Sorry for the lack of posts, but been very busy of late. At the moment getting ready for the first day of Term 2 tomorrow.

If you are using Windows XP or the “classic-style” Start menu in Windows Vista there may be a situation where you wish to open multiple applications. However, each time you open a program the Start menu disappears and you need to re-open the menu. There is a neat trick whereby if you hold the SHIFT key when clicking to open a program, that program will open and the Start menu will remain open. Be aware, some programs will insist on having full focus and will cause the Start menu to collapse. Additionally, this trick only works for the “All Programs” Start menu group.

Upon opening Internet Explorer to use the internet a message appears saying F@#$% various countries and displays advertisements. I have no idea why this message is appearing and do not know how it can be removed. A second (unrelated) question I have relates to iTunes. I currently have iTunes installed on an old computer and this also contains my iTunes Library with all my music. Recently I purchased a new computer and wanted to check whether I can transfer my iTunes Library to my new computer? (more…)

Recently I downloaded SuperAntiSpyware and I wanted to seek your opinion on how good and effective is this software in removing spyware and adware threats? The computer is currently running Windows XP Home Edition with Norton Internet Security 2008, Windows Defender, and Spybot Search & Destroy. Windows Firewall is also enabled. In the past I have noticed that you recommend Ad-Aware, however I did not like this software so I have uninstalled the program. Additionally, Norton Internet Security did not seem to like Windows Firewall being enabled but I have enabled it anyway. I have always been a loyal Norton Internet Security user but recently I have seen people commenting that NIS can “hog” system resources, so I am starting to investigate alternatives. Any advice you could provide would be greatly received. (more…)

Having downloaded Windows XP Service Pack 3 I find my computer is now very slow and generally not functioning as well as previously. I was perfectly happy with Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2 and would like to uninstall Service Pack 3. Is it alright to uninstall Service Pack 3 and revert to Service Pack 2? (more…)