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A common problem is the Computer is running slow. Slow start-up: If your PC is taking ages to boot up, it is likely it is loaded up with a lot of programs waiting to be opened. Some work in the background every time you turn on your computer. This takes up (RAM) memory that is needed for your operating system and other applications to work. The Solution: You need to identify the programs that are at causing the problem, they may be in your start-up folder, you need to deactivate or uninstall the ones you do not need. Some people have more than one Virus Guard or Spyware program, besides giving them security issues this can also slow the Computer down. You must ensure that you only have one security program running, chose the one you want and uninstall the others. It is also important that you Defrag the hard drive at regular intervals. These are some of the things you can do to increase the speed of the Computer. Slow operation of the Computer: This is usually due to a combination of things: a) too many programs running in the background often without your knowledge; b) drive fragmented, parts of programs that you uninstalled but remain in your system; c) file build-up, an accumulation of files (text, images, etc.) that enter your PC every time you use the internet; d) damage caused by an old virus or malicious infection (malware) after it has been cleared. e) Some infections run in the background and can use up your system’s processing resources even when you are doing nothing on the PC. In this case you can often hear the Computer working even though you are doing nothing, ( It makes churning sound) What is the Solution: This is not easy, as often the only way is to back up all the data and to format the hard drive. Some people are able to do this themselves but for many it is necessary to consult a professional. I can not emphasis enough the importance of backing up data before any thing is done, otherwise everything could be lost.

The Computer will not boot: This often happens after a power cut, or a storm. And can be either a Software problem or a Hardware problem. If it is a Software problem what has probably happened is the boot sector on the hard drive has been damaged and or the Windows files are damaged. Sometimes it is Physical damage to the Computer itself, which is called a hardware problem. It is possible to tell the difference by what is on the screen. If the Computer screen shows some activity and appears to attempt to boot it is probably a Software problem, if the screen shows no activity the screen is blank or says "no signal" then it is probably a hardware problem. The Solution: Usually the only solution is to reinstall Window or repair Windows with a Software problem. I would advise you consult a professional in both these circumstances.

A lot of people have trouble sending e-mails through Outlook Express when moving between France & England and also when changing service provider. This is because the SMTP which controls outgoing mail in your mail program has to be changed to the service provider you are currently using. If for example you use TalkTalk in the UK your SMTP will be set at “smtp.talktalk.net” if for example you are using Orange in France then by changing the SMTP to “smtp.orange.fr you will be able to send emails, to receiving emails you do not normally change anything. Where is the smtp? Open Outlook Express then go to tools at the top then open accounts highlight the default account then go to properties then to servers you will see the "SMTP", now make the changes described above. Gmail from Google is one of the best e-mail accounts to use as it is easy and free to signup to. The other advantages are you can receive your emails in Outlook Express and it has a very good spam filter.

Power cuts surges and storm damage is a major problem in France. If you have a Dial-up internet account it is very important to disconnect the Computer from the phone line during a storm, also ADSL modems as most of the damage is caused by the Electricity surge coming down the phone line, it is also recommended for everyone to disconnect from the mains electricity. What about ‘surge protectors? There are a number on the market and most electrical retails stock them, these can give a level of protection which depend's on three factors - one that you purchase a good quality product - secondly the socket used for the protector has a good earth connection - thirdly that the computer and modem are connected correctly to the power surge device. The correct connection requires the phone cable to the modem/modem router to be linked through the power surge device. However the best form of protection from lightning is to disconnect the phone cable from the phone wall plug and disconnect the computer from the mains.

Insurance: Many people are not aware that their Computer is normally covered for Storm Damage and a power surge. Depending on the age of the Computer you can often get enough to have it repaired, if less than 2 years a new replacement. (Ask your insurer)

Virtual Memory is a very important to the operation of your Computer; sometimes you will receive a message saying you do not have sufficient virtual memory. So what is Virtual Memory? Most people will be familiar with the term (RAM) random access memory. All Computers will have between 512k and 4mb, unless it is very old. If your computer lacks the (RAM) needed to run a program or operation, Windows will use virtual memory to compensate. When (RAM) runs low, virtual memory moves data from (RAM) to a space called a ‘paging file’ which is in effect an area of your Hard Drive that has been reserved for this purpose and can not be used for anything else. Therefore by moving data to and from the ‘paging’ file frees up (RAM) to allow the Computer to work more effectively.

How to increase Virtual Memory?
In Windows XP

1.Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2.Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System or in Classic View just go to system.
3.On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings.
4.On the Advanced tab, under Virtual memory, click Change.
5.Under Drive [Volume Label], click the drive that contains the paging file that you want to change.
6.Under Paging file size for selected drive, click to Custom size check box. You can enter the amount of memory you would like to reserve for Virtual memory by entering the initial and maximum size. 
7.Click Set
When you are prompted to restart the computer, click Yes.
Special Note: You should choose the same amount for the initial size and maximum size. This will Stop your CPU from constantly changing the paging file.

In Vista

1. Click Start button Picture of the Start button
2. Click Control Panel
3. Choose System and Maintenance and then click System or in Classic View just go to System.
4. In the left pane, click Advanced system settings.
5.On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings.
6. Click the Advanced tab, and then, under Virtual memory, chooseChange.
7. Click Custom to change the Initial size (MB) and Maximum size.