1. Setting up on line applications.

2. for lists that have to be edited and sorted.

3. As a database.

4. For list that need simple calculations.

5. For resumes

Tables can be formatted so that each table can be unique in size, color, line color and depth, or lack of lines. Tables allow editing that would otherwise be difficult in a regular text document.

When working with groups of objects: Objects are all things that are not typed directly into a page. In Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher and all similar programs, some of the objects are: pictures, text boxes, clipart, word art, graphs, charts, linked and embed files. Every thing in Publisher and PowerPoint is an object.
When working with groups of objects that must be moved maintaining their relative relationship, it is easier to group the objects that must be moved. To do this click on the first object in the grouping. Then hold down the shift key while clicking on the remainder of the objects in the group. When they are all selected while still holding the shift key, right click. Then click on grouping > group.

Always have a virus protection program on your computer, make sure it is on auto run and make sure you keep it updated.  Replace the virus protection program at least every two years (every six months if you don't have the ability to update it. A hidden virus can slowly or quickly wipe out your hard drive.                   

When learning new things: Give yourself a break.  You can't know it all right now.  You will make      mistakes.  You will probably have the computer guy in at least once to restore your hard drive.  And you will learn four letter language.  As the new (or perhaps not new) language comes out remember:

• To breath very deep.  Your brain can't work right without the extra oxygen.

• Take a break every 45 minutes or when feeling frustrated.  Make the break long enough so that you are doing and thinking about something else.

• Reread the directions without skipping words and read them all the way through before trying to execute (follow) the directions.

• Remember the computer program is not out to get you. Your out to get it.

Do not advertise your web site until it is completed: It is frustrating to go to a web site just to see an under construction sign.  Many people will not return to that site.

Accessing Network Properties: Right-clicking on the Network Neighborhood icon on the Desktop and selecting the Properties command from the shortcut menu.

Combining Objects: When working with more than one object (picture), AutoShape, or drawing group them as one object for ease of moving in the document while maintaining the relative position of the objects.  To select more than one object hold down the shift key while clicking on each object you want to select.  To group the objects right click on one of the objects, go to Grouping and select Group

WordArt: To make a custom shadow try Duplicating your WordArt. Change the colors to gray and/or transparent.  Put the original WordArt on top of the shadow. This works differently with some of the WordArt formats.