CD or DVD Encoder / Decoder

A CD or DVD uses a laser to read and write information onto the spinning disk.  This technology appears to be headed along the same path as vinyl records and in the meantime we need them to work!  The laser reads digital information and an Encoder / Decoder, the translator, is required so the computer can understand what it means so you can see the information.  A recent Malware (Virus) may have corrupted the software used for this purpose or the re-install of Microsoft™ Windows XP has left the computer without this crucial utility.  Fortunately, the fix is available without cost by using the Windows Media Player.  <- Download the software from this link.  Here are some pointers on installing this or any legitimate software:

1. Perform a complete scan of the computer to ensure it is clean of Malware (viruses).
2. It is good practice to always create a Restore Point prior to installing software or making computer changes.  In Windows™ XPthis if found via;START -> ALL PROGRAMS -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore

   In Windows™ Vista and Windows™ 7, Left-Click on the Windows Symbol at the bottom left of the monitor and type in “System Protection“.

3. Be sure to use full administrative rights.  In Windows™ XP this is achieved either by being logged in on an Administrator Account or by a Right-Click on the file, choose “run as…” and entering the Username and Password of an Administrator account.
4. In Windows™ XP always Right-Click on the install file and choose “Run As..” even if using an Administrator Account and uncheck .
5. If the Program does not install properly you may need to temporarily disable any Anti-Malware and 3rd Party Firewall Programs that include program control features.
6. If you need to start over use the Restore Point created in step2 and begin again.

With the Windows Media Player or any other Encoding / Decoding Program installed a DVD will now play when it is placed into the DVD player.  If still having problems you may need to seek additional assistance.

Autologin, Not Recommended but what if?

Auto-Login / Logon is a feature that can be used if you have several User Accounts [Section I-pg 28 of Book] on a computer.  And, you should since this will provide a backup User in-case a particular User Account becomes corrupted.  It is a convenience feature providing for a particular User Account that is used daily to automatically login when the computer is started.  Here is why Auto-login is not recommended:

1. Auto-login User Account becomes corrupted;  you will need to login to the alternate User Account and stopping the auto-logon process can be difficult.  For XP, hold the SHIFT key after seeing color on the screen during the boot-up process to stop the Auto-Logon.  In Vista, this option is likely not available and there is the problem.
2. Guests, Friends or Associates;  reality means sometimes we prefer not to have someone gaining access to our files or the potential of their actions enabling Malware to access the computer.  By requiring a Username and Password during the log-in this protects from this situation.  And, if extra security is needed, you can require a password each time the computer goes into Screen Saver Mode.  [Right-Click on the Desktop (pg I-20), Left-Click Properties, Left-Click the Screen Saver Tab, place a check mark in.]

To gain quick access to the Auto-Login settings you can:

In XP; Left-Click on , Left-Click on and type in Control Userpasswords2 (there is one space between the words) and place a check mark in if not already there to require a Username and Password during logon.

In Vista; Left-Click  and this box will appear, type in Control Userpasswords2 (there is one space between the words) and select the setting to require Username and Password.  Although, inconvenient most of the time, it will save the day when you need to access a different User Account for whatever reason.

64 Bit Windows Vista and Adobe Flash Problem

Being on the leading edge of technology comes with its own challenges.  This particular problem occurs because Adobe has not yet produced a 64 bit version of its FLASH player but Microsoft has produced a 64 bit Internet Explorer browser.  The result is websites that use FLASH may not work properly or at all.  For example, you might be needing to follow an on-line educational course and cannot get it to work.  Not a problem, because Firefox versions 3.0 are still 32 bit and will not be 64 bit until version 4.0.   So, here is what you can do in the meantime:

1. Download and install

   Link to Firefox3

   [Not sure how?  Use the detailed instruction from Chapter 1 of the C.A.L.M. Manual.]

2. Start Firefox before step 3 is performed and check the Firefox download location on the computer for saving files by a Left-Click on TOOLS in the menu bar, Left-Click on Options… , Left-Click on the MAIN Tab and the middle area allows setting the location to download files.
3. Next download and save the Adobe Flash to the computer.  At the Adobe Website Left-Click at the right column where it says to download now.  In the next web-page Left-Click on the Agree & Install prompt.
4. Close all open Internet Browsers and Double-Left-Click on the Adobe Flash install file that was downloaded in step 2.  Follow the installation prompts and Left-Click Continue or Allow to any Windows Security prompts or security software prompts.

Once installed re-open the Firefox Internet Browser and