Terry's Computer Tips - Newsletter
January 22, 2006

Use the Browse for Folder window to go to the location where you have your email files. If you have them on a floppy drive or on a cdrom, you might need to copy them to the hard drive first. It will certainly make it faster for your computer to access the files, if you've copied them to your hard drive first). Be sure you click on the actual folder with the backup files in it -- it will be highlighted once you have "selected" it.

The next Location of Messages window will confirm the directory that you have selected. If it is not correct, click on the Back button and select the correct directory.

Now, you get to choose one or more folders to be imported from your backup. Once you have selected either "All folders" or some of the "Selected Folders," click on Next.

Then, Outlook Express will finish the import process.

Shop at CompUSA — I Do!

5.  My Computer Security Software Recommendations

Antivirus:
For your anti-virus needs (and, yes, you do have anti-virus needs!) I recommend anti-virus software from Trend Micro or Panda Software. Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006 offers anti-virus, anti-spam, and firewall for your PC and PDA. TrendMicro provides an easy-to-use product that is from one of the big names in the anti-virus world. Alternatively, Panda Software's Platinum 2006 Internet Security offers anti-virus, anti-spam, firewall and more. My personal choice is the ESET’s small, fast NOD32 Anti-threat System, which offeres a FREE 30-day evaluation license. Read more about anti-virus programs on my web site.

Firewall:
If you get either of the above, you are covered from a firewall point of view. Just don't count on the Windows firewall to provide your needs — it's better than nothing, but you need better than that. If you don't get either of the above, ZoneAlarm Pro or the ZoneAlarm free firewall are my recommendations. ZoneAlarm is my choice for a firewall. Read more about firewalls in The Internet Versus You.

Anti-Spyware / Anti-Adware:
CounterSpy, from Sunbelt Software, has been getting the kudos from the computer press for its always-running and periodic full system scans. I use CounterSpy on my notebook, my wife's computer and my son's computer. I highly recommend this program.

Panda Software's Platinum 2006 Internet Security also includes anti-spyware. Anti-spyware is one situation where more than one scanner actually is better. Only let one program do the real-time, always running protection, but periodic scans with two different programs are a better solution to adware & spyware than only one scanner. No one anti-spyware program catches everything. Also, different companies differ in their criteria for classifying programs as adware and/or spyware.

Anti-spam:
In today's Internet world, the question is not "if" you will get spam, but when and how much. I recommend Mailwasher Pro, or the free version of Mailwasher (www.mailwasher.net) to handle spam before it ever gets into your computer's Inbox. Mailwasher Pro uses online Realtime Black Lists mail servers sending spam recently, "training" by you of what you think is spam, and your own "friends" and "blacklist" lists. Mailwasher Pro can even bounce spam messages, as if your email address was not valid, although the usefulness and appropriateness of this is questionable. The free version can do many of the same things. Mailwasher Pro also has "learning filters," can handle multiple email accounts, can access the Realtime Black Lists, has technical support, accesses the "FirstAlert! global spam database," and can access IMAP, Hotmail, MSN and AOL email accounts. PopFile (www.popfile.org) uses a different approach to spam — it does nothing to reduce spam but does a good job, after training, of identifying and segregating spam. PopFile, in my opinion, is not a good choice unless you are an advanced PC user.

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.

This will prevent you from falling prey to many worms that try to attack security holes in Windows itself. My pick is the Linksys WRT54G 802.11g wireless router, available from Amazon.com for $44.99 after rebate, and it is eligible for free "SuperSaver" shipping, too. If you don't want wireless now, or at any time, the function is easily turned off in the router's menu. You may be able to find a wired (that is, non-wireless) Linksys router on sale. Either way, based on my experience, I recommend Linksys routers. Read more on my Wireless Security web page.

CompUSA has the 4-port DLink cable/dsl router (wired, not wireless) on sale this week (week of January 22, 2006) for $9.99 after rebates! Get connected with everything you need for Networking! Order on-line for pickup at your local store or to have it shipped to you -- I'll get referral credit, if you buy with this link. While I prefer Linksys, I also have -- and use -- one of these DLink routers.

Note: Many of the above links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy these products, please buy them via my affilate links to help support my Terry's Computer Tips newsletter and web site.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Volume 1, Number 32 — Sunday, January 22, 2006
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Copyright © 2006 Terry A. Stockdale.  All rights reserved.