Computers and computing

[Paul mabbott]

Given that all of us use a computer, it's a bit odd that there's no computer forum - would be useful for spreading the word on identification and analytical programmes etc......
.... also for asking advice on computer problems ..... such as this!
Fairly minor problem that I've had for several weeks - not serious anough to pay money for a professional to fix it but a minor irritant and I'd like to know why/what's happening.
It seems to affect only Google - I put in a search word, Google gives me a list of links. No problem. However, if I then click the leads, about half the time I'm led to another search engine or site. The diversions have taken me to eBay and Jeeves amongst others - at least, that's what they look like.
So, this looks like a Trojan or other malware although my various ant-virus and spy-bot programmes say there is no problem .... (AVG finds a Trojan every week or two).
Anyone suggest what is doing this - a cure would be a big bonus but isn't my main reason for asking.

[Boddie]

This is a good point Paul.

I too have a problem.

When I am typing occasionally I end up writing in the previous paragraph, like the cursor has jumped. It is, from what I can see, somehow aligned to when I hit the 's' key so I might end up with something like this

at on the the mat
The cat s

Any ideas guys?

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Boddie

........When I am typing occasionally I end up writing in the previous paragraph, like the cursor has jumped. It is, from what I can see, somehow aligned to when I hit the 's' key so I might end up with something like this

at on the the mat
The cat s

Any ideas guys?

I've had this problem of the roaming cursor, generally it's down to a grubby mouse (at the working end) - it takes the cursor walkies. However, sometimes it seems to be a computer problem:- I've had it, using a perfectly clean mouse, absolutely not responding with the cursor wandering all over the screen. In these cases it's cured by changing mouse - I have a collection: one stops working and I change it, miracle cure; reinstate the first one and no problem .... don't ask why.
However, dismantling the mouse, cleaning the ball and connectors, shaking out toast crumbs and, if applicable, wiping out droplets of jam usually works for me ....

[Boddie]

It happens even without the mouse Paul and is definitely connected to the letter S. Its so annoying, as it does not happen all of the time but moreso when you least need it to.

[Tringa]

Is your OS fully up to date?

Make sure your security progs are up to date, switch off the sys restore, run all the security, get rid of any nasties, reboot and turn the sys restore back on.

If that does not help try downloading HijackThis and run it. The log it produces is a bit daunting but there is a lot of guidance on the Net, or you can post it to IT forums and someone will check it for you.

Dave

[Richard G.]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Anyone suggest what is doing this - a cure would be a big bonus but isn't my main reason for asking.

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware is often good at weeding stuff like this out.... and free...

[Tringa]

Should have said, Paul, I agree with your suggestion: an area for PC issues/discussion would be a good idea.

Dave

[Pete Collins]

Good idea about a Computer forum on WAB. There have already been several occasions when people have asked for help on computer issues and usually have had a good helpful response.

[Doggle Avaddit]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Given that all of us use a computer, it's a bit odd that there's no computer forum - would be useful for spreading the word on identification and analytical programmes etc......
.... also for asking advice on computer problems ..... such as this!
Fairly minor problem that I've had for several weeks - not serious anough to pay money for a professional to fix it but a minor irritant and I'd like to know why/what's happening.
It seems to affect only Google - I put in a search word, Google gives me a list of links. No problem. However, if I then click the leads, about half the time I'm led to another search engine or site. The diversions have taken me to eBay and Jeeves amongst others - at least, that's what they look like.
So, this looks like a Trojan or other malware although my various ant-virus and spy-bot programmes say there is no problem .... (AVG finds a Trojan every week or two).
Anyone suggest what is doing this - a cure would be a big bonus but isn't my main reason for asking.

Its Google that have done that - they have ruined Google Search.

Now, when you do a Google search, you get basically a load of ads at the top of the page. You actually have to scroll down now to see the search results themselves.

The old saying goes "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Looks to me like Google have broken Google Search for good.

Pity, because it was by far the best search engine ever.

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Given that all of us use a computer, it's a bit odd that there's no computer forum - would be useful for spreading the word on identification and analytical programmes etc......
.... also for asking advice on computer problems ..... such as this!
Fairly minor problem that I've had for several weeks - not serious anough to pay money for a professional to fix it but a minor irritant and I'd like to know why/what's happening.
It seems to affect only Google - I put in a search word, Google gives me a list of links. No problem. However, if I then click the leads, about half the time I'm led to another search engine or site. The diversions have taken me to eBay and Jeeves amongst others - at least, that's what they look like.
So, this looks like a Trojan or other malware although my various ant-virus and spy-bot programmes say there is no problem .... (AVG finds a Trojan every week or two).
Anyone suggest what is doing this - a cure would be a big bonus but isn't my main reason for asking.

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