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Plexus
Forums - Online discussions on various software, including
Microsoft Windows and other Operating Systems.
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Service
Request - Plexus can provide you with quick remote
assistance or we will come to you onsite. Easily make
an appointment online.
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Download
Library - A list of device drivers, software updates and
other software are provide free on this web site. You can
also browse our FTP
site or HTTP
site.
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Troubleshooting a computer requires
detective work. It is a matter of narrowing down the
problem and testing what the most likely issues are and is
as much an art as it is a science. You must arm yourself
with as much knowledge as possible, and then apply common
sense. Experience also plays a bit role. This
guide has attempted to provide some of that experience in an
easy-to-follow format. Rather than spend time and
money only to find that the solution was very simple, your
time is better spent in eliminating the easy and obvious
possible causes of your problem.
Before calling Plexus Computers technical services take a
quick look at your computer yourself. A technician
will recommend doing the following six steps:
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Instructions:
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- STEP 1: Restart the computer. Many software problems will correct themselves when you do.
- STEP 2: Check your cables. Keyboard not working? Make sure it's plugged in. Mouse not responding? Make sure it's plugged in.
- STEP 3: Check the electric power. Plug a lamp into the same power outlet that's connected to your computer to make sure the outlet is working.
- STEP 4: Make sure the computer and monitor are plugged in.
- STEP 5: Disconnect peripheral devices (such as a printer or external Zip disk) and restart the computer.
- STEP 6: Listen for unusual sounds. Is the cooling fan running? Is the hard drive making noises?
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Troubleshooting Software:
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To solve any computer issue as quickly as
possible Plexus technicians will require as much information
as possible. Here are some of the questions you will
be asked:
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- 1) Can the problem be replicated or does it happen
randomly?
- 2) Are there any error messages? What are they,
be specific.
- 3) Did you recently install any peripherals (ex:
Printer) or software?
- 4) Is your anti-virus program up to date?
- 5) Are you the only person who uses the computer?
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Recommended Anti-Virus
Programs:
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Avira
AntiVir® - Avira AntiVir
PersonalEdition Classic is a free antivirus program that is
rated by AV
Comparatives, as one of the very best. It reliably
protects your private computer against dangerous viruses,
worms, Trojans and costly dialers. Please remember to uninstall any current
anti-virus programs installed before installing another
anti-virus program.
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BitDefender
Free Edition - Uses the same ICSA Labs certified
scanning engines found in other BitDefender products,
allowing you to enjoy basic virus protection for no cost at
all.
BitDefender Free Edition is an on-demand virus scanner,
which is best used in a system recovery or forensics role. Please remember to uninstall any current
anti-virus programs installed before installing another
anti-virus program.
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CA
Anti-Virus - Many PC issues are the direct result of
either a virus, malware or a faulty anti-virus program
itself. Plexus has been selling CA eTrust for the past
few years and believe it is one of the best available.
For a free 30 day trial click here: Business
Users / Home
Users Please remember to uninstall any current
anti-virus programs installed before installing another
anti-virus program.
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avast!
4 Home Edition- A full-featured antivirus
package designed exclusively for
home users and non-commercial use. Both of
these conditions should be met! Please remember to uninstall any current
anti-virus programs installed before installing another
anti-virus program.
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AVG
Anti-Virus - You can download AVG for free if it is
for private, non-commercial, single home computer use
only. Use of AVG Anti-Virus Free within any
organization or for commercial purposes is strictly
prohibited. Please remember to uninstall any current
anti-virus programs installed before installing another
anti-virus program.
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Recommended Anti-Malware
Programs:
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PC
Tools Spyware Doctor 5 - Spyware Doctor is a spyware
remover and provides real-time anti-spyware protection against
spyware, adware, Trojan horses, keyloggers, spyware cookies,
adbots, spybots, browser hijackers, and phishing attacks.
Additionally it actively protects Web browsing using Internet
Explorer with a built-in popup blocker and malicious site
guard. Spyware Doctor is easy to use and low on PC resources
and its scanning speed is delivered by multiple specialized
scanners.
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Microsoft
Windows Defender - Windows Defender for Windows XP
Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1
or later is a free program that helps protect your computer
against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused
by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time
Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions
against spyware when it's detected and minimizes interruptions
and helps you stay productive.
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Lavasoft
Ad-Aware SE - With the ability to scan your RAM,
Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known
data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware SE
easily can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a
higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web. Download
a free version here.
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Hijack
This - HijackThis is an advanced tool, and requires advanced knowledge about Windows, registry files, and operating systems in general. If you delete items that it finds, without knowing what they are, it can lead to more serious complications on your PC - such as your Internet no longer working or problems with running Windows itself.
HijackThis is intended only for advanced users. It is recommended that you do not make changes using HijackThis unless you are experienced and know what you're
doing. Download
a free version here.
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Recommended Internet
Browsers:
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Microsoft
Internet Explorer 7 - Whether you use the Web to read
e-mail, news or sports reports, shop online, listen to music
or play videos, or share your images and photos with friends,
family or work colleagues, Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP
with Service Pack 2 and Windows Server 2003 provides improved
security and navigation through tabbed browsing, web search
right from the toolbar, advanced printing, easy discovery,
reading and subscription to RSS feeds, and much more.
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Opera
9 - Secure, fast, and easy to use, the full-featured
Opera browser is free and comes in a compact 3.5 MB
download. It's a fast, fun and easy way to browse the Web.
Opera 9 comes loaded with the tools to keep you productive and
safe.
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Recommended Window
Accessories:
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Jam
Software TreeSize 1.8 - Every hard disk is too small
if you just wait long enough. TreeSize Free tells you where
precious space has gone to. TreeSize Free can be started from
the context menu of a folder or drive and shows you the size
of this folder, including its subfolders. You can expand this
folder in Explorer-like style and you will see the size of
every subfolder. Scanning is done in a thread, so you can
already see results while TreeSize Free is working. The space,
which is wasted by the file system can be displayed and the
results can be printed in a report. TreeSize Free is freeware
for Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP.
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Recommended Window Tools:
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PC
Faster Your Uninstaller - Your Uninstaller 2006
uninstalls programs that produce error messages. Many
programs leave unused parts in the system after uninstall,
Your Uninstaller 2006 fixed this problem. Program not listed?
Try Advanced Uninstall, it supply another method to solve the
problem. [ Website
]
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ProcessLibrary - Written
in plain English and free to all PC users, this Web site
provides a unique and detailed online database that lists
everything that should, and should not be running on your
computer. In just over three years ProcessLibrary.com has
already attracted five million hits every month! Deep in
the recesses of any computer, innumerable processes are
running silently in the background. Some hog system resources,
drastically slowing computers down; others are a haven for
spyware and trojans, violating privacy and giving hackers free
access to compromised systems. Uniblue offers three
methods for troubleshooting your computer; Process
Library Directory, Process
Scanner and ProcessQuickLink
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Process
Scanner - With ProcessScanner Uniblue takes the
perspiration and guesswork out of researching the processes
running on your PC. ProcessScanner not only generates a
detailed list of the items already running on your PC, it then
goes on to give you valuable information as to the programs
these are associated with. Furthermore ProcessScanner will
then supply you with valuable information about what each does
and the level of risk, or threat, to your computer associated
with that process. ProcessScanner is an invaluable tool to
help remove the fog that obscures the inner workings of your
computer and, what's more, it's free!
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ProcessQuickLink
- As many as 20 to 30 processes may be running invisibly,
silently in the background on your PC. Some hog system
resources, drastically slowing down your computer. Others are
a threat to security and privacy. A few may be harmless.
The Windows Task Manager displays most of these processes but
you have no information to learn and understand what is what.
Get the latest definitions and exhaustive advice on all the
processes running on directly in the Windows Task Manager by
downloading the QuickLink InfoBar from ProcessLibrary.com.
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TuneUp
Utiliies 2008 - Improve your system's performance,
thoroughly clean up your hard drives, solve your PC problems
with a few clicks, and customize windows to your personal
requirements. All in one program, simple and intuitive -
TuneUp Utilities 2008. [ Trial
]
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