Should I be concerned about computer viruses on files that I download
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INDEX OF QUESTIONS
Should I be concerned about computer viruses on files that I download
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Yes! A new and dangerous virus now appears every few weeks.
Add that risk to the dozens of older, less dangerous viruses that still are circulating and it's bad news. If you're lucky, that means only annoying mail as copies are sent to you. In the worst case, your computer will be infected and you may lose everything on the hard drive. If you use Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, or Powerpoint, you must also be concerned about "macro" viruses.
Please make sure that your antivirus software is updated. (You do have antivirus software installed, right? A list of anti-virus programs, complete with descriptions, is available, but almost everyone uses Norton or MacAfee.) Please also regularly visit the Symantec security web page to make sure that your Windows computer is adequately protected.
Most viruses are spread via Outlook e-mail programs, and we STRONGLY discourage our customers from using Outlook, Outlook Express, or other variants. Other e-mail programs include Eudora, Pegasus, and Netscape, all of which can be downloaded from our Windows software page. If you must use Outlook, take the precaution of changing the security setting in the Windows Internet control panel from "moderate" to "high." Outlook users should choose OPTIONS under the Tools menu and set Attachments to "high." Be forwarned that this will not necessarily block viruses -- in fact, one virus does nothing but change the security setting to "low."
Where can I find programs to download
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For shareware, you can look in the Yahoo directory, but you'll probably prefer "Tucows" web page, which also provides ratings for many programs.
How can I setup my new computer for the Internet
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Send e-mail to
support@monitor.net and we'll send you a list of step-by-step instructions. Please indicate the the town or city where you live so that we can provide a local telephone number.
Why does my computer lose the Internet connection after a few minutes (or seconds)? Why do I sometimes have trouble connecting?
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These settings below will disable V.90 and force the modem to use only the older V.34 standard for greater reliability. Contact the manufacturer for further advice, if possible. To find your modem type or version number, open Control Panel, open Modems or Phone and Modem Options, then perform a Diagnostics or Query and look through the response section of the results.
Write down the modem brand, product name, and version number. You will need this information to find the correct way to change the modem settings. Follow these directions, depending on the version of Windows:
| Windows 95/98/ME | Windows XP |
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Before making any changes to these settings, it is critical to record exactly the orignal contents of the Extra Settings field. Monitor technical support will not be able to assist if the modem settings don't work. Write down the contents of the Extra Settings field, then remove anything there and enter one of the following strings (if your modem is not in the list below, a longer list of modem types is also available):
| MODEM TYPE | DISABLE V90 |
| Conexant HSF | +MS=v34,0 |
| Lucent Win Modem | +MS=V34,0 (or for old models:) -v90=0 |
| Compaq 56K v.90 ( HSF modem ) or Generic HCF data fax modem | +MS=K56,0 |
| Motorola SM56 | *mm13 (or:) +MS=V34 |
All Windows-type computers must have an up-to-date modem driver to make good connections.
If your computer is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer or visit their web pages. Almost all of them have a section where you can obtain new drivers (here's the link for HP computers). Or, find the brand of your modem from this list of modem manufacturers. Follow the instructions there to download a current driver and re-install your modem. If your modem manufacturer is NOT on that list, you may need to buy a new modem or seek help from a technician.
SPECIAL NOTES FOR WINDOWS XP USERS: You may have to uncheck the LCP and Multilink boxes in the PPP settings to get some V.90 and V.92 modems to connect.
SPECIAL NOTES FOR WINDOWS 95/98 USERS: If you have reinstalled Windows95 or Windows98, it is likely that it will replace your modem driver with the "plain vanilla" version that usually doesn't work. From the START button, choose "Control Panels," then "Modems." Under the DIAGNOSTICS tab at the top, click on the "Driver" button. Make note of the date that will be displayed. If the date is earlier than September, 1998, you must download and install a new driver, as discussed below.
Why does it take so long to make a connection?
Once your connection gets past the "Dialing" phase, the Monitor connection is established in t 10-15 seconds. But many Windows users
complain that it can take several minutes before they can do anything. That's because Windows is using the rest of that startup time to look for non-Internet network hookups. You can bypass this process by following the steps below.
IF YOUR COMPUTER IS NOT CONNECTED TO A NETWORK: Under "My Computer," double-click on "Dial-up Networking." RIGHT-click on the icon for Monitor and choose "Properties," then the "Server Types" tab at the top (in the earliest release of Windows95, it's a button instead). Remove the check marks in boxes for NetBEUI and IPX/SPX (but leave the check for TCP/IP). Uncheck the "Log on to network" box. Click OK. Go to the Network control panel. Click once on the line for Dial-Up Adapter. Select Properties, then click on the Bindings tab. Uncheck everything shown there except for TCP/IP.
What modem should I buy?
First, please read our web page discussing "Making A Good Connection." Our network is entirely V.90 compatible, and your connect speed depends upon the quality of your phone line as well as the modem.
A highly recommended modem for PC-type computers is the Acer AOPEN, sold by Computers and More in Santa Rosa (538-1122). It sells for about $49.
Should I upgrade to WindowsXP?
Unless WindowsXP came installed on your new computer, or you wish to use particular software that only operates under WindowsXP, we urge caution.
I use Netscape. How can I remove Internet Explorer from Windows98?
I only have one phone line. How can I disconnect from the Internet
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Look for the Dial-up Networking icon in the "tray" (the area of the task bar that usually has the clock and other icons). RIGHT click on that icon, and select Disconnect.
How can I make Windows connect to the Internet automatically when I click on an icon?
From the START button, choose "Control Panels," then "Internet." Choose the "Connection" tab at the top. Click on the box for, "Connect to the Internet as needed." In the box below for Dial-Up networking connections, click on the down arrow at the right and select the line labeled "monitor." Click OK at the bottom of this window.
Some users report that this "mysteriously" stops working when non-Microsoft programs, such as Netscape or Eudora, are used.
Why is the "Save Password" option unavailable
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This is a known problem with Windows95 that also sometimes appears in Windows98. Send e-mail to
support@monitor.net and we'll send you a list of step-by-step instructions.
How can I get rid of the
"Network Neighborhood" icon on my desktop? How can I get rid of the Microsoft Network icon?
Good tips on customizing your computer can be found in the "Windows annoyances" pages, which are available for all versions of Windows (Written with humor, these is our favorite FAQ resource for Windows problems!)
Besides buying a faster modem, are there any ways I can speed up my Internet connection
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Many users have found better performance by tweaking the "MTU" and "RWIN" settings. One program that helps you adjust these is MaxMTU.
Be aware, however, that any programs that change the Win95 Registry have a degree of risk involved -- always backup your work before using a Registry editor of any kind. This is not a job for the squeamish.
I'm a Windows 3 user, and often have trouble with Trumpet Winsock.
You bet. Windows 3 is not Y2K compliant. Please upgrade your system to at least Windows95 immediately.
qa_win / 10/28/2003 je