Mick from Dolores asks: Good morning Aunty, I run the suggested trio of programs to hopefully keep my PC clean and healthy. I have no problems with running AVG or Ad-aware, but just recently Spybot has been giving me problems by switching off my processor during testing. I contacted Spybot about this and they state that this process can use 100% of available processor resources and can, if the PC overheats, have this type of effect. As far as I am aware, my PC is well enough ventilated and I have no fan noise. Any ideas on this please? Would an extra 512mb of memory be a help? Another thing; I use Gmail but get inundated with about 150 spam mails daily. I mark them as 'SPAM' within the 'BIN,' select ALL and report as SPAM, with a delete after a couple of days. Is there any way to rid myself of this problem other than by getting another box? Thank you for taking the time in compiling your column, it is a Godsend!
Aunty Says: Thanks Mick. This does sound like an overheating CPU and you really need to have a peep inside your PC to make sure the fan is definitely working properly, and that the cooling fins on the CPU heatsink aren't clogged up with dust bunnies. Extra memory/RAM may help free up the processor, but unless you're only running on 256MB at the moment, I can't see it helping much. If you're feeling adventurous you could try adding some extra heat sink paste between the CPU and the fan but we're getting into fairly technical stuff here so you may want to hand it to an engineer. I'm surprised at your Gmail SPAM problem as Google are generally pretty good at filtering it. Unfortunately, DIY SPAM filtering isn't the easiest job so maybe the best option is to create a new email address and let just your friends and family know.

E. Clapham from Jalón asks: Hola, love the column, no other local paper provides such a service. I have used 'Firefox' as my browser for some years and find it great. I have been trying to use its running partner, 'Thunderbird' as my e-mail programme, without success. I can receive but cannot send. The error message is to the effect that 'the message could not be sent because the connection to smtp server, smtp.telefonica.net, failed.' The settings for the Thunderbird connection are an exact copy of those for Outlook Express which works fine. Where am I going wrong? One other minor issue; years ago I found a way of underlining the icons on the desktop which enabled 'one click' access. I have forgotten how to do this, can you remind me please?
Aunty Says: Thunderbird is a very good email program and you can import your settings automatically from Outlook to avoid any typing errors. Go to 'tools,' 'import' and choose 'settings' and you should be okay. To get the 'one click' access, start My Computer, 'tools', 'folder options' and change to the 'Single Click to open an item' option.

Maureen via email asks: Hi Aunty, I am having a problem with Ad-Aware.  I can do the scan but when it comes to updating, it won't let me do this, can you help, as my computer is showing a warning sign?
Aunty Says: Hello Maureen. I've seen this before and usually when Ad-Aware will not update it is due to either some spyware stopping it from working properly, or a corrupt installation. You will need to go to 'Control Panel,' 'Add Remove Programs' and remove the existing copy. Download the 2007 free version from download.com and you should be okay. For peace of mind, I would do a complete scan with Spybot and AVG as well.

JD via email asks: Hi Aunty. Small problem when I enter Ebay. This page will pop up nearly every time I try a new search THE CONNECTION WAS RESET TRY AGAIN etc.  My laptop seems to slow down while using the Ebay site but quick on any other site. I have broadband with 3MB (Telefonica) using AVG, Firefox & AD-AWARE 2007.
Aunty Says: I have the same problem with Ebay now and then and I think it's just because they're busy, it usually goes back to normal by itself.

Ken Foster via email asks: Hi Aunty. I am running a trial copy of a program called TRemover which does a scan each time I fire up my computer. It shows the
message below. I have not got rid of it because it may not be malware. C:\PROGRA~1\ATIMUL~1\Remctri\x10nets.exe, have you any idea?
Aunty Says: I think that it is something to do with video streaming, Ken. If you have a webcam or security camera it was almost certainly installed when you set it up. It seems harmless, but if you're not using an X10 camera you may as well get rid.