Terry's Computer Tips - Newsletter
August 2, 2009
Terry's Computer Tips Newsletter
http://www.terryscomputertips.com
A computer tips newsletter for users of PC's.
Volume 5, Number 8 — Sunday, August 2, 2009
IN THIS ON-LINE ISSUE:
1. Question about Microsoft Updates Settings
2. The Lighter Side of Technology
3. Computer Loads Up and Slows Down
4. Setting Default Programs in Windows 7
5. My Computer Security Software Recommendations
6. Recommend my Terry's Computer Tips Newsletter to Your Friends
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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. Question about Microsoft Updates Settings
Recently "Katzma" wrote from Australia to ask:
re the new Microsoft Updates: Can you tell me if this will still allow me to update in the same way as I have done with Windows Update, ie by going to the website each time and initiating the update myself, having set "updates" to "notify only"? Or will it become "automatically update" from the first time on? I would like to retain choice of which updates I do, and when. Thanks for your help.
I wasn't sure what he was talking about, at first, so I asked for some more information:
I hope the same process continues. I prefer the "download and tell me" option. It still lets me choose which to install.
However, I don't know if Microsoft is going to change the process. What have you read implying that the options are going away?
Katzma wrote back to say
Thank you for such a very prompt response. :)
When I go to Windows Update site, there is a link at right under "News" which says "Upgrade to Microsoft Update. Automatically receive updates for Windows, Office and more"
I prefer the "notify only" setting for updates, and my paranoia kicks in at that word "automatically". I'm in favour of being able to update all my Windows programs at one site, but not at the loss of losing what little control I still have over my system... fighting words for an old gal, but I'll kick while I still can.
If I was sure that a change to MS Update could be reversed if it turned out not to suit my preferences, I wouldn't mind so much, but I have real trust issues with Microsoft. I was hoping you might have a definitive answer for me. Sorry if my original question wasn't altogether clear about that.
By the way, I did read recently, that even the option to "download and ask to install when ready" actually allows Microsoft more freedom to surreptitiously make additional small installations/changes without asking first. Have you heard anything like this? Unfortunately I didn't keep a note of where I saw that, but if I come across anything like it again, I'll let you know.
With best wishes,
katzma
Now I know what he was asking about... the "new" Microsoft Updates are the ones that many people switched to several years ago. Microsoft Updates replaces Windows Updates and has a big advantage — it updates Microsoft Office as well as updating Windows. It also handles some other Microsoft programs. Otherwise, if you use Windows Updates, you have to do separate steps to update the other programs.
Here's what my Control Panel > Security Center > Automatic Updates are set to:
Katzma wrote back to say:
I use the third option, "notify only" -- as I've marked by circling on the screenshot you provided.
So, I'll change and use the Microsoft Updates feature... and thank you again for your advice.
Best wishes,
katzma
Related articles:
- Microsoft Update versus Windows Update
- Microsoft Updates Question
- Automatic Updates, Windows Updates and Microsoft Updates
2. The Lighter Side of Technology
This week's technology cartoon at Terry's Computer Tips!
3. Computer Loads Up and Slows Down
Help please. My computer loads up from visited sites. I clear history and all other things but still loaded up, very much. I deal with geneology. I save everything to external media. Help. Ross
I had to responsd to Ross that I didn't understand his problem. I asked him to describe more clearly what was happening — "loaded up" is not an adequate description of a problem.
Ross wrote back to explain
It gets slower and slower progressively. I just bought a desk top because the other one was so overloaded, but it was old too and did not have enough memory anyway. I had unloaded that one of everything but basic and it still said "not enough memory" to do what ever. I think the geneology program leaves stuff on the computer that I cannot find to remove?
That triggered more questions from me, to understand what he was doing and the capabilities of his computer:
what antivirus program are you using?
what firewall program are you using?
what antispyware program are you using?
What computer,
what speed,
how much RAM,
what operating system
how big is the hard drive ,
how much empty space on the hard drive?
Slower and slower does not imply that you are filling up your hard drive and need to remove stuff — it implies a different problem.
Ross responded with the kind of answer that I half expected:
Using AVG anti vir, I will have to go and write down the other, mostly. We have a Toshiba, lap top. As soon as I get the other I will send it to you. Thank you very much. Ross
I wrote back to Ross to tell him that I strongly recommend that he download and try Sunbelt VIPRE Antivirus + Antispyware.
VIPRE is fully-functional and free for 15 days. Let it solve your problems - then, if you want to, you can go back to your free antivirus program.
http://terryscomputertips.com/VIPRE
His answer was what I expected, although I didn't know which antivirus you were going to say.
I believe that you get what you pay for with free antivirus programs.
If you don't have a firewall - and as I write occasionally, I do not consider the Windows Firewall to be adequate, I recommend the Sunbelt Personal Firewall. It's for Windows XP and 32-bit Vista, but not 64-bit Vista. As with some other commercial firewalls, it has a fully-functional free trial and then throttles back to a lesser-function free version, if you don't purchase a license.
http://terryscomputertips.com/SPF
Both of the above are affiliate links. If you want to try these, please use my link. VIPRE and Sunbelt Personal Firewall are the antivirus/antispyware and firewall programs that I use and that my family uses.
I also pointed Ross to my my article in last week's online newsletter about WinPatrol and WinPatrol Plus. WinPatrol will help you get control of all the junk that came on the laptop and all the junk that installs with other programs.
WinPatrol Plus will give you access to the information to do that more easily — with WinPatrol (and other such programs) you will have to do your own Internet searching to figure out what can be stopped from running and what needs to be running.
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VIPRE Antivirus Premium— the New Release!
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4. Setting Default Programs in Windows 7
Another of the user-friendly changes of Windows 7 is that the several tasks which can change the default programs have been combined to a single dialog box. Even better, they are easier to find.
If you left-click on the Windows 7 globe, which has a function similar to the Start button in Windows XP, the Default Programs dialog box is accessable from the right-hand side of the menu that pops up.
Once you have reached the Default Programs dialog box, the first choice is somewhat unusual — it's labelled "Set your default programs," but in reality, it allows you to make a program the default for all file types that it supports, or to make the program the default for individual file types — from those the program has registered with Windows 7.
The next option allows you to do the same type of step, but in the other direction. This option is much more powerful, in that the program does not need to have registered with Windows 7 that it can handle such an extension.
The next option lets us change our AutoPlay settings for CD's and other media.
The last one gives us an easy way to tell Windows 7 our favorite web browser, email program, and media player and make them the defaults.
Note that the lower left-hand corner has a link where we can set and control the built-in Parental Controls.
Other than the first, these functions were available in Windows XP, but were scattered across multiple dialog boxes.
(click on the image for a larger version)
The next two dialog boxes show setting Firefox to handle the file types and protocols that it can handle.
(click on the image for a larger version)
(click on the image for a larger version)
In this last dialog box, we approach the setting of Firefox defaults from the other direction — we pick the file extension and then set Firefox to handle it. (This is just an example — Firefox did all these things automatically when it was installed. You don't have to make these changes for Firefox to work!).
(click on the image for a larger version)
This look at the Setting the Default Programs functions in Windows 7 shows us a great example of the increased user-friendliness of Windows 7. Microsoft has made the functions much more accessible and logical.
5. 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.
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 still consider NOD32 to be one of the best in anti-virus protection — and it continues to get recognition and awards. Unlike some of its competitors, ESET offers multiple-year licenses also, and includes program updates in the multiple-year license.
However, I've changed from my long-time choices NOD32 (antivirus) and Sunbelt's 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. Sunbelt Software offers multi-year licenses and home site licenses on its software, both of which include program updates as well as signature updates.
I'm often asked for alternatives to the programs that I recommend, especially by people who want to buy one package to do everything.
I tried a couple security suites in the last few months to pick a suite to recommend. ESET Smart Security 4 is my recommended suite alternative. Smart Security 4 has gotten great ratings and includes antivirus and antispyware, both from their current NOD32 v4 version, and antispam and firewall. I no longer use it and have returned to Sunbelt's VIPRE, but for a suite choice, that's what I would use.
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.
Related articles:
- VIPRE Antivirus + Antispyware Review
- A Look at ESET Smart Security 4
- Anti-Virus Programs and Online Scanners
- Free Online Antivirus Scan
- NOD32 Anti-Virus Review - A Look at NOD32
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. IEEE is currently working on Draft 9 of the standard. The final standard is expected to be approved in January 2010.
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, or recognizing and accepting that you're purchasing a model based on a work-in-progress, and that your router and computer's wireless card may not meet the final standard.
See these related articles:
6. Recommend my Terry's Computer Tips Newsletter to Your Friends
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Volume 5, Number 8 — Sunday, August 2, 2009
Copyright © 2009 Terry A. Stockdale. All rights reserved.
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