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Byteback
PC malfunctions
QUESTION: 1. Recently, my computer was hacked over a LAN network. I have not formatted my system, because I would like to purge it without formatting. Please tell me how I can remove all trojan hacking software files that are already present in my computer.
2. When I switch off my computer, it switches on by itself after a couple of minutes. What can be the problem?
Farhan Siddiqui
i_farhan00@hotmail.com
Editor’s reply: To remove these files, please install PC Cillin or McAfee 8.0. Make sure that the file definitions are up-to-date and then run a full system scan. An online scan can be run from
2. Most computers are not properly configured to handle the ATX Power Options (press the shutdown button and the computer can shutdown>sleep>hibernate, depending on the options that have been set) and thus, symptoms like these can occur. Just switch off the main power switch after Shutdown.
Cakewalk
I have recorded my chemistry lectures on to a digital recorder and then transferred them on my laptop. Now, when I try to listen to them, there are many surround sounds which make it difficult to decipher the lecture. Is there a software that can filter unwanted sounds? Also tell me how can I change WAV format to MP3?
Ali Murtaza Azim
Karachi
Editor’s reply: Try using software, such as Cakewalk 9.0 or SoundForge and see if these help. To change the format of sound files, you can use software such as Audio Catalyst, Real JukeBox or Microsoft Plus! Pack for Media Player.
You can also search
A good option is Audio MP3
WAV WMA Converter,
Computer restarts
Please answer the following questions:
1. I have converted my PC from PIII to PIV. In the beginning it was working really well but nowadays it suddenly restarts in the middle of any task or operation. It also takes more time to boot. Please help.
2. Is it preferable to download a game from the internet or to purchase a CD? There are many CDs which do not work properly and are pirated. Would a downloaded game fulfill all system requirements?
Muhammad Munib Zia Khan
Karachi
Editor’s reply: Your questions are answered in the same order as they were asked:
1. Your PC might be infected with viruses and SpamWare, which are slowing the system down tremendously. I would recommend installing McAfee 8.0. After updating it, run a complete system scan. Next, download Ad-AwareSE from
Alternatively, your system could have slowed down due to an excessive number of programs running at startup. Please type “MsConfig” in “run” and go to the Startup tab. Uncheck any items which are not necessary to run the system.
2. Downloading takes longer than a CD and paying for online games is definitely an expensive alternative. However, a downloaded game does not mean your system will fulfill the system requirements automatically. Please read the minimum requirements (available on all games sites) to judge the efficacy of your system.
Accounting software
1. Please recommend a user-friendly accounting software for business transactions. I have consulted Peach Tree but find it very difficult.
2. I have installed the game, IGI 2 (Covert Strike), but it requires a 3D card. Is there any software which can be used in place of a 3D card? If not, please provide an alternative way because a 3D card is very costly.
Rajesh Younas
Gujranwala
Editor’s reply: Here are answers to your questions:
1. You can try Business Patterns a locally developed software made by E-Patterns. This software has been especially designed for the local SME sector and consists of all local laws, apart from the fact that it is easy to use. Alternatively, you can have software designed and customized to your specifications from a software house.
2. There are no substitutes via software for games which have 3D card as a requirement. These games will not run properly with just system RAM and processing speed, since many of their features require a powerful 3D Accelerator, without which games will not be displayed properly.
Offline browsing
1. Each time I use the internet and restart my computer, all pages that I visited before are not available offline. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
2. I have installed Need For Speed: Underground from many CDs but when I run the game, it always gives the following error, “Speed.exe has performed an illegal operation and needs to shutdown.” I have even tried formating and reinstalling Windows but this did not solve the problem. Please advise.
Raafi Gul
gul_raafi@hotmail.com
Editor’s reply: Here are the answers to your questions:
1. First of all please check Internet Explorer’s settings. Go to Tools>Internet Options>Advanced and then scroll down to Security. Please ensure that “Empty temporary internet files on exit” is not checked. Secondly, given the dynamic nature of most websites these days (pages which are customized for each user), you won’t be able to save such pages to disk. They are only available for a single session and after that you will not be able to access them.
There are options to save content to disk. The easiest way is to use the “make available offline” option in IE. Go to Favorites, check Make Available Offline and in Customize, select the level of links you wish to make available, for example, one means just follow the links on the page to only one page down. You can also download Offline Browser at
2. It could be that the minimum requirements of the game are not being met, which is why it’s crashing. Please ensure that you have installed DirectX 9.0 and that your system meets the minimum requirements of the game.
