ItsGeekToMe.co

Q: Is there any reason for my computer to be very warm?  When the power is off and the phone line is off, the case is hot, where it just warm when I am using it. I turn it on and the fans run like mad for 3 to 5 minutes.  I could be wrong, […]

Q: After experiencing my first “computer crash”, I am looking for the best solution for a back-up.  I was thinking of using an external hard-drive, but if I get this, will it need security software also?  Would it be protected by my Norton, and guess if it is used as a “back-up” does that mean […]

Q: A while ago I started getting blank e mails with attachments. I wouldn’t open, just delete. I’ve tried going into the properties to find a common thread, because now they are coming every hour or less always from different addresses, so I guess blocking won’t help. Could you give me some ideas as to […]

 Q: I’ve had something happening that I haven’t been able to figure out.  Every time I boot up the computer, I get a window that says “PCHnotify.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close.”  I close the window and continue.  I don’t know what pchnotify is and haven’t been able to find out.  I […]

Q: I run windows XP and download lots of photos on the internet.  I don’t use My Documents, nor the standard folders as my working directory because I like to keep my data files on a drive separate from my operating system and programs.  I’ve been trying to follow the instructions of how to change […]

Q: I have a lot of out of town guests that use my computer while they are in my home. I have confidential financial files in Excel on my XP computer that I use daily, but don’t want guests to be able to access. Is there a way to secure these files so guests cannot […]

Q: I am a “digitally challenged” Senior Citizen, and I am totally in the dark (well, nearly) when it comes to making CD’s and DVD’s. Can you tell me what is the difference between CD- and CD+; DVD- and DVD+; CD+-RW; DVD+-RW and when it is best to use each disk? – Franklin B. Shalimar, […]

Q: When I insert a picture into the body of my email, it is HUGE.  I cannot find the setting to change this. – Melissa Y. Crestview,FL  A: Your pictures appear huge because they ARE huge, Melissa.  I assume you’re trying to e-mail pictures from a digital camera.  Most digital cameras take these “huge” pictures […]

As the column hit its stride this past week and the questions started pouring into my inbox, the issue of computer performance was by far the most popular topic.  I’m sorry I don’t have room to print everybody’s questions, but thanks for writing.  In an effort to speed things up in your cyber world, here […]

Q: I have a 2002 version of Windows XP with all the upgrades. I used to be able to boot-up the PC  and it would come up with the Desktop by itself. I recently had the computer worked on and now whenever I boot-up I have to “click” on a box that says “To begin, […]