HP computer / AOL Link / setup for relatives

Job continuing from wBBS thread
Starting to work on relaltives new HP computer. They had setup/installed computer before I arrived, so I'm stuck with some running apps ... Norton and a boatload of HP and AOL app's. in tasklist .. 49 running tasks !!!
Currently I have XP/firewall and Norton AV active. Have downloaded and installed all MS XP updates. Set XP performance to "Programs ", System Restore on.
PROBLEM AREA 1
Not familiar with AOL ...
A) Does AOL version 9 auto-update itself??
Gives the appearance it does. Everytime I log off, it halts the close and states downloading AOL updates. If yes .. ok, I guess. If known, does this require a running task? If yes, anyone know the name .. many AOL tasks running... this is one that should be left running.
B) Running task - acsd.exe a nasty AOL/9 task has bad paper per ATW (Answer That Work) labeling it a 24/7 connection pinger. Anyone know if AOL/9 has update/fixed this problem. On line is slowly downloading/installing AOL/9 updates, just wondering if this will be address via updates.
C) How do I disable AOL/AIM/IM in AOL/9. Went to online AOL support, said to "click on Wrench Icon" in the "Buddy's List view ". I can not see/find that icon. If it's there, I can't see it.
D) Not a big issue, Ive switched over to IE for online browser for thiese task, but does AOL/9 allow multiply views open? Everytime I "Ctrl N" to open an additional view in AOL/9, it does NOT open another new window. It closes the current window and you then load new url to go to different site .. simply want "multiple windows" open .. possible in AOL/9?
CURRENT THOUGHTS
If I can get the HP (virgin new HP computer) and AOL running tasks managed, should / could have running tasks to a reasonable number.

 

A) Does AOL version 9 auto-update itself??
- Yes

B) Running task - acsd.exe
- Still a problem. It remains resident at 424K usage when not on AOL - jumps to 4172 when sign on.
Ouside of that are 2 other proccess that run when sign on, will terminate when sign off. AOLpspd.exe, waol.exe.

C) How do I disable AOL/AIM/IM in AOL/9.
- enter keyword BUDDY - click SETUP at bottom of screen - then IM Settings

D) does AOL/9 allow multiply views open?
- Yes, but I also use IE for web browsing since like full screen mode n multiple open windows appear in task bar at btoom of screen.

Don't like MS updates with dial-up. Not enough bandwidth n will slow 'puter to a crawl. Outside of traning user to manually update though don't know what to do about that.

For AV software, since they're on AOL why not use free McAfee provided by AOL? It'll be automatically updated when they sign on. Enter keyword- anti-virus - to get it.

AOL also provides free Spyware program with free updates. keyword - spyware.

Luck- setting up computers for novices is always a challenge n takes about 5 times longer then planned. After it's all set-up n so proud their 1st question is: duhhhh- what's a mouse?

Hopefully the HP came with a tutorial they can be taught to use.

 

Hello ephemarial,

Don't like MS updates with dial-up. Not enough bandwidth n will slow 'puter to a crawl. Outside of traning user to manually update though don't know what to do about that

What I would suggest is setting the updates to inform before downloading and then informing before installing and doing that one at a time. There has to be some learning curve for the users.

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks guys ..

Missed your post, on road returning home.
Worked tasklist down to 21 at bootup/desktop, dumped Norton's AV and firewall, replaced with AVG free and XP firewall. Have ad-Aware, S&D/TeaTimer, SpyBlaster, and SpywareGuard installed for additional on-line defense.

MS Updates
Relatives decided they "prefered" to set at auto. Their browsing habits are Webmail, minimal browsing on "family type" sites. Majority of computer time is CD sourced games .. go online couple times a week. I'm on email advance notice for updates. When I get a notice, will let them know. Within a couple of days, they will go online, go to MS download site, start scan, accept all critical updates and go to bed. The "auto" setting is insurance policy.

Running task - acsd.exe
Set to "disabled service ". At bootup, task is not loaded. When AOL 9 is loaded, acsd.exe becomes active in tasks. When AOL 9 is closed, it remains resident in tasks. 75% time they turn computer on to play HDD-resident games, never loading AOL to go on line, so acsd.exe does not load to tasklist.

For AV software, since they're on AOL why not use free McAfee provided by AOL? It'll be automatically updated when they sign on. Enter keyword- anti-virus - to get it ... AOL also provides free Spyware program with free updates. keyword - spyware.
Discussed with relatives per McAfee, preferred to go with AVG .. so they can call call me when it does not work.
Did not have time to checkout AOL offered spyware program(s).

Required Monthly Security Updates - (Folder on Desktop)
Created above folder and put in program shortcuts to ad-Aware, S&D, SpyBlaster, and SpywareGuard. Once a month they will go to this folder, load program(s), download updates, run scans, delete anything it finds. Also included in this folder is URL shortcut to MS update site for convenience ... and a reminder.

AOL / Broswer / Connection
This was my first experience with AOL. The browser could be labelled as "pushy" in it's persistence of the "AOL" way of doing things. Can't complain on connection availability or session speed .. they were very respectable. Had to call AOL for temp password / new password and they were very friendly and helpful. For the inexperienced, for the "I hate change ", for the "I don't want to know or understand computers" .. AOL has a niche.

 

Dennis L

Brilliant. Put it all in one place and make them do a checklist. Great idea, thanks for sharing! Next time I'm at my mom's... Guess what she's getting on her desktop with a fancy icon?

Johanna

 

Your welcome Johanna. Security folder has shared convenienced. For inlaws training and as reminder. Also when I'm on the phone with inlaws or linked in with computer, provides a quick location for all security programs.

Enjoy the holidays - Have a safe New year for you and your family