Q: My computer has gradually slowed down over the past month or two. I thought it was a temporary thing at first but the slowdown seems permanent. The computer is just two years old and worked just fine until recently. Is there an easy way to speed it up? -- Jim Mayberry
A: Malware -- spyware, adware and sometimes viruses -- are the usual suspects when a computer that has been running fine begins to slow. These nasty little threats are really just tiny computer programs that continuously run. They also use your Internet connection to report back to their evil creators. So computers face a double whammy from the stuff -- slowing both the processor and your Internet connection. If you're not using good anti-spyware and anti-virus protection, try that. If you already have anti-spyware and anti-adware protection and it doesn't seem to be doing the job, download and use one of these programs that seem to work especially well: Superantispyware (www.superantispyware.com) or Malwarebytes (www.malwarebytes.org).
There are, of course, other possible causes for a slow computer including lack of memory and registry errors. But I’d start with a malware-free computer before moving to other areas.
Q: When I tried to open my mail using mail.com I was advised to change my password. I tried to change but the program would not open. I tried to change again and with no results. I tried at least six times with no results. Is there a way to contact them? -- Jim Freeman
A: You'll find a link for contacting the company on the main page at www.mail.com. I've had no experience with this company and you may well get a speedy and helpful response. I sure hope so. But I'm printing your question to make a general point about free e-mail and free programs. It's a valuable service and the price is sure right. But, in general, it's difficult to get much help from any free service when things go wrong. You're usually limited to posting questions in forums, or attempting to contact the company directly by e-mail. Common sense tells you that companies that provide free software or a free service such as e-mail can't afford to devote a huge amount of support. It goes with the territory and isn't at all unfair in my eyes. But it may be worth keeping that probable lack of support in mind when using a free e-mail account as the primary way you keep in contact for critical chores such as work and school. Access to e-mail is a critical part of most lives. That’s why my main e-mail account is the one that came with my for-pay Internet service.
Q: I'm using a free anti-spyware program that I like. But the free anti-virus program that I use (I also like it) comes with anti-spyware protection too. Is that a problem?
--Diana Mackey
A: Nope. It's fine to use two anti-spyware/adware programs. However, you should never use more than one anti-virus program -- that can cause conflicts. Some people do it and seem to get away with it, but more often than not it's a quick path to disaster.
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