What is broadband internet?
My broadband internet is not working, what should I do?
My email is not working, what should I do?
What is spam and how can I stop it?
What is spyware/adware and how can I stop it?
What do I do if my computer freezes?
My computer doesn’t turn on. There doesn’t appear to be any power. What do I do next?

What is broadband internet?
Broadband internet is a term used to describe a high speed, permanent internet connection. This connection can be provided in two ways namely Cable or ADSL. A Cable connection is provided through a cable provider such as Foxtel, Optus or Telstra. An ADSL connection can be provided through most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and has various plans to suit your download and upload speed as well as download data allowances. An ADSL connection is provided through a traditional telephone line and can run concurrently with your telephone so you can use your telephone and internet at the same time. Both these connection types are much faster than a dial up connection and the cost of these services has become very comparative to a dial up account.

My broadband internet is not working, what should I do?
Check the status/link light on the modem and ensure that the light is constantly on (Check your modem manual). If it is not, you will need to ring your service provider. If the light is on try the following:

My email is not working, what should I do?
Check that you can access the internet. If your internet connection is down, see FAQ above.
Check you’re using the correct username and password
Check that your settings are correct. Your service provider will provide you these settings.

Even if your email was working before, we still recommend you double check your settings. Sometimes when you install new programs or update existing ones, your settings can be interfered with.

If you don't know how to check your email settings, please contact our office for technical assistance.
Sometimes Anti-Virus or Firewall programs can interfere with email. If you’re running any, try disabling them temporarily to check whether your email works. If this solves your problem, we recommend referring to the Help section in the software to configure it so that both can work together. If not, turn it straight back on to ensure your computer remains protected.

What is spam and how can I stop it?
SPAM is the term used for electronic junk mail, sometimes referred to as 'Unsolicited E-mail' (UCE). Due to the Internet being a relatively unmoderated medium it is very difficult to prevent junk mail, as is the case with junk mail experienced in the real world. Mail spammers (those responsible for spreading SPAM e-mail) use a variety of techniques to acquire ones e-mail address.

There is numerous software packages designed to reduce spam. While these products can reduce spam, they will not prevent it entirely. There are other ways you can minimise your exposure such as having regular maintenance performed on your computers, and setting up another email address specifically for online transactions.

What is spyware/adware and how can I stop it?
Spyware/adware is a general term for a program that secretly monitors your actions on your computers. Generally these components get downloaded behind the scenes when using the internet. The threat level varies from non malicious components to highly threatening security breaches. Non malicious components gather data about your usage to market products to you through spam and pop up windows. Threatening components may result in hackers gaining access to personal information such as usernames, passwords or even banking details.
There is software available that can scan your computer for these components and remove them in order to minimise the risks. It is essential that these programs are updated and run on a regular basis.

What do I do if my computer freezes?
Try pressing the Ctrl, Alt & Delete buttons at the same time. If the task manager window opens try to End The Task of the applications that are not responding. If this doesn’t resolve your problem try switching off the computer and restarting it.

My computer doesn’t turn on. There doesn’t appear to be any power. What do I do next?
Is there power to the monitor? If the answer is no it may be that the power point is not working. Try a different power point and see whether this resolves the problem. Some older computers have an on/off switch at the back. Often switching it off and on again resolves this problem. If this still doesn’t resolve the issue it may be that the power supply has blown. Ring our office for assistance.