Update on Free Antivirus Programs
Posted by admin on Jun 28, 2012
If you are an average home user, there is no reason you should have to pay for your antivirus software. If you are a business, or do a lot of web surfing, then I urge you to purchase good protection. The following are some great options for FREE virus protection…
AVG Antivirus Free Edition 2012
Avast Free Antivirus 7
Avira Free Antivirus 2012
Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1
All four of these programs do a decent job of protecting your computer from nasties. Just make sure you keep your security software updated and run regular scans. Of course, nothing beats good old common sense – don’t open anything or click on any link that you are not sure of.
Block Websites for All Users
Posted by admin on Jun 25, 2012
There is an easy way to block all users of your Windows-based computer from opening certain websites. This fix is simple to do, and free… but is also simple to get around. You can use this solution if you want to block the use of YouTube or Facebook at work.
First, open Windows Explorer and go to c:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
Open the hosts file in Notepad
After the very last line in this file, enter 127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com (or whatever website you want to block)
Save the file, and test it out.
This fix will work for any browser, and any link to the blocked website.
Watch Out for Malicious Web Apps
Posted by admin on Jun 22, 2012
Taken from PCWorld Magazine, May 2012 Edition
Web Apps are great. The’re available for use virtually anyway, anytime, from practically any device that has a Web browser. Web apps are also easy to update and maintain: The developer tweaks the app on the Web server, and everyone who uses it has access to the latest version. But Web apps can contain more than you bargained for, and in some instances they may actually be malicious. You need to be aware of the risks that Web apps can pose, and know how to protect yourself.
A Web app is essentially a full-fledged application that runs within your Web browser. Just as easily as a Web app can track your reminders or play a game, it can infect your PC. While they allow increased functionality within the browser, users should be aware of how deeply into your system they may be able to reach. Some malware attacks try to entice you to click a link in an email message, which them connects to a malicious Web app that infects your PC with malware.
The best protection from malicious Web apps is also one of the most difficult safeguards to implement. Rule number one is simple… If you have any doubt, don’t click. Given that an ill-advised click is almost inevitable, your next line of defense is to keep your security software up-to-date. Malicious Web apps can exploit vulnerabilities Windows and other software as well, so you should make sure your operating system and all your software are updated.
Manage Downloads Better the jDownloader
Posted by admin on Jun 19, 2012
Do you download a lot? Does your Internet connection randomly disconnect when you are downloading, making you start all over? You need jDownloader. It is a simple Java-based app that works with Windows, Mac and even Linux. It can be used in the same variety of ways as any other general-purpose download manager, and it supports dozens of file hosts such as RapidShare. It can monitor the clipboard and parse any URL that you copy into it to see whether it contains files that could be downloaded. Feed it a YouTube link, and you can download the video. It is one of the best download managers around today, ant a price that cannot be beat… FREE!
Finding The Laptop That is Right for You
Posted by admin on Jun 19, 2012
More and more people these days are choosing laptops instead of desktops, but how do you make sure you are choosing the right one? Here are a few things to keep in mind…
Boot Speed – using a stopwatch, measure the time between pushing the power button and when the machine is ready to use.
Program Launching – Fire up whatever applications are installed, and see how quick it feels – Internet Explorer, Control Panel and Antivirus are our favourites to use.
Viewing Angle – This is not really important for everyone, but look at the monitor from different angles to see if the screen looks fainter or if the colours change.
Display – If you can, look at the display under different lighting conditions and different brightness settings.
Keyboard – Keyboards are somewhat subjective – different people like different keyboards. Just make sure you are comfortable with the fell of the one you are trying out.
Touchpad – Test the touchpad’s responsiveness by scrolling through windows and clicking on things.
These are just a few things to look at… not to mention the RAM, Hard Drive, weight, warranty and price.
Windows 8 Upgrade Offer
Posted by admin on Jun 19, 2012
Microsoft has announced that end users who purchase a qualifying new Windows 7 PC from June 2, 2012 through January 31, 2013 will receive a promotional offer for a downloadable copy of Windows 8 when available. This “Windows Upgrade Offer” will be fulfilled by Microsoft directly to the end user. Because of this, we at ICS cannot get involved in the process, but can provide the information that you will need. The offer must be redeemed prior to February 28, 2013.
The first step is to purchase a qualifying PC running Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate from, June 2, 2012 to January 31, 2013.
Visit www.windowsupgradeoffer.com to register for the upgrade.
Download your copy of Windows 8 when it is available.
