Recently I purchased a new computer with a 750 GB SATA hard drive. I understand that I can partition the hard drive to provide 40 GB as a home folder for Windows Vista, so that if there is a problem I can simply reinstall Vista in that portion of the hard drive without losing my data. However, it is quite expensive if Dell create the partition for me, and I’m told I should be able to do it easily myself. Can you help with this process? (more…)

A common problem on computers is determining what is occupying large amounts of space on the hard drive. Manually going through each folder on the drive is not a particularly efficient option, so fortunately there are some free utilities which can assist in this matter. Treesize Free (www.jam-software.com/freeware/index.shtml) for Windows and OmniDiskSweeper (www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnidisksweeper) for Mac are two excellent utilities that will allow you to itemise the size of files and folders on the computer. Thanks to reader Andy for this tip.

Recently when using the computer I noticed that Microsoft has downloaded its new “Spyware Guard 2008” software onto the computer. This software immediately detected 28 viruses on the computer which AVG Free has not been able to detect. Additionally, it will only let me delete the viruses should I pay $50 to purchase the full product (which I think is absurd). These viruses appear to be stopping me from updating AVG Free so I might have to pay the money. Do you have any advice? (more…)

Recently I setup a Netgear WGR614v6 router for our home network. All works correctly and we are able to access the internet through the router. However, I would like to secure the wireless on the router so that other people are not able to use my internet connection. Netgear technical support were not able to provide any advice and the shop where I purchased the router also could not assist. When I attempted to setup the security myself I visited the router administration page at www.routerlogin.net but it has been rejecting my username and password. Can you provide any assistance? (more…)

If you recently purchased a new brand-name computer your computer manufacturer may have offered you the ability to upgrade to Windows 7 when released for a discounted price. Now that Windows 7 has been released it may be time to obtain the upgrade, even if you don’t have any intention of installing, as some of these promotional offers are only valid for a limited time. More information on the participating vendors, and links to the upgrade offer websites, is available at www.microsoft.com/australia/windows/buy/offers/upgrade.aspx .