Helpful Computer Tips Archive

When your computer is frozen, do you unplug it from the wall because you can't shut windows down and you don't see any other way to turn your computer off? Next time that happens, try holding the power button down for 5 to 10 seconds. That should power off your computer!
March-April, 2010

If you are thinking about buying a laptop, you may be wondering which one to buy. We get asked this question a lot and there are many choices. To make your decision easier, CNET has provided a listing of over 1,000 reviews of new laptops. You can narrow down which ones you like by choosing your preferred operating system, screen size, weight, price range, and more.
Click for CNET Laptop Reviews
January-February, 2010

Be prepared for Windows 7! If you're interested in upgrading, make sure your current computer is compatible by downloading Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Microsoft.
October-November, 2009

Do you need a copy of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel or PowerPoint, but you don't want to have to pay the high cost of the retail disc? There is a free alternative to Microsoft Office which is called Openoffice.org and it is compatible with files in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point format. You can download it completely free at: www.openoffice.org
July 2009

Is your computer running slow? Contrary to popular belief, defragging your computer and clearing your cookies usually do not make a noticeable difference in your computer's speed. If your computer has gotten slower over time, it's most likely due to a build up of spyware, viruses and programs running in the background that don't need to be. One service call from Freedom Computers is all it takes to get your computer running the way it should! Don't put up with a slow computer any longer! Call 239-573-7354!
May 2009

Is your mouse arrow jumping all over the screen? If you're using an optical (laser) mouse, try using a solid color mouse pad with no pictures on it. Optical mice need a solid color surface in order to work properly. Otherwise, the laser can bounce back and forth between the colors.
April 2009

Don't forget to clean out the inside of your computer on a regular basis! Using a can of compressed air is a good way to remove all the dust from the fans inside the case. A clean computer will run cooler and more efficiently.
March 2009