Answer: “Simple” can be very subjective but we generally recommend trying to fix the problem yourself if you are not afraid to give it a try. Fixing the problem will not only increase your own knowledge but could save you some money. There are many knowledge-based solutions providers on the Internet. We do not recommend purchasing the solution to a problem from an unknown and potentially unreliable source. Free is good and okay to try, but don’t get caught in paying $29.95 or more for an online answer that may not be correct. Many software problems can be resolved by simply searching the Internet for the solution. If you believe your problem is hardware related, seems to be complex or is getting worse…just give us a call.
Answer: There are many schools of thought regarding this question. Most newer systems are equipment with energy saving features which can help you save a few dollars and will neither positively or negatively affect your system over time. TV-Type Monitors (not an LCD or flat screen display): We are of the opinion it will preserve the lifespan of the monitor by never turning it off. Let the power save features and screen saver do their job, but leave it on unless you are going to be away from the house/office for an extended period of time. LCD Monitors: These types of monitors are highly efficient, but often have a more limited lifespan than an old fashioned monitor. If you have your system power save features running properly and the monitor goes to sleep during inactivity, there is never a reason to physically turn it off. If however you don’t use power save functions, we do recommend turning the monitor off when not in use for an extended period of time (including overnight). DESKTOPS: With proper ongoing maintenance, turning off a desktop is not necessary and will only decrease the life expectancy of the system due to unnecessary wear and tear caused during boot-up. Also, it generally takes more energy to boot up a system than it consumes in several hours of usage. Use your power save features/standby functions but don’t turn these systems off unless you are going to be away from the house/office for an extended period of time. LAPTOPS: While laptops have come a very long way over the last five years, they are generally less durable than desktops. They have very small components which tend to wear out rather quickly in comparison to most desktop systems. Also, laptops are by design built for portability…not long-term stationary use. If you want to keep your laptop running for the long haul, we recommend you turn it off when it is not going to be used for over an hour. If the system power/battery saving features are operating normally, and the system goes to sleep after a specific amount of time (under an hour), there is no need to physically turn the system off.
Answer: No. While these toolbars will generally not harm your system, they will clutter things up and make your system run slower. Carefully read the questions you are being asked when installing new programs. Occasionally optional software will install homing beacon and activity tracking items on your system. People often get confused with these questions or simply select yes because they think it is required. We like to say, “If you don’t know…say NO and call the Doctor™.”
Answer: While there are many components to answering this question, the first answer is that you should have a Top Quality virus protection program (like AVG Antivirus) properly installed on your system. We recommend a full Internet Security Suite which provides Identity Protection, Phishing Protection, Link Scanning, Enhanced Firewall functionality, SPAM Protection, Spyware Protection and appropriate system tools. There are a handful of free programs (which should be used at a minimum), but we recommend spending the few dollars to be fully protected. These programs will generally prevent you from being hooked into bogus popup ads and warnings. Lastly, and most importantly…we recommend you become very familiar with your Internet Protection software so you know when the warning is from your system, or from somewhere else.
Answer: Generally speaking, the less frequently you must reboot your computer, the healthier your computer is. On the other hand, if you are simply accepting problems (overlooking them) when a reboot seems to solve them or you are rebooting once or more a day, you should probably give us a call for a PC Check-up. If your system seems to run perfectly, we recommend one reboot a week.
Answer: The origin of the cookie has a great deal to do with whether or not it is bad for you. Cookies are essential to commerce on the Internet, but cleaning them out regularly is good for your protection.
Answer: It is a good habit to use a different password for everything. While it is difficult to keep track of them, there are safe programs available which will solve the problem for you. We recommend keeping your passwords in such a program and keeping a periodic backup of the data file on a flash drive or memory stick in a secure place in your home. Keeping passwords in an Excel document or flat unsecured file exposes you to higher identity theft risk.
Answer: While the only 100% safe way to protect your kids from such sites is complete supervision of their activities, Dr. Know recommends installing an appropriate Internet safety tool like K-9 Web Protection (FREE TOOL) or B-Secure (PAID TOOL.) We have used B-Secure for years to protect our own children without failure. The B-Secure solution is affordable for the peace of mind it provides and can provide you with extensive reports and notification of your children’s Internet activities. However, we have also found great success with the K-9 Web Protection tool. We recommend either solution for any system your children have access to. Dr. Know PC Medic™ can help ensure you and your family is safe from the dangers of the Internet. Call us to schedule an Internet safety consultation. Be sure to check out our Internet Family Safety Recommendations.
Answer: Try guessing…most people create passwords from things in their own life. If you are unable to get in, give us a call to schedule a password recovery visit. For answers to more complex issues or to schedule a service call, dial 1.877.MY.DRKNOW (1.877.693.7566) or click on the Request Service button below to initiate a service request.
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