Frequently Asked Questions-Miscellaneous

A: Defragging rearranges your hard drive's files in order to access it faster and better. Defragging your computer adds some speed (but do not expect miracles). As you load files and even perform normal tasks your hard drive becomes fragmented, but defragging puts everything in it's proper place. Think of it like this: you are a secretary you have a room full of files. The forms are all unorganized and scattered throughout the room. If you organize these files, of course it will be easier and faster to find a specific file. Your computer is doing the same thing, organizing the files in order to have an easier and faster retrieval.    

To learn how to defrag your computer visit our tutorial-How to Defrag Your Computer (VISTA)

A: It is recommended, but not required. Defragging improves the speed and functionality of your computer so it is always better to defrag every week or so. If you do not defrag it will not destroy anything, but you will see a gradually slower performance from the computer. 

To learn how to defrag your computer visit our tutorial-How to Defrag Your Computer (VISTA)

A: An operating system is software that manages and coordinates the activities and resources of a computer. Microsoft Windows is an operating system. The computer will turn on without an operating system but you will not be able to do a thing with it. Windows XP and VISTA are the most widely used operating systems currently and we sell them both here at RPC Computers.

A: When your computer no longer fits your needs.

A: There are usually two reasons why you get this error.
     #1. You do not have enough RAM to support your computer anymore.
     #2. You have a program/application with a memory leak. 

   Now if you do not know which of the two categories your computer fits into I strongly suggest bringing the computer in for have it diagnosed. Here at RPC Computers we have free estimates, so you will know how much a repair will cost and how long it will take. RPC Computer's Contact Information

A: A virus is a program that can come into your computer without permission (through the internet for the most part) and copy itself in your hard drive to corrupt and infect your files. Most common ways to get a virus is through downloading files, watching online videos that ask to install a program, opening an attachment on an e-mail, or visiting an infected website. The best way to protect yourself from a virus is to have Anti-Virus installed on your computer. If you have a virus on your computer we, here at RPC Computers, offer virus removal services. 

A: Spyware is a program that comes into a computer without the owner's permission and take partial control over the computer and monitors the owner's actions. The best way not to get spyware on your computer is to install an Anti-Spyware program on your computer and run it often.  

A: When choosing Anti-Virus it is always in your best interest to choose the brand name, main stream Anti-Viruses (e.g. McAfee, AVG, Norton, etc). Now it is also very important to understand your computer's capability and what features you want/need from an Anti-Virus. Norton's has been known to corrupt some computers. Now here at RPC Computers we sell McAfee 2008 Security Suite. When a computer is installed (here at the store) we only install what is necessary and will not take over your computer. If your Anti-Virus is a good product and is not bypassed you have an incredibly slim chance of getting a virus.

A: No, stacking multi Anti-Viruses on top of each other creates nothing but problems. The Anti-Viruses will begin to conflict and block each other out, it is always better to use one good Anti-Virus. In this case, more is less. 

Have a miscellaneous question you want to ask?
e-mail it to bob@rpccomputers.com 

Last Edited: 08/04/2009 11:49