Ask A Geek

Q: I have just brought a new Dell Studio in July 2009 with Windows Vista and about a couple of months ago it started to run slow. Every time you access the Internet it freezes and shows progamme not responding and then after a while it seems to run fine and it keeps on freezing every five to ten minutes. Even when you end task it still shows programme not responding. We took it to the shop where we brought it from and when he accessed the Internet it was running just fine and it didnt freeze. as Soon as we connected it at home it showed the same problem. Please advice.

Q: I recently installed a new hard drive in a Dell XPS 400. I had to purchase a recovery disk from Dell since one was sent on original purchase. I could not access the Internet which I found out later that I needed to reload the drivers. After downloading the driver for the Intel pro 1000 pl, I installed it, but still cannot gain Internet access.

Q: I have a computer with Windows XP. Qwest offered me a bundle option for upgrading my Internet service that gave me a faster speed connection. They sent me a new disk to load onto my computer for the high speed service. After I installed the disk I have been having problem logging on to my Internet Explorer. When I open IE it just sits there turning and trying to load. Sometimes it loads up and then the system works fine after I’m on it but most of the time it just sits there trying to load.

I have similar problems when I try logging into AOL as well. I type in my login information and it just sits there unable to connect to the Internet. How can I fix this?

Q: Every time I start the Internet I get the hourglass shape and then the standard page but right after it loads it shuts itself down and I don’t know why. What can I do to fix this and figure out why it is happening?

Q: What can I do to avoid going through my cable provider to get the Internet on my laptop?

I am trying to avoid purchasing an internet plan with my cable provider as they have quoted a hook up fee of $149.00. For wireless which should be illegal. Is there a wireless card available for laptops to connect ?

Q: I have a small place in the mountains with very limited phone service. I would like to use my laptop to access the Internet. There are no hotspots etc. How do I do this?

Q: Can a laptop that is not turned on detech a internet service that is being used on another computer?

Q: I have an HP computer running Microsoft Windows XP. I have dial up Internet. I was wondering if it is possible to use the USB wireless cards in my computer for Internet access without a phone line? Is there any other equipment I would need to this? What type of equipment?

A: Your access to the Internet needs to come from an Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you want something faster than dial-up you’ll need to pay an ISP for a connection to their Internet service just like you would for cable or satellite TV. Read the rest of this entry »

Q: I want to do a live webcast from a boat when I am out on the lakes. I Also want to be able to record numerous outings to a web site for future viewing. What hardware and software will I need?

Q: I can’t access www.megaupload.com all of a sudden. My Internet works. I can access any other website but not www.megaupload.com. I have tried different computer, browsers, and the same thing. Can’t access only that website. What is the problem?