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Hardware and Software Conflict Resolution
Hardware and software
conflicts have changed radically over the years and recent operating
systems and plug & play compatibility have become much more friendly
than in the past. The biggest problems from the past IRQ & DMA
limitations made it very difficult to install more than a few added
devices to a computer without having to go to great lengths for them to
work in harmony. Now Virtual IRQs, DMAs, IRQ sharing, USB and Fire wire
ports have made adding devices easier than ever before. There is also a
much wider range of devices available now to perform functions that were
either extremely cost prohibitive or just dreams a few years ago. With
the vast abundance of new devices out there, there is a chance that a
conflict will arise even with all of the new provisions
added to the hardware and operating systems.
Hopefully the links and tips provided on this page will help solve any
conflicts you may encounter with your devices and or software. If not
give us a call and we will come out to your home or office to offer our
assistance.
Software Issues
Spy-ware, and viruses are the
most common causes of computer issues that are software related the
links below may provide some helpful tips and cost effective means of
dealing with these little culprits.
http://computercops.biz/
Castlecops is a free (optionally) site that is dedicated to removal of
malicious code, spy ware, viruses, Trojans, etc. at minimum cost. There
are many free downloads that have been verified safe, and have a rating
system that allows others and yourself to rate the products.
http://www.lavasoft.com/
Lavasoft provides professional mal-ware solutions and currently offers
the personal version of Ad-Aware for free to individual users. This
product has been rated highly by many private studies.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3513_7-5020904.html?tag=more
Cnet is chock full of information especially when it comes to software
reviews. much more can be found on the Cnet site like verified safe
downloads.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=%2Fsupport%2Fhowto%2Fservices.asp&FR=0
A good place to start to solve Microsoft related issues.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/default.mspx
A good place to get answers to tough Microsoft problems.
Good
Practices
Some good
practices to keep your computer safe are:
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Keep operating
system updated with all security patches
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Keep firewall
and popup blockers active.
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Keep a virus
checker running in auto-protect mode for all methods of use
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Keep
anti-virus data files up to date. Update at least once a week or
more often.
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Run multiple
anti spy-ware checkers often.
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Avoid
downloading freeware that hasn't been verified to be safe by a
reputable source.
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Steer clear of
or use extreme caution when browsing hacker tool sites, freeware
sites, and porn sites.
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Always back-up
to an external device or source all important documents, settings,
email, address books, favorites, etc.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
Keep windows updated. Since Microsoft Windows accounts for around 90%
of the personal computers in the world it is the number 1 target for
hacker, virus, spy-ware, Trojans, etc. The best practice is to keep your
Windows operating system updated with all security patches. It is a good
idea to keep auto update turned on to run in the background as you work.
Links
Related to Some Common Operating Systems
http://www.microsoft.com/ The most
common (market share) operating systems for standard PC hardware.
http://www.linux.org/
If you are experienced and like a little more challenge try using the
Linux operating system for your PC hardware.
http://www.apple.com/
If you are less experienced and want a stable system that is made to be
less challenging.
http://www.ugu.com/sui/ugu/warp.ugu
UNIX the old standard, a challenge as Linux is. Many flavors for many
hardware schemes.
http://www.windriver.com/ VXworks, lets
get right
down to nuts and bolts. Rock solid machine level language for many self contained
network capable devices.
http://www.nondot.org/sabre/os/articles
Follow this link for some cool information pertaining to operating
systems..
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