Do you have a question on computers ? Having difficulty with a program ? Want to know how to do something on the computer and don't know where to start ?
Drop me a line and I will endeavor to answer your question. Please realise that this is aimed at the new computer user. If you have a deeply technical or highly specific question, if I cannot answer it I will at least point you in the right direction to give you a start.
If I get plenty of questions here I will post a top ten most frequently asked questions and will answer those top ten in another article.
So fire away...
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
How To Change The Way Your Mouse Pointer Looks
A little tired of the quaint white mouse pointer ?
This quick tip will help you change the look of your mouse pointer and other mouse function looks.
1. Go to you Start Menu, click once on the Control Panel.
2. Double left click on Mouse
3. Click once on the Pointers Tab
4. Select a new Scheme from the drop down list, in the customise screen, you will see the updated change.
5. You can also in the customise screen, change individually, each selected item, click on browse and select a new icon for that mouse specific function.
OK, when finished click once on OK or the Apply button, changes may take a few seconds to adjust.
That's it, all done !!!
This quick tip will help you change the look of your mouse pointer and other mouse function looks.
1. Go to you Start Menu, click once on the Control Panel.
2. Double left click on Mouse
3. Click once on the Pointers Tab
4. Select a new Scheme from the drop down list, in the customise screen, you will see the updated change.
5. You can also in the customise screen, change individually, each selected item, click on browse and select a new icon for that mouse specific function.
OK, when finished click once on OK or the Apply button, changes may take a few seconds to adjust.
That's it, all done !!!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Parental Supervision - Better Than Any Software Defence
I quite often get asked, 'whats the best software for my young children to be protected on the Internet'. Most parents are stunned when I tell them that software doesn't exist. Why ? Simple, there is no software that can do what a living breathing parent can do.
Now, whilst some programs can help, to a degree, they are not 100% bullet proof. The philosophy I like to impart on parents is its like television, there are some programs at certain times that you will let them watch, and there are those programs and times that they will not be allowed to watch.
Use of the computer by young children can have the same philosophy. The best way to know what your child is doing on the computer is to be involved with them.
Here is a basic foundation to help and assist with understanding and maintaining computer usage by young children.
Ask your child what they are doing on the computer if you are not actively sitting with them. If you see a screen that you are not familiar with ask questions about it.
Intensely monitor your children's use of items like Social Networking Sites and Instant Messenger Programs. Most Social Networking sites like Habbo Hotel, Facebook and Myspace are extremely popular with alot of kids and teens.
Social Networking sites are sites that allow people to communicate via a web page, but also allow personal information to be left. I have an article in more detail about this, you can read more about it at the bottom of this article.
Instant Messaging programs are like mobile phones using text messaging, but with a small difference, these programs will allow you to add people as a list of friends that can text one another in real time. In other words one or more people can communicate to each other using text, voice or camera as fast as they can type or talk. So these messages moving back and forth is the same as having a face to face conversation.
If your children are using social networking sites, ask to look at their page, be aware that like instant messaging, people can be added as friends and will not usually use their own names, so you need to know who these people are as listed friends.
Same goes for Instant Messaging programs, who are their friends listed on the program, look at setting up a recording of conversations that your children have with your friends.
Some tell tale signs can be apparent in child behaviour too if you believe something is amiss. Your child may suddenly close a program when you enter the room where the computer is. Your child may be reluctant to talk about their activities or try and change the subject when you ask what they are doing. Obviously further investigation of your child's computer use is warranted.
The main aim of this article is not to scare you, the parent. The aim is to make you more aware of your children's activities and keeping kids computer use a safe experience.
Here are some more resources about how to keep your children safe using the computer and using the Internet.
More information about protecting your kids using the Internet here
Another great article I came across with more information on How TO Protect Your Kids using the Internet here
More information about Social Networking here.
Now, whilst some programs can help, to a degree, they are not 100% bullet proof. The philosophy I like to impart on parents is its like television, there are some programs at certain times that you will let them watch, and there are those programs and times that they will not be allowed to watch.
Use of the computer by young children can have the same philosophy. The best way to know what your child is doing on the computer is to be involved with them.
Here is a basic foundation to help and assist with understanding and maintaining computer usage by young children.
Ask your child what they are doing on the computer if you are not actively sitting with them. If you see a screen that you are not familiar with ask questions about it.
Intensely monitor your children's use of items like Social Networking Sites and Instant Messenger Programs. Most Social Networking sites like Habbo Hotel, Facebook and Myspace are extremely popular with alot of kids and teens.
Social Networking sites are sites that allow people to communicate via a web page, but also allow personal information to be left. I have an article in more detail about this, you can read more about it at the bottom of this article.
Instant Messaging programs are like mobile phones using text messaging, but with a small difference, these programs will allow you to add people as a list of friends that can text one another in real time. In other words one or more people can communicate to each other using text, voice or camera as fast as they can type or talk. So these messages moving back and forth is the same as having a face to face conversation.
If your children are using social networking sites, ask to look at their page, be aware that like instant messaging, people can be added as friends and will not usually use their own names, so you need to know who these people are as listed friends.
Same goes for Instant Messaging programs, who are their friends listed on the program, look at setting up a recording of conversations that your children have with your friends.
Some tell tale signs can be apparent in child behaviour too if you believe something is amiss. Your child may suddenly close a program when you enter the room where the computer is. Your child may be reluctant to talk about their activities or try and change the subject when you ask what they are doing. Obviously further investigation of your child's computer use is warranted.
The main aim of this article is not to scare you, the parent. The aim is to make you more aware of your children's activities and keeping kids computer use a safe experience.
Here are some more resources about how to keep your children safe using the computer and using the Internet.
More information about protecting your kids using the Internet here
Another great article I came across with more information on How TO Protect Your Kids using the Internet here
More information about Social Networking here.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Computer Diagnostics - Software Tools and What To Do With The Results
There can be one process for a home computer that can be guaranteed. As some stage you will have a problem with the computer. The first thing to do is NOT panic. With some basic and useful tools, once can assess what is going on with the computer and how to alleviate and remove the nature of the problem to get your computer back on its feet.
Usually, for most of us technicians, when we are in front of a clients computer, we are looking for problems and we need to find them fast. With the right tools, we can usually find out in about ten minutes what the problem is.
Now having said that, this is a guide only, sometimes problems are obvious to us, sometimes they involve deeper research involving a longer time to resolve.
Here are some diagnostic tools I carry inside a Memory Stick that is handy to have with me so I can plug in into a computer and start using my tools.
Anti - Virus and Anti - Spyware
A trio of tools here, these three are the first to put onto a computer if they are not there already. Spybot is great for finding alot of Trojans, Internet browser Toolbars, Hijackers. Adaware is complementary in use with Spybot and is great for Deep scans of files for nasties, removal of registry entries left over by removal of nasties. AVG is one of the most popular free Virus removal programs at the moment, whilst not as broad as a paid for Antivirus program, it still does a very good job.
Spybot Search and Destroy
Adaware Free Edition
AVG Free Edition
Clean and Removal Tools
After removing nasties, you will end up with left over short cuts, broken files lurking in different places and incomplete registry entries. Here I use a couple of tools to to help clean up the garbage left over. CCleaner is a great tool for removing temporary files, Internet cache, cookies, Internet history and also has a great Registry removal tool. One word of caution though, it is a very powerful program and you can easily go overboard and remove too much. The Windows Installer Cleanup tool is a useful tool for cleaning up a program that was either installed incorrectly or for some reason the uninstall information is missing and you can not remove it via add/remove programs. The MSI tool will only list and remove those programs that were installed using the Windows Installer and is also not recommended for removing Office 2007.
ccleaner
MSI removal tool found just under the MORE INFORMATION heading
More Specific Programs To Remove Targeted Nasties
There are on occasion a particularly new nasty that will appear from time to time that can initially be removed using traditional removal tools will re-appear after restarting a computer. Some of these are self - replicating trojans, Web page Hijackers, Cool Web Toolbars and Root kits.
Some trojans have so many files lying around that when they are removed they create instructions to self replicate when a computer is rebooted. Hijack this is a useful tool to help find and remove these start up entries. This also goes hand in hand with manual removal of some of these nasties. Please be extremely careful using Hijack This, it is an extremely powerful tool and used incorrectly can stop your computer from even starting up.
Web page Hijackers are items that appear when they create a new homepage when you start your Internet browser, when you attempt to navigate away from that page after a few seconds it will reload the new homepage. Also these nasties may 'hijack' your desktop wallpaper with a message saying you have been infected with spyware. Third, you may see down the bottom right a windows message in a continual pop up claiming windows has detected spyware. The message will read you need to click the message to download software to remove the nasties. All this does is make a connection over the internet and attempt to obtain more spyware to download to your computer. Again manual removal and used in conjunction with Hijack This can alleviate the issue.
Coolwebs are another form of Trojan that install themselves into your Internet browser without your permission. CWShredder is a one click tool to remove these types of trojans.
Rootkits are highly targeted files that install and integrate themselves into the system base of Windows. These are extremely difficult items to remove as they integrate themselves into specific core files and become a part of Windows and on occasion, the only way to remove them is a complete system restore. Rootkit removal tools are like Hijack this, be extremely careful in their use otherwise you may stop your computer from functioning normally. I will not list any specific root kits here, as research is required to obtain the right removal tool for the right rootkit.
Hijack This
CWShredder
One can use Google or Yahoo and various Anti-virus company websites for information on rootkits and their removal.
Driver Updates
Drivers are the software on your computer that exchange information and controls for your hardware to be interpreted for use on Windows. So essentially its the go-between for information exchange between various hardware and Windows.
Sisoft SANDRA is a great diagnostic tool for finding out key information on specific hardware inside the computer. This tool I have found to be useful when an older computer is lacking a specific driver and I do not have any other information (like motherboard manuals) to tell me what specific driver is required for that particular hardware. If the incorrect driver is installed for the wrong hardware, the hardware will just simply not be able to work and function normally.
Sisoft SANDRA
So there we have a group of tools that can assist in diagnosing general and specifically targeted issues and ways to help resolve them.
Usually, for most of us technicians, when we are in front of a clients computer, we are looking for problems and we need to find them fast. With the right tools, we can usually find out in about ten minutes what the problem is.
Now having said that, this is a guide only, sometimes problems are obvious to us, sometimes they involve deeper research involving a longer time to resolve.
Here are some diagnostic tools I carry inside a Memory Stick that is handy to have with me so I can plug in into a computer and start using my tools.
Anti - Virus and Anti - Spyware
A trio of tools here, these three are the first to put onto a computer if they are not there already. Spybot is great for finding alot of Trojans, Internet browser Toolbars, Hijackers. Adaware is complementary in use with Spybot and is great for Deep scans of files for nasties, removal of registry entries left over by removal of nasties. AVG is one of the most popular free Virus removal programs at the moment, whilst not as broad as a paid for Antivirus program, it still does a very good job.
Spybot Search and Destroy
Adaware Free Edition
AVG Free Edition
Clean and Removal Tools
After removing nasties, you will end up with left over short cuts, broken files lurking in different places and incomplete registry entries. Here I use a couple of tools to to help clean up the garbage left over. CCleaner is a great tool for removing temporary files, Internet cache, cookies, Internet history and also has a great Registry removal tool. One word of caution though, it is a very powerful program and you can easily go overboard and remove too much. The Windows Installer Cleanup tool is a useful tool for cleaning up a program that was either installed incorrectly or for some reason the uninstall information is missing and you can not remove it via add/remove programs. The MSI tool will only list and remove those programs that were installed using the Windows Installer and is also not recommended for removing Office 2007.
ccleaner
MSI removal tool found just under the MORE INFORMATION heading
More Specific Programs To Remove Targeted Nasties
There are on occasion a particularly new nasty that will appear from time to time that can initially be removed using traditional removal tools will re-appear after restarting a computer. Some of these are self - replicating trojans, Web page Hijackers, Cool Web Toolbars and Root kits.
Some trojans have so many files lying around that when they are removed they create instructions to self replicate when a computer is rebooted. Hijack this is a useful tool to help find and remove these start up entries. This also goes hand in hand with manual removal of some of these nasties. Please be extremely careful using Hijack This, it is an extremely powerful tool and used incorrectly can stop your computer from even starting up.
Web page Hijackers are items that appear when they create a new homepage when you start your Internet browser, when you attempt to navigate away from that page after a few seconds it will reload the new homepage. Also these nasties may 'hijack' your desktop wallpaper with a message saying you have been infected with spyware. Third, you may see down the bottom right a windows message in a continual pop up claiming windows has detected spyware. The message will read you need to click the message to download software to remove the nasties. All this does is make a connection over the internet and attempt to obtain more spyware to download to your computer. Again manual removal and used in conjunction with Hijack This can alleviate the issue.
Coolwebs are another form of Trojan that install themselves into your Internet browser without your permission. CWShredder is a one click tool to remove these types of trojans.
Rootkits are highly targeted files that install and integrate themselves into the system base of Windows. These are extremely difficult items to remove as they integrate themselves into specific core files and become a part of Windows and on occasion, the only way to remove them is a complete system restore. Rootkit removal tools are like Hijack this, be extremely careful in their use otherwise you may stop your computer from functioning normally. I will not list any specific root kits here, as research is required to obtain the right removal tool for the right rootkit.
Hijack This
CWShredder
One can use Google or Yahoo and various Anti-virus company websites for information on rootkits and their removal.
Driver Updates
Drivers are the software on your computer that exchange information and controls for your hardware to be interpreted for use on Windows. So essentially its the go-between for information exchange between various hardware and Windows.
Sisoft SANDRA is a great diagnostic tool for finding out key information on specific hardware inside the computer. This tool I have found to be useful when an older computer is lacking a specific driver and I do not have any other information (like motherboard manuals) to tell me what specific driver is required for that particular hardware. If the incorrect driver is installed for the wrong hardware, the hardware will just simply not be able to work and function normally.
Sisoft SANDRA
So there we have a group of tools that can assist in diagnosing general and specifically targeted issues and ways to help resolve them.
Friday, August 8, 2008
An Alternative To Microsoft Products ?
If you have bought a new computer over the last 12 months from a large retailer, the computer may contain a 'bundle' of programs in addition to your hardware.
For example, I purchased a HP computer from a retail store. I purchased this particular model for one reason. If I need to completely re-install Windows and get up and running again on the Internet I can have it completed within 30 minutes. This is a feature of alot of Compaq and HP computers.
Yo may also find find bundled an Anti-virus program, an Office program, usually MS Office, and a bunch of 'Trial-ware' games.
But did you know you can get a whole bunch of different programs and for free ? You didn't ? GREAT !!!!
Here's a list of either, programs I use myself or have been recommended to me by colleagues or clients that are free to use. I will also provide a little blurb so yo know what the program does before you even download and try it.
Open Office - Collaborative and individual suite of Productivity programs
A free alternative to Microsoft Office. A suite of programs designed with word processing, spread sheeting, database creation, presentation software and more. It has compatibility with other Office suites, so for example if you use the Word Processing function you can save the file as a Microsoft Word document.
The other great feature is with the licensing you can freely use the program, share it with others, use it commercially and still install it on as many computers as you like.
Obtain it here - Open Office
Picasa - Photo Editing
Picasa is a program recommended to me by a client that allows you to find and organise your digital photos. It also provides editing and effect functions as well as a facility to help share your photos through email or on a website for others to view.
Obtain it here - Picasa
Windows Movie Maker - Video and DVD home video creation
A freely available program that you may already have and didn't know it. Available on computers with Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista. The program can allow you to trim and edit video, insert slides, and create Title sheets. You can also import and edit sound.
Output files are created as Windows Media Video files (WMV) but other third party software can allow you to change the format and create playable DVD movies to store and play on DVD discs.
Don't have it ? Get the latest version here - Windows Movie Maker
Music Player - Play music, obtain music from your music cd collection
There are so many these days the number of new ones are on the increase daily. Most will play back MP3 format music, purchase music online, play music cds, rip your music cd's to create MP3's and some also have a facility to download updated information, like lyrics, Artist Title, Artist Album, Artist or Album pictures and may also have an equaliser.
Here are a few of the most popular
Winamp - Features : MP3 music player, Ipod sync, Internet radio, customisable skins, Asian language support. Free and purchasable versions available.
Itunes - From Apple Computing, one of the most downloaded today. Features: MP3 music player (tracks are converted to Apples proprietary AAC format) Ipod sync, Internet radio, online shop for music, video, music videos, tv shows, pod casts
Yahoo Music Player - MP3 music player, rip cd tracks, Internet radio, freely exchange music play lists with friends.
Free Games - Something to while away a lazy Sunday afternoon
Most sites are either games that need to be downloaded and installed on your computer or will actively play within your Internet browser (so no download required)
Free Games - Free puzzles, role play, shoot em up, simulation, card games, Internet and downloadable games.
Miniclip Free Games - Lots of family friendly games
Download Free Games - More family friendly puzzles, board games, chess games, guessing games.
Enjoy !
For example, I purchased a HP computer from a retail store. I purchased this particular model for one reason. If I need to completely re-install Windows and get up and running again on the Internet I can have it completed within 30 minutes. This is a feature of alot of Compaq and HP computers.
Yo may also find find bundled an Anti-virus program, an Office program, usually MS Office, and a bunch of 'Trial-ware' games.
But did you know you can get a whole bunch of different programs and for free ? You didn't ? GREAT !!!!
Here's a list of either, programs I use myself or have been recommended to me by colleagues or clients that are free to use. I will also provide a little blurb so yo know what the program does before you even download and try it.
Open Office - Collaborative and individual suite of Productivity programs
A free alternative to Microsoft Office. A suite of programs designed with word processing, spread sheeting, database creation, presentation software and more. It has compatibility with other Office suites, so for example if you use the Word Processing function you can save the file as a Microsoft Word document.
The other great feature is with the licensing you can freely use the program, share it with others, use it commercially and still install it on as many computers as you like.
Obtain it here - Open Office
Picasa - Photo Editing
Picasa is a program recommended to me by a client that allows you to find and organise your digital photos. It also provides editing and effect functions as well as a facility to help share your photos through email or on a website for others to view.
Obtain it here - Picasa
Windows Movie Maker - Video and DVD home video creation
A freely available program that you may already have and didn't know it. Available on computers with Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista. The program can allow you to trim and edit video, insert slides, and create Title sheets. You can also import and edit sound.
Output files are created as Windows Media Video files (WMV) but other third party software can allow you to change the format and create playable DVD movies to store and play on DVD discs.
Don't have it ? Get the latest version here - Windows Movie Maker
Music Player - Play music, obtain music from your music cd collection
There are so many these days the number of new ones are on the increase daily. Most will play back MP3 format music, purchase music online, play music cds, rip your music cd's to create MP3's and some also have a facility to download updated information, like lyrics, Artist Title, Artist Album, Artist or Album pictures and may also have an equaliser.
Here are a few of the most popular
Winamp - Features : MP3 music player, Ipod sync, Internet radio, customisable skins, Asian language support. Free and purchasable versions available.
Itunes - From Apple Computing, one of the most downloaded today. Features: MP3 music player (tracks are converted to Apples proprietary AAC format) Ipod sync, Internet radio, online shop for music, video, music videos, tv shows, pod casts
Yahoo Music Player - MP3 music player, rip cd tracks, Internet radio, freely exchange music play lists with friends.
Free Games - Something to while away a lazy Sunday afternoon
Most sites are either games that need to be downloaded and installed on your computer or will actively play within your Internet browser (so no download required)
Free Games - Free puzzles, role play, shoot em up, simulation, card games, Internet and downloadable games.
Miniclip Free Games - Lots of family friendly games
Download Free Games - More family friendly puzzles, board games, chess games, guessing games.
Enjoy !
How To Handle Problems When Installing New Programs
When installing a new program on your computer, it is a quite straight forward process. Insert the program CD or DVD into your drive, close the drive and automatically the installation process for the program will start.
Every now and again, you will come across a program that will present all sorts of issues. I experienced this myself just recently with a new game purchase. So here are some tips on how to handle these 'issues' and what you can do to resolve them.
I have inserted the disc, but nothing happens ?
Most Windows based computers have what is known as an 'autoplay' feature. This Windows feature will detect the type of disc you have inserted in your disc drive and play the appropriate disc type or program. These are;
Music disc - start the default music player and commence playing music (like a music cd)
Video disc - start the default video player and commence playing the video (like a standard DVD movie that plays on your lounge room DVD player)
Computer Game - start the game if it is already installed on the computer or start the install process.
Program disc - start the default install process and commence installing the program so you can use its features, these are known as data programs, like Accounting or Tax software, Office Programs, Video or Photo Editing software and the like.
When you insert a 'program' (data type) disc, autoplay should commence installing the program.
If autoplay does not start, you have these quick options,
Open My Computer by double clicking on the My Computer Icon on the desktop. When you have a CD or DVD inserted into your drive, double click the CD/DVD drive icon (usually E:\ drive), the program should now commence.
If it still does not work, most likely the disc is faulty, return the product from where you purchased for an exchange of faulty product.
I have the installation process running, but now the program wants a Product Key ?
This is an anti-piracy process, started a number of years ago by Microsoft and a few other companies.
The CD or Product Key is usually found on the back of the CD cover your program came in, on the front or inside the manual supplied with the software, or in the manual that has been supplied electronically on the disc. Occasionally you may find the product key on the disc itself.
Type in the product key as shown, do not worry about Capitalising the letters. Some programs will require a dash like this '-' (without the quotes) between the numbers/letters combination.
Sometimes a program will ask for a product key and you find one was not supplied ! (Like a game I just purchased, grrrr).
What to do !!! Several options here, most programs will have an 1800 toll free phone number you can contact for product support.
Return your product to where you purchased from and ask a salesperson that you product needs a product key and was not supplied. Usually a quick product swap will fix this, but check the software contains a product key before leaving the retail store.
If you have tried the two options above and are still unsuccessful, return the product and ask for an exchange to a similar product or refund.
I have the installation process running, but now the install won't finish because it can find xxxx.dll ?
This can occur for several reasons. Sometimes a program your installing for the first time cannot read the CD/DVD in the drive or the disc itself may be faulty (by not actually having the file the program is looking for) unfortunately this does occur.
It may be that it has misread the disc, if it is asking for a location of the file, a box may have popped up on the screen asking for a file location. Find the file by clicking 'find file' and open the DVD drive and check each folder for the file in question. If it is found, click the file name once and click open, this should continue the install process.
I have the finished installing the program, I double click the new icon on my Desktop, but the program wont start ?
Did the program ask you to restart Windows ? If so, some programs will not operate until you have restarted Windows.
Did a message appear with something like 'cannot start X program as the file xxxx.exe is not found or missing'. This can appear if a program has been put on your computer but there was an issue with the program on release and you will need to download a 'patch' from the program manufacturer's website to run and update the program before you can start using it.
Also, you will see on occasion a program will say it installed successfully, but actually, it reached 99% of install. Simply go to your Control Panel and in Add/Remove programs (in Windows XP) or Programs and Features (in Windows Vista) un-install the program, restart your computer and install a second time.
I want to run my program, but it is asking to insert the disc ?
Most programs will be able to operate on your computer after you have once installed the program from a disc. Some programs, especially games, will not allow you to operate the program unless you have the original disc you installed the program in the cd/dvd drive.
This is another anti-piracy measure and is standard for some program types, so don't be alarmed.
Hopefully some of these tips provided here have shed some light on a few common problems yo may experience when installing new software from a program disc.
Every now and again, you will come across a program that will present all sorts of issues. I experienced this myself just recently with a new game purchase. So here are some tips on how to handle these 'issues' and what you can do to resolve them.
I have inserted the disc, but nothing happens ?
Most Windows based computers have what is known as an 'autoplay' feature. This Windows feature will detect the type of disc you have inserted in your disc drive and play the appropriate disc type or program. These are;
Music disc - start the default music player and commence playing music (like a music cd)
Video disc - start the default video player and commence playing the video (like a standard DVD movie that plays on your lounge room DVD player)
Computer Game - start the game if it is already installed on the computer or start the install process.
Program disc - start the default install process and commence installing the program so you can use its features, these are known as data programs, like Accounting or Tax software, Office Programs, Video or Photo Editing software and the like.
When you insert a 'program' (data type) disc, autoplay should commence installing the program.
If autoplay does not start, you have these quick options,
Open My Computer by double clicking on the My Computer Icon on the desktop. When you have a CD or DVD inserted into your drive, double click the CD/DVD drive icon (usually E:\ drive), the program should now commence.
If it still does not work, most likely the disc is faulty, return the product from where you purchased for an exchange of faulty product.
I have the installation process running, but now the program wants a Product Key ?
This is an anti-piracy process, started a number of years ago by Microsoft and a few other companies.
The CD or Product Key is usually found on the back of the CD cover your program came in, on the front or inside the manual supplied with the software, or in the manual that has been supplied electronically on the disc. Occasionally you may find the product key on the disc itself.
Type in the product key as shown, do not worry about Capitalising the letters. Some programs will require a dash like this '-' (without the quotes) between the numbers/letters combination.
Sometimes a program will ask for a product key and you find one was not supplied ! (Like a game I just purchased, grrrr).
What to do !!! Several options here, most programs will have an 1800 toll free phone number you can contact for product support.
Return your product to where you purchased from and ask a salesperson that you product needs a product key and was not supplied. Usually a quick product swap will fix this, but check the software contains a product key before leaving the retail store.
If you have tried the two options above and are still unsuccessful, return the product and ask for an exchange to a similar product or refund.
I have the installation process running, but now the install won't finish because it can find xxxx.dll ?
This can occur for several reasons. Sometimes a program your installing for the first time cannot read the CD/DVD in the drive or the disc itself may be faulty (by not actually having the file the program is looking for) unfortunately this does occur.
It may be that it has misread the disc, if it is asking for a location of the file, a box may have popped up on the screen asking for a file location. Find the file by clicking 'find file' and open the DVD drive and check each folder for the file in question. If it is found, click the file name once and click open, this should continue the install process.
I have the finished installing the program, I double click the new icon on my Desktop, but the program wont start ?
Did the program ask you to restart Windows ? If so, some programs will not operate until you have restarted Windows.
Did a message appear with something like 'cannot start X program as the file xxxx.exe is not found or missing'. This can appear if a program has been put on your computer but there was an issue with the program on release and you will need to download a 'patch' from the program manufacturer's website to run and update the program before you can start using it.
Also, you will see on occasion a program will say it installed successfully, but actually, it reached 99% of install. Simply go to your Control Panel and in Add/Remove programs (in Windows XP) or Programs and Features (in Windows Vista) un-install the program, restart your computer and install a second time.
I want to run my program, but it is asking to insert the disc ?
Most programs will be able to operate on your computer after you have once installed the program from a disc. Some programs, especially games, will not allow you to operate the program unless you have the original disc you installed the program in the cd/dvd drive.
This is another anti-piracy measure and is standard for some program types, so don't be alarmed.
Hopefully some of these tips provided here have shed some light on a few common problems yo may experience when installing new software from a program disc.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Is Free Software really Free ?
I know some of the terms you come across on the Internet can be confusing for some, especially for items termed "software". Lets break down some of the common terms about such software to assist you in understanding what you are using.
Public Domain Software
Software created by a single developer or small company.
There is no copyright on the product.
Software may be freely distributed by any and all means.
You may be able to change, create or modify without express permission from the author/s.
You may use the software without restriction
Software may be used for commercial gain
Public Domain Software types - More often found with computer code or software developed and distributed under the GNU licence for using with the Linux Operating System.
Freeware
Software created by a developer or small company.
They retain all copyright on the product.
Software may be freely distributed by any and all means.
Unable to change, create or modify without express permission from the author/s.
You may use the software without restriction (depends on licence structure)
You may not use the software for commercial gain
Freeware types - small games, utilities, widgets, software that is usually a pre-cursor to the developer testing user interest or a future commercial product.
Shareware / Trial ware
Software created by a developer or small company.
They retain all copyright on the product.
Software may be freely distributed by any and all means or may have restrictions on distribution.
Unable to change, create or modify without express permission from the author/s.
You may use the software for a specified period of time.
You may have all or limited functionality of the product during the "trial period"
You may not use the software for commercial gain.
Option to pay a small fee to continue using the software after the trial period has expired.
Shareware types - Larger games, utilities, widgets, some Anti-spy ware or Anti-Virus product software that is usually a pre-cursor to the developer testing user interest or a future commercial product.
Commercial Software
Software created by a developer, company or corporation.
They retain all copyright on the product.
Software must be purchased usually through a retailer or third party provider.
Unable to change, create or modify doing so they incur liability from the copyright holders.
You may use the software for an indefinite or specified period of time.
You have all functionality of the product.
You may not use the software for commercial gain nor may you distribute the program.
Usually, restricted to operating the software for 1 user only (on 1 PC).
Commercial Software types - Commercial games, Major utilities, Anti-spy ware or Anti-Virus product software, Video and Photo Editing Software, CAD and image software, Music Software, Office Suites.
Almost all types of software, especially, freeware, trial ware, shareware and commercial products outline in the EULA (an End User Licence Agreement) what legal rights, statutory rights and explicit rights you may or may not have with using the software.
This is a legal and binding agreement between you and the software issuer. Most people don't realise that when you walk into a retail store and buy software, you are not buying the CD or DVD or manual, or the box it is all provided in. But you are purchasing the 'right' to legally use the software as outlined in the licence agreement.
In other words, if you buy software that has in it's agreement, 'You may use this product on 1 (one) computer only at one time'. Don't give the disc to a family member or friend to put on their computer if you continue to use it on yours.
I am not trying to scare you or explain your legal rights, copyright and software licencing is a complex and difficult subject to understand for the general layman. I am only providing a general understanding of this complex issue. Please always consult someone in the legal profession for further information on your rights with using computer software.
Public Domain Software
Software created by a single developer or small company.
There is no copyright on the product.
Software may be freely distributed by any and all means.
You may be able to change, create or modify without express permission from the author/s.
You may use the software without restriction
Software may be used for commercial gain
Public Domain Software types - More often found with computer code or software developed and distributed under the GNU licence for using with the Linux Operating System.
Freeware
Software created by a developer or small company.
They retain all copyright on the product.
Software may be freely distributed by any and all means.
Unable to change, create or modify without express permission from the author/s.
You may use the software without restriction (depends on licence structure)
You may not use the software for commercial gain
Freeware types - small games, utilities, widgets, software that is usually a pre-cursor to the developer testing user interest or a future commercial product.
Shareware / Trial ware
Software created by a developer or small company.
They retain all copyright on the product.
Software may be freely distributed by any and all means or may have restrictions on distribution.
Unable to change, create or modify without express permission from the author/s.
You may use the software for a specified period of time.
You may have all or limited functionality of the product during the "trial period"
You may not use the software for commercial gain.
Option to pay a small fee to continue using the software after the trial period has expired.
Shareware types - Larger games, utilities, widgets, some Anti-spy ware or Anti-Virus product software that is usually a pre-cursor to the developer testing user interest or a future commercial product.
Commercial Software
Software created by a developer, company or corporation.
They retain all copyright on the product.
Software must be purchased usually through a retailer or third party provider.
Unable to change, create or modify doing so they incur liability from the copyright holders.
You may use the software for an indefinite or specified period of time.
You have all functionality of the product.
You may not use the software for commercial gain nor may you distribute the program.
Usually, restricted to operating the software for 1 user only (on 1 PC).
Commercial Software types - Commercial games, Major utilities, Anti-spy ware or Anti-Virus product software, Video and Photo Editing Software, CAD and image software, Music Software, Office Suites.
Almost all types of software, especially, freeware, trial ware, shareware and commercial products outline in the EULA (an End User Licence Agreement) what legal rights, statutory rights and explicit rights you may or may not have with using the software.
This is a legal and binding agreement between you and the software issuer. Most people don't realise that when you walk into a retail store and buy software, you are not buying the CD or DVD or manual, or the box it is all provided in. But you are purchasing the 'right' to legally use the software as outlined in the licence agreement.
In other words, if you buy software that has in it's agreement, 'You may use this product on 1 (one) computer only at one time'. Don't give the disc to a family member or friend to put on their computer if you continue to use it on yours.
I am not trying to scare you or explain your legal rights, copyright and software licencing is a complex and difficult subject to understand for the general layman. I am only providing a general understanding of this complex issue. Please always consult someone in the legal profession for further information on your rights with using computer software.
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