I had been running AVG Version 8, without the Link Scanner, for about 3 weeks, and had no issues with it. I could tell it was larger and less nimble than its predecessor, Version 7.5. The full system scan, run daily at 5 AM, was taking over 2 hours, vs. just around 1.5 hours on Version 7.5. For this reason and also thinking of all of you who may read this blog and are running version 7.5, I decided to go back to Version 7.5.
So this morning I uninstalled version 8, telling it to keep all of my settings (hoping that 7.5 might pick them up - it didn't!), and went to http://www.filehippo.com/download_avg_antivirus/ where I downloaded the last 7.5 version.
I installed 7.5 and it went smoothly as usual. I checked for updates and found one. I changed my schedule settings and also the e-mail settings to remove the e-mail certification, and am back in business. If the AVG Free Forum is correct, I will continue to get updates through 12/31/2008. I will post again in a couple of days to update this status.
If you are one of those who like to have the latest and greatest, than go right ahead and install Version 8. As I said I had no problems with it, although I ran it without the Link Scanner feature. It is bigger and a little slower, and although I did not measure it, I am sure it uses more system resources that version 7.5.
I intend to stay on 7.5 on my main machine (a desktop), and do some more testing with version 8 on my laptop.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Time-Warner’s (TW) Roadrunner - Update
In my post of April 4, 2008, I wrote "The next level is called Road Runner High Speed Online and is their standard offering. Advertised speeds are 5 mbps download and 384 kbps upload."
I have tested out the speed of this service using speedtest.net and found that TW is indeed delivering what they promised. My download speeds are consistently very close to 5 mbps and my upload speeds are very close to the 384 kbps advertised.
So far I would have to say that I am pleased with this level of service, especially since I know that if I need better I can upgrade to the TW Turbo level and get 10mbps download speed.
If you are experiencing speeds from TW radically different from these, please let me know.
I have tested out the speed of this service using speedtest.net and found that TW is indeed delivering what they promised. My download speeds are consistently very close to 5 mbps and my upload speeds are very close to the 384 kbps advertised.
So far I would have to say that I am pleased with this level of service, especially since I know that if I need better I can upgrade to the TW Turbo level and get 10mbps download speed.
If you are experiencing speeds from TW radically different from these, please let me know.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Best Buy testing free e-waste recycling program
Here is some good news from the Best Buy company. Although it won't be piloted in our area, it's nonetheless a good thing, and let's hope it succeeds and we see it in all markets. This AP article is from money.cnn.com:
NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Under pressure to help dispose some of the electronic waste it helped create, Best Buy Co. is testing a free program that will offer consumers a convenient way to ensure millions of obsolescent TVs, old computers and other unwanted gadgets don't poison the nation's dumps.
The trial, expected to be announced Monday, covers 117 Best Buy stores scattered across eight states that will collect a wide variety of electronic detritus at no charge, even if the Richfield, Minn.-based retailer didn't originally sell the merchandise.
The pilot stores are in Best Buy's Northern California, Minneapolis and Baltimore markets, as well as parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Depending on how the test goes, the nation's largest electronics retailer may expand the recycling program to all of its 922 stores in the United States.
"We want to take the time to learn if we can handle this before we go any further," said Best Buy spokeswoman Kelly Groehler. "We know the need is there and the waste stream is there. We think everyone needs to bear some responsibility for this _ consumers, retailers and manufacturers."
As it is, Best Buy's test is believed to be the most extensive free electronics recycling program to be offered by a major retailer so far.
Consumers will be able to bring in up to two gadgets per day at the participating Best Buy stores. The list of acceptable items includes computer processors, computer monitors and televisions with screens up to 32 inches. Console televisions, air conditioners, microwave ovens and other large appliances won't be accepted.
Best Buy agreed to set up the recycling trial after a social responsibility group, As You Sow, submitted a proposal that would have asked the company's shareholders to endorse an electronics recycling program. As You Sow withdrew the proposal after Best Buy indicated it was already exploring ways to expand its existing recycling programs.
"This is a step in the right direction," said Conrad MacKerron, director of As You Sow's corporate social responsibility program. He is hoping Best Buy's recycling trial will prompt other major electronics retailers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Circuit City Stores Inc. to set up similar programs.
The disposal of electronics waste has become a more prevalent problem in recent years as technology's relentless advances turn cutting-edge devices into relics every few years.
That has threatened to create environmental headaches because the old stuff contains lead and other hazardous materials that aren't supposed to be put in the trash.
All Best Buy stores already have been accepting some electronics waste _ such as cell phones, empty ink-jet cartridges and worn-out batteries _ for several years. The retailer also will haul away old appliances and television sets when customers pay to have a replacement delivered to their homes.
Many community groups, local governments and recycling specialists also offer to accept electronics waste, often for a fee.
But environmentalists are worried about what will happen as more consumers replace their existing TVs to prepare for the scheduled February 2009 shift from analog to digital broadcasting.
Although old TVs will still be able to receive the digital signals with the help of a converter, millions of consumers have simply been buying state-of-the-art TVs _ a trend that has helped boost Best Buy's profits.
NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Under pressure to help dispose some of the electronic waste it helped create, Best Buy Co. is testing a free program that will offer consumers a convenient way to ensure millions of obsolescent TVs, old computers and other unwanted gadgets don't poison the nation's dumps.
The trial, expected to be announced Monday, covers 117 Best Buy stores scattered across eight states that will collect a wide variety of electronic detritus at no charge, even if the Richfield, Minn.-based retailer didn't originally sell the merchandise.
The pilot stores are in Best Buy's Northern California, Minneapolis and Baltimore markets, as well as parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Depending on how the test goes, the nation's largest electronics retailer may expand the recycling program to all of its 922 stores in the United States.
"We want to take the time to learn if we can handle this before we go any further," said Best Buy spokeswoman Kelly Groehler. "We know the need is there and the waste stream is there. We think everyone needs to bear some responsibility for this _ consumers, retailers and manufacturers."
As it is, Best Buy's test is believed to be the most extensive free electronics recycling program to be offered by a major retailer so far.
Consumers will be able to bring in up to two gadgets per day at the participating Best Buy stores. The list of acceptable items includes computer processors, computer monitors and televisions with screens up to 32 inches. Console televisions, air conditioners, microwave ovens and other large appliances won't be accepted.
Best Buy agreed to set up the recycling trial after a social responsibility group, As You Sow, submitted a proposal that would have asked the company's shareholders to endorse an electronics recycling program. As You Sow withdrew the proposal after Best Buy indicated it was already exploring ways to expand its existing recycling programs.
"This is a step in the right direction," said Conrad MacKerron, director of As You Sow's corporate social responsibility program. He is hoping Best Buy's recycling trial will prompt other major electronics retailers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Circuit City Stores Inc. to set up similar programs.
The disposal of electronics waste has become a more prevalent problem in recent years as technology's relentless advances turn cutting-edge devices into relics every few years.
That has threatened to create environmental headaches because the old stuff contains lead and other hazardous materials that aren't supposed to be put in the trash.
All Best Buy stores already have been accepting some electronics waste _ such as cell phones, empty ink-jet cartridges and worn-out batteries _ for several years. The retailer also will haul away old appliances and television sets when customers pay to have a replacement delivered to their homes.
Many community groups, local governments and recycling specialists also offer to accept electronics waste, often for a fee.
But environmentalists are worried about what will happen as more consumers replace their existing TVs to prepare for the scheduled February 2009 shift from analog to digital broadcasting.
Although old TVs will still be able to receive the digital signals with the help of a converter, millions of consumers have simply been buying state-of-the-art TVs _ a trend that has helped boost Best Buy's profits.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Windows XP SP3
If you have been able to avoid downloading and installing SP3, good for you! Instructions on how to do that are in an earlier post. To date I have installed it on only one machine, but the conditions need to be right before you do this, and so I'd wait a little longer.
One good reason why is highlighted in the ComputerWorld article linked to below. Apparently Symantec, the makers of the Norton product line of security programs, is one of the culprits wreaking havoc on unsuspecting XP users who use one of their products and then try to install XP SP3. The results can be catastrophic to a casual user, so be careful and wait a little longer.
As most of you know, I do not recommend any of the Norton product line. They used to offer a nice Norton Anti-virus program. It was fairly small, fairly efficient, affordable, and did an excellent job. I used it. My experience has been that their newer versions are much bigger, hog system resources slowing down your machine, and are very costly, compared to what they used to be. Time after time I see customers paying too much for a resource hog Norton product.
One good reason why is highlighted in the ComputerWorld article linked to below. Apparently Symantec, the makers of the Norton product line of security programs, is one of the culprits wreaking havoc on unsuspecting XP users who use one of their products and then try to install XP SP3. The results can be catastrophic to a casual user, so be careful and wait a little longer.
As most of you know, I do not recommend any of the Norton product line. They used to offer a nice Norton Anti-virus program. It was fairly small, fairly efficient, affordable, and did an excellent job. I used it. My experience has been that their newer versions are much bigger, hog system resources slowing down your machine, and are very costly, compared to what they used to be. Time after time I see customers paying too much for a resource hog Norton product.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Cooling Your Laptop
Here is some good advice from Kim Komando regarding keeping your laptop cool. I have worked on a lot of laptops, and I would say they all run hot. After a short while you can feel the heat. The important thing is to make sure the fan is still working. If the fan fails, that can lead to trouble. If you listen, you can hear the fan doing its thing while you are using your laptop. Kim's tips will help your laptop run cooler.
Copyright 2008 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Reprinted with permission. No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. Visit Kim Komando and sign up for herfree e-mail newsletters at: www.komando.com
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
XP deathwatch, T minus 5 weeks
The countdown is on, but there are several loopholes. Find out what they are at the link below. This is a Computerworld online article dated today.
XP deathwatch, T minus 5 weeks
Saturday, May 24, 2008
AVG Free Version 8
It seems that Grisoft has backed off of its announced last date of updates for AVG Free Version 7.5, the one we have come to know and love. If you already have Version 7.5 installed, I'd not upgrade to Version 8. Wait a while and verify that you are in fact getting updates after May 31 before making your final decision about this. See this post by an AVG team member on the AVG Free Forum.
AVG Free Version 7.5 Updates will be available through 12/31/2008
That being said, however, if you feel you can't wait and must jump on the AVG Free Version 8 bandwagon, you can download it here.
Download AVG Free Version 8 from Download.com
or here
Download AVG Free Version 8 from the Grisoft Web Site
Note that the Version 8 download is 46MB, so be prepared for a longer than usual download. I have installed AVG Free Version 8 on several machines, and I have had no problem. My biggest issue with Version 8 is that Grisoft seems to feel, like every one of its competitors, that it has to do everything in one package, so the plain but good standalone anti-virus program is no longer. The new Version 8 has several extra components, including anti-spyware, built-in. The problem with this bundling is that the program will be larger, take more resources, and slow down your machine.
It is possible to trim down the package somewhat. In a subsequent post I will detail how to eliminate the Link Scanner component of Version 8 for those of you who may not like it or who feel the overhead of the package is too great.
I also do not select the Tool Bar when asked if I want it during the installation process. Don't we have enough tool bars now? For those of you who are techincally inclined, you may wish to check out the AVG Free version forum. There you can read for yourself what other users think about Version 8.
FYI, AVG Free Version 7.5 can still be downloaded at this site:
Download AVG Free Version 7.5 from FileHippo.com
Thursday, May 22, 2008
XP Service Pack 3
I continue to advise against installing Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. Articles such as this one from the May 20 Computerworld web site are the norm and not the exception. Forums, such as those at annoyances.org, contain discussions of many more issues with SP3.
It's beginning to look like a 3 month wait before installation is a good idea.
It's beginning to look like a 3 month wait before installation is a good idea.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Surge Suppressors and Uninterruptible Power Supplies
This comes from Kim Komando's web site.
Many people think a $10 power strip is a surge suppressor, until later when they discover their error and it's too late.
Copyright 2008 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Reprinted with permission. No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. Visit Kim Komando and sign up for herfree e-mail newsletters at: www.komando.com
Many people think a $10 power strip is a surge suppressor, until later when they discover their error and it's too late.
Surge Suppressors and Uninterruptible Power Supplies
Copyright 2008 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Reprinted with permission. No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. Visit Kim Komando and sign up for herfree e-mail newsletters at: www.komando.com
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
How to back up and to restore Outlook Express data
If you use Outlook Express, this is required reading. Microsoft has had this information posted on their web site for years now, and it is still valid and very important for you OE users.
Please, do yourself a favor and back up your OE mail, address book, and account settings by following the directions at this web site. After you've gotten through it once, it'll be easy for you to do the next time, and it's something you can do every 6 months to assure yourself that you'll not lose your e-mail due to some unforeseen problem.
The article not only tells you how to back all this very important information up, but also shows you how to restore it if/when you need to do that. I suggest printing the article and keeping it in a handy place in your desk for retrieval later.
Please, do yourself a favor and back up your OE mail, address book, and account settings by following the directions at this web site. After you've gotten through it once, it'll be easy for you to do the next time, and it's something you can do every 6 months to assure yourself that you'll not lose your e-mail due to some unforeseen problem.
The article not only tells you how to back all this very important information up, but also shows you how to restore it if/when you need to do that. I suggest printing the article and keeping it in a handy place in your desk for retrieval later.
How to back up and to restore Outlook Express data
Monday, May 12, 2008
Looking for a printer?
PC World has an article identifying their picks for the top 5 inkjet printers, and they are all affordable.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
AVG
Grisoft has forums for us to look at to see what is happening with the new Version 8. Some of you have wondered why I recommend waiting a bit. It's easy to see why if you read the forums, as I do on your behalf each day. Be patient and look back here in a week or two for my final recommendation.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Windows XP Service Pack 3
XP SP3 is available starting today at Windows Update. It is NOT yet being downloaded through Automatic Updates - fortunately! :-) I went to the Windows Update web site and although they make it very difficult to say "Don't ask me to install these updates again", I managed to do so by starting the download and then NOT agreeing with the End User License Agreement (EULA). When I declined to agree, I got the old window that enabled me to check the box as shown below:
Since this is not being 'forced' on us through Automatic Updates - YET! - I wanted to see if I could block it, and as you can see I did just that. You can do the same or watch this site for further information. You can always block it even after it is downloaded as an Automatic Update.
Since this is not being 'forced' on us through Automatic Updates - YET! - I wanted to see if I could block it, and as you can see I did just that. You can do the same or watch this site for further information. You can always block it even after it is downloaded as an Automatic Update.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
AVG users
If you use AVG Free Edition Antivirus, as I do, you may have received a pop-up telling you that Version 8 is available now. Do NOT click on download and get into the situation where you have to buy a fee version.
Please read the press release linked to below.
Avg Version 8 also has a FREE version. For those of you who have gotten used to the older version 7 as I have, Version 8 is quite different, but still FREE!! In the next couple of weeks I will document here for all of you the steps you need to take to upgrade to the FREE Version 8. Please be patient and keep looking here for those instructions.
Please read the press release linked to below.
Avg Version 8 also has a FREE version. For those of you who have gotten used to the older version 7 as I have, Version 8 is quite different, but still FREE!! In the next couple of weeks I will document here for all of you the steps you need to take to upgrade to the FREE Version 8. Please be patient and keep looking here for those instructions.
Below is the warning screen you may receive. Just click on UPGRADE LATER.
Get more with Vista’s ‘secret’ features
For you Vista users out there, here is an article from Kim Komando's web site, http://komando.com. I found this on her web site today even though it has a February date.
Monday, May 5, 2008
A very unhappy birthday to spam, age 30
This article from the San Francisco Chronicle documents the history of spam and has some interesting tidbits about the history of the internet as well.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Exporting your Outlook Express Address Book and then Importing it into your webmail account
It's funny how these things happen, but twice this week I have had customers ask for help in exporting their Outlook Express Address Book and then importing it into their servicer's webmail system. I have laid out the steps one needs to follow to do this, and hope it will prove helpful to others as well. Not all servicers will look alike when you go to do the import step, but perhaps with the example given (Time Warner) you will be able to figure yours out.
Webmail can be used when you are away from home and using someone else's computer, so it's very nice to have your complete address book available to you when operating in that mode. Webmail is also a backup system should you be experiencing problems with Outlook Express.
Webmail can be used when you are away from home and using someone else's computer, so it's very nice to have your complete address book available to you when operating in that mode. Webmail is also a backup system should you be experiencing problems with Outlook Express.
Exporting your Outlook Express Address Book and then Importing it into your webmail account
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Burning CDs and DVDs
Most computers come with application software you can use to burn CDs and DVDs. You may or may not be a happy user of that software. More often than not I find that my customers are not happy with the software they have and in fact, they struggle with it every time they want to create a CD or DVD. Many have even given up and do not burn CDs or DVDs. This is too bad because these discs make excellent backup media, and backup of your data is very important.
I use and recommend a free CD & DVD burner called CDBurnerXP. In spite of its name, it also works in Vista. Not only is it free, but there are always new versions being introduced with enhanced features. All of this is still free. I just downloaded and installed the latest version today.
I think the program's routines are rather intuitive and easy to use. If you want to try this program, you can download it free at the link below.
I use and recommend a free CD & DVD burner called CDBurnerXP. In spite of its name, it also works in Vista. Not only is it free, but there are always new versions being introduced with enhanced features. All of this is still free. I just downloaded and installed the latest version today.
I think the program's routines are rather intuitive and easy to use. If you want to try this program, you can download it free at the link below.
Monday, April 28, 2008
8GB Flash Drive
A while ago I wrote here about my new 4GB Sandisk Micro Cruzer flash drive. I had purchased it at Costco for $28, a price that I thought was just terrific. These devices are getting less expensive, like so many other items in our electronic world as competition and breakthroughs in technology drive the prices down.
A few weeks ago I loaned my 4GB drive to a friend in need. I didn't expect to get it back and, in fact, told her she could keep it.
This weekend I went to Costco to replace it, but was disappointed to find that the product was no longer being carried by Costco, at least not in my local store. Much to my surprise, however, they had on display an 8GB Sandisk Micro Cruzer. The price: $48!
I have no real need for an 8GB capacity, but if I thought the 4GB drive was affordable, then this was even better, and I bought it. This is truly an amazing capacity at a great price, and I have no doubts that the capacity/price ratio for these devices will continue to improve.
I got home, went to the Sandisk web site and downloaded the U3 Removal Tool (see my April 17 post), and in less than a minute I had a full 8GB of flash memory available for my use.
I must read up on the new feature in Windows Vista that will use an empty flash drive as an extension of RAM. Lord knows that Vista can use all the help it can get in that regard, and it will be interesting to see if I observe any boost in speed.
A few weeks ago I loaned my 4GB drive to a friend in need. I didn't expect to get it back and, in fact, told her she could keep it.
This weekend I went to Costco to replace it, but was disappointed to find that the product was no longer being carried by Costco, at least not in my local store. Much to my surprise, however, they had on display an 8GB Sandisk Micro Cruzer. The price: $48!
I have no real need for an 8GB capacity, but if I thought the 4GB drive was affordable, then this was even better, and I bought it. This is truly an amazing capacity at a great price, and I have no doubts that the capacity/price ratio for these devices will continue to improve.
I got home, went to the Sandisk web site and downloaded the U3 Removal Tool (see my April 17 post), and in less than a minute I had a full 8GB of flash memory available for my use.
I must read up on the new feature in Windows Vista that will use an empty flash drive as an extension of RAM. Lord knows that Vista can use all the help it can get in that regard, and it will be interesting to see if I observe any boost in speed.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Microsoft starts Vista SP1 auto delivery
Be forewarned. The promised rollout is apparently beginning. Microsoft has apparently worked out the kinks, but I am not impressed, nor am I sold on the value in SP1. I am going to pass.
You too can pass if you choose to do so. Check out the second half of my April 22 post on clues as to how to do this. What I wrote there was XP-oriented so the details will be different, but the high-level approach is the same: just tell Microsoft you don't want it now.
You too can pass if you choose to do so. Check out the second half of my April 22 post on clues as to how to do this. What I wrote there was XP-oriented so the details will be different, but the high-level approach is the same: just tell Microsoft you don't want it now.
Microsoft starts Vista SP1 auto delivery
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
