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All Responsibility For Your Systems Is Yours
The Helpful Neighbor
By Ray Wilson, For The Bulletin
I did a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate on a newly formatted drive. Upon completion, the first chore was to get online protection from viruses and spyware and check the registry for any extraneous junk. With that in mind, I used a registry cleaner and came up with 49 unnecessary files (98,365 KB) and 90 errors in the register. I did nothing more than what you have read here and this came along with the system. I have witnessed this phenomena previously, but not to this extent. I suggest you do likewise on a Windows 7 pre-loaded new computer.
Soap box? Well, kind of. I have questions: Are you all choked up over the behemoths of the computer industry constantly taking shots at each other? Do you tire of reading about it here and in every other publication, including other forms of the media? Do I tire of delving into the thousands of words in various trade papers, magazines, and Internet Web sites to report on it to you? I am mentally exercised, but far from tired or bored. At this stage of my life, this is what I do — freelance writing on a subject I love. If it were not for Microsoft, Apple-Mac, Google, and hundreds more, technology would not be where it is today.
Part of what I do is to identify the locations of the companies who manufacture the software that we so readily welcome to our individual systems. I communicate with them in Hungary, Norway, Canada, and China, to name a few. The Chinese are the most cooperative and are willing to do whatever they can to keep it from being cumbersome and complicating. At present, most of you are using two of the best utilitarian products I have touted in recent editions that come from China.
On the other hand, there are thousands of programs of various ilk that are produced right here in the U.S. of A. that offer equal benefits to our systems. However, I have not had the same experience when it comes to cooperation in promoting their products without bias. Who makes it does not matter as much as the quality of that which is made. So, we must be open-minded to all of the products you read about here, regardless of the manufacturer. The reputation of the company and their willingness to cooperate in standing behind their products are tantamount. You will not read about, or be touted to, any product that my associate and I have not used or are presently using, regardless of the manufacturer. If a product that we have tested does not live up to its published expectations, you will be notified with your best interest in mind.
This is an explanation of some of the aspects I consider and use in preparing this column. This column does not come extemporaneously, it is a culmination of remarks and questions I have received recently and along the way. In closing, you may depend on any of the suggestions you read here, but all responsibility of their use and inclusion in your systems is yours alone. Neither we, nor The Bulletin can assume any liability for your application of any product mentioned in this column. If introduced to your system according to the instructions you read here and at the product’s Web site, you should not experience any problems. My persona and my faith do not permit me to be devious or untruthful. I can be reached at IMHelpful4u@aol.com
Question: What is your opinion of dual programs? Answer: This question references the appearance of the consoles of antivirus and anti-Spyware. I have run hot and cold on these. They are convenient, one program dual purpose, but individual programs are a singular concentrated effort. For an excellent antivirus, you cannot beat Avast by Alwil. It must be registered even though registration is free. For anti-spyware, there is SuperAntispyware, MalwareBytes, Microsoft Malicious Software remover, Ad Aware, and Spybot S & D. These have one feature0 which the Consoles do not, they are free! Windows Security Essentials, according to recent tests, has not been performing the way my associate and I would expect. It will not harm your system, but we have set it aside in favor of this configuration.
Cybersecurity: As I wrote on this subject last week, I remembered an article from Wednesday, May 6. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D, Miss., asked the House Committee on Homeland Security if any of them felt the federal government was prepared to deal with a cyber catastrophe? Answer, “No.” Here it is almost December and plans are to be getting underway soon. For the sake of all of us who use a computer, I hope so.
Ho, ho, ho! ‘Tis the season to be jolly! This is a very busy time of the year, especially for those who would invade your privacy. Pay particular attention to any and all offers that will be appearing. Charity requests run rampant during the Christmas season as they ply their trade of thievery. You may call them the “Anti-Claus!” Their greed exceeds all manner of charity. Look at any and all offers with logic and common sense. Simply put —look before you leap, and make it a Merry Christmas.
Computer Enemy No. 1: As Yul Brynner asked, “Who? Who? Who?” First, a scenario: I worked on a computer for two hours. I got rid of a lot of crap, including Norton, ran registry cleaners, cleaned and defragged the hard drive, installed security programs, all of which left it running fine. On Thanksgiving Day, a group of relatives and friends arrived for dinner and, as normal, there are always one or two who fancy themselves as computer experts with less than borderline knowledge. I was told they had a new way to get to email and now, my email no longer works. So, who is to take blame for this, or any other computer? Those that allow these self-appointed experts to fool with their machine. Make sure only a knowledgeable person is permitted to work on your computer. Now, I am faced with a lot of investigation to try to undo what was done. You can readily see from what happened on this computer, why repair services are very busy this time of the year.
Internet Explorer 9 is a reality. Microsoft, with no date announcements, is utilizing new techniques of the graphics processor unit for improvement in the overall performance. Early work has shown significant performance strides. However, so are Mozilla, and the Norwegian entry in the browser wars Opera. I wonder what happened to Netscape.
The Cenzic Report: This is a California-based Web security company’s results of their investigation of the vulnerabilities in browsers. Half of all of the browser vulnerabilities were those of Firefox, for the first six months of this year. Apple’s Safari ran second. Microsoft was third with Opera fourth. If this were done on a per-capita basis, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 would have placed first with the least number of vulnerabilities. Microsoft has many times the number of installations as the rest combined. Their percentage of vulnerabilities was a mere 15 percent. I call ‘em as I see ‘em! Polltakers can maneuver the results to suit their particular leanings. In the aspect of this poll, number one is last.
Windows 7 is accounting for a substantial increase in PC sales. This surge in sales was sparked by the Oct. 22 release of Windows 7. This was the pick-up of sales that was dormant, waiting for this products release (I verified the lack of PC sales at WalMart, Staples, and Best Buy, all three concurred). Since then, sales have been on the upswing and continue into the month of November, which paves the way for big things in December. If you opt to buy a NetBook or NoteBook, make sure it is what you really want.
Control Panel: I have professed this to be the place to start massaging Windows 7 into your liking. While you are in the Performance Information and Tools section (do not let the title influence you), click on Advanced Tools. Here is advanced information on Windows 7 that should not be overlooked by users. There are nine categories for you to check. Don’t miss it.
Year-end Stuff! How true that “Time Marches On” (Boy, am I dating myself with that one). This is one aspect of life that we just have to contend with. This brings to mind some of the stuff we take for granted that may not be around much longer. Here are a few that come to mind: Pay phones. What are pay phones? They are coin-operated public landlines. How about MP3 players, digital cameras, MySpace, the mouse, (what and have to stretch way out to the screen)? Dumb phones that only handle calls, optical drives, such as CDs and DVDs, Microsoft Windows and, last and most important, good manners (don’t even have to wait for this one). These are my selections, but you may have many more.
Fellow tinkerers: My kind of people! Once you have your copy of Windows 7 up and running, have made the rounds of the Control Panel and are ready to add a little more of you to the system, we have the Ultimate Windows Tweaker. My preamble: Proceed with caution. This warning will not stop the brave hearts from indulging, so, System Recovery Point is a necessity. There may be several headings that are foreign to you at first sight. If this is the case, look them up via your search engine, “Wiki.”
You say you’re not satisfied? Tell ya’ what I’m gonna’ do. Wind-up your search engine and check out “EnhanceMySe7en” (no quotes) for a free trial run. And this is only the beginning. At the rate electronic technology is building and advancing, even Nostradamus would be amazed. This is a multi-faceted program that can utilize a bit of your time, but it is time well spent. Be sure to check the 5 small items in the upper left corner and system recovery point for starters. By the way, you can also check “Tweak and Tune” to set to your liking all three phases of running your machine. Enough for now. Next week, another adventure and more stuff! Stay well and spread good thoughts.
Ray Wilson was raised in Upper Darby and has lived in Chester County since 1973. He has more than 40 years of experience in computing and he has been testing virus and Spyware programs for eight years. He can be reached at IMHelpful4u@aol.com.
Soap box? Well, kind of. I have questions: Are you all choked up over the behemoths of the computer industry constantly taking shots at each other? Do you tire of reading about it here and in every other publication, including other forms of the media? Do I tire of delving into the thousands of words in various trade papers, magazines, and Internet Web sites to report on it to you? I am mentally exercised, but far from tired or bored. At this stage of my life, this is what I do — freelance writing on a subject I love. If it were not for Microsoft, Apple-Mac, Google, and hundreds more, technology would not be where it is today.
Part of what I do is to identify the locations of the companies who manufacture the software that we so readily welcome to our individual systems. I communicate with them in Hungary, Norway, Canada, and China, to name a few. The Chinese are the most cooperative and are willing to do whatever they can to keep it from being cumbersome and complicating. At present, most of you are using two of the best utilitarian products I have touted in recent editions that come from China.
On the other hand, there are thousands of programs of various ilk that are produced right here in the U.S. of A. that offer equal benefits to our systems. However, I have not had the same experience when it comes to cooperation in promoting their products without bias. Who makes it does not matter as much as the quality of that which is made. So, we must be open-minded to all of the products you read about here, regardless of the manufacturer. The reputation of the company and their willingness to cooperate in standing behind their products are tantamount. You will not read about, or be touted to, any product that my associate and I have not used or are presently using, regardless of the manufacturer. If a product that we have tested does not live up to its published expectations, you will be notified with your best interest in mind.
This is an explanation of some of the aspects I consider and use in preparing this column. This column does not come extemporaneously, it is a culmination of remarks and questions I have received recently and along the way. In closing, you may depend on any of the suggestions you read here, but all responsibility of their use and inclusion in your systems is yours alone. Neither we, nor The Bulletin can assume any liability for your application of any product mentioned in this column. If introduced to your system according to the instructions you read here and at the product’s Web site, you should not experience any problems. My persona and my faith do not permit me to be devious or untruthful. I can be reached at IMHelpful4u@aol.com
Question: What is your opinion of dual programs? Answer: This question references the appearance of the consoles of antivirus and anti-Spyware. I have run hot and cold on these. They are convenient, one program dual purpose, but individual programs are a singular concentrated effort. For an excellent antivirus, you cannot beat Avast by Alwil. It must be registered even though registration is free. For anti-spyware, there is SuperAntispyware, MalwareBytes, Microsoft Malicious Software remover, Ad Aware, and Spybot S & D. These have one feature0 which the Consoles do not, they are free! Windows Security Essentials, according to recent tests, has not been performing the way my associate and I would expect. It will not harm your system, but we have set it aside in favor of this configuration.
Cybersecurity: As I wrote on this subject last week, I remembered an article from Wednesday, May 6. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D, Miss., asked the House Committee on Homeland Security if any of them felt the federal government was prepared to deal with a cyber catastrophe? Answer, “No.” Here it is almost December and plans are to be getting underway soon. For the sake of all of us who use a computer, I hope so.
Ho, ho, ho! ‘Tis the season to be jolly! This is a very busy time of the year, especially for those who would invade your privacy. Pay particular attention to any and all offers that will be appearing. Charity requests run rampant during the Christmas season as they ply their trade of thievery. You may call them the “Anti-Claus!” Their greed exceeds all manner of charity. Look at any and all offers with logic and common sense. Simply put —look before you leap, and make it a Merry Christmas.
Computer Enemy No. 1: As Yul Brynner asked, “Who? Who? Who?” First, a scenario: I worked on a computer for two hours. I got rid of a lot of crap, including Norton, ran registry cleaners, cleaned and defragged the hard drive, installed security programs, all of which left it running fine. On Thanksgiving Day, a group of relatives and friends arrived for dinner and, as normal, there are always one or two who fancy themselves as computer experts with less than borderline knowledge. I was told they had a new way to get to email and now, my email no longer works. So, who is to take blame for this, or any other computer? Those that allow these self-appointed experts to fool with their machine. Make sure only a knowledgeable person is permitted to work on your computer. Now, I am faced with a lot of investigation to try to undo what was done. You can readily see from what happened on this computer, why repair services are very busy this time of the year.
Internet Explorer 9 is a reality. Microsoft, with no date announcements, is utilizing new techniques of the graphics processor unit for improvement in the overall performance. Early work has shown significant performance strides. However, so are Mozilla, and the Norwegian entry in the browser wars Opera. I wonder what happened to Netscape.
The Cenzic Report: This is a California-based Web security company’s results of their investigation of the vulnerabilities in browsers. Half of all of the browser vulnerabilities were those of Firefox, for the first six months of this year. Apple’s Safari ran second. Microsoft was third with Opera fourth. If this were done on a per-capita basis, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 would have placed first with the least number of vulnerabilities. Microsoft has many times the number of installations as the rest combined. Their percentage of vulnerabilities was a mere 15 percent. I call ‘em as I see ‘em! Polltakers can maneuver the results to suit their particular leanings. In the aspect of this poll, number one is last.
Windows 7 is accounting for a substantial increase in PC sales. This surge in sales was sparked by the Oct. 22 release of Windows 7. This was the pick-up of sales that was dormant, waiting for this products release (I verified the lack of PC sales at WalMart, Staples, and Best Buy, all three concurred). Since then, sales have been on the upswing and continue into the month of November, which paves the way for big things in December. If you opt to buy a NetBook or NoteBook, make sure it is what you really want.
Control Panel: I have professed this to be the place to start massaging Windows 7 into your liking. While you are in the Performance Information and Tools section (do not let the title influence you), click on Advanced Tools. Here is advanced information on Windows 7 that should not be overlooked by users. There are nine categories for you to check. Don’t miss it.
Year-end Stuff! How true that “Time Marches On” (Boy, am I dating myself with that one). This is one aspect of life that we just have to contend with. This brings to mind some of the stuff we take for granted that may not be around much longer. Here are a few that come to mind: Pay phones. What are pay phones? They are coin-operated public landlines. How about MP3 players, digital cameras, MySpace, the mouse, (what and have to stretch way out to the screen)? Dumb phones that only handle calls, optical drives, such as CDs and DVDs, Microsoft Windows and, last and most important, good manners (don’t even have to wait for this one). These are my selections, but you may have many more.
Fellow tinkerers: My kind of people! Once you have your copy of Windows 7 up and running, have made the rounds of the Control Panel and are ready to add a little more of you to the system, we have the Ultimate Windows Tweaker. My preamble: Proceed with caution. This warning will not stop the brave hearts from indulging, so, System Recovery Point is a necessity. There may be several headings that are foreign to you at first sight. If this is the case, look them up via your search engine, “Wiki.”
You say you’re not satisfied? Tell ya’ what I’m gonna’ do. Wind-up your search engine and check out “EnhanceMySe7en” (no quotes) for a free trial run. And this is only the beginning. At the rate electronic technology is building and advancing, even Nostradamus would be amazed. This is a multi-faceted program that can utilize a bit of your time, but it is time well spent. Be sure to check the 5 small items in the upper left corner and system recovery point for starters. By the way, you can also check “Tweak and Tune” to set to your liking all three phases of running your machine. Enough for now. Next week, another adventure and more stuff! Stay well and spread good thoughts.
Ray Wilson was raised in Upper Darby and has lived in Chester County since 1973. He has more than 40 years of experience in computing and he has been testing virus and Spyware programs for eight years. He can be reached at IMHelpful4u@aol.com.
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