Google Launches New Instant Messaging (IM) Program
Google, which I consider the best search engine and one of the best map programs around, has decided to enter the instant messaging arena. Google Talk allows you to contact via email, IM or a call (computer-to-computer voice chats). Using the new test (beta) version of the program requires that you sign up for a GMail account (free) and there are some limitations to the IM service. Once it becomes more wide-spread, the features should improve. Right now, it doesn’t have the banner ads that other IM services include and it doesn’t include a group chat function. For more information, go to: ( http://www.google.com/talk/start.html ).
Lenovo Acquires IBM Computer Products
IBM ThinkPad notebooks, ThinkCentre desktops and other PC products are now products of Lenovo. Lenovo is now the third largest PC supplier in the world. In addition, the people of ThinkPad® notebooks and ThinkCentre™ desktops are now part of the Lenovo team. All the former IBM engineers, manufacturing teams, sales representatives, and business partners are now associated with Lenovo. IBM will now concentrate on the end-to-end business solutions, including the financing and maintenance services for PC products.
Virus/Spyware Warning & Updates
How to Tell if You Have Spyware
I see pop-up advertisements all the time. Some unwanted software will generate pop-up ads unrelated to the web page you are visiting. Some of these pop-up ads can contain objectionable matter like adult web sites.
My settings have changed and I can't change them back to the way they were. Some “spyware” has the ability to change your “home” page and/or your “search” page. This is commonly known as “hijacking”. No matter if you change the settings manually, the next time you start your computer or open your web browser, the settings have been changed by the “hijacker”.
My Web browser contains additional components that I don't remember downloading. Some spyware programs can add toolbars to your web browser that you don’t want or need. Even deleting these toolbars is no guarantee that they won’t reappear when you restart your computer.
My computer seems sluggish. Spyware and other unwanted software aren’t designed to be efficient. The resources these programs use to track your activities and deliver advertisements can slow down your computer and errors in the software can make your computer crash.
Spyware Alert: MyPCTuneup
The latest attempt to crowd your PC with pop-up ads comes from a company called “Direct Revenue”. It first starts with a pop-up ad offering you Internet Security. It then loads software on to your system associated with Aurora - ABI Network. This is nothing more than a malicious spyware program that takes over your computer (also known as “hijacking”). In order to completely remove the software, you must visit the www.bestoffersnetworks.com web site, download the removal tool, and run it on your computer.
Please don't confuse MyPCTune with www.TuneMyPC.com, based in Colorado, which offers legitimate computer services.
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.
"Free" Software Downloads
Zone Alarm Firewall 6.0631
Now that most people have a high-speed, “always on”, Internet connection, the need for a good “firewall” is almost a critical requirement. Zone Labs has updated their “free” firewall software will some new features including blocking hackers, spyware, and trojans from communicating with the Internet, stops intruders from accessing your PC, and makes your PC invisible to hackers. http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?lid=staticcomp_za
Kill Those Applications
One of the most
frustrating things about trying to “clean up” your computer is those
files that won’t allow you access. Whether you’re running a spyware
removal, anti-virus scan, or some other application, you might receive
that “can not access file – file is either write protected or being used
by another application” message. You can probably restart your computer
in “safe mode” or even try to delete the file at the DOS prompt, but
sometimes neither will work. I found a neat little program called
“Killbox” that seems to be able to handle removal of those little
annoying files. You just type in the path to locate the file and click
on the red “X” to remove it or you can select to remove it the next time
you reboot your computer. You can download “Killbox” and a variety of
other computer “clean up” program like “HiJackThis” at the Merijn web
site below.
Go to: (
http://spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/ )
Caution: Downloaded software has the potential to install “spyware” software on your computer which can compromise your system security and decrease system performance. Always restart your computer and run an updated spyware removal program to check your system after installing any downloaded software.
For links to other free software downloads, go to: ( http://www.1on1cc.com/downloads.htm ).
Keyboard Shortcuts for Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
You might think
that pointing and clicking with your mouse is the fastest way to
navigate through Microsoft Office programs, but if you’re a regular user
of any of these programs, you might find that keyboard shortcuts will
really increase your productivity.
Go to: (
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/compshortcuts.mspx
)
Laptop Computer Security
Whether you use a laptop computer or you’re sending your child to school with one, you should invest in some type of computer security device. There are steel security cables, anti-theft labels, lock-down brackets, laptop vaults, and even tracking systems similar to anti-theft car devices. The most common is a heavy duty steel cable, similar to those used to lock your bicycle. One end of the cable attaches to the laptop computer through the manufacturer’s security slot and the other end can be connected to just about any stationery object. Since it only takes a few seconds for someone to walk off with an expensive laptop computer, the money invested in a security device can be well worth the cost. Some sites offering these devices are:
Computer Security
Products, Inc. at
http://www.computersecurity.com/laptop/
Flexguard Security Systems at:
http://www.flexguard.com/
Secuityware at:
http://www.securityware.com/
Belkin Security at:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatSectionView.process?IWAction=Load&Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201474
For more computer
Tips & Tricks go to the One on One Computer Consultants Tips Page at:
(
http://www.1on1cc.com/tips.htm )