Computer Corner:

Check out the whole section on kommando.com web site devoted to kids.
Here are some other tips you may find useful:

You can take the kids to see a movie this summer for free
5 sites for fun that kids like:  http://www.komando.com/kids/tip.aspx?id=3145
Warn your kids about texting while driving
Make sure the kids sign the Kim Kommando 10 Commandments for Kids Online.









                                                              








                                                



                                                        




































































Subscribe to Kim Komando's free e-mail newsletters at: www.komando.com





















































Closing Windows' File and Printer Sharing

Windows' File and Printer Sharing lets you share a computer's files or printer on a home network. But it
might also leave your files open to snoops or hackers. If you're on a lone computer or don't need the
feature, seal up this security hole.

File and Printer Sharing allows a computer's resources to be shared on a local network. But according
to Microsoft, Windows could include the Internet as part of your local network if you connect directly using
a modem rather than through a router. Part of this confusion lies with your Internet provider's definition of
its own local networks. You could be sharing your files with just about anyone.

The easy way to prevent this is to disable File and Printer Sharing. To do this in Windows XP, click
Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections. Right-click your local area connection icon and
select Properties from the menu.

Clear the checkbox labeled "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks." Then click OK. You should
restart your computer to be sure the setting kicks in.

To do this in Windows 98 or ME, click Start>>Settings>>Control Panel. Double-click Network. Select the
Configuration tab. Click the "File and Print Sharing" button. Clear the checkboxes for both files and
printers. Click OK. Then click OK on the next window. You should restart your computer to be sure the
settings take effect.

This is especially important if you're using a Wi-Fi hotspot. The local network includes at least everyone
else in the hotspot. And you probably don't need File and Print Sharing at a coffee shop or airport. You
can find more hotspot security advice on my Web site.

If you have Windows XP Professional, you can do even more. But it involves a bit of work with the
Windows registry. So be sure to make a backup. Backup instruction can be had on Komando.com.

Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Administrative Tools. Double-click Local Security Policy. From
the list under Security Settings, open Local Policies. Then open Security Options. You'll see a list of
policies, most marked as enabled or disabled.

Look for two items in the list. First is "Network access: Do not allow anonymous enumeration of SAM
accounts." You should set it to enable. To do that, right-click it and select Properties. Then select Enabled
and click OK.

Second is "Network access: Do not allow anonymous enumeration of SAM accounts and shares."    
Make  sure that it is enabled as well. These settings can stop snoops from scanning your computer for
user account names or sharing status.



    Safe Mode helps combat spyware: excerpt from Kim Kommando.com
    Q. I built a computer for my brother 18 months ago. Lately, his system is running so slow that it hardly does anything. I can't even get it
    to complete an anti-spyware scan. It takes an hour just to open Task Manager! He's got 1 gigabyte of RAM, but it's all being used. I need
    to disable all possible tasks for Windows so I can fix this. Help!

    A. Unfortunately, there are many people in the same boat as your brother. It sounds like spyware has taken over your brother's
    computer. Argh! And it’s not that unusual for the spyware programs to be absent from the list of applications running as shown in the
    Windows Task Manager.

    Anti-spyware programs would probably take care of things. That is, if only they had enough room to do their work. So to give them that
    room, start your computer in Windows Safe Mode.

    Safe Mode starts only the resources necessary to run bare-bones Windows. Automatic start-up programs do not start. Network and
    Internet connections are left off. Extra gadgets aside from the keyboard and mouse are ignored. Even basics like sound and graphics
    cards are disabled.

    To start your computer in Safe Mode, first reboot the computer. You'll see the usual technical gibberish that shows before Windows
    starts. As soon as you see that gibberish, press the F8 key repeatedly. That tells Windows that you want to start up differently.

    You should see a plain screen of text entitled Advanced Options Menu. If not, reboot and try again. Windows is picky about your timing
    with the F8 key. In fact, that's the reason to press F8 repeatedly. It increases your chance of hitting it at the right moment.

    Use the arrow keys to browse the menu. Highlight "Safe Mode" and press Enter. You'll be prompted for the administrator password. If
    you don't have a password, just press Enter.

    You’re not in Kansas anymore. Windows in Safe Mode is not as pretty as normal mode. But you'll be able to run anti-virus and anti-
    spyware programs. You'll have to start them yourself. Safe Mode doesn't start automatic programs like virus scans. After your security
    programs do their work, restart Windows as normal.

    Once you’re back in Windows' normal mode, I would go ahead and remove his system restore points. These are snapshots of a
    Windows machine that allow you to go back in time. There are likely bad things in his computer’s restore points. I have a free tip on my
    Web site that shows you how to remove system restore points.

    How can your brother avoid these problems?

    Be sure his anti-virus software is up-to-date. The same goes for anti-spyware programs. I use several of those. You can't do that with
    anti-virus programs, because they conflict. But I have had no conflicts among anti-spyware software. Additionally, he should install a
    firewall. I have everything he needs on my Web site.

    Explain the rules of the road to your brother. He should avoid e-mail attachments that he hasn't requested. If it's from a friend, call and
    ask before opening it. Also, don't buy products advertised in spam. Many will install spyware, then try to sell you a product to remove it.
    Stick with the anti-spyware programs on my site.

    Be leery of ads that warn you have spyware on your computer. Again, you will be safest by sticking with the programs I recommend. I
    know they work.


    Browse all of Kim's Tips at Kim Kommand.com       



    Back up your cell phone contacts -  by Kim Kommando

    Q. I have several hundred phone numbers on my cell phone. Is there a program that I can use to store them on my computer in case I lose my cell
    phone? I really don't want to have to re-enter all of them.

    A. I hear you. This is a concern not only if you lose your cell phone. What if it just stops working? It happened to me once. Then, I got the cell
    phone backup religion.

    There are a handful of programs that can be used to back up your cell phone contact numbers. Most of them are desktop-to-phone synching
    programs. They essentially copy your cell phone's list to your computer. Then they ensure that the two lists remain identical.

    I carry around a Motorola RAZR phone. For it, I purchased Motorola’s $50 Mobile Phone Tools. This package includes software and a USB cable.
    You use the cable to connect the phone to your PC. It makes backups and a lot more.
    When the phone is connected to my PC, it’s recharging. Best of all, I can enter contacts into my phone using my computer’s keyboard. Thank you!

    There are other programs. Here are three you might want to check out;

  • DataPilot is compatible with Outlook and Outlook Express contacts. A basic kit including software and a cable for the connection is priced at
    about $60. The software alone is $35.
  • SnapSync is a straightforward program that can be used for backups. It is also compatible with Outlook and Outlook Express contacts. The
    software sells for $30. Phone cables are sold separately, also at $30.
  • MightyBackup is simple. It makes periodic backups of your cell phone's contacts. The backups can be loaded onto your phone if necessary.
    They can also be loaded onto a new phone if the old one was damaged. MightyBackup is a Web service. The backups are stored on
    MightyBackup's computers, not yours. The service works with wireless providers to include the monthly fee on your bill. The monthly fee for
    MightyBackup averages about $2.

    These services provide lists of compatible cell phones on their Web sites. They are very specific, including brands and model numbers. Be sure
    that your phone is listed before buying.

    If your phone is damaged, its replacement would have to be compatible as well. Otherwise, your backups might not transfer to your new phone.

    Copyright 2005 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Subscribe to Kim Komando's free e-mail newsletters at: www.komando.com


    "How To Prevent Downloading And Protect Your Kids"
    =============================


    Contrary to those who swear it's so, your PC does NOT read the
    ebook first and then decide you it is not suitable reading
    material for you, or the software is malicious.  It has to do
    with the security settings, and in some cases it is set too high

    Medium setting is fine. But you can render your browser incapable
    of downloading if you want to.

    Want to keep your kids from downloading anything? NO problem.
    Just do the following:

    1. Open Internet Explorer (double click the blue "e" icon)
    2. Click Tools, Internet Options, Security Tab. Click the Custom
    Level button.

    3. Scroll down to the Downloads section. You'll see 'Enable' and
    'Disable' as options. Click the Disable item. Click OK, then
    click OK again and you're done.

    What this does is tell the browser it can't download any files
    from the Net. It's kind of tricky. You can enable and disable a
    lot of other browser features while you're in there looking
    around.

    Use this to keep your kids from downloading anything to their
    computers. That way, you have control. At least over one tiny
    aspect of the Web.

    But you have to remember to revert back, when you WANT to
    download something for yourself
Keith Gomez - Contributor,
computer repair & tutoring
(305) 252-4161
kgomez@mdc.edu

.....
    A runaway taskbar
Q. My desktop has changed, and I am not savvy enough to fix
it. My taskbar is on top, and I have no toolbar. What have I
done?

A. Offhand, I would guess that you moved the taskbar
accidentally. Or, maybe your computer is haunted! Either way,
this situation is easily resolved.

The taskbar is the strip along the bottom—usually—of the
desktop. It has the notification area, including the clock, at one
end. At the other end is the Start button.

Windows includes the ability to move the taskbar around. Most
people probably keep it at the bottom of the screen. That's the
default position. But you can put it at the top, or on either side.

To move the taskbar, click it and hold the left mouse button
down. Drag the taskbar to the position you prefer.

You can correct your problem the same way. Just drag the
taskbar to the bottom of the screen, or to a side, if you prefer.
To keep this from happening again, right-click the taskbar.
Click Lock the Taskbar. When it is locked, the taskbar cannot
be moved. Conversely, if the taskbar refuses to move, it is
probably locked.

Toolbars are small areas reserved for specific functions on
the taskbar. For instance, I use the Quick Launch toolbar.
When enabled, it resides next to the Start button. I keep icons
of common programs there. I just have to click them once to
launch the programs. Hence, the "quick launch."

Windows includes a number of toolbars. They are disabled by
default, but you can enable them easily. Other programs—for
instance, Google's Desktop Search—add toolbars to the list.

To find the toolbars, right click the taskbar. Select Toolbars.
The list of available toolbars will be displayed. To enable one,
click it.

Why did your toolbar disappear? I have no idea. Maybe your
computer really is haunted! But you should be able to restore
it.
"Your Start Menu"
=========================
The Start Menu on your Task Bar is where you start.
Kind of like turning the key in the ignition for the first
time. However, more advanced users know that the
Start menu is really a messy place, because there's
so much packed into the Start menu you'd need an
entire book to explain it all.

There are two regions to the Start menu - the upper
and lower. The upper region is above the Programs
item, and you can modify what appears there. You
can't do much with the appearance of items below
the Programs item.

Just like the desktop, the Start  menu  is actually a
folder on your hard drive, located in \Windows\Start
Menu.

Anything you add or remove from the Start Menu
folder will show up in the actual Start Menu under
the Start button. Quickly access the Start Menu
folder by RIGHT clicking the Start button and
selecting Open or Explore. If you select Open, you'll
see the folder view. Select Explore, and you'll see
the tree view. (an expanded menu!)

The easiest way to add an item to the Start Menu is
to drag an executable file (that's a file that ends with
the file extension ".exe" like an ebook or software)
directly into the \Windows\Start Menu\Programs
folder. A shortcut (along with its icon, of course) is
created on the Start Menu
 How to Add More Options to the
"Send to" Menu
    The "send to" function in the right context
    menu is handy; it lets you right click a file and
    send it to the floppy drive, the desktop, the My
    Documents folder, a mail recipient, etc. But
    there might be other places you'd like to be
    able to quickly send files (for example, to a
    folder you've created or a network drive). You
    can add more locations to the Send to menu.
    Here's how:
    1.        Right click Start and click Explore to
    open Windows Explorer.
    2.        Navigate to the drive on which XP is
    installed (where the WINDOWS folder is
    located)  and expand the Documents and
    Settings folder.
    3.        Expand the folder for your XP account
    name.
    4.        Expand the Send to folder (this is a
    hidden folder, so you might need to modify
    your Explorer options settings to show hidden
    files and folders first).
    5.        In Explorer, right click the folder or drive
    you want to add and drag it into the Send to
    folder. Select Create shortcut here.

    To show hidden files and folders, in Explorer
    click Tools | Folder Options, click the View tab,
    and check the box that says Show Hidden
    Files and Folders.
Putting program shortcuts where they belong
Q  Our three kids. They use it for games and school projects (no Internet). Well, my
son moved everything from Programs to the Desktop. The Desktop is full of folders
and the Programs menu says (EMPTY). How do I get them back to the right place?
P.S. Do you need an 11-year-old boy to visit for awhile?

A   I can understand why this would be annoying. I like to keep my desktop free of
clutter. And it's helpful to have the programs in their correct places.

Fortunately, this isn't such a big deal. I've accidentally pulled programs off the
Programs menu and dropped them on my desktop. But it's easy to move a program
back to the Program menu.
First, let me explain how the Programs menu works in Windows. This is the list of
programs accessed by clicking Start>>Programs. These are not the actual
programs.             
They're shortcuts.

When you install a program, it usually goes in your Program Files folder on the C:
drive. A shortcut is put on the Programs menu to help you access it quickly.

To move the shortcuts back to the Program menu, highlight them on the desktop.
Right-click them and drag them to the        menu. Of course, this is easier said than
done. That's                 because the menu disappears when you click off of it.

With the shortcuts selected, you'll need to hold the mouse          pointer over the
Start button. When the Start menu appears,     hold the mouse over Programs.
 When the Programs menu appears, drop the shortcuts  onto it. You'll be
presented with a couple of different options. Select Move Here.
Note that if you select Copy Here, the shortcuts remain on the desktop.
Additionally, "Shortcut to" is added to each entry. The same will happen if
you drag the shortcuts to the menu with the left mouse key. It's a real
annoyance!
The program shortcuts will probably be out of order. So you may want to do
a little cleaning up.
You can alphabetize the shortcuts. Click on one (not a blank space) and
select Sort by Name.
Of course, you may want to organize things a little differently. In that case,
you can arrange the shortcuts however you'd like. Simply click on one and
drag it to a new location on the menu. A black bar appears to show you
where the shortcut will be placed.
The same steps work for Windows XP, although the Programs menu is called
All Programs.
If your kids haven't moved the taskbar yet, it's just a matter of time. Find out
now how you can fix that problem.
Speaking of Windows ME, Microsoft ended support for it and Windows 98.
Anyone using these machines to access the Internet should read this tip.
Kim Komano.com also has a tip on upgrading Windows ME to XP.
Public information about you has always been, well, public. But the Internet
makes it easy to access.               However, some of this information can be
removed from Internet databases.
Transferring music to a phone
I’m thinking about purchasing the LG Chocolate phone from Verizon Wireless.
But I want to know more about loading music onto the phone. Is there a way to
load music from your computer onto the phone? Or can you only purchase music
from Verizon?

I can understand why you would want to load your own music. Verizon charges
$2 per song.

You can put your own music on the phone. You need to use a microSD card.
Connect a memory card reader to your computer. Use it to transfer music to a
microSD card. Then plug the card into  the phone.

The Chocolate can handle MP3 and WMA files. It won’t play AAC files sold by
iTunes.
The Chocolate received a lot of hype last year. Unfortunately, many people were
disappointed by it. I’ve heard a lot of complaints.

Many people found the phone’s learning curve steep. They said that the controls
are not intuitive. Also, it is easy to hit the touch-sensitive buttons inadvertently. In
addition, the phone sometimes closes accidentally, ending calls.

That said, LG recently released an updated version of the Chocolate, the
VX8550. It is available on Verizon’s site. The new version has a silver navigation
wheel on the front. The old model (VX8500) only has a touch pad.

The reviews of the new phone have been more positive. Some reviewers say
that LG fixed the problems in the earlier model.
Try it out at a Verizon store. If you like it, go ahead and buy the phone. Verizon
has a 30-day return policy. So, if you decide the phone isn’t for you, you can
return it for a refund.

You might be considering a Bluetooth headset to use with the phone. But how
about wireless stereo headphones? The LG Chocolate supports stereo audio via
Bluetooth! Not all phones do; you can learn more by reading the tip on Kim
Kommando’s site. -  www.kommando.com/tips/index.aspx

Did You Know that Computers Slow Down Over Time?

Adam Sanderson

Compared with cars and other mechanical devices, personal computers (PCs)
don't require a lot of care -- but they're not maintenance-free. Even a brand-new
PC will have programs that need to be updated for peak performance.
Users who notice that their PCs are working more slowly than usual often try to
fix the problem by buying more memory or adjusting the computer's settings. Or
they assume that the computer is just getting old, bite the bullet and buy a new
one.
These time-consuming (and sometimes expensive) "fixes" aren't necessary for
most users. A PC that's bogging down probably just needs routine maintenance.
(Macintosh computers require similar tune-ups, but the approaches may be
somewhat different.) What every user should do...
Update Virus Definitions
Viruses are malicious programs that are spread via the Internet. Some are
relatively benign -- they make their presence known with text that unexpectedly
pops up on the screen, or with video or audio messages that seem to come out
of nowhere. This type of virus uses up computer memory and can result in slow
performance or crashes. Other viruses actually damage programs or delete
information. Some wipe out the entire hard drive.
It's estimated that there are more than 70,000 viruses floating around on the
Web. Among computers that are brought into shops for repairs, about 85% have
at least one virus.
Self-protection: Run an antivirus program. Users can buy and subscribe to
antivirus software, such as from leading software makers Norton and McAfee. Or
they can download equally effective (and free) programs, such as AVG (made by
Grisoft, www.grisoft.com), on the Internet.
Most programs have settings for both manual and automatic updates. Choose
the automatic feature -- so the program will automatically download protection
against the newest viruses. The user doesn't have to do anything after the initial
installation.
Caution: Computers that are already infected with a virus won't always allow
these programs to be installed. Users who get error messages when attempting
to install new antivirus software will probably need professional help.
 Block Adware/Spyware
Adware is the term for annoying programs that cause advertisements to repeatedly
"pop up" when users are on the Internet. Example: Someone who is searching for
information on a new car might get 50 pop-ups advertising car loans. Adware
essentially hijacks the computer and turns it into an ongoing advertisement.
Spyware is worse. These programs are designed to keep track of every Web site a
user has visited and provide this information to outside parties. Some spyware
programs, called key-loggers, record every keystroke that a user makes. This
could allow an outside party to gain access to personal passwords, banking
information, etc.
Self-protection: Download programs that block adware/spyware, and run them at
least once a week. Some of these programs will update and run automatically.
Others, particularly the free versions available on-line, may require the user to run
them manually.
Recommended: Two good, equally effective anti-adware/spyware programs,
Ad-Aware (www.adawareresource.com) and Spybot (www.spybot.net), can be
downloaded for free. Pick either one. They're the first line of defense. They'll
remove adware/spyware that is already in your computer and prevent new
programs from getting in.
Run Defrag
A computer hard drive (the memory device on which the vast majority of your
programs, data and settings are stored) is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle that's not
completely assembled. Files that are too large to fit in one place on the drive are
cut into pieces that are scattered in different locations on the hard drive. Users
don't see this fragmentation, and the computer keeps track of where the different
pieces are. But over time, there may be so many fragments in different places that
it takes the computer longer to access the information.
Self-protection: Run your computer's defragmentation ("defrag") program.
Defragmenting the computer rearranges the pieces so that all, or nearly all,
scattered fragments of each file are stored contiguously on the drive.
Bonus: Besides making file access faster, defragging can create more available
empty space on the hard drive. This can potentially improve computer
performance by up to 80%.
All PCs that run Windows software have a disk defragmenter program. Click on
"Start"... then "Programs"... "Accessories"... "System Tools"... and then click on
"Disk Defragmenter."
Note: If your hard drive is nearly filled to capacity, you may not be able to run your
defrag program. (It needs a certain amount of free space to do its work.) If this is
the case, store some of your data files on removable disks instead, add another
hard drive (if possible) to your computer or upgrade to a newer model.
Check the Hard Drive
Every time a computer crashes and has to be restarted, errors (such as data that's
been written to the hard drive, but is missing a "pointer" to that data location) occur
on the hard drive. As these errors accumulate, the computer runs much more
slowly.
Self-protection: At least once a month, run a ScanDisk program. Both Microsoft
and Norton have programs that repair hard drive errors.
On older PCs running Windows 95, 98 or ME: Click on "Start"... "Programs"...
"Accessories"... "System Tools"... "Scandisk." If your computer doesn't have this
program, you can buy and run Norton Disk Doctor (part of a software package
called Norton Utilities).
Newer PCs using the Windows XP operating system don't run exactly the same
program. To repair disk errors with XP: Click on "Start"... "Run"... then type in
"Chkdsk" and click on "Ok."
Important: Every hard drive will eventually break down, so every computer user
should have some kind of backup plan for when disaster strikes.
Options: An external hard drive (such as those made by Maxtor) or an on-line
backup service, in which the information on the PC is automatically transferred
over the Internet to computers in a different location.
Advantages: An external hard drive involves a one-time cost (between $100 and
$200), without monthly fees. These backup drives can hold enormous amounts of
data -- but, like the "original" hard drive, can also break down eventually. On-line
services can store virtually unlimited amounts of data (depending on the
subscription plan), but many computer users feel uncomfortable sending their
personal data to an off-site location.
Clean the Innards
All desktop computers and some laptops have fans that draw air through the unit
to prevent the central processing unit (CPU) from getting too hot. Excess heat can
cause the CPU to break down prematurely. But the very flow of air through the
computer attracts dust, which can prevent the air from circulating and keeping the
electronics cool.
Self-protection: Vacuum fans and vent openings at least once a year (unplug the
unit before cleaning/disassembling). Laptops usually have one or more vents on
the bottom or sides. Remove the dust with the bristle-brush attachment on a
vacuum. For desktop computers, remove the outer case, which is generally held in
place with a handful of visible screws (consult your owner's manual). Then gently
blow out dust with a can or two of compressed air