Computer question

[ex-commish 490]

My machine ( Dell) seems to always be racing lately? I am also getting alot of firewall messages asking to block internet access for certain programs. Between me and my son we download music. Could this be the problem? Any computer experts out there that can help me? Thanks...

[IzzyEng4 427]

Is the fire wall that you are using the one that comes with windows or is it an add on like Norton?

MOST LIKELY, if your using MS Internet Exploder... I mean Explorer, it is more likely asking because you have recently udated to a new version of it though thier online updates. You can also check your firewall settings as well to see what it is set on and also your internet privacy settings. Make sure you download all the new updates for windows as well. To do this, when in the online update screen, select custom not express and it will show all the updates (you'll have to click on the left for critical and non critical menues) Some updates might have to be downloaded separately from the others so make sure you read the update criteria first, restart and then download the rest.

If you are still getting the warnings then try using a different web browser like FIREFOX and see if the warnings still come up. You can run a spyware detector on your computer as well as a virus scan just to be safe. Clear out your internet cashe and history (just remember any website that you have saved your idea and password will have to be re-entered). This way you can see if thier is something bad that could be triggering this warnings.

More than likely it could be your firewall settings that windows defaults too.

I know others out there have more suggrestions too.

[Monty 35]

My machine ( Dell) seems to always be racing lately? I am also getting alot of firewall messages asking to block internet access for certain programs. Between me and my son we download music. Could this be the problem? Any computer experts out there that can help me? Thanks...

←

You may want to try something like AdAware which is a free program for finding and removing adware and other software. It may be that the machine has been infected from a nasty website . If you don't already have anti virus software, there are some free / trial products out there you can find on google.

[cas2383 22]

One thing that def helps performance is to clear out your internet history, and temporary files (in your internet options). Also doing a routine disk cleanup helps (in your start menu under accesories and system tools) , and of course the occasional defragmenting(also in your system tools).

[WAS967 97]

Ok. Definatly do what Izzy (and others) said.

What firewall program are you using?

What program(s) is(are) the firewall blocking? (It should tell you)

Where do you get your MP3s? (Don't worry, we won't report you)

Answer the above so we can get a better idea of the source. I have my suspicions but need to know the above first.

PS....If you need to, IM me if you have an AIM address. I'll be here all day and can assist you better live.

Edited June 5, 2006 by WAS967

[ex-commish 490]

Ok. Definatly do what Izzy (and others) said.

What firewall program are you using?

What program(s) is(are) the firewall blocking? (It should tell you)

Where do you get your MP3s? (Don't worry, we won't report you)

Answer the above so we can get a better idea of the source. I have my suspicions but need to know the above first.

PS....If you need to, IM me if you have an AIM address. I'll be here all day and can assist you better live.

←

Fire wall is an AOL program. I use WInMix and my son uses Limewire for music downlaoding. Thanks to all for input. I have someone coming over to look at it for me.

[Guest]

Are you using Limewire for your music? If so delete it imediatly. People put viruses behind songs that are popular.

Edited June 6, 2006 by NRFDTL11Buff

[IzzyEng4 427]

Are you using Limewire for your music? If so delete it imediatly. People put viruses behind songs that are popular.

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That can happen with any p2p software but Limewire is more previlent to hack attacks and getting stuff through.

[CAM502 6]

Easy way to fix your problem....Get an Apple!! Very few if any viruses for them. Not to mention the IMAC is the best computer on the market.

But if you can spend a few bucks ZoneAlram Pro is a great firewall program that should solve all your problems (well for the most part). Good luck.

[WAS967 97]

If you download music and it involved running an executable (.exe) file to get to the music, delete it immediately. I suggest running a virus scanner immediately. If you don't have one go to http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ and run the free online scan.

AOL's stuff is okay but a HUGE strain on your computer as it uses a TON of unnecessary resources. AOL Should have a virus scanner available for use as well.

[nyemt131411 3]

Are you using Limewire for your music? If so delete it imediatly. People put viruses behind songs that are popular.

←

had limewire on my pc - (this is thinkpad) - Before I had to sweep the entire computer clean, and reload EVERYTHING from scratch, i found over 800 viruses, or programs running things in the background that I couldn't normally see, that attached itself to every damn thing. Not bashing limewire, cuz it is cool, but definitely not worth the hassle. Everybody i asked, including the repair person i brought in - first question - where does your music come from?

just my 2c.......

btw, any other good music sites recommended?

[WAS967 97]

It's not so much the program as what you download with it. Tho there could well be some known issues with Limewire, Kazaa, WinMX, et al that open you to vulnerabilities, more likely than not you downloaded (and ran) something that you shouldn't have. Just takes a little knowledge and "net smarts" to know what to look out for.