AOL 9.0 - Welcome to Hell

AOL "Security Edition" seems to be doing a hell of a job. By that I mean it is a one way ticket to the gates of Hell. This is not an upgrade you want to make, unless the words "Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here" is somehow provocative and enticing.

For those who have already made the new install and found themselves on the wrong side of the River Styx, the best solution I've found a fast uninstall and return to AOL 8.0. Be sure to uninstall all their security "features" as well.

You can download AOL Version 8.0 straight from the AOL website. They don't make it easy to find, but click on the link above and you'll go straight to the download page. Make sure you've uninstalled 9.0 before re-installing AOL 8.0.

Can AOL 9.0 be made to work? Sure ... but do you really want to pay a consultant to fix it their mistake? Stick with 8.0 until they get the bugs knocked out - six months is a good bet.

Can't Connect or Login to Yahoo or Hotmail email?

A client today was completely blocked out of her Hotmail email account. Her son could not get into his Yahoo email. I could access both account from my own computer. This was a wild one, as every logical solution failed.

I researched this problem on Google and found MANY, MANY people with the same problem ... but very few solutions. This was odd.

If you can't seem to get into your Yahoo or Hotmail account (or get a "Page Cannot be Displayed" error), the problem may be with the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) settings in Windows and/or in your router.

OK, this might get a little technical but the solution is to set your MTU to 1492. You can set windows MTU with a program called DR TCP. Just run the program and type 1492 into the MTU box. Setting your router my require a computer guy - like me. With a Virtual Consultation, these settings can be tweaked for a very minor fee.

Hope this helps restore your login to Hotmail or Yahoo ... Good Luck!

Back on Track

Much apologies for the long delay between posts. I've been busy compiling a Computer Help and Tips library. This resource of wit and wisdom will (hopefully) prove useful for clients and lurkers alike!

Bringing Help to Others After Katrina

After Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc upon the Louisiana delta, an old Cajun euphemism became a reality. The levees finally broke. Along with over a thousand Scientology Volunteer Ministers, I manned up a Disaster Response Team and headed down to Baton Rouge to help restore the spirit of New Orleans.

Computer Security Expert - As Seen on TV

Last week NBC Arizona 12 News interviewed your favorite Computer Security Expert during a feature about Identity Theft and Google

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In a nutshell, hackers have found ways to use Google to locate private information that can be readily accessed and stolen.

During this interview, I showed just how wide-open some of these security holes are.

Virtual Consulting - Instant Tech Support is Here

That ghost in your machine isn't a computer glitch. It's your computer consultant. Instant Computer Tech Support is here and it is a wonder to behold.

Whether your working in your office in Phoenix or from a laptop in Perth, your consultant is just a web connection away.

New Computer Safety Tips are Posted

The seasonal storms have begun with Arlene making landfall near Pensacola. While our Arizona monsoons don't quite measure up in catastrophic capacity, it doesn't take a tropical storm to wreak havoc on your computer system. If you aren't fully protected, a good electrical hit can turn your PC into a crackling heap of hopelessness.

Have no fear, dear reader. I've just posted a report on How to Protect Your Computer from ALL Electrical Threats.

Let's hope you get it in time. Otherwise ... well ... you know my number.