Most people have heard of Skype and other Instant Messaging programs that can share video in real time. They are so easy to use that my 10 yr old daughter just skyped me yesterday. Only these programs have one very weak link in common, they all rely on a healthy computer.

I have many military family customers that depend on services such as Skype to stay in touch with Mom or Dad in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places around the world. They come to us to repair their computers, mostly from infections, and have to miss a few calls to their loved ones. Sadly, internet connected PC computers are extremely vulnerable to viruses and malware. Most average  PC users have had a brush with malware by now, and know it can negatively affect your internet experience, not to mention, completely break your computer.

So what can you do? Well, I am going to tell you about another option to use your internet connection to make quality video phone calls without using your computer, so you don’t have to worry about viruses. You probably heard of digital phone service from your DSL or Cable Company, or Vonage. Well, they are not the only companies out there.

For more information, visit http://www.hawaiivideophones.com

There is one company that was founded in 1993, who is now the largest direct seller of telecommunications and home services in the the world. For several years now, they have been selling an affordable solution for making video calls with a “real” phone, not a computer. You get a real phone number (you can even port in your existing phone number) which you can use to send and receive unlimited voice and video calls (both ends must have compatible video phones for video calls). You can use it to replace your existing phone service as you can use it 24/7. This is no MagicJack that plugs into your computer.

The future of video phones is now! It is a gadget that will eventually find its way into every household much like regular telephones, TVs and microwaves. Until recently, our high-speed internet infrastructure was not up to par to handle the bandwidth required for the worldwide migration to video phones. While video phones have been around for several years now, today has never been better to get one in your household, because one company has just launched their newest model today (29Jul2010).

It got me excited because we are going to get an extra one to send overseas so we can make free unlimited international calls. They will actually have a phone with the same area code as ours. Imagine that! And they can call anyone else in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam with the North America plan, and there are other country plans you can do this with also.

For more information, visit http://www.hawaiivideophones.com

Don’t let the Hawaii name fool you, these phones are officially being used in 21 countries already, but the headquarters is based in the Unites States.

Ascentive is at again, they keep moving around from town to town like snake-oil salesmen selling their PC Speedscan Pro software. They actually have a whole portfolio of products, and while I haven’t reviewed each one individually, I have seen enough to know that this company is walking a thin-line between being a scam or not.

After running the FREE PC Speedscan Pro software, it will need to download additional Ascentive software to attempt to repair the issues it detected. It makes me wonder if placebos work with computers.

Their software is not completely fraudulent, as it has some level of effectiveness, but I’m sure you heard of the broken clock that was right twice a day. Anyway, it does get picked-up as a rogue infection by a very reputable anti-malware product I use everyday called Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, among others. See the screenshot below:

(click for larger image)

I mentioned before that these guys move around like snake-oil salesmen. They also promote their products with different website names such as www.FinallyFast.com and www.FastAtLast.com.

A Few Free Alternatives to Ascentive

So if you are looking to diagnose your computer for problems, and you were looking for the free option, I would recommend the products below. Each link will take you to another page on our website with video tutorials on how to download, install and run these programs. The speeding up videos us built-in Windows tools.

ESET Nod32 Free 30 Day Trial

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

CCleaner

Speeding Up Vista

Speeding Up XP

I have to say though that when it comes to diagnosing and repairing computer problems, that I never blindly start installing any program without first checking Windows Event Viewer logs, Antivirus history, Msconfig, Services, Minidumps, and manually browsing through the Registry and a variety of files and folders. Then I will choose what medicine to administer.

Sorry, but I can’t help you much with the technical approach unless you want to come to Hawaii and be my intern for a year or so. There are just too many basics to learn first and then the advanced stuff.

Warning When Installing Security Software

I will leave you with this tidbit, DO NOT install another Antivirus program without FIRST removing the old one. Doing so could cause you to have a new problem that could be just as bad as actually being infected, and if you are already infected, you will have a double whammy! The same goes for Firewalls and “Active” Antispyware programs, although the negative results are usually not as severe. “Active” means it is running all the time, not just when you choose to open it, and they are usually “paid” products, unless you are running a trial of a paid product.

If you have never had a computer virus or malware infection, you are an extremely rare individual. For the rest who have suffered a computer infection, you probably know all too well that it can break your internet connection. Below you will find screenshots and a video for a simple fix if your broken internet connection is due to proxy server settings.

Is My Web Browser the Internet?

Even after removing the infections, you still may not be able to open a web page with your web browser such as Internet Explorer and Firefox. Just so you know, there is a difference between not connecting to the internet and not being able to open a web page with your web browser. If you can’t connect to the internet, you certainly won’t be able to open a web page. But it is possible to connect to the internet, without being able to open a web page, because your browser is primarily using only 1 of thousands of available ports shared by your internet connection. Because of this, you might notice that you can still use other internet enabled programs such as your instant messenger and email (but not webmail of course).

Still Can’t Open a Web Page, Do I Call My ISP or a Computer Shop?

Just know that if you are getting an IP Address, you “are” connected to the internet, you just might not be able to view a web page because of some interference with your web browser. It makes a difference to know this. If you “don’t” get an IP Address, you could have a hardware or software problem with your network adapter, a problem with your modem or router or even your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you “do” get an IP Address, you could have a Firewall problem, a broken Layered Service Provider (LSP) chain, or problems with your Internet Browser. To you, this could make the difference between who you are going to call for help first, your ISP or a Computer Repair Shop.

Another One of My Famous Analogies

When it comes to explaining the difference between not connecting to the internet and just not being able to open a web page with your browser, I like to explain it this way:

Think of internet browsers as “windows” to the internet, and think of the internet as “outside”.  Now if your curtains are closed or your windows are dirty, you may not be able to see outside. Now just because you can’t see the outside doesn’t mean it isn’t there. If your Internet Explorer browser window is dirty, try looking out of your Firefox browser window.

Checking if Proxy Server Settings is Your Problem

As for this post, if Internet Explorer says it cannot display the web page, or Firefox says it is refusing proxy server connections, it might be an easy problem to remedy by disabling any custom proxy server settings.  The screenshots below show how to browse to the proxy server settings for Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Internet Explorer (click for larger image)

Firefox (click for larger image)

If this is your problem (obviously not with the computer you are reading this post with), you will be surfing the internet in a matter of minutes with the help of the brief video below.

What is the Safe Mode?

Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Startup programs don’t run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers and services needed to start Windows are installed. The words “Safe Mode” will appear in each corner of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you’re using.  Because of the limited capability of Windows in the Safe Mode, you will notice some visual differences (lower screen resolution), and that some programs and peripherals do not work. Below is a list of device drivers and services that start in the Safe Mode (if installed).

RogueAV Cleaner is a free Standalone Malware Removal Tool from ESET that is designed to remove “specific” Rogue Antivirus Programs. It is a very small program that can be downloaded and run very quickly, but is only effective for specific infections such as those listed under the video below.

Please Comment How This Tool Worked For You

I would appreciate if you would comment how this tool worked for you as I only recently discovered it. Whether it worked or not, I would like to know. Please also note which rogue antivirus program you were trying to remove as well.

I suggest you run it in the Safe Mode for best results (Press F8 when booting up). If you have only one computer and are having problems with the internet, I suggest you download the file in “Safe Mode with Networking”. The download page for this tool is at: http://rogueavcleaner.spywarepreventionguy.com. View the brief video below for a tutorial how to download and run this tool.

RogueAV  Malware List

Below is a list of Rogue Antivirus Programs that RogueAV Cleaner may help you with. This list may get outdated, so visit http://rogueavcleaner.spywarepreventionguy.com for the latest list.

* Win32/Adware.AdvancedCleaner
* Win32/Adware.AntiMalwareGuard
* Win32/Adware.Antispy2008
* Win32/Adware.AntiSpyware2008
* Win32/Adware.AntiSpywareProtector
* Win32/Adware.Antivirus1
* Win32/Adware.Antivirus2008
* Win32/Adware.AntiVirusAgentPro
* Win32/Adware.AntiVirusPro
* Win32/Adware.BPSSpywareRemover
* Win32/Adware.BugDoctor
* Win32/Adware.DoctorAntivirus
* Win32/Adware.ExpressAntivirus
* Win32/Adware.FileFixProfessional2009
* Win32/Adware.IntelinetSmartSecurity
* Win32/Adware.InternetAntivirus
* Win32/Adware.MalwareDefender2009
* Win32/Adware.MSAntispyware2009
* Win32/Adware.MSAntivirus
* Win32/Adware.Netcom3Cleaner
* Win32/Adware.PerfectDefender.F
* Win32/Adware.PerfectDefender2009
* Win32/Adware.PowerAntivirus.E
* Win32/Adware.PrivacyComponents
* Win32/Adware.PrivacyGuard
* Win32/Adware.RegistrySmart
* Win32/Adware.SaferScan
* Win32/Adware.SecureExpertCleaner
* Win32/Adware.SpamNuker
* Win32/Adware.SpyKillerPro
* Win32/Adware.SpyProtector.A
* Win32/Adware.SpywareCease
* Win32/Adware.SpywareExpert
* Win32/Adware.SpywareFighter
* Win32/Adware.SpywareGuard
* Win32/Adware.SpywareIsolator
* Win32/Adware.SpywareProtect2009
* Win32/Adware.SpywareRemover
* Win32/Adware.SysAntivirus
* Win32/Adware.SystemSecurity
* Win32/Adware.ThreatNuker
* Win32/Adware.TotalDefender
* Win32/Adware.TotalVirusProtection
* Win32/Adware.TZSpywareRemover
* Win32/Adware.VirusAlarmPro
* Win32/Adware.VirusDoctor
* Win32/Adware.VirusIsolator
* Win32/Adware.VirusMelt
* Win32/Adware.VirusRemover
* Win32/Adware.VirusRemover2008
* Win32/Adware.VirusTrigger
* Win32/Adware.WinAntiVirus
* Win32/Adware.WinFixer.AB

Hopefully you’ve learned a bit about how to keep your computer clean from infections. But clean software is only half of the picture, what about clean hardware?

One of the most common causes of hardware failure is heat. And while most computers have 2, 3 or more fans, if your heatsinks, fans, intake and exhaust vents are clogged with dirt, the temperature inside your computer is going to rise. Many computers have temperature protection settings you can set to trigger an emergency shutdown to protect your computer from overheating. You might even hear some continuous beeping or buzzing sounds to alarm you when your computer overheats, so don’t ignore these sounds. To be safe it may be a good idea to quickly save your work and shut your computer down immediately to investigate, otherwise you may end up with a problem that won’t care how clean your software is.

Anyway, many computers that operate in prolonged heat conditions (not necessarily critical temperatures) will eventually take its toll and cause intermittent problems. I typically see that the most neglected heat issues end up with either bad power supplies, fans, motherboards, and even hard drives where your precious data is stored.

Have Dust, Not Heat, But Still Bad

I routinely get computers in for repair that will not POST (no video from the computer) and the system may be beeping. Any video you may see would be a message generated by the monitor saying something like “No Signal”, “No Video Input” or “Monitor Going To Sleep”. These are classic symptoms usually related to memory problems. While the memory could literally be bad and need replacing, I often find that reseating the memory after a good cleaning with canned air and alcohol, usually corrects the problem. Just a little dust under the memory contacts may be enough to cause this problem. The overall cleanliness can be good and you can still have this problem, especially if you have moved the computer. The movement can cause slight flexing of some internal components such as the memory slots which might allow some dust to creep in, causing conductivity and corrosion problems.

Hopefully you won’t keep trying to use your computer when you have memory issues, because this can corrupt your Windows installation. So even after taking care of the memory issue, you might have an unstable, slow or unresponsive system, or worse yet, it may not boot up to Windows with Boot Loops or BSODs.

Does Your Computer Look Like This Inside?

When all is well, air is drawn in from the front and exhausts out the back of the case. So dust, carpet fibers, and pet hair will tend to accumulate on the front side of vents, heatsink fins, and fan blades. The bottom line is that Dirt = Heat and Heat is Bad. Watch the video below to get a feel how dirt caused the heat, which in-turn made the fan work overtime, which eventually caused the fan to fail. For this Dell, it uses a proprietary fan than you usually have to order online. Imagine having your computer down for repairs for a week or so waiting for a part as simple as a fan.

I often get asked about whether or not Windows Updates should be installed. While this post is mostly about Windows XP, the same concerns apply to both Vista and Windows 7. On the negative side of Windows Updates, some have first hand experience with software problems immediately after installing an update. While it doesn’t happen too often, it might happen to your computer if you don’t take any precautions before installing Windows Updates. Anyway, the video below will show how to recognize the proper Windows Update icon as well as a couple ways that you can begin a Windows Update.

Anyway, I have the advantage of seeing the negative side effects of new Windows Updates gone wrong on my customer’s computers first. So I get to research why they went wrong before I try and install them on my computers. I’ll pass-on some of this information to you below, so read on.

Windows Update Precautions

I take the most precautions when installing new versions of Internet Explorer and Service Packs. It is a good idea to update any Active-X Controls or Add-ons for Internet Explorer, because they may not be compatible with the new version. For Service Packs, it is a good idea to temporarily disable your Antivirus and Firewall programs.

I hear how some people have gotten so cautious about installing programs from the internet that Windows Updates tend to get ignored. Many people purposely avoid installing new updates because of bad experiences. If you just take a few precaution before installing any updates, you can significantly reduce any side effects a new update might cause. The fact is that many of these updates were specifically made to patch Windows from specific vulnerabilities exploited by Viruses and Spyware.

Aside from updating Internet Explorer Add-ons, and turning off your security, as a general rule, I would not install routine Windows Updates on an infected system. It is likely that the infection will interfere with the proper installation of the update which could damage your Windows installation. Now, there have been some Windows Update patches in the past that will actually remove and immunize Windows from “certain” infections, so this is not a hard and fast rule. The Malicious Software Removal Tool and Windows Defender updates could also be an exception, but in most cases, I would only install Windows Updates once a computer is clean of infections.

Is the Windows Update Notification Real?

With all the fake security programs these days that show up in the notification tray in the lower right-hand corner of your display, many people are cautious about clicking on anything to the point that even Windows Updates get ignored as I mentioned before. So it helps to know what the Windows XP Update icon looks like when updates are available. It is a “Yellow Shield” located in the Notification Tray in the lower right-hand area of your display. By default, Windows Updates are set to be installed automatically, but some people have learned that there are some prerequisite steps to take before installing Windows Updates and have turned-off Automatic Updating so they can do them when they are better prepared.

(click for larger image)

A Well Intentioned but Annoying Windows Update Feature

One Windows Update feature I consider annoying began with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). It is a feature where Windows will install any available updates when you attempt  to turn off your computer. This makes me seriously concerned that something will go wrong and the computer won’t actually shut down, and I might be in a hurry to go somewhere. So I end up babysitting my computer until it actually goes off so I can have piece of mind, and this can be 5, 10, or more minutes. How annoying! This gets worse when it is a laptop and you want to put it in its case, which will now become a pizza warmer if you thought it was going to turn off asap. Heat is never good for a laptop! My recommendation is to click the link that says “Click here to turn off without installing updates” to bypass this annoying feature.

So when you see the Windows Shield on the “Turn Off” button and want to turn off your computer right away without installing updates first, click the text link above the red arrow as shown below (I added the arrow for this screenshot example). Anyway, I suggest you click the text link when it appears to shutdown without installing updates first. Do the updates on your own terms when you are ready.

(click for larger image)

I also prefer to set my Windows Updates to notify me when they are available, but NOT to automatically download or install them. I prefer to install mine manually after I have prepared my system in a way that I can quickly reverse any ill-effects that my computer might experience if an update causes any problems. Although you should expect Windows to automatically create a System Restore point when installing an update, I always manually create my own System Restore point, in case the update went so bad that once wasn’t automatically made.

(click for larger image)

Even if Windows got damaged to the point you couldn’t even boot to Windows and perform a System Restore yourself, a PC Technician should easily be able to do a manual System Restore if you stop at this point and don’t try to fix it yourself. But some people get desperate and invoke the built-in System Recovery by pressing F10 or F11 at boot-up, or if they actually have the Recovery CDs, they pop it in and do the Recovery that way. The sad thing is that most System Recovery procedures are destructive, so you might wipe out all your data (pictures, music, documents, etc.), your personal programs, peripheral settings and customizations.

Wow, weren’t we just talking about Windows Updates? Well, I see over and over again how something that should be a routine task turn into a fiasco. It is an all too common story, but it is largely preventable. Anyway, I “do” recommend that you install Windows Updates, but don’t blindly install them without “first” taking a few simple precautions, and then do them on your own terms.

How to Download and Install a Free 30 Day Trial of ESET Nod32 Antivirus

Below are 4 brief videos that will show you the “meat” of downloading, installing, setting-up and using ESET’s Nod32 Antivirus on your computer. In these videos, we will be starting with the Free 30 Day Trial. Despite being a trial, it will be fully functional for 30 days, which will give you plenty of time to decide if you like it enough to switch and buy this product.

Aside from choosing to run less-memory intensive Security Software (switching Antivirus brands) that always need to be running to protect your computer, there are basically 3 different ways to speed-up your computer for free using built-in Windows settings.

1. Selective Startup
2. Disabling Unnecessary Services
3. Disabling certain Visual Effects under Performance Options in Advanced System Settings

In this article, I will be focusing on method #3 above to customize the Visual Effects settings. If you turn them all off, you will get the best performance, but you probably won’t like the hyper-classic look with no frills, so I will show you which settings to keep on, to get the most performance with the least trade-off of visual effects. You can actually play with these settings to suit your needs.

The video below will show you exactly how to do this for Windows Vista. The procedure is basically the same for Windows XP and Windows 7, although the available visual effects will vary somewhat.

Now watch the video below … because your computer can be a little faster in just a few minutes.

First, if you found this review from eZine Articles, I apologize for not writing about the most important findings I know about MyCleanPC, but eZine Articles will not allow you to write any negative information in articles they publish (even if it is true), so I had to tap dance around the subject, and hope the reader can read between the lines. But now that you are here, you will soon discover what I really discovered about MyCleanPC.com.

As an IT Specialist performing computer maintenance in Hawaii on a daily basis, I routinely remove viruses and malware from home and business computers. If you ask me, it seems that the problem is virtually epidemic with about 7-8 out of 10 computers we check-in for repair being infected. My point is that since we are in the business of removing malware professionally, we know what works and what doesn’t, so what is up with MyCleanPC.com? Are their sensational claims true?