As you may have read in previous columns, Windows Vista (the next version of the Windows operating system) is due for release on 30th January 2007. However, before spending money on upgrading to Vista you should first check whether your computer will be able to run Vista. The best way to evaluate your computer for Vista compatibility is to run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. This can be downloaded for free at: www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx . (more…)

Some time ago my computer became infected with some nasty viruses and Trojans. I have run several antivirus and antispyware programs to remove these infections but one still remains - svchost.exe. This is causing considerable grief as it mimics the legitimate Microsoft version of the file, with the result I cannot launch any Windows programs. The USB ports have also been affected, and I cannot print anything using my USB printer. Short of reinstalling Windows, is there any way around this problem? (more…)

Recently I wanted to use the System File Checker utility, and ran the ’sfc /scannow’ command from the Start menu > ‘Run’ facility. During the scan, a message appeared asking for the Windows XP CD. After I inserted the Windows CD and pressed OK another message appeared saying the version of Windows on the CD is older than what the computer is currently running. Could this have something to do with the updates applied to Windows? I would very much like to run the SFC utility, so can you advise how to get past this message? Interestingly enough, when I inserted the Windows XP disc and then ran the ’sfc /repair’ command it worked away for an hour without issue. The computer is running Windows XP Home Edition. (more…)

We are moving to Bungendore and will be living in temporary accommodation until our house is built. So, we will not have a phone line for internet access. We are considering wireless broadband for our laptop, but I am totally confused about which provider we should use. Do you know which providers would be best for our situation? (more…)

If you are looking for a user-friendly and free FTP client, SmartFTP is a very good choice. This program is free for non-commercial use and provides some excellent and easy to use functions with a very clean interface. SmartFTP can be downloaded from: www.smartftp.com . (more…)