InBox

By DON McALLISTER

Welcome to InBox, where we attempt to answer your internet questions.

Q. Peter has noticed that XP seems to be grinding to a halt again; what can be done?

A. Yes Peter, XP seems to be getting overburdened with updates or security patches with this latest wave of intruders & viruses. Try: Control panel/System/Advanced. Under the performance heading hit settings. Under Visual Effects select Adjust for best performance. Visually Windows may react differently, but it runs a lot faster!

If you feel the cause is deeper; find what's using excessive resources by starting Windows Task Manager. Hit CTRL/ALT/DEL, task manager will provide an extensive list of software & system processes running; this list can point you to the true resource hogs; allowing you to eliminate them one by one.

Out of date doesn't mean "open the gate!"

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Q. Daniel writes; My Windows 95 is no longer susceptible to viruses now they're targeting XP! Surely I'm better off staying with older software as I'm at less risk and therefore don't need as much protection?

A. Many new intruders target current systems, but years of accumulated viruses still circulate round the older machines! In fact, these older machines are even more at risk; now that they're forgotten by those who provide protection. Script kiddies are starting to view dated systems as an easy mark by modifying the smart modern infections to suit. Win95, 98 and ME remain at risk and will continue to require regularly updated security.

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Q. What are cpy files? Richard has a large amount of .cpy files on his drive; he'd like to know what they are and what he should do with them.

A. Leave them alone Richard; they're the memory records for System Restore (a safety feature of windows ME and XP that returns your system to an earlier time in the event of a calamity).

Essentially this is a good example of if it's working well; don't fix it!


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