Linus' House of IT: 5 cents please

**Linus** · 09-10-2009, 09:04 PM

To help those in need, I figured it may help others to have a specific thread here to help those that need technical help. Technical questions can include:

- slowness on systems
- help requests on what to get in regards to hardware or software
- help with accessing certain things on FV (within limitations -- if it cannot be solved here, you will be asked to open a helpdesk ticket).

Please remember we do this as a volunteer basis and you should always have valid working backups.

I do ask that the discussion is limited to those looking for specific help. If you have questions about how the site is run, please direct those in the appropriate forum.

The House is now open.

5 cents please.

**Judi Dial** · 09-12-2009, 09:33 AM

I have a friend who said, "I found a good computer tech, and rather than lose him, I married him!" and we joke that I did the same. Most of my tech stuff gets answered here, but I'll keep it in mind. Thanks!

**Linus** · 09-12-2009, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by Judi Dial

I have a friend who said, "I found a good computer tech, and rather than lose him, I married him!" and we joke that I did the same. Most of my tech stuff gets answered here, but I'll keep it in mind. Thanks!

LOL... that's what my g/f says.

**Kris B** · 01-25-2010, 04:21 PM

Hi,
I was wondering if there's such a thing as a free web site where it can check my computer to see if there's anything I can do to speed it up?
Thanks,
Kris

**starsapphire** · 01-25-2010, 05:41 PM

Hi Linus, two questions -

First, I just got a new laptop and I need to get Microsoft Office. Do you know of a cheap website to get it at, or should I just go ahead and order it through the 60 day free trial that I got with the laptop?

Second, I would like to be able to surf at wifi hotspots. Do I need a VPN in order to surf safely? Or does Windows 7 have something built in so I don't have to worry? If I need a VPN can you recommend one?

Thanks so much!

**mauimagic** · 01-25-2010, 06:15 PM

Mahalo and great idea Linus!! Worth way more than 5 cents, but since this is a frugal site, appreciate the price!!

**Lori63** · 01-26-2010, 05:40 AM

My Question (which noone seems to be able to answer)

My IE is currently running without addons, hence Flash, etc. won't work. I restart it, manage my addons(everything is enabled) and it STILL says it's running without addons.

This is just on my account, 4 other accounts on this computer are working just fine.

I have tried reinstalling flash, etc-nothing.

Thanks in advance.

**starsapphire** · 01-26-2010, 09:27 AM

bumping

**starsapphire** · 01-26-2010, 10:07 PM

bumpity bump

**frugalfranny** · 01-26-2010, 11:40 PM

I haven't seen Linus posting anywhere lately ---is he kicking around somewhere?

He is usually reading something..........and posting.

**Linus** · 03-10-2010, 04:03 PM

Heh. I was busy with life and such. I think I will be on a bit more. I just cashed in some company stock (some of it I will be setting aside into an ING account for tax payment purposes) but I will be using the cash to clear out 60-70% of all my debt. I have reached my limit of how much interest I'm paying out.

We're still on track to move to L.A. I need to sell off some stuff and we'll use either USPS (for things like books, clothes and such) or UPS (e.g., bikes, cigar humidor, laptops, dishes, pots). The rest (desk, desktop computer, couch, chairs, kitchen table) we're going to sell off (I'm hoping that it will cover part or all of the shipping costs).

Needless to say, K is thrilled about finally being out of school. Her job prospects look good in her field (social work with a Masters of Social Work). Her mom has connections in the hospital industry in L.A. so that will help.

On the other side of things, work sounds like they will get me a new visa in preparation of a green card (finally!). Hopefully, that will be done sooner than later. Anyways, that's my little update for now.

Sorry for being adrift of late.

**Linus** · 03-10-2010, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by Lori63

My Question (which noone seems to be able to answer)

My IE is currently running without addons, hence Flash, etc. won't work. I restart it, manage my addons(everything is enabled) and it STILL says it's running without addons.

This is just on my account, 4 other accounts on this computer are working just fine.

I have tried reinstalling flash, etc-nothing.

Thanks in advance.

Which version of IE? It sounds like a preference options or something is blocking the load of the plugins. When you reinstalled the plugins was IE running?

Is there a reason you MUST use it? I usually discourage clients from using IE simply because of it's deep ties into the operating system, which in turn can lead to virus, malware, etc. Can you use firefox instead? (Firefox web browser | Faster, more secure, & customizable) It is free and you may find they actually load.

**Linus** · 03-10-2010, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by Kris B

Hi,
I was wondering if there's such a thing as a free web site where it can check my computer to see if there's anything I can do to speed it up?
Thanks,
Kris

Hrmm.. I'll have to look into this one. Usually speed issues are the result of the following:

1. Virus/malware (aka spyware). Often these are poorly coded and can affect the system.

2. Lack of disk space ( c: drive). See how much free space is on the system disk.

3. System is just old and too much is being thrown at it. Reduce the number of "things" running. The simpler the system is, the faster it will run.

Originally Posted by starsapphire

Hi Linus, two questions -

First, I just got a new laptop and I need to get Microsoft Office. Do you know of a cheap website to get it at, or should I just go ahead and order it through the 60 day free trial that I got with the laptop?

Does it have to be Office? You can get OpenOffice for free (OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite). This program will open and save documents in MS Office format. Works the same too.

Second, I would like to be able to surf at wifi hotspots. Do I need a VPN in order to surf safely? Or does Windows 7 have something built in so I don't have to worry? If I need a VPN can you recommend one?

Thanks so much!

It's not the operating system that will make it secure but the protocol. You could use something like WiTopia (WiTopia: Providers of personal VPN services for online privacy, data security, and unblocking Facebook, Twitter, and Skype where censored.) and get a personal VPN option. The reality is that this will likely cost you a bit of money each month so plan on the expense of it. I do believe that in the long run this is an expense worth it since it will protect your important info.

Sorry for the late replies. This thread was supposed to notify me so not sure why I didn't get them.

**frugalfranny** · 03-11-2010, 12:40 AM

HI STRANGER!

I was thinking about you today. Have missed your posts on the reading forums and wondered where you were. Be sure to post to the reading forum so we can get a higher count!

Or ---have you been around and I have just missed the posts?

I got the wave........thanks.!