VONTRONICS E-NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2010
Welcome again! I had time last month to get
together with my sons and their families for a weekend reunion, including my
grandson. He's three and loved the camping experience! Here he is helping me
set up a camera tripod inside the cabin.
I am continuing my article rating system, but I'd
appreciate some feedback on whether it is helpful to you or not. Each article
is rated "easy", "moderate", or "advanced". "Easy" means anyone can do it
or understand it. "Moderate" means that most experienced computer users should
be able to take it on. And "Advanced" means you'll need patience, or knowledge
and knack beyond what is described in the article to complete it.
Enjoy the newsletter. This month we discuss:
n It's time to install
Windows XP Service Pack 3.
n No more Money or Quicken Online.
n How to get a free upgrade to Microsoft Office 2010.
n Keep your Firefox plug-ins safe.
n Make your Vista programs compatible with Windows 7.
n Step right up and get your free online Office Suites!
n Keep your minds sharp with free Crossword Puzzles.
n Turn any countertop into a touch-screen computer?
n Strangest bathrooms in the world.
n Review of free Security Software.
n Current Security Recommendations
Remember, as always, if you don't want to be sent these
e-newsletters, please check at the bottom of this e-mail to find out how to
easily be taken off the list for future e-mailings.
And if you are receiving more than one copy, please reply back and let me know
your primary e-mail address.
And if you could help me out by forwarding
this e-newsletter to a friend that might enjoy it, I'd appreciate it! Thanks.
Product Reviews & News
WINDOWS XP SP2 SUPPORT ENDED JULY 13
(moderate)
As previously announced, support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) ended on July 13, 2010. Support for Windows 2000 ended on the same date.
If you are running an unsupported version of Windows or Windows service pack
you will not be eligible for any Microsoft support options. Future updates, including security updates, will be reviewed and built for the supported versions and service packs only.
The end of support for Windows XP SP2 means no more security updates unless/until you upgrade to SP3, which will continue in extended support via security updates until April 2014.
If you have previously been blocking SP3 for Windows XP, now is the time to install this important Service Pack.
First, check if your computer already has SP3 installed. Since this is only for those running Windows XP:
Click on START.
Right-click on MY COMPUTER and choose PROPERTIES.
Your version and Service Pack version will appear in the new window.
If it doesn't say "Service Pack 3", then proceed to the Windows Update website:
http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us
Now click the "Custom" button.
After "scanning", if the screen says "You've hidden important updates", then click on "Restore them now". Put a checkmark next to Service Pack 3. Then proceed to install the update. Be prepared to reboot, after the large update downloads and installs, by closing any other programs that you have running.
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SUN SETS ON MICROSOFT MONEY & QUICKEN ONLINE
(easy)
Microsoft has announced that they are dropping their personal finance program, Money - much to the dismay of many folks who have been quietly relying on it for years, and who don't like its main competitor, Quicken. Microsoft stopped selling its retail version in June of last year. All online services and support for Money will end on January 31, 2011. However, just recently, a final edition of Money was released; this is a replacement for expired versions and allow you to continue to use MoneyPlus to access your financial data - without a requirement for online activation. If you don't want to give up your Money yet, find out more here:
http://www.microsoft.com/money/sunset.mspx
In the meantime, Quicken Online has acquired Mint, another free online personal finance application, and continues to offer it for free. Quicken Online went off-line in early August, so either switch to Mint or choose a retail version of Quicken. Quicken Online has been waffling
about transferring your existing Quicken Online data to Mint or not.
http://quicken.intuit.com/personal-finance-software/mint-online-money-management.jsp
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MICROSOFT OFFICE 2010 TECHNOLOGY GUARANTEE PROGRAM
(easy)
Microsoft typically, during a new Office version release, will offer it's customers a free upgrade to the newest version for free. Office 2010 is no exception. If you purchase, install, and activate a qualifying Microsoft Office 2007 product between March 5, 2010 and September 30, 2010, you can get a free Office 2010 upgrade by visiting the Microsoft Office 2010 Technology Guarantee site. The Technology Guarantee upgrade must be requested by October 31, 2010.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/tech-guarantee/
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Tech Tips
FREE PLUG-IN CHECK FOR MOZILLA FIREFOX BROWSER
(moderate)
If you are a Firefox fan, then this tool will be very helpful for you. After linking to the site, be patient as it scans your Firefox plug-ins. It then delivers an on-screen report, with links, to be able to update any out-of-date, and potentionally-harmful --due to security risks-- plug-ins that you are running.
https://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
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MICROSOFT RELEASES WINDOWS 7 "BACKWARDS-COMPATIBILITY" UPDATE (moderate)
For users of Windows 7, the current Microsoft Windows version, Microsoft has released a Vista-compatibility patch/update that will make software that was made for Vista, but not fully compatible with Windows 7, now fully compatible.
Unfortunately, this will not make software designed for Windows XP any more compatible, as Microsoft has only released these types of updates only for the most previous version of its current Windows product.
Here is a link to a Microsoft article giving more details about this update. Remember, if your version of Windows 7 is 32-bit, get the update for "X86". If your version is 64-bit (most are now), get the update for "X64".
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/980846/
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Freebies
"COMPETING" FREE ONLINE APPLICATIONS
(easy)
Microsoft is offering a free online version of their venerable Microsoft Office suite, aptly named Office Web Apps. The new web-based service - which will include online versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint - rolled out on June 15.
http://office.live.com/
Back in October of 2006, Google offered their first Google Apps. As with Office Web Apps, you have to sign in or sign up for a free webmail account before you can use their online apps.
http://www.google.com/apps/
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Almost everyone loves a good crossword puzzle. Here are loads of free on-line crossword puzzles, some printable, some on-line only, some require a free login, but many varieties.
http://www.boatloadpuzzles.com/playcrossword
http://www.bestcrosswords.com/bestcrosswords/SolvableOnline.page
These are from national newspapers:
http://puzzles.usatoday.com/
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/crosswords/classicpuz.html
Even one from Australia:
http://freecrosswordpuzzles.com.au/
And if you need help in solving any of these, then use the internet at it's best and let it help you solve clues and words:
http://www.oneacross.com/crosswords/
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"Oasis," an Intel project, uses projectors and 3D cameras to turn any surface (for example, your kitchen countertop) into a touch-sensitive computer screen. The possibilities for both business and "smart homes" are intriguing.
Watch the video of Intel's Oasis here:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/200288/intels_oasis_prototype_can_make_any_surface_touchsensitive.html
This is in direct competition to Microsoft's "Surface", a touch-sensitive table-top system that you can use in
a myriad of ways. Microsoft introduced theirs in 2007.
http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/Pages/Product/WhatIs.aspx
This technology first appeared as a laser-projected virtual keyboard in 2006.
http://www.luxist.com/2006/07/31/projector-keyboard/
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STRANGEST BATHROOMS IN THE WORLD (easy)
You'll find many surprises here. It makes you want to find one them and check it out!
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/electrical-plumbing/18-strangest-bathrooms-in-the-world
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A recent
PCMag security article rated several free anti-virus and anti-malware solutions. For active protection on a clean system, Avira AntiVir Personal 10 rated best, followed by
AVast Free Antivirus 5.0, Comodo Internet Security 4.0, Panda Cloud Anti-Virus 1.1, AVG Free 9.0, and Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0.
For removal of an existing infection they rated differently. MalWareBytes' Anti-Malware 1.46 came out best, following by
AVast Free Antivirus 5.0, Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0, Avira AntiVir Personal 10, AVG Free 9.0, Comodo Internet Security 4.0, and Panda Cloud Anti-Virus 1.1.
Based on these findings I will recommend AVast or Avira for your active virus protection. I personally prefer
AVast because you don't get the daily "nag" screen that you would with Avira, but Avira rates
slightly higher in virus prevention. If you get an infection that hasn't yet disabled your computer, then stick with my favorite removal tool, MalWareBytes.
Links to all of these software are available below. Remember, only one active anti-virus software at a time. If you switch to a different product, uninstall the old one first.
Be safe out there, folks. Develop a strong sense of skepticism, keep your security updates current, don't trust e-mails, and do research before installing downloadable software. I really want my customers to protect themselves from all of this malware, even if it costs me business by each of you becoming more savvy in this changing internet world we live in. I've always said that the only two businesses that seem to directly benefit from all of this malware are the anti-virus/anti-malware software vendors... and computer service technicians! I'm glad to help you out when things go wrong, but let's all try to keep the wrong from happening.
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KEEP IT SAFE OUT THERE
As always, don't forget to keep your Windows updates current and your
computer protected from malware. There are many free, yet excellent,
programs available so there is no excuse not to stay protected. However,
there are many more free programs which are harmful, that will, instead of
protecting your system, actually infect it. Choose from this list I've
provided and you should have no problems of that sort. Most of these free
programs are for individual home use, not commercial / business use, but
I've noted those restrictions, plus the Windows versions each is compatible
with. Here's the latest list of excellent, but free, security programs that
I recommend:
ANTI-VIRUS: (fights viruses, worms & trojans)
AVast! Home Edition: (home only, Win95-Win7, 32 or
64-bit, free)
Annual free email renewal required
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
Avira AntiVir Personal: (home only, Win2000-Win7, free)
You'll get a daily
nag-screen, but it has the best record for finding and removing virus
infections
http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html
Comodo Anti-Virus + Firewall: (home or business, WinXP-Win7,
32 or 64-bit, free)
http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/download_firewall.html
Panda Cloud Anti-Virus: (home or business, WinXP-Vista,
32-bit only, free)
http://www.cloudantivirus.com/en/
AVG Free: (home only, Win2000-Win7, free)
You'll get nag-screens about three to four times a year; just come back here to get the direct link again
http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=mncol
Microsoft Security Essentials: (home only, WinXP, Vista, Win7, free
but requires Windows validation)
Your Windows version must be verified as legitimate
http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
Clam-Win: (home or business, Win98-Win7, manual scanner
only, free)
http://www.clamwin.com/
ClamXav: (home or business, MAC X+ only, free)
Free anti-virus protection for your Mac!
http://www.clamxav.com
ANTI-SPYWARE: (fights spyware & adware)
MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware: (home or business, Win
2000-Win7, manual scanner only, free)
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol
SpyBot Search & Destroy: (home or business, Win95-Win7, manual scanner
only, free)
http://download.cnet.com/Spybot-Search-amp-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html?tag=mncol
Threatfire: (home or business, XP-Win7-2003, manual
scanner only, free)
http://www.threatfire.com/download/
Microsoft Windows Defender: (home or business, WinXP-2003,
32 or 64-bit,
free but requires Windows validation)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=435bfce7-da2b-4a6a-afa4-f7f14e605a0d&displaylang=en
FIREWALL: (fights keyloggers and hacking)
Your Router: almost all routers have a hardware firewall
built-in, the best type! If you do not have a router then you need better
protection than the built-in Windows Firewall programs gives you. Choose
one of the following and install it.
ZoneAlarm Free: (home only, XP-Win7, free)
This is
a direct
download link
http://tinyurl.com/3yhkyk
Online Armor Personal Firewall: (home or business,
XP-Win7, free)
http://tinyurl.com/5dfe74
Comodo Firewall + Anti-Virus: (home or business, WinXP-Win7,
32 or 64-bit, free)
http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/download_firewall.html
ANTI-SPAM: (helps block junk e-mail or spam)
Spam Terrier: (home or business, Win2000-Win2003 32 or
64-bit, Outlook,
Outlook Express & Windows Mail, free)
http://www.agnitum.com/products/spam-terrier/index.php
MailWasher: (home or business, Win2000-Win7, Outlook,
Outlook Express, Windows Mail, AOL, GMail, Yahoo, etc., free)
http://www.mailwasher.net/
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For those of you not aware of it, all of my previous e-newsletters, plus
many extras, are available to you at
www.familycomputerusa.com, which I try to keep updated. Thanks for
checking!
I don't get any compensation from the commercial links I include in my
e-newsletters. It's merely a pleasure for me to find and share these
tidbits with you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please
feel free to reply. I try to answer all e-mails within 24 hours.
Thanks for reading. Now you're one of the family!