Since being acquired by AT&T, Bellsouth DSL users in Louisville have experienced many changes with their service. In my personal experience (confirmed by my experiences in numerous client offices), AT&T is now blocking e-mail sent using any outgoing e-mail server other than AT&T’s. What’s that mean? It means that, if you’re an AT&T/Bellsouth DSL customer, [...]

Based on personal experience, there’s quite a bit of confusion within small businesses and nonprofit organizations as to the difference between a power strip, a surge protector and a battery backup (also known as an Uninterruptible Power Supply). Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help understand the important differences between these power protection devices. Power [...]

Technology professionals and others may find this tip too basic, but one question Louisville Geek frequently receives from clients is “How do I set the default printer in Windows?” Windows XP users can specify which printer documents, spreadsheets and other data are automatically sent to by following these steps: 1. Click Start. 2. Click Control [...]

One call I receive repeatedly from clients is how to correct Windows Blue Screen of Death errors. Blue screen failures are so widespread even Microsoft founder Bill Gates experiences these infamous stop errors. Unfortunately, so-called BSOD errors are among the most difficult computer issues to quickly diagnose and repair. Typically Blue Screen of Death errors, [...]

A 2008 F-Secure study reveals what most computer professionals have known for awhile: virus, spyware and other malware infections are skyrocketing. Windows XP Service Pack 2 was supposed to help mitigate and slow such infections, as was Microsoft’s Windows Defender malware protection. But that’s proven not to be the case, and threats are only increasing. [...]

Norton AntiVirus and recent Microsoft Windows Updates appear to be conflicting. Following the installation of new Microsoft Updates, many Norton AntiVirus-protected systems are triggering Low Virtual Memory errors. To solve the problem, users can reset Windows’ virtual memory page file. Windows XP Users: 1. Right-click My Computer. 2. Click the Advanced Tab. 3. Select the [...]

With more than 10 years experience documenting and solving Windows desktop, laptop, server and network problems, I’ve learned what most computer users desire: simple and straightforward solutions to their computer problems. The Louisville Computer News blog exists to document and share proven computer solutions, time-saving tips and news-worthy updates with small-business owners, small and home [...]