I have been receiving a lot of queries from readers asking me to solve their computer problems. Most of these errors or blue screen of death occur when you are using a pirated or cracked version of Windows. This turns particularly fatal when you use it in conjunction with Norton, which, too, is inevitably pirated or is a trial version. The following is the answer to the more than 200 emails that I have received in the past week on PC malfunctioning.

You should be cautioned that whenever you use a cracked version of Windows or Norton, important files integral to the proper running of the operating system and security suite are missing. These lead to all kinds of errors. My advice to you is to buy a legal copy of Windows, preferably Windows XP Service Pack 2 Home or Professional. Second, you must also buy an Internet Security Suite to protect you from malware, spyware and viruses that will attack your PC when you are online. And whichever security suite you buy make sure you update it regularly. This means at least once a week.

Microsoft regularly puts out patches so that you can surf safely without ruining your computer. If you are running a pirated version and surfing using Internet Explorer, I guarantee your PC will start crashing and eventually die a slow death. That is why it is imperative to buy a genuine copy of Windows. Get it activated and registered as soon as you buy it. Then make sure that you turn on your Windows Firewall and set it to receive updates automatically. The options for these are found in Start—Programs—Accessories—Security Tools—Security Center.

As an extra precaution I suggest you use either Firefox, Safari for Windows or Opera to surf the internet. These browsers are less prone to malicious attacks. You will get Firefox at www.mozi lla.com/firefox. Safari is available at www.apple.com/safari and Opera at www.opera.com.

Special offer

Also, never keep two antivirus programs on your PC even if they are free. They clash and slow down the machine considerably. Anyway, as I suggested, it is best to buy an Internet Security Suite. My personal favourite is Zone Alarm (www.zo nelabs.com). They have a special offer going where you can use the Security Suite for up to three PCs. Just make sure when you click on the “Buy Now” link, change the “Price in” to US Dollar in the drop down box. The default is Pound Sterling. Remove the tick marks from Extended Download Service and Backup Disk. When you proceed for checkout once again click on the cart icon and remove the two. It should just show Zone Alarm Security Suite 3 User for $49.95. This works out to around Rs 2,000 only a year. Since it is for three users you can share the cost with two other users.

Zone Alarm acts as a firewall and protects you from viruses and spyware. Few of us know that instant messaging also transmits viruses. Zone Alarm protects you from that too. In addition, it secures your home network if you have two or three PCs running.

Many people do not like Zone Alarm because it asks you several questions like whether to allow a certain program to run or not. When such dialog boxes open up make sure to click on “More info” if you find the program suspicious. To avoid too many dialog boxes asking you questions say that you are a beginner or novice at computing when you are setting up Zone Alarm.

My second best, Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0, is more expensive. For a single user it costs around Rs 2,500 a year. If you opt for a two-year licence it will cost around Rs 3,850. It offers the same level of protection as Zone Alarm does and also gives you tools for creating a rescue disc.

Those using Nokia smartphones Series 60 with Symbian operating system 9.1 or 9.2 should get hold of Kaspersky Mobile Security. It costs around Rs 1,200 a year. This program is also for Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6.0.

It is best to go for a comprehensive Internet Security solution rather than running one antivirus program and another one for spyware. You will find that most of your computer problems will have vanished if you follow this advice.

Send in your computer- related problems to askdoss@abpmail.com. The solutions will appear soon