Lo Jack for Laptops
According to the
FBI, a laptop is stolen every 53 seconds and 97% are never recovered. I
rarely let mine out of site and use an anti-theft cable (cost about
$30.00) when I must leave it for any length of time. Lo Jack for Laptops
uses software loaded in the background to monitor your laptop. When
reported stolen, the central monitoring station waits for the person in
possession of your portable computer to connect to the Internet, either
by modem or high-speed connection. It can then pin-point the location
and notify the proper authorities, who in turn, can track down your
stolen property. A year subscription costs $49.99, and there are
discounts for multiple year purchases. Hopefully the crook isn’t smart
enough to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the operating system,
which would probably render the Lo Jack software useless. If you still
want more information, go to:
http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/default.asp
Microsoft promises a more “reliable and secure” operating system with the release of their new operating system, code named “Vista”. Due out in November of 2006 for volume licensing, the consumer versions are scheduled for release in January of 2007. The new version will include “gadgets”, which are mini-applications like weather, time, stock reports, and etc. that are always on your desktop. There will also be an improved backup system which will include a “previous version” recovery tool. “Instant Search”, which sounds a lot like Google Desktop, offers more complete and flexible searches for data or Internet information. There will be protection against malware and spyware, but virus protection will be left up to the consumer. Like most people, unless you’re buying a new PC with “Vista” already installed, you should take a “wait and see” position. Microsoft does offer a software “tool” that you can download to see if your current computer can handle the new operating system. Go to: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/
Movieland.com Sued for Spyware Use
The state of Washington has filed a law suit against Movieland.com. The suit claims that the company uses spyware to trick users into signing up for its service. Users download a free trial of the service and when the trial expires, they receive pop-ups saying they're obligated to pay for the service. I recently removed spyware from Popcorn.net on a client’s computer, which is affiliated with Movieland. Movieland also runs a third download site, Moviepass.tv. All use the same tactics.
You can perform a variety of on-line security checks by going to the One on One Computer Consultants Home page at: ( http://www.1on1cc.com ) and clicking on the link to Symantec Security Check. You can perform a Virus Check, Security Check, and/or Trace a Potential Attack on your computer system.
ProduKey
This small utility
is useful to find the product key for a variety of Microsoft software
programs. Most of the recent Microsoft releases require the CD or
product key to reinstall or repair the software. Go to:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
Microsoft Live OneCare (90 Day Free Trial)
I usually dedicate this section of my eNewsletter to free software, but I thought that this product was worth mentioning. Microsoft Live OneCare is an “always on”, automated program that contains virus and spyware protection, a two-way firewall, and backup utility. It automatically defragments your hard drive and removes unnecessary files from your computer. There is also an Instant Support feature available 24 hours, 7 days a week that you can use to walk you through steps to trouble shoot computer problems. The Microsoft list price is $49.95 per year, and can be legally installed on up to 3 computers. I found it on Amazon.com for $19.95! I suggest downloading the trial version and giving it a look. Be aware that it might conflict or even require you to uninstall your existing anti-virus software. Go to: http://www.windowsonecare.com/Default.aspx
When to Turn Off your Wireless Card
It takes longer for your laptop computer to boot up when it “thinks” that you are looking for a wireless network. Your Windows XP software will recognize that your internal wireless network card is enabled and search for all available wireless network connections before finishing the startup sequence. To avoid the longer wait (sometimes a couple of minutes), you should disable your wireless network card by switching off either with an external switch. Some laptops have a physical switch and others use a “function” key to toggle the card off or on.
Print from Windows Explorer
If you’re in Windows Explorer there’s no need to open a program any time you need to print a copy. Just find your Word or Excel file, right-click on the file, then left-click on Print. Your document will be sent to your default printer.
Run Your Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Programs Every Day!
One of the people receiving my monthly eNewsletter has a computer that has either been infected with a computer virus or has spyware which is generating “spam” email to my account and probably to every else in their address book. Your anti-virus and anti-spyware software isn’t any good unless you have an up to date subscription, keep the definitions database up to date, and run regular scans. My computer is setup to run scans every day. I know too many people that have their computers setup to run scans once a week. When that day comes, their computer is turned off, and then the next scheduled scan isn’t until next week, when they miss that scan. Before you know it, they haven’t scanned their computer in six months.
I have my computer setup to run an anti-virus and anti-spyware scan every night. If I should forget to leave the computer on one night, then the next scheduled scan is set to run the following day. Do us both a favor, check your anti-virus subscription, if it’s expired, renew it. (Or, you can download a free version from my download page – click here). Update your virus and spyware definitions database. And, then run a full system scan with all of the programs.
For more computer
Tips & Tricks go to the One on One Computer Consultants Tips Page at:
(
http://www.1on1cc.com/tips.htm )