Java Won't Work? We have answers!

This little guy is called Duke the Java Mascot! What is Java? Chances are your computer may already have Java. If you have seen any multimedia type of things on your computer chances are good Java is what helping you see it!

(Later Note:  I have noticed with newer computer Java is NOT included.  You want to install it.)

Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner is about problems with java. 

I get emails:

java issues
java problems
java not working
java issue
problems with java
java troubleshooting
java security issues

I think you get the picture!

Let's go over what java is, where to find it, and then fix our issues with java in that order!

If you look in your programs section on your computer, and you don’t have Java?  It’s a free download, and you will USE it!

Part of Java's definition is: Java allows you to play online games, chat with people around the world, calculate your mortgage interest, and view images in 3D, just to name a few...

How do you know if you have Java? On the homepage of Java you can actually see the wording, "Do I have Java?".


Yes, what is neat about the Java Site is they will tell you if you have Java or NOT!  Just click the words, “Do I have Java” on the Java Homepage for the answer.

See my picture below, and keep in mind the Java home page may have changed..but that prompt will be there (look below free download button)!

In case you get a security question from your computer firewall asking if this is a safe and reputable site? I would place it in your trusted zone so you don't have issues in the future.  Yes, Java is a very trusted site.



With many other programs you get on the internet you are at times asked to update your version. They are basically telling you that they have come up with a new and improved version. 

In most cases you want to take advantage of this update, but if you have any doubts?  You can also search the internet about the update to see if people are having problems with it.  I would say most of the time?  You are fine.

The reason I started this lesson is because some of my friends had more than one version of Java on their computer, and going to some of the sites that they used Java for were giving them problems all of a sudden.   This is the quickest troubleshooting resolution I could come up with!

They normally had errors along the lines of:
java virtual machine not working
java script issues
or basically the screen to the chat room went blank.

HelpBytes has other error messages listed with solutions.  The Java Site also has a help section.

If they looked at their list of programs (add and delete program section) they had Java 6 and Java 7, etc. Those were added when they are asked to update the Java. You could have 3 or more versions of this program, and I have found it causes nothing but problems down the line!

Computers and programs also just can be strange.  The update can be seen to the machine as ‘wrong’, and you have all kinds of problems from there.  Don’t ask me why – machines just don’t have common sense.

For example, one night you go into a chat room and everything is fine.  You update something, and the next time you go to say HELLO to friends?  The computer just refuses to cooperate.  Java isn’t just for chat rooms, but I was more using that as an example.

Have you been asked to update your Java?

Most of the time you get will an update reminder on newer operating systems. The older operation systems (Windows 95, etc.) don't always do that from what I remember.



On your task bar  (like picture above) you at times will notice a java icon similar to ones I have pictured below. The taskbar is the area in which you will notice the reminder message to update Java.



YEP you got it – the logo is similar to a cup of coffee!

From time to time you will be reminded that you have a Java Update, and those are FINE to download! The problem I have seen is Java doesn't work as it should when you have to many different versions on your computer, or too many updates to Java.

If I know I will be updating lets say Java version Number 6 to Java Version number 7 for example....the NEW and IMPROVED version? I go to my add and delete program  section, and completely delete Java 6 before I install Java 7.

If you have don't remember doing this before you might be surprised at the number of versions you have. Its okay! Just delete ALL of versions of Java! When we install the new version of Java you won't be missing a thing! The site will replace the newest version with EVERYTHING you will need to be up to date and flying high once again!

Java is a program you will use quite a bit, but if you having issues after an update?

Delete all versions, and download a fresh copy! Chances are good your issues will disappear!

I will tell you at times certain sites will NOT keep up with the current version of Java, and the updates do you no good.  I will mention that is not the majority of the time.  Its actually very rare from what I have experienced.

Most people realize they are having problems with Java after a new update of the program, and they are no longer able to do something they had in the past.  It could be watching movies, entering a chat room, etc.  Just remove your old version of Java, and install the new version.  Chances are you are SET to go!   You don't know how to install or uninstall java or another program?  Here is a Uninstall Programs tutorial for you.

I hope our How-To Lesson for problems with Java helped you today.  If something is not clear, or you still have questions?  Please feel free to leave a comment.

Don’t forget to add your email in our subscribe box we have here.  You will have our future lessons sent directly to your email.

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What is a Task Bar?

The Task bar is something you will use all the time, and believe or not in time it will become second nature. 


Today’s How-To Guide for the computer Beginner is What is the Task bar?  We will also go into the different parts of the task bar. 


You can see a small screenshot below, and if you can't see it clearly go to the picture directly on photobucket!




Most of the time you will find the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.

One the far left side of your taskbar you have your start button,

and all the way to your right will be your computer clock.

A taskbar is a visual device on the desktop that typically shows the user which applications (tasks) are currently active and running. Taskbars such as those in Windows operating systems also include icons for commonly-used utilities such as the system clock and antivirus software. In some systems, the user is allowed to modify the contents, location, or appearance of the taskbar. 

Different Parts of the Task Bar

Today I will go into a brief description of each part of the task bar, and in future lessons will go into more detail of the sections of the task bar.






As we mentioned before the far left portion of the task bar is the start button that you hear people speak about.



When we click the start button we see a start menu.  We will speak about the start menu another day.

The second section of the taskbar has changed quite a bit in time.  I will write briefly about how this section generally evolved with each new Windows Operating System.

Next to the start button that opens the start menu you have the

Quick Launch Bar

The Quick Launch Bar was introduced with Windows 98, but was starting to be radically changed by Windows XP.



The Quick Launch bar was program icons that you use often.  One click and it would launch the program.  The red arrow points to the quick launch bar area.


The black arrow shows a double chervon (double arrow symbol), and when clicked shows additional icons that can be launched as well. 

You can see in this picture two bar looking items that separate the start button, quick launch, and then the middle section.

Some people like to change the programs that are in their quick launch bar, and we will speak about that another day.

Right next to the quick launch bar you have the middle section, which shows you which programs and documents you have open and allows you to quickly switch between them.


As I mentioned before the task bar lets you know what ‘tasks’ are currently open.  In older operating systems you could have MANY tabs that looked similar, and it would fill the space up quickly.




With Windows XP they started what they call task bar grouping.     They basically would ‘group’ all similar files together.  In the example I have pictured they grouped all Microsoft Word Documents together.

Keep in mind normally you would see your document name in this example if you gave the document a name that is.

They made this change so when you have like the picture shows 10 office documents open at once?  You can quickly get the one you need at the time, and switch to a different after that.  





When Vista came along all you had to do was hoover (See picture – windows photo gallery), and the Windows Desktop Manager would give you an image of the file or program you have open.



  Instead of a bunch of grey buttons for each window that is open?  Vista (and XP) tend to show you a white down arrow that tells you that you have more than once window open.  In this case I have more than one webpage on my task bar.



When I hover over the firefox icon in this case my web pages will appear like pictured.  If I hover again on top of the title?

The computer will give me a complete title of that the page in question.


Windows 7 changed it the taskbar once again.  When I hoover over (don’t click) that section the web pages with descriptions will pop up to tell me what they are as well.  



When you go to open a recently used program from the start menu the files you created recently show up as well.  If you look closely at the picture the ‘recent’ section (top right hand side)shows names of flowers that this person may have used in the PAINT program.  These files show up when you hoover over the program name.





These file names also pop up when you click the program icon in the task bar.  

Notice the “RECENT” file names this user created for meeting agendas.

If you look below that you will see the WordPad is the program they used to create them.  Windows 7 also makes it easier to place your programs of choice in the quick launch area.  

Notice the “Unpin this program from taskbar”.    

This user PINED WordPad to their taskbar for quick use.  If they change their mind later?  They can unpin it just by clicking where it prompts you to.




  Unlike Vista that gives me a white down arrow Windows 7 almost gives you the impression you have a couple of sheets of paper.  Notice the layers in the picture.

The notification area, which includes a clock and icons

  The area includes programs you tend to use once you turn the computer on.  It could be sound, virus protection, settings for printer, and important software.  Notice the WHITE arrow at the very left of this picture.  If you click on that you will see ALL the programs serviced by this portion of the task bar.  

This is for Vista.



Windows 7 looks something like this.









The smaller icons as I mentioned are important sections of your computer

This is my speakers icon.  When I hoover over that icon I get a notification like this



This is the same area in which you will be notified (with new operating systems) when an update to one of your programs is available.  Below is a Java Notification.



Lastly, you have your clock that we have already covered in another lesson.


Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginning, and our brief overview on the task bar.

As always don't forget to leave a comment or question if you have one in the area supplied below.

If you leave your email in the box I supplied future lessons will be sent to you by email!

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How-To Uninstall Programs

From time to time you need to uninstall a program on your computer.  I know in the past my father seemed to think if he deleted the desktop icon the program would be GONE!

 

Unfortunately, there is a bit more to learning how-to uninstall a program on your computer.

 

I will also recommend a free program at the end if you are having problems ‘uninstalling a program’ the traditional ways!

 

Why would you uninstall programs

 

• You installed a program, and your computer is freezing, or just not acting the same.  A times programs don’t work well with your operating system, and it doesn’t matter if the box says it SHOULD!

 

• In a past lesson I discussed programs like Java.  Java is a free program that is very useful on computers, and at times like most programs they come out with ‘updates’.  So you agree to have your computer update to the newest version of java, and you find sites that you use java on now don’t work. 

 

• Other times you get update program messages, and you agree to the update.  The next thing you know they program updating states you must ‘uninstall all previous versions’ before you can use the new one.

 

• I have run into issues with a program that I regularly use, and all of a sudden for NO rational reason at all it completely flops.  It just doesn’t work anymore.
• 
  Other times you notice you never did use that program that you felt you would like, and why not just get it off the computer completely.

 

Yes there are different reasons to uninstall programs.  Learning How-to Uninstall a program is a very useful skill for the computer beginner. 

If you are planning on reinstalling the program make sure you have the location online for the download, or your program near by.

Below I will show you how to uninstall programs first on the older operating systems, and then we will move on to the newer ones.

With older operating systems you need to hit your start button, settings, and go to your control panel.

Start Button, Settings, Control Panel

 

Look for your Add or Remove Programs icon.

 

Look in Control Panel for Add Remove Programs Icon

 

Make sure you look to the TOP of the add/remove program properties, and see the section that is named 'Install/Uninstall'.  See picture below that shows the three tabs.  Click on the install/uninstall tab - the first one!

 

Find the Install/Uninstall Tab Far Left

 

 

You will have a list of programs, and you need to find the one you are looking for.   You can scroll down the list on your right until you find the title of the program you wish to uninstall.  The program titles are in the white box below.

Click on the program you wish to uninstall, and click the 'add/remove' button (see picture above – it is greyed out)  you see at the bottom of the listing.  Then push the okay button.

Chances are you will get a message similar to the one I have pictured.  Its basically a 'are you SURE you want to remove this program?' type of message.  Click YES!

 

Then the program will uninstall, and you will see something similar to the picture below.

 

 

Keep in mind sometimes when you are DONE your computer will ask you to restart the system.  Its is completely normal!

 

The newer systems like XP, Vista, Seven have a different procedure for add or remove programs

What is nice about the newer programs is that normally have a ‘how-to uninstall’ option that you can use.

 

You would click your start button, then hit all programs. 

This will bring all your programs that are installled in order for you to find the program that you wish to UNinstall!

 

If you look at my picture above I choose CCleaner.  I clicked the folder first, and the list below it appeared.

 

You would click the Uninstall CCleaner, and just follow the easy directions.

 

What if you don’t have an uninstall option like I pictured above?  We can use the traditional how-to uninstall a program through the control panel.

 

In newer operating systems such as XP or Vista push start button and then control panel.

 

See Green Start Button – then hit control Panel

 

XP systems do have the 'add and remove' programs icon.

 

Vista in the 'classic' mode calls it 'Programs and Features'.  The classic mode has their icons in alphabetic order so it makes it easier.

 

If you aren't using the classic check out the arrow below under the programs section, uninstall a program.

Uninstall a Program – See Arrow

 

Once your in the programs area - either way you get there classic or otherwise:

 

Wait for all the programs to refresh in the programs and features section.

Click the program that you want to remove

 

Look to the top of the white section and you will see some options:  Install, Remove, Repair

 

Click Remove to uninstall program

 

Look for Install, Repair, Remove from top of control panel after you found program from list

If you are prompted to confirm the removal of the program, click Yes

 

Keep in mind at times you get the option of 'repairing' the program. 

 

If you having problems with the program? I would use reinstall it anyway.  If the repair doesn't work?  You are going to have to uninstall it anyway.  To me?  It just saves a step.

 

There will be times in which you will have a program that is HARD to remove, or just refuses to remove itself from your computer.

 

I know many people for example have issue with Symantec Norton products.  There is a software product that I have heard good things about, and its called

 

Revo Uninstaller

 

They have a free version, and a paid version.  I have used this product to actually REMOVE a Symantec Norton product from a friend’s computer.  It worked WELL!  Make sure you pay attention when you download it.  Its not a virus or anything, but sometimes vendors tend to wish to add extras like toolbars, etc along with the software.  You will see the option to say NO thank YOU!

 

I hope I helped you learn how-to uninstall a program.  Being a computer beginning some of these items I know can be intimidating.  Once you learn to THINK like a machine?  (giggles) it does get easier!

 

Have any questions or comments please see the comment section below!

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on vista

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Help! I have a computer virus NOW WHAT??

My father from time to time would be browsing the web, and some stinker website would tell him his computer was in trouble. He would quickly get OFF that site...freak out...and call me, "HELP! I have a virus NOW WHAT??" Yes there are sites out there that will nail you good with viruses after you clicked on something, but most often its from what you download from my experience. Those downloads are executed, and you really start having some issues! Today they are getting even more tricky! Most of the time Dad didn't have a virus, but on occasion he would get one. I still to these day don't know HOW! I would ask all the normal questions about what he was doing, and most of the time he plain couldn't remember! LOL!
One day he decided after he got another new computer, and the store had loaded up with anti virus program he did what he felt was a logical thing to do. He decided he was going to load TWO anti virus programs on his computer at once. He told me he wanted TWICE the protection! (Psssssssst! You aren't suppose to do that! It sounds good, but it can really mess up your system!) YES I did save his computer, and he didn't do that again! IT Does sound good, but save yourself and your computer from Dad's mistake - don't load more than one anti virus program on your computer!

There are some really nice free anti virus programs out there that you can try out, and later you can purchase if you are happy with them. I have spoke about some of them here!

Just to be safe! What is a computer virus? Newton BBS has a one page defination is that beginner friendly, and here is part of it! If you wish to read the entire defination click on Newton BBS to read it.

Computer viruses are programs written by "mean" people. These virus programs are placed into a commonly used program so that program will run the attached virus program as it boots, therefore, it is said that the virus "infects" the executable file or program. Executable files include Macintosh "system files" [such as system extensions, INITs and control panels] and application programs [such as word processing programs and spreadsheet programs.] Viruses work the same ways in Windows or DOS machines by infecting zip or exe files.

A virus is inactive until you execute an infected program or application OR start your computer from a disk that has infected system files. Once a virus is active, it loads into your computer's memory and may save itself to your hard drive or copies itself to applications or system files on disks you use.

WELL that is the bare basics of a defination, and recently I found a really neat website that might be helpful to others. This website is run by a computer company that works with virus and malware issues (among other things), and has some free tutorials online about how to rid yourself of them. I wanted to introduce you to this site instead of making personal recommendations since times change, and so do products! This is their business, and I would assume they will keep up on technology!

They made this site for people that already have a virus, and are trying to rid themselves of it. They want the hands on experience to do this themselves, and if they can't they have this company to help them with the rest!

If you don't have a computer virus it will introduce you to products that will keep your system up to date, and alot safer so that you DON'T get a virus! Its nice because they have a step by step tutorials, and videos along with it!



The Above was an introduction video for AntiVirus programs by Bass Computers

Help! I have a computer virus...NOW WHAT? Relax! There is help!

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