Terry's Computer Tips - Newsletter
January 18, 2009

Terry's Computer Tips Newsletter
http://www.terryscomputertips.com
A computer tips newsletter for users of PC's.

Volume 4, Number 32 — Sunday, January 18, 2009

IN THIS ON-LINE ISSUE:

   1.   Web Site Not Showing Up Right
   2.   The Lighter Side of Technology
   3.   HowTo Turn On JavaScript in Opera
   4.   Computer Crash and Reinstall Windows
   5.   Changing Column Headings in Outlook Express
   6.   My Computer Security Software Recommendations
   7.   Recommend my Terry's Computer Tips Newsletter to Your Friends

My emailed newsletter is sent weekly to individuals who have subscribed to it. While mainly an announcement of the latest online nenwsletter, it also has different, additional content — not the articles in the online issue. Click here to subscribe. It's free!

Welcome to the on-line edition of my Terry's Computer Tips newsletter. Its articles are not in the email issue — and the email articles aren't in the online issue — subscribe to my email newsletter so you can read both.

1.  Web Site Not Showing Up Right

I answered a question this week from someone who was having a problem getting a web site (not mine) to work properly. In this case, he referred to the Foxit web site. Foxit is the maker of Foxit Reader, a much smaller and faster alternative to Adobe Reader.

He wrote that he wasn't able to use the entry boxes on the site's web page

(click on the image for a larger version)

I see the same thing that he saw, when I used IE7, Firefox and Opera, except in all of them I see the Product field as its normal length. The four items Product, Version, Build and OS are not reply fields into which you can type. They are pull-down —option— boxes — notice the pull-down handle at the right end of the boxes..

By looking at the source code, I see that Foxit is using JavaScript to put values in the field for Product and that they've hard-coded the values for OS. Once you pick a product, the JavaScript inserts values into the option boxes for Version and Build.

(click on the image for a larger version)

(click on the image for a larger version)

I suggested that he check the site again and see if it have values for Product now, just in case Foxit had been editing the site.

More likely, though, he was doing something that was preventingn JavaScript from running.

For example, if he had turned off JavaScript (called ActiveScript in Microsoft's implementation in IE) by changing the settings in his web browser, he would not see anything in these fields, and the page will display as he saw it (similar to the image above).

If he is blocking JavaScript from running by using an add-on such as Noscript in Firefox, he would get the same results, too.

If a site uses JavaScript for menus, for options (like this one did), or for display of content, you won't get those features if you disable JavaScript. The same thing applies to ActiveScript, which is Microsoft's name for its implementation of JavaScript in Internet Explorer.

Related articles:

• HowTo Turn On JavaScript in Firefox
• HowTo Turn On ActiveScript in Internet Explorer
• "HowTo Turn On ActiveScript in Opera" is later in this newsletter

2.  The Lighter Side of Technology

This week's computer/technology cartoon at Terry's Computer Tips!

Access Your PC from Anywhere   — access your Office PC from home...   —  or access your home PC from the office... Click Here to Get a 30-day Free Trial plus $10 Off

3.  HowTo Turn On JavaScript in Opera

The quick way to turn on JavaScript in Opera is via the Opera menu bar. Select Tools and then Quick Preferences from the Opera menu bar.

(click on the image for a larger version)

The more complicated route, and the route with many more options, is to select Tools » Preferences » Advanced. Once you get the Advanced tab, click on Content from the selections on the left.

Put a check in the "Enable JavaScript" checkbox.

Then, click on the JavaScript Options button to the right on the same line, and you'll get another series of checkboxes to control whether Opera lets JavaScript do certain things or not. Notice that I have all of the boxes unchecked. This is my preferred, more secure setting.

(click on the image for a larger version)

(click on the image for a larger version)

Check or uncheck the boxes you want (I want them all unchecked) and then click the OK button. Then, click the OK button on the Peferences window.

Now, you should be all set, with JavaScript operational in Opera.

Please note that some other programs also may attempt to control whether JavaScript works or not. Sunbelt Personal Firewall, which I use, is an example of a firewall program that can allow or prevent JavaScript execution by the browser. However, I do not use its functions to prevent JavaScript or to block advertising.

Note that Java and JavaScript are not the same thing. Although they can both be used with web pages, their common feature is the four characters J a v a.

On a final note, JavaScript is a language. Each browser (IE, Firefox, Opera, etc.) has its own JavaScript interpreter that takes the JavaScript commands that are in a web page, and then executes them.

Just because one web browser does not handle a JavaScript function securely does not make JavaScript insecure — it is simply another example of a problem with an individual web browser.

4.  Computer Crash and Reinstall Windows

Subscriber David Forness wrote about his recent experiences and the new cartoons:

My computer crashed just before Christmas and coincidentally my tech who has built, upgraded, and repaired, all of my computers for at least the last fifteen years, was on vacation for two weeks. It was more than I could figure out and since the computer was seven months old and still under warranty, I had to wait for his return. We tried a few things via his cell phone but nothing worked.

I have been back in service for a week and am now just getting caught up after a hard drive reformat and fresh installation of the operating system and reinstalling all my programs. Yes! I am definitely, positively, going to purchase an external hard drive very soon both for me and my wife.

All of that is to say that I just saw the comment in today's newsletter so I went back to see last week's cartoon. Keep them coming. I chuckled when I saw it. I could see myself doing the same thing except I am now retired and have a whole lot more patience since things are a lot calmer.

I wrote back to David thank him for the comments and to tell him that I think he wil be a lot happier with his decision to back up to an external hard drive.

I think the best way to do a reinstall is to use an image backup program, effectively creating my own "restore image" with Windows, my programs, my configuration settings and my data. At that point, restoring to the hard drive — or even a replacemet hard drive — is easy.

If you want to consider using Acronis True Image to do your backups, which I use and recommend, be sure to see my review at http://terryscomputertips.com?u205462.

 

Sunbelt Personal Firewall for Windows 2000, XP and Vista Two-way firewall to control inbound and outbound communications. For Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista 32-bit. Free 30-day Full-function Trial. Discounts for multiple computers & multiple years! Unlimited Home Site License Available for ALL Your Home PCs SPF is my choice for my computers and my family's Windows XP computers

5.  Changing Column Headings in Outlook Express

Reader Pat wrote to ask how to solve her inabiliy to delete emails in Outlook Express. Since I've written a number of articles on the subject, I wrote back to tell her that I'd written several articles on the subject. I suggested that she read:

• Can Not Delete Emails in Outlook Express, and
• Unable to Delete Emails in Outlook Express

Pat wrote back to report success and to ask another question:

My delete now works in Ouitlook Express! Thanks.

One more question. My mother's Outlook Express is always wacky. The headers are never where they should be. I have tried to download a new one but never seem to find a website I trust. Ideas?

Thanks

I wrote back that I would not consider downloading Outlook Express from anywhere except www.micosoft.com.

I think here problem with the "headers" meant that the column headings in the Inbox (or in another message folder) are not in the order she thinks they should be. The good news is that they are moveable.

Just left-click on a heading and drag to the left, in order to move it to the left of another column. That is, if you want to move the Subject column to the left of the From column, just left-click-and-drag the Subject column heading to the left of the From column heading.

Similarly, you can drag headings to the right, such as moving the From heading to the right of the Received date column.

Another way is to right-click on any of the column headings and, then, choose "Columns..."

The Columns dialog box will let you check and uncheck fields to be displayed. It will also let you move items up and down in the list, which will affect their left-to-right order in the display.

VIPRE Antivirus + Antispyware Tired of old antivirus software that makes your PC slow down to a crawl? Try High-Performance VIPRE security software free for 15 days Multi-computer and Multi-year Discounts Unlimited Home Site License Available for ALL Your Home PCs For Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000, 2008 Server & 2003 Server VIPRE is my choice for my computers and my family's computers

6.  My Computer Security Software Recommendations

Anti-Virus

I'm often asked about several other popular anti-virus or anti-virus combination packages. Yes, I realize that they are not in my recommendation list. "Enough said..."

For the last five years, until very recently, my personal choice has been ESET's small, fast NOD32 anti-virus program, which offers a FREE 30-day evaluation license. I consider NOD32 one of the best in anti-virus protection. Unlike some of its competitors, ESET offers multiple-year licenses also, and includes program updates in the multiple-year license.

Now, I've changed from my long-time programs NOD32 (antivirus) and CounterSpy (antispyware) to Sunbelt's new VIPRE Antivirus + Antispyware.

I've found that VIPRE puts even less load on my computer than the speedy combination of NOD32 and CounterSpy. I've also been impressed with the way its "deep scan" has found and eliminated risks that were stored in zip files, which is one of the latest malware email tricks.

Read more about anti-virus programs on my web site.

Related articles:

• Anti-Virus Programs and Online Scanners
• Free Online Antivirus Scan
• NOD32 Anti-Virus Review - A Look at NOD32
• VIPRE Antivirus + Antispyware Review

Click here for more information about VIPRE.

Firewall Software

While the Windows XP firewall is much better than no firewall at all, don't count on the Windows XP firewall to meet your needs. You need a two-way firewall, which the Windows XP firewall is not!. Microsoft woke up and supplied a two-way firewall with Windows Vista.

The Windows XP firewall does not control outbound communications originating from your computer — and you should want to have control if adware/trojans/spyware or even commercial products want to talk to the Internet. Whether they are calling home or spewing spam, you want to be able to control your computer.

Do you want Windows Media Player to call home every time you play something? It does! Do you use the Search function in Windows Explorer to find things on your hard drive? Did you know that every time you search, Windows Explorer talks to Microsoft?

I didn't know that when I ran ZoneAlarm, but the Sunbelt Personal Firewall flags that to me, and I can stop it or allow it to happen. Many other programs try to call home when you run them, too.

I recommend my choice for a firewall program, which is Sunbelt Personal Firewall.

You can try the full-featured "paid version" of Sunbelt Personal Firewall free for 30 days — after that, you can register it or, if you're using it on a home non-business computer, you can let it revert to the free, lesser-function license.

Sunbelt Personal Firewall is regularly $19.95 (with discounts for multiple computers and/or multiple years!) for a non-expiring license for the program and includes one year of their updates subscription.

Related articles:

• The Internet Versus You
• Do I Need a Firewall Program?
• My Sunbelt Personal Firewall Review

Anti-Spyware / Anti-Adware Software

CounterSpy, from Sunbelt Software, has received many kudos from the computer press for its always-running and periodic full system scans. It has been my personal choice for my PC's and my family's PC's.

Sunbelt's CounterSpy v2.5, both improved CounterSpy's performance against malware and reduced its impact on system resources and responsiveness when its scanning.

Sunbelt continues to release updated program versions — the current version is v3.1. Nicely, they do NOT install the updated programs automatically. You have to use the Update process in the program, which means that you'll know that something significant has changed.

Now, I've changed from my long-time programs NOD32 (antivirus) and CounterSpy (antispyware) to Sunbelt's new VIPRE Antivirus + Antispyware.

I've found that VIPRE puts even less load on my computer than the speedy combination of NOD32 and CounterSpy. My computer seems to have much more pep and power than it had previously. I've also been impressed with the way its "deep scan" has found and eliminated risks that were stored in zip files, which is one of the latest malware email tricks.

Related articles:

• Fighting Against Spyware & Malware
• My CounterSpy Review
• My VIPRE Antivirus + Antispyware Review

Anti-spam Software

In today's Internet world, the question is not "if" you will get spam, but "how much will you get?"

I use and now I recommend POPFile as my first choice for handling spam. POPFile sits on your computer, between your email program and your ISP mailbox, and handles emial as it downloads.

POPFile uses a different approach to handle spam than some other programs do — it does nothing to reduce spam. It is designed as an email classification tool — you train it to recognize spam and any other type of email that you want to classify. These classifications can help you sort your emails into appropriate folders in your email program.

Sunbelt Software, who makes the anti-spyware program CounterSpy (which I use and recommend) and the firewall that I use and recommend (Sunbelt Personal Firewall) also has a well-regarded, award-winning anti-spam program called iHateSpam for Outlook and Outlook Express. Since I don't use Outlook or Outlook Express for email, I haven't tried iHateSpam.

Mailwasher Pro would be my first choice to handle spam before it ever gets into your computer's Inbox. Mailwasher Pro uses on-line Realtime Black Lists mail servers sending spam recently, "training" by you of what you think is spam, and your own "friends" and "blacklist" lists. Note: I found that PopFile generally meets my needs and stopped using Mailwasher Pro, even though PopFile works AFTER the emails have been downloaded. If I used a dialup connection, I would be more interested in Mailwasher Pro.

Mailwasher Pro can even bounce spam messages, as if your email address was not valid, although the usefulness and appropriateness of this is questionable. There is a free version called "Mailwasher," but it omits the functions that I consider critical for this purpose -- such as safely previewing the emails safely before they ever get to your email inbox.

Related articles:

• Spam Filtering
• Keeping spam out of your Inbox
• Getting Control of Your Inbox
• How Can I Prevent spam?

Cable/DSL Router

If you have a cable modem or a DSL modem, you need to have another layer of inexpensive protection between you and the Internet. A cable/DSL router isolates your computer from direct connection to the Internet. Your computer can easily request your email, web pages, etc. through the router. The responses come back to the router and are smoothly routed to your computer. But, someone on the Internet side of the router can not initiate a connection to your computer — they can only respond to your request.

Even if you only have one computer to connect to your cable or DSL modem, I recommend that you purchase and use a cable/DSL router because of the protection it can give you against attempts to attack through some flaws in Windows itself.

A router isolates your local network, whether it is only one computer or several, from the Internet by actually making it a separate network. The router gets the "public" IP address and handles all your outbound communications and the responses to them. But, it blocks computers on the Internet side from being able to initiate communications with your computer! This will prevent you from falling prey to many worms that try to attack security holes in Windows itself.

For a wireless router, I recommend the Linksys WRT54G wireless router. I'm using the relatively new version 6 of this router.

If you don't want wireless, I recommend the Linksys BEFSR41 wired router, which I also use. Either way, based on my experience, I recommend Linksys routers for price, reliability and Linksys' habit of releasing updated firmware for their products..

See these related articles:

• Wireless Security
• Wi-Fi Hotspots and Computer Security
• Wireless Networking Problems & Wireless Networking Security

7.  Recommend my Terry's Computer Tips Newsletter to Your Friends

If you like my  Terry's Computer Tips email newsletter or the online edition, you can help me increase the number of subscribers to my free emailed newsletter.

Tell a Friend about Terry's Computer Tips!

With my email newsletter, not only do you get notices that the newsletters are available and content that is not in the online newsletter, but subscribing is the only way to get my Special Edition Newsletters which go only to subscribers.

If you get my free Terry's Computer Tips email newsletter, please feel free to forward your copy of the newsletter to a friend or friends that you think would be interested. Be sure to forward the entire newsletter, including my copyright notices and any advertising.

Of course, if you do not get my free email newsletter, I invite you to subscribe, too!