My PC Guy receives numerous calls a day from clients who have received a virus. Most of them had no idea you needed to update your virus protection software in order to find the viruses. Computer viruses continue to pose a potential threat to the security and safety of important data stored on users' computers. As many as 1,200 new viruses have been known to emerge every month. Many of the anti-virus vendors make updates available within days of a new virus being released. Unless your anti-virus software knows about a virus, the program cannot protect you.

All too often, a user will install anti-virus software and then assume they are immune to viruses. You are not safe yet! In order to detect or remove a virus, it is important for all computer users to keep their virus definitions up-to-date in order to best protect their machines from possible infection. Also, even the best anti-virus software cannot be expected to run flawlessly for an extended period. Some user attention is needed. Manual scanning, viewing anti-virus software logs and checking the date of the current virus definition log can ensure that the software is working properly.

What to do if your computer seems to have a virus?
If you suspect that your computer has become infected with a virus or other 'malware' you should follow this procedure:

Shut down your computer immediately. If it is absolutely necessary for you to continue working with your computer, disconnect it from the network/internet. Look for a thin cable that runs from the back of your computer and looks like a telephone cord (usually blue). Do not send any email messages. Many viruses attach to email messages and will send the virus to all of your contacts. Contact your Computer Support Administrator right away so they can assist you in removing the virus.

My PC Guy is known for providing our clients with quality equipment, known for its reliability, stability, and compatibility. For a limited time only, My PC Guy is introducing a new Intel Pentium 4 1.8Ghz Workstation. The Workstation includes:

Dell's Price $1,832.00

My PC Guy's Price $1,283.00

3-year depot warranty!

Pricing is good through May 17th 2002

Please call our sales department to order

Did you hear about the Microsoft Windows programmer who died? He found himself in front of a committee that decides whether you go to Heaven or Hell. The committee told the programmer he had some say in the matter and asked him if he wanted to see Heaven and Hell before stating his preference. "Sure," he said, so an angel took him to a place with a sunny beach, volleyball, and rock and roll, where everyone was having a great time.

"Wow!" he exclaimed. "Heaven is great!" "Wrong," said the angel. "That was Hell. Want to see Heaven?"

"Sure!" So the angel took him to another place. Here a bunch of people were sitting in a park playing bingo and feeding dead pigeons.

"This is Heaven?" asked the Windows programmer. "Yup," said the angel.

"Then I'll take Hell." Instantly he found himself plunged up to his neck in red-hot lava, with the hosts of the damned in torment around him. "Where's the beach? The music? The volleyball?" he screamed frantically to the angel.

"That was the demo," she replied as she vanished.

Question from our reader: I've had my computer for just about nine months, and it seems to be slowing down! What's going on, do I have to get a new computer already? Thanks, Debbie from Wee Lad & Lassie Daycare.

Hi Debbie. First, don't worry. I don't' think you're going to need a new computer. There are several steps you can take to make sure your system is running at peak performance. Here's what to do to get the best performance from your computer:

What is Project Linus?
Project Linus is 100% Volunteer non-profit organization. Their mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill or traumatized, or otherwise in need. This is done through the gift of new handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer blanket makers.

Join Project Linus on Blanket day scheduled for Saturday, May 11, from 10am to 4:30pm at the Severna Park Library's meeting room. My PC Guy will be there! They also have June 15 and August 10 scheduled at the Severna Park Library. Don't know how to sew? Don't worry. All you need to know is how to tie a knot! If you need more information, contact Susan Dickerson at 410-431-5102 or baylinus@aol.com

Windows XP – Quick Launch
The Quick Launch bar is a fast way to access frequently used programs. It’s handy if you like to have several applications open at once. One click on the desktop hides everything, another click brings back all the windows just as they were. If your Quick Launch bar is not currently displayed, right click on the task bar in an empty area. From the pop up menu select Properties. Under Taskbar Appearance, check the Show Quick Launch box. Click OK. Once the Quick Launch bar is displayed, click Show Desktop to minimize all programs.

Add Applications to Quick Launch
Go to "Start" then "Programs". Find the application and place your mouse over it. Left-click the application and hold down the mouse button. Drag your mouse (still holding the left button) over the Quick Launch and release the left button (the famous Drag and Drop shortcut).

Annoying Internet Explorer 6 Toolbar
When you run your cursor over an image in Internet Explorer 6, a little toolbar pops up. It gives you the choice of saving, opening, mailing, or printing the image. Excuse me! I don't want to do any of those things! Here's how to get rid of it: --Click Tools>>Internet Options>>Advanced --Under Multimedia, clear the Enable Image Toolbar box --Click OK. You'll have to reboot the computer to put this into effect. That's a small price to pay!