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)

Answered by Lydia

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)

Answered by Lydia

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.

Answered by Bob

A: When your computer no longer fits your needs.

Answered by Lydia

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

Answered by Lydia

Anti-Virus

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. 

Answered by Lydia

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.  

Answered by Lydia

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.

Answered by Lydia 

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. 

Answered by Lydia

Internet

A: To learn how to in our tutorial-How to delete history, cookies, passwords, etc.

Answered by Lydia

A: As far as it being legal, yes the program is legal but only if you are using it to download files that are not copyright protected. Let me rephrase that for emphasis, it is illegal to use file sharing programs to download copyrighted music, video, images, software, or files. 

As far as the program being harmful to your computer, well if you download a file that is from a virus or spyware infected computer that virus or spyware can be transferred to your computer. So yes the program can harm your computer. 

Answered by Lydia 

A: No, as long as it is from a reputable website.   If you have McAfee or any other Anti-Virus program that will grade the websites when you do a search, pay attention to the website's threat level. If the website has a red X (for McAfee users) do not visit the website, it could prove to be  hazardous to your computer. In no way does RPC Computers condone illegal downloading, these suggestions are meant to be used for downloading Freeware. 

Answered by Lydia

A: No, Myspace is not bad. People who are on Myspace and websites that provide Myspace graphics and codes can be bad though. When searching for Myspace graphics, layout codes, or whatever use caution because many of these websites are not to be trusted. If you have McAfee or any other Anti-Virus program that will grade the websites when you do a search, pay attention to the website's threat level. If the website has a red X (for McAfee users) as pictured below, do not visit the website, it could prove to be  hazardous to your computer.

Now as for Myspace people, a recent study said there are thousands of sex offenders on Myspace. As long as your add people with caution and do not give out any personal information to people you do not know, everything should be good. You really should weigh your options when it comes to letting your children on Myspace. I would never suggest it, but that doesn't mean it will stop. The minimum age of myspace is 13 for a reason. If you do, monitor your children's friends and activities to ensure the safety of your child.  

Answered by Lydia

A: No, not at all. The ads can be annoying but Youtube is a wonderful website. There are some distasteful videos but that is expected. Whereas Youtube is clean, many video sharing websites are not.   If you have McAfee or any other Anti-Virus program that will grade the websites when you do a search, pay attention to the website's threat level. If the website has a red X (for McAfee users) do not visit the website, it could prove to be  hazardous to your computer.

Answered by Lydia

A: Yes, especially by opening attachments. Even if the person unintentionally sent you are virus, by opening that attachment you would be exposing your computer to that virus. Anyone (aware or unaware of it) can send you a virus through an e-mail, if they already have the virus on their computer. If you are not sure what an attachment is, it is a downloadable file you attach to an e-mail instead of sending that file in the message are of the e-mail. An attachment usually has a paperclip next to it.

Answered by Lydia

A: No, for the most part that is a problem with your internet. If your internet suddenly starts running slow more than likely that has to do with your connection and not your computer. Rarely is there ever a problem with the computer that is manifesting itself in online activity. Now, if you had a bad internet card, you would not be able to get online at all, so that can not be blamed for slow connectivity. (This is assuming that you do not have any spyware or viruses)

Answered by Lydia