The PC Magician's Blog

I have been working with or on personal computers since they were invented. During that time I have helped many, many people with their computer problems.

This will be a place where you can learn about how your computer works, and how to get the most benefit from the power that you have at your fingertips.

Here you will find useful information about  any aspect of computing.

With links, tutorials, how to's, videos, reviews and comments you will find many reasons to return here. I invite you to offer your comments (click the "Post a Comment" link below each post) and share your experiences. Together, we can make our computer problems disappear.


Tuesday
Dec072010

How to Select a New Laptop

If you are thinking of buying a new laptop, here are a few things to consider.

 

In my experience, the average lifespan of a laptop is 3 - 4 years. Given that fact, laptops fall into the category of consumables. As a consumable item, it will have to be replaced in a few years. It doesn't make sense to overspend for a laptop.

Click to read more ...

Saturday
Nov142009

How to Remove a Computer Virus - Part 2

In Part 1 - How to Remove a Computer Virus, I said, you can't remove a computer virus.

Don't even try to. It is a total waste of time.

After your computer has been compromised, the only way to be certain that it is "clean" is to back up your data, reformat (erase) the hard drive and reinstall the operating system from a known good source.

There  is hope, however. Computer malware infections are much easier to prevent than they are to treat. Only one of the preventative measures costs any money.

How to Protect Yourself Against Computer Viruses

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Friday
Nov132009

How to Remove a Computer Virus - Part 1

How can you remove a computer virus? The short answer is - you can't!

Don't even try to. It is a total waste of time.

There was a time a few years ago, when you had a shot at sucessfully disinfecting a computer. Those days are over. Today virus writers have become more skillful and there is a profit motive to having a virus hide itself on your computer.

After your computer has been compromised, the only way to be certain that it is "clean" is to back up your data, reformat (erase) the hard drive and reinstall the operating system from a known good source.

(You have backed up your data recently, haven't you?)

Why do viruses target your computer?

Here is how the "virus business" works.

Click to read more ...