|
|
FAQ and Useful Information
from your
Chain O' Lakes Internet Support Team
DISCLAIMER: Chain O' Lakes Internet, COLI Inc. is not responsible for
inaccurate advise or computer problems arising from these statements: The
questions below are the most frequently asked by our customers and we have
provided the most common solutions for those questions. If you cannot find
the problem you are experiencing with your computer, please refer to the Chain
O' Lakes Internet Support Section found at http://www.torchlake.com/support
or call our friendly, competent staff to help you.
Chain O' Lakes Internet
COLI Inc.
07/25/01
Is software modems better then Hardware Modems?
If I opt to buy the cheaper software Modems, what modem should I buy?
My modem doesn't get dial tone what should I do?
I keep getting disconnected from the Internet, what can I do to fix this?
Help I am getting 'RPC Errors. NT Authority. Blaster Worm. Etc.' Errors, how do I remove the virus?
Email viruses, how can I stop them?
What Antivirus Program should I buy?
Help I think I have a virus, what can I do?
How Can I Tell if an Email is a Hoax or a Virus?
Are all adware products Spyware?
How can I check or remove any Spyware?
What type of computer should I buy?
For a Home users, how much capacity should my computer have?
Common computer security advice
How can I stop my computer from getting hacked into?
What can I do in windows to help disallow intrusion?
What firewall programs are good?
The following modems work best on our system:
Hardware Modems:
The following Software Modems and their driver versions (these are the chipsets, Modem Brand Names may differ)
Modems which we would NOT recommend using or buying.
Is software modems better then Hardware Modems?
As a general rule, Hardware modems outperform and have less problems then software modems. Here are some links that explain the difference and the pro and cons of software modems.
If I opt to buy the cheaper Software Modems, what modem should I buy?
My modem doesn't get dial tone. What should I do?
Most of the time this is due to an Electrical Storm, bad drivers, misconfiguration in the modem, or telephone line problems (miswired or telephone company problem).
I keep getting disconnected from the Internet, what can I do to fix this?
There are several reasons a modem disconnects. Here are three things to check:
- If you are disconnected right after either checking your email or sending a new message and you use Outlook Express. You need to follow these directions to fix the problem:
Once you are in Outlook Express, click on tools then options. Next, click on either the connection tab or the dialup tab. Check Ask before switching dialup connections, and uncheck hang-up after sending and receiving. Click on OK, and it should be fixed.
- If you are idle for 20 minutes, our system will disconnect you. This means, if you are reading a long email, detailed web-page, or had physically left the computer, our system senses inactivity and will disconnect you. This is done to free up a telephone line for others to use the internet.
NOTE: If you are getting disconnected after 20 minutes of downloading a file, this is a problem with Windows and to fix it, follow the directions below:
For Internet Explorer 4.0x click on Start | settings | Control Panel then on Internet Options and then the Connection Tab. Click on settings then Un-check Disconnect if idle for so (many minutes).
For Internet Explorer 5.0x: click on Start | settings | Control Panel then on Internet Options and then the Connection Tab. Click on settings then the advanced button. Uncheck Disconnect if idle for so (many minutes).
- Dropped connections, not related to the above problems, can occur if a modem gets a sharp decrease in line quality, line noise, weather, bad modem drivers/software/firmware, or just a bad modem. If the problem just started happening, chances are there was a decrease in line quality (added noise to the telephone line, static)
a) Sharp Decrease in Telephone Line quality or Line noise (static). Line noise can cause a loss of connection and is not easily noticed. Pick up your phone, dial a single number except "0". Now listen very close. Do you hear any noise in the line whatsoever? Any noise other than silence, can cause the modem to drop connection randomly. High speed Internet connections require you to have a very clear telephone line.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact the phone company and have them check the line. As a helpful hint, before calling the phone company, they may not come out if it is a Internet Related modem problem. They only guarantee a 14.4kbps connection. There are a few things to check before calling the phone company to make sure the problem is not in your house's wiring. First, unplug all telephones or telephone line devices in your house except the computer. Try the internet and see if that helps. If it doesn't, run a long telephone cord from your computer to your GTE or Ameritech Box outside your house. Try the Internet again and see if that helps, if it doesn't, the problem probably lies with the telephone companies wiring and you should contact them.
b) If the above doesn't help, and your telephone line seems clear, you may need to find out what kind of modem you have. To do this, click on Start from your desktop, settings, control panel, then on Modems. This should list what modem you are using. Next, click on the diagnostics tab, then, click on the com port that says your modem after it. Click on more info. Look for the ati3 setting and it should give you the driver version of the modem. Below lists the latest driver versions for particular modems and what drivers work the best with our server. Updating the modem, usually works if none of the above problems exists. If you have the updated driver and the modem still is having disconnect problems, try disabling 56k. For a complete listing of modems and disable 56k codes, and directions for inserting the codes, click on the following link: http://www.808hi.com/56k/trouble2.htm
1) Lucent LT Winmodem - (Common Computer Manufactures Include: Hewlett Packard, Dell, Older Compaq's (Compaq 56DF & 56VSC Modem) - For a More Complete List go to http://808hi.com/56k/ltwin7.htm).
- Drivers that works well are versions 5.70 and 5.82 and above. Driver Versions 5.75 through 5.79 tend to not work well. To update your modem with the latest generic driver go to http://808hi.com/56k/ltwin7.htm . Some cases updating the modem version will change the modem name. To make sure dialup networking is configured correctly, on your main screen double click on My Computer, then Double click on Dialup Networking, click once on the dialup networking connection that you use then click on file and properties.
- Disable 56k Codes are: -V90s38=0 or s38=0 or -v90=0
2) Rockwell HCF Modem (Common Computer Manufactures Include Some Compaq's, Dell, Gateway and Micron. - For a More Complete List go to http://808hi.com/56k/hcf7.htm).
- Drivers that work well are versions 2.1.2.156 and above.
- Disable 56k V90 Codes are: +ms=v34
3) USR Robotics - (Common Computer Manufactures Include Some Dell, Gateway, Micron, and most high end systems.
- Drivers that work well are Most of the drivers or firmware. To see if US Robotics has an update follow this link: http://www.usr.com/support/s-main-menu.asp
- Disable 56k Codes are: S32=66 or S32=98
4) HSP MicroModem - (Common Computer Manufactures Include Some Compaq's, Emachines, and Hewlett Packard. - For a More Complete List go to http://www.808hi.com/56k/pctel.htm).
- Drivers that work well - NONE Click on this link for more info http://808hi.com/56k/badchips.htm . Sometimes updating the drivers work, updated drivers are located at http://www.808hi.com/56k/pctel.htm , http://www.pctel.com/downloads/drivers_download.htm..
- Disable 56k Codes are: n0s37=12
5) Motorola (SM56) - (Common Computer Manufactures Include Some Compaq's, Emachines, Hewlett Packard and other low end systems.
- Drivers that work well - NONE Click on this link for more info http://808hi.com/56k/badchips.htm . Sometimes updating the drivers work, updated drivers are located at: http://www.motorola.com/networking/products/sm56_pci_software_modem/drivers.html
- Disable 56k Codes are: *MM12 or +MS=V34
6) Other Modems that are not listed here and some more instructions for the modems listed here, click on this link: http://www.808hi.com/56k/trouble.htm
c) If the above doesn't help, you may have a bad modem, I suggest having the modem looked at if your modem is a HSP, Motorola, or IBM Mwave modem. A new modem may be what you need., US robotics, Lucent Win Modem or HCF modems work well with Chain O' Lakes Internet. If you have any trouble upgrading your modem software or need help with disconnects, please give us a call at 231-331-4622 and one of our technical support personal can help solve the problem.
Help I am getting 'RPC Errors. NT Authority. Blaster Worm. Etc.' Errors, how do I remove the virus?
Directions for Removal for W32.Blaster Worm / Virus
1) If at any point you get the system shutdown and to make certain that you stay online while downloading the patch, if a message appears saying that you will be shut down in 60 seconds, Click on Start > Run > and type this in and then click ok:
shutdown -a
This command will abort the shutdown and keep you downloading.2) First Download the Fix Program at: Open Internet Explorer, either click on this link or type in this link in the address bar of internet explorer.
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/FixBlast.exe
Click on Save and then make sure 'Save in' says 'Desktop"
3) Next Turn off System Restore
right click on the my computer icon and click on properties
then go to system restore tab
then put a check in turn off system restore
then click apply in the bottom right and then click on ok4) Next Download the following patches from Micrsoft.com
NOTE: THESE DOWNLOADS ARE DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK! Chain O' Lakes Internet, nor anyone but yourself are responsible for any problems encountered with the download and installation of either Microsoft patch.After you click on the appropriate links below the download link will be on the right hand side. After you click download on the next screen click open and it will automatically install after it has been downloaded.
Patch 1
Q331953 - Windows 2000 Patch: Download
Q331953 - Windows XP Home and Professional Patch : Download
Patch 2
Q823980 - Windows 2000 : Download
Q823980 - Windows XP Home and Professional Patch : Download
5) Then run the fixblast.exe removal tool on your desktop. This should be an icon on your desktop6)Turn Back on System Restore if you want.
- More info on the Blaster Worm -
Sarc.com - Info on Blaster : Information
Email viruses, how can I stop them?
- Virus Name: W95.Hybris.gen
From: hahaha@sexyfun.net Subject: Snow White and the Seven dwarves
Attachment Names: anpo porn(.scr , atchim.exe , branca de neve.scr , dunga.scr , dwarf4you.exe , enano porno.exe , joke.exe midgets.scr , sexy virgin.scr
Norton Antivirus Write up: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w95.hybris.gen.html
Comments: To avoid getting this virus, do not open any messages with this subject. Check this site for more info: http://www.sexyfun.net
Cleaning Program:
- Virus Name: W95.MTX
From: Anyone Subject: Any Subject
Some Attachment Names: I_wanna_see_you.txt.pif , Matrix_screen_saver.scr , Love_letter_for_you.txt.pif , New_playboy_screen_saver.scr , Bill_gates_piece.jpg.pif , Tiazinha.jpg.pif , Feiticeira_nua.jpg.pif , Geocities_free_sites.txt.pif , New_napster_site.txt.pif , Metallica_song.mp3.pif , Anti_cih.exe , Internet_security_forum.doc.pif , Alanis_screen_saver.scr , Reader_digest_letter.txt.pif , Win_$100_now.doc.pif , Is_linux_good_enough!.txt.pif , Qi_test.exe , Avp_updates.exe , Seicho_no_ie.exe , You_are_fat!.txt.pif , Free_xxx_sites.txt.pif I_am_sorry.doc.pif , Me_nude.avi.pif , Sorry_about_yesterday.doc.pif , Protect_your_credit.html.pif , Jimi_hendrix.mp3.pif , Hanson.scr F___ing_with_dogs.scr , Matrix_2_is_out.scr , Zipped_files.exe , Blink_182.mp3.pif
Norton Antivirus Write up: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w95.mtx.html
Comments: As a good rule or practice. Delete any messages attachment that ends in a *.pif, *.scr, or *.exe.
Cleaning Program:
- Virus Name: Wscript.KakWorm - this virus almost cannot be detected in an email, without an antivirus program.
From: Anyone Subject: Any Subject
Attachment Names: Embedded in the email
Norton Antivirus Write up: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/wscript.kakworm.html
Comments: To avoid getting this virus make sure windows is patched via Windows Update or download this file http://www.microsoft.com/TechNet/IE/tools/scrpteye.asp.
Cleaning Program: Fixkak.exe Directions: http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/wscript.kakworm.fix.html
- Virus Name: Happy99.Worm
From: anyone Subject: Any Subject
Attachment Names: Happy99.exe, Happy00.exe
Norton Antivirus Write up: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/happy99.worm.html
Comments: If you get an email from someone with the attachment of happy99.exe do not run the attachment
Cleaning Program: FIXHAPPY.EXE Directions: http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/fix.happy99.worm.html
- Virus Name: W32.Badtrans.13312@mm
From: anyone Subject: Any Subject
Attachment Names: Pics.ZIP.scr , images.pif , README.TXT.pif , New_Napster_Site.DOC.scr , news_doc.scr , hamster.ZIP.scr , YOU_are_FAT!.TXT.pif , searchURL.scr , SETUP.pif , Card.pif , Me_nude.AVI.pif , Sorry_about_yesterday.DOC.pif , s3msong.MP3.pif , docs.scr , Humor.TXT.pif , fun.pif
Norton Antivirus Write up: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.badtrans.13312@mm.html
Comments: Hard one to detect. Don't run any attachements with .scr , .pif , .exe , or .vbs
Cleaning Directions: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.badtrans.13312@mm.html
- Virus Name: W32.Magistr.24876@mm
From: anyone Subject: Randomly generated text that can be up to 60 characters long
Attachment Names: One randomly named infected executable and several randomly selected text or document files
Norton Antivirus Write up: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.magistr.24876@mm.html
Comments: Hard one to detect. Don't run any attachements with .scr , .pif , .exe , or .vbs
Cleaning Directions: Run Antivirus Program
- Virus Name: VBS.VBSWG2.X@mm
From: anyone Subject: Homepage
Attachment Names: homepage.HTML.vbs
Norton Antivirus Write up: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/vbs.vbswg2.x@mm.html
Comments: Don't open any attachments or emails with homepage in it.
- Virus Name: W32.Sircam.Worm@mm
From: anyone Subject: Random, or same as the attachment name.
Attachment Names: Taken from your computer and has an extension of .bat, .com, .ink, .pif or other.
Norton Antivirus Write up: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.sircam.worm@mm.html
Comments: Will take actual text from a file on your computer, and use it as the e-mail's attachment name, body and possibly the subject line. It is very deceiving and will make you think its an entirely safe file - when in fact, it is not. Make sure to run Windows update and a virus scanning program. Don't open e-mails or even attachments from people you don't know, especially with the .bat, .com, .ink or .pif extension.
Cleaning Program: FixSirc.com Directions: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.sircam.worm@mm.removal.tool.html
- Virus Name: W32.Nimda.A@mm
From: anyone Subject: Random, or same as the attachment name. Virus can automatically run just by opening the email message.
Norton Antivirus Write up: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.nimda.a@mm.html
Comments: This is probably one of the deadliest of the new email virus's that have been coming out recently. If you do not have an antivirus program on your computer, it is highly advisable that you purchase one, as this virus can infect your computer simply by opening or previewing the message containing the virus. It spreads through networks instantaneously, and thus infects computers on your network and will infect people in your address book. Please read Norton's write-up about this virus, for more information.
Cleaning Program: Go Here Directions: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.nimda.a@mm.removal.tool.html- Virus Name: W32.Goner.A@mm
From: anyone Subject: Hi or Hii.
Norton Antivirus Write up: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.goner.a@mm.html
Comments: Once the email is opened, it will automatically instigate the first steps of the virus. It will mass mail to everyone in your address book, with a message pertaining to a screen saver. It will then disable any and all antivirus programs that are running on your computer. It also opens or unblocks several ports and sends a message to IRC letting everyone know that your computer is open for attacks. This virus also disables all firewall protection. This is a very potentially dangerous virus, should you have any questions, please research it on the provided links or give us a call.
Cleaning Program: Go Here Directions: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.goner.a@mm.removal.tool.html
What Antivirus Program should I buy?
Help I think I have a virus, what can I do?
How Can I Tell if an Email is a Hoax or a Virus?
Please Consult one of the
lists below before believing an email message that regards to a suppose
virus or some gimmick. These messages contain bogus information, and
are intended only to frighten or confuse users. The links below are a
reproduction of the messages. Please refer to one of these lists whenever
you receive what appears to be a bogus message regarding a new virus, or a
promotion of some sort.
http://www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/filters/ehoax/
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blhoax.htm
http://www.vmyths.com/
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
http://vil.mcafee.com/hoax.asp
http://HoaxBusters.ciac.org/
Spyware is Internet jargon for Advertising Supported software (Adware). It is a way for shareware authors to make money from a product, other than by selling it to the users. There are several large media companies that offer them to place banner ads in their products in exchange for a portion of the revenue from banner sales. This way, you don't have to pay for the software and the developers are still getting paid. If you find the banners annoying, there is usually an option to remove them, by paying the regular licensing fee.
While this may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising companies also install additional tracking software on your system, which is continuously "calling home", using your Internet connection and reports statistical data to the "mothership". While according to the privacy policies of the companies, there will be no sensitive or identifying data collected from your system and you shall remain anonymous, it still remains the fact, that you have a "live" server sitting on your PC that is sending information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location.....
Are all Adware products "Spyware"?
No, but the majority are. There are also products that do display advertising but do not install any tracking mechanism on your system. These products are not indexed in our database.
Even though the name may indicate so, Spyware is not an illegal type of software in any way. However there are certain issues that a privacy oriented user may object to and therefore prefer not to use the product. This usually involves the tracking and sending of data and statistics via a server installed on the user's PC and the use of your Internet connection in the background.
How can I check and remove any Spyware?
The two main programs used to detect and remove any adware from your computer is adware or spybot. Both programs are free to use and work great.
What type of computer should I buy?
In today’s technological world, there are many computer industries – and the number seems to be rising daily. Of all the computer manufacturers, we strongly recommend going with the Dell systems (http://www.dell.com), as they are very reliable and offer a generous amount of technical support, if needed. Also, if you do not want to go with Dell, Gateway (http://www.gateway.com) is another great alternative.
For Home users, how much capacity should my computer have?
We recommend that you have at least a Pentium II 300; 128megs of ram, a 56k hardware modem (preferably of Lucent Winmodem or US Robotics Brand Name), a 10-gigabyte hard drive and a standard video card to take full advantage of what the Internet has to offer. Another thing to consider is how fast your CD-ROM is. We recommend a 24X or faster, and with most new computers anything above 40X is standard. If you are buying a new computer, there is no need to worry about meeting the minimum requirements, as even the bottom line computers can handle about anything the Internet can throw at you.
Like anything, Web TV has its advantages and disadvantages. One thing that is great about Web TV is how simple it is to use. Most people that have a hard time with computers will be right at home with Web TV. Web TV devices utilize your television, so you can have the comfort of your living room as you lay back and surf the Internet. While Web TV seems like it would be the best route to go when choosing a connection method, it does have its drawbacks. Unlike computers that can download files, run programs, etc., Web TV is for web-browsing only. One of the main reasons is because it limits you from accessing everything that the Internet has to offer. So if you are familiar with computers, and can use them well, you may find Web TV not filling your needs.
Common computer security advice
How can I stop my computer from getting hacked into?
To stop your computer from being hacked into – try not to make enemies online. You never know how skilled they might be with computers. If you give someone your email address or another such way so that they can get in contact with you – it’s fairly easy to gain personal information about you through a few simple background traces. (Assuming they know what they are doing!) You can purchase a Firewall program that will block and alert you of incoming attacks and ‘look-ups’ that are being done to your computer. I would recommend a program called Black Ice for the most common user. This program will ‘beep’ you every time someone ‘sniffs’ your computer. Basically meaning – it will alert you if someone looks at your computer, or attempts to access your computer via a port or other such form of intrusion.
What can I do in windows to help disallow intrusion?
