ok, what is/are the best forums for internet/computer advice for non-savvy

[Bombtrack]

people like me. I've asked several questions today and in days past and I realize that it's probably sort of annoying. I was wondering if there's somewhere I can go that can be reccomended that's meant for people like me asking these problems. My main issues right now is what software I need and how I should use it and troubleshooting for bugs/spyware/virus's etc. But if there's a broader place somewhere that you reccomend that's probably better.

I'd really like someplace that's high-traffic so I don't have to wait forever to solve problems, and somewhere where the people aren't selling anything.

[Demit]

1. What platform? try either the PC magazine or MacWorld magazine site...

I know MacWorld has reader forums where you can post questions, very specific ones too, and people are eager to help. I imagine the Wintel world has similar forums...

Sorry no links, but google will get you there...

[Bombtrack]

2. PC

Thanks I'll check that out. Are they sort of commercial though? You'd think that someone would popularize a well known leader of help sites(like what google is to search engines), but none really come to mind.

[AndyP]

3. google your problems, you'll find common sites

Most self help sites are pretty high traffic, but don't let that scare you. Pretty much all the geeks online are very nice and willing to help out newbies. I would try googling your question, for example if you are getting an error, google all the stuff that is popping up. I can usually answer questions too if I happen to catch them on DU. I don't think anyone here gets annoyed, I don't at least.

To answer your questions. The spyware can be taken care of by downloading ad-aware from download.com. Make sure that you hit the "check for updates now" button every time you run the program. It will find all the spyware on your computer and show you the files, you can select them all by right clicking and choosing, "select all items" it's pretty easy. As for virus scanners, AVG has a free one that you can get from their website that gives real-time protection. You can also run housecall's antivirus scanner (www.antivirus.com), which is a great virus scanner but you still won't have anything on your computer- that's why you should get AVG.

I would suggest running these scans in safe mode after you turn off system restore. You turn off system restore by right clicking "my computer" and going to system restore and select turn off system restore, remember to turn it back on after your scan. You can get into safe mode by turning your computer off, and then turn it back on and hit "F8" a bunch of times, it should give you a menu of options on how to start up your computer, choose "safemode with networking". Then you'll get into windows and update the virus scanner and the ad-aware and run both of them. You should notice a difference.

Any questions, post them here or email me, I only have one class today :).

Good luck

[landdaddy]

4. Here are a couple sites

http://www.theeldergeek.com/index.htm
http://www.pcworld.com/home/index/0,00.asp
http://www.pcpitstop.com/
http://www.cnet.com/

Hope these help!

[On the Road]

5. You Can Sometimes Find User Groups

on the internet that cover the software or hardware you have questions about. It's usually more advanced users, but if it's not too crowded with nonexperts they'll often be glad to answer questions.
There are some Yahoo groups, for example. Here's one on general PC info.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pcsupport2/

Here's one on Excel:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ExcelQuestions/

You may have to sign up as a member. It may help to look for a specific software package for software questions or a specific manufacturer or peripheral for hardware questions. Good luck.

[miss_kitty]

6. Here's my favourite

for PC/Windblows things:

http://www.annoyances.org/

It was slow loading this a, but it's good-IMHO

And I don't think it's annoying people ask computer questions. If it were, your threads would be hidden, and no one would answer. Sometimes it helps ME when others ask PC ?s :)

[Bombtrack]

thanks

I'll check that out.

[Bombtrack]

7. thanks

I'll check that out.