coiv public announcements

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Circle of Innervisions

Public Announcement #001

Computer Care

Many times we notice after several months that our computers do not run as fast as they did brand new. Well after several months, we have

poured/stored tons of useless stuff on our hard drive without even knowing it! What you need to do is set a time aside each week to clean it out.

which requires the following steps:

1. Click on to download and install on system. Then run it on your computer.

2. Next go to Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk Clean up. Run it.

3. Then go to Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk Defragmenter. Run it.

This should be done every week.

Public Announcement #002

Computer Care

Java update to 6.23

Yes it is that time again to upgrade your Java. But don't forget to uninstall your old version of Java before you install the new version (they can conflict)

and it takes a fair bit of space on your hard drive.

1. Go to start>control panel>Add or remove a program>Java> and delete that program.

2. Click on www.java.com and download the newest version. It will install itself.

You should check java.com often as they frequently upgrade.

Public Announcement #003

Computer Care

Anti virus / Spyware

Many of us cannot afford $40 to $60 a year for anti-virus. So we tracked down some good free programs for you.

Anti-virus: Free avg virus protection or www.avast.com/

Firewall: Zone Alarm : ZoneAlarm Free-Firewall

Anti-Spam: www.comodoantispam.com/

Now the reason you download these two Spyware removal programs is because no single program can remove

all the different types of spyware out there. These programs also work well together.

Public Announcement #004

Computer Care

Using your computer daily can fragment your hard drive, placing one file here and another somewhere else. This makes the computer run slowly because it has to search your entire hard drive for the fragments of what program you are working with, to make it run properly You must defrag your hard drive often to optimize your system to make it run quickly. Here is a nice little program named "Defraggler" that works in tandem with your systems defragger. Also you can pick a file to defrag or you can do your total hard drive, unlike Microsoft's Defragger which only let you defrag the whole system. This is a free program, made by the same folks who created "CCleaner". Use Defraggler to defrag your entire hard drive, or individual files - unique in the industry. This compact and portable Windows application supports NTFS and FAT32 file systems. This is a free program.

Public Announcement #005

Computer Care

Zoom! How to Speed Up Windows

Is your computer running very slooooow? You may feel like you've tried everything to make it run faster, including changing your browser settings, removing spyware or defragging the hard disk. Whether you're using Windows XP or Windows 7, here are some simple tweaks and changes you may not have tried that can make your system not only more efficient, but also run faster.

(Scroll down for tips if you're using Windows XP.)

Details about Microsoft Windows 7
1. Buy More RAM
Add RAM (memory) to increase performance. For prices that range from $40 to $200, you can purchase RAM that is
installed internally in the computer. The more RAM you get, the pricier it is. Get it from any store that sells computers or
search online using the term "memory upgrades." If you're a 32-bit user, aim for a total of 3GB, while 64-bit users can go
as high as 4GB to 6GB total. Want instructions on how to install it? Search using this phrase: "How to install RAM."

2. Use Windows ReadyBoost
ReadyBoost, which comes bundled with Windows 7, allows you to use fast memory drives/cards for a high-speed system
cache that will boost performance without adding any additional physical RAM. Although this is no substitute for adding
more memory to your system, ReadyBoost-compatible devices have much faster read and write access times than hard
disks, so they provide speedy buffers for random I/O operations.

3. Install the Correct Version of Windows 7
If you have a high-end PC with more than 3GB of RAM, use the 64-bit version of Windows. The 32-bit hardware/software
doesn't use all the memory, so you could be wasting the potential of your RAM.

4. Keep Your System Drivers Updated
By updating the main system drivers, which include the graphics card, chipset, audio and more, you'll get the most from any
performance enhancements and bug fixes. Periodic driver updates will be provided automatically through a Windows 7
update.

5. Disable Unwanted Startup Applications
Most computers are packed with small utilities and unneeded software that are attached to the startup list. Many (but not
all) are fairly useless and just slow your system down. Run "msconfig" and view the startup tab to view and change your
startup list. You should be able to disable startup entries by uninstalling or configuring the software correctly.
(Source: The Windows 7 Forums)

Microsoft Windows XP
1. Buy More RAM
If your PC has less than 512MB of RAM, add more. This is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to upgrade and dramatically
improve system performance. Installed internally in your computer, it should cost less than $100. You can buy additional
RAM from any store that sells computers or search online using the term "memory upgrades." For instructions on how to
install it, search using this phrase: "How to install RAM."

2. Use the NTFS File System
The New Technology File System (NTFS) is the standard file system of Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows
Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista and Windows 7. It supersedes the FAT32 file system as the
preferred file system for Windows. NTFS, unlike FAT32, provides far better security, better hard disk space usage,
efficiency and reliability.

To test whether Windows XP is utilizing the NTFS file system, do the following:
• Double-click the My Computer icon.
• Right-click on the C: Drive and select Properties.
• Examine the File System type. If it says FAT32, then back-up any important data. (Repeat: Back-up important data before
you move to the next step!)
• Click Start, click Run, type CMD and then click OK.
• At the prompt, type CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS and press the Enter key.

NOTE: This can be a long process, and it must be allowed to run uninterrupted. Before you run it, make sure the computer
is virus-free.

WARNING: This is not for the timid. Doing this erases all your existing data, including your programs and personal files. That
is why you must backup everything before you begin so you can restore your data from a backup and reinstall your
operating system and programs. For more information from Microsoft, click here.

3. Disable File Indexing
File indexing works by extracting information from documents and other files on your hard drive and creating a
"searchable keyword index." This can really slow down your system. If you never use this search feature, disable it by
doing the following:

• Double-click the My Computer icon.
• Right-click on the C: Drive and select Properties.
• Uncheck "Allow Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching."
• Apply changes to "C: subfolders and files" and click OK.
• If a warning or error message appears, such as "Access is denied," click the Ignore All button.
• Because it has to apply the changes to all folders and files, this can take a while to complete. Plan to let it run overnight.

4. Remove Spyware
Spyware is insidious, hiding in your system and potentially wreaking havoc -- or at the very least slowing things down. You
can use a program like BetterGuard to remove spyware, malware and Trojans.

Public Announcement #006

Computer Care

What Really Happens When You Press 'Delete'

Back in 2000, Sir Paul McCartney's bank data was left on a merchant bank's computer. The machine was then sold without the files or drive being wiped clean. The data was then discovered, and the story ended up all over the news about how this particular bank and possibly others like it were not taking precautions to erase data on old computers, which were later sold or donated.

Forgetting to delete pertinent information from any hard drive is worrisome. Copy machines also pose risks. As CBS reported in April, since 2002, most copiers are installed with hard drives that save images of all copied documents. When these machines are then sold or discarded, the stored information, which can include private information such as medical records, frequently remain intact.

What does 'delete' mean?
Many users are still convinced that when they delete a document or file on their computer, it vanishes into thin air -- but that's hardly the case.

As "Sam," a security engineer who wishes to remain anonymous because of the nature of his job, explains: "When a user 'deletes' a file, it's not really gone. Deleted files are sent to the Trash folder. At this point, files can still be recovered." However, even if the Trash folder is emptied, it doesn't mean the file has disappeared completely. "But the longer a deleted file is left on a drive, the greater the chance the file cannot be recovered," Sam says.

Everyday PC maintenance
There are a number of programs out there that help ensure that your deleted files are really deleted. In addition to guarding your privacy by removing traces of your Internet browsing history and files and programs you have used, Computer Checkup Premium also cleans registries, removes clutter by clearing out temporary files, and helps solve the problem of a fragmented hard drive by rearranging data so it can be accessed more quickly.

If you have accidentally deleted files, Computer Checkup Premium also offers an "undelete function".

Formatting and disk wipe
Then there are times when you really do need to permanently delete everything. If you are in the process of donating or selling your computer, or if you have sensitive information stored on it which you wish to be deleted permanently (such as medical information, bank or legal documents, or Social Security numbers), tech experts recommend reformatting your hard drive or performing a disk wipe. According to The Tech FAQ, "Formatting the hard drive or any of its partitions will completely erase all data that is present."

A thorough "disk wipe" will essentially overwrite your hard drive to the point where recovery is impossible. As "Sam" explains, "When the U.S. Government wants to delete information from an entire hard drive, it employs the Department of Defense disk wipe, which means the entire drive has its data overwritten with a random pattern of zeros and ones (binary data) three times. At this point, any data on the hard drive is considered unrecoverable. In some instances, the platters are removed from the hard drive and dipped in caustic acid -- referred to as 'erase by physical destruction.'"

Users can (and should) erase the hard drives of their old computers so their data cannot be found by anyone else (think Paul McCartney). One program "Sam" and other tech experts recommend is Darik's Boot and Nuke, which will delete the contents of a hard drive with certainty.

Consequences of not deleting files
Sensitive information carelessly stored on computers can lead to identity theft, and also harks the growing need for computer forensics.

In 2007, for example, a forensics expert found that the new publisher of the Minneapolis Star Tribune had transferred sensitive information over from his St. Paul Pioneer Press computer, where he previously worked. In another case, the insurer Health Net was recently sued as a result of a missing computer hard drive that stored the medical records of several thousand customers.

Deleting files from your computer is similar to shredding documents: Store what you need, and digitally "shred" those you don't.

Public Announcement #007

Computer Care

Extending Your Computer's Lifespan:

In a tight economy, many Americans are choosing to keep their household electronic items for longer, rather than trading them in for newer models.
Or scroll down to get details Various Web searches reveal the average desktop computer's lifespan to be anywhere from 2-5 years. Why are we so quick to throw our computers to the curb? Most of us aren't exactly asking our machines to split the atom. For simple needs like surfing the Web, word processing and managing digital photos, even a computer that's a few years old should be perfectly sufficient.

If your computer is running well today, there's no reason it shouldn't stay that way for several more years to come. Like a car, a computer needs regular maintenance and care to keep it operating smoothly. There are easy steps anyone can take to help extend a computer's useful life, saving money and the environmental impacts of throwing a computer away.

Believe it or not, a computer generates a lot of heat. In the early days of computing, large computers were kept in special climate-controlled rooms to keep their hardware cool. Though that's probably overkill today, it's still important to keep your PC at a normal temperature, out of direct sunlight and with room to ventilate. If your computer overheats, it can cause irreparable damage to its internal components.

Dust around your computer can trap heat inside the machine. This causes the cooling fan to run longer and harder, increasing its odds of wearing out. That's why it's wise to keep a computer off the floor, where most household dust accumulates -- positioning it even a few inches off the floor will help. It's also a good idea to avoid smoke or incense near the computer. No matter what you do, dust will inevitably gather inside the machine over time. If you're up to the task it could help to open the PC's case and blow out the dust with compressed air every now and then.

Laptops and netbooks are becoming more prevalent, and not just for business travel or coffee shops. When the laptop is at home, there's a tendency to leave it plugged in all the time, which might actually be bad for the battery. Apple, for example, specifically recommends against leaving their laptops constantly plugged in, suggesting a combination of battery use and charged use to "keep the battery juices flowing." No matter what kind of laptop you have, over time it will inevitably lose its battery capacity. The typical lifespan of a Lithium-ion battery is 300-500 charge cycles. If you're finding your battery struggles to keep a charge, it may be time for a replacement -- a relatively inexpensive item compared to the cost of a whole new computer.

Finally, it may seem obvious but sometimes a simple reboot is the healthiest thing you can do for your computer. Though there's no standard time frame for how long you can keep a PC running without rebooting, it's often a good way to resolve troubleshooting issues or simply give your machine a fresh start. As you open and close applications, fragments of memory can build, slowing the computer -- a reboot cleans these out and lets memory flow more freely. So, when in doubt, restarting is a good idea when your computer feels like it's grinding to a halt.

Public Announcement #008

Computer Care

Computer Terms You Should Know

Keep Your Computer Healthy
The famous computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup once said, "There's an old story about the person who wished his computer were as easy to use as his telephone. That wish has come true, since I no longer know how to use my telephone."

As technology evolves, advanced computers and other tech devices appear more complicated and intimidating to the average user. In the event of a malfunction, most users who are limited in tech know how dread the call to tech support and frequently lug in their systems to computer stores where professionals can resolve the issue for a hefty price.

As "Sam," a security engineer and technology expert who wishes to remain anonymous because of his job, explains, "Unfortunately, computers and operating systems are extremely complex devices. It's very easy to be intimidated at the complexity. and they have gotten progressively more complex over the last 20-plus years." It's so common apparently that cyber phobia, which the Free Dictionary defines as "the irrational fear of computers and technology," is a typical occurrence.

Computer knowledge and maintenance
When traveling in a foreign country, it's always helpful to learn a few everyday words and phrases, and the world of computers is no different. Words such as 'RAM' or 'screenshot' or 'cache,' for example, are common phrases with which average computer users should familiarize themselves.

You can also perform routine maintenance on your computer without getting technical. There are a host of easy-to-use at-home programs available that can help make your computer healthier. Computer Checkup Premium and System Mechanic, for example, help fix and speed up your computer and boost performance.

Popular tech terms
A majority of Americans own computers, yet the average user doesn't know what 'URL' stands for (it's Uniform Resource Locator, by the way-a fancy term for an Internet address). Though most users have come a long way since the early days of the digital age when they mistook the CD-ROM drive for a cup holder, many are still baffled by tech-speak. Mastering just a handful of definitions may help users bridge the wide gap between the experts and the rest of us.

Firewall: A part of your network, a firewall allows certain communications to get through while blocking others. As Sam explains, "[Think of] a firewall as a doorman that stands outside your home (computer). It prevents unwanted users from just walking in to your home, and (with Windows 7 and Vista) checks that strangers that snuck into your home are allowed to leave."

Malware: Malware is a catch-all phrase for viruses, adware and Trojans, which can cause damage to your computer. The best way to prevent malware from infecting your system is to regularly update your anti-virus program.

Cache: Your web cache stores all your web browsing info. You should clear your cache every so often to free up space on your hard drive and help protect your privacy.

RAM: Random-access memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory. "RAM is memory, and hard drive is space. Users often get these two mixed up," our tech expert, Sam, says. "The best analogy I have is a room: RAM is the height of a room, and hard drive space is the square footage. The greater the ceiling height (RAM), the easier it is to move items (programs) around the floor (hard drive)." When you receive messages that your computer is low on memory, it's usually time to add more RAM."

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (or more commonly, processor) is basically your computer's brain, which processes all the information. About.com sums it up best by saying that it's "responsible for interpreting and executing most of the commands from the computer's hardware and software."

HTTP and HTTPS: HTTP, or hypertext transfer protocol, is the standard prefix used for website addresses. HTTPS (Hypertext transport protocol secure), on the other hand, signals that the website you have visited is secure. When browsing bank, credit card or shopping websites online, for example, look for 'HTTPS' before entering any sensitive information.

Defrag: As we reported earlier, hard drives eventually become fragmented with daily wear and tear -- meaning that files are scattered and stored in various locations, rather than being neatly lined up on the drive. Hence, it's important to 'defrag' your hard drive, which basically reorganizes the files correctly so your computer can access them more quickly.