Chess.com Guide to Computer Settings and Maintenance

Submitted by erik on Tue, 12/16/2008 at 12:03pm.

Most people don't know how to configure and maintain their computers. And that's OK... until something goes wrong and you want it fixed, and NOW! Trust us - we get dozens of bug reports and problem emails every day, and 90% of them are user-error, meaning your own fault :) There's no shame in that and we're happy to help, but we end up spending a lot of time repeating the same things over and over again. I'm writing this guide as a reference for anyone who is ready to take control of their computer for optimal performance, especially when using the Internet (and Chess.com!).

There are 3 parts to good computing:

FIX
PROTECT
MAINTAIN

The guide below is for Windows computers. I prefer Windows XP, but for those of you who unfortunately upgraded to Vista, this will probably help you too. And if you are running any Windows before XP (95, 98, ME, or 2000), then let me say that it's been 10 years and it's time to move on.

FIX

Most people have problems with their computer and they don't even know it. Viruses, spyware, trojans, bad settings, wrong software, hardware issues... the list goes on.

You should first check to see if you have any of these nasty issues on your machine, called "malware". Here are the programs I recommend:

Spybot Search & Destroy - A must for anyone using the Internet! Finds evil toolbars, spyware, and other malicious programs. Download and do everything it tells you to do :)

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Another awesome program for finding and fixing potential bad stuff on your machine. Download, install, and run the tests.

Anti-Virus Scan: There are a few options for free online antivirus scans. The best ones are offered by Trend Micro and Panda Security. You should scan to see if you have problems. You can also use one of the Anti-Virus programs mentioned in the PROTECT section below to do a local scan.

After running these you should be safe and protected. Keep running them until you are. If you are NOT able to fix these issues on your own, I STRONGLY recommend you get a computer professional to help you out. You can't keep on using your computer if it is infected.

Note: It may be best to run the tests and scans above in SAFE MODE (you get to safe mode by hitting "F8" on your keyboard when your computer starts booting up). Running them in Safe Mode means that bad stuff can't stop you from fixing it.

PROTECT

You need to protect yourself from getting problems in the first place. All problems come to your computer from the Internet. But you can be perfectly safe if you do these things:

Keep Windows Updated: Run Windows Update to get critical patches and updates.

Use a Firewall: Windows has a firewall built in that is OK, but for extra protection try ZoneAlarm.

Use Antivirus Software: This is critical! You must use antivirus. The two free ones you can try are AVG Antivirus and Avira Antivirus. If you like them, then pay for the upgraded versions. Good software is developed by people who need money too!

Use a Safe Browser: I'll talk more about this at the end, but use a safe browser. This basically means anything other than Internet Explorer.

Don't open email attachments that you are not expecting.

Note: I do NOT recommend Norton, Symantec, MacAfee for antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall. They are bloated and will likely slow down your computer.

MAINTAIN

Your computer is like your car and your body - they need regular maintenance - and if you don't take care of them they won't perform. Here are things you should do to

Clean Up Old/Useless Files: Your computer accumulates junk. Use CCleaner to remove useless junk files and gunk. I run this about 1 time per week. You can also use it to fix your registry.

Defragment Your Hard Drive: Your computer puts a lot of stuff all over your hard drive. "Defragmenting" is like asking your secretary to organize your files - it makes it a lot easier to find the things you need and will speed up your computer! You can find this in your Start Menu (probably under System Tools or something).

System Tuneup Programs: I strongly recommend that people use a TuneUp program. It can often do a lot of things for you to optimize your computer. The two I recommend are TuneUp Utilities and Advanced SystemCare Free. Just set up these programs to fix and optimize your system. They can even be scheduled to automatically do this for you. Just set and forget!

INTERNET TIPS

Here's a little section I'm throwing in here to help you have a better experience on the Internet.

First off, you need to use a good browser! That is KEY. Please, do NOT use Internet Explorer It is just bad. It's time to upgrade and let Microsoft know that they need to step it up in the browser department. Using a better browser is SAFER, FASTER, and MORE SECURE. I recommend Firefox, but there are other options.

Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Chrome: http://www.google.com/chrome

Safari: http://www.apple.com/safari/

Opera: http://www.opera.com/

In addition to a good browser, regularly refresh your browser cache/files, reboot your computer daily (don't just leave it on), and get the best internet connection you can :)

Backup: I highly recommend you use an online backup program. I recommend Carbonite or Mozy. These programs run in the background and just backup your files without you having to think about it. If you think that using a hard drive or email or something is good enough, you are wrong. Online backups are smart, easy, and cheap!

Linux Users: If you are using Linux, you shouldn't need a guide.

Mac Users: If you are using a Mac, then take your machine back to the store and have them help you - that's the over-priced service you paid for. Plus, it should already be running perfectly, right? Right? Mac is perfect. Right? Or you can download Mac security software here.

I'm not here to argue which operating system is best, but I'll preempt the inevitable Linux fanboys who will say "Switch to Linux" by saying "If you live the Linux philosophy, then did you hand-build and manufacture your own automobile?" I thought not. Linux is not for everyone (yet?). And to those of you who will say "Switch to Mac", let me say that not everyone wants to pay triple for white computers that run 30% of the software out there and have one mouse button. There, I said it. :)

Agree or disagree, I don't care. Just please take the time to FIX, PROTECT, and MAINTAIN your computer... so that I don't have to. :)

Enjoy, and happy computerizing!

» posted in Chess.com Help

| 3413 reads | 42 comments |

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Comments:

by hicetnunc - 53 days ago
Neuilly-sur-Seine France

Member Since: Aug 2007
Member Points: 3309

I've just tried Carbonite which is really very easy to use ! My only complain is that it doesn't backup external disks. Too bad

by paint4 - 2 months ago
International

Member Since: Oct 2009
Member Points: 1

I think the author must have got very little issues with firefox. And the author I believe might have in depth experience about all sorts of (small-medium-big) issues in chess.com with different browser.

All I see is, this is a great article.

by avneet - 4 months ago
Delhi India

Member Since: Feb 2009
Member Points: 716

good article...one of a kind...

by chithu - 8 months ago
singapore Singapore

Member Since: Apr 2009
Member Points: 11

hello erik,

I just join chess.com a few days ago.

now a face with a problem. So if u can fix, please tell me.

My problem is: I can't open to play live chess.

Everytime I enter to live chess room, always show error and can't play.

It shows like this " Help | ... | [Break] LogoutChess.com - Live Chess "

with regards,

chithu

by SMWAT - 9 months ago
United States

Member Since: Dec 2008
Member Points: 77

Thank you : )

by foxy - 11 months ago
battle ready in Ireland

Member Since: Nov 2007
Member Points: 18

just wondering - does the author of this article recommend firefox for chess.com.

i think he does and therefore would doubt the sincerity of this piece.

he doth protest too much!!!!!!!!!!

by P_U_N - 11 months ago
Tyler, TX United States

Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 961

Great article - if you have a mac, I recommend painting pretty pictures on it, then use it as a boat anchor :-)

by Hugh_T_Patterson - 11 months ago
San Francisco, CA United States

Member Since: Aug 2007
Member Points: 1324

This is a wealth of information. Thanks!!

by Midi - 12 months ago
Belgium

Member Since: Aug 2008
Member Points: 36

Correct about internet explorer, wrong about the Macs. Compared to the Mac Os Windows is just an ugly mess that annoys everyone.

by ahill713 - 12 months ago
Dallas United States

Member Since: Nov 2008
Member Points: 43

Great article!

by costelus - 12 months ago
Romania

Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 1879

Very good guide Erik. But you should put a link to your original guide from the main chess.com page, not let it mix with all the other articles/forum topics. And disable and remove comments for this article, too. A single voice is enough, many contradicting opinions is bad.

by Darkmage - 12 months ago
United States

Member Since: Jan 2008
Member Points: 45

Avast! is another lovely free antivirus program. It gets stuff AVG lets slip through. It's just the 'virus database has been updated!' voice can be a little disconcerting at first. http://avast.com

Also, I'm bad, I use IE7. Firefox screws up the formatting, even in sites like Yahoo! (the pics will overlap the text and it's really annoying, sometimes it makes the page unusable), and Opera doesn't save cookies from one day to the next which is also supremely irritating. Since I use the web to check two email boxes, Livejournal, and a couple forums, I should be OK. There's not just that much to do on the Internet. :/

by tyberius - 12 months ago
United States

Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 522

What do you think about Webroot Spysweeper? It seems to work pretty well for me.

by Tipped - 12 months ago
East Coast United States

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 36

@greatexcalibur

Quoted from the homepage of TinyMCE:

"TinyMCE is a platform independent web based Javascript HTML WYSIWYG editor control released as Open Source under LGPL by Moxiecode Systems AB. It has the ability to convert HTML TEXTAREA fields or other HTML elements to editor instances. TinyMCE is very easy to integrate into other Content Management Systems."

Basically it's the (free!) code which is used to make this text box I typed this in. It shouldn't attempt to upload a pdf onto your computer. Doing a quick google revealed this (it's even the same date as your "attack"; but I'd still check it out):

http://community.norton.com/norton/board/message?board.id=nis_feedback&thread.id=24437

Symnatec says that you should update the virus definitions and do a full system scan here:

http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/attacksignatures/detail.jsp?asid=23153

In all probability it's a problem with the antivirus software (especially because the attack supposedly from here); but it's better to be safe than sorry.

@spittnsnakespiders:

Your email webpage may not be following standards and is instead exploiting flaws in IE simply because "it's easier" for the webpage developers . There's an addon called IE Tab; it let's you open a page written for IE in a tab in Firefox - you can get it here:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419

The way it works probably means it opens you up to vulnerabilities when you use it; but it's only when you actually use it. If you're using your work email I wouldn't be surprised if they have it set up for Outlook Exchange, which only IE supports. If you use Gmail or Yahoo or whatever your ISP sets you up with it should work with Firefox; but you could try Opera or Safari.

@Erik:

Good article! I liked your guide for Linux users; as one myself I know how fun it is! I also liked your Mac guide; I'd personally prefer a Hackintosh though. As for Windows; Vista was just a pit stop to Windows 7; which should (Even I expect it to be) be better than XP; unlike Vista. Of course I'd wait a year or two for them to release a couple service packs before getting it :P.

by gmatt - 12 months ago
Vancouver Canada

Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 80

lol. I love the linux fan boy preempting, and I definitely share your opinion on mac computers.

Although I have to say it, switch to ubuntu :) it's really much easier.

by Willy_France - 12 months ago
Morsang sur Orge France

Member Since: Sep 2008
Member Points: 890

Thanks Erik,

Personaly i am one of the persons who has many bad thinks, Vista, IE 7, No spybot ect, ect.

But what i do use is TuneUp Utilities very content.

I let also all make there choises, but have an advice to as checksite

This is http://www.pcpitstop.com/ PC pitstop.
It does not fix, but gives clear vision on the status of your computer and all with good discriptions to adjust to your optimal settings (learning something to)

But your lineup is usefull and will exame a few tips ;)

FIX - PROTECT - MAINTAIN

by donngerard - 12 months ago
Cebu Philippines

Member Since: Jun 2008
Member Points: 3548

my anti-virus is Kaspersky 2009its a whole lot better than Avira (our previous Anti-Virus) go to kaspersky.com.......... kaspersky detects 98% and Avira only detects that was maybe 92%

TRY IT :)

by CptZiggy - 12 months ago
Edinburgh Scotland

Member Since: Jul 2008
Member Points: 292

good guide.

Another piece of advice: don't go over the top with antivirus software, one will do. Way too often problems are caused because people get scared and install two or more anti-virus apps which causes more problems than some virus'.