Atomic Learning – PC Maintenance and Security

Cost effective ways to keep your internet connected PC running smoothly.

Tutorial Introduction

One thing I learned that I will definitely be sharing with others:

·         Malware is a “catch all” phrase that includes viruses, adware, spyware, Trojan horses, and worms – software designed to disrupt and damage computer systems. 

Information that surprised me:

·         Instant messaging often includes spyware.

Tutorial Clean Up and Speed Up Your PC

One thing I learned that I will definitely be sharing with others:

·         You can use MS Config to customize which programs “start-up” on your Windows start-up.  My husband has been complaining that Skype starts up every time he turns his computer on.  I’m happy to be able to tell him how to solve this problem!

Information that surprised me:

·         After I followed the directions from the first tip, “remove unwanted programs,” my computer was considerably faster.

Tutorial Organizing Your Computer
One thing I learned that I will definitely be sharing with others:

·         You can organize “my documents” in a list view instead of using the default tile view.

Information that surprised me:

·         If you right click inside any folder and go to arrange files by type, your files will all be sorted into groups.

Tutorial Wireless Network Security
One thing I learned that I will definitely be sharing with others:

·         If you use a router in your home to set up a wireless network and don’t secure it, neighbors may be using your internet connection.

Information that surprised me:

·         People drive around neighborhoods looking for open networks and then from their cars, use the wireless network they find.  This is called “war driving.”