If your kids surf the Internet, chances are they're going to want to download free games, free music, animated toolbars and other programs that may expose your computer to spyware or other unwanted software.
Spyware is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent.
Here are a few steps you can take to help your kids download and install software more safely.
Step 1: Talk with your kids
Depending on the ages of your children, you may be able to teach them not to download software from unknown sources on the Internet. If you can convince them to ask your permission before they download anything, you will go a long way toward keeping unwanted software off of your computer.
If you're not sure if the program they want to download contains spyware or other unwanted software, ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine and see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.
Consider adding Web sites that you feel are safe to your Favorites list and only allowing your children to download software from those sites.
Tip
Tip: As soon as your kids are old enough to go online, it's a good idea to establish rules that clearly state where they can go and what they can do on the Internet. For more help with guiding kids as they go online, visit our Child Safety section.
Step 2: Use Windows Defender to help protect your computer
Windows Defender helps you detect, disable, or remove spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista. If you use Windows XP SP2, you can download Windows Defender for no charge.
Step 3: Monitor your children's activity on the Internet
Keep the computer in a place in your home where it can be easily monitored and limit the length of time your child can spend on the computer. If your children are under 10 years old, you may want to be online with them at all times.
Sometimes your children may accidentally infect your computer with spyware or other unwanted software without even knowing they've downloaded anything. Some popular sites for kids may try to download programs without your kids even asking for them. Your children may see a warning notifying them that a Web site wants to download a program. They may click random buttons on the window just to get it to disappear. What they click on might just be "I agree."
Although it's not intended as a substitute for parental involvement, consider a service that allows you to keep track of your child's online activities. Microsoft offers family safety settings in Windows Live and the upcoming Windows Vista. To learn more, see Windows Live Family Safety Settings and Windows Vista: What makes it the most secure version of Windows yet Look for the Help protect your family section. Other companies also offer software products that can help you monitor and guide your child's use of the Internet.
Step 4: Give your child a limited user account
Windows XP allows you to create multiple user accounts for your computer. Each user can log on separately and has a unique profile with his or her own Desktop and My Documents folder. As a parent, you can give yourself an Administrator account with full control over the computer, and give your children Limited User accounts, with restricted controls that will help prevent them from downloading programs that may contain spyware or other unwanted software.
For help on adjusting user accounts in Windows XP, read Share your PC: Get started. To learn more about spyware, common signs of an infection, and how to get rid of spyware and other unwanted software, visit Windows Defender.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Fix Screen Glare
Introduction
Glare on your computer monitor is more than just an annoyance. It can leave you with eyestrain and a headache. Taking the shine off your screen should be an ergonomic priority.
Steps
Step One
Evaluate your computer setup to determine whether the monitor is optimally positioned. You don't want the screen to be facing a window, nor do you want to be facing a window yourself--a position that can cause eyestrain from too much light contrast. The ideal screen-to-window angle is 90 degrees.
Step Two
Reduce the amount of bright sunlight in your workplace. Shades, blinds and draperies all help block sunlight. Even switching to a flat rather than glossy wall paint can help.
Step Three
If you have a bright light source directly above your screen--the worst possible place and typical of many offices--try turning it off and placing a small desk lamp to one side of your computer instead.
Step Four
If you can't avoid overhead light, you can construct an anti-glare hood for your monitor by taping together several sheets of black cardboard and using them to frame your monitor screen.
Step Five
If you can't avoid bright light from a window (or if you think a hood looks too goofy), purchase an anti-glare screen to place over your monitor. Generally, the best ones are polarized or have a purplish optical coating.
Overall Tips & Warnings
* Sometimes just adjusting the brightness and contrast on your monitor is enough to make the display more comfortable to view.
* Polarized screens are not effective when used over a monitor with frosted or etched glass.
Overall Things You'll Need
* Window Covering
* Desk Lamp
* Cellophane Or Masking Tape
* Flat Wall Paint
* Anti-glare Screen
* Black Cardboard
Glare on your computer monitor is more than just an annoyance. It can leave you with eyestrain and a headache. Taking the shine off your screen should be an ergonomic priority.
Steps
Step One
Evaluate your computer setup to determine whether the monitor is optimally positioned. You don't want the screen to be facing a window, nor do you want to be facing a window yourself--a position that can cause eyestrain from too much light contrast. The ideal screen-to-window angle is 90 degrees.
Step Two
Reduce the amount of bright sunlight in your workplace. Shades, blinds and draperies all help block sunlight. Even switching to a flat rather than glossy wall paint can help.
Step Three
If you have a bright light source directly above your screen--the worst possible place and typical of many offices--try turning it off and placing a small desk lamp to one side of your computer instead.
Step Four
If you can't avoid overhead light, you can construct an anti-glare hood for your monitor by taping together several sheets of black cardboard and using them to frame your monitor screen.
Step Five
If you can't avoid bright light from a window (or if you think a hood looks too goofy), purchase an anti-glare screen to place over your monitor. Generally, the best ones are polarized or have a purplish optical coating.
Overall Tips & Warnings
* Sometimes just adjusting the brightness and contrast on your monitor is enough to make the display more comfortable to view.
* Polarized screens are not effective when used over a monitor with frosted or etched glass.
Overall Things You'll Need
* Window Covering
* Desk Lamp
* Cellophane Or Masking Tape
* Flat Wall Paint
* Anti-glare Screen
* Black Cardboard
Change the Number of Colors Shown on a Monitor
Introduction
Some programs require specific color settings to work properly. You might also prefer your screen's appearance with more or fewer possible colors. These instructions are for Windows 98.
Steps
Step One
From the Start menu, click Settings and then Control Panel.
Step Two
Double-click Display.
Step Three
Click the Settings tab.
Step Four
Open the Color menu and select the number of colors that you want to display. Click OK.
Tips & Warnings
* The number of colors that you can display is determined by the capabilities of your monitor and your display adapter.
* The number of colors is also called "bit depth" or "color depth." The "bit" refers to the number of memory locations that the computer allots to color information. 4-bit color means the computer can display 16 colors. 8-bit color means the computer can display 256 colors. 16-bit color means the computer can display thousands of colors. And 32-bit color means the computer can display millions of colors.
Overall Things You'll Need
* Computer Monitors
* Microsoft Windows
Some programs require specific color settings to work properly. You might also prefer your screen's appearance with more or fewer possible colors. These instructions are for Windows 98.
Steps
Step One
From the Start menu, click Settings and then Control Panel.
Step Two
Double-click Display.
Step Three
Click the Settings tab.
Step Four
Open the Color menu and select the number of colors that you want to display. Click OK.
Tips & Warnings
* The number of colors that you can display is determined by the capabilities of your monitor and your display adapter.
* The number of colors is also called "bit depth" or "color depth." The "bit" refers to the number of memory locations that the computer allots to color information. 4-bit color means the computer can display 16 colors. 8-bit color means the computer can display 256 colors. 16-bit color means the computer can display thousands of colors. And 32-bit color means the computer can display millions of colors.
Overall Things You'll Need
* Computer Monitors
* Microsoft Windows
Fix Monitor Resolution on PC
Introduction
The monitor is your window on the virtual world. Make sure you've got the best view possible in Windows. Your eyes will thank you.
Steps
Step One
Go to Start, Settings, then Control Panel.
Step Two
In the Control Panel window, double-click on the Display icon.
Step Three
Click on the Settings tab.
Step Four
In the Desktop or Screen Area, adjust the slider control higher or lower with your mouse to reach the setting you want. Then click on Apply.
Step Five
The Display Properties dialog box will appear and explain that your monitor might flicker. Some combinations of video cards and Windows versions will require that the computer reboot and will ask if you wish to do so. In either case, click on OK to proceed.
Step Six
If you're happy with the new settings, click on Yes to keep them. If not, click on No and your old settings will return, or click on Cancel to readjust the settings.
Overall Tips & Warnings
* Higher resolutions are usually easier on the eyes because images appear sharper and more finely detailed.
The monitor is your window on the virtual world. Make sure you've got the best view possible in Windows. Your eyes will thank you.
Steps
Step One
Go to Start, Settings, then Control Panel.
Step Two
In the Control Panel window, double-click on the Display icon.
Step Three
Click on the Settings tab.
Step Four
In the Desktop or Screen Area, adjust the slider control higher or lower with your mouse to reach the setting you want. Then click on Apply.
Step Five
The Display Properties dialog box will appear and explain that your monitor might flicker. Some combinations of video cards and Windows versions will require that the computer reboot and will ask if you wish to do so. In either case, click on OK to proceed.
Step Six
If you're happy with the new settings, click on Yes to keep them. If not, click on No and your old settings will return, or click on Cancel to readjust the settings.
Overall Tips & Warnings
* Higher resolutions are usually easier on the eyes because images appear sharper and more finely detailed.
Clean Up Computer Monitor
Introduction
Keep your desktop computer's screen free from dust and streaks.
Steps
Step One
Gather supplies: an anti-static rag or other soft cloth (scraps of old cotton clothing are good for this purpose), as well as an electrical appliance cleaner (such as Endust for Electronics), eyeglass cleaner, or fluid specially made for cleaning monitors.
Step Two
Check your owner's manual for specific instructions.
Step Three
Turn off the monitor.
Step Four
If using an aerosol product, follow the instructions on the can. Otherwise, spray a small amount of fluid onto the rag. Don't spray fluids anywhere near the ventilation holes on the monitor.
Step Five
Wipe the entire screen.
Step Six
Wipe the screen dry immediately with a dry portion of the rag or with a second rag.
Step Seven
Repeat if necessary.
Step Eight
Clean the monitor frame with the same product or with another product suitable for cleaning plastic.
Tips & Warnings
* Typical glass cleaning products will leave streaks. Paper towels might leave dust.
* Ignore advice to use anti-static sheets used to soften laundry, as they'll scratch the monitor.
* Do not use any type of abrasive pad, cleanser or alcohol-based product.
* Laptop displays, unlike desktop monitors, are not made of glass. Laptop screens are easily damaged and costly to replace. Follow the manual's instructions, which vary depending on the type of display. Dell laptop displays can be cleaned by using a very soft cloth just slightly dampened with water.
Overall Things You'll Need
* Soft Rags
* Endust For Electronics
* Eyeglass Cleaner
Keep your desktop computer's screen free from dust and streaks.
Steps
Step One
Gather supplies: an anti-static rag or other soft cloth (scraps of old cotton clothing are good for this purpose), as well as an electrical appliance cleaner (such as Endust for Electronics), eyeglass cleaner, or fluid specially made for cleaning monitors.
Step Two
Check your owner's manual for specific instructions.
Step Three
Turn off the monitor.
Step Four
If using an aerosol product, follow the instructions on the can. Otherwise, spray a small amount of fluid onto the rag. Don't spray fluids anywhere near the ventilation holes on the monitor.
Step Five
Wipe the entire screen.
Step Six
Wipe the screen dry immediately with a dry portion of the rag or with a second rag.
Step Seven
Repeat if necessary.
Step Eight
Clean the monitor frame with the same product or with another product suitable for cleaning plastic.
Tips & Warnings
* Typical glass cleaning products will leave streaks. Paper towels might leave dust.
* Ignore advice to use anti-static sheets used to soften laundry, as they'll scratch the monitor.
* Do not use any type of abrasive pad, cleanser or alcohol-based product.
* Laptop displays, unlike desktop monitors, are not made of glass. Laptop screens are easily damaged and costly to replace. Follow the manual's instructions, which vary depending on the type of display. Dell laptop displays can be cleaned by using a very soft cloth just slightly dampened with water.
Overall Things You'll Need
* Soft Rags
* Endust For Electronics
* Eyeglass Cleaner
Manage Keyboard Spills
Introduction
Science can't explain it, but soft drinks and coffee are undeniably attracted to computer keyboards. Put them in proximity and they're bound to interact messily sooner or later.
Steps
1. Unplug the keyboard.
2. If you spilled water, turn the keyboard over and let it drain and dry out for at least 24 hours.
3. If you spilled something sticky, try prying the small key caps off of the keyboard with a flathead screwdriver to get better access to the mess. Don't remove the spacebar, the Enter key or other large key caps. (Take a picture of the keyboard layout, or make a quick sketch of it, before you remove any keys so you can put them back where you found them.)
4. Gently clean the keyboard with a wet cotton swab.
5. Replace the key caps after rinsing them and letting them dry.
6. Let everything dry for at least 24 hours before plugging the keyboard back in.
Overall Tips & Warnings
* Keyboards are not expensive. If you've had a bad spill, it might be easier to buy a new one than take the time to clean one.
Overall Things You'll Need
* Flathead Screwdriver
* Cotton Swabs
Science can't explain it, but soft drinks and coffee are undeniably attracted to computer keyboards. Put them in proximity and they're bound to interact messily sooner or later.
Steps
1. Unplug the keyboard.
2. If you spilled water, turn the keyboard over and let it drain and dry out for at least 24 hours.
3. If you spilled something sticky, try prying the small key caps off of the keyboard with a flathead screwdriver to get better access to the mess. Don't remove the spacebar, the Enter key or other large key caps. (Take a picture of the keyboard layout, or make a quick sketch of it, before you remove any keys so you can put them back where you found them.)
4. Gently clean the keyboard with a wet cotton swab.
5. Replace the key caps after rinsing them and letting them dry.
6. Let everything dry for at least 24 hours before plugging the keyboard back in.
Overall Tips & Warnings
* Keyboards are not expensive. If you've had a bad spill, it might be easier to buy a new one than take the time to clean one.
Overall Things You'll Need
* Flathead Screwdriver
* Cotton Swabs
Manage Laptop Spills
Introduction
Spilling coffee on your laptop will not only ruin your morning, it can ruin your computer. Act quickly if this happens, because it only takes seconds for liquids to destroy the hard drive of a laptop computer.
Steps
1. Shut down the computer immediately.
2. Wipe up any liquid. Tilt the computer to the side to drain any liquids.
3. Remove any removable parts from the laptop, including the power cord, printer and mouse cables, the floppy drive, CD drive, modem cards and battery. Do not disassemble the laptop body to remove internal parts.
4. Once the parts are removed, gently lift the computer and turn it to the side and upside down to drain any liquid. Tilt the computer in a variety of directions to verify that there are no pools of liquid lurking, but be careful not to shake it or handle it roughly.
5. Repeat with the floppy drive and other removable parts.
6. Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the laptop and its parts if you can.
7. Allow the computer and its removable parts to dry for 24 hours before you reassemble it and turn it back on. (If you are under a tight deadline, let the laptop dry for at least an hour before you reassemble it.)
8. If the computer does not work properly or does not turn on, bring it to a computer repair professional, although the damage might be irreparable. Spills are one of the leading causes of laptop deaths.
Overall Tips & Warnings
* Back up any files you have on a laptop as a precaution. Accidents do happen.
* Do not attempt to remove key caps from a laptop unless the owner's manual provides instructions on how to do so.
Overall Things You'll Need
* Paper towels
* Hair Dryer
Spilling coffee on your laptop will not only ruin your morning, it can ruin your computer. Act quickly if this happens, because it only takes seconds for liquids to destroy the hard drive of a laptop computer.
Steps
1. Shut down the computer immediately.
2. Wipe up any liquid. Tilt the computer to the side to drain any liquids.
3. Remove any removable parts from the laptop, including the power cord, printer and mouse cables, the floppy drive, CD drive, modem cards and battery. Do not disassemble the laptop body to remove internal parts.
4. Once the parts are removed, gently lift the computer and turn it to the side and upside down to drain any liquid. Tilt the computer in a variety of directions to verify that there are no pools of liquid lurking, but be careful not to shake it or handle it roughly.
5. Repeat with the floppy drive and other removable parts.
6. Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the laptop and its parts if you can.
7. Allow the computer and its removable parts to dry for 24 hours before you reassemble it and turn it back on. (If you are under a tight deadline, let the laptop dry for at least an hour before you reassemble it.)
8. If the computer does not work properly or does not turn on, bring it to a computer repair professional, although the damage might be irreparable. Spills are one of the leading causes of laptop deaths.
Overall Tips & Warnings
* Back up any files you have on a laptop as a precaution. Accidents do happen.
* Do not attempt to remove key caps from a laptop unless the owner's manual provides instructions on how to do so.
Overall Things You'll Need
* Paper towels
* Hair Dryer
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