Living with a past-its-prime computer
I’m playing catch-up a bit. This weekend, Lifehacker ran a guide about living with a computer that’s past its prime. I’ve made a career of that. One of my desktop PCs at work (arguably the more...
View ArticleFirst impressions: Acer Aspire One 722
I set up an Acer Aspire One 722 netbook this week. I imagine the return rates on these things is horrendous, because the out-of-box experience is pathetic. This one won’t be going back though. Tune it...
View ArticleWhat’s going on with Macintosh security?
The latest figures I’ve read say there are perhaps a half-million infected Macintoshes still floating around out there, an improvement from the high of 600,000 that I was seeing a few weeks ago, but...
View ArticleNew Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft tried to quietly release a new version of Security Essentials yesterday, then everyone started talking about it. The new version 4.0 claims to be faster and catch more viruses. Of course,...
View ArticleThings I wish everyone knew about home computer security
I’m a security professional by trade, with two certifications. I’m not responsible for defending your computer networks, but I want your networks to be secure. There’s a really simple reason for that....
View ArticleI can save you $99
Microsoft is willing to install a clean copy of Windows in its retail stores on any PC for a flat fee of $99. (Windows license not included, of course.) They’ll also optionally include Microsoft’s...
View ArticleWhat to make of this Black Friday’s sub-$200 laptops
It’s still a couple of weeks off, but we already know two retailers will be offering sub-$200 laptops on the day the United States gorges itself on bargains. The question is, what do you get for your...
View ArticleHow to save money on tech
CNN offered up some good tips on saving money on tech. But of course I want to analyze and comment on it myself. Anything else would be out of character. Use smart strips. Getting one or two of these...
View ArticleThe men (boys) who spy on women through webcams
Ars Technica made a bit of a splash this week with this provocative headline. This is real. The article gives the usual advice, like not opening e-mail from strangers, not clicking attachments from...
View ArticleThe explanation about Windows vs. Linux kernel performance makes sense
An anonymous Microsoft developer spilled some juicy opinions about why Windows kernel performance isn’t all it could be. Although he has recanted much of what he said, some of his insights make a ton...
View ArticleThe best free antivirus
I’ve been re-evaluating free antivirus programs. I think Microsoft Security Essentials is adequate if you don’t engage in risky behavior, and it doesn’t nag and doesn’t expire, both of which are good...
View ArticleSome computer maintenance for the upcoming family get-togethers
If you’re like me and do some computer maintenance for families during holiday weekends, the time to plan Easter computer maintenance is now. Here’s some stuff I recommend doing to keep your...
View ArticleAntivirus progress
When Microsoft Security Essentials first came out, it was an improvement in antivirus performance. Now, it’s middle of the pack, according to PC Magazine. That’s great. Vendors are finally taking...
View ArticleThis “Computer Maintenance Department” sure doesn’t know much about computer...
“Peggy” from “Computer Maintenance Department” (1-645-781-2458 on my caller ID) called again. Lots of people are aware of these phone calls. They call, make vague claims about receiving a report that...
View ArticleGive your antivirus software a workout
Via PC Magazine, I found the AMTSO website, which is designed to test your antivirus software for proper operation. I think this is good for two reasons. One, it gives you a chance to see if antivirus...
View ArticleThings to do for your relatives’ computers this Christmas
I wish I’d posted this last week, since many of us see one set of relatives at Thanksgiving and a different set at Christmas (and perhaps New Year’s). Here are things you can do as preventative...
View ArticleMr. Genius Man from “Windows Technical Support” gets nasty
I got another “Windows Technical Support” call on Friday evening. My caller ID said Minneapolis, and since I have coworkers in Minneapolis, I answered. But the guy on the other end was a long way from...
View ArticleWindows Vista’s market share is growing. After seeing 8.1, I know why
I installed Windows Vista last week. I need a legal copy of a supported version of Windows to use to VPN in to work and run the corporate Citrix client. Vista fit the bill. It’s better than 8.1, and...
View ArticlePredicting the future, circa 2003
In the heat of the moment, I searched my blog this weekend for quotes that could potentially be taken out of context and found something rather prophetic that I wrote in the heat of the moment 11 1/2...
View ArticleSimple tips to prevent ransomware
Last week at work, I noticed some odd events in an event log, and when I investigated them, I found they were part of a failed ransomware attack. This got me thinking about how to prevent ransomware at...
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