Having problems with your computer – Virus and programs not working?
I am a strong believer in respecting those who create computer software I use in my own artistic work. It is after all human beings behind everything. And if it was not for them, I would not have a program to work with to begin with. Therefore my tip is to support software makers by using computer programs that one have either bought a license to legally use, or when not having money to pay for computer programs, at least use legally free open source programs. I use both these solutions myself. Payed & Free. And when using FREE open source program, I try to support by donating via PayPal. And this way everyone feel they get the respect they deserve and everyone is happy. And the programs can continue to be developed. And people making these programs, whether payed or free, can go for coffee and a cake at the local coffee shop and enjoy life.
On various internet communities and facebook groups for illustrators, designers and signmakers etcetera, and from around the world, people say they have either problems with the computer or with the computer software they use. And they have often downloaded from some sort of website they rarely mention by name – for whatever reason, and saying they have viruses on their computers. And as a consequence can´t use the graphic programs, or their computer.
So, if you are one of those… if you intend to use the computer again, and the programs, here are my little tips to get you going and to how to make it simple.
Operating System, Windows.
If you bought the computer with a pre-installed operating system, then make a Recovery disk,, DVD or USB memory stick to start with. Now Plug it in and make a Clean install of your computer. Take help from a friend or support somewhere so it is made the correct way.
If you bought a DVD with the operating system, plug it in, and either choose repair or better, a Clean Install. Its recomended to start frsh and new.
Useally one tell people to save all there files. Well if you have viruses in your computer you dont necessarily like to risk getting it back by using files that might lurk around behind a file or in a file. Start new and fresh.
Computer programs.
Regardless if you actually have viruses and malware or not, here are a few tips.
Start by going to www.download.com, and search the website for the programs you need. And click either a download or link forwarding you to the company website.
Buy a legal license. A DVD box or download of the program. Or use a free open source program. Both these can be found on www.download.com. Ask around on good communities or magazine website for tips on computer programs. You can start with these creative magazine website: www.imaginefx.com and www.creativebloq.com
Buy a license for an Internet security program combination. For example Norton Internet Security. It includes both Anti virus program and a Firewall. Or if you dont intend to pay for the software, then go to www.download.com and download ZoneAlarm or AVG. Zone Alarm have a solution with both Antivirus and Firewall. http://download.cnet.com/ZoneAlarm-Free-Antivirus-Firewall/3000-2239_4-75708651.html Install and see to that you make a full search of your computer now and then. Keep it updated.
On download.com look for Ccleaner download.cnet.com/CCleaner/3000-2018_4-10315544.html Another source to find programs for free that you can use is http://www.sourceforge.net
Just a few friendly tips. Good luck and enjoy!
Stefan Lindblad
