Microsoft Has FREE Anti-Virus Program

Security Essentials is the latest offering from Microsoft to keep your PC virus free.

It is a FREE anti-virus program joing the ranks of Avast and AVG. While it still has a way to go in being as effective as other established FREE AV programs, it is getting there.

Independent testing by A-VTest.org says it is 98.44% effective in detecting virus threats and 90.95% effective in stopping adware and spyware.

And SE works well with your MS operating system since it is made by Microsoft. On the other hand, it ONLY works with MS OS, specifically XP, Vista and 7.

We'll keep an eye on it and see how well it continues to fight malware.

Internet Radio is Tuned In!

I remember the old days... using my browser to find radio stations on the Internet.

But now, there are Wi-Fi Internet Radio devices that use your wireless router to bring you crystal clear radio... and it works well!

I tried a device over the weekend. It was a simple set-up to type in the passphrase for my router, and soon it was searching for stations.

The amazing part is that it has radio stations in its database from all around the world... and from every state in the US. So if you want to listen to stations in Oklahoma,Montana or Florida - you can! It's got AM and FM radio stations, as well as INTERNET RADIO STATIONS.

The only drawback to the one I have is that you must hook it up to speakers, or the AUX input on a radio or home theater system. But NO COMPUTER is needed... at all!

If you remember being able to tune in a Chicago AM radio station at night from Philadelphia, you're gonna love this!

Conficker Worm Confusing?

I'm sure many of you are still worried and wondering if you have the Conficker worm.

Since there is still much not known about this, it's difficult to know what it will do and when it will do it.

But Warren Doering discovered this interesting website which may help you determine whether you have it.

Just go to the site and see if you get all the images... if not scroll down and read the legend.

http://www.confickerworkinggroup.org/infection_test/cfeyechart.html



It's not the end all, but it may help some.

Have You Twittered?

I have decided to give Twitter a try, after hearing how many people are doing it.

At first, I wasn't sure what to do. So I took the time to read through some of the help guides.

I found out that Twitter is just a place to type out your thoughts. And others can "follow" your thoughts if they want. And I can follow others. So far I've been following Wierd Al Yankovic. I'm not too sure what he's talking about.

You only get about 160 characters, so choose your words carefully.

You can twitter me at http://www.twitter.com/computerwise

RAM Installation - Keep Trying!

Installing more memory in your computer should be easy, right?

First you need to know what type of RAM you need. The good news is that many sites provide a form to help you determine what you need. It is easier if you have a name brand computer, but all you really need to know is the make and model of your motherboard.

Next, the easiest part should be installing it. But take it from me, the RAM chip module has to sit exactly right in the slot or the motherboard will NOT recognize it.

Make sure you line it up just right, then with a downward force push the module in to the slot. The two latches on the side should pop right up and hold the RAM in.

I had to do this several times before the computer recognized the module.

As always, make sure your PC is unplugged from electric before working on the inside.

Why did you install that?

I can't tell you how many emails I receive from those who have installed programs meant to PROTECT their PC's... but instead they wind up with more problems.

These so-called all-in-one, or 5-in-one security programs get so entwined with your registry, you can't do anything. Be careful of those programs that claim they can handle viruses, malware and spyware for one price.

I still recommend the following programs for their ease of use and continued support by their creators.

Avast - anti-virus free home version
Spybot-Search & Destroy - anti-spyware
Ad-aware - anti-spyware

I continue to review a variety of other security programs and will update my recommendations as needed.

Windows 7

Will Windows 7 get everone to let go of Windows XP?

Maybe... there are plenty of physical similarities between the two that give you a sort of "comfortable" feeling about it.

As we all know, Vista as an upgrade has been a nightmare. And for those who got it on their new PC, many are unhappy with how it operates.

Windows XP had that "Microsoft" touch, following, Windows 95, 98 & ME... but Vista is a bit strange and takes some getting used to.

In comparison, I've found the Mac OS X much easier to use than Vista.

Microsoft has released an OFFICIAL Beta version of Windows 7. But it is not a good idea to install it on a PC with important information. That's because there could be conflicts with your PC and you risk losing everything. So if you want to try it, put it on a PC without data you couldn't afford to lose - just in case.

Microsoft's official page on Windows 7 can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx