Computer Troubleshooting/Help Master Thread

[TorontoGuy]

Maybe a virus?

Definitely not, I have curious siblings that right click on things, such as "encrypt" just because it sounds cool.

[TorontoGuy]

It's like microsoft security essentials in windows 7 it works but its not great

I've been using it for years now and never had a problem, and never slows down my computer. As a matter of fact, every time I sit down to a friends/family computer I delete all of those dumb antivirus software and trials and just make sure windows defender/MSE is up and running.

Any specific reason why you would say it's "not great."?

[avromie7]

I've been using it for years now and never had a problem, and never slows down my computer. As a matter of fact, every time I sit down to a friends/family computer I delete all of those dumb antivirus software and trials and just make sure windows defender/MSE is up and running.

Any specific reason why you would say it's "not great."?

I never really researched it on my own but when schmoozing with other techs that seems to be the general consensus, it's not bad like defender in Windows 7 but it's far from the best

[TorontoGuy]

I'm looking for REASONS and FACTS why it is not great.

[thaber]

I'm looking for REASONS and FACTS why it is not great.

It does a pretty good job, but malware could slip through. Once it does, it won't find it or totally eradicate it.
case in point - my office has about 15 computers, all with defender/essentials. it does the trick, and it's all behind a sonic wall. but I have a 5 pack of norton that I started putting on computers that got infected, once I clean them. it's happened 4 times over the last year or two. probably 10 infections total in the last 3 years.

[Iz]

Can anyone offer tips about what to look for when buying computer speakers? Thanks.

[TorontoGuy]

Can anyone offer tips about what to look for when buying computer speakers? Thanks.

You are basically looking for the same specs as regular speakers. Figure out if your sound card supports surround sound (more channels then stereo). If it does, then you can get higher end speakers, but you my not need it.
Brand makes a difference. If you want quality sound - generally you will want some sort of a name brand.
Wattage. The higher the wattage (>40) the better. It gives you more power, so when you play lower volume sounds it will put less stress on the  physical parts.
Frequency response. Unfortunately I do not know enough about it, but I know it makes a difference, especially for desktop speakers that will play low sounds.
Good luck. Post what you find so you can get a product specific review.

[Iz]

Thanks a lot. That's very helpful. I'll let you know what I find.

[TorontoGuy]

Can anyone offer tips about what to look for when buying computer speakers? Thanks.

I almost forgot the most confusing part!
2.0 vs. 2.1: A 2.0 system (two channels, no subwoofer) smaller in built, has the left and right speakers with the amplifier housed inside one of those speakers. A 2.1 system (two channels plus a subwoofer) typically uses even smaller left and right speakers, called satellites, for higher frequencies, along with a larger speaker/amplifier component that sits under your desk and produces lower frequencies. A 2.1 system is often called a subwoofer/satellite setup. 5.1 is considered surround sound. (5 satellites 1 subwoofer) 7.1 is considered full surround sound (guess what it consists of) but I have yet to see a desktop that ships with a sound card that supports 7.1

[etech0]

Someone wants to pay me to set up a new computer - delete the junk that came on it, install antivirus, an adblocker, openoffice, and install any updates.

Any idea what I should charge?

What do computer stores charge for that?

[Iz]

This part I actually knew.
Thanks again.

[TorontoGuy]

Someone wants to pay me to set up a new computer - delete the junk that came on it, install antivirus, an adblocker, openoffice, and install any updates.

Any idea what I should charge?

What do computer stores charge for that?

A store will charge $150. The general rate for PC Techs in the tri state area is $95 For a service call including the first hour. After that its basically $30 per half hour, give or take.
Just keep in mind, when it comes to updates you may have to : Download, Install, Restart and Repeat, several times until the PC is up to date.
Good for you  - doing things legally with Open Office! We need more honest techs in the world.

[etech0]

A store will charge $150. The general rate for PC Techs in the tri state area is $95 For a service call including the first hour. After that its basically $30 per half hour, give or take.
Just keep in mind, when it comes to updates you may have to : Download, Install, Restart and Repeat, several times until the PC is up to date.
Good for you  - doing things legally with Open Office! We need more honest techs in the world.

Thanks - great info!

I know what installing updates entails I've done it many times before!! But I can leave it going overnight etc., so it's not such a big deal.

[Iz]

You are basically looking for the same specs as regular speakers. Figure out if your sound card supports surround sound (more channels then stereo). If it does, then you can get higher end speakers, but you my not need it.
Brand makes a difference. If you want quality sound - generally you will want some sort of a name brand.
Wattage. The higher the wattage (>40) the better. It gives you more power, so when you play lower volume sounds it will put less stress on the  physical parts.
Frequency response. Unfortunately I do not know enough about it, but I know it makes a difference, especially for desktop speakers that will play low sounds.
Good luck. Post what you find so you can get a product specific review.

I'm buying for this model (which I just ordered, so I don't have it yet): Lenovo 90F10000US. I can't find info on the sound card. Can you? Thanks.

ETA: I'm assuming it's a basic stereo sound card. Otherwise they would've mentioned it. So I'm considering 2 models mentioned here: http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=58075.0
This one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FU5QM0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
And this one: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-980-000382-Z313-Speaker-System/dp/B002HWRZ2K/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1448555983&sr=1-1&keywords=z313+logitech+speakers

Is Logitech a "name brand" for speakers?

They're both less than 40 watts, but it's for a smallish family room, so it's probably ok. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[TorontoGuy]

I'm buying for this model (which I just ordered, so I don't have it yet): Lenovo 90F10000US. I can't find info on the sound card. Can you? Thanks.

I found it on Best Buy (Sold-Out) but I can not find it on the Lenovo site to see the specs. If you can find it, I will take a look.

[Iz]

I found it on Best Buy (Sold-Out) but I can not find it on the Lenovo site to see the specs. If you can find it, I will take a look.

Me too! Isn't that strange?

[Iz]

On a different topic, my new PC comes with Webroot SecureAnywhere IS. Is it worth installing? I'm not even sure what it is. Is it an anti virus, like Panda? Thanks.

[avromie7]

On a different topic, my new PC comes with Webroot SecureAnywhere IS. Is it worth installing? I'm not even sure what it is. Is it an anti virus, like Panda? Thanks.

It's a great anti virus that works fine together with any other anti virus, in Windows 10 you need to add a registry key so it doesn't disable defender

[Iz]

It's a great anti virus that works fine together with any other anti virus, in Windows 10 you need to add a registry key so it doesn't disable defender

Thanks. Glad to hear that. If this pc won't be connected to the internet, does it need any other anti virus?
IDK how to add a registry key, but I guess I'll deal with that when I set it up...

[avromie7]

Thanks. Glad to hear that. If this pc won't be connected to the internet, does it need any other anti virus?
IDK how to add a registry key, but I guess I'll deal with that when I set it up...

Webroot and defender together are great