Does Your Computer Keeps Freezing? Try These Steps

Computer Freezing can be very annoying, especially if you are in the middle of doing something important. If your computer Freezes, but was working ok yesterday, try a System Restore. Choose a point a few days back when you know it was working properly. If your computer is frozen up try hitting the Escape (Esc) key a few times. If your Mouse is still working, restart your computer. If nothing is moving, you will have to hit the Off button. You may have to hold it in for up to 5 seconds. Once you have turned it off, it is important to wait at least 20 seconds before turning it back on again.

If it continues to freeze - Have you installed any new software recently, including updates to Video Drivers or programs such as Flash Player? If so, uninstall these and restart your computer. If you still have Keyboard and Mouse control when your computer stops responding, this usually indicates a software issue. Start you PC in 'Safe Mode' by repeatedly pressing F8 as your system boots. Then run a full scan with your Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs. If everything is frozen up solid, then it is most likely a hardware problem. Have you installed any new hardware, including Memory Modules or a USB device? Remove any new internal hardware and remove all external devices apart from Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse.

If it now works fine, plug them back in, one at a time. Did you change any settings, including your Screen saver? If you did, reverse these settings or use System Restore, picking a point before you altered things. Heat, is another common reason for your Computer to Freeze. Open your case and make sure all the fans are working, particularly the CPU fan. With your Computer powered down and unplugged, blow off any dust from the fan blades and Case air vents. Clean off and apply a new smear of thermal grease between your CPU and Heat sink. Another common reason for Computer Freezing, is your system Registry. Over time this can become extremely cluttered with old and unused files. Run a reputable Registry Clean-Up utility.

What Are Trojan Viruses Exactly ?

To those who spend hours on the Web, knowing the facts about Trojan viruses is a must. If you store personal info on your PC, learning to protect yourself from these programs is necessary.

Definition

Technically, these aren't viruses. These are actually programs / software. However their actions and purpose are the same as viruses. For average computer users, the definition isn't as important as knowing how to spot and eliminate them.

What the Viruses Can Do

Their activities are often called payloads or attacks. These are classified into different types. Remote attacks go after FTP or HTTP servers. They can interrupt downloading of files. These viruses can also interfere with server requests and other processes. These Trojan viruses can also hack into proxy servers.

Payloads aren't limited to networks. Once active they can destroy files on hard disks. Others will attack the boot system. Once this happens the PC won't be able to boot up. Others are able to get personal information and passwords. These are relayed to various sites via HTTP.

The Way the Virus Works

It's impossible to give a standard process. These are created by different programmers. They do share common characteristics though. The most important is that they operate in secret. Most of the time, users won't know it's been activated. Only when the Trojan viruses are doing their damage will it be apparent.

How the Viruses Get in a PC

One way is by downloading. A user downloads a game or other software. He or she is unaware that the virus is included in the software. When the game is run, the virus is installed with it.

Another way is through email. The virus is attached to the email. The user unknowingly opens it, infecting the computer. Often, the attachment is passed on to other users. The scenario repeats itself, and that's how it spreads.

Not to be discounted are pirate software. These come in DVD / CD or downloaded from the Web. Both sources are filled with Trojan viruses and other malware.

Protecting Yourself

Get an antivirus application. Install it and download the updates regularly. Run a virus scan whenever you download software. Never turn it off when you are online. Run a full virus scan at least every week. An anti spyware program will also help. Use it in conjunction with your antivirus software.

Always back up your documents. It should be done weekly at the very least. If your system is infected, run the virus scanner first. Don't back them up until your computer has been cleared.

Never open an email attachment without scanning it. Don't just rely on the email service scanner. Run one yourself. Needless to say, you should never use pirated software. Never install Active X or Java applets from suspicious looking websites.

Always read up on the latest news about Trojan viruses. You can never be too careful when it comes to your files. Take all the necessary precautionary steps as suggested. This will keep your data safe.