Home Computer Talk

Yesterday we looked at antivirus programs. Today lets look at antispyware programs. Spyware is a big problem these days. Clicking on banner ads, downloading programs and sometimes even just loading a webpage can result in spyware infections. Spyware does exactly what it says. It tracks your surfing habits and reports back to various ad server companies, can take over your web browser, and more. Having an antispyware program is as much a must have as an antivirus program. There are several to choose from, such as Windows Defender, which comes built into the new Vista OS, Spybot Search and Destroy, Spyware Doctor, Spysweeper,Hijack This,and Ad-Aware SE. (Lavasoft recently released Ad-Aware 2007 but it is not compatible with Vista and has inspired a host of complaints). These are all very legit and very good programs to protect your system from spyware. (My favorite is Ad-Aware SE. It’s simple to install and use and its definitions are updated regularly-and its free).

Steer clear of any programs from the following list as they are FAKE programs designed to either rip you off or add even more spyware to your system:

errorsafe (AKA system doctor)
Pest Trap
SpyAxe
AntiVirus Gold
SpywareStrike
Spyware Quake
WorldAntiSpy
Spylocked
SysProtect
Spy Sheriff
Spy Wiper
PAL Spyware Remover
PSGuard
Malware
WinAntiVirus Pro 2006
WinFixer
Spydawn
ContraVirus
UltimateCleaner

No matter what program you decide is best for your system, you’ll have to make sure it is updated regularly in order for it to protect your system fully.
Think you don’t need one? Take a look at the below screenshot of an infected system and think again!

computers, microsoft, spyware, Windows Defender, Ad-Aware SE

Antivirus software is a must these days, but which program is the best? I advise steering clear of both Norton(Norton 2007 does not work with Vista and Norton Internet Security is terrible program that can really mess up your system. Don’t believe me? Do a google search and see all the horror stories and complaints that come up.) and McAfee as many problems and complaints have come up with them as well. My vote for the best antivirus program out there is AVG, by Grisoft. Not only is this program stable, easy to understand and use, and reliable(it’s virus definitions are updated almost daily!), it’s FREE! I’ve used it since it first came out and it’s by far the best antivirus program I’ve ever used. You can download it here if you’re interested. Whatever program you decide to use, do yourself a favor and research it first. Check out reviews and see what people are saying about it on message boards and forums. Oftentimes the very best advice comes from users like yourself!

Tomorrow we’ll talk about Spyware protection!

computers, antivirus software, Norton, McAfee, AVG

Do you listen to MP3’s, CD’s,or streaming radio on your computer? You’re not alone. A recent study by the Consumer Electronic Associaton found that 72 percent of home computer users with internet access listen to music on their computers. I personally love listening to my MP3 collection and favorite radio station online. How do you like to listen to music on your computer?

Are you in the market for a new computer? Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips. The very first thing you want to do is figure out exactly what you want to do with your computer. If you’re a hardcore gamer or into video editing, your system requirements will be very different from those of someone who just wants to surf the web and do email and word processing. Once you know what kind of system you’ll need, think about the OS you’d like. There’s Vista of course, and XP, and Linux also. Research them and decide which is best for you, then you can start doing your homework.

Read the reviews on sites like CNet and PC World. Ask your friends and family what they like and don’t like about their systems. Comparison shop. Once you’ve got things narrowed down, decide where you want to buy your system. Big retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City are convenient and have a good selection, but they often try to sell you stuff you don’t need. Stick to your guns and only purchase what you went in for. If you’re made to feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to leave and tell them why. If you’re offered an extended service plan think twice and read all the fine print! Local computer shops are the best for getting personalized attention and custom built systems, but again, research them carefully. Ordering online is another option as you can sometimes get great deals ordering direct from the manufacturer or from sites like NewEgg.com, but beware of high shipping costs. Ordering online also gives you the option of customizing your system.

A word about rebates. They are everywhere these days, but beware of purchasing a system just because the rebates make it a good deal. The rebate industry is largely unregulated and it’s not unusual to never receive your rebate or find it rejected due to some reason or another. Only purchase a system you can afford regardless of the rebate. The sole purpose of rebates is to get you to buy, not reward you for it!

computers, buying a home computer, Vista, Linux, Windows XP, rebates

Yep you read that correctly. Microsoft has announced that the first Service Pack for Vista won’t be available until 2009! They do however, anticipate a beta release later this year. We all know how good Microsoft is at meeting deadlines though. Read more about it here.

Windows Vista, Microsoft, Service Pack

Good Morning!

Whether you like it or hate it, the latest OS offering from Microsoft is stirring up debate and emotions all over the web. Some call it bloatware, others feel it’s security and DRM(digital rights management)features go too far, and still more are up in arms about the replacement of Outlook Express with Windows Mail. There’s even an anti-Vista website!

On the flip side, there are those that say Vista is the most stable Microsoft OS to date and applaud its security features and visual beauty. But the new OS is certainly not without its growing pains however, and as a result many people are chosing to stick to or replace Vista with XP.

How do you feel about Vista? Is it gold or garbage? Let me know what you think!

Windows Vista, Windows XP, Microsoft, digital rights management

Computer maker Acer has lashed out at Microsoft, blaming its Vista operating system for stagnant computer sales. The company’s owner was quoted as saying the entire computer industry is disappointed with the new OS.
You can read more about it here.

Vista, Microsoft, Acer, Gianfranco Lanci

Good morning!
To get started, I thought it would be a good idea to tell you about my home computers. I have a Dell Dimension C521 with a Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.3 GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 250GB HD, 19 inch flat screen monitor, and Vista Home Premium.

I’m typing this on my laptop, an HP Pavilion dv9429us with 2gb RAM, 200gb HD, 2.2GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-64 processor, Lightscribe enabled DVD SuperMulti drive, NVIDA GeForce Go 6150 graphics card, TV Tuner, built in wireless, built in webcam, and a 5-1 card reader. It’s also running Vista Home Premium. I also have a wireless home network thanks to my Linksys router.

I have had a home computer since 1979. I was 9 years old, and that Apple IIe was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen! Home computing has come a long way since then, and I’m here to share it all with you!

home computing, computers, home networking, linksys, laptops, Dell, HP

Hi everyone!
I’m Sue, the new writer of this blog. I will be posting daily about the exciting and ever changing world of home computing. If there is anything you’d like to see covered here. please feel free to contact me!