Number 318 - November 2009

UPDATE
Beginners    In Finding Your Problem On The Internet Carl Tenning tells how he got rid of a persistent program that he thought he had deleted. He searched to find how others had done it.    In Nasty-Ware - Free Software - Not!! the author bemoans the fact that many 'reputable' download sites seem to turn a blind eye to software vendors who use 'unsavory' practices to tou their software. While some admittedly are nuisances there is an old adage to be followed here: Buyer Beware! especially when deaking with freebies. Communications    In What If? the author discvuss how those who want to infect or otherwise mess with our computers use keyloggers to capture our passwords. He then suggests ways to avoid entering them manually by by-passing the keyboard.    In Online Storage the author discusses the current trend toward storing our data online rather than on our computer. He mentions several different programs currently available to do this. Operating System    In Install Those Updates the author stresses the importance of keeping your software up-to-date. Bugs and errors within the programs are corrected when updates are issued. If you have automatic updates turned you may be at risk unneccessarily. Check it out.	Hardware    Last month we mentioned the introduction of USB 3.0 with faster data transfer rates. In this isssue the article USB vs Firewire Data Transfer also discusses the new Firewire 3200.    In Computer Performance Considerations the author provides a fairly comprehensive discussion of computer features that provide the best (fastest) performance.    In Understanding Firewalls the authors describe why you need a firewal, what firewalls do and give a description of both hardware and software firewalls. Most of us have software firewalls which include virus protection and often our modems include some protection but don't become too complacent. Stay alert for intrusions and protect your precious data.    In Buying a TV Tuner the author discusses the recent practice of watching and recording television programs on your computer. If you are really into this you may want to upgrade and enhance this experience by adding a TV tuner. There is also the possibility of transferring old VHS tapes to digital format. Take a look.    In the article GPS Accuracy Could Start Dropping in 2010 the author begins by noting how dependent we all have become on the useful data we receive from orbital satellites. Because of recent economies the quality of this data may degrade unless action is taken. Read all about it.    In What Those Disk Drive and Thumb Drive Numbers Mean the author tries to educate us on the plethora of numbers thrown around in current drive advertising. Maybe by reading this yoiu will have a better idea about what they all mean.
Number 318 - November 2009