Windows Media Player 11

Windows Media Player 11
Help and Tips
Advice and support for Windows Media Player 11. Topics include purchasing music and movies from online stores, tweaking the user interface, adjusting multimedia playback volume, and diagnosing streaming media issues.
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#1: Configure File Types That Launch Media Player
Determine the types of files that, when accessed, open and play in Windows Media Player 11.

#2: Download Visualizations
Download visualization animations that display when multimedia files are played with Windows Media Player 11.

#3: Change Where Ripped Songs Are Stored
Configure Windows Media Player 11 to place ripped audio files in a different folder than your "My Music" folder.

#4: Crossfade From One Song to the Next
Fade one song into the next in Windows Media Player 11.

#5: Enable SRS WOW Effects
Enhance media playback in Windows Media Player 11 with SRS WOW 3D and TruBass effects.

#6: Toggle Downloading Usage Rights for Protected Files
Determine whether Media Player 11 should automatically try to acquire usage rights for protected files that are out-of-date or lack rights.

#7: Toggle Screensaver Display
Toggle whether or not your screensaver should appear while media files are played with Windows Media Player 11.

#8: Slow Down or Speed Up Podcasts and Audiobooks
Is a speaker talking too slow or too fast in a multimedia file? Adjust the playback speed in Windows Media Player 11.

#9: Switch Between Full, Compact, and Skin Modes
Switch how Windows Media Player 11 is displayed - with a full set of features, compact, or with a skin.

#10: Disable Video Acceleration if Experiencing Playback Problems
If videos do not display correctly in Windows Media Player 11, reduce or disable video acceleration.

#11: Multimedia Playback Keyboard Shortcuts
A list of commonly-used keyboard shortcuts when playing multimedia with Windows Media Player 11.

#12: Adjust the Volume or Mute Sounds
Easily adjust Windows Media Player 11's playback volume with your keyboard or mouse.

#13: Show or Hide the Menu Bar (Classic Menus)
View or hide Windows Media Player 11's menu bar to access features or save space for multimedia playback.

#14: Force Windows Media Player to Stay on Top
Tired of watching movies with Windows Media Player 11 and having other windows vie for your attention?

#15: Toggle Full-Screen Playback
Cover your entire screen with Windows Media Player 11 during multimedia playback.

#16: Streaming Media Playing Poorly?
If streaming media files in Windows Media Player 11 start and stop constantly, try this tip.

#17: Rolling Back to Windows Media Player 10
Want to downgrade your Windows XP machine to Windows Media Player 10?

#18: Change the Default Online Store
Instead of purchasing multimedia from URGE, what if you want to use a different online store?

#19: Play Media Randomly
Activate the Shuffle playback mode in Windows Media Player 11.

#20: Cannot Play DRM (Digital Rights Management) Protected Content
The following articles may assist if you are having difficulty playing protected DRM content in Windows Media Player 11.

#21: Clear the Player History
Clear the history of files opened by Windows Media Player 11.

Firewall

Firewall
Help and Tips
Defines the term firewall, explains how a firewall can help increase computer security and prevent identity theft, and provides links to download firewall software.
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#1: I Run a Mac / Linux / Solaris / etc. Machine - Do I Still Need a Firewall?
Aren't firewalls only needed for Windows machines? The answer is NO.

#2: Windows XP Firewall Explained - How Good Is It?
Windows XP comes built-in with a firewall. Will it protect your machine when on the Internet?

#3: Do I Need a Firewall If My Software Is Up-To-Date?
Are firewalls needed even if you patch your operating system and software with the latest updates?

#4: Where Can I Get a Free Windows Firewall?
Several locations you can download free firewall software for Windows.

#5: What is a Firewall?
This tip defines a firewall and why it is important for your computer's security.

File Extensions

File Extensions
Help and Tips
Explains DOS/Windows file extensions, how to view files of various extensions, and why unexpected file extensions can cause security risks.
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#1: REG File Format
Provides details of the .REG file format in Windows used by the Registry Editor.

#2: AIF / AIFF File Format
Explains .AIF / .AIFF files - audio files most often used on the Macintosh platform.

#3: CFG File Format
Information on the .CFG file format, normally a configuration file.

#4: CPL File Format
Some details about .CPL files, Windows Control Panel applets.

#5: RAR File Format
RAR archives defined. How they are packed and unpacked.

#6: What Are File Extensions?
File extensions defined. This tip explains what the usually three characters are for.

#7: PL and PM File Formats
A brief explanation of Perl scripts found in .PL and .PM files.

#8: BAK or BK File Format
BAK and BK files usually are backups of other documents or files.

#9: MID File Format
MID files represent MIDI music. Learn how to play and create these songs.

#10: TXT File Format
The TXT plain-text file format defined.

#11: ARC File Format
Explains what ARC files are. Although rarely-used nowadays, some may run across these archives.

#12: TMP File Format
TMP files are temporary files that can sometimes be safely removed.

#13: DOC File Format
This defines the DOC file format, usually word processing files created from WordPerfect or Microsoft Word.

#14: PSD File Format
PSD files are graphic files created by Adobe PhotoShop and other tools.

#15: SCR File Format
Screensavers defined. Also contains links to websites where you can download screensavers.

#16: EXE File Format
The EXE executable (program) file format defined.

#17: LOG File Fomat
LOG files are usually text file logs of processes running on your machine.

#18: FNT and FON File Formats
Explains .FNT and .FON fonts and why they differ from TrueType fonts.

#19: 1ST File Format
The 1ST file format defined. These are usually text files with instructions to read before running software.

#20: ANI File Format
Defines .ANI files - Windows animated cursors.

#21: ASC File Format
Defines the ASC file format that normally represents text files.

#22: PDF File Format
Explains what PDF files are and how they can be created or read.

#23: Be Careful with Files Containing Multiple Extensions
Files with multiple extensions may be Trojan Horses waiting for you to open them and release their nefarious content. Be careful with these files.

#24: DAT File Format
Just what are .DAT files, and are they readable?

#25: AU File Format
AU files are audio files popular on the Solaris and Unix platforms.

#26: DIZ and NFO File Formats
Description files .DIZ and .NFO defined.

#27: PPT File Format
PPT files are presentations (slideshows) created by Microsoft PowerPoint. This tip has links to free software that can view PPT files.

#28: BAT File Format
The BAT file format defined. These are batch files for MS-DOS or MS-Windows systems.

#29: TTF File Format
TrueType font definitions. Also includes websites you can download TrueType fonts.

#30: Viewing File Extensions on Windows
Help protect yourself from accidentally opening rogue files by forcing Explorer to show all files' extensions.

#31: BMP File Format
BMP files are uncompressed images, Windows bitmaps.

#32: ZIP File Format
Zip archives defined, including how they are created and unpacked.

#33: WAV File Format
WAV files are audio files popular on the Windows platform.

#34: MOV File Format
A brief explanation of .MOV files - QuickTime multimedia

Windows Vista Installation and Upgrading

Windows Vista Installation and Upgrading
Help and Tips
Advice on installing and upgrading to the Windows Vista operating system. Topics include the differences between the Windows Vista editions and using the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.
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#1: View Applications Certified for Windows Vista
Need to see if an application works with Windows Vista? Check the official lists.

#2: Plan A Few Hours to Upgrade
Upgrading to Windows Vista will not take just a couple of minutes. Plan up to a few hours to complete the upgrade process.

#3: What Are Windows Vista's Minimum Hardware Requirements?
Explains the minimum RAM, CPU speed, hard drive space, and other hardware needed to run Windows Vista.

#4: Can I Later Switch From One Edition of Windows Vista to Another?
If you purchase one edition of Windows Vista, can you upgrade it to a more enhanced edition?

#5: Can My Machine Run Windows Vista? Download the Upgrade Advisor
Use Microsoft's free Upgrade Advisor to see if your computer can be upgraded to Windows Vista.

#6: What are the Differences Between the Full Package and Upgrade Versions?
Explains the differences between buying an Upgrade version of Windows Vista or the full Retail product.

#7: What Are Windows Vista's Activation / Licensing Requirements?
Must Windows Vista be activated to use it beyond a certain period of time? Can you transfer the license?

#8: Turn Off Anti-Virus Before Upgrading
Be sure to read Microsoft's instructions for upgrading Vista located inside the CD/DVD package.

#9: 5 Questions to Ask Whether You Should Upgrade or Buy a New Machine
Suggestions on whether or not you should buy a new machine rather than upgrade an old one to Windows Vista.

#10: Which Edition Should I Buy?
Microsoft has released several editions of Windows Vista. See which one is right for you.

#11: What is Windows Vista?
Explains the basics of the Windows Vista Operating System.

Windows Vista - Windows Sidebar

Windows Vista - Windows Sidebar
Help and Tips
Defines the Windows Sidebar for Windows Vista, contains Sidebar tweaks, and explains how to download and install Windows Sidebar gadgets.
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#1: Windows Sidebar Alternatives
Three widget / gadget alternatives to the Windows Vista Sidebar.

#2: Display Stock Updates
Add a Gadget to the Windows Vista Sidebar to view stock prices.

#3: Uninstall a Sidebar Gadget
Uninstall a Sidebar Gadget from your Windows Vista system.

#4: Add Notes Gadget
Add a Gadget to the Windows Vista Sidebar you can use to jot down a quick note or two.

#5: Change Widget Opacity
Configure whether Windows Vista Sidebar Gadgets should appear slightly transparent.

#6: Show Windows Sidebar if Hidden
Temporarily force Windows Sidebar to appear in front of other Windows Vista applications and windows.

#7: Keep Windows Sidebar on Top of Other Windows
Are Windows Vista applications constantly covering the Windows Sidebar? Learn how to force the Sidebar to remain on top of other windows.

#8: Place a Gadget Directly on the Desktop
Windows Sidebar gadgets can be moved to anywhere on your Windows Vista desktop.

#9: Install a New Gadget
Add informative, entertaining, and useful visual gadgets to Windows Vista's Windows Sidebar.

#10: Close a Sidebar Gadget
Clear a Sidebar gadget from your Windows XP desktop or Windows Sidebar

#11: What is Windows Sidebar? What are Gadgets?
Basic information on Windows Vista's Sidebar and visual gadgets.

#12: Move the Sidebar to a Different Monitor
Move Windows Vista's Sidebar to another monitor if it is more convenient.

#13: Move the Sidebar to a Different Edge of the Screen
Configure Windows Vista's Sidebar to appear on the left or right-hand side of the Desktop.

#14: Enable or Disable Windows Sidebar
Turn Windows Vista's Sidebar on or off to display or hide gadgets.

#15: Configure a Windows Sidebar Gadget
Most Windows Sidebar Gadgets have configuration options you can tweak.

Windows Vista - Windows Media Center

Windows Vista - Windows Media Center
Help and Tips
Troubleshooting and configuration tips and support for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista.
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#1: Disable Navigation Sounds
In Windows Vista, if you find the sounds that play when navigating Windows Media Center annoying, disable them.

#2: Hide Games or Other Applications
Prevent games or other applications from appearing inside Windows Media Center.

#3: Remove Invalid or Unwanted Channels from Guide
If the TV Program Guide in Windows Media Center displays channels you cannot get in your area or those you do not care to watch, remove these listings.

#4: Limit Hard Drive Storage for TV Recordings
Prevent accidentally using too much hard drive room for storing TV recordings in Windows Media Center.

#5: Toggle Taskbar Notifications
Toggle whether Windows Media Center should display notifications in the Windows Taskbar.

#6: High Contrast Color Schemes
Configure Windows Media Center to use a high contrast color scheme that may be easier to read.

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars
Help and Tips
Tweak the Windows Vista taskbar, Start Menu, and taskbar toolbars. Includes tips on resizing the Windows Vista taskbar, displaying hidden taskbar notification icons, and more.
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#1: Expand or Clear List of Recent Programs Displayed on Start Menu
Expand the list of recently-accessed programs displayed on the Windows Vista Start Menu, or clear this list altogether.

#2: Remove Your Name from the Start Menu
Remove your name as a link to your personal folder from the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#3: Stop Highlighting New Programs
Prevent Windows Vista from highlighting new and updated software in the All Programs menu.

#4: Display Administrative Tools on the Start Menu
Provide links to Administrative Tools such as the Event Viewer and Task Scheduler directly from the Start Menu.

#5: Automatically Hide the Windows Vista Taskbar
Hide the Windows Vista Taskbar when not in use to provide more room for your opened windows.

#6: Remove Games from the Start Menu
For business machines, clear the Games option from the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#7: Add a Desktop Toolbar
Access Desktop icons quickly on the Windows Vista Taskbar.

#8: View or Clear List of Recently Opened Files
View or clear a list of recently accessed files from the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#9: Expand the Control Panel to a Menu
Provide easier access to Control Panel items via the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#10: Disable Showing Window Previews on Taskbar
Prevent Windows Vista from showing previews of open windows on the Taskbar.

#11: Add an Item to the Quick Launch Toolbar
Two ways to add icons to Windows Vista's Quick Launch icon area.

#12: Resize the Taskbar
Increase or decrease the size of Windows Vista's Taskbar.

#13: Move the Taskbar
Move the Windows Vista Taskbar around the screen.

#14: Unlock the Taskbar
Unlock the Windows Vista Taskbar so you can modify how it is displayed.

#15: Stop Hiding Inactive Icons
Keep Windows Vista from hiding icons in the Taskbar notification area.

#16: Provide More Room for Quick Launch Icons
Add room for Quick Launch icon's in Windows Vista's Taskbar to make certain software easier to access.

Windows Vista - Mouse

Windows Vista - Mouse
Help and Tips

Tweak mouse pointer settings for Windows Vista. Adjust wheel mouse speed, toggle mouse pointer trails, toggle hiding the pointer as you type, and more.
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#1: Automatically Move the Mouse to a Dialog Box
Configure Windows Vista to automatically move the mouse pointer whenever a dialog box appears.

#2: Activate Windows by Hovering Over Them
Select windows just by hovering over them with the mouse pointer in Windows Vista.

#3: Toggle Hiding the Mouse Pointer When Typing
Configure Windows Vista to hide the mouse pointer as you type, or disable this behavior.

#4: Toggle Pointer Trails
Toggle whether the mouse pointer should display trails, which may make the mouse pointer easier to see.

#5: Find the Pointer Easily with a Keypress
Having difficulty locating the mouse pointer on a Windows Vista system? This tweak may help.

#6: Change Settings Related to the Mouse
Access the Mouse Properties to change mouse-related behavior on your Windows Vista system.

#7: Wheel Scrolls Too Fast or Not Fast Enough
Toggle the scrolling speed of wheel mice on Windows Vista systems.

Windows Vista - Fonts

Windows Vista - Fonts
Help and Tips

Help and Tips
Display, print, and tweak the list of fonts available in Windows Vista.
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#1: Three Ways to Preview Your Fonts
Display how a particular font appears in Windows Vista.

#2: Print a Preview for a Selected Font
Print sample text written with a selected font.

#3: Access the Fonts Control Panel
Browse the list of fonts installed on your Windows Vista machine.

#4: Font Sizes are not Always Restricted by Dialog Boxes
TrueType/OpenType fonts can be resized to virtually any size in most Windows Vista applications.

#5: Display Font Details in Control Panel
Change the Windows Vista Fonts Control Panel settings to display more details.

Windows Vista - Explorer

Windows Vista - Explorer
Help and Tips

Navigate your hard drives and removable media using Explorer in Windows Vista. Plus, learn how to tweak Explorer folder windows.
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#1: Remove Popup Descriptions for Desktop Items
Remove popup text that appears when you hover over Desktop icons in Windows Vista.

#2: Show File Extensions
Prevent Windows Vista from hiding file extensions in Explorer, a possible security risk.

#3: Modify the SendTo Menu
Add the ability to right-click on a file and send it to a text editor, a word processor, or other application.

#4: Show Protected Operating System Files
Toggle whether Windows Vista should show protected operating system files when browsing folders in Explorer.

#5: Toggle Showing Folder Size on Hover
Toggle whether or not Windows Vista should calculate and display the size of files containined inside folders as a folder tip.

#6: Toggle Displaying Thumbnails or Icons
If thumbnails are not displaying in Windows Vista Explorer folders, or if you wish to turn off thumbnail display for speed, perform this tip.

#7: Toggle Status Bar
Toggle a status bar at the bottom of Explorer folder views in Windows Vista.

#8: Copy File or Folder Path to DOS Prompt or Windows App
Copy the name of a file or folder's path to the DOS command window, a Windows application, a text file, or other locations.

#9: Forward and Backward Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows Explorer in Vista supports some of the same navigation keyboard shortcuts as those in Internet Explorer.

#10: Select All Files / Subfolders
Quickly select all files and subfolders of a folder when performing operations in Windows Vista Explorer.

#11: Increase Stability via Separate Processes
Increase Windows Vista's stability by launching Explorer folders in separate processes.

#12: Toggle or Configure the Details Pane
Toggle the Details Pane appearing at the bottom of Explorer windows or change its size.

#13: Change Folder Picture
Choose which image Windows Vista uses to display the icon of a folder containing pictures.

#14: Toggle Displaying the Menu Bar
Toggle the menu bar display in Windows Vista Explorer folders.

#15: Partially Hide Drive Letters
Clean up the display in Windows Vista's "My Computers" folder by hiding drive letters from view.

#16: Open Folders in Separate Windows
When performing file maintenance on a Windows Vista system, consider opening separate Explorer windows.

#17: Toggle Displaying Hidden Files and Folders
Toggle displaying files previously hidden by Windows Vista.

Windows Vista - Disk Defragmenter

Windows Vista - Disk Defragmenter

Help and Tips
Advice on using the Disk Defragmenter tool in Windows Vista to help optimize hard drive performance.
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#1: Alternate Defragmenters
For enhanced performance, consider using a third-party defragmenting tool.

#2: Defragment at the Command Prompt
If desired, defragment drives in Windows Vista via the command prompt or batch files.

#3: Analyze Volume Fragmentation Status
Analyze how fragmented a particular drive may be without defragmenting the drive.

#4: Change Volumes to Automatically Defragment
Choose whether or not Windows Vista Disk Defragmenter should run on a particular drive or partition when running on a schedule.

#5: Change Defragmenter Schedule
Change when, and how often, Windows Vista automatically defragments your hard drive(s).

#6: Turn off Automatic Defragmentation
Prevent Windows Vista from automatically defragmenting drives on a schedule.

#7: Defragment Drives Now
Force the disk defragmenter in Windows Vista to run immediately.

Think That Attachment is From Your Friend?

Think That Attachment is From Your Friend?

SUMMARY: Be VERY careful about electronic mail attachments - even if the sender seems to be a friend or family member! You need to read this tip.
Did someone you know just send you an electronic mail attachment that you weren't expecting? Perhaps it's a picture to go along with a joke, a song they want you to hear, or a program that displays fireworks on your screen. Surely your co-worker checked the file out first? Of course your mom would not send you a file that would harm your computer, right?

Nowadays, no matter who you think sent an e-mail attachment, you MUST be safe. Before opening a surprise attachment, why not first ask your friend, coworker, or family member in a friendly e-mail if they really meant to send you the file?

Why am I saying this? It's not to upset dear ma. However, thanks to viruses that spread through e-mail, not to mention other types of malware people might unknowingly install by visiting rogue or hacked websites, many peoples' computers are becoming unwitting accomplices to the spread of rogue file attachments. There are viruses that can infect machines causing them to e-mail innocent looking attachments that are actually viruses or spyware to everyone in their address book. Worse yet, some of this malware actually can make the e-mail look as if it came from someone else entirely!

That's right. For sake of argument, assume you have a friend, Bob, who uses e-mail software that contains an address book. Let's say that your name is in Bob's address book, as well as the name of a mutual friend, Bill. Unfortunately, there is malware that can cause e-mail to be sent to you, unknowingly by Bob, that is made to look like it originally came from Bill! As you can see, even if your friend, family member, or coworker is not directly infected by a virus, you may receive rogue attachments that seem to be originated by them.

"Ok, ok," you may be thinking. "I understand to be wary of executable attachments. But what about photos, songs, and documents. These are safe to open - right?"

Wrong. Virtually any type of rogue attachment can cause problems.

First, realize that depending on your configuration, Windows does not always display file extensions, the characters at the end of a filename that determine its file type. Just because you receive what you think is a music file does not mean it is actually a song. Double-click an application pretending to be a song and instead of your media player opening up, a virus may get installed on your machine.

Second, some rogue file attachments may be written to take advantage of security exploits found in popular software you may have installed. Rogue Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office files may contain what are called Macro viruses, which when run could do all sorts of damage to your machine.

If an exploit exists in a popular multimedia player such as QuickTime for Windows, Winamp, or Windows Media Player and the software has not been patched on your machine, double-clicking a rogue music file could take advantage of the exploit if that happens to be your default player. The same goes with images, photos, and videos - if there's a bug with an image viewer, for example, a hacker may have constructed a picture to take advantage of this problem. If you unluckily view the rogue attachment with the software that contains a security hole, many problems could arise.

Keeping your operating system and software up-to-date can help prevent, but not completely eliminate, these types of attacks.

When it comes to e-mail attachments, be safe. Scan EVERY e-mail attachment no matter who you think is its originator. Know that executables are not the only types of attachments that are theoretically dangerous, so be careful with songs, images, and documents as well. Don't open an e-mail attachment unless you're sure it is safe and you confirm the sender meant to e-mail you the file. Keeping your virus scanner up-to-date may help, too :)

Restore the Show Desktop Icon in the Quick Launch Area

Restore the Show Desktop Icon in the Quick Launch Area

SUMMARY: If you have accidentally removed the Show Desktop shortcut in the Windows XP Taskbar, this can bring it back.

In the Quick Launch Area on the left side of the Windows XP Taskbar is a "Show Desktop" shortcut. Click this and most (if not all) windows should disappear, allowing you to view the Desktop and launch Desktop icons as needed.

Unfortunately, it is easy to accidentally remove this icon, and restoring it is not an intuitive process. However, to do so:

1. Open Notepad.

2. Create a file with the following text EXACTLY:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

3. Save this file as "Show Desktop.scf" (without quotes) and place it on your Desktop. MAKE SURE the filename is "Show Desktop.scf" and not "Show Desktop.scf.txt". When you save the file, you'll need to change the "Save As Type" to "All Files".

4. Drag and drop the created file to the Quick Launch Area with the right mouse button.

5. When the popup menu appears, select "Move Here", and you're done!

What is Pre-Installed Bloatware?

What is Pre-Installed Bloatware?

SUMMARY: What is pre-installed bloatware that you may find on new laptops and desktops, and why is this software installed?
When you purchase a pre-built computer from a major vendor, you normally expect it to operate "right out of the box" without having to do a lot of work to get it configured for Internet browsing, e-mail, document writing, etc. Thus, most purchased computers have pre-installed operating systems so you don't have to spend hours (or longer!) going through the full setup procedure, instead usually requiring only a few minutes revolving around answering questions about your time zone, Internet Service Provider (ISP), how to configure automatic software updates, etc.

Most computers do not just come with an operating system installed but a wide variety of extra software. These may include security programs, CD and DVD burning utilities, basic graphics viewers and editors, multimedia software, trial games, and more. Besides this basic software the installed web browser may also come with a toolbar or two for quick access to various search engines.

While some appreciate this included software, treating it as a "free bonus" when purchasing a computer, others prefer a cleaner machine, free of extraneous applications and utilities. Thus, some have labeled this pre-installed software as "bloatware", calling it such because they feel the software is excessive and "fills up" the computer's hard drive and processing power prematurely.

Why exactly is this software installed on new machines, and what problems can it cause?

First, let's discuss a few typical categories of bloatware:

* Security Software - Unfortunately, some computer operating systems have been so insecure that they could become infected with malware just by connecting the computer to the Internet! This has led many computer manufacturers to include security software on new machines. Vendors may think that if the software was not included, many users might not install security software at all!

Pre-installed security software may take the form of various individual programs or a suite of applications that provide a firewall plus protection against spam, viruses, malware, and other "nasties" on the Internet.

However, the included security software is not purely installed for altruistic reasons. These applications must be updated constantly to stay effective, and may only be licensed initially for 3, 6, 12, or 15 months. Afterwards, the user must purchase an extension to continue to download updates, providing a convenient "lock-in" for the software manufacturer.

* Search Engine Toolbars and Related Software - Some people appreciate a handy toolbar in their web browser giving them instant access to the many capabilities of a modern search engine. However, these are not usually included just for user convenience - there might be payment involved from the search engine to the computer manufacturer. These toolbars can help create user "lock-in" to a particular search engine, because if users become accustomed to accessing search features via the toolbar, they are less likely to try another service.

* Trial or Feature-Limited Software - Pre-built computers often come with trial or feature-limited versions of games, graphics viewers/editors, CD and DVD burning software, and other applications. Computer manufacturers like to place this software on machines to provide a bonus to the end-user, sometimes advertising that their computers come built-in with "hundreds of dollars of free software". However, software manufacturers get something out of this deal - they hope if you like the trial or feature-limited versions of the software, you might purchase the full versions via always-convenient order buttons.

Unfortunately, bloatware can cause problems, which is why you may want to remove some of these applications and utilities:

* Actual "Bloat" - Pre-installed bloatware may require a large portion of the computer's hard drive, meaning you may be able to store fewer files than expected. Also, portions of these applications may run continuously, using up CPU time, causing your computer to run slower.

* Software Conflicts - Bloatware may conflict with other software you may download and/or purchase. Also, if you choose to run different security software, removing the pre-installed applications may require a great deal of time.

* Uninstaller Bloat - Even if you remove some or all of the bloatware, uninstallers are notorious for not completely removing all traces of applications from a system. Pieces of software may remain in the computer virtually forever unless manually removed by an expert computer technician or via registry and other software cleaners.

* Unneeded Features - Of course, you may wish to remove some of these applications because you frankly just don't need them. You may not deal with photos, you may not like the computer manufacturer's multimedia software, you may find the software manufacturer's technical support applications useless and a waste of hard drive space, etc.

Most vendor-built computers come with a pre-installed operating system, potentially saving you hours of time. However, bloatware may be included, applications that the vendor thinks you will find valuable. While some of these programs such as security software may be of use, bloatware can cause problems. These applications may fill up your computer with features you do not need or conflict with software installed later. Plus, even if you uninstall this software, parts of the bloatware may remain. Thus, while bloatware may provide money in the coffers of computer manufactures and provide software companies and web services with a convenient "locked-in" user base, its actual usefulness for some computer users may be questionable.

Donating or Giving Away a Computer? Follow These 5 Steps First.

Donating or Giving Away a Computer? Follow These 5 Steps First.

SUMMARY: Five steps to take before you give away a PC that include helping prevent identity theft.

Is your laptop or desktop computer running slowly and not handling tasks or games well enough for your current needs? Do the latest and greatest applications slow your system to a crawl? If so, it may be time to purchase a new computer - but what can you do with your old machine besides dumping it into the trash?

* Many charities and schools can put older computers to good use as teaching aids or to provide to the less-fortunate.

* A friend or family member might be able to use your older computer.

* Is the computer many years old and no longer generally useful? After removing any usable parts, you may wish to recycle the computer, which is better for the environment than sending it to the dump.

Unfortunately, donating or giving away an old computer should not be treated like giving away a simple kitchen appliance, television, DVD player, or other piece of equipment. Computers have important files you should back up as well as information you would not want the general public to see. Thus, before you give away or donate an older machine, be sure to follow these five steps first:

1) Backup and Remove All Important Information

Backup and remove all needed data from your computer including documents, spreadsheets, music, photos, and videos. Archive electronic mail stored on the machine. Do you have any important bookmarks to websites? Export or copy them for later use. Have you stored any passwords on the machine such as website accounts? Back them up and remove them as well.

2) Leave Nothing Attached or Inside

Check your CD/DVD drive(s) to ensure you haven't left music, a DVD, a system restore disk, an application setup disk, or other media inside your machine. Ensure no USB flash drives or other devices are attached.

3) Tax Deduction? Record Specs First

Depending on your local area's tax rules and filing status, you may be able to deduct a portion of the fair market value of your computer if it is to be donated to an approved charity. If so, make sure you record your computer's specifications so a fair market value can be determined. This includes, but is not limited to:

* CPU type and speed
* RAM
* Graphics card
* Sound card
* Hard drive(s) space and speed


This article is not providing tax advice, so be sure to contact your tax advisor, accountant, or attorney for local deduction rules.



4) Wipe the Hard Drive Clean

No matter how well you scour your hard drive for personal or business files, traces may remain on your machine. Plus, normal file deletion does not actually immediately remove files from the hard drive but hides them so the operating system does not see the files; space used by the deleted files is reclaimed as needed. Therefore, to help prevent others from reading your files either by accident or with file-undeletion software, you should wipe your drive clean before donating it or giving it away.

* For businesses or medical professionals, this step is absolutely vital, as a business may be held responsible if private customer information is found and distributed to the wrong hands.

* If you are not using your laptop for business, it still could contain information you do not want others to see such as medical records, finances, tax information, etc.

Unfortunately, wiping a drive clean will remove the operating system such as Windows, so if you plan on donating the machine, be sure to include recovery disks as well (as long as they do not contain private information) so the recipient can reinstall the operating system. Without them, the recipient may have to purchase a new operating system in order to actually use the machine.

Formatting a hard drive alone will not do - a hard drive needs to be completely wiped, and multiple passes are recommended to help prevent file recovery. While the article author does not recommend any particular hard drive wiping software, several exist including CMRR - Secure Erase, Darik's Boot And Nuke, and DriveScrubber(r).


Make sure before you perform a drive wipe that all files and information have been previously backed up, as using these tools makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to recover your information!



5) Reinstallation

If you are donating the machine and have system recovery disks, you may wish to go ahead and reinstall the operating system. If you're really nice, go ahead and install all patches for the o/s and important software.

There are many ways one may give away an old computer including recycling and donation to charity. However, you should not get rid of your machine without first performing a few basic housekeeping tips. Backup and remove all important information because once you give your computer away, you won't have access to your data. Check for inserted media and devices. Record pertinent information if your goal is to get a tax deduction for your donation. Wipe the hard drive(s) clean so personal or business information does not escape into the wild. And if you plan on donating your machine, go ahead and reinstall the operating system from recovery disks. With these steps you can feel good donating your machine or helping the environment via recycling, and you can feel even better knowing that you have helped safeguard your or your business's privacy.

Pros and Cons of Using Free Web-Based Email Providers

Pros and Cons of Using Free Web-Based Email Providers

SUMMARY: Thinking of using a free e-mail provider to handle your personal or business e-mail? Read this first.

Nowadays, more Internet users are turning away from software-based e-mail programs run on their own computers such as Outlook and Windows Mail and towards web-based e-mail services like Yahoo! Mail, Google's Gmail, and Microsoft's Hotmail. Some sign onto free e-mail services just for their personal accounts and access software-based e-mail at the office, yet others rely upon these websites for professional use as well.

While these free services offer many benefits, people trust them to very important e-mail without realizing any possible security and privacy ramifications. Thus, if you are considering migrating from software-based e-mail to one of these web-based providers, or even if you currently use these services, be sure to consider the following pros and cons carefully.

First, the benefits:

* Many online e-mail providers are free, or at least offer a free version of their services with somewhat limited space for messaging. Especially in an uncertain economy, free is good.

* By using these websites, you free yourself from the need to always update your e-mail software when new features or security patches are released. Plus, some may tout security benefits as these providers are more likely to update their software quickly if an exploit is found.

* Most e-mail providers can be accessed virtually anywhere that has an Internet connection and a web browser, with no additional downloads necessary and no extra configuration required - just sign on and go!

* If you change Internet Service Providers, you won't need to change your e-mail address. No more @aol.com, @comcast.net, @verizon.net, etc. addresses.

Now here are some cons to using these services:

* Most free web-based e-mail providers show advertisements next to or around your e-mail. While some ads may be text, other providers may use graphical or Flash ads that blink, animate, or otherwise prove obtrusive and annoying.

* Just as you must trust your Internet Service Provider, you must trust the company that runs your free web-based e-mail service to uphold their privacy statement and not read your e-mail. Note that even if your provider offers a privacy agreement, they still might read your e-mail if:

- You are suspected of violating local laws (or the laws of the host country of the free e-mail provider)

- A rogue employee reads your e-mail

* Speaking of local laws, what if the e-mail provider claims you violated their Terms of Service (TOS) agreement, either by breaking the law or by spamming? What recourse do you have, if any, and will the provider automatically cancel and delete your account, eliminating all of your e-mail? Even if you never plan on violating terms, passwords (especially weak ones) can be hacked, causing someone to spam from your account.

* What if the e-mail provider goes under or decides to shut down their service? This may happen unexpectedly, and you might not be provided with any warning - say bye-bye to your e-mail! Plus, you would need to write all of your contacts and notify them that they must use a new e-mail address.

* Even though a web-based e-mail provider may update their software if an exploit is found, this doesn't mean it will happen immediately - or at all. If someone finds an exploit and sends you a rogue message before the provider spots and fixes the problem, you might be subject to a hacked account, installed malware, or other problems. Keeping your operating system, browser, firewall, antivirus, and anti-malware applications up-to-date can help prevent these things from occurring.

So if you weigh the pros against the potential cons and still wish to use a free web-based e-mail provider, what should you do to help mitigate any risks?

* When signing up for an account, don't just keep clicking "Next" or "I Agree" without carefully reading a provider's Terms of Service. Local laws may differ from the laws of the host country, so take some time to ensure your seemingly-harmless activities won't be treated as rule-breaking acts.

If you already have an account, you should still be able to read the Terms of Service. If you can't find them, look for a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page or browse the online help files.

* Backup any important e-mail you cannot do without. This may be as simple as copying and pasting text into a document on your local machine, or the provider may have an export option that lets you backup messages en masse. For example, if a website has sent a login password to you via e-mail, don't rely on always finding the password when accessing your e-mail provider - either memorize the password or store a copy of it locally.

* Use a SECURE password - not just a simple word like secret or computer, and don't use your birthday either. If supported by the provider, use a password with a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and even punctuation.

Free web-based e-mail providers offer many benefits over locally-maintained software packages. Besides the fact they are free, these providers offer flexibility in that you can access e-mail anywhere with just a user ID and password. You should know, though, that problems may arise from using these services. However, if you use a secure password, read the Terms of Service, backup important e-mail, and use anti-virus and anti-malware applications that may help if an exploit is found in the provider's software, you should be able to benefit from these free applications for years to come without too many worries.

Alternate Defragmenters

Alternate Defragmenters

SUMMARY: For enhanced performance, consider using a third-party defragmenting tool.
While Windows Vista's Disk Defragmenter works well for most users, there may be circumstances where you need a more advanced tool:

* Files that are currently in use, such as the hibernation or page files, cannot be defragmented without a tool that can work outside of Windows.

* You may need a tool that can run reliably with only a small amount of hard drive space available.

* Files may not be arranged correctly on your hard drives based on need, and a third-party tool may be able to achieve enhanced performance.

* As the default defragmenter does not display a drive map anymore, you may wish to install a tool that displays this information, showing progress during a long defragmentation procedure.

The following third-party applications may be more suitable for your needs than the default tool. This list is for informational purposes only and is not exhaustive:

Auslogics Disk Defrag - http://www.auslogics.com/disk-defrag

Diskeeper - http://www.diskeeper.com/

JkDefrag - http://www.kessels.com/Jkdefrag/

PerfectDisk - http://www.perfectdisk.com/

Total Defrag - http://www.paragon-software.com/home/total-defrag/

7 Ways to Get the Most from Your Older Digital Camera

7 Ways to Get the Most from Your Older Digital Camera

SUMMARY: Ideas to help you take better photographs with older digital cameras and equipment.

Newer digital cameras may allow for faster exposures, larger printouts by taking photos with more megapixels, and increased photographic opportunities with enhanced zoom abilities. While new digital cameras seem to be released every month, with today's worrisome economy it may not be possible to take advantage of these technological advancements.

Though it may be frustrating when you cannot purchase newer digital cameras, think about this: have you really taken advantage of what you own? There are ways to take better photos with your 'older' digital camera that require minimal or no cost. In fact, here are seven of them.

1. Photo Quality is Not All about Electronics

While advanced electronics are great and can help amateur photographers take better photos, there are some principles in photography that remain the same no matter what digital camera you use.

Why Security Questions Can Be Bad News

Why Security Questions Can Be Bad News

SUMMARY: Many online services require security questions as well as passwords when creating accounts - read how these can actually reduce your security.

If you access web-based services such as social networking websites, message forums, or online banking applications, you've probably had to register for a user account. This sometimes drawn-out process required you to enter a login name as well as a password (or get one assigned to you), providing some sense of security when accessing the service.

Since good passwords (not the words 'computer' nor 'secret') can be almost impossible to remember (such as a ten character combination of letters, numbers, and punctuation), many services now use a "security question" you can answer in case you forget your username and/or password and need to retrieve or reset them. By offering a security question, these services can help ensure it is really you when a request is made for your login information.

Some websites may even require answering this security question as well as your password every time you use their services, offering a supposed second level of account security.

Security questions are normally facts that supposedly only you can recall, information that should not change. Several common examples are listed below:

* First School Attended
* Mother's Maiden Name
* Name of First Pet
* Where a Spouse was First Met

Some websites force you into answering a pre-defined question, a popular one being your mother's maiden name. Others offer a list of questions from which you may choose, but some may allow you to type your own questions and answers. This allows you to enter private information such as the name of your favorite musical group, the name you gave a pet rock, or the celebrity poster you placed on your wall as a kid.

Unfortunately, the answers to some security questions are well-known, easy guessed, can be obtained online, or can be found via public records or a private investigator (and if someone truly wants access to your account they may go through a lot of trouble). Thus, these questions, while provided to either offer a second level of security or remove the need for customer service representatives to otherwise verify identity when you request a new password, can cause all sorts of trouble.

Especially if only a security question is required to obtain or reset a password, or even a combination of a security question and other pieces of personal information, if someone can guess or obtain the answers to your question, it is open season on your account!

This type of secret question and answer hacking can and has affected many individuals, including famous people. As an example, according to reports, 2008 Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin had her e-mail account breached when someone allegedly answered a few questions during a password reset request. The questions were her birthday, zip code, and where she met her spouse (Wasilla High), information available on the web through sites such as Wikipedia and Google.

Now that you know how easy it may be for others to access your account via a security question, what can you do to help protect yourself?

* If offered the choice, pick the most obscure security question offered or type your own question and answer if this feature is available. Pick something you and only you may know - something you are positive is not available in public records, your Facebook page, or elsewhere online. Never use your mother's maiden name, social security number, or birthplace, as these can either be found or cause other security and privacy problems if someone does hack the account and read the answers to your security questions.

* Use different security questions for each and every service. No matter how secure you make your account, it can get hacked due to lackluster security procedures of the web service provider or even due to an inside job. Someone could read the answers to your security questions and use these to gain access to your accounts on other websites!

* Consider treating your security question's answer as a second password. You can either encrypt the answer by replacing the letter 'O' with a number 0, the letter 'l' with a number 1, the letter 'a' with the @ symbol, etc., though as dictionary attacks become more advanced this may become less effective. Or "go crazy" and create nonsensical answers just like your passwords as a combination of letters, numbers, and punctuation symbols.

The downside to this method is that your answer may be impossible to remember so you'll have to store it somewhere. And if you do forget your security question answer or cannot find it, you may never be able to reset your password! As a best case scenario you might be able to call customer service or send a copy of your ID to prove your identity. These processes could take a long time, problematic if, for example, you need to use an online banking service to pay your utilities bill today. And remember that some sites may require you to answer your security question every time you login, not just if you forget your password.

While website user account security used to revolve around just a login ID and a password, security questions have become very commonplace, especially as user verification when retrieving a lost password. If you are forced to answer such a question, try to pick the most obscure information possible so it is not easily guessed or found. Use different security questions on each and every website in case your account does get hacked and your answers read. Finally, consider treating your security question as a second password, making it cryptic thus difficult to hack. Security questions have become a modern fact of life on the Internet, so learn how to use them to your advantage.

Why Should You Buy a Desktop PC?

Why Should You Buy a Desktop PC?

SUMMARY: With the added mobility one gets with a laptop PC, is there any reason to still purchase a desktop?

People are always "on the go" these days, and the convenience of a laptop computer fits with our busy schedules. Thus it makes sense that depending on several analyst reports, more people worldwide choose to purchase laptops instead of desktops.

With today's popularity of netbooks, tablet PCs, and digital media players that also substitute as Internet browsers and miniature computers, why should one purchase a desktop over a laptop PC?

1. Cost and Power

Even though one many find incredible the amount of power in a laptop that can be purchased at a reasonable price, desktop computers are still cheaper than their portable brethren. Generally speaking, for the same amount of money you can purchase a desktop with a faster processor, more memory, more hard drive space, and generally faster components. Desktops may support newer technology first such as multi-core processors, offering added speed when you multitask. Plus desktops, due to their case sizes, may offer more ports such as additional USB and media readers.

2. Dedicated Graphics Card

Many laptops, except the higher-end models, come with an integrated graphics card and/or one that uses shared memory, taking up some of the laptop's RAM for use in graphics processing. Most vendor desktops, however, include separate graphics cards with dedicated video memory. This results in faster graphics and video speed, vital for modern games, computer-aided design (CAD), and video editing. Plus, these graphics cards may handle higher resolutions, allowing you to display more information onscreen simultaneously with a larger monitor. Desktops also support additional graphics cards for multi-monitor support, though one can purchase USB VGA adapters for laptops that support a limited display resolution.

3. Ease of Upgrading

Depending on a laptop's design it may be relatively easy to upgrade memory and RAM, usually only requiring a screwdriver and a little bit of time (and careful hands). Plus, via USB you may be able to upgrade or add some other features such as a dedicated sound card for surround sound. Upgrading other components, however, may prove difficult or impossible without specialized equipment and a great deal of know-how.

However, with desktop computers you may find upgrading components much easier. You can swap graphics and sound cards as well as the motherboard and CPU if you have the money, time, and knowledge. Depending on the case size, desktops may support extra internal hard drives for additional storage. If you require more power to handle additional components, replace the power supply or have a computer technician do so. Cooling systems can be installed if the CPU or graphics card gets too warm, or if you want to push the limit and overclock your system (run it faster than what the computer manufacturer recommends). Plus, you can even strip out all of the components and place them in an entirely new case.

4. Use as Servers

Desktop computers are better-suited to run as servers such as those streaming multimedia throughout a home network. Since many desktops contain room for expansion, you can add a greater amount of hard drive space with internal drives than you can with laptops, at possibly a cheaper cost. Plus you can switch out IDE or SATA hard drives and controllers for SCSI, offering greater speed when using multiple drives, essential when many people access files on your server simultaneously.

Even though laptop computers offer portability, essential for those who need to work outside of the home or office, many reasons still exist to use desktop computers. Games, video editing, and computer-aided design are among the many tasks that require the added speed and graphics capabilities that desktop computers offer. Desktops allow for easier and a wider range of upgrade options, providing access to newer technologies than those that have been shrunk down to fit in a laptop. Plus, desktops are better as servers, such as media servers, due to their added speed and expandability. While laptops let one write letters and access the Internet while away, when you're not out on the road a desktop machine may still be the best option for your entertainment, multimedia, and business needs.

7 Reasons Why Computers Run Slower As They Get Older

7 Reasons Why Computers Run Slower As They Get Older

SUMMARY: Seven reasons why computers seem to run slower the longer you use them, including drive fragmentation and faulty software uninstallers

It never fails - awhile back, perhaps it was a few years, perhaps it was only a few months, you bought a new super-fast, top-of-the-line desktop or laptop computer. At first it ran fantastic - there were few software crashes, browser pages visually popped onscreen, and games ran smoothly at high frame rates.

Unfortunately as the computer got older, problems started occurring. Crashes became more frequent, web pages took longer to load, games appeared slightly jerky, and the overall computing experience lost its luster. Why did this happen? Is there a conspiracy among computer and software manufacturers to make computers run slower so you'll give up and buy a new machine? While conspiracy theories are questionable, here are seven valid reasons why your computer may start to run slower as time passes:

1. Slower boot due to installed software

If you install software, device drivers, or other applications that request to be loaded upon a computer's boot, naturally your computer will start up slower. Security software such as firewalls and antivirus applications must start up immediately to help increase your security. Some software partially loads at boot so when you launch applications they seem to start faster. Plus, device drivers and helper software for printers, multimedia devices, and other peripherals may require being loaded at boot to make using such devices in a plug-and-play environment as seamless as possible. All of this increases your overall boot time.

2. Slower overall experience due to installed software

Just as loading these applications slow your computer's boot time, they also may require additional CPU cycles, causing your main applications such as web browsers or word processors to run slower. Plus, more tasks require additional RAM, requiring your computer to use your hard drive as virtual memory. Paging information to and from your hard drive increases the disk thrashing, slowing down your computer further.

You can help offset this somewhat by installing additional RAM if supported by your computer.

3. Uninstall software doesn't always work well

While most applications support an uninstall procedure, these don't always work perfectly. Uninstallers may leave temporary files, items in the Windows Registry, startup tasks to now non-existing files, device drivers that now are not needed, etc. Install and uninstall many applications and the leftover garbage can drastically slow your computer's overall speed.

4. Hard drive fragmentation

As you write and delete files on your hard drive, the locations of files become scattered throughout, and files themselves can become fragmented. This causes longer times to seek for and load individual files, slowing down your computing experience.

This is more of a problem on Windows computers, and while it comes with defragmentation software, it may not automatically run by default and need to be executed manually. Plus, it is debatable how well it actually works. Third-party software claim to do a much better job in defragmentation, potentially increasing your computer's performance.

5 Updates require more power

Updates to your device drivers, software, and operating system just may require more computing power than older versions. This can be due to sloppy programming or the addition of newer features. Plus, as security holes are fixed and workarounds created, such software may require more CPU cycles, RAM, and overall storage space on your hard drive.

Security is one reason why an older version of Windows may run much faster than a newer version. While the older version may seem to work fine, its lack of protection features can expose your computer to all types of security risks.

6. Possible hardware problems

In some circumstances, failing hardware may be to blame. Bad sectors can form on hard drives, and if the drive repeatedly tries to access a file on a failing sector or has to block off certain sectors as unusable due to minor failures, this can increase file access time. Other problems such as software that never used to crash but now aborts continuously can be linked to malfunctioning RAM. Diagnostic programs found on the Internet can help confirm either of these problems if they are suspect.

7. The dreaded malware

Of course, viruses, spyware, and other malware may be to blame. These create additional processes that put more strain on a computer and can increase its overall boot time. Other users may be lurking around your PC via an open port, causing all sorts of nastiness. Malware may be running in the background using your computer to relay e-mail messages, attempt to shut down websites via denial of service (DoS) attacks, and more. Thus, while security software may decrease your computer's overall speed slightly, not having such software (and keeping it updated) can cause an even worse situation.

As you can see, perhaps the debated conspiracy theory of hardware and software makers teaming up to slow computers down as they get older may not be accurate. Installing and updating software can increase your boot time and decrease speed of other applications. Faulty uninstallers leave junk behind that can slow your computing experience. Hard drive fragmentation causes increased file seek and read time. Hardware failures may be to blame for other problems. And of course, there's always the possibility of a malware infection slowing the machine. By understanding the true reasons computers may slow down with age you can take steps to offset these problems

7 Reasons People Tell You Not to Switch Web Browsers

7 Reasons People Tell You Not to Switch Web Browsers

SUMMARY: A variety of reasons people may encourage you not to try a different web browser when surfing the Internet.

When you purchased your computer or installed a new operating system, more than likely it came bundled with a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Apple Safari. While this browser seems to offer all the features you need when surfing the Internet, other alternatives exist such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Opera, options that can potentially increase your security and provide new ways of accessing information online.

Many people, however, stick with the installed web browser not because they don't know about other browsers but for the reason that they think problems will occur when using different applications. This article lists seven of those reasons:

1) My computer only can run one web browser

In probably 99% of cases this is completely wrong. Your computer can handle multiple web browsers, and while I don't necessarily recommend downloading and installing every one, experimenting with one or two can offer different views of the web and features you may find useful. As when installing other software, however, backup all important data on your machine first in case problems do occur.

2) It is too hard to learn another web browser

Virtually every web browser has a back and forward button, address bar, and search bar. You may have to take a few minutes to learn other features, such as bookmarks / Favorites, navigating the History, and even longer if you want to configure your browsing experience, but learning how to use a new browser should not take long at all. Some browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, even come with a help feature for Internet Explorer users.

3. I'll lose all my bookmarks / Favorites

Most web browsers support importing bookmarks or Favorites from others quite easily. And while new bookmarks or Favorites in one web browser may not transfer immediately to another, you may wish to look at online bookmark management services such as Furl and Google Bookmarks. This way you can access your bookmarks with any browser, even one on a different machine!

4. Most sites won't display correctly

While some websites such as Windows/Microsoft Update and online banking sites may not work correctly on non-Internet Explorer browsers, a greater number of websites are being written with technologies that work well across all browsers. This is happening as an increased number of Internet users try different browsers.

5. Internet Explorer is safer than people say

While great strides have been made to increase Internet Explorer's security in recent versions, check a website like Secunia and compare the number of advisories regarding Internet Explorer versus other browsers. Especially note the unpatched exploits and their severities - you may be surprised.

6. Spyware and viruses aren't a problem - I use (insert Internet Service Provider here)

While many ISPs offer antivirus and anti-spyware/malware applications for their users, these will not protect you from all problems. These programs will not patch browser bugs, but they may detect certain malware trying to exploit them. Also, remember that security should take a multi-pronged approach since no software can detect every piece of malware. By using a potentially more-secure web browser along with security software, you reduce the chances of malware infection that much more.

7. I'm Safe. I have an anti-virus program, a firewall, and anti-spyware software

See the above. Nothing offers 100% protection, and some browser bugs are exploitable even if you set browser security settings to their maximum! However, if you have all of the above software programs installed, your chances of malware infection have definitely lessened - good work!

While many people find their Internet browsing experience with the default browser adequate, consider using another browser. A different web browser can offer variety and advanced features, and learning how to use one should not be too difficult. Many support importing bookmarks / Favorites and other settings. Plus, using a different browser, no matter how much security software you have installed, may help decrease the chances of getting a malware infection. "Variety's the very spice of life", the quote from English poet William Cowper says, and if you can add a little bit of that while increasing your computer's security, why not give it a shot?

5 Things to Do as Soon as You Purchase a New Computer

5 Things to Do as Soon as You Purchase a New Computer

SUMMARY: Increase your computer security and reduce potential headaches later by doing these five things as soon as you purchase a new computer.

Have you just purchased a new desktop or laptop computer? Congratulations, and hopefully you will get plenty of use out of your new machine, whether it is for business, finance, research, multimedia, or purely entertainment (or a little of all the above).

But wait - don't open the boxes, plug in the cords, and try to start surfing the Internet just yet! Take a few minutes and follow these 5 steps that can help increase your computer security and possibly remove some potential headaches down the road.

1. Emergency Disks

Some computers come packaged with CDs or DVDs you can use to reinstall the operating system and pre-installed software in case something goes wrong, such as a hard drive hiccup, malware infestation, or an itchy trigger finger that loves pressing the 'Del' key. If such discs are included, place them in a safe place and make copies once the computer is set up.

If these did not come with your computer, read its manual for instructions on how to create them, if possible. Do so ASAP - before you go online, install new software, uninstall software that came pre-packaged but you do not need, etc. Better yet, make a second copy of these disks for safe keeping.

2. Install Security Software

Before connecting to the Internet, either via a wired or Wi-Fi connection, make sure you have a working firewall and antivirus software at a BARE minimum; surfing without such programs can open your computer up to all types of nasty malware. If your operating system has a built-in firewall, turn this on if nothing else is available, but do consider downloading a replacement.

If you have another computer, use it to download a firewall, anti-virus, and anti-malware applications. Either burn a CD/DVD or use a USB flash drive to copy them to the new machine. Install this software before you ever connect to the Internet to reduce the chances of problems. Once you are online, immediately download updates as needed.

Note that if your computer comes built-in with security software, you may need to remove these packages first if you decide to install alternatives (see below).

3. Uninstall Software

Go through the list of installed software through the computer's "Add/Remove Programs", "Uninstall or change a program", or similar tool (check the Control Panel). Remove any pre-installed "bloatware", software you may not need such as trial games, photo applications you may never use, website toolbars, links to Internet Service Providers you will never access (especially if you already have one), etc. Do keep the installed security software unless you are offline and ready to install different applications.

4. Consider a New Web Browser

When you go online, you are not stuck with your operating system's default web browser if you want to surf the web. There are plenty of alternatives available such as Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome, and using another web browser may increase your overall security.

Even if you install a new web browser, be sure to keep the one that came with your operating system up-to-date to help prevent malware from attacking your system via an exploit.

5. Update All Software

Speaking of doing software updates, after going online but before browsing the web, immediately update your operating system (including the built-in web browser). Check for updates to document readers such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and any installed multimedia players. Plus, look for updates to installed browser plug-ins such as Adobe Flash, Adobe Shockwave, Java, QuickTime, and RealPlayer. Exploits can potentially be found in any software installed on your system; keeping everything up-to-date helps reduce the risk of your computer getting infected by malware.

While you may immediately be ready to unpack and use your new computer, following these five steps will help increase your security when going online. Create or find emergency recovery discs and store them in a safe place in case 'stuff' happens. Install security software such as firewall, antivirus, and anti-spyware applications before you connect to the Internet. Remove unneeded "bloatware" and consider installing an alternate web browser. Finally, before general web surfing or other activities, ensure your operating system and all installed software are up-to-date. By performing these steps, you can start your computer off right, blocking malware and operating well for hopefully years to come.

Wireless Internet

WEP and WPA Security

SUMMARY: What are the differences between WEP and WPA security in a wireless network?

By default, most routers are configured to offer virtually no security features, allowing anyone to access your network. Unfortunately, this allows others to use packet sniffing software to record your traffic, potentially including the names of sites you visit, electronic mail texts, and the passwords used to access non-secure webpages.

If you are setting up a wireless network at your home or business, in your wireless router configuration you may have come across the option to use either WEP or WPA security to help encrypt your data. What are the basic differences between the two?

(Note this article covers only the basics and does not discuss enterprise implementations of these protocols.)

* WEP, or Wired Equivalent Privacy, is an older method for securing wireless networks from snoopers by encrypting information sent to and from the router from computers and other network devices. While WEP is supported by most all devices that support wireless security, this type of encryption is relatively easy to break. Thus, if you use WEP security, many hackers will still be able to see what websites you visit, what search terms you use, etc. Note that accessing HTTPS (HTTP Secure) websites over WEP will offer limited protection.

* WPA, or Wi-Fi Protected Access, is a much more secure method of encrypting information sent over wireless networks. Several different types of WPA security are available, the one most users will run across is called WPA-PSK. This uses a 8-63 character passphrase that must be stored on the router and sent by each device that wishes to access the network. The longer the passphrase, theoretically the stronger the protection, so if you implement this protocol, please do not use passphrases such as "computer" or your first name. These can easily be guessed by hackers.

While WPA offers more security, it is not supported by some older devices and operating systems.

* WPA2 is like WPA but offers a stronger encryption algorithm, among other features. As with WPA, some older operating systems and hardware do not support this standard. As with the WPA protocol, use a longer passphrase to increase your network security.

Computer Memory Definitions

What is the Binary Number System?

SUMMARY: Briefly explains the binary number system and its importance in computer technology.

As mentioned elsewhere in MalekTips, a bit is the smallest unit of memory a computer can hold. Bits can either hold a value of 0 or 1, on or off, yes or no, etc.

While a single bit holds very little data, bits are strung together to represent larger pieces of data. As these bits represent larger numbers, a system of numbering, binary, was adopted.

First, consider our standard "decimal" number system that has a base of 10. This means that after one counts ten numbers (0-9), to create the tenth number a second digit prefixes the value. When both digits reach 9 (the number 99), a third digit prefixes the value, making it 100. If all four digits reach 9 (the number 999), a third digit prefixes the value, making it 1000, and so forth.

If you add 5 + 5, there is no single digit that represents the result as each digit can only hold a value from 0-9. Two digits are needed to represent the number ten.

As opposed to the decimal number system, binary uses a base of 2. Each digit can only hold the value of 0 or 1, just like a bit can only hold the value of 0 or 1.

Thus in binary, if you add 1 + 1, a single digit cannot represent the result. Just as adding 5 + 5 in decimal creates a number containing a digit of 1 and a digit of 0, adding 1 + 1 in binary creates a number containing a digit of 1 and a digit of 0. This number in decimal would be 2.

If you add 1 to binary 10 (decimal 2), you would get binary 11 (decimal 3). Here is a chart:


Decimal Binary---------------1 1 2 103 114 1005 1016 1107 1118 1000 ...
If you understand exponentiation, note that every time a digit is added to a binary number the value goes up by a power of 2 (represented by 2^).

Decimal Binary Exponentiation---------------------------------1 1 2^02 10 2^14 100 2^28 1000 2^316 10000 2^432 100000 2^564 1000000 2^6128 10000000 2^7...
A byte is a series of 8 bits and can represent 256 (2^8) numbers, the smallest being binary 00000000 (decimal 0) and the largest is binary 11111111 (decimal 255, or 2^8 - 1).

Thus, each bit in a byte, when flipped from 0 to 1, raises the value of the number in decimal by 2^ and the bit's position (positions are read from right-to-left).

Decimal Byte Exponentiation--------------------------------------------1 00000001 2^0 (right-most bit = the 0th position)2 00000010 2^14 00000100 2^28 00001000 2^316 00010000 2^432 00100000 2^564 01000000 2^6128 10000000 2^7 (left-most bit = the 7th position)