Tech Talk
Last Updated: 10 November 2003

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Stabilizers, UPS's, surge protectors

Necessary to have:
A stabilizer and surge protector

Good to have:
An Uninterruptible Power Supply, or UPS.

If you have a generous budget:
A battery back-up system, an alternative energy system (eg. solar, wind, biogas) or a generator.

 

Computer maintenance

First aid: software
Use Windows utilities such as ScanDisk and Defrag on a monthly basis.  Keep your antivirus software updated and make sure you scan your PCs.

First aid: hardware
Buy an electrical hand blower (available in Arusha @ TSh 40,000) and learn how to clean the dust out of system unit, keyboards, printers etc. 

EOL recipients may contact A&A Computers for a short course in preventive maintenance, free of charge: aacomputers@arusha.co.tz

 

Spyware

Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover.

Download this freeware utility at http://security.kolla.de/

Adware blocker

The Google Toolbar integrates an Adware ("Pop-up") blocker.

Download it at http://toolbar.google.com    

 

Content filter

Net Nanny, refer to http://www.netnanny.com
Cost: about USD 40.00

 

Firewall software

ZoneAlarm is designed to protect your cable-connected PC from hackers. This program includes four interlocking security services: a firewall, an Application Control, an Internet Lock, and Zones. The firewall controls the door to your computer and allows only traffic that you understand and initiate. The Application Control allows you to decide which applications can and cannot use the Internet.

ZoneAlarm, download at http://download.com.com/3000-2092-10039884.html

 

Windows Policies for Windows 95, 98.

Under Win 95/98, one can restrict file, network and printer access in a manner somewhat similar to Win NT/2000/XP, by the use of Policies.

You run the "Policy Editor" (poledit.exe) to set which users or groups can access what resources, for example, access to the Control Panel, Hard Drive, Floppy Drive, Printers, make changes to the Desktop.

The Windows "Policy Editor" setup can be found in the Windows resource kit on your Win 95/98 installation CD. For the Windows 95 installation CD-ROM, the policy editor (poledit.exe) is in the \admin\apptools\poledit\ directory. For the Windows 98 installation CD-ROM, the policy editor (poledit.exe) is in the \tools\reskit\netadmin\poledit\ directory.

Download it at http://support.microsoft.com/download/support/mslfiles/Policy.exe