Occasionally when I’m installing a new program, or updating an existing program, I run into a special issue. Yes, that’s probably the right term for it — when my security software does exactly what it’s supposed to do — and blocks the software installation or upgrade/update.
Such was the case this week with the surprise update [...]

I recently updated from NOD32 version 2.7 to the latest v3.0. I found that Eset has dramatically simplified the structure of the NOD32 controls. They had been criticized in the past as creating a great product for advanced PC users.
The new version has a simplified “Standard Mode” that is much easier to use.
The Advanced Mode [...]

I recently made some boot changes to a notebook computer that resulted in a remarkable increase in the boot speed. The notebook was running Windows XP Home.
It was a small, light Sony — one of the 12-inch monitor models.
Tech Humor
With notebooks, you can get small, light, fast and cheap.
Pick any two…
In this particular case, the [...]

I write my weekly online and email newsletters. Then, occasionally I get around to converting some of the newsletter articles into web pages.
Google and the other search engines like web pages more than they like online newsletters — the newsletters get indexed fairly quickly, but then get dropped as "old" pretty [...]

Subscriber Russ Alor wrote me recently about popup problems:
Terry:
I have been very satisfied with my virus protections but still
struggle with pop-ups even when Google has implied
“protection” running.
Is there available a popup guard?
[...]

You’ve seen the problem. The program you use every day, or maybe one you use occasionally, isn’t doing what it should.
Perhaps the program can’t load one of its data files, so it doesn’t actually start. Perhaps it won’t do the task you told it to do - even if it worked yesterday. Perhaps the program [...]

In every issue of my weekly online computer tips newsletter, I have my current security software recommendations. In that article, I write about the programs that I choose for antivirus, antispyware/antiadware, firewall and antispam. I also include a paragraph in the article on using a cable / DSL router.
But, I guess I haven’t had enough [...]

Get the new CounterSpy V2 anti-spyware / anti-adware program. I use it on all my Windows computers.
Even better, in the April CounterSpy Special, you not only get CounterSpy V2 — you also get a 20-issue subscription to PC Magazine at no extra cost!
All for only $19.95 for one computer or $29.92 for 2 computers.
Get CounterSpy [...]

I received a question from subscriber and friend Ralph Campbell, who asked:
A number of times I have seen you refer disparagingly of “Active-x controls”.
I have seen downloads that require Active X to run properly. I have read the definition of the program, but, I guess I am [...]

Sunbelt released CounterSpy 2 last week. The new version features a new antispyware / antiadware engine aimed at providing much enhanced capabilities.
In addition, CounterSpy 2 has much improved memory usage and runs on XP, 2000, and Vista (32-bit only). I’ve updated my computers to CounterSpy 2.
Sunbelt has continued the 15-day free [...]