Welcome to the first installment of “PC Pete”, where I answer some common PC computer questions.

Q: I recently purchased a “multimedia” PC from an online vendor, at a really low price. After setting up the PC, I discovered that there is no place to plug in my digital video camera to import my video for editing. I called the company’s tech support number, and after an hour on hold, I was told I needed a FireWire card. What the heck is that?

A: FireWire (known technically as IEEE 1394, called “i.Link” by Sony) is a high-speed data transmission interface. Virtually all digital camcorders use FireWire to connect to computers. Chances are, a FireWire card was available for your “value” PC as a $50 upgrade. You can also purchase a FireWire PCI card at your local computer superstore.

Q: I recently made the move to a high-speed DSL internet connection. My neighbor (he really knows a lot about PCs) showed me how I can download movies, music, and software free over the internet. Now, my PC has slowed down dramatically. I’m also getting bounced-back emails from people I don’t know, my CD drive opens and closes on its own, my hard drive is spinning away when I’m not doing anything, and programs are hanging up and quitting (even more than they usually do). Is my PC possessed? Help!

A: In a way, yes, your PC is possessed – probably by trojans, spyware, adware, or viruses – known collectively as “malware” or “pestware”. The increased “downloading power” of your DSL connection requires increased responsibility. The “wages of sin” for your morally questionable download activities may well be pestware attached to something your downloaded. When you execute or install the download, the pestware (just like the Trojan Horse of old) sneaks out into the deep, dark recesses of your drive. Maybe it’s using your PC to make international or “900” phone calls, or recording your keystrokes to obtain your passwords and sensitive information, or downloading software off of your PC, or reporting your surfing habits to advertisers so they can send you “personalized” advertising. In any case, there are a couple of things you can do. First, enable your PC’s firewall, which will prevent unwanted intrusions in the future. XP has a built-in firewall, but it’s turned off by default. To do so, right-click on My Network Places, Properties, right-click on your connection (e.g. Local Area Connection), select Properties again, then Advanced, and then click the box for Protect My Computer. But note that the built-in firewall is very basic. A third-party firewall (such as ZoneAlarm) will do a much better job than XP's built-in firewall.

Q: What can I do to protect my PC from viruses and other pestware?

A: First, be conscientious about installing the Critical Security Updates that Microsoft distributes through their Windows Update site. Second, install a virus checker program, like Norton Antivirus, which can scan your email for attachments that contain viruses. Be wary of email attachments, even from people you know. If you don’t need to open or execute an attached file, don’t. You can also find freeware and commercial adware and spyware detection and removal applications.

Now, we must give equal time to those few “underpowered, non-standard, just-don’t-make-any-software-for-it” Mac users out there. Your answer to these questions: relax. None of this applies to you. All Macs come with FireWire. They aren’t susceptible to any known virus, adware, spyware, trojan, worm or other such animal. The built-in firewall (although it must be activated with three quick mouse clicks) is potent and effective.

Where’s the fun in that?

© 2004 Peter F. Zimowski