Hopefully we can create a thread to assist, inform, and answer questions of Orger's on the plethora options of hardware, security, & software. Tech advancement seems to change weekly, its really impossible to keep up. Please, we welcome all Orger's to contribute to the conversation about dizzying world of tech.

We do have options folks. In lieu of the questions about Facebook and the harvesting of data period. Here are some optons. If you're looking to decentralize your computer eco-system or considering different hardware or software.

Web-Browsers:
1. Firefox
2. Brave
3. Epic
4. Tor

These Web-Browers allow you the option to download extensions that allows you block tracking by some advertisers. Ad_Blocker, Ghostery, Privacy Bagger, HTTPS (recommended) , No Script, No Cookies, are just a few Extensions that can block tracking and video pop-ups. All Browsers allow( in settings) how much data gathers on your computer. Some of these types of extensions (apps) are also present on smartphones and tablets app stores.

Search Engines
duckduckgo.com
startpage.com
hulbee.com
www.lukol.com
privatelee.com

Paid email service: startmail.com

Virtual Private Network (VPN): greycoder.com
I'd advise purchasing VPN Router: VPN's encrypt users’ Internet traffic and mask their online identity by hiding their IP address. There's a monthly or yearly subscription few.

Operating System: Linux Distributions:
There our thousand of these Linux: For novices I'd recommend Linux -Lite or Linux Mint. Linux Mint interfaces remind you have Windows XP, Vista and Win 7. There's a learning curve but its not complicated. If you are wedded to Microsoft 3rd party software, this OS may not be for you. With Linux you won't see Terms & Agreement saying before you can use there OS you must give them permission to harvest your data on your computer 24/7 and router. Youtube for more info

Stickyfied

Im using Opera with Adblock plus and the private browsing option. I use duck duck go and startpage for search engines. However I'm not under any illusions that I am completely under cover.

My current problem is Thunderbird though. Suddenly I am having problems connecting to ATT servers that I never had before. I uninstalled Avast and went with AVG but that only helped for a few days and I'm back to the same issue. A google search hasn't given me any solutions.


Any help would be appreciated.

babynoz said:

Im using Opera with Adblock plus and the private browsing option. I use duck duck go and startpage for search engines. However I'm not under any illusions that I am completely under cover.

My current problem is Thunderbird though. Suddenly I am having problems connecting to ATT servers that I never had before. I uninstalled Avast and went with AVG but that only helped for a few days and I'm back to the same issue. A google search hasn't given me any solutions.


Any help would be appreciated.

Latter 1st. So, I'm assuming you are using att email services, what errors are seeing when you attempt to access your email via Thunderbird? Did you do a manual install your email via Thunderbired? Windows 7 or 10 computer? In doubt uninstall Thunderbird and reinstall TB and you email. I've found

install ones email manually in Thunderbird is more effective.

Former: The most important thing... Blocking third-party tracking cookies allows you to prevent websites on other domains from putting cookies in your browser – meaning your browser will not let websites set cookies that are not part of the domain (web address) where you are going.If you haven't:

Open Opera Settings and click o the Privacy & security link. Under Cookies, check the Block third-party cookies and site data setting. Restart Opera. I'd install HTTPS everywhere extension in Opera if you haven't.

Babynoz, I'd purchase anti-virus software, the free stuff leaves you vulnerable. . Another suggestion for Windows users. https://www.sandboxie.com there's a one time fee, for the life of your computer. Its a powerful program, which run your programs inside a sandbox, not touching your system itself, and isolating possible malware from touching your system also.

==================================

[Edited 3/26/18 5:19am]

babynoz said:

Im using Opera with Adblock plus and the private browsing option. I use duck duck go and startpage for search engines. However I'm not under any illusions that I am completely under cover.

My current problem is Thunderbird though. Suddenly I am having problems connecting to ATT servers that I never had before. I uninstalled Avast and went with AVG but that only helped for a few days and I'm back to the same issue. A google search hasn't given me any solutions.


Any help would be appreciated.

What's stopping u from trying out Linux?

...and *my* personal Linux recommendation: Bodhi Linux

Also - EliveCD (very similar).

Amazon, Facebook, Google, Twitter, can track your movement or collect data on you... irrespective if your using their services or not. Today web-browser Firefox had created an extension that prevents or blocks F.B. from tracking you around the web. If you are a Firefox web-browser user you can download that extension here. https://addons.mozilla.or...container/

There are other extensions that can protect your computer from 3-party scripts and potential malware & viruses. Its the 3-party cookies that can compromise your computer and your data. Video how to use NoScript below....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVoQKrhetUE

============================================

[Edited 3/29/18 4:44am]

TD3 said:

babynoz said:

Im using Opera with Adblock plus and the private browsing option. I use duck duck go and startpage for search engines. However I'm not under any illusions that I am completely under cover.

My current problem is Thunderbird though. Suddenly I am having problems connecting to ATT servers that I never had before. I uninstalled Avast and went with AVG but that only helped for a few days and I'm back to the same issue. A google search hasn't given me any solutions.


Any help would be appreciated.

Latter 1st. So, I'm assuming you are using att email services, what errors are seeing when you attempt to access your email via Thunderbird? Did you do a manual install your email via Thunderbired? Windows 7 or 10 computer? In doubt uninstall Thunderbird and reinstall TB and you email. I've found

install ones email manually in Thunderbird is more effective.

Former: The most important thing... Blocking third-party tracking cookies allows you to prevent websites on other domains from putting cookies in your browser – meaning your browser will not let websites set cookies that are not part of the domain (web address) where you are going.If you haven't:

Open Opera Settings and click o the Privacy & security link. Under Cookies, check the Block third-party cookies and site data setting. Restart Opera. I'd install HTTPS everywhere extension in Opera if you haven't.

Babynoz, I'd purchase anti-virus software, the free stuff leaves you vulnerable. . Another suggestion for Windows users. https://www.sandboxie.com there's a one time fee, for the life of your computer. Its a powerful program, which run your programs inside a sandbox, not touching your system itself, and isolating possible malware from touching your system also.

==================================

[Edited 3/26/18 5:19am]

Thanks a million.

Tbird is working the past few days but tomorrow who knows. The error message is "att server timed out" when it happens. Very intermittent. I'm still running Win7, I followed your advice about the demonic Win 10, (never10).

I uninstalled and reinstalled Tbird after I downloaded AVG. Is the paid version of AVG good or should I buy another AV?

TD3 said:

Amazon, Facebook, Google, Twitter, can track your moments or collect data on your irrespective if your use their services or not. Today web-browser Firefox had created an extension that prevents or blocks F.B. from tracking you around the web. If you are a Firefox web-browser user you can download that extension here. https://addons.mozilla.or...container/

There are other extensions that can protect your computer from 3-party scripts and potential malware & viruses. Its the 3-party cookies that can compromise your computer and your data. Video how to use NoScript below....

https://www.youtube.com/w...VoQKrhetUE

I am sooo getting this immediately. Then I can use FF for fkucbook. I just got on there less than a year ago to promote a project. I don't post anything unrelated to that but I still don't want to be stalked.

Oh, and could you re-post the link to those computers with linux preloaded again? I lost the link.

babynoz said:

TD3 said:

Babynoz, I'd purchase anti-virus software, the free stuff leaves you vulnerable. . Another suggestion for Windows users. https://www.sandboxie.com there's a one time fee, for the life of your computer. Its a powerful program, which run your programs inside a sandbox, not touching your system itself, and isolating possible malware from touching your system also.

Thanks a million.

Tbird is working the past few days but tomorrow who knows. The error message is "att server timed out" when it happens. Very intermittent. I'm still running Win7, I followed your advice about the demonic Win 10, (never10).

I uninstalled and reinstalled Tbird after I downloaded AVG. Is the paid version of AVG good or should I buy another AV?

So it appearsyou need to verigy your email client server settings. I'll go over to ATT and see what those settings are. We should be able to adjust so the sever doesn't time out.




================================

[Edited 3/29/18 6:37am]

TD3 said:

babynoz said:

Thanks a million.

Tbird is working the past few days but tomorrow who knows. The error message is "att server timed out" when it happens. Very intermittent. I'm still running Win7, I followed your advice about the demonic Win 10, (never10).

I uninstalled and reinstalled Tbird after I downloaded AVG. Is the paid version of AVG good or should I buy another AV?

So it appearsyou need to verigy your email client server settings. I'll go over to ATT and see what those settings are. We should be able to adjust so the sever doesn't time out.




================================

[Edited 3/29/18 6:37am]

Hey - one of those Lin puter sites is ZaReason. Just remembered the name

I'm not sure if this is the thread for this question. I figure I'd post it here instead of starting a separate thread. Let me know whats up, if i should make a separate one...


Howdy.

I could really use some feedback on some recent issue that's developed with this Gateway Laptop that i have.

About a week ago it started acting real strange. Like it has a mind of its own. Up until then it was working fine.

The first time i noticed an issue is when i tried to open a desktop shortcut. I clicked on the program icon that i wanted to open and instead of the clicked program opening up, a different one did... So, say for instance i double click on the recycle bin icon, and it highlights. Along with it highlighting, another icon will highlight as well. And that's the one(program) that will open(and not the one that i click). Also the program that does open, is usually one that's located at the farthest end of the icon that i actually clicked on. Both will be highlighted, but only the one at the end will actually open.

Also, sometimes i can double click on something and nothing will open up at all. I will get no response whatsoever. Usually after a minute or so though, things will go back to normal. Its not like it the computer Freezes, it just the mouse clicks don't do anything(checked double click speed, and it didn't make a difference).

So, at first i figured it was a defective mouse, but now I'm not so sure, because today i went into the Bios and it basically started doing the same thing. As if the OS was loaded. And there was no mouse connected(so wouldn't that rule out a defective mouse as being the source of the problem?).

If it didn't happen in the Bios, i would maybe say it was a driver problem(still could be though). But since it did happen when it was in Bios, do y'all think its probably a hardware problem(other than the mouse)? Maybe a USB port?

Also, i checked the event logs and it is showing some fatal hardware errors. I also scanned for viruses, and nothing came up. And i thought maybe some keys were stuck on the keypad. I did some cleaning, but its still happening.

Anyway, this thing is a old model, so maybe its just dying. I brought it around 6 months ago, used. I only paid 40 dollars for it(lol). The guy said that in the time that he had it, he had only used it a few times. Its just i have a lot of music on it, so i don't want it to die before i can get a external HD.

Here's some images and videos that may help. And thanks very much for any help that's given.

Sorry for the poor quality videos. And you probably should mute the sound. There's some static(and a fan blowing).

While in Bios it started acting like this. And i wasn't touching anything.







And it was doing this when i held down the mouse. The window kept trying to move towards the right side of the screen.

[Edited 3/31/18 20:46pm]

Wow! The only thing *I* could have suggested is that it's a virus, but a virus that screwed your BIOS that way?? I'm not an expert, but that's almost.....too rare to believe! ...which is why I personally am tending towards a hardware fault..... Take it to a repair shop, bro... (and are you SURE your cursor RIGHT key isn't stuck?? Together with some other key as well, which would make WIN behave that way, maybe CTRL or something??)

TECH Talks' Rules:

Issues with your computer and/or software please always do the following.

State....

1. Make/ brand and moldel # of your computer, latop/desktop

2. 32bit or 64bit computer: You can find that info My computer... start menu page or BIOS.

3. What Operating System are you using.

JoeyC, its either a hardware problem, a driver issue, or maybe the Gateway BIOs needs to be updated. Looking at your video I'm guessing you are using WIndows 7.

The info I requested above and we'll do some testing to see if we can flush out the cause. But more often than not BIO's flashing screen points to a hardware and/or failure. But we can see what gives, 1st. Have you attempted a system restore? By all means hurry up and remove any important data/files!

Top Linux Vendors in the US.

System 76: https://system76.com/ (Pop!_OS)


ZaReason: https://zareason.com/ ( have a selection of Linux Distors to choose from. , I'd choose Linux Mint.)

Dell: http://www.dell.com/en-us...ops?~ck=mn (Linux Ubuntu/current version(s))

Los Alamos: https://lacpdx.com/en/Laptop ( Linux Ubuntu & Linux Mint current version(s))

I listed them in the order I'd rate them, they are all good, but there are some, caveats. Dell and Los Alamos are high end priced computers. For a first time buyer of Linux, I wouldn't consider either until you've educated yourself about Linux or decided Linux Computer meets your needs. Dell's are really built for programs and Linux pros. Be that as it may Dell Linux computers are great. The trend of getting slimmer and lighter laptops...repairing/upgrading theses machines are becoming more and more not an options. I'm not down with soldered in RAM, and having to take the computer apart to reach the HDD/SDD if I need to replace or upgrade. All computer companies charge high prices for RAM because they know if you don't get what you need before hand, your suck with soldered RAM you bought with the computer.

Los Almose ( web-page I linked to) Use to have bargain prices laptops... I haven't seen any in 2 years. But I hope

if you go back and check, you'll luck up on a $ 500 plus to $800 plus computer.

System 76 is the computer standard in the US, excellent service and great service after you purchase their computers. The have a Macish small screen computer Gagalo Pro, nice computer but its still a work in progress. I'd choose from their current lineup of laptop computers, Lemur and Gazzelle are excellent. 76 using to use Ubuntu but they chose to go with their own Linux Distro: https://system76.com/pop you can download, via the link. You can download for free any Linux Distro you like, it will work. Though 76 would prefer you use their Linux Distro if you change there's out they will still offer you excellent tech support.

ZaReason, Gets a thumbs up because Z.R. gives you a choice of Linux Distros to choose from. They make a solid entry lever laptop. Like 76 you do have access to the RAM, SSD andor HDD if you wish to upgrade or switch out.

I didn't say anything about the desktop because I think they are too high. You can go over to eBay purchase a HP, Dell or Lenovo refurbished desktop with an OS for 100 bucks plus: examples

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-790-MT-Desktop-i5-2400-3-10GHz-8GB-750GB-HDD-No-OS/312002420420?hash=item48a4cb1ec4:g:liUAAOSwbw1aCg7C

https://www.ebay.com/itm/...6403!US!-1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/...SwLgNageQC

Install the Linux Distro of your choice, up grade your RAM to whatever the max is for the desktop, add soundcard, or video card youself. The most expensive thing you'll buy is a video card $150 /$250 but you'll still have saved a lot of money... versus by the desktop of the Linux Builders. I'd wouldn't purchase anything witl less than a 3.00 GHz or Intale Dual or Quad Core.

TD3 said:

a driver issue, or maybe the Gateway BIOs needs to be updated. Looking at your video I'm guessing you ar

A driver issue would not have affected his *BIOS* - that's impossible.

domainator2010 said:

TD3 said:

a driver issue, or maybe the Gateway BIOs needs to be updated. Looking at your video I'm guessing you ar

A driver issue would not have affected his *BIOS* - that's impossible.

He has several issues wrong with his computer. I was in a rush... the driver issue is the USB/Vid-0482&PID....has failed to load.

Joey can do into Device Manager to install and re-install that driver if that doesn't work he can go to Gateway website to see if there's a driver available. The BIOS issue either is needs to be updated or its simpley hardware failer. I'll be back to ask him to do a "dump" and email it to me. I'll be back in a few, on my way out of town...

TD3 said:

domainator2010 said:

A driver issue would not have affected his *BIOS* - that's impossible.

He has several issues wrong with his computer. I was in a rush... the driver issue is the USB/Vid-0482&PID....has failed to load.

Joey can do into Device Manager to install and re-install that driver if that doesn't work he can go to Gateway website to see if there's a driver available. The BIOS issue either is needs to be updated or its simpley hardware failer. I'll be back to ask him to do a "dump" and email it to me. I'll be back in a few, on my way out of town...

Forgot the instruction for driver USB/Vid issue.... good grief.

Method 1: Try updating drivers using Windows updates.

Follow the steps given below.

a) Press Windows key + X, Select Control panel.

b) In the search box, type Windows update.

c) Select Windows update, and see if there is any update for device.

Method 2: Check from the manufacturer’s Website if there is any drivers updated for the hardware.

Method 3: Uninstall and reinstall USB Controllers from Device manager.

I would suggest you to follow the steps given below and check if this helps.

a) Press Windows key + X, select device manager.

b) Expand USB Controllers.

c) Right click on the USB Drivers and select uninstall.

Now perform a system restart.

a) Now open device manager.

b) Click on Scan for hardware changes.

c) And follow the installation wizard to install the drivers for the USB hard drive.

I'll be back a soon as I can.

Before you do what I've asked for below... I want to see a "dump" from your computer so we can see what's happening. Before a course of action is preformed. I'll be back with those instructions by this evening hopefully.

Check BIO's Updates

Gateway Drivers & Downloads: http://www.gateway.com/gw...-downloads

Click the box that says "Select your product type ..." and choose what kind of Gateway computer you are using. Click the "Select your product model ..." box and click the specific Gateway model that you have.

Verify that you have selected the correct Gateway model and click the blue "Display Results" link. Locate the heading that reads "BIOS Downloads" in the page that loads. Click the blue link underneath the "BIOS Downloads" heading that contains the BIOS firmware's filename.

Click the red "Download Now" link on the page that loads. A window containing download instructions will pop up and the download window will open up shortly thereafter. If the download window does not open, click "Download Now" in the "Download Instructions" window.

Select your "Desktop" as the location to save the file to and click "Save" when the download window appears. Allow the file to download. The file will appear on your desktop as soon as it has completed. This file will have an "exe" file extension and be named with a string of numbers.

Double-click the BIOS file that has been saved to your desktop. Click the "Next" button to begin installing the most recent BIOS firmware on your Gateway computer. Click "OK" or "Finish" and restart your Gateway computer. After restarting, your Gateway computer's BIOS will be updated to the newest version available.

Only download the BIOS firmware that Gateway's "Downloads & Drivers" site lists for your model.

Installing the wrong BIOS firmware can cause your computer to malfunction. SO PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK TRIPLE CHECK THE BIOS UPDATE IS SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR GATEWAY MODEL

Befor you do any of these backup the data on your computer you need.

==================

[Edited 4/2/18 5:22am]

TD3 said:

domainator2010 said:

A driver issue would not have affected his *BIOS* - that's impossible.

He has several issues wrong with his computer. I was in a rush... the driver issue is the USB/Vid-0482&PID....has failed to load.

You actually BELIEVE Windoze error messages??!!

domainator2010 said:

TD3 said:

He has several issues wrong with his computer. I was in a rush... the driver issue is the USB/Vid-0482&PID....has failed to load.

You actually BELIEVE Windoze error messages??!!

I've been repairing Windows for a minute... the windows messages does and can provide info. Be that as it may...

Gateway BIOS issue, if Joey can fix this BIOS issue via update. He will also need to update the USB/video driver, those 2 things usually go hand & hand.

TD3 said:

domainator2010 said:

You actually BELIEVE Windoze error messages??!!

I've been repairing Windows for a minute... the windows messages does and can provide info. Be that as it may...

Gateway BIOS issue, if Joey can fix this BIOS issue via update. He will also need to update the USB/video driver, those 2 things usually go hand & hand.

Hey, thanks to both of you all !


So, TD3, i will do what you suggested. I'm sure there's a few things going on with this computer, but the USB ports have been giving me problems for a minute. I never really looked into the problem because i just assumed that it was the mouse(mouse was old), and not the drivers.


Concerning the problems in my initial post, I'm starting to think that it might be as what dominator2010 mentioned. That it's an issue with the right key(>). That something is causing it to activate(and get stuck), without me touching it (maybe gunk), and move things to the right. Yesterday i was on Google Maps(in street view) and this thing started acting up again. The street view started turning in a continuous loop, to the right. Basically the same thing it was doing in that Bios video that i posted. So, seemingly, what connects all these issues is that things get stuck in a continuous motion, to the right.


Anyway, I'll get on the ball with what you suggested, TD3...

JoeyC said:

TD3 said:

I've been repairing Windows for a minute... the windows messages does and can provide info. Be that as it may...

Gateway BIOS issue, if Joey can fix this BIOS issue via update. He will also need to update the USB/video driver, those 2 things usually go hand & hand.

Hey, thanks to both of you all !


So, TD3, i will do what you suggested. I'm sure there's a few things going on with this computer, but the USB ports have been giving me problems for a minute. I never really looked into the problem because i just assumed that it was the mouse(mouse was old), and not the drivers.


Concerning the problems in my initial post, I'm starting to think that it might be as what dominator2010 mentioned. That it's an issue with the right key(>). That something is causing it to activate(and get stuck), without me touching it (maybe gunk), and move things to the right. Yesterday i was on Google Maps(in street view) and this thing started acting up again. The street view started turning in a continuous loop, to the right. Basically the same thing it was doing in that Bios video that i posted. So, seemingly, what connects all these issues is that things get stuck in a continuous motion, to the right.


Anyway, I'll get on the ball with what you suggested, TD3...

We need more information.

For one we need your Gateway's model number and product number. In most cases computer companies use a model number for a couple of years... the product numberr will give us the specific model of your Gateway. Also please, remove your important data from this laptop before we attempt anything.


Question, is the HDD the original HDD sold with the computer? Also any other errors or blue screens of death? Please till use.

TD3 said:

Top Linux Vendors in the US.

System 76: https://system76.com/ (Pop!_OS)


ZaReason: https://zareason.com/ ( have a selection of Linux Distors to choose from. , I'd choose Linux Mint.)

Dell: http://www.dell.com/en-us...ops?~ck=mn (Linux Ubuntu/current version(s))

Los Alamos: https://lacpdx.com/en/Laptop ( Linux Ubuntu & Linux Mint current version(s))

I listed them in the order I'd rate them, they are all good, but there are some, caveats. Dell and Los Alamos are high end priced computers. For a first time buyer of Linux, I wouldn't consider either until you've educated yourself about Linux or decided Linux Computer meets your needs. Dell's are really built for programs and Linux pros. Be that as it may Dell Linux computers are great. The trend of getting slimmer and lighter laptops...repairing/upgrading theses machines are becoming more and more not an options. I'm not down with soldered in RAM, and having to take the computer apart to reach the HDD/SDD if I need to replace or upgrade. All computer companies charge high prices for RAM because they know if you don't get what you need before hand, your suck with soldered RAM you bought with the computer.

Los Almose ( web-page I linked to) Use to have bargain prices laptops... I haven't seen any in 2 years. But I hope

if you go back and check, you'll luck up on a $ 500 plus to $800 plus computer.

System 76 is the computer standard in the US, excellent service and great service after you purchase their computers. The have a Macish small screen computer Gagalo Pro, nice computer but its still a work in progress. I'd choose from their current lineup of laptop computers, Lemur and Gazzelle are excellent. 76 using to use Ubuntu but they chose to go with their own Linux Distro: https://system76.com/pop you can download, via the link. You can download for free any Linux Distro you like, it will work. Though 76 would prefer you use their Linux Distro if you change there's out they will still offer you excellent tech support.

ZaReason, Gets a thumbs up because Z.R. gives you a choice of Linux Distros to choose from. They make a solid entry lever laptop. Like 76 you do have access to the RAM, SSD andor HDD if you wish to upgrade or switch out.

I didn't say anything about the desktop because I think they are too high. You can go over to eBay purchase a HP, Dell or Lenovo refurbished desktop with an OS for 100 bucks plus: examples

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-790-MT-Desktop-i5-2400-3-10GHz-8GB-750GB-HDD-No-OS/312002420420?hash=item48a4cb1ec4:g:liUAAOSwbw1aCg7C

https://www.ebay.com/itm/...6403!US!-1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/...SwLgNageQC

Install the Linux Distro of your choice, up grade your RAM to whatever the max is for the desktop, add soundcard, or video card youself. The most expensive thing you'll buy is a video card $150 /$250 but you'll still have saved a lot of money... versus by the desktop of the Linux Builders. I'd wouldn't purchase anything witl less than a 3.00 GHz or Intale Dual or Quad Core.

Thanks muchly!

Imma spend the $$ and get the desktop from ZA. I ain't on no DIY mess.....

LAWD... You sound like my cousin! I'm in Cincinnati Ohio now because she couldn't connect the printer to her 8 year old Toshiba laptop. Got that connect, built a simple "samab-ish" network systen to connect her Linux laptop, to her Android phone and tablet. My goodness. Ihaven't forgot about Thunderbird.. will be back.

JoeyC,

When you can I need to know the

Gateway Laptop

• Make & Model number
• If its a 32 or 64bit laptop
• How old it is the laptop... approx.

I'll org you because I'm going to ask you to do a BOSD dump... since you can't do attachments via the org.

Thanks.