Important Security updates:

Windows Updates Microsoft regularly issues critical updates for the Windows operating system. Your computer should be set to automatically download and install Windows updates. Unpatched systems are vulnerable to attack.
Adobe Reader and Flash Player previous versions have security flaws that could allow an attacker to gain access to your computer. Make sure you have updated fully patched versions.
WinAmp old versions have some flaws. info1   info2

This is not a thorough list. Any program can have a security flaw. Since most programs now have Internet components and most computers have full-time Internet connections, make sure all your programs, especially those that are directly Internet-related, have the latest updates installed.

Free "Main" Antimalware: [updated 10/27/10]
Microsoft Security Essentials is a relatively new offering from Microsoft that has been getting very good reviews.
AntiVir has consistently been top-rated. It provides basic protection with minimal impact on system performance.
AVAST historically, Avast& AVG along with AntiVir
AVG    have been the top 3 in free antivirus tests.

Thinking of trying CA Internet Security 2010 provided free by your Internet Service Provider? It does not get favorable reviews:  Maximum PC   PC Magazine

Supplemental antimalware: [updated 10/27/10]
Threatfire is not a complete solution, but it complements a standard antivirus program such as AntiVir by providing behavior-based detection.
Windows Defender is a free antimalware from Microsoft. Can be run alongside other basic antivirus programs. Integrated in to MS Security Essentials.

Supplemental Scanner: [updated 10/27/10]
Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a manual scanning tool. Detects and removes malware. Does not actively update, scan, or block.

Free Firewall:
ZoneAlarm

Other Free security software: [upd.10/27/10]
IE-SpyAd extensive list of known bad web sites that can be added to the Internet Explorer Restricted Sites list.
ZonedOut manages the Internet Explorer Restricted Sites list.
Ad-Aware

Windows cleanup utilities:
Ccleaner cleans temporary files and invalid registry keys, manages startup programs, offers convenient add/remove programs interface, manages System Restore points, etc.

Be very cautious about downloading, installing, and/or running any program that claims to automatically tune up your computer, increase performance, clean/fix the registry, etc. You can easily do more damage than good. The best solution is to take your computer to a professional for a complete tune-up.

Microsoft:
Knowledge base
Windows update
Downloads
Word, Excel, PowerPoint viewers

Popular Computer Magazines /Web Sites:
PC World
Maximum PC
Smart Computing
PC Magazine / Computer Shopper / ZDNet

Computer Security Threat Status websites:
Symantec Security Threat Meter
Computer Associates Security Advisor
SANS Internet Storm Center

"How To Correctly Protect your Windows computer from viruses"

Article Archives:

October 2008: Dealing with HP/Compaq - email transcript of representative tech "support."

HP doesn't know (or admit) to the adware they have preinstalled ("tech support" transcript)

Windows 98/ME Daylight Saving Time Fix and other neat fixes and utilities ( 9x/NT/2000/XP)

Internet Use By Children column-program ratings

Dealing With Dell - Chat Session Transcripts

Thinking of running out to the nearest big-box discout store or logging on to the Internet and getting a "bargain" cheap computer? Read this first:

  "Craputers" - Why you shouldn't buy a typical mass-market computer.

REMOTE SUPPORT NOW AVAILABLE Let Affordable Technical Solutions clear up those nagging computer problems quickly and efficiently without the need for an on-site visit or shop service. Try it today.

Some Computer Tech Tips:
Inside The PC (nice slide show on hardware basics)
Burning CDs in Windows XP
Understanding CD-R and RW

New LCD Monitor - Widescreen or Standard?

Monitors are measured diagonally. For a given diagonal measure, a square has the most area, but computer screens are not square.

The standard TV and computer aspect ratio is 4:3. A 19" standard aspect ratio monitor has a width of 15.2" and height of 11.4" - about 86.6 square inches of image area.

Widescreen ratio is 16:9. A 19" widescreen has a width of 16.6" and a height of 9.9" - about 77.1" of image area.

The same diagonal measure widescreen has 11% less area than a standard screen. The extra horizontal space might be worth losing 11% overall and significant height, if you want to put two windows side by side, but the windows can't be nearly as high.

Upgrade to Windows 7?

If you are buying a new computer, you will get Windows 7.

If you have a relatively new computer with Vista, upgrading to Windows 7 may be a good idea. You will probably see an increase in performance. There are a lot of things that can be done to improve Vista performance short of upgrading, but if you are considering an upgrade to 7, there are decisions to be made. Can you do a clean install or do you have to do an upgrade install to preserve existing programs? A clean install is just that. Nothing is carried over. Advantage-no junk software, no malware, etc. Disadvantage-you may lose some programs you actually want. Call me for details.

If you have XP, there is no particular reason to upgrade. Older computer hardware may not be up to running Windows 7 and your older peripherals (printers, cameras, etc.) might not work.

If your computer seems to be slowing down or acting erratically, it is probably due to software problems. These can be resolved with a complete tune-up at a fraction of the cost of a good new computer. A tune-up will also take care of many 'out-of-the-box' Vista performance problems.

Call me today!

      Pete Newell   Affordable Technical Solutions   376-8879

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Synchronize your computer's clock to the National Institute of Standards and Technology

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