It is impossible that your PC doesn’t act up every once in a while. Everyone’s PC loves to act up — whether it is a problem of the computer shutting down every five minutes, browsers not working (where messengers are), pop-up windows appearing every two seconds, the computer slowing down to an almost agonising speed, and so on.
Those of us who are computer-literate to the point of efficiency can easily locate the problem and solve it. The majority of us who are not so fortunate have to dissemble the PC, load it into the car and cart it off to the nearest computer shop, where we are politely told that our hard drive will have to be re-formatted for the problem to be solved. No matter what the problem is, every time the PC has to be re-formatted. But, is it really so?
If you know the symptoms, then you can easily locate the problem yourself and hunt down the solution through a search engine. There isn’t any hard and fast course on “Tracking down the symptoms of an infected PC and dealing with It.” But there are loads of websites which you can visit any time your PC looks like its come down with something (except when it is facing browser problems). That’s when you’ll have to rely on your friend’s or library’s or computer lab’s PC.
The best website to begin learning more about computers and related problems is http://computing.net/ . A very comprehensive website, this one has clearly categorised sections for efficient browsing. If you are researching certain symptoms your PC is showing, then the best section to visit first is the forums’ section. The different forums are categorised by the Windows’ Operating Systems as well as Linux, Unix, DOS etc. There are separate rooms for security and virus and gaming as well. Once you’re in the appropriate room, simply scroll through the messages to determine whether or not your area of concern has been covered already or not. If it hasn’t, you can simply register yourself as a user, and post your query. And someone will definitely solve your problem.
If, however, you want to learn a thing or two about computers in general then the “Articles and Opinions” section containing a range of the same written by technology experts and analysts will definitely suffice. Then, there is an extensive how-to section. If you find that installing or updating certain software caused your PC to ‘crash’ then better check out this section, before carrying out any sensitive action on your PC. How-to articles have been divided into simple and advanced form for your convenience. A related section is “Novice Section” where you can access how-to guides related to purchasing PC stuff, using the Internet and accessing digital music. And finally, check out the FAQ section to ensure that whatever query you are about to post on the forums hasn’t already been covered.
Another resourceful website is that of CNET Forums at http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7600_7-5565323-1.html?tag=txt . All you need to do here is sign up to become a part of a very diverse set of forums. There are many categories here along with the standard operating system category. Some of the interesting ones include Digital Media and Design, General Help and Software. It goes without saying that if you’re stuck with your PC, the best place to point your mouse and click is the General Help Forum.
Also, there is always the Microsoft Knowledge Base website at http://search.support.microsoft.com where you can search for any specific problem or piece of information using a very elaborate input form. You can also download critical security updates for various Microsoft products as well as your operating system to avoid any virus attack or hijack attempts. Moreover, you can access help and support regarding various Microsoft products as well by poring through the troubleshooting guide and how-to articles.
A useful search engine to pinpoint problems and locate solutions is http://answerpoint.ask.com/ . Simply write down your problem in a phrase and you will be directed to the appropriate websites to get your PC scanned and download the necessary software. If you already suspect your PC of being infected with spyware, for instance, you can directly access http://www.spywareinfo.com/ for remedies, for anti-viruses check out http://www.antivirus.com — and to fight homepage hijackers and irritating pop-up windows you can visit http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html.
An important thing to remember at this point is that there are certain occasions when a hard drive format becomes inevitable. To safeguard against such a time, when you run the risk of losing your important data, the best thing is to keep a backup of all the important files. Here, Yahoo’s briefcase at http://briefcase.yahoo.com becomes very handy. With 30 MB storage and a facility to create folders, you can easily upload your files there, categorise them in folders and access them if you lose the same on your hard disk.
For more sophisticated methods of file recovery, you can check out http://www.filerecovery.org/index.html . This website details the various different ways in which you stand at risk of losing your data such as mechanical and environmental factors, and then guides accordingly as to how to create a backup file and store data. It also has a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your computer so you stand at the minimum risk of getting it infected with some unknown problems. Some of the steps mentioned here include avoiding cluttering up your hard disk with unnecessary stuff, checking occasionally for viruses and worms, and shutting down the computer properly.
Hopefully, now you won’t have to suffer through loss of important data and other multimedia stuff unnecessarily. And even when a hard drive format becomes inevitable, you’ll have a backup.
Showing posts with label Net Clip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Net Clip. Show all posts
Sunday, August 6, 2006
Sunday, April 3, 2005
Cell-savvy vs cell-bores
IT was very quiet inside the seminar room where the lecture was taking place. As the speaker went on with his speech, the serene environment was suddenly interrupted with the ringing of a mobile phone. Everyone’s attention was diverted as they looked around for the ‘culprit.’ The latter was too easy to spot, as he ran out of the hall clutching the phone. The emcee later reminded everyone to switch off their phones. But no sooner than the second speaker had begun his lecture that another mobile phone began ringing.
This plight is rampant, courtesy of the advent and widespread usage of mobile phones in this country. It is unfortunate that while most of us are too eager to acquire the latest set to increase our social standing, only a minority are aware of the proper etiquettes of using a mobile phone in public. For those who would like an elaboration of the word ‘etiquette’ provided they reconcile to the fact that such a suffix can exist after the phrase ‘mobile phone’ can visit the following websites.
Cell Manners at http://www.cellmanners.com/ is the website to begin with. It promises that it will promote ‘civility between cell phone users and the people around them’ — which, we know, is the need of the hour. This website goes beyond lecturing on cell phone etiquette. It places more attention on “cell phone wars” that are the ultimate consequence of mobile phone users not observing proper etiquette in public places. ‘Cell phone wars’ is a collection of amusing and not-so-hilarious incidents where mobile phones proved themselves to be a nuisance, and their users even more so. Those of you who are reluctant to switch off your mobile phones or make them silent during lectures or performances can easily learn a lesson or two here. A mobile phone disrupting the audience will only make people curse you under their breaths. The last thing they would be is impressed — which of course in the popular notion around here.
Also, this website has a special section on how to positively use your mobile phones. Certain organizations actually give out awards to those who keep their head on and use cell phones to their advantage in emergencies. You can find out all the details of what different people have done to win those awards, and use it as an inspiration. The section on “Great Ways to Use your Cell Phone” will also guide you on the proper etiquette of using your mobile phone.
Now to some sermonizing websites, http://phoney
business.com/etiquette.html tops my list. It starts off by explaining the link between road accidents and usage of mobile phones. Yep, if you’re using a cell phone while driving, you’re more likely to get into an accident. So if you are one of those who think it looks way cool to have a mobile phone in one hand and the steering wheel in another, let me tell you that you’re only putting a show-off label on yourself, apart from exposing yourself to unnecessary danger. If the call is extremely important, then it is a good idea, as this website suggests, to pull-over first and then talk. In a public gathering, this website suggests a soft ringtone as well as a hushed voice when you’re talking on the phone. Contrary to common misconception that you need to scream in order to make yourself heard in a noisy crowd, there is a sensitive microphone in the mobile phone which can pick up and transmit your voice even when you’re speaking in a low tone. There are many more tips here, dealing with respecting the personal space of people and moving away when the cell phone rings, keeping the cell phone off at certain places and refraining from discussing private affairs if you have to use a cell phone in public. Consider http://www.digitalnuts.com/mobile/articles/cellettiquette.html as a summary of this website. It covers more or less the same points, but in a more concise manner.
A more interesting website is http://www.textually. org/textually/archives/cat_cell_phone_etiquette.htm. It is mostly based on news and incidents related to cell phone usage. For instance, there is a news item about a business which actually told its customers not to use their mobiles when being attended on. Some employers have taken to enforcing strict guidelines governing cell phone usage for their employees. Apart from having a fun-filled reading time here, you can also go through the detailed etiquette given here and make sure you apply some of the rules given here, the next time you use your mobiles.
As we all know, mobiles with inbuilt cameras are the most notorious. There are loads of novae riche who seem to think that owning a camera phone gives them the right to snap the picture of just about anyone who catches their fancy. http://www.avecmobile.com/index.php?id=254 is all about the proper etiquette of using camera phones. Refraining from taking random photographs, asking permission before taking photographs, respecting the privacy of people and places where taking photographs is prohibited and being careful when using camera phones of other people are some of the major guidelines detailed on this website.
Apart from the websites which dwell on what to do and what not to do. There are many others that feature some interesting articles relating to cell phone usage which makes for a very interesting and enlightening read. “Switching off bad manners” (http://www.acurrentaffair.ninemsn.com/stories/1636.asp) is one of those articles. According to the writer, there are certain universities that have actually started teaching mobile phone etiquette as a course. And one of the most important parts of this course is when, where and why to switch off the mobile phones. In places like restaurants, cinemas and important business meetings it is imperative that the mobile phone is set to silent with only a vibrating alert. The golden rule to remember is: don’t let your cell phone rule you.
Another enlightening article is at http://www.thefeature.com/article?articleid=100851&threshold=- 1&ref=5964645 which focuses on the usage of mobiles while driving and a very interesting study conducted among those drivers who have no problem in using their mobiles while they’re at the wheel. The writer has gone on to give his own comment on the results of the study as well.
To get a full recap and reminder of the all the guidelines that you have come across in the above websites, check out the 10 Dos and Don’ts at http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/ issues/technology/communications/ cell_phone_etiquette_10_dos_ and_donts.mspx. These basically cover all that you have read up on already about using mobile phones in public and respecting the personal space of people.
In conclusion, I’d like to mention that one of the above websites termed those who use the cell phone properly as “ Which category do you want to belong to?
This plight is rampant, courtesy of the advent and widespread usage of mobile phones in this country. It is unfortunate that while most of us are too eager to acquire the latest set to increase our social standing, only a minority are aware of the proper etiquettes of using a mobile phone in public. For those who would like an elaboration of the word ‘etiquette’ provided they reconcile to the fact that such a suffix can exist after the phrase ‘mobile phone’ can visit the following websites.
Cell Manners at http://www.cellmanners.com/ is the website to begin with. It promises that it will promote ‘civility between cell phone users and the people around them’ — which, we know, is the need of the hour. This website goes beyond lecturing on cell phone etiquette. It places more attention on “cell phone wars” that are the ultimate consequence of mobile phone users not observing proper etiquette in public places. ‘Cell phone wars’ is a collection of amusing and not-so-hilarious incidents where mobile phones proved themselves to be a nuisance, and their users even more so. Those of you who are reluctant to switch off your mobile phones or make them silent during lectures or performances can easily learn a lesson or two here. A mobile phone disrupting the audience will only make people curse you under their breaths. The last thing they would be is impressed — which of course in the popular notion around here.
Also, this website has a special section on how to positively use your mobile phones. Certain organizations actually give out awards to those who keep their head on and use cell phones to their advantage in emergencies. You can find out all the details of what different people have done to win those awards, and use it as an inspiration. The section on “Great Ways to Use your Cell Phone” will also guide you on the proper etiquette of using your mobile phone.
Now to some sermonizing websites, http://phoney
business.com/etiquette.html tops my list. It starts off by explaining the link between road accidents and usage of mobile phones. Yep, if you’re using a cell phone while driving, you’re more likely to get into an accident. So if you are one of those who think it looks way cool to have a mobile phone in one hand and the steering wheel in another, let me tell you that you’re only putting a show-off label on yourself, apart from exposing yourself to unnecessary danger. If the call is extremely important, then it is a good idea, as this website suggests, to pull-over first and then talk. In a public gathering, this website suggests a soft ringtone as well as a hushed voice when you’re talking on the phone. Contrary to common misconception that you need to scream in order to make yourself heard in a noisy crowd, there is a sensitive microphone in the mobile phone which can pick up and transmit your voice even when you’re speaking in a low tone. There are many more tips here, dealing with respecting the personal space of people and moving away when the cell phone rings, keeping the cell phone off at certain places and refraining from discussing private affairs if you have to use a cell phone in public. Consider http://www.digitalnuts.com/mobile/articles/cellettiquette.html as a summary of this website. It covers more or less the same points, but in a more concise manner.
A more interesting website is http://www.textually. org/textually/archives/cat_cell_phone_etiquette.htm. It is mostly based on news and incidents related to cell phone usage. For instance, there is a news item about a business which actually told its customers not to use their mobiles when being attended on. Some employers have taken to enforcing strict guidelines governing cell phone usage for their employees. Apart from having a fun-filled reading time here, you can also go through the detailed etiquette given here and make sure you apply some of the rules given here, the next time you use your mobiles.
As we all know, mobiles with inbuilt cameras are the most notorious. There are loads of novae riche who seem to think that owning a camera phone gives them the right to snap the picture of just about anyone who catches their fancy. http://www.avecmobile.com/index.php?id=254 is all about the proper etiquette of using camera phones. Refraining from taking random photographs, asking permission before taking photographs, respecting the privacy of people and places where taking photographs is prohibited and being careful when using camera phones of other people are some of the major guidelines detailed on this website.
Apart from the websites which dwell on what to do and what not to do. There are many others that feature some interesting articles relating to cell phone usage which makes for a very interesting and enlightening read. “Switching off bad manners” (http://www.acurrentaffair.ninemsn.com/stories/1636.asp) is one of those articles. According to the writer, there are certain universities that have actually started teaching mobile phone etiquette as a course. And one of the most important parts of this course is when, where and why to switch off the mobile phones. In places like restaurants, cinemas and important business meetings it is imperative that the mobile phone is set to silent with only a vibrating alert. The golden rule to remember is: don’t let your cell phone rule you.
Another enlightening article is at http://www.thefeature.com/article?articleid=100851&threshold=- 1&ref=5964645 which focuses on the usage of mobiles while driving and a very interesting study conducted among those drivers who have no problem in using their mobiles while they’re at the wheel. The writer has gone on to give his own comment on the results of the study as well.
To get a full recap and reminder of the all the guidelines that you have come across in the above websites, check out the 10 Dos and Don’ts at http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/ issues/technology/communications/ cell_phone_etiquette_10_dos_ and_donts.mspx. These basically cover all that you have read up on already about using mobile phones in public and respecting the personal space of people.
In conclusion, I’d like to mention that one of the above websites termed those who use the cell phone properly as “ Which category do you want to belong to?
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Chatting etiquettes
ASK any Internet user what his/her favourite online past time is and the most likely answer will be ‘chatting’. Whether using mIRC or instant messengers, almost anyone who is using Internet for the first time gets addicted to chatting. There are those who chat randomly to just about anyone who is willing to chat with them, while others prefer to chat only with a close knit network of friends and relatives. But whichever type of chatting is done, very few people know the rules or etiquettes of chatting.
When it comes to young, novice users, they are most likely to divulge private information and believe everything that they are told from the opposite end. The more ‘expert’ users who are a little too accustomed to the Internet and its ways ignore the “Busy” and “Away” status of those who are online and keep on bombarding them with messages. It’s no wonder that when I went online to search, chatting etiquettes were mostly penned down keeping a younger audience in mind. But, with all due respect, even the elder and the elderly should go through them. If nothing, at least we the average people will benefit immensely if proper etiquette is practised with us.
The website to begin is http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/text/index.htm. If you feel the information here is below you, you can easily make sure that you use this information to the advantage of those children around you, who are using the Internet. There are some easy guidelines for safe chatting plus case studies of children to serve as moral stories. There is a separate section for parents and educators, where leaflets are available for download. These discuss the use of software to regulate Internet use for children and safe chatting.
Then move onto Chat Room Etiquettes at http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/chatetiquettes.htm. It comprises of pretty much similar etiquettes that have been mentioned in the above website. But these are more detailed guidelines that look at the more minute and intricate aspects of chatting. For instance, some of the things discussed here include the proper salutations to use when beginning to chat with anyone, maintaining proper behaviour in the chat rooms, respecting the moderators if you are on a public forum, choosing a sensible private username and refraining from giving out personal and contact information. These guidelines also encourage you to report abuse and host your own chat events with your list of contacts.
The ICNA website has also given some helpful tips at http://www.icna.org/Guide/chatrules.html. Among other things, it has a dire warning against setting up meetings with online friends and furthermore, guides on the appropriate use of smileys. It also offers guidance on proper conduct when someone is persistently rude. Reporting the incident to the moderator if you are in a chat room or forum, completely ignoring the person, and logging out of that room/conversation are some of the potential actions which are discussed here.
A website which is completely dedicated to chatting can be accessed at http://www.chatmag.com. Where you can search over a hundred chat rooms here, you can also find out some information on the etiquettes of chatting. Some of the issues discussed here include role playing, disruptive behaviour, and the use of abbreviations. According to Chat Mag, role playing is just fine but posing as someone you’re not is quite another thing which is very unacceptable. This website also has some useful guidance if you’re new to chatting.
Did you know that being courteous on the forums can actually be good for your business? Yep, if you’re in a business related chat room or web chat then it would be better to go through http://www.n-etiquette.com/forum.htm first. Refraining from hyper linking to other forums in your messages, replying on the forum rather than privately, specifically mentioning the person if you’re replying to anyone in particular, and making an appropriate use of emoticons, smileys and avatars. Following these guidelines carefully will go a long way in finding you people with whom you can engage in business networking.
Six rules of proper chat room etiquette have been spelled out at http://ks.essortment.com/chatroometique_rhln.htm. Probably the most important is not to fall to the level of the troublemakers in the chat rooms by using the same kind of offensive language and unsuitable remarks that they are using. Other reminders include a warning against typing in all capitals since this gives an impression that you are yelling. I don’t know why but even though this fact is universally known to all Internet users, there are some who still insist on typing in all capital letters for no reason. Here, I may also mention that it is also very irritating to use a mixture and small and upper-case letters. ‘tHerE iS nOtHiNg mOrE aNnOyiNg!’ Also, another precaution that this website mentions is not to ask anyone’s gender as ‘male/female’ or inquire about a person’s age since this is considered highly rude and inappropriate. So all those of you who begin chatting with ‘a/s/l,’ you have been warned.
Find another eight rules of chat etiquette at http://training.scifict.com/guidelines/chatiquette.html. Among a recap of the rules which you have read above, this one has some new reminders as well. The foremost point is respecting people and their point of views — I’ll add here that respecting people’s statuses on messengers also comes in this category. Respecting that the other person may not want to chat with you is also important — so don’t keep on bugging someone who’s either busy or not interested. Addressing the person to whom you’re talking, being cautious with your personal information and properly dealing with offensive chatters are all different points discussed in detail.
Similar points are discussed in a tutorial on http://www.clickbasics.com/tutorial/lesson/81. This one gives you a dire warning against advertising on public forums or chat rooms. Now I know you may think it’s very easy to post an advertising message on different communities, and it may even be an effective technique. But it is extremely irritating to see advertisements splashed among thought provoking conversation threads. Another precaution this tutorial will ask you to maintain is to stick to the topic. Many a time it happens that a conversation begins with one topic and ends up going completely off track. So make sure you don’t divert from the main theme of the conversation thread.
So there you have it. A number of websites are there to help you out so you can never plead ignore about proper ‘chat-iquette’. Remember a few precautions when chatting will go a long way in making your web experience more interesting. Otherwise, just be ready to face annoyed chatters and irritated moderators.
When it comes to young, novice users, they are most likely to divulge private information and believe everything that they are told from the opposite end. The more ‘expert’ users who are a little too accustomed to the Internet and its ways ignore the “Busy” and “Away” status of those who are online and keep on bombarding them with messages. It’s no wonder that when I went online to search, chatting etiquettes were mostly penned down keeping a younger audience in mind. But, with all due respect, even the elder and the elderly should go through them. If nothing, at least we the average people will benefit immensely if proper etiquette is practised with us.
The website to begin is http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/text/index.htm. If you feel the information here is below you, you can easily make sure that you use this information to the advantage of those children around you, who are using the Internet. There are some easy guidelines for safe chatting plus case studies of children to serve as moral stories. There is a separate section for parents and educators, where leaflets are available for download. These discuss the use of software to regulate Internet use for children and safe chatting.
Then move onto Chat Room Etiquettes at http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/chatetiquettes.htm. It comprises of pretty much similar etiquettes that have been mentioned in the above website. But these are more detailed guidelines that look at the more minute and intricate aspects of chatting. For instance, some of the things discussed here include the proper salutations to use when beginning to chat with anyone, maintaining proper behaviour in the chat rooms, respecting the moderators if you are on a public forum, choosing a sensible private username and refraining from giving out personal and contact information. These guidelines also encourage you to report abuse and host your own chat events with your list of contacts.
The ICNA website has also given some helpful tips at http://www.icna.org/Guide/chatrules.html. Among other things, it has a dire warning against setting up meetings with online friends and furthermore, guides on the appropriate use of smileys. It also offers guidance on proper conduct when someone is persistently rude. Reporting the incident to the moderator if you are in a chat room or forum, completely ignoring the person, and logging out of that room/conversation are some of the potential actions which are discussed here.
A website which is completely dedicated to chatting can be accessed at http://www.chatmag.com. Where you can search over a hundred chat rooms here, you can also find out some information on the etiquettes of chatting. Some of the issues discussed here include role playing, disruptive behaviour, and the use of abbreviations. According to Chat Mag, role playing is just fine but posing as someone you’re not is quite another thing which is very unacceptable. This website also has some useful guidance if you’re new to chatting.
Did you know that being courteous on the forums can actually be good for your business? Yep, if you’re in a business related chat room or web chat then it would be better to go through http://www.n-etiquette.com/forum.htm first. Refraining from hyper linking to other forums in your messages, replying on the forum rather than privately, specifically mentioning the person if you’re replying to anyone in particular, and making an appropriate use of emoticons, smileys and avatars. Following these guidelines carefully will go a long way in finding you people with whom you can engage in business networking.
Six rules of proper chat room etiquette have been spelled out at http://ks.essortment.com/chatroometique_rhln.htm. Probably the most important is not to fall to the level of the troublemakers in the chat rooms by using the same kind of offensive language and unsuitable remarks that they are using. Other reminders include a warning against typing in all capitals since this gives an impression that you are yelling. I don’t know why but even though this fact is universally known to all Internet users, there are some who still insist on typing in all capital letters for no reason. Here, I may also mention that it is also very irritating to use a mixture and small and upper-case letters. ‘tHerE iS nOtHiNg mOrE aNnOyiNg!’ Also, another precaution that this website mentions is not to ask anyone’s gender as ‘male/female’ or inquire about a person’s age since this is considered highly rude and inappropriate. So all those of you who begin chatting with ‘a/s/l,’ you have been warned.
Find another eight rules of chat etiquette at http://training.scifict.com/guidelines/chatiquette.html. Among a recap of the rules which you have read above, this one has some new reminders as well. The foremost point is respecting people and their point of views — I’ll add here that respecting people’s statuses on messengers also comes in this category. Respecting that the other person may not want to chat with you is also important — so don’t keep on bugging someone who’s either busy or not interested. Addressing the person to whom you’re talking, being cautious with your personal information and properly dealing with offensive chatters are all different points discussed in detail.
Similar points are discussed in a tutorial on http://www.clickbasics.com/tutorial/lesson/81. This one gives you a dire warning against advertising on public forums or chat rooms. Now I know you may think it’s very easy to post an advertising message on different communities, and it may even be an effective technique. But it is extremely irritating to see advertisements splashed among thought provoking conversation threads. Another precaution this tutorial will ask you to maintain is to stick to the topic. Many a time it happens that a conversation begins with one topic and ends up going completely off track. So make sure you don’t divert from the main theme of the conversation thread.
So there you have it. A number of websites are there to help you out so you can never plead ignore about proper ‘chat-iquette’. Remember a few precautions when chatting will go a long way in making your web experience more interesting. Otherwise, just be ready to face annoyed chatters and irritated moderators.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Need help?
IT is impossible that you should have a PC and it doesn’t act up every once in a while. Everyone’s PC loves to act up — whether it is a problem of the computer shutting down, every five minutes, browsers not working (where Messengers are), pop-up windows appearing every two seconds, the computer slowing down to an almost agonizing crawl and so on.
Those of us who are computer-literate to the point of efficiency can easily locate the problem and solve it. The majority of us who are not so fortunate have to dissemble the PC, load it in the car and cart it off to the nearest computer shop, where we are politely told that our hard drive will have to be re-formatted for the problem to be solved. No matter what the problem is, every time one arises, the PC has to be re-formatted. But, is it really so? Believe me, if you know the symptoms you can easily locate the problem yourself and hunt down the solution through a search engine. There isn’t any hard and fast course on “Tracking down the Symptoms of an Infected PC and Dealing with It.” But there are loads of websites which you can visit any time your PC looks like its come down with something (except of course when it is facing browser problems). That’s when you’ll have to rely on your friend’s or library’s or computer lab’s PC.
The best website to begin learning more about computers, and related problems is http://computing.net/. A very comprehensive website, this one has clearly categorized sections for efficient browsing. If you are researching certain symptoms your PC is showing, then the best section to visit first is the Forums’ Section. The different forums are categorized by the Windows’ Operating Systems as well as Linux, Unix, DOS etc.
There are separate rooms for Security and Virus and Gaming as well. Once you’re in the appropriate room, simply scroll through the messages to determine whether or not your area of concern has been covered already or not. If it hasn’t, you can simply register yourself as a user, and post your query. And someone will definitely solve your problem. If however, you want to learn a thing or two about computers in general then the “Articles and Opinions” section containing a range of the same written by technology experts and analysts will definitely suffice. Then, there is an extensive how-to section.
If you find that installing or updating certain software caused your PC to ‘crash’ then better check out this section, before carrying out any sensitive action on your PC. How-to articles have been divided into simple and advanced for your convenience. A related section is “Novice Section” where you can access how-to guides related to purchasing PC stuff, using the Internet and accessing digital music. And finally, check out the FAQ section to ensure that whatever query you are about to post on the forums hasn’t already been covered.
Another resourceful website is that of CNET Forums at http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7600_7-5565323-1.html?tag=txt. All you need to do here is sign up to become part of a very diverse set of forums. There are many categories here along with the standard operating system category. Some of the interesting ones include Digital Media and Design, General Help and Software. It goes without saying that if you’re stuck with your PC, the best place to point your mouse and click is the General Help Forum.
Also, there is always the Microsoft Knowledge Base website at http://search.support.microsoft.com where you can search for any specific problem or piece of information using a very elaborate input form. You can also download critical security updates for various Microsoft products as well as your operating system, to avoid any virus attack or hijack attempts. Moreover, you can access help and support regarding various Microsoft products as well by poring through the troubleshooting guide and how-to articles.
A useful search engine to pinpoint problems and locate solutions is http://answerpoint.ask.com/. Simply write down your problem in a phrase and you will be directed to the appropriate websites to get your PC scanned and download the necessary software. If you already suspect your PC of being infected with spyware, for instance, you can directly access http://www.spywareinfo.com/ for remedies, for anti-viruses check outhttp://www.antivirus.com and to fight homepage hijackers and irritating pop-up windows you can visit http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html.
An important thing to remember at this point is that there are certain occasions when a hard drive format becomes inevitable. To safeguard against such a time, when you stand at risk of losing your important data, the best thing is to keep a backup of all the important files. Here, Yahoo’s briefcase at http://briefcase.yahoo.com becomes very handy. With 30Mb storage and a facility to create folders, you can easily upload your files there, categorize them in folders and access them if you lose the same on your hard disk.
For more sophisticated methods of file recovery, you can check out http://www.filerecovery.org/index.html. This website details the various different ways in which you stand at risk of losing your data such as mechanical and environmental factors and then guides accordingly as to how to create a backup file and store data. It also has a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your computer so you stand at the minimum risk of getting it infected with some unknown problems. Some of the steps mentioned here include avoiding cluttering up your hard disk with unnecessary stuff, checking occasionally for viruses and worms, and shutting down the computer properly.
Hopefully, now you won’t have to suffer through loss of important data and other multimedia stuff unnecessarily. And even when a hard drive format becomes inevitable, you’ll have a backup. Yes, life on a PC can be made a lot easier when you indulge in a constant self-study procedure.
Those of us who are computer-literate to the point of efficiency can easily locate the problem and solve it. The majority of us who are not so fortunate have to dissemble the PC, load it in the car and cart it off to the nearest computer shop, where we are politely told that our hard drive will have to be re-formatted for the problem to be solved. No matter what the problem is, every time one arises, the PC has to be re-formatted. But, is it really so? Believe me, if you know the symptoms you can easily locate the problem yourself and hunt down the solution through a search engine. There isn’t any hard and fast course on “Tracking down the Symptoms of an Infected PC and Dealing with It.” But there are loads of websites which you can visit any time your PC looks like its come down with something (except of course when it is facing browser problems). That’s when you’ll have to rely on your friend’s or library’s or computer lab’s PC.
The best website to begin learning more about computers, and related problems is http://computing.net/. A very comprehensive website, this one has clearly categorized sections for efficient browsing. If you are researching certain symptoms your PC is showing, then the best section to visit first is the Forums’ Section. The different forums are categorized by the Windows’ Operating Systems as well as Linux, Unix, DOS etc.
There are separate rooms for Security and Virus and Gaming as well. Once you’re in the appropriate room, simply scroll through the messages to determine whether or not your area of concern has been covered already or not. If it hasn’t, you can simply register yourself as a user, and post your query. And someone will definitely solve your problem. If however, you want to learn a thing or two about computers in general then the “Articles and Opinions” section containing a range of the same written by technology experts and analysts will definitely suffice. Then, there is an extensive how-to section.
If you find that installing or updating certain software caused your PC to ‘crash’ then better check out this section, before carrying out any sensitive action on your PC. How-to articles have been divided into simple and advanced for your convenience. A related section is “Novice Section” where you can access how-to guides related to purchasing PC stuff, using the Internet and accessing digital music. And finally, check out the FAQ section to ensure that whatever query you are about to post on the forums hasn’t already been covered.
Another resourceful website is that of CNET Forums at http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7600_7-5565323-1.html?tag=txt. All you need to do here is sign up to become part of a very diverse set of forums. There are many categories here along with the standard operating system category. Some of the interesting ones include Digital Media and Design, General Help and Software. It goes without saying that if you’re stuck with your PC, the best place to point your mouse and click is the General Help Forum.
Also, there is always the Microsoft Knowledge Base website at http://search.support.microsoft.com where you can search for any specific problem or piece of information using a very elaborate input form. You can also download critical security updates for various Microsoft products as well as your operating system, to avoid any virus attack or hijack attempts. Moreover, you can access help and support regarding various Microsoft products as well by poring through the troubleshooting guide and how-to articles.
A useful search engine to pinpoint problems and locate solutions is http://answerpoint.ask.com/. Simply write down your problem in a phrase and you will be directed to the appropriate websites to get your PC scanned and download the necessary software. If you already suspect your PC of being infected with spyware, for instance, you can directly access http://www.spywareinfo.com/ for remedies, for anti-viruses check outhttp://www.antivirus.com and to fight homepage hijackers and irritating pop-up windows you can visit http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html.
An important thing to remember at this point is that there are certain occasions when a hard drive format becomes inevitable. To safeguard against such a time, when you stand at risk of losing your important data, the best thing is to keep a backup of all the important files. Here, Yahoo’s briefcase at http://briefcase.yahoo.com becomes very handy. With 30Mb storage and a facility to create folders, you can easily upload your files there, categorize them in folders and access them if you lose the same on your hard disk.
For more sophisticated methods of file recovery, you can check out http://www.filerecovery.org/index.html. This website details the various different ways in which you stand at risk of losing your data such as mechanical and environmental factors and then guides accordingly as to how to create a backup file and store data. It also has a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your computer so you stand at the minimum risk of getting it infected with some unknown problems. Some of the steps mentioned here include avoiding cluttering up your hard disk with unnecessary stuff, checking occasionally for viruses and worms, and shutting down the computer properly.
Hopefully, now you won’t have to suffer through loss of important data and other multimedia stuff unnecessarily. And even when a hard drive format becomes inevitable, you’ll have a backup. Yes, life on a PC can be made a lot easier when you indulge in a constant self-study procedure.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
E-mail etiquettes
ELECTRONIC MAIL, or e-mail, is well-known among many people for its innumerable advantages. Ask any novice Internet user and the virtues of e-mail will start flowing in: it is quicker to type, more convenient, reaches its destination more quickly and the list goes on. Most of the people are all too happy that they don’t, in many cases, have to adhere to the usual hassle of checking spelling and grammar. Instead, they’re more relaxed in e-mail interaction. What most people don’t realize is that even though no one is very rigid about spelling and grammar mistakes with e-mail, a breach of the code of e-mail etiquette can be a serious offence, especially if you’re sending a formal e-mail. So what are all those necessary rules which constitute e-mail etiquette in today’s e-correspondence?
One web site to start your quest for the answer to the above question is http:// www.emailreplies.com/. This is one web site dedicated to e-mail etiquette. After explaining the reasons why e-mail etiquette is so important, it gives you 32 rules of etiquette. These rules are explained in detail as well. Some of these rules include instructions to give a personal touch to e-mail, be to the point, refrain from forwarding chain letters, avoid discussion of controversial subjects through e-mail and avoid run-on sentences. This web site also includes links to paid disclaimer software and replies tools which you can use to spruce up your e-mail management skills. In the end, there are loads of links to similar websites around the Internet.
Another useful web site which claims to tell you how to make a positive impact when sending e-mail is at http://www.emailaddresses.com/guide_etiquette.htm. It has some different tips to offer from the above web sites. For instance, did you know that you should never write e-mail addresses of all your friends in the “To” line since this exposes them to possible spam? Or do you realize that if you quote large chunks of text from the original e-mail with a one-line reply, it gets really irritating? This web site has all such kinds of advice and more.
This web site, http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/pw/p_emailett.html, speaks of e-mail etiquette mainly from the academic point of view. But nonetheless, there is some very useful stuff here as well. For instance, some pertinent questions like ‘when should you not send e-mail?’ are discussed. The concept of e-mail flaming is discussed in detail as well, with instructions to strictly refrain from it. There is also a section of how long the e-mails should be — another useful question. You can access more e-mail etiquette at http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/65mailet.htm. Apart from what you have already read, this one delves on the broader aspect of e-mail etiquette. Using smilies in the appropriate places, avoiding nasty e-mails and avoiding all capital letters are some of the tips it gives out.
I know this may sound incredulous, but obeying some rules of e-mail etiquette may mean breaking some rules of grammar. “A Beginner’s Guide to Effective Email” at http://www.webfoot.com/advice/email.top.html is a very comprehensive web site, detailing the minute aspects of e-mail. In particular the “Format section” argues that you must be very careful about the technicalities of the e-mail software you and the recipient of your e-mail are using. Yep, you cannot in many cases confirm that they are compatible with each other. But the trick of the trade is to play it safe. For that, you must try not to use punctuation marks too frequently, format your text too much or type in URLs without “http.” Formatting the text essentially refers to underlining the text, changing the colours and using fancy fonts. Remember that even if you do break these rules, your e-mail will reach its destination in a total mess. And it won’t create a very good impression either. Apart from that, there is a useful section on what makes e-mail different from conventional means of communication, the importance of useful subject lines and proper greetings and signatures.
Did you know that your career may actually depend on how well you write your e-mails? Check out http://careerplanning.about.com/library/weekly/aa050401a.htm whose first pages answers this question in the affirmative. Poorly written e-mails create a very bad impression on the prospective employer. The next three pages go on to brief you about the important things to bear in mind while interacting through e-mail. Specifically it talks about using the right tone, minding your manners, keeping to the point, not using abbreviations whose meanings are not well-known, and minding your spelling and grammar. Yep, that’s really important to remember: your friend may forgive a few mistakes there, but a prospective employer or your professor certainly won’t.
Now, it is time to test yourself. Did you actually learn something from the above web sites? Netiquette Quizzes at http://www.20ishparents.com/archives/net1.shtml and http://www.bucks.edu/distance/dlresources/etiquette.htm
Are two places to find out where you stand for yourself. There is also a Yahoo Mail Netiquette Quiz at http://rc.yahoo.com/promotions/netiquette/ for the same purpose. These quizzes include MCQs as well as situations designed to test your knowledge as well as understanding.
In the end, http://www.dynamoo.com/technical/etiquette.htm offers a quick checklist of do’s and don’t’s concerned with e-mail. It would be a very good idea to print it out and stick it somewhere near your PC so you don’t forget it in a hurry.
One web site to start your quest for the answer to the above question is http:// www.emailreplies.com/. This is one web site dedicated to e-mail etiquette. After explaining the reasons why e-mail etiquette is so important, it gives you 32 rules of etiquette. These rules are explained in detail as well. Some of these rules include instructions to give a personal touch to e-mail, be to the point, refrain from forwarding chain letters, avoid discussion of controversial subjects through e-mail and avoid run-on sentences. This web site also includes links to paid disclaimer software and replies tools which you can use to spruce up your e-mail management skills. In the end, there are loads of links to similar websites around the Internet.
Another useful web site which claims to tell you how to make a positive impact when sending e-mail is at http://www.emailaddresses.com/guide_etiquette.htm. It has some different tips to offer from the above web sites. For instance, did you know that you should never write e-mail addresses of all your friends in the “To” line since this exposes them to possible spam? Or do you realize that if you quote large chunks of text from the original e-mail with a one-line reply, it gets really irritating? This web site has all such kinds of advice and more.
This web site, http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/pw/p_emailett.html, speaks of e-mail etiquette mainly from the academic point of view. But nonetheless, there is some very useful stuff here as well. For instance, some pertinent questions like ‘when should you not send e-mail?’ are discussed. The concept of e-mail flaming is discussed in detail as well, with instructions to strictly refrain from it. There is also a section of how long the e-mails should be — another useful question. You can access more e-mail etiquette at http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/65mailet.htm. Apart from what you have already read, this one delves on the broader aspect of e-mail etiquette. Using smilies in the appropriate places, avoiding nasty e-mails and avoiding all capital letters are some of the tips it gives out.
I know this may sound incredulous, but obeying some rules of e-mail etiquette may mean breaking some rules of grammar. “A Beginner’s Guide to Effective Email” at http://www.webfoot.com/advice/email.top.html is a very comprehensive web site, detailing the minute aspects of e-mail. In particular the “Format section” argues that you must be very careful about the technicalities of the e-mail software you and the recipient of your e-mail are using. Yep, you cannot in many cases confirm that they are compatible with each other. But the trick of the trade is to play it safe. For that, you must try not to use punctuation marks too frequently, format your text too much or type in URLs without “http.” Formatting the text essentially refers to underlining the text, changing the colours and using fancy fonts. Remember that even if you do break these rules, your e-mail will reach its destination in a total mess. And it won’t create a very good impression either. Apart from that, there is a useful section on what makes e-mail different from conventional means of communication, the importance of useful subject lines and proper greetings and signatures.
Did you know that your career may actually depend on how well you write your e-mails? Check out http://careerplanning.about.com/library/weekly/aa050401a.htm whose first pages answers this question in the affirmative. Poorly written e-mails create a very bad impression on the prospective employer. The next three pages go on to brief you about the important things to bear in mind while interacting through e-mail. Specifically it talks about using the right tone, minding your manners, keeping to the point, not using abbreviations whose meanings are not well-known, and minding your spelling and grammar. Yep, that’s really important to remember: your friend may forgive a few mistakes there, but a prospective employer or your professor certainly won’t.
Now, it is time to test yourself. Did you actually learn something from the above web sites? Netiquette Quizzes at http://www.20ishparents.com/archives/net1.shtml and http://www.bucks.edu/distance/dlresources/etiquette.htm
Are two places to find out where you stand for yourself. There is also a Yahoo Mail Netiquette Quiz at http://rc.yahoo.com/promotions/netiquette/ for the same purpose. These quizzes include MCQs as well as situations designed to test your knowledge as well as understanding.
In the end, http://www.dynamoo.com/technical/etiquette.htm offers a quick checklist of do’s and don’t’s concerned with e-mail. It would be a very good idea to print it out and stick it somewhere near your PC so you don’t forget it in a hurry.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Ramazan on the web
FOR millions of Muslims around the world the holy month of Ramazan signifies a total rescheduling of our daily routine as we start paying more attention to our spiritual endeavours. Ninth month of the lunar year, the month is significant in many aspects: fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, is ordained in this month, each good deed carries extra rewards, the Taraweeh prayers are held and most importantly, there is the Night of Power (Lailat-ul-Qadr) during which the first revelation of the Quran was sent down upon Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). And you can know all about it though some really comprehensive web sites around.
One web site which is definitely worth starting off with is http://www.ramadan.co.uk/. This place is totally dedicated to the month; you can not only read about the significance of Ramazan, but you can also pore through the articles on how to prepare for it and how to ensure that you don’t miss out on doing the smallest good deed.
There is an extensive audio section where you can listen to the recitation of the Quran, various supplications and Islamic songs. For children, there is an interesting collection of stories and activities related to Ramazan. Plus, the Salaam E-Cards section is there for you to wish a blessed Ramazan to your friends and relatives across the globe. Finally, if you can’t think of what to prepare for iftari, there is a whole Ramadan Recipes section featuring dishes from the cuisines of different countries. For more Ramazan special recipes you can access http://www.paknet.com.pk/recipies/ramadan.php. And for a more vast collection of e-cards, the Ramazan e-cards section on http://www.eidmubarak.com and http://www.eidmubarak.net will definitely suffice.
To find out more about Ramazan, the online Ramazan information centre at http://www.islamicity.com/ramadan/ is a very extensive web site. Here, you can listen to Quranic recitation with translation as well as memorize verses and learn Quranic Arabic. An interesting section Ramadan Around the World will detail you on how Muslims in different countries carry out the obligatory fast. Also available are some valuable references of the Quran and Hadith regarding fasting, health aspects of Ramazan, guidelines on how to develop one’s character during Ramazan and the merits of the Night of Power.
Some more details on the different aspects of fasting are discussed in the e-book 70 Matters Related to Fasting available online at http://www.islam-qa.com/Books/seyam/english.shtml. This book explains in detail the definition, benefits and virtues of fasting. It also delves on the proper etiquette of fasting, like having sehri, not delaying iftar, refraining from verbal vices while fasting, ensuring that the time during which we are fasting is spent in constructive activities etc. There are various rulings given here too, pertaining to the fast of the travellers, the sick and the elderly. There is also a detailed list of things which can break the fast. All in all, it’s a very helpful and informative e-book available for immediate reference.
Where fasting is concerned, there are many questions related to fiqh that spring to mind. If someone moves to a different country during Ramazan and there is a difference of dates, then what? What is the right age to start fasting regularly? Can one brush teeth while fasting? All these questions and loads more are answered on http://www.islam-qa.com/cgi-local/view-sub?/5|Jurisprudence_and_Islamic_Rulings(Fiqh)/Sawm_(_Fasting_). If you don’t find the answer to your question, you can check out the timings at which the web site accepts questions from the readers and then submit your own.
Health factor is extremely important where Ramazan is concerned. To ensure that you’re fit enough to fast and pray extensively during Ramazan, keep checking out http://www.muhajabah.com/ramadan-health.htm. This web site is a pretty informative health guide detailing which kinds of foods to avoid and the causes and remedies of common ailments which may strike during Ramazan. The address also explains the medical benefits of fasting as well as taraweeh prayers.
Speaking of taraweeh, listening to the taraweeh prayers broadcast from Makkah and Madina are a treat for many. And if you’re one of those people, then you can listen to the prayers at the site http://www.saudiembassy.net/Media/SaudiTV.asp. The people here claim the site will “provide a live feed of Saudi Television wherever possible.” All you need is Real Player and a sound card. If you don’t have the former, the web site has a link which you can follow to download it.
Finally, any web sites’ collection of Ramazan would be incomplete without a reference to http://www.soundvision.com/info/ramadan/. One of the most comprehensive web sites on the subject, this one not only talks about the usual aspects of fasting but also encourages you to do something for the community as a whole. If you’re a teacher, then there many Ramazan-related school projects which you can check out. If you’re a parent, there are some tips to familiarize your children with Ramazan. There are guidelines on sharing Ramazan with your neighbours and colleagues. There is also a collection of duas which you choose from to recite on the Night of Power. To follow some of the instructions on this web site, you can download, print and distribute a very good brochure from http://www.youngmuslims.ca/publications/ramadan.pdf
I hope this collection of web sites will be of help to all of you.
One web site which is definitely worth starting off with is http://www.ramadan.co.uk/. This place is totally dedicated to the month; you can not only read about the significance of Ramazan, but you can also pore through the articles on how to prepare for it and how to ensure that you don’t miss out on doing the smallest good deed.
There is an extensive audio section where you can listen to the recitation of the Quran, various supplications and Islamic songs. For children, there is an interesting collection of stories and activities related to Ramazan. Plus, the Salaam E-Cards section is there for you to wish a blessed Ramazan to your friends and relatives across the globe. Finally, if you can’t think of what to prepare for iftari, there is a whole Ramadan Recipes section featuring dishes from the cuisines of different countries. For more Ramazan special recipes you can access http://www.paknet.com.pk/recipies/ramadan.php. And for a more vast collection of e-cards, the Ramazan e-cards section on http://www.eidmubarak.com and http://www.eidmubarak.net will definitely suffice.
To find out more about Ramazan, the online Ramazan information centre at http://www.islamicity.com/ramadan/ is a very extensive web site. Here, you can listen to Quranic recitation with translation as well as memorize verses and learn Quranic Arabic. An interesting section Ramadan Around the World will detail you on how Muslims in different countries carry out the obligatory fast. Also available are some valuable references of the Quran and Hadith regarding fasting, health aspects of Ramazan, guidelines on how to develop one’s character during Ramazan and the merits of the Night of Power.
Some more details on the different aspects of fasting are discussed in the e-book 70 Matters Related to Fasting available online at http://www.islam-qa.com/Books/seyam/english.shtml. This book explains in detail the definition, benefits and virtues of fasting. It also delves on the proper etiquette of fasting, like having sehri, not delaying iftar, refraining from verbal vices while fasting, ensuring that the time during which we are fasting is spent in constructive activities etc. There are various rulings given here too, pertaining to the fast of the travellers, the sick and the elderly. There is also a detailed list of things which can break the fast. All in all, it’s a very helpful and informative e-book available for immediate reference.
Where fasting is concerned, there are many questions related to fiqh that spring to mind. If someone moves to a different country during Ramazan and there is a difference of dates, then what? What is the right age to start fasting regularly? Can one brush teeth while fasting? All these questions and loads more are answered on http://www.islam-qa.com/cgi-local/view-sub?/5|Jurisprudence_and_Islamic_Rulings(Fiqh)/Sawm_(_Fasting_). If you don’t find the answer to your question, you can check out the timings at which the web site accepts questions from the readers and then submit your own.
Health factor is extremely important where Ramazan is concerned. To ensure that you’re fit enough to fast and pray extensively during Ramazan, keep checking out http://www.muhajabah.com/ramadan-health.htm. This web site is a pretty informative health guide detailing which kinds of foods to avoid and the causes and remedies of common ailments which may strike during Ramazan. The address also explains the medical benefits of fasting as well as taraweeh prayers.
Speaking of taraweeh, listening to the taraweeh prayers broadcast from Makkah and Madina are a treat for many. And if you’re one of those people, then you can listen to the prayers at the site http://www.saudiembassy.net/Media/SaudiTV.asp. The people here claim the site will “provide a live feed of Saudi Television wherever possible.” All you need is Real Player and a sound card. If you don’t have the former, the web site has a link which you can follow to download it.
Finally, any web sites’ collection of Ramazan would be incomplete without a reference to http://www.soundvision.com/info/ramadan/. One of the most comprehensive web sites on the subject, this one not only talks about the usual aspects of fasting but also encourages you to do something for the community as a whole. If you’re a teacher, then there many Ramazan-related school projects which you can check out. If you’re a parent, there are some tips to familiarize your children with Ramazan. There are guidelines on sharing Ramazan with your neighbours and colleagues. There is also a collection of duas which you choose from to recite on the Night of Power. To follow some of the instructions on this web site, you can download, print and distribute a very good brochure from http://www.youngmuslims.ca/publications/ramadan.pdf
I hope this collection of web sites will be of help to all of you.
Sunday, June 6, 2004
Killing the online bug
Time spent on the PC or the Internet is never fool-proof. An innocent looking e-mail attachment, a loophole in the operating system and a simple encased floppy disk. And the next thing you know, the repair man is telling you that your system will have to be formatted. And that previous data of yours, well you can just forget all about it.
I am sure most of you know that a virus is harmful for your PC. But if you aren’t sure what a computer virus is, then check out http://www.actlab.utexas.edu/~aviva/compsec/virus/whatis.html. The virus is defined here as a ‘parasitic program’ that infiltrates your PC without your knowledge or permission and affects your precious files and data. Another site http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/usd/iss/ol/issues/viruses/whatis.html goes further by explaining the different types of viruses that exist, from boot sector virus, macro virus, worm Trojan horse and e-mail virus. For each virus explanations are available as how they enter your computer and what damage they can cause.
Probably the most common misconception is to use the terms virus, worm and Trojan interchangeably. No doubt all three are bad news for your PC, but nonetheless there is a difference that is explained at http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/1999041209131106. This link explains all the three terms and goes on to differentiate between the different types of viruses. You can also test whether or not your own notions of what a virus is are correct or not, as this web site also deals with what is not a virus (but can be considered as such).
The PC Virus Workshop Handout at http://web.gc.cuny.edu/dept/ccent/info/virus.htm also disseminates some useful information about viruses in general. The handout is presented in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) which deals with common, but important questions like why should you care if there is a virus on your PC, means to discover whether or not your PC has been infected with a virus, how to use antivirus programmes and most importantly, how to carry out do-it-yourself measures to protect your PC, such as write-protecting your floppy disks.
McAfee Security has its own Virus Information Centre at http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp where you can access a wealth of information. The home page will let you know of the recent virus threats and how to combat them. The virus removal tools will provide you with the appropriate fixes. There is a virus calendar which will inform you of the different times of the months and years when certain viruses become active and wreak havoc with your system. The section on virus hoaxes should give you something to refer to when someone forwards the supposed virus threats. There are also a whole lot of newsletters which you can subscribe to receive this information in your e-mail as soon as it becomes available. In the end, I advise you to go through the Anti-Virus Tips section for information on how to detect and protect yourself from viruses.
One place where you can purchase a range of anti virus software is http://www.antivirus.com. Apart from reviews on the best picks of antivirus software, this site also offers loads of information on the recent virus threats. You can browse through the Virus Encyclopaedia to find out which virus is capable of what. Probably the best part of this web site is that it offers to do a free scan of your PC. So if you’re thinking that your PC is not infected, you might just be in for a good shock. The more technical users can browse through the white papers on information on malware, malicious code and architectural impact on performance if your PC is infected. If you maintain your own web site you can also add some virus updates to it as well.
For more information on how to protect your PC from viruses check out http://aolcom.com.com/4520-6600_7-5021309-1.html. It has a six-step protection plan which includes updating your windows to download the latest security patches, refraining from opening unsolicited e-mail attachments, keeping yourself informed of the latest virus threats, installing an antivirus software, scanning your system with it regularly and updating your software frequently to ensure it offers protections against the latest virus definitions.
More steps to protect your PC from viruses, worms and Trojan horses are given at http://www.securityguide.us/article.php?story=20030910184604708&mode=print. These steps include installing a good firewall (check out http://www.zonelabs.com) and making a backup of your system just in case.
And where will you get free antivirus downloads? Anti Virus Security and Free Downloads at http://download.com.com/3150-2239-0.html?tag=dir is one web site worth checking out. It contains a whole bunch of tools to combat the threats of viruses, worms and Trojan horse, all on one web site. You can also check out more anti virus utilities at http://pcxtreme.co.uk/antivirus/antivirusAtoM.html.
Where it is all too well to be informed, there is such a thing as ‘too informed’. You must keep in mind that some virus threats are a hoax and it doesn’t do to create hype about them in cyberspace. And you can learn more about them at http://www.vmyths.com/. Related to all these virus hoaxes it lists all the virus threats circulated through e-mail that are nothing but a hoax or urban legend. It also teaches you how to spot a virus hoax. Answer a few questions here whenever you receive a virus threat e-mail and you will most certainly know whether it is genuine or not. In the end, it also urges you to stop these hoaxes and outlines the necessary how-to.
The threat of viruses is a very real one. In the end, it all falls down to us, innocent PC users to keep on scanning our systems and updating our security software. But if it does prove to be a guarantee of safeguarding our data, then I guess all the hard work is worth it.
I am sure most of you know that a virus is harmful for your PC. But if you aren’t sure what a computer virus is, then check out http://www.actlab.utexas.edu/~aviva/compsec/virus/whatis.html. The virus is defined here as a ‘parasitic program’ that infiltrates your PC without your knowledge or permission and affects your precious files and data. Another site http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/usd/iss/ol/issues/viruses/whatis.html goes further by explaining the different types of viruses that exist, from boot sector virus, macro virus, worm Trojan horse and e-mail virus. For each virus explanations are available as how they enter your computer and what damage they can cause.
Probably the most common misconception is to use the terms virus, worm and Trojan interchangeably. No doubt all three are bad news for your PC, but nonetheless there is a difference that is explained at http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/1999041209131106. This link explains all the three terms and goes on to differentiate between the different types of viruses. You can also test whether or not your own notions of what a virus is are correct or not, as this web site also deals with what is not a virus (but can be considered as such).
The PC Virus Workshop Handout at http://web.gc.cuny.edu/dept/ccent/info/virus.htm also disseminates some useful information about viruses in general. The handout is presented in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) which deals with common, but important questions like why should you care if there is a virus on your PC, means to discover whether or not your PC has been infected with a virus, how to use antivirus programmes and most importantly, how to carry out do-it-yourself measures to protect your PC, such as write-protecting your floppy disks.
McAfee Security has its own Virus Information Centre at http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp where you can access a wealth of information. The home page will let you know of the recent virus threats and how to combat them. The virus removal tools will provide you with the appropriate fixes. There is a virus calendar which will inform you of the different times of the months and years when certain viruses become active and wreak havoc with your system. The section on virus hoaxes should give you something to refer to when someone forwards the supposed virus threats. There are also a whole lot of newsletters which you can subscribe to receive this information in your e-mail as soon as it becomes available. In the end, I advise you to go through the Anti-Virus Tips section for information on how to detect and protect yourself from viruses.
One place where you can purchase a range of anti virus software is http://www.antivirus.com. Apart from reviews on the best picks of antivirus software, this site also offers loads of information on the recent virus threats. You can browse through the Virus Encyclopaedia to find out which virus is capable of what. Probably the best part of this web site is that it offers to do a free scan of your PC. So if you’re thinking that your PC is not infected, you might just be in for a good shock. The more technical users can browse through the white papers on information on malware, malicious code and architectural impact on performance if your PC is infected. If you maintain your own web site you can also add some virus updates to it as well.
For more information on how to protect your PC from viruses check out http://aolcom.com.com/4520-6600_7-5021309-1.html. It has a six-step protection plan which includes updating your windows to download the latest security patches, refraining from opening unsolicited e-mail attachments, keeping yourself informed of the latest virus threats, installing an antivirus software, scanning your system with it regularly and updating your software frequently to ensure it offers protections against the latest virus definitions.
More steps to protect your PC from viruses, worms and Trojan horses are given at http://www.securityguide.us/article.php?story=20030910184604708&mode=print. These steps include installing a good firewall (check out http://www.zonelabs.com) and making a backup of your system just in case.
And where will you get free antivirus downloads? Anti Virus Security and Free Downloads at http://download.com.com/3150-2239-0.html?tag=dir is one web site worth checking out. It contains a whole bunch of tools to combat the threats of viruses, worms and Trojan horse, all on one web site. You can also check out more anti virus utilities at http://pcxtreme.co.uk/antivirus/antivirusAtoM.html.
Where it is all too well to be informed, there is such a thing as ‘too informed’. You must keep in mind that some virus threats are a hoax and it doesn’t do to create hype about them in cyberspace. And you can learn more about them at http://www.vmyths.com/. Related to all these virus hoaxes it lists all the virus threats circulated through e-mail that are nothing but a hoax or urban legend. It also teaches you how to spot a virus hoax. Answer a few questions here whenever you receive a virus threat e-mail and you will most certainly know whether it is genuine or not. In the end, it also urges you to stop these hoaxes and outlines the necessary how-to.
The threat of viruses is a very real one. In the end, it all falls down to us, innocent PC users to keep on scanning our systems and updating our security software. But if it does prove to be a guarantee of safeguarding our data, then I guess all the hard work is worth it.
Sunday, May 2, 2004
Preparing for O levels
EDUCATION is one of those areas which have an extensive presence on the Internet. And as the Net increases its technological advances, its searchable databases effectively cater to the needs to the students through a whole host of academic web sites designed to help exclusively in the areas of studies, revision and exam preparation. Whether a school, college or university student, the Internet is the place for students interested in some interactive and multimedia based learning.
No matter which year you are in or what subject you have, you will find an array of helpful matter and expertise of foreign experts on every subject at every level. But the question then arises: how to actually study the mass of information that is there?
Well, it seems the Internet has the solution to that as well by hosting web sites comprising of the general theme of “study skills.” And some of those study skills web sites to be used as reference, especially if you are an O level, AS level or
A level student.
A very comprehensive web site related to the above theme is http://www.howtostudy.org/. It contains a wealth of information on study skills. From the main page if you click on “Resources” it is going to take you to the page where study skills have been explained in detail from “Getting Ready” to “Taking In”, “Processing” and “Output.” Each of the sections has a list of online handouts that can easily be printed out. This web page also has a “Study Skills” section from where you can access the study skills on all the subjects.
http://www.samlearning .com is the web site to access when looking to practice exam style questions related to Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Business Studies, ICT and Geography. Full access to the web site is available only through subscription, but some questions are available for free for you to try out and see where you stand.
A very comprehensive revision guide is given at http://www.examstutor.com/resources/revision/revision_advice/. Though this web site is accessible only on paid subscription, still the section “common room” covers revision advice, exam preparation, revision tools, handling the exam stress, how to anticipate exam content and top 10 exam tips.
Whether you have just begun you’re A level course, or you are nearing your examination, http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/studyskills/intro.shtml section is the one which you cannot miss. This 18-page Skills’ Section, which you can either access sequentially or use the drop down box to jump to the topic most relevant to you, begins by highlighting how your AS course differs from GCSE and O levels.
You can use this section to understand what type of a learner you are, master the skills of research and time management, learn how to keep yourself motivated, how to structure your essays, how to revise and how to present your work. All in all, a very useful resource.
A one-stop web page for study skills is presented in the form of http://www.darvill.clara.net/revtips.htm, based on the webmaster’s experience with students. It is divided into two sections. In the first one you learn what type of learning works best for you. According to that, you then go on to study in detail how to go about your revision, and finally, how to handle your exams. The relatively graphic-free layout ensures that the page is printer friendly.
Another offer with loads of links related to every topic is available at http://www.lightspan. com. But you have to register for a 30-day trial first after which you will have to pay to continue using this web site. Not a very feasible option when you have so many other web sites that offer the same for free. But still, you can use the material here for 30 days and make the most out of it.
Apart from the subject-oriented sites, you can download the latest O level, AS Level and A level syllabi of all the subjects and specimen papers in PDF format from the http://www.cie.org.uk. This link also has a list of reference books for different subjects. To order past papers, specimen papers, syllabi, mark schemes, option booklets and examiners’ report in hard copy, you can download the forms and get the appropriate instructions from the http://www.britishcouncil.org.pk.
No doubt there are many more of such sites, some with probably more information. And with more young minds coming up with innovative ideas about the designing and content of such web sites, the possibilities of finding a good site, one that suits your needs regarding your subject, are endless. The likes of such links have not only provided a new form of reference material, but also has served to make learning a multimedia oriented experience.
No matter which year you are in or what subject you have, you will find an array of helpful matter and expertise of foreign experts on every subject at every level. But the question then arises: how to actually study the mass of information that is there?
Well, it seems the Internet has the solution to that as well by hosting web sites comprising of the general theme of “study skills.” And some of those study skills web sites to be used as reference, especially if you are an O level, AS level or
A level student.
A very comprehensive web site related to the above theme is http://www.howtostudy.org/. It contains a wealth of information on study skills. From the main page if you click on “Resources” it is going to take you to the page where study skills have been explained in detail from “Getting Ready” to “Taking In”, “Processing” and “Output.” Each of the sections has a list of online handouts that can easily be printed out. This web page also has a “Study Skills” section from where you can access the study skills on all the subjects.
http://www.samlearning .com is the web site to access when looking to practice exam style questions related to Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Business Studies, ICT and Geography. Full access to the web site is available only through subscription, but some questions are available for free for you to try out and see where you stand.
A very comprehensive revision guide is given at http://www.examstutor.com/resources/revision/revision_advice/. Though this web site is accessible only on paid subscription, still the section “common room” covers revision advice, exam preparation, revision tools, handling the exam stress, how to anticipate exam content and top 10 exam tips.
Whether you have just begun you’re A level course, or you are nearing your examination, http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/studyskills/intro.shtml section is the one which you cannot miss. This 18-page Skills’ Section, which you can either access sequentially or use the drop down box to jump to the topic most relevant to you, begins by highlighting how your AS course differs from GCSE and O levels.
You can use this section to understand what type of a learner you are, master the skills of research and time management, learn how to keep yourself motivated, how to structure your essays, how to revise and how to present your work. All in all, a very useful resource.
A one-stop web page for study skills is presented in the form of http://www.darvill.clara.net/revtips.htm, based on the webmaster’s experience with students. It is divided into two sections. In the first one you learn what type of learning works best for you. According to that, you then go on to study in detail how to go about your revision, and finally, how to handle your exams. The relatively graphic-free layout ensures that the page is printer friendly.
Another offer with loads of links related to every topic is available at http://www.lightspan. com. But you have to register for a 30-day trial first after which you will have to pay to continue using this web site. Not a very feasible option when you have so many other web sites that offer the same for free. But still, you can use the material here for 30 days and make the most out of it.
Apart from the subject-oriented sites, you can download the latest O level, AS Level and A level syllabi of all the subjects and specimen papers in PDF format from the http://www.cie.org.uk. This link also has a list of reference books for different subjects. To order past papers, specimen papers, syllabi, mark schemes, option booklets and examiners’ report in hard copy, you can download the forms and get the appropriate instructions from the http://www.britishcouncil.org.pk.
No doubt there are many more of such sites, some with probably more information. And with more young minds coming up with innovative ideas about the designing and content of such web sites, the possibilities of finding a good site, one that suits your needs regarding your subject, are endless. The likes of such links have not only provided a new form of reference material, but also has served to make learning a multimedia oriented experience.
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