Rvers Computer Help Newsletter 10-05-07

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(Please read the WARNING at the bottom of the Newsletter)

CD-R drive or CD-RW drive is not recognized as a recordable device

Every once in a while one or both of my CD Drives becomes invisible. When this happens, there can be several things that cause it. Microsoft has a possible fix for one of them. You can check it out here, be sure and follow their instructions exactly. "Messin" with the registery can be risky.  CD Drive

Ways to protect your computer

On 6/13/2007, the FBI announced multiple arrests following an investigation which targeted hackers who installed malicious programs on computers world wide without the owner's permission. If you notice your computer running slow or it's exhibiting other behavior that you do not consider normal, we recommend you follow these steps to insure your PC is not infected.
  • Update your anti-virus programs. If you do not use anti-virus software and anti-spyware software, we strongly recommend that you purchase such software or use one of the free virus scanning services on the Internet or download one of the free ones listed in the right column of this newsletter. Free anti-spyware products are also available in the list to the right.
  • Scan your computer for viruses and spyware and keep your software up to date. Some viruses will install software which can grab your saved passwords and use them to send spam. Spyware can be installed onto your PC by a virus or by clicking a link on a malicious website. As with viruses, it may grab your passwords and use them to send spam.
  • The best way to protect your computer and your personal information is to keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software definitions up to date and to scan you computer frequently.
  • Change the passwords on your email and other online accounts. It is generally a good idea to change your passwords periodically. Changing your password once per month will help protect you from others who abuse accounts.

    Sale of Windows XP Extended

    Late Thursday, Microsoft announced that it has extended the sales availability of XP Service Pack 2 from Jan. 30, 2008, to June 30, 2008. Microsoft officials admitted that there is still stronger than expected demand for XP, despite their claims that Vista is the company's best selling version of Windows ever. This is good news for those of you that are thinking about buying a new computer and would still like it to be equipped with Windows XP.

    Computer takes a long time to start up or you have low resources

    If these things are happening to you, try this fix.
  • Click "Start", then "Run". In the "Open" field type "msconfig" and click "OK".
  • The utility that opens will have "Tabs" at the top. Click the one that reads "Startup".
  • You will see a list of all the programs that run when you start Windows. They will have check marks in the boxes to their left. We do not want them all to start.
  • Remove all the check marks (by clicking on them) except the ones beside "SystemTray" - "ScanRegistry" - "LoadPowerProfile" and "Task Monitor." Also leave a check mark in anything that has the name of, or abbreviation of, your antivirus program or anything that looks like it might apply to "Norton" products.
  • Click "OK" at the bottom. You will be asked if you want to re-start your computer - do it. If, in the future, you notice things that you are used to loading when you boot up, but aren't - and that you want to load - then go back and check their boxes

    Cat Bowling

    Every year as we approach Halloween time, I put a link to the Cat Bowling game. Seems most of our subscribers enjoy playing and I post the best scores as they are reported to me. To give you something to shoot for, I post my best score. So far this year I have managed a 206. Lets see some of your scores. You can email me your best score at, Score You can play the game here, www.infinitecat.com/games/cat-bowling.html I will leave the link to the game in the newsletter until Halloween is over.(So far the only score reported is a 156 by Marie).Come on some of you guys, man up and report your scores.

    Finding text on a web page

    If you have ever revisited a web page and can't find the text that you know is there, because you read it before. Here is a way to relocate it.
  • Press Ctrl + F.
  • The Find box opens.
  • In the Find box fill in the word or phrase you are searching.
  • If required, select any options.
  • Click the Find Next button and the word or phrase will be highlighted on the Web page. Continue this step until you find the required information.
  • Close box by clicking the X in the top right corner.

    Going Back in Internet Explorer

    I think most of you know that in order to go back a page when using Internet Explorer, that all you have to do is click the back arrow at the top of the page. Here is another way to go back that you might prefer. Right click on the page and a menu will appear, click Back at the top and back you go. I prefer this method over the other, maybe you will also.

    Rver's Computer Help Store

    Visit our online store Rver's Computer Help Store

    Why join the Good Sam Club?

    The Good Sam Club is offering a special membership price. Go here to check out some of the benefits they offer as well. You can save money by staying at some of the Good Sam Club parks. www.rverscomputerhelp.com/gsclub.html

    Carrot Ink, Discount Ink Cartridges

    Check out these quality ink cartridges from Carrot Ink.   www.rverscomputerhelp.com/carrotink.html

    If you have any questions you can E-Mail us by clicking here  newsletter@rverscomputerhelp.com  If you are no longer interested in receiving this newsletter, just send us a blank email with REMOVE written on the SUBJECT line. To change your email address, Click Here, be sure and include the old and new address.

    WARNING, the tips, tutorials and suggestions given in this newsletter are offered in good faith to assist with computer problems and help you enjoy the use of your computer. If the directions are not followed correctly, some of the tips or tutorials could cause problems with your computer.
    Use them at your own risk.
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