Tech Nerd

The only Web page you'll ever need for computing advice. We help the needy and make fun of those that are too dumb to spyware and virus scan. On top of that, we use gangster lingo.
Disclaimer: Tech Nerd columnists, nor anyone from PurplePJs, do not condone or encourage illegal activity or breaking your parents rules. Articles on this page are here for the sole purpose of information. Please consult your local laws and/or parents before undertaking activities of questionable legality.

OMG MY TASKBAR MOVED:|

I can't believe I couldn't figure this out, but anyway here's my question. I somehow pulled my taskbar (the thing with the start button - if that's what it's called) to the right side and now I can't get it to go back to the bottom of the screen. It is extremely annoying and awkward. Help! Ummm (a Windows XP-user), 14 from United States

Mia's comment: On the side nearest the center of the monitor, go right near the edge. Hopefully, a little icon, which is a double-sided arrow, show appear. Click the edge and drag it back to place.

Virus scanner=Spyware detector?

Is there a difference between a Spy-ware detector and a Virus scanner? I have a spy-ware program but I'm not sure if this is effective for viruses also. If I need a virus scanner too, are there free ones available to download? Kisya (a Windows XP-user), 15 from Saskatchewan, CAN

Mia's comment: From what I can see, a lot of Spy-ware does not scan for viruses. But, however, some do. A good one to use is Norton Internet security, but, depending on which site you download Norton from, you can only get paid versions. Also, Norton can be an idiot to uninstall, needing special software to uninstall it. Search around for one you think would be best *smiles*

As for free virus software, I really do recommend Avast! anti-virus, home edition. You have a 60-day trial, and then you have to register it(for free, of course!), and registration has to be renewed every year. I use it at home, and it works wonders!!!!!

Auto start ups

I really don't mean to sound really stupid, but, how do you stop auto-start ups? This is the main issue (among others) with my computer. Also, I can't have more than two (sometimes less) windows up at a time otherwise my computer has a hissy fit! Help! I'm a college student so I really need my laptop. em (a Windows XP-user), 19 from United States

Mia's comment: From past experience, auto-start ups are more to do with the program, not the actual computer itself. Usually in the program options.

As for the computer having a hissy fit when opening more than one window, you made need to go through Anna's steps on speeding up your computer from last time. If you look through the Archives, you should find that. *smiles*

Feedback to Anna...

I just wanted to say thanks for the tips on speeding up your computer! That's always something I'm concerned with and it was great to find ways to make my computer faster. Thanks again! Julia (a Windows XP-user), 15 from Pennsylvania, USA

Anna's comment: Hey thanks! I'm glad they helped you!

Geek Out!

If something on your computer's screwing up, hit up the submission form and let us know what's going down. Make sure you spyware and virus scan first, though, otherwise we'll just ostracize you.
Sex:

External Resources

CD Burning Software:
RealPlayer - Thinger that plays .RM and .RA files.
Windows Media Player - Another player that plays .wma files and burns and rips CDs
iTunes - Supports or converts all music file types. To burn a CD, make a playlist and hit the Burn Disk button.

Browser Hijack/Spyware removal
Ad-Aware - Detects and removes 'spy ware'
Spyware Blaster - Can help reverse spyware damage

Email Providers:
Digital Me - Provided free by Novell, nice features, web-based
Mailshell - Costs $3 a month but can block 99.5% of spam
MochaMail - Has a variety of mail pickup options, free
MyOwnEmail - Not only is it free, it has spiffy domain names

HTML Tools and Tutorials:
1st Page 2000 - Free HTML editing software
HTML Code Tutorial - Free reference for HTML help+forums
HTML Goodies - Tutorials and reference materials
Lissa Explains - Great girl powered HTML advice site

Music/File Sharing:
Bearshare - Free version has ads, pay version doesn't
Drumbeat - File-sharing network client for MAC users

Free and Legal MP3 downloads:
Artist Direct - Lots of free and legal MP3s here
GarageBand - Listen to up and coming bands then rate them!
Peoplesound - A worldwide MP3 distributor

Virus/Trojan protection:
AVG Anti-Virus - Free anti virus software - download required
Avast Antivirus - Some more free antivirus software
Housecall - Free Virus Scan -no software installation needed
ZoneAlarm - Free software firewall program from ZoneLabs

Miscellaneous:
Boot Disks - Download emergency boot disks
PC PitStop - Free PC performance tune-up
Pop-up killers - Advice and links to pop-up killers

Getting a 'Promulgate Universal' XP error or DelFin ads?
Open control panel and click ADD/REMOVE programs then find DelFin Media Viewer and click remove. When done run Ad-Aware (available for download above). Then reboot and you should be fine.

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