Terry's Computer Tips - Newsletter
March 22, 2009
Terry's Computer Tips Newsletter
http://www.terryscomputertips.com
A computer tips newsletter for users of PC's.
Volume 4, Number 41 — Sunday, March 22, 2009
IN THIS ON-LINE ISSUE:
1. New Foxit Reader v3.0
2. The Lighter Side of Technology
3. What happened when I installed Internet Explorer 8?
4. What's New in Internet Explorer 8?
5. A Challenge for Readers
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. New Foxit Reader v3.0
There's a new version of the light-weight PDF reader program that I use, called Foxit Reader 3.0.
I got tired of Adobe Reader getting bigger and bulkier — and taking so much longer to start. Foxit Reader is a quick download, which install and quick starting, too.
Foxit Software's Foxit Reader 3.0 has one version, but it has three different subscription models, including a free version. They're all available via the downloaded version.
First, there's the completely free Foxit Reader 3.0 propram. It has a large feature set, but some additional features are available in what I call the "sponsored" version and in the paid Pro Pack version. The Pro Pack has been around in earlier version. However, the sponsored model is a new subscription version for Foxit.
Think of the sponsored version as similar to the original free Opera license, which included banner advertising or the old Eudora email program, which had similar advertising. There are two sponsored options.
If you choose to let Foxit Reader 3.0 automatically check or updates, the built-in Commenting Tools are activated so you can use them. They're turned off otherwise, unless you purchase the paid license.
If you install the Foxit Toolbar or install the eBay icon (both of which are individually selectable to be installed or not during the installation of Foxit Reader 3.0, the Text Viewer, Text Converter and Typewriter Tools are turned on.
The final version is the annually-licensed Pro Pack of add-ons. It includes the Text Viewer, Text Connverter, Typewriter Tools, Commenting Tools, Drawing Markup Tools, advanced editing tools, multimedia tools and measure tools.
On the left below, we see the default screen of Foxit Reader 3.0, which you'll see if you open Foxit Reader itself. Of course, most users will double-click on a PDF file, so that Foxit Reader opens and immediately loads the file.
 (click on the image for a larger version) |
 (click on the image for a larger version) |
On the right above, you see two documents loaded into Foxit Reader 3.0. The familiar rabbed interface allows you easily to jump between documents.
2. The Lighter Side of Technology
This week's technology cartoon at Terry's Computer Tips!
Not every .com is a success...
3. What happened when I installed Internet Explorer 8?
Microsoft has taken Internet Explorer 8 out of public beta, and released it this week for everyone (at least, for all licensed users of Windows).
You can download IE 8 by going to www.microsoft.com. However, for a brand-new release, Microsoft makes it hard to find IE8 — you can still find IE7 In the Download Center under Popular Downloads. Just use the search bar at the top of the Download Center to search for Internet Explorer 8.
Tech Tip
Strangely, if you search for Internet Explorer 8, it's the Second thing that comes up as Results for "Internet Explorer 8". The first is the Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar from May, 2007! Maybe if Microsoft could figure out how to deliver the most pertinent results first, they would be a lot happier with Live.com (formerly MSN.com)'s search popularity.
Well, I found IE 8 and downloaded it.
Tech Tip
Microsoft's instructions say to select Run. But, whenever you have choice to Run or Save, you should always save the file. Then, you can run it locally on your computer once the download finishes. That way, if something happens, you don't have to download it again. Even more importantly, if your Internet connection fails while you are installing the program, you won't have a problem.
Of course, if your power goes off...That's why you should use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (a UPS — basically a battery backup).
On first sight, IE 8 looked pretty good. On the left below, we see the first screen of the installation program. Note that you need to declare whether you want to participate in the Windows Experience reporting process or not. Once you select either button, the Next button becomes available.
The next screen gives you the option NOT to install updates for Windows, Internet Explorer and Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. I don't know any reason not to do these, unless perhaps you use dialup and don't want to sit there for a long time.
 (click on the image for a larger version) |
 (click on the image for a larger version) |
The left screen below is a shot of the progress as IE 8 is being installed. I like being kept informed. I was less pleased with the screen on the right.
 (click on the image for a larger version) |
 (click on the image for a larger version) |
After restarting my computer, I double-clicked on the Internet Explorer 8 Troubleshooting icon on my Windows Desktop. The screen on the left is a clean, clear, simplistic waste of time. Microsoft could just as easily delivered me to the next screen in the series. This one really was useless.
As I wrote in my email newsletter this week, at this point, I did a whole bunch of things (without ever contacting Microsoft via this web page), including installing Windows XP Service Pack 3, having it fail (about 45-60 minutes per attempt, too), trying something to fix that, trying again, eventually solving that problem, and then installing Internet Explorer 8.
On the right screen below, we see the happy ending.
 (click on the image for a larger version) |
 (click on the image for a larger version) |
The first time I started IE8, I was underimpressed by its new speed. Strangely enough, when I clicked on a link in my home page, instead of opening the new link, IE8 opened another tab and a Welcome to IE8 page at Microsoft.com.
Well, we'll see. There are a lot of new features in IE8, but, on its surface, it does not look a lot different than IE7 did. I'm pleased to see that, unlike with Internet Explorer 7, my web site still displays properly in IE8.
In the next article, I've written about some of the new features of Internet Explorer 8.
I encourage you to tell me what you like, or don't like, about IE8.
4. What's New in Internet Explorer 8?
Internet Explorer 8 has a bunch of new features. Some are slight tweaks to its previous functions, others are playing catch-up with Opera and Firefox functions, and some are raising the bar for the other web browsers. First, IE8 has a new Compatibility function, accessed via the Compatibility icon on the toolbar — to display web sites that were designed fo other web browsers — if the text or images aren't lined up right, click this button (which is next to the Refresh button). You can even set specific web sites to always be shown in the compatibility mode (check again later — the site probably will get updated to handle IE8 also).
Tab bars — first in Opera, then Firefox and then IE7. Now, IE8 takes it to the next levl with Tab Groups, relating new tabs that are opened from clicks in other tabs.
The new Find On Web Page function is much more user friendly than the older dialog search box. Is it as good as Firefox's? Hummmm, I think I like it better. Like Firefox, IE8's implementation is a real-time jump, as you type, to the first time the letters you type are found. The bar goes up, too, as IE8 tells you how many times it found those letters — and highlights them in the remainder of the web page.
The new Address Bar, where you type the URL of the web site you want to visit, now functions like Firefox's. As you type, it suggests choices from your previous IE8 web surfing history, your bookmarks/Favorites and RSS Feeds.
Reopen Closed Tabs - first available as an add-on for Firefox (or, at least, that's where I first noticed it and really learned to use it), then built ito Firefox 3, now it's a new feature of IE8! Long overdue. It lets you reopen a tab you just closed. You find the function by right-clicking on an open Tab. (Now, if Microsoft would change Windows so I could do that with a Window I just closed...).
Automatic crash recovery — if IE8 crashes because of an add-on or a web site, only that particular tab crashes. The tab closes and then reopens again to the same web site (won't this create a loop of crashes?)
InPrivate Browsing — designed for those times when you want your browsing to be secret, whether you're using someone else's computer (e.g. an Internet café) or shopping for a special present.
The new SmartScreen Filter is designed to help protect you against accidentally installing malware when you're browsing the web. You can enable or disable this at any time. Based on Microsoft's description of the SmartScreen Filter's operation, this seems to be a competing feature to McAfee SiteAdvisor.
Tech Tip
Unfortunately, the bad guys know how to game the system — to put up a clean site until it's rated, and then add the malware. There's nothing like a false "OK" rating...
So far, I like what I've seen in Internet Explorer 8. I used IE7 for little more than checking my web pages to make sure that they looked OK in IE7.
I think I'll use IE 8 a lot more than that... What do you think?
5. A Challenge for Readers
Reader Darryl wrote with a great question — and I'm stumped. What do you think Darryl's problem is, and how can he solve it?
I've subscribed to your newsletter for quite awhile, and enjoy reading it. Your piece on the computer that wouldn't sleep prompted me to ask you about a problem I'm having with my computer.
I have a new Dell desktop Studio XPS, 64-bit Vista Home Premium, SP1. I've used my computer as an alarm for years on my old dead XP box, so one of the first things I did was to set up a task to wake me up at 6am, Monday through Friday.
As I found out over the course of a couple of weeks, there were several things waking the computer at odd hours, so I right-clicked on the alarm task listed in Scheduled Tasks and deleted it. I finally got the other tasks sorted so they wouldn't start the computer from Sleep mode, and then went back to my alarm.
I had named the deleted task 'alarm' but now couldn't use that name, as it was 'still in use'. I renamed the task, but found out that no matter what time I set the alarm for, Monday through Friday the computer woke at 6am. On weekends it wakes me whenever I set it to wake me.
I've been through every task listed in Scheduled Tasks, even the hidden ones, and looked at anything that started at 6am, and the few I found no longer have permission to wake the computer from Sleep mode. I've set Windows folders to show hidden folders and searched the computer using Everything ( http://www.voidtools.com/) as well as the built-in Start/Search. I've set the Network Adaptor to not wake on LAN.
I thought about it being my USB mouse or keyboard, but if they were responsible the computer would also wake on weekends, so ruled that out. MS Update is set to notify me of updates, and I've never had an update waiting after the computer has come out of Sleep, so that won't be it. I'm using the same AV I used before, and it never woke the computer for updates so I don't suspect that's changed at all.
This is a long explanation, but I don't want to waste your time having you suggest things I've already done. What I suspect (because of the timing of the alarm, the fact that I can't name a scheduled task 'alarm' any more, and because the computer starts 1by1 on waking as the original scheduled task was set to do) is that I just deleted the entry for the task 'alarm' but the task itself is still alive and well, and I can't find it.
If you have any suggestions or a solution to this, I'd appreciate it. Thanks for your time. Darryl
My guess is that it's a Windows Vista bug. I think the scheduler deleted the reference to the scheduled alarm, but didn't actually delete the alarm task or its name. Of course, if it won't show him the item, he can't delete it.
Anyone have a suggestion for Darryl? Post your suggestion here
6. My Computer Security Software Recommendations
I review my security software recommendations and update them for each weekly newsletter issue, if I think they need to change.
My Philosophy: Many people want to pick their most economical solution and prefer an all-in-one anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall solution. In concept, that's a great idea. In actual practice, I don' think that this type of package is likely to be the best in all the protection categories you need. Other people want to pick the best of each type program. I'm one of the these folks.
My choice of software that I am willing to recommend is driven by my search for software for me to use. I only recommend programs that I like and that I use. I will sometimes suggest alternatives to my recommendations, but I clearly note if I no longer use them.
UPDATE: I like the thought of not "having all my eggs in one basket." I also have requests occasionally from readers and subscribers who either want an alternative, so they can make a choice themselves, or want to use a suite. I stopped using the major brands years ago for one reason or another — I've just installed Panda Internet Security 2009 on my desktop for testing. Look for a review in the near future. Meanwhile, I've found a special limited-time sale price if you use this link: Buy Panda Internet Security 2009 for $51.97. Save $27.98!
. This sale price is scheduled to end in late March.
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..."
From 2003 through mid-2008, my personal choice was 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 — and it continues to get recognition andn awards. Unlike some of its competitors, ESET offers multiple-year licenses also, and includes program updates in the multiple-year license.
Tech Tip
Many antivirus programs will offer you an anti-virus signature subscription renewal when your subscription renews. I strongly recommend against this option — buy the full program or make sure you get program updates with the subscription renewal. Both NOD32 and VIPRE purchases include both program updates/upgrades AND antivirus signature updates.
Vendors routinely improve the capabilities and speed of the programs, too. If you update only the signatures, you miss any program improvements.
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
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.
Tip: Be sure to read my review of SPF for the settings I recommend.
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:
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 — and there's an even newer version about to be released. Nicely, Sunbelt 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:
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 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:
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
If you don't want wireless, I recommend the Linksys BEFSR41
Tech Tip
By the way, if you get tempted by the new "802.11n" routers, please pay close attention. So far, the 802.11n specification has not been approved and finalized.
If you buy one, you may be locked into a specific vendor's implementation of a draft of a standard that never got approved. I recommend choosing 802.11g for now.
See these related articles:
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.
Of course, if you do not get my free email newsletter, I invite you to subscribe now!!
If you are a subscriber to my free Terry's Computer Tips email newsletter, please feel free to forward your copy of the newsletter to a friend that you think would be interested. Be sure to forward the entire newsletter, including my copyright notices and any advertising.
However, you are not authorized to publish, post or otherwise distribute my articles or newsletters on web sites, blogs, forums, email newsletters, paper newsletters, magazines or in any other form.
Volume 4, Number 41 — Sunday, March 22, 2009
Copyright © 2009 Terry A. Stockdale. All rights reserved.
|
|
Thank you for visiting my site — I hope you found the site and articles helpful. If you did, please consider supporting my efforts by making a purchase (if you have one to make) via one of the links in my articles, one of my recommendations, or in my "Ads by Terry" to purchase the item. You can also shop via these links to major Internet retailers
Amazon.com
TerrysComputerTips.com
Contact |
Join Mailing List
Hosted at HostGator
Copyright © 2005-2010 Terry A. Stockdale. All rights reserved.
Terms & Conditions Disclaimer Privacy Sitemap
