GENERAL

Advantages of Dial-Up Internet
Annoyance Removal
AVG Anti-virus
Before calling Technical Support (print for later reference)
Caring for your Computer
Computer Literacy Levels
Computer Security
Dialer - General information
Dialer - Keeps popping up for no reason
Dialup - My computer keeps dialing an old connection
Dialup - Setting up a new connection
Dialup Accelerator
Disclaimer
Firewall information
Microsoft Internet Explorer - Content Advisor password unknown
Microsoft Security Issues
Pop-ups
Pornography addiction
Safe Mode
Spyware advice
Updating the Microsoft Windows Operating System
Upgrading Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook Express
Virus advice
Your username


Back to HELP DESK

ADVANTAGES OF DIAL-UP INTERNET

Dial-up Networking started it all. Sure, high-speed connections are making a big impact, but dial-up still has value. Some of our customers require high-speed connections for various reasons, that's why we offer it. However, for those of you who are satisfied with dial-up, but are doubting it's long-term viability, consider this:

• Dial-up is mobile. You can't take your high-speed connection with you when you travel, but you can take your laptop and your dial-up connection.
• Because of bandwidth limits, dial-up is harder to hack. High-speed connections are much more attractive to hackers, and capable of sustaining larger, more aggressive, bandwidth hogging hacker programs and connections.
• Dial-up is more economical.
• Dial-up does not require a contract or commitment. You pay as you go.
• Dial-up is reliable. Telephone lines have been around a long time. Many high-speed coverage areas are based on new technology and equipment. And we all know that the introduction of new computer technology can sometimes be problematic.
• Dial-up is fast enough for the browsing and email needs of many people and families. Faster connections don't always result in faster data flow. Why? Because...
• ...your connection may be fast, but the connection at the site you are visiting may not be
• ...if you are visiting a popular sight, then chances are, so are thousands of others. If that site has not invested heavily in computer equipment to withstand the load, the result with be slow throughput, or no throughput (page cannot be displayed).
• ...there may be a breakdown in communication somewhere between the site you are trying to visit, and you

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ANNOYANCE REMOVAL

Here are some tricks we've found to help you removing annoying programs from your computer. Please DO NOT call our Technical Support department regarding these issues; we are simply relaying useful information regarding programs that we did not create and therefore cannot maintain. These instructions require an INTERMEDIATE Computer Literacy Level.

• CoolWebSearch (browser hijacking)
• Look for and remove IEFEATSL from your ADD & REMOVE PROGRAMS in CONTROL PANEL
• Flashlightsearch (browser hijacking)
• Method 1
1. Reboot computer using boot diskette
2. Delete c:\windows\msmgt.exe
• Method 2
1. Delete the folder c:\program files\tv media
2. Note: this will remove TVMBHO.DLL, tvmuknwrd.dll, TvmLg.dll, tvmknwrd.dll, tvmcwrd.dll, TvmCore.dll, and Tvm.exe
• IWantSearch.Com (browser hijacking)
• Look for and remove SBSOFT from your ADD & REMOVE PROGRAMS in CONTROL PANEL
• You may want to restore your computer to a previous state. This won't necessarily remove a virus, but for cases of annoying programs that are difficult to remove, restoring to a point prior to loading the program could help.
• Windows ME users: CLICK HERE
• Windows XP users: CLICK HERE

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AVG ANTI-VIRUS

AVG is a free anti-virus program available from the Internet (please refer our LINKS page). AFO does not provide support for this product. However, we do track and post hints and tips as we come across them.

• If AVG does not update:
  1. Double-click the AVG icon in the lower-right corner of your screen (or double-click the AVG desktop icon, then click CONTROL CENTER)
  2. Highlight the UPDATE MANAGER box
  3. Click the SETTINGS button at the bottom
  4. In the DIAL-UP tab:
  • Put a check in USE DIAL-UP CONNECTION
  • Put a dot in ASK BEFORE CONNECTION
  5. Save your settings and exit

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BEFORE CALLING TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Before calling Technical Support...

• Shutdown your computer, turn it off, then back on. See if the problem remains.
• If you have a dial-up connection and you notice your phone conversations are not perfectly clear, request a phone line quality check from the phone company. Reputable phone companies should provide this service free of charge. They will tell you that the following three things can interfere with your phone service. If you have any of these, try disconnecting all of them to see if your service improves. Phone line quality influences connection speed, and interference isn't always audible.
• Cordless phones.
• Fax machines.
• Home security systems which automatically call out when the alarm goes off.

If the above does not resolve the problem, and you decide to call, here's some advice:

• When instructed to click something, always left-click unless told to right-click

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CARING FOR YOUR COMPUTER

Computers, in some ways, are just like cars or any other machine. A computer needs preventative maintenance. Just like a car, various things can go wrong inside the computer (both hardware and software), but it may still continue to limp along until there are just to many things broken. Many times, our customers call us thinking they have a connection problem, when in fact they have a computer problem. Here's some advice on how to keep your computer running smoothly.

• Don't leave your computer on all the time. It's a common misconception that turning a computer off somehow causes harm. It's true that electronics last longer if the temperature does not fluctuate (hot when powered on, cold when powered off). However, computers are not just electronic; there are also moving mechanical parts (fans and drive motors) that can still wear out. So, from a hardware standpoint, it's still best to turn the computer off at night when you are done.
  
  The most important reason to turn off a computer each night is to reset the hardware and software. You would be amazed at how many problems this will resolve. If you must keep your computer on, then at least do a complete shut-down, power off, then power on once a day.
  
  Do not use the SLEEP option to shut down your computer. This does not reset the software. if the shutdown does not complete normally (the computer locks-up and you have to press the off switch), then this is an indication of other serious problems which probably affect your Internet service. If your computer does not shutdown normally, professional attention is required.



• Do your Windows Updates regularly (twice a month). Newer computers will do them automatically (some will let you know what's happening, some won't). CLICK HERE for instructions.



• Always have an anti-virus program running, and make sure it is updated with the latest virus definition files. If you don't have an anti-virus program, CLICK HERE to visit our LINKS page for recommendations. Don't forget! An anti-virus program that is not updated is worse than no protection at all! Why? Because without the latest virus signatures, it has no way to detect the latest viruses. The program is wasting valuable computer resources which could be better used by other necessary programs. Furthermore, you would have a false sense of security thinking you were protected.



• Ensure your Microsoft Internet Explorer settings are correct. If you attempt to adjust them, you may get unpredictable results. If you increase security, you will be more secure but won't be able to do anything or go anywhere on the Internet. Do the following to return to normal settings:
1. Bring up Microsoft Internet Explorer
2. Click TOOLS, then INTERNET OPTIONS
3. Click the SECURITY tab along the top
4. If you do not see the word MEDIUM in bold under SECURITY LEVEL, then click DEFAULT LEVEL then move the slider to MEDIUM
5. Click APPLY
6. Click the PRIVACY tab along the top
7. If you do not see the word MEDIUM in bold under SETTINGS, then click DEFAULT LEVEL then move the slider to MEDIUM
8. Click APPLY
9. Click the ADVANCED tab along the top
10. Click the RESTORE DEFAULTS button
11. Click APPLY
12. Click OK



• Ensure you have the latest version of your Internet browser. If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer, CLICK HERE for instructions. If you use Netscape, visit www.netscape.net, scroll down and look for the latest version along the left panel.



• Remove programs you no longer need. They take up space on your computer's hard drive, and many have components that run in the background all the time (thus slowing down your computer). Use the following procedure to remove programs (do not simply delete icons and files directly from the hard drive).
1. Click PROGRAMS, SETTINS, CONTROL PANEL, ADD & REMOVE PROGRAMS.
2. Look through the list and select programs you no longer need.
3. Click the CHANGE/REMOVE button and follow instructions precisely.
• Defragment your hard-drive monthly. This consolidates empty space and speeds up your computer. Here's how:
• Microsoft Windows
1. Click START
2. Click PROGRAMS
3. Click ACCESSORIES
4. Click SYSTEM TOOLS
5. Click DISK DEFRAGMENTER
• It's a good idea to download a spare browser in case your primary browser breaks. You don't have to use it, but it will be there when you need it. Don't forget to tell Tech Support you have a spare browser available. Here are some suggestions:
  • Firefox (smaller & easier to use)
  • Mozilla (more comprehensive)
• Backup important information often. Hard disk crashes are usually unexpected. The more important the information on your computer is, the more often you should make copies. It's safest to backup to a separate hard drive, CD, or tape. Small quantities may be backed up to diskette. You'll have to be fairly computer literate to find out where all the data is stored on your computer (as opposed to software applications, which don't need to be backed up). If you are unsure where to find data files, you'll need some help from someone with more experience.
• Remove unnecessary software from your computer. Many times people install programs, then stop using them for whatever reason. Removing useless software opens up storage space, frees up processor power (otherwised used by software running in the background), and generally makes your computer run better. This can be done by clicking START, SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL, ADD & REMOVE PROGRAMS. Go through the list and get rid of what you don't need.
• Remove software from other Internet Service Providers. It's best to have only one ISP configured at a time. This prevents conflicts and interference. Here's a list of what to look for:
• Access Ramp
• AOL
• AT&T Worldnet
• Bell South
• Compuserve
• Earthlink
• Juno
• Mindspring
• MSN
• NetZero
• Prodigy
• Remove any other filters which may conflict with the AFO Browsing filter. Here's a list of what to look for:
• CONTENT ADVISOR in Internet Explorer. To check this, open Internet Explorer and click TOOLS, INTERNET OPTIONS, CONTENT. The button should read ENABLE. If the button reads DISABLE, then you must click it and disable the CONTENT ADVISOR using the password which was provided when it was originally enabled.
• Cybersitter
• Dynacomm
• Kidsnet
• McAfee Parental Controls
• Microsoft Internet Explorer Content Advisor
• My Family Explorer
• Netmop
• Weblocker
• Install expensive and sophisticated Internet Protection software and Firewalls at your own risk! These products (examples: Norton and McAfee both have firewalls and Internet Security Suites) are very difficult to configure properly, and usually end up blocking your access to the Internet, e-mail, or both. Furthermore, you may think you have the product set up, but then later receive an automated update which causes problems. We realize you are only trying to protect yourself, but loading these products often result in a situation where the cure is worse than the disease. We cannot assist you with configuring these products.
• Stop downloading Spyware, and get rid of the spyware you probably have. CLICK HERE to read more about it under the SPYWARE topic on this web page.
• If you're a Windows XP user, we advise against using profiles (setting up individual users on the computer). Here's why:
• Users often set up different profiles, and then log into each profile and set up individual mail accounts using Outlook or Outlook Express, expecting the email will go to the right place. It often doesn't, and we get calls wondering why the children are getting dad's email, or vice versa.
• Software installed under one profile, often doesn't work when started from another.
• Software installed under a profile other than the ADMINISTRATOR, often doesn't work properly.
• Software that is uninstalled under a profile other than the ADMINISTRATOR, often doesn't uninstall properly.
• Families sometimes loose track of which account is the ADMINISTRATOR and what the password is.
• The original ADMINISTRATOR account (which came with the computer) probably has capabilities that subsequent ADMINISTRATORS don't have. If access to that account is lost or forgotten, there may be certain necessary administrative functions that are no longer available.
• The use of Profiles may cause future family disputes when children or adult family members lock out other family members. We've even dealt with cases where children have reduced the capabilities of parents to supervise their activities on the computer by giving themselves Administrative capabilities, then reducing the priveledges of their parents accounts. Safe computing = computing that is out in the open.
• If you're a Windows XP user, and you're using Profiles, please make sure you are always signed on as ADMINISTRATOR when doing any administrative tasks (adding/upgrading/removing software, performing Operating System maintenance or upgrades, etc.).
• Purchase and use an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) because a power interruption while the computer is in operation can have very bad results, especially if the computer was writing to the hard disk at the time. If a critical system file becomes corrupt, you may have to reload the operating system to recover. Even worse, brown-outs or spikes can damage the computer's hardware components. A good quality UPS will protect your computer from these threats.
• Periodically clean out unecessary programs which start when your computer boots up. This is an ADVANCED procedure requiring you to access your AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS, WIN.INI, REGISTRY, and STARTUP GROUP. Due to the complexity of this topic, it is not detailed here.
• It's a good idea to periodically wipe your computer clean and reload everything back on. This permanently removes any problems that have arisen over time, and puts the computer back the way it was when you bought it. Computers are like cars in some ways because they require periodic maintenance, even occasional overhauls. Just like cars, various things can break down on computers (software and hardware), yet the computer will still run (although in a degraded state). Eventually, enough things break, and the computer no longer works.
  
  It's important to do a HARD DRIVE FORMAT before you reload the Operating System. Many people and service technicians take a shortcut and simply reload the Operating System--which DOES NOT wipe the computer clean. If you're going to go through the time and effort of reloading your Operating System, it's best to do it right! By the way, this procedure isn't for the faint of heart (ADVANCED users only).
• From time to time, you'll need professional assistance in solving a computer problem. Here are a few suggestions:
• Contact the support line for your computer's manufacturer
• Contact a support service (for a price) at Speakwithageek.com
• Bring your PC to a local repair shop
• Visit your local library, bookstore, or online retailer (Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, BooksAMillion.com), and pick up a how-to book--there's oodles of them!
• Treat a computer-expert friend to dinner in exchange for some assistance with your problem

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COMPUTER LITERACY LEVELS

These levels are provided (tongue in cheek) so you know if you can tackle some of the stuff elsewhere on this page. The levels are only used when necessary, and are not listed in every topic.

• Beginner
• 00 - I don't know anything about computers; I'm just happy I found this article
• 01 - I know enough to be dangerous (I sometimes cause problems)
• 02 - I know how to add, use, and remove programs
• Intermediate
• 03 - I know how to add, use, and remove files
• 04 - I know how to backup and restore files and applications
• 05 - I know enough to be helpful (I often fix problems)
• 06 - I know how to reload my Operating System
• Advanced
• 07 - I know how to use computer configuration files (autoexec, BIOS, config.sys, win.ini, registry, etc.)
• 08 - I know how to reformat my computer and fully restore it to an operational state
• 09 - I know how to build and repair computers
• 10 - I know how to build, repair, and program computers

This is a good spot to mention that a parent's level should always be greater than the child's. We've dealt with many cases where children have pulled the wool over their parents eyes using advanced computing skills. If you take parenting seriously, and you choose to place a computer in your home and connect it to the Internet, then you should plan to learn as much as you can about how it works. We've had to turn away callers, some desperate for help, because there are many things that simply cannot be done over the phone (or, we're being asked to assist with issues which are beyond our expertise). We do the best we can to give you advice and links here in the Help Desk, but our Technicians are not trained to support what is not ours. We'll set up your Internet and your email, the rest is up to you!

How can I increase my level?

• Read. There are numerous books available which are tailored to each level, from entry to experienced. Visit your library or bookstore to begin your journey.
• Attend classes at your local library, college, or university
• Learn online. Click HELP DESK, then LINKS, and scroll down to the TECHNICAL section to see what we've found.

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COMPUTER SECURITY

CLICK HERE for a 10 July 2004 message from the president of AFO regarding computer security.

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DIALER - GENERAL INFORMATION

Some of our customers are using the AFO Dialer. If you're not sure if you are using our dialer, look on your desktop for a symbol which looks like this:

If you have the symbol, you are using our dialer.

INSTALLATION

• To install the dialer
1. Double-click the install file you were provided by AFO Technical Support
2. Answer YES to "Would you like to install the AFO.NET Internet dialer?
3. Read and accept the Terms and Conditions
4. Answer OK to "Install complete"
• To set up the dialer
1. You will see a new icon on your desktop (image above)
2. Double-click the icon
3. Enter your username (the part of your email address which is in front of the @ sign)
4. Enter your password
5. Click SELECT
6. There are two methods in which to select a dialup number: by state/city, or by area code
7. Select the desired number by clicking on it
8. Click OK
9. Click OK to the verification screen
10. To see how the number will be dialed, click PROPERTIES and look at DIAL AS:

Note: the list of dialup numbers is updated automatically.
• To dial a prefix to get an outside line
1. Click PROPERTIES
2. Enter the prefix in TO ACCESS AN OUTSIDE LINE, DIAL (LOCAL)
3. Click OK

CONFIGURATION

• To disable call-waiting
1. Click PROPERTIES
2. Place a check in the box to the left of TO DISABLE CALL WAITING, DIAL:
3. Click the down arrow in the box to the right and select the appropriate deactivation code. If you do not know the code, check your phone book (front pages), or call your phone company.
• To use 10 digit dialing (after phone number has been selected)
1. Click PROPERTIES
2. Enter AREA CODE
3. Click USE 10 DIGIT DIALING
4. Click OK
• To use 11 digit dialing (after phone number has been selected)
1. Click PROPERTIES
2. Enter AREA CODE
3. Enter 1 in TO ACCESS AN OUTSIDE LINE, DIAL (LOCAL)
4. Click USE 10 DIGIT DIALING
5. Click OK
• To remember or forget password
1. Click OPTIONS
2. Check or un-check the SAVE PASSWORD option depending upon what you want
3. Click OK
• To make AFO the DEFAULT Internet connection
1. Click OPTIONS
2. Click a check in the box next to SET AS THE DEFAULT INTERNET CONNECTION
3. Click OK
• To disconnect your computer automatically if the dialup connection is not being used
1. Click OPTIONS
2. Click a check in the box next to DISCONNECT IF IDLE FOR 20 MINUTES
3. Click OK
• To be notified prior to automatic disconnection
1. Click OPTIONS
2. Click a check in the box next to PROMPT TO DISCONNECT
3. Click OK
• To see a continuous display of data transfer information while online
1. Click OPTIONS
2. Click a check in the box next to SHOW MINI-STATS WINDOW
3. Click OK
• To bring up your Internet browser automatically after going online
1. Click OPTIONS
2. Click a check in the box next to AUTO LAUNCH DEFAULT BROWSER UPON MANUAL CONNECTION
3. Click OK
• To dial using a number that's not in the dialer's list
1. Click SELECT
2. Click NEW PHONE NUMBER
3. Enter the seven-digit number
4. If you must dial the area code to make a local call, click a check next to USE DIALING RULES, then enter the area code
5. Click OK
6. Click OK to the confirmation page
• To view call history
1. Click OPTIONS
2. Under the OPTIONS tab, click the CALL LOG button
• To switch to another modem
1. Click OPTIONS
2. Under the MODEM tab, select another modem from the drop-down box

TROUBLESHOOTING

• If you are seeing a NAME MISMATCH message, instructions follow:
1. CLICK HERE to visit our LINKS page
2. Scroll to the DIALER section and click AFO FULL SERVICE DIALER
3. Click SAVE and save the file to your desktop (choose DESKTOP in the SAVE IN box at the top)
4. The file will download and create an icon on your desktop called afofsd.exe
5. Disconnect from the Internet
6. Click START, SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL, ADD & REMOVE PROGRAMS
7. Find AFO.NET dialer and click CHANGE/REMOVE to uninstall it
8. Close out of everything and find the afofsd.exe icon on your desktop. Double-click the icon to install the new dialer.
9. Again find the afofsd.exe icon on your desktop and right-click it, then choose DELETE
10. Follow the installation instructions at the top of this topic
• If your dialer is otherwise acting strangely, you should try to download a new one
1. CLICK HERE to visit our LINKS page to select the dialer you need
2. Once you find the appropriate dialer, click the link and SAVE it to a place you will be able to find later
3. Disconnect from the Internet
4. Click START, SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL, ADD & REMOVE PROGRAMS
5. Click AFO.NET DIALER
6. Click CHANGE/REMOVE
7. Click OK
8. Follow the installation directions at the top of this topic

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DIALER - KEEPS POPPING UP FOR NO REASON

If your AFO Dialer keeps popping up for no reason, please try the following. Procede down the list. After each step, test to determine if the problem remains. There is no need to continue if the problem has been resolved.

1. Bring up Internet Explorer and click TOOLS, INTERNET OPTIONS, CONNECTIONS, and select DIAL WHENEVER A NETWORK CONNECTION IS NOT PRESENT
2. Click the Windows START button in the lower-left corner of the display. Click SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL, ADD & REMOVE PROGRAMS and remove all unnecessary programs.
3. For Windows XP users:
1. START, PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES, COMMUNICATIONS, NETWORK CONNECTIONS
2. On the menu bar along the top, click ADVANCED, and choose DIAL-UP PREFERENCES In the AUTODIAL tab
3. Un-check ALWAYS ASK ME BEFORE AUTODIALING
4. Check DISABLE AUTODIAL WHILE I AM LOGGED ON
4. Run the AFO DIALER and click OPTIONS; Un-check SET AS THE DEFAULT INTERNET CONNECTION
5. Download and install Ad-Aware from our LINKS page

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DIAL-UP - MY COMPUTER KEEPS DIALING AN OLD ISP

• For Windows 95/98 users:
  1. From the desktop, double-click on MY COMPUTER, then DIAL-UP NETWORKING.
  2. There you should see two icons. The first should be MAKE NEW CONNECTION. The second should be AFO.
  3. Delete all additional dial-up icons.Warning: If you have more than one Internet Account, do not delete the ones you still use. You will not be able connect to them if you do. It is also recommend that you check your email settings to ensure that Outlook Express is not trying to get mail from those old accounts.
• For Windows XP users:
  1. Click START, ALL PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES, COMMUNICATIONS, NETWORK CONNECTIONS.
  2. There you should see one icon: AFO.
  3. Delete all additional dial-up icons.Warning: If you have more than one Internet Account, do not delete the ones you still use. You will not be able connect to them if you do. It is also recommend that you check your email settings to ensure that Outlook Express is not trying to get mail from those old accounts.

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DIALUP ACCELERATOR

Ever since I downloaded a new filter, my Dialup Accelerator is not working

1. Double-click the lightbulb icon in the lower-right corner of your desktop
2. Click PERSONAL FIREWALL on the left
3. Click INTRUSION NOTIFICATION at the bottom
4. Click ADD
5. Browse to C:\Program Files\SlipStream Web Accelerator\slipaccel.exe
6. Click OPEN
7. Click APPLY then OK
8. Exit the Control Center

DIAL UP ACCELERATOR ERROR: SLIPSTREAM WAS UNABLE TO CONNECT TO THE REMOTE SLIPSTREAM.

1. To correct this error, please uninstall your accelerator by clicking START, SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL, ADD & REMOVE PROGRAMS, and click on SLIPSTREAM and remove it.
2. Then come back to this spot and CLICK HERE or go to our HELP DESK, LINKS, DIALUP section and click the WEB ACCELERATOR link there.
3. Download and install the program. When prompted for username/password, enter the same username/password you use when dialing up.

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DISCLAIMER

Advice and links are researched and provided for your convenience to assist you with a variety of issues. Links do not constitute AFO support or endorsement. Please do not contact our Technical Support department regarding issues which are beyond our control (such as software, links, or procedures mentioned in this document). We are staffed and trained to support only AFO Internet and email connectivity issues. For other issues, please contact the appropriate source or vendor.

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FIREWALL INFORMATION

Use of a firewall is becoming increasingly necessary as the dark side of the Internet grows stronger. There are numerous firewalls available, both free and paid versions. We most frequently deal with McAfee, Norton, and Zone Alarm. Zone Alarm is a free firewall available from Zone Labs.

Regardless of the firewall you use, here's some basic advice:

1. Choose all of the default values during installation
2. As you use your computer, the firewall will begin to alert you to suspicious activity. It's up to you to determine what is or isn't suspicious! If you block the wrong thing, you will no longer be able to do something you need to do!
1. A good rule of thumb is to ALLOW ACCESS to programs you recognize and use all the time. Also, select the "REMEMBER THIS SETTING" option which causes the firewall to remember the choice you made and not ask again. If you change your mind later, you'll have to go into the firewall settings to make the change.
2. Here's a list of programs you should ALLOW:
• Your Internet browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, etc.)
• Your email program (Outlook, Outlook Express, Netscape Mail, etc.)

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MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER - HOW TO RESET THE CONTENT ADVISOR PASSWORD

There have been many cases of customers reporting to us that they are unable to browse due to Content Advisor. Furthermore, they are unable to turn Content Advisor off because they don't know the password. This article should help: CLICK HERE

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MICROSOFT SECURITY ISSUES

Please call 1-866-PCSAFETY for free Microsoft Technical Support regarding security vulnerabilities with Microsoft products

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PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION

Here's some advice for those of you who are living with someone who has an addiction to pornography:

• If you are using Windows XP, don't set up profiles (a separate log-in for each family member). This creates private areas on the computer. Your goal is to keep computing public and out in the open.
• Keep the computer in a common area.
• Learn about computers. The more you know, the more you'll be able to control the family computer.
• Password protect the computer at the BIOS level (boot-up). This will ensure you control when the computer is used (requires ADVANCED Computer Literacy Level). You may also want to password protect email accounts, dial-up accounts, and your Internet Browsing Filter.

For further assistance, please check out the LINKS page of our HELP DESK. Click PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION RESOURCES under the GENERAL heading.

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SAFE MODE

Safe Mode is a way to start Microsoft Windows when the normal method of starting Windows fails or has a problem. Safe mode allows you to troubleshoot the problem, with the intent of returning to the normal way of starting Windows. Instructional links follow:

• Windows 95:
• Press the F5 key when you see the "Starting Windows 95" message
• Windows 98:
• When your computer restarts, press down and hold the SHIFT key until Windows 98 starts in Safe mode
• Windows ME: CLICK HERE
• Windows 2000:
1. Restart your computer
2. When the Boot menu appears, press F8
3. When the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, select an option, and then press ENTER
4. When the Boot menu appears again, with the words "Safe Mode" displayed in red at the bottom, select the installation you want to start, and then press ENTER
• Windows XP:
1. Restart your computer and start pressing the F8 key on your keyboard
2. On a computer that is configured for booting to multiple operating systems, you can press the F8 key when you the Boot Menu appears
3. Select an option when the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then press ENTER
4. When the Boot menu appears again, and the words "Safe Mode" appear in blue at the bottom, select the installation that you want to start, and then press ENTER

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POP-UPS

• For Windows XP users
• To reduce irritating pop-ups, please perform the following:
1. Right-click MY COMPUTER
2. Click MANAGE
3. Click the PLUS SIGN next to SERVICES AND APPLICATIONS
4. Click the PLUS SIGN next to SERVICES
5. Find MESSENGER in the alphabetized list on the right, then double-click it
6. Change the STARTUP TYPE to DISABLED
7. Click APPLY then OK
8. Exit the Computer Management window
• For everyone
• Please check our LINKS page for Pop-up blocking software

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SPYWARE ADVICE

Spyware is software that watches you. Some spyware simply watches your browsing so someone can send more targeted advertisements and pop-ups to you. While others maliciously look for credit card numbers, passwords, and userIDs. Spyware often disguises itself as something useful, fun, or time-saving. Examples follow:

• calendars
• password holders
• screen savers
• search assistants
• time updaters
• toolbars
• weather watchers

Don't be fooled! Unless you want your browsing experience to full of ads, pop-ups, or worse, then stay away from the "helpers."

Example: instead of using Weatherbug, or a similar program, get your weather from the source. It may take a few minutes to learn how to navigate the site, but you'll get the most accurate weather, without advertising or spying. Link below:

CLICK HERE to go to our LINKS page for important Spyware-related links. You may want to download a Spyware removal program. If you decide to do that, remember that these programs have signature files just like anti-virus programs do. Therefore, you must ensure they are updated frequently.

The following is a list of known sites which will infect your computer with spyware. This list will grow very slowly, because it is very difficult for people to determine exactly where they got spyware from. Please report any spyware sources to us at webmaster@afo.net.

• www.motorcities.com
• www.xanga.com (music section)

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UPDATING THE MICROSOFT WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

Note: Windows XP users should update by ordering the XP SP2 CD directly from Microsoft. The CD contains all previously released updates (so, if you've recently reloaded XP, all you need is the SP2 CD to bring you up to date - Aug 2004). The CD is totally free (no shipping charges). Please CLICK HERE

1. CLICK HERE to visit Microsoft.
2. Click on WINDOWS UPDATE on the left panel.
3. Click SCAN FOR UPDATES.
4. If there are any CRITICAL UPDATES to be done, they will be listed.
• The critical updates should already be selected; all you have to do is click INSTALL and follow the directions.
• Some updates cannot be installed with others, and will have to be installed by themselves. If that happens, you will be notified and will have to install the update, then probably restart the computer. After that, return to WINDOWS UPDATE and continue on.
5. If there are no CRITICAL UPDATES, you may want to review the other categories of updates on the left by clicking each category and selecting what you want to install on the right.

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UPGRADING MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER AND OUTLOOK EXPRESS

Upgrading your browser is a great way to solve problems, and ensure you have the latest features. Best of all, the upgrade is FREE!

1. CLICK HERE to visit Microsoft
2. Click the DOWNLOAD button on the right side of the page
3. Click OPEN
4. A small program will download and execute.
5. Agree to the license.
6. Click INSTALL.
7. A large program will download and execute. It may take an hour or two; no need to watch it download. It will request RESTART when completed.

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VIRUS ADVICE

Virus programs are written for many reasons, come in many forms, and are capable of doing many things (a partial list follows):

• Data destruction/data loss
• Data corruption
• Hardware destruction (render certain hardware components, like disk drives, useless)
• Harmless Pranks
• Relaying (using your computer as a resource to spam or attack others, while the hacker remains safely un-traceable)
• Sales activities (forcing your browser to go certain places, causing pop-ups to appear, etc.)
• Training (breaking into your computer as practice for larger targets)
• Usage monitoring (monitor your actions to steal information or customize sales pitches)

Historically, you had to take an action to infect your computer. Since no-one would do that on purpose, virus makers disquised their programs in such a way as to make intended victims take the bait. Often, they will send emails which appear to be from us which implore or demand that a link or program be clicked in order to protect you from some bad thing. Example Subjects:

• Hi
• Hello
• Test
• Status
• Server Report
• Mail transaction failed
• Virus Alert from afo.net Virus Report Center
• Your bill is past due, click here to view account status
• Your computer is infected by a virus, click here to view logs
• Microsoft has released an important patch, click here to download

The latest trick is to make the email appear to be some sort of error with an .zip attachment. The subject could be just about anything, the body has just a tid-bit of information, which makes the victim want to click the attachment for more details. Here's a couple of examples of what may be in the body of the message:

• We have detected a possible computer virus on your computer, You must open the details of the report within 24 hours our we will be forced to shut down your internet service.
• The message contains Unicode characters and has been sent as a binary attachment.

Newer virus programs are designed to infect your computer WITHOUT any action from you! These new virus programs are NOT carried through email. Your only defense is anti-virus and/or firewall software.

Although we protect your email accounts from virus attack, we still recommend you have an updated anti-virus program running at all times to protect from virus infestation from diskettes, CDs, or directly from the Internet (not via email).

You may think you are protected because you have an anti-virus program loaded on your computer. This may not be the case. An anti-virus program is only useful if it is updated continuously with the latest virus-signatures. If not, it's best to remove it because it is wasting hard drive space, memory, and processor power.

Please visit our LINKS page to find free virus scanners which we recommend

Furthermore, we recommend you use our Web-based email platform to read your mail. This platform is more resistant to viruses for the following reasons:

1. Most viruses target the Outlook or Outlook Express address book, leaving Webmail untouched.
2. We remotely control the Webmail virus filtering from here, to protect you while you download mail. This is in addition to the server-level filtering we also do here at AFO, which is done before mail ever reaches your inbox.
3. In Webmail, mail resides on our server. So, in the remote chance a virus gets through and arrives in your inbox, it's really still on our server, giving you a final chance to delete the mail before it ever gets to your computer. How is this possible? It's possible because, when you look at your inbox in Webmail, you are seeing a list of messages (with the subject lines) for mail that is still on our server. Even if you open an email, it's still on our server. It's not until you choose to execute or download an attachment, that information is ever moved to your computer.

BLACKLISTING

Although black lists have been used successfully in the past to thwart spam email by identifying and blacklisting the sources, we are now finding them being used to stop the spread of viruses. Here's how it works:

• A computer becomes infected by a virus which reproduces by emailing copies of itself from the newly infected computer
• Servers and nodes along the email route detect the virus traffic and alert administrative personnel
• The administrator blocks (blacklists) the traffic from the infected computer

It's to your advantage to make sure this doesn't happen to you by doing your best to protect your computer from a virus. You've done half the job already by signing up with a filtered Internet company. It's up to you to do the rest by installing an anti-virus program and making sure it stays updated (in addition to all the suggestions in the CARING FOR YOUR COMPUTER topic on this page).

If the worst happens and you become blacklisted, you will no longer be able to access the Internet until you clean your computer. By then, you're stuck in a vicious cycle because you won't be able to get on the Internet to get the updates you may need. At this point, here are your options:

• Format your hard drive and reload your Operating System (best results, but requires Computer Literacy Level 8)
• Borrow someone else's Internet connection while you do Operating System and Anti-virus updates
• Bring your computer to a service facility

SPECIFIC VIRUS ISSUES

• Please visit the LINKS page, and scroll to Virus related - Specific Threats.

MCAFEE ANTI-VIRUS

• McAfee anti-virus has been around for a while and is fairly reliable. However, there are two BIG negatives, so we do not recommend it to our customers!
• McAfee software is virtually impossible to uninstall. Standard removal procedures will not remove all of it.
• McAfee will charge your credit card 30 days prior to your annual renewal automatically. Sometimes for more than you expect--even if you no longer use the software! Want to know more? CLICK HERE

NORTON ANTI-VIRUS

• Norton anti-virus has been around for a while and is fairly reliable. However, this program has caused our customers much grief in the past because it likes to take over dialup and email settings whenever it wants to do its updates. Therefore, we do not recommend it.

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YOUR USERNAME

Here's how we identify you to our system (your Internet access credentials):

1. [username] = minimum six characters, forms the basis of your email address
2. [username]@afo.net = your email address
3. You will have one of the following as your Internet log-in username (gets you on the Internet)
1. [username]@afo.net
2. [username]@afofamily.net
3. [username]@cleanwww.net
4. [username]@edialup.net
5. [username]@vhst.net
4. [six numbers]-1-[username] = your Filter User ID

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