Tips For Using Free Software And Keeping Your Computer Safe
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Nothing in life is free.” Well that statement doesn’t hold true when it comes to choosing free software. For instance, there is a plethora of free software available on the Internet for your enjoyment. However, it is important to realize that along with the free ride comes a certain element of risk. Before you begin right clicking every download button you see, you should know the dangers involved with free software so that you can make an informed decision.
Some free software programs are bundled with other programs called spyware, adware, and some even have viruses attached to them. These programs are often referred to as badware or malware (due to their malicious intent). However, as long as you are knowledgeable about these programs and use the latest computer protection you can successfully download and install valuable free software programs without putting your computer’s security at risk. Here are some tips that will help ensure you download free software and not malware.
1. Keep your Anti Virus Software Updated
The first step to ensuring that your computer isn’t vulnerable is to keep your anti-virus software up to date. It is important to realize that your anti virus program should be updated daily at the very least. By keeping your anti virus software updated, your computer will have the protection it needs to fight off any malware programs it may encounter.
2. Choose a Spyware/Adware Program
Some anti virus programs also contain programs that specifically target spyware and adware programs. These programs vary from typical viruses, worms, and Trojan horses, but they can cause just as much damage when your computer’s security is concerned. Spyware programs essentially spy on your computer, reporting to a host server your personal information. Many free software programs are actually spyware programs, by using a Spyware, Adware program; you may be surprised to learn how much spyware you have actually downloaded for free.
3. Regularly update your Windows version.
If you are running Windows, then you should regularly update your windows and download any necessary patches and updates. This helps ensure that your computer is protected from unwanted hacks, threats, and malware.
Finally, only download free software from trusted websites, not just any site that you find on the Internet. Also look for free or demo versions available on the company’s website. By incorporating these tips, you can find free software to download that doesn’t contain additional malware.
Don’t be scared to use free software ‘ just follow these tips and you can save yourself a lot of money!
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Repair Corrupt Files with Today’s Best Tools
Quite often when a computer doesn’t run correctly, it’s because there is a corrupt file in the system somewhere. If this file happens to be in the registry, or operating programs, the damage can be devastating. Fortunately, there are some great programs out there that make it a snap to go about repairing corrupt files.
Repairing corrupt files, especially in the operating system, is vital step for ensuring a computer operates as it should. Unfortunately, for many who need to repair files, finding the ones that are in need of repair is the real nightmare.
Programs are available not only to help in repairing corrupt files, but also for finding the troublesome data as well. For those who don’t know their way around a computer very well, the operating system alone can have literally hundreds and hundreds of files, so finding the right one is a real trick.
These programs work by identifying files that are out of place or inoperable in an operating system and by providing the right information to fix the files and make the machine run as it should.
Locating a good program that will help with repairing corrupt files and finding them, too, can be the real trick. There are some great programs out there and some not so great ones, as well. The key is looking for the best PC tools type program that handles repairing corrupt files on the kind of system you have.
To make this possible, it’s best to understand the system you have and the operating platform it uses. Make sure the tools program you’re looking at works for repairing corrupt files on the version of the operating system you use. For those who use Windows-based operating systems, there are a lot of versions out there now, so make sure the tools you’re considering handle the version you own.
In addition to helping in repairing corrupt files, a good tools program should also make regular system maintenance go more smoothly. This means it should be able to help with scheduling maintenance programs, aid in start up programming and more.
The general theme behind these programs is that they are intended to make routine maintenance and repair easier for computer owners, regardless of their level of proficiency with a computer.
All of these things combined, plus good user feedback, combine to signal a program that’s worth buying. Generally, these tools programs are very inexpensive and can really help with everything from repairing corrupt files to making a computer just run more efficiently over all.
Don’t settle for the first tools program you find unless you’re sure it comes with good backing, does what you need it to and comes at the right price. Remember, the program is supposed to be designed to make your computer run better and help with repairing issues when they arise.
If repairing corrupt files needs to be done, there are ways to make the task go more smoothly. Just be certain whatever it is you buy works for your machine and its personal set up.
Reviews and ratings for today’s top PC tools
http://www.pctipsandtechniques.com
PC Tools Programs Make Maintenance A Breeze
While we all rely on computers to get everything done from business at work to keeping in touch with friends at home, few of us have the ability to actually fix one when it breaks. There are some great PC tools programs, however, that can make it fairly simple for even the computer illiterate to keep their machines running well and fix them when there are problems.
PC tools programs range from paid programs that come with some major customer support to those that are offered via free download. Good programs will generally cost a little bit, but the truth is that PC tools programs often take the guesswork and hassle out of making sure a machine’s file system is in order and working properly.
This means these small add on programs can be worth their weight in gold, especially for those who don’t want to get a degree in computer engineering to keep their desktop set ups running right.
Some of the best PC tools programs walk their users through basic clean up and programming tasks, which might otherwise require a professional’s help in performing. The best programs out there will do a number of things automatically, they include:
* Assisting in file additions and removals. While Windows-based PCs come with a program to handle this, these programs can be hard for the uneducated to find. PC tools programs make this step a little easier to perform by giving their users a simple icon to click on to get the ball rolling.
* Back-up registry. All the files that are necessary to make a machine run should be backed up. These PC tools programs make it easy to perform this function without having to learn a lot about a computer to do so.
* Built-in schedulers. We all know we need to scan the computer from time to time, but actually remembering to do it is another thing. PC tools programs can help make the set up and execution of this basic maintenance function go much more smoothly.
* Duplicate file removal. When people use their PCs a lot, for a variety of functions, the systems can get mucked up with a ton of duplicative files. A good pc tools program will hunt these down and move copies that are not needed, freeing up valuable space on the hard drive and perhaps evening assisting the machine in running more efficiently.
* Start up help. A good pc tools program will even help cut out programs that are not necessary on start up. When programs that aren’t needed run in the background, computers are known to run excessively slow. The problem for novices is trying to figure out which programs can go and which ones need to stay for performance. The tools programs do the work for their owners, taking the guesswork out of the equation.
PC tools programs are generally pretty good additions to a computer set up. By helping make routine maintenance go more smoothly, they can often help their owners ensure computers run efficiently and correctly.
Correct common Windows Errors to enhance your PC’s performance:
http://www.pctipsandtechniques.com
Want or Need Satellite TV on Your Computer
What would the benefits be or why would I Want or Need Satellite TV on your computer to do something like that, well I’m going to tell you. The first reason is you will save some money, The second maybe you need a little privacy or your own TV, watch a second or third TV, is it practical, I don’t want to watch my computer screen all the time.
First reason is you will save money, the whole satellite TV on your computer popped up about 3-6 months ago and you see it advertised as free satellite TV. Well its not free if you been on the Internet for any length of time you know there is nothing for free there is always a price whether its spam, or a hidden fee to continue the use the product or service. When they say Satellite TV for free what that means is there is a one time payment to download the software that will enable you to watch satellite TV on your computer, no Monthly fees that is what is meant by free, no cable bills no nothing for you to watch TV but there is one fee. Your Internet , you pay for that but you are going to be paying for that anyways so you are not paying for anything extra to watch (Free) Satellite TV on your computer.
Second reason, too many people around, fighting over what you are going to watch, or just want to be able to watch the Superbowl in HD yes you can watch some channels in HDTV. There are numerous reasons why you might want a second or third TV, take your pick also the one I like, do you own a laptop with wireless if you do, now you have a satellite TV where ever you go and people will think you are working.
Third reason, you don’t want to spend all of your downtime starring at a computer screen, I don’t blame you, we need a little time away from the computer screen , if your computers video card has a s-video output, you can also connect it to your TV’s video port. Home theater PC already comes with this capability and even has the ability to record channels.
Well there are a few benefits to get satellite TV on your computer, its simple, save money and no more monthly bills. Everyone needs there own TV so if you have a TV on your computer your own little piece sanity. The New computer and Laptops have the s-video output slot and same with the TVs or if you have an old TV go to the store and get an adapter so you can hook your computer up 10 or 15 bucks i believe also there are numerous ways for you to be able to record TV on your computer check out my bio for more information have a good New Year.
He is an Expert at watching TV and if you want more information for satellite and your computer go to this Review Site for more Information http://satsoft.pcsatellitetvreview.com/
Steps to Avoid Spyware: The Key Guideline
Are all spyware programs harmful? You really can’t claim that. There are many spyware programs including adware that come in the usual process of browsing and can assist you in searching certain locations. You can also put them off with the help of any type of anti-spyware program. The problem of spyware intensifies if the spyware tries to find out your personal data, banking and credit records and other secret information that might ruin your life if leaked out.
By all means you will have to protect your PC system from this unwanted program that might bring you biggest damage you have ever faced and put your entire endeavor in a crisis.
Current statistics
Recent record of spyware infection the computer and networking system is facing worldwide will bring a blowing shock to you. The data produces that it is around 85% of the net users who have found spyware attacks in their system. And nearly half of it was introduced through adware programs.
Adware is often placed before you to be a freeware program or a shareware program to draw your attention. You jump at the conclusion that it’s free then what’s the harm trying it. But for you kind information this is the door to get entrapped and you are unknowingly welcoming a blunder to your computer system.
Safety during installation
Heard of kazaa? This is typical adware software you can download in free. And you are caught in the trap of this freedom. Do you really believe that anything can come in free?
Actually there is the hidden spyware linked with the free adware and as soon as you install it in your machine, you system is infected and every data or document comes within the reach of the creator. The best safety step is to completely avoid installing of any such software that you are not sure about even if coming to you in the free form.
Avoid file sharing process
Another common route of the spyware to get into your personal computer is through the mode of file sharing. Such programs that have a peer to peer access do often carry the nuisance, the spyware. And in the sharing process taking full advantage of your unknowingness the spyware slips into your operative mode and infects your programming pattern. You might not be aware of the fact that each of the keystrokes is being recorded by the creator of the spyware who will latter take the full benefit of your data to his credit. Your awareness can only save your computer system from the ill intention of spyware.
Find more Anti-virus @ http://www.virusfree-4u.info/sitemap.htm and spyware @ http://www.virusfree-4u.info/spyware-online-scanner.htm info online. For debt help related articles: http://www.debt-fyi.info
What Are Patches? Do You Need Them?
Patches fixes bugs, replaces graphics and improves a program’s performance or functionality. Patches are very useful and are usually needed if there are certain imperfections in the programs you are using, however, patches that are not made perfectly can also lead to other problems.
What are the Type of Patches?
Programmers create different forms of patches, each having its own function and characteristics. Software that have proprietary policies are delivered as executable files instead of sources. Such types of patches alters the executable program run by the user by either completely replacing the entire executable program or just making changes to the binary file.
Other patches may also be circulated as actual source code themselves. In such cases, there would be certain textual differentiation between the original source code and the one included in the patch. Such kinds of patches are made for projects that have open sources. For these types of patches, the programmers assume that the users would be able to do the update themselves without the help of executable files.
Patches may also come in larger forms. And since the term patch is usually associated with small or short fixes, bigger patches are sometimes called service packs or software updates. Microsoft Windows are known to use such terms to refer to their updates. However, even in the guise of another name, they are still patches nonetheless.
Other operating systems such, as Linux, among other systems that are similar to Unix, have patches that are distributed as full software packages. Such patches have their own installers that work so that they can serve as an upgrade to current existing versions or as stand-alone installers that can be set up by themselves.
How are patches used?
Patch sizes vary and may be as small as some kilobytes or go as high as a hundred megabytes and higher ;the larger the size, the larger the change the patch is bound to do. Typically, when media, such as pictures and sounds, are changed or added instead of program, files become rather large. This is usually seen in patches designed to update or modify computer games.
Unlike software designed for initial installation process, patches generally are faster to apply. Some patches may be acquired from the manufacturers and sent to users in diskettes or discs, while others may be downloaded through the internet. Patches that are downloadable could take longer to acquire depending on the connection speed.
Most patches that are designed for operating systems and software for computer servers are created to fix important holes in the security system. Some operating systems allow automatic update or semi-automatic updating that allow the continual feed of patches whenever there are changes done by their authors.
A lot of people, especially those in the corporate world, decline getting totally automatic updates because there were many experiences of patches causing glitches. Some software experts also believe that allowing totally automatic updates may let software companies acquire limitless control over people’s computers. Thus, varying degrees of automation has been offered in relation to getting patches.
The use of totally automatic updates is rather more popular for the consumers because most operating systems, Microsoft Windows in particular, have added them as a support tool. The automatic updates for Windows has also been set as default by its creators.
Some users, especially network system managers, are very wary about installing patches. They put off applying them until they have clear proof that the fixes are stable. Most large patches or those that promote sudden significant alterations are distributed first with limited availability as beta tests for qualified developers who would know what to do in case something wrong happens.
Patches that are made to modify the programming of hardware are called firmware and are rather challenging because they entail complicated steps such as re-embedding sets of code on devices that involves that total modification and installation new codes for programs instead of just simple alterations to the existing version. Usually such patches perform delicate modification processes that could compromise the device if not installed properly, rendering it useless.
Do you really need patches?
There is no quick answer to this question. Patches are intended to improve the performance of your programs, however, they have to be very stable so that they would not do more harm than good. Before installing a patch, check for its stability by asking around about reported problems with installation.
You can check internet forums regarding users’ experiences with the particular patch you are about to apply. It is usually wise to put off the patch installation for some time before going with it to see how people react to its effects.
James Yee Owned a Web Hosting Business and shares about PC security. Protect Your PC Now!
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A practical Use Of Open Source Code Softwares
As we started the project of a web site, we knew that the proprietary software costs would be too high for the financial resources. The only option then was to make use of Open Source Code softwares.
However, within the Open Source Code there are lots of softwares to choose from, and it’s up to the system analyst/programmer to pick the ones that best suit the project goals.
In this case, we picked Linux as the operating system. However we faced a big question: Which Linux distribution ? There are dozens of linux distributions, each one with specific advantages, sometimes with or without paid services.
We chose linux Slackware because we thought that it would suit better our needs, in terms of stability and reliability. Slackware is a conservative distribution, meaning that it only offers in its distribution package kernel versions and third party libraries, once it’s been proved to be stable and reliable. As a result, Slackware is one the most stable Linux operating system on the market. If the user wishes the most recent Linux kernel and libraries, we recommend to look for a different distribution.
Another reason for us picking Slackware, was because of its text interface, which at the beginning may become a bit difficult, in the long run however it offers a better understanding of the Linux environment. This way most of Slackware configurations are done thru text scripts.
Once it was set the operating system, we picked Apache as the web server. Apache is one of the most popular web server in the internet. For server programming language, we chose PHP. Also, a very popular programming language. Experience with Apache/PHP proves that this setup is very reliable, working extremely well in a production environment. For workstation programming language, we chose javascript, which besides of having a simple syntax, it offers lots of resources.
Apache web server is really a complete web server. Also, it can become very complex with many configuration setups.
For the database, we picked Postgresql. This database has been made available to the public for more than 15 years, and besides of being well debugged, it offers so many resources that it has become one of the best database options from Open Source Code softwares. Extremely reliable, Postgresql has reported cases where there have been databases in production with over 4 terabytes. Besides all of that, Postresql is not the most popular Open Source Code database. A matter of marketing ? Probably.
As for the programming language PHP, we had to use an object oriented application structure. There are many PHP application structures being offered with Open Source Code license. Object oriented application is very important, because it makes programming very easy and scalable up to the point where the system may grow without many problems. Also, it helps to keep PHP code separated from HTML, with the help of some specific libraries, such as Smarty. We make use of Smarty library and we believe that it is a very important resource, which can even make web pages faster thru the use of its cache functions.
Also a very important set of libraries worth mentioning for PHP systems, is the PEAR libraries. In PEAR web site, among the many libraries being offered, there are the database interface DB and the MAIL_QUEUE, which sends emails thru the use of database.
As we came to the end of this project, we had to use some sort of real time database replication. For that we chose the DRBD and Heartbeat libraries. The use of database replication is very important and should not be postponed. Just after 3 months the system got into production, the server hard disk became bad. Thru the use of DRBD/Heartbeat we were able to put the system back into production within seconds, without loosing any data. DRBD/Heartbeat replication is done thru the use of a lan network between the server and slave nodes.
This project also makes use of ImageMagick (enlarge and reduce images), Iptables (firewall), Tsearch2(text search in portgresql) and Mon (linux monitoring tasks).
Also a very important library worth mentioning is the pseudo APC compiler for PHP. Speed is always a critical factor for internet sites.
The web site is already in production and based upon our experience we can say that the Open Source Code softwares we picked, proved to be extremely reliable and stable. Open Source Code softwares can certainly be an excellent option for developing web sites.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/mp3-mp4-audio-portatil.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant/chief software engineer for http://www.polomercantil.com.br
A Beginners Guide To Formulas In Excel
One of the most useful tools in Microsoft Excel is the capability to apply formulas to the data within your spreadsheet. This tool is also one of the least understood. Just a little excel software training will help you to understand some of the basic functions available, allowing you to produce useful models and perform some complex calculations.
How does a formula work?
Formulas are equations that will perform calculations on the values you have entered into your spreadsheet. A formula in Excel will always begin with a equals sign, this tells Excel that the characters following it constitute a formula. Following the equals sign are the elements of a calculation separated by calculation operators. A formula may contain any or all of the following, functions, references, constants and operators. An example of a simple formula is given below;
=PI()*(C6+5)
The above example contains each of these elements. We will now consider the role of each of these to understand how the formula works.
Functions
Functions are predefined formulas that perform calculations by using specific values in a particular order or structure. A function begins with an equals sign followed by the function name, an opening bracket, the arguments for the function separated by commas and then a closing bracket. For example, the PI() function returns the value of pi i.e. 3.142.
Operators
An operator is a sign or symbol that specifies the type of calculation that you want to perform on the elements of the formula. Operators may be of four types, mathematical e.g. * (multiplication sign), comparison e.g. greater than, logical e.g. & (and) and reference e.g. : (colon).
References
A reference identifies a cell or range of cells in a worksheet and tells Excel where to look for the data you want to use in the formula. You can refer to cells within the worksheet, in other sheets in the same workbook and even to other workbooks. For example, the reference A2 would return the value in the cell A2.
Constants
A constant is a value that is not calculated and therefore does not change, for example the date 3/10/06 or the number 105. If you use constant values in a formula instead of references to cells the result will only change if you modify the formula yourself.
Formulas calculate values in a specific order. Excel calculates the formula from left to right. If you combine more than one operator in a formula, for example both a multiplication and plus operator, you may want to specify the order in which these operations is completed. This is done by adding brackets around the part of the formula which is to be calculated first.
An example formula
We can now return to our original formula and look again at the elements within it.
=PI()*(C6+5)
PI() = a function that will return the value of PI (3.142)
* = the mathematical operator for multiplication
C6 = a reference which will look up the value in cell C6
+ = the mathematical operator for addition
5 = a constant value
If the value in cell C6 is 10 then this formula will first add 10 to 5, and then multiply the resultant (15) by 3.142 to return the value 47.12.
The above provides just a very simple example to provide a basic overview of the way formulas work. There are numerous other functions and operators that can be applied together with many ways of referencing data. By undertaking some basic excel training you can quickly gain the knowledge to put all these functions to use and get Excel to do the hard work for you.
Author is a trainer with a Microsoft Office training company, the UK industry leader in its sector. For more information on Excel training, visit http://www.MicrosoftTraining.net.
Five Time Saving Microsoft Word Tips
Most Microsoft Word users spend over an hour a week completing tasks that could be accomplished virtually instantly by applying tools which are built into Word. This is either because they do not know that these tools exist or they have had no training in how to use them. Many of these features are very simple to use, and after some basic training can be put to use straight away. Five of the simpler tools are described below.
Let Word type names and other commonly used words and phrases
If you are still manually typing in your name, company name or job title into your documents you’re probably throwing away some ten to fifteen minutes every week. The AutoCorrect feature available in the Tools menu will expand a two or three letter abbreviation into a complete name, word or phrase, saving you from having to type it in manually. Once you’ve set it up, by simply typing in the abbreviation and pressing the spacebar Word will automatically enter the full text for you.
Let Word add your favourite text or graphics
Even if, rather than starting from scratch, you copy a favourite paragraph of text or graphics from an old document into a new one, you’re still wasting time compared to someone who gets Word to do it automatically. The AutoText feature allows you to give a short name for a particular bit of text or graphics. You can then insert this text into your document just by typing in the short name.
Let Word add information about your document
Rather than manually adding information to your document such as its file name and date and time it was created you can get Word to look it up and add it for you. Such key words as “filename”, “savedate”, or “author” can be typed in and then converted to Fields. At the touch of a button these Fields can then be updated to display the current information for your document and as the document changes you can easily update the Fields to reflect the changes. There is also an option in the Tools menu to ensure these Fields are changes whenever the document is printed.
Get Word to put lists in alphabetical order for you
Putting a list in alphabetical order manually could easily waste an hour of your time. Word can sort such a list for you instantly using the Sort Text command. Found under the Table menu the various options give you the ability to sort the text by, for example, either the first or second word. This would allow you to sort a list of names alphabetically quickly and easily by either their first name or surname.
Change the way Word works
There may be a particular feature about the way Word works that you find really frustrating. The chances are that there is an option available to allow you to change this behaviour. Within the Tools menu under Options there are several tabs such as Print, Save, or Spelling and Grammar that can be used to modify the default way that Word works. For example, under the Spelling and Grammar tab you can tell Word to ignore words that contain numbers. This would mean you could save time by not having to skip the spelling corrections flagged up for these words.
By undertaking a training course in Microsoft Word you can understand exactly how to apply these time saving tips and learn more about the many others that exist. Training courses are readily available as either online E-learning courses or instructor led training courses. Attending such a course could really help you save time and harness the full power of Word and all its functions.
Author is a trainer with a Microsoft Office training company, the UK industry leader in its sector. For more information on Microsoft Word training, visit http://www.MicrosoftTraining.net.
Clean Up Your Registry To Speed Up Your System
The Windows Registry is a system of storing configuration information for computers running the Windows operating system. It keeps all of the settings information for the hardware, software, and user and system preferences for a computer. Using such a system deletes the random storage of INI files scattered throughout the computer. However, in spite of its usefulness, the Windows Registry causes some major problems for many users.
When you install software, uninstall software, or make any changes whatsoever to your computer that affect the control panel, system policies, file associations, or any of the software already on the system, an entry appears in the Windows Registry. So, the more you use your computer, especially if you’re the type of user who makes a lot of changes, the more entries your registry will accumulate.
As with all information on your computer, registry entries require the use of memory. And, the more entries you have in your registry, the more space the registry takes up. A good number of the entries in the registry are unnecessary and even erroneous. All these entries can slow the system down to a snail’s pace. Worse yet, they can cause the system to become unstable and crash.
While it is possible for users to manually edit the registry, it’s far from advisable for all but the expert user. And, even the expert user needs to make a back up of the registry before making any changes. Making an error in editing the registry can render the system unusable, and possibly even irreparable.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to clean up your registry and speed up your system. There are many third-party registry cleaners available for cleaning up unnecessary and erroneous registry entries. In fact, for a short time, Microsoft even made an unsupported tool called Regclean available to users running any of the Windows 9x systems.
The older versions of Windows experience more problems with the registry than the newer NT and XP versions do. The newer versions don’t crash as easily as the older systems did. However, they are still susceptible to slowing and, with severely affected registries, it is still possible for these versions to crash.
One situation in which NT and XP systems can benefit from using a registry cleaner is when a computer running Windows 9x is upgraded to NT or XP. When this occurs, the system keeps all the registry entries from the old system “just in case.” Although this is meant to guarantee that the upgrade works, it does mean that the new operating system will run more slowly than it should.
Though there are many registry cleaners out there, they certainly aren’t all equal. Some of them aren’t even legitimate. There are some cleaners that don’t accurately report the number of entries that could be removed. Some of them show numbers that just don’t add up when the program is run back-to-back.
For example, you might run it the first time and come up with 600 errors, which the program will claim to clean up. If you then run it again immediately, it might report that there are still 300 errors, and the third time it might show 400 errors. In other words, it’s either not cleaning up anything, it’s not accurately identifying errors, or it’s inflating the numbers to make you think it’s doing some good.
To ensure you’re purchasing a registry cleaner that’s worth the money you’re spending, take the time to do some research. Check out review sites and look for software sold by reputable companies. Don’t be drawn in by free trials or outlandish claims.
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