Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a computer virus?
A: A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user. The original may modify the copies or the copies may modify themselves, as occurs in a metamorphic virus. A virus can only spread from one computer to another when its host is taken to the uninfected computer, for instance by a user sending it over a network or carrying it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, USB drive or by the Internet. Additionally, viruses can spread to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer. Viruses are sometimes confused with computer worms and Trojan horses. A worm, however, can spread itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host. A Trojan horse is a file that appears harmless until executed. In contrast to viruses, Trojan horses do not insert their code into other computer files. Many personal computers are now connected to the Internet and to local-area networks, facilitating their spread. Today's viruses may also take advantage of network services such as the World Wide Web, e-mail, and file sharing systems to spread, blurring the line between viruses and worms. Furthermore, some sources use an alternative terminology in which a virus is any form of self-replicating malware
Q: What is a Pop up?
A: Pop-up ads or popups are a form of online advertising on the World Wide Web intended to increase web traffic or capture email addresses. It works when certain web sites open a new web browser window to display advertisements. The pop-up window containing an advertisement is usually generated by JavaScript, but can be generated by other means as well.
A variation on the pop-up window is the pop-under advertisement, which opens a new browser window hidden under the active window. Pop-unders do not interrupt the user immediately and are not seen until the covering window is closed, making it more difficult to determine which web site opened them. Pop-unders can be extremely annoying for people who are used to leaving several tabs prepared for another session, as unnoticed pop-under will be considered by browser as last open window. This will cause browser to open ad in next start, instead of prepared tabs
Q: What is the registry?
A: The Windows registry is a database which stores settings and options for the operating system for Microsoft Windows 32-bit versions, 64-bit versions and Windows Mobile. It contains information and settings for all the hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, users, preferences of the PC, etc. Whenever a user makes changes to Control Panel settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in the registry. The registry also provides a window into the operation of the kernel, exposing runtime information such as performance counters and currently active hardware.
Q: How often should I get my Computer Tuned Up?
A: To keep your computer running in tip top shape you want to get your computer checked at least quartely this will ensure you are running at optimal speed as well as keeping your service packs up to date and system files cleaned, registry cleaned, temp files deleted.
Q: Why is my computer so slow?
A: Computers can seem to run slow for many reasons. There are no magic tricks to speed up a slow computer. One must try to determine the nature of the slowness and what factors are causing it. Is it always slow, or just sometimes? If sometimes, then when is the slowness noticed? Does it take forever for the computer to start up? Are there any error messages or other warnings?
Occasional slowness can be due to software errors. It may be noticed when running a particular task, but not at other times. The discussion here concerns that more constant and pervasive slowness that affects everything one tries to do on the computer. The following will give you a good start at diagnosing and correcting issues that slow your computer down.
Computers over five years old can be expected to seem slow next to today's faster systems. But an older system can be optimized too.
Q: Does Atlanta Computer Technical Services provide Maintenance & Service Agreements?
A: Atlanta Computer Technical Services is able to provide priority service without rush labor fees and extended support through service, maintenance, and support agreements.
Q: Can I get a free diagnostic test?
A: Atlanta Computer Technical Services gives all customers a free diagnostic test before we begin any work on your computer then we go over the results with you and explain in non technical terms so that you can understand what is going on with your computer and make a sound decision in regards to your computer.