This week: Another reason computers run slow. The difference between downloading and installing. Taking up the Welcome mat in Vista.

Why computers are slow - Reason 2

Pop Quiz: What's the number one reason for slow computers? You will find the answer in last week's column (http://rlis.com/columns/column156.htm).

I find the second most likely cause for sluggish computer behaviour is infection by virus/spyware/adware/trojans. If your computer has "pop-ups" or you can't get to your regular browser start page, your computer might have picked up some kind of infection.

You should start by running a spyware scan and an anti virus scan --- from a reputable company! --- and get rid of the bad programs. A good online virus scanner can be found here:

kaspersky

A good online scanner for other malware is here:

emsisoft

Run both types of scans, and when you find something, don't stop looking! If one thing has made it through your defences, there may well be others. Don't stop until you receive a clean bill of health from the scanners.

When you have cleaned out all the bad stuff, you should download and install anti-virus and anti-malware protection, configure it properly, and keep it up to date. As always, if you are uncertain how to proceed, you can call in a pro.

We'll look at the third most common reason in a future column.

Not the same thing

I often receive email from people who confuse "downloading" a file with "installing" a program. Downloading and installing are not the same thing.

When you download a file, you are simply copying a file from the Internet to your computer. When you install a program, you're getting a program ready to work on your computer. So in order to get a program from the Internet and make it work, you first download it and then install it. It's like doing the shopping. Bringing the groceries in and putting them on the counter is like downloading. Using those groceries to prepare dinner is like installing. Bon appetit!

Vista Welcome Center - How do I turn that thing off?

The first time you logon to Vista, you're greeted with the Vista Welcome Center. It contains links to information about your computer, and links to tools and utilities. Oh, and yes: links to opportunities to purchase Microsoft products.

That is probably pretty interesting the first time you logon. It is probably less interesting every time after that. Many people have written to ask how the heck to make that thing go away. Here's what to do. Next time you start up Vista and are presented with the Welcome Center, look in the bottom left-hand corner of that window, and clear the check mark in the box that says, "Run at startup." Then, close the Welcome Center window. That's it.

If you ever want to see it again, click on Start, then Control Panel, then on the System and Maintenance list. Welcome Center is the first choice in that section. If you decide you want to make it start up with Windows again, just put a check in the "Run at startup" box.

Thank you everyone who emailed your questions, comments, and suggestions. Please keep them coming! You can look at the old columns at any time by clicking on:

Cate's archives

You can email anything you have to ask or tell to cate@rlis.com.