Computers again

[Ed62]

Computers are like cars. When they work, they're great. When they don't, they're a PITA.

Within the last week, when I click on a link, much of the time (maybe half or more) the computer freezes, and I am forced to shut down i.e. I've tried restoring the comuter to two different earlier times, with no luck. The last one was restored to two weeks ago, when I know things were OK. Any ideas what would cause this? I keep up with maintenance on my computer, meaning getting rid of unneeded files and defragging the computer. I also run Ad-Aware and AVG to get rid of junk.

Ed

[skillybob]

I'm going to assume that you are using Windows with IE, you didn't say.

Have you tried emptying your 'cache' for your browser? This can often times clean up various problems . It worked for me , at least. I am using Windows with the new Firefox browser. I would suggest you try Firefox , if you have not already done so. You will have a direct comparison of the two browsers and will tell if IE is causing your problems. Can't beat the price, it's free.

[cabinetman]

Ed...get Firefox!!
.

[crokett]

Clear cache, cookies, etc from IE and see if this fixes it. In the past this cleared up several oddball issues with IE for me. I third the recommendation to get Firefox. Firefox v3 has a lot less little nitpicky gotchas than Firefox v2 and it is noticeably faster than IE.

[BobSch]

Ed...get Firefox!!
.

The only way to go.

[Ed62]

OK, I'll try Firefox. Cookies are cleared on a regular basis, but how do I clear the cache? Thanks for the replies.

Ed

[crokett]

how do I clear the cache? Thanks for the replies.

Ed

In IE click Tools->Internet Options->

Then under Browsing History click Delete. You want to delete the 'Temporary Internet Files' - this is your cache.

[Ed62]

Thanks for the help. As you know, I'm a computer dummy.

Ed

[Ed62]

I cleaned up my hard drive again, just before coming to this site. Here's what is shown if I go to clean it again. The temp files have an image of a lock. Does this mean I can't delete the files? I know the files are not large, but should they be this large just from accessing this forum? After deleting the cookies, and cleaning the C: drive, it still freezes up. It's not the end of the world, just a PITA. Haven't done the Firefox thing yet. Just trying to see what's causing this before I do it.

Ed