Google wants to contact you

Pinging 72.14.217.91 reveals that Google wants to contact you. I wonder why?

No Change in Last Update Date for Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2007 Plus

On checking Lavasoft website, I notice there is a new definition update 0030 released on October 29, 2007. After opening Ad-Aware 2007 Plus and while updating, a service error is shown as reported on October 24, 2007. But, it still shows current version 0030 is updated on 12-Oct-07.
This version is definitely unstable as compared to Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Plus which I have used previously.

Disappearing System Tray Icon for Avira Premium Security Suite

After my PC has finished booting, I notice that Avira icon is missing from the system tray. A quick check with Windows Security Center shows virus protection is on and Avira Premium Security Suite reports that it is up to date and virus scanning is on. In addition, opening Avira program also indicates AntiVir Guard is activated. When I check the forum on Avira website, there are other users with similar problem.

Update Problem with Avira Premium Security Suite

After turning on my PC, I face the same problem as yesterday. The tray icon of Avira shows a closed umbrella even though the AntiVir Guard is enabled. So, I disable the guard and surprisingly Windows Security Centre does not pop up a message informing that antivirus is not running.
I perform a manual update but receive the error message as shown. In the end, I activate the AntiVir Guard and it shows an open umbrella. The problem is resolved after rebooting PC.

Incorrect Status of Avira Premium Security Suite

After the last update, Avira shows its status as a closed umbrella on the system tray. Initially, I thought that the AntiVir Guard is not activated. But, on checking, it shows enable as shown. Deactivating and activating AntiVir Guard resolve the issue. This shows that you can't rely on the icon to tell you the status.

Different Update Date for Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2007 Plus

When I check Lavasoft website, the current definition file 0028 for Ad-Aware 2007 was released on October 24th, 2007. But, my Ad-Aware 2007 Plus reports the same definition file was updated on 12-Oct-07. I am really puzzled.

AVG 7.5 Internet Security Update Error

I encounter this error but still able to browse Internet and access Grisoft website.

Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2007 Plus Service Error Report

I have this problem when opening the software. After rebooting PC, it is working.

Australian PC Authority November 2007

Features

1. Who's killing windows?
2. DIY computer fixes

Cover DVD (Free Full Version)

1. Backup4All 3 Lite (Windows 98/ME/NT4/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista)
2. Genie Backup Manager Pro 5
3. Iolo AntiVirus
   

PC Pro October 2007

Features

1. Can that really work?
2. Why it's still vital to switch it off?
   
3. Who's killing Windows?

Australian PC World October 2007

Feature

1. Four on the floor PC power

Cover DVD (Free Full Version)

1. Agnitum Outpost Firewall Pro 3
2. Novosoft Handy Backup 3
   

APC November 2007

Features

1. Radical Hardware Upgrades
2. Tested Graphics Cards
3. Smartphone Showdown
4. Linux vs Vista

Cover DVD (Free Full Version)

1. BinarySense HDDlife Pro 2.9.110 & HDDlife for Notebooks 2.9.110 (Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista)
2. 1-abc.net Synchronizer 1.01 (Windows XP/Vista)
   

PC Advisor November 2007

Features

1. Security Special
2. 10 Steps to a Greener PC

Cover DVD (Free Full Version)

1. BitDefender AV Plus 10.0 - 90-day licence
   
2. Agnitum Outpost Security Suite Pro 2007 - 90-day licence
3. Quick Heal AntiVirus Lite
4. Cyberlink PowerDirector 5.0 VE
5. Camtasia Studio 3.0
6. Novapdf Lite 5.1 (Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista)
7. ConceptDraw MindMap 4.0
8. Paragon Drive Copy 8.0
9. Paragon Partition Manager 8.5 Special Edition
   

PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 5.0

I installed this software from the Personal Computer World November 2007 magazine. This starter edition provides malware protection with no time limit on Windows 2000/XP/Vista. But, the real-time protection is only enabled for File Guard. All other real-time protection for Browser Guard, Network Guard, Process Guard, Startup Guard are disabled. This is definitely not recommended.

It is mentioned online that the paid version US$24.95 offers Cookie Guard, Keylogger Guard and Site Guard in addition to all the above real-time protection. These are not evident in the current software but you do get priority and phone support.

For those who want to try this software without buying the magazine, you can also download a FREE copy of Spyware Doctor Starter Edition as part of the Google Pack.

PC Answers November 2007

Features

1. Solve Vista Problems
   
2. Speed up your broadband internet connection
3. 20 great tips for Thunderbird
4. Clean out your Registry
5. Secure your Wi-Fi network
6. Reduce your PC's power consumption
7. Get a faster system by tweaking the BIOS

Low-Cost Asus Eee PCs Finally Launched

Model Name	Eee PC 8G	Eee PC 4G	Eee PC 4G Surf	Eee PC 2G Surf
Intel CPU & Chipset	Celeron M 900MHz actual 630MHz 512KB L2 cache	Celeron M 900MHz actual 630MHz 512KB L2 cache	Celeron M 900MHz actual 630MHz 512KB L2 cache	Celeron M 800MHz actual 571.5MHz No L2 cache
Memory	1GB (DDR2 SO-DIMM PC2-4200 266MHz)	512MB (DDR2 SO-DIMM PC2-5300 333MHz)	512MB (DDR2 SO-DIMM) may not have access cover	512MB (DDR2 soldered) no access cover
SSD Storage	8GB PCIe	4GB soldered	4GB soldered	2GB soldered
Webcam	0.3MP	0.3MP	No	No
Battery	4 Cells: 5200mAh, 3.5hrs	4 Cells: 5200mAh, 3.5hrs	4 Cells: 4400mAh, 2.8hrs	4 Cells: 4400mAh, 2.8hrs
Price, bundled items & warranty	US$499 Mouse Sleeve 2 year	US$399 Sleeve 2 year	US$349 No sleeve 1 year	US$299 No sleeve 1 year

All models have 7-inch 800x480 LCD screen, Xandros linux operating system but compatible with Windows XP, ethernet RJ45, modem RJ11, wifi 802.11 b/g, hi-definition audio, stereo speaker, microphone, 3xUSB ports, vga port, SD/MMC/SDHC card reader and weigh 0.89kg.

Internal wireless card is Atheros AR5007EG 802.11 b/g which supports WPA2 with AES/TKIP. For linux, space in passphrase is not supported. For Windows XP, driver is available and space in passphrase is supported.

Huawei USB modem (Vodafone Mobile Connect) E220 & E270 are supported without need for driver in linux.

Personal Computer World December 2007

Features

1. Home networking
   
2. Mobile broadband
   
3. Astronomy on your PC
   
4. Outlook extras

Cover CD (Free Full Version)

1. Iolo Antivirus (Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista)
2. Ashampoo Burning Studio 2008 (Windows 2000/XP/Vista)
   
3. Paragon Drive Backup 8.5 SE (Windows 98/2000/XP/Vista)
4. Ashampoo Winoptimizer 2008 (Windows 2000/XP/Vista)
5. Alpinesoft Vinyl Studio Lite 2.12 (Windows XP/Vista)
   

Personal Computer World November 2007

Features

1. Master Your Wifi
2. Hidden Vista Tools
3. Wireless USB
4. The Write Stuff

Cover CD (Free Full Version)

1. PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 5 Starter Edition (Windows 2000/XP/Vista)
2. McAfee Personal Firewall Plus 7.0 (Windows 98/ME/XP)
3. McAfee Quick Clean 6 (Windows 98/ME/2000/XP)
4. Genie Backup Manager 5.0 Pro (Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server)
5. Backup4all 3.9 Lite Edition (Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista)

Best Value Intel Core Duo Notebook in Australia

Toshiba Satellite A200/M01 - A$991 with GST

1. Intel Core Duo T2350 (1.86GHz), 2MB L2
2. 512MB DDR2 667MHz RAM x 2
3. 80GB 5400rpm SATA HDD
4. 15.4" 1280x800 Widescreen XGA
5. Intel 802.11 b/g
6. DVD SuperMulti Double/Dual Layer Drive
7. Windows Vista Home Basic

TrackSweep Not Working in Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2007 Plus

The default settings for TrackSweep are off but even if you turn them on, it will be turned off the next time you open Ad-Aware 2007 Plus. This makes me wonder whether it really works.

Forbidden Website

When I access the Dick Smith Electronics website, it is forbidden. Upon checking Kaspersky Internet Security, I find that the default setting under parental control is for child. Changing it to parent resolves the issue. It looks like a child cannot go window shopping online.

Trend Micro Home and Home Office Products 2008

Trend Micro AntiVirus Plus AntiSpyware 2008 for 1 computer offers antivirus, antispyware as well as privacy control. Free trial available.

Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 for 3 computers offer antivirus, antispyware, antispam, firewall, privacy control and parental control. Free trial available.

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro for 3 computers offer the same features as Internet Security 2008 including tune up and back up. Free trial available.

BitDefender 2008 Desktop Products

You can download a 90-day free trial of BitDefender Total Security 2008.

It contains antivirus, firewall, antispam, antispyware, antirootkit, privacy control, parental control, tune up and backup. You need to install everything and cannot customise the components to be installed.

BitDefender also offers a 30-day free trial of Internet Security 2008. It includes the same features as Total Security 2008 except tune up and backup.

In addition, you can try 30-day of Antivirus 2008. It includes antivirus, antispyware, antirootkit and privacy control.

LCD Monitor or LCD TV

Requirements for HD

• Minimum resolution of 1280 x 720.

LCD Monitor

1. 19" - 1440 x 900
2. 20-22" - 1680 x 1050
3. 24-28" - 1920 x 1200

LCD TV

1. HD-ready - 1366 x 768
2. Full HD - 1920 x 1080

• Minimum contrast ratio 800:1

• Minimum brightness 450 cd/m

• HDMI inputs - one for HD set-top box, one for DVD recorder with HDMI output and another for cable or your game station / HDMI switch

You can watch HD on LCD monitor with HDMI input or you can do HDMI via a DVI port which supports HDCP. HDMI cable carries both uncompressed HD video and digital surround sound audio but for DVI, it is good for HDTV but requires a separate cable for audio. It is best to compare the cost before buying.

HDTV

Size vs Recommended Viewing Distance

1. 32" - 8ft/2.5m
2. 37" - 9ft/2.8m
3. 40" - 10ft/3m
4. 46" - 11.5ft/3.5m
5. 50" - 12.5ft/3.8m

HD Ready - resolution 1366 x 768 (720p, 1080i)

Full HD - resolution 1920 x 1080 (1080p)

In Singapore, the HD programmes are broadcast in 1080i, so getting HD Ready is good enough.

Digital Camera

Megapixels Count vs Maximum Print Size

1. 2MP - 4x6 in (4R)
2. 3MP - 5x7 in (5R)
3. 5MP - 8x10 in (8R)
4. 6MP - 11x14 in (11R)
5. 8MP - 16x20 in (16R)
   

Best Value Intel Pentium Dual-Core Notebook in Australia

Toshiba Satellite M200 (PSMC0A-02G00M) - A$839 with GST

1. Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2130 (1.86GHz), 1MB L2, 533MHz
2. 512MB DDR2 667MHz RAM with 1 free slot
   
3. 120GB 5400rpm SATA HDD
4. 14.1" 1280x800 Widescreen XGA
5. Intel GMA 943GML (up to 64MB shared video memory)
6. Atheros 802.11 b/g
   
7. DVD SuperMulti Double/Dual Layer Drive
   
8. Windows Vista Home Basic

Drivers

1. Vista 32-bit

Best Value Intel Pentium Dual-Core Notebook in Singapore

Compaq Presario V3636TU - S$1,068.93 with GST

1. Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2310 (1.46GHz), 1MB L2, 533MHz (Support Windows Vista 64-bit)
   
2. 512MB RAM
3. 120GB HDD
4. 14.1" TFT Display
5. Intel GMA 965GM
6. Broadcom 802.11 b/g
   
7. DVDRW Super Multi
8. Windows Vista Home Basic

Drivers

1. XP
   
2. Vista 32-bit
3. Vista 64-bit
   

Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2007 Plus Update Error Resolved

I re-installed the software after a week of frustration. The error message that the definition is out of date has finally been eliminated.

Verisign wants to contact you

Pinging 199.7.54.190 reveals that Verisign wants to contact me. I wonder why?

Ashampoo Magical Optimizer 1.2

This software consists of Internet, Drive and Registry Cleaner. It works with XP/Vista.

Pros

1. Internet Cleaner deletes cache, cookies and history. Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera are supported.
2. Drive Cleaner deletes windows temporary files
3. Registry Cleaner deletes orphaned entries

Cons

1. Does not support application cleaning
2. Does not support scheduling for deletion when browser closes or during windows startup or shutdown

Australian PC User November 2007

Cover Features

1. New DVD Burning Tricks
2. Digital Video Superguide
3. Set up a web shop

Cover DVD (Free Full Version)

1. PC User DVD Express 2008
2. VSO Software CopyToDVD 3.13b
   
3. Ashampoo Magical Optimizer 1.2
4. Serif MontagePlus
   

Who is spying on you?

On my computers, I always receive this pop-up message from my firewall. I wonder why is there a need to collect statistics?

Free Antivirus Software

• AVG Antivirus Free Edition - for home and non-commercial use

1. antivirus
2. antispyware - need to install separately
3. no email scan
4. antirootkit - need to install separately
5. no expiry
   

• Avast! 4 Home Edition - for home and non-profit use
  

1. antivirus
2. no antispyware
   
3. email scan
4. no antirookit
5. expiry - 60 days, after registration - 14 months
   

• AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic - for private and non-commercial use

1. antivirus
2. no antispyware
3. no email scan
4. no antirootkit
5. no expiry
   

Wired or Wireless Print Server

If your printer is located near your wireless router, you don't need to buy a wireless print server. A wired print server is good enough for all your networked computers to print wirelessly.

If your printer is located elsewhere from your wireless router, then you need a wireless print server for all your networked computers to print wirelessly. Another solution is to use powerline adapters through your power sockets with your wired print server which may be more expensive. It pays to compare prices before buying.

Also, not all print server is the same. If you have a multi-function printer which can do scanning and faxing, then you need a special print server which support these functions in order for all your networked computers to scan and fax.

Shiro DSL805EU

My customer's ADSL modem just died today. At one shop, the replacement options are

• Shiro DSL805EU ($59) - ADSL modem & router
  
• Linksys AM300 ($69) - ADSL modem
  

Shiro also has another model DSL805E - ADSL modem but this is not available. I was thinking of getting the cheaper option - Shiro but I need to confirm whether it will work with another wireless router. Both the sales and support staff confirmed that it will not work if there is another router in the network. As I know you can configure a router to act as a bridge, I went ahead and bought the Shiro.

After logging into the router, I managed to configure it to act as a bridge and it worked with the Linksys wireless router. That goes to show that whatever the sales or support staff says may not be entirely true.

Avira Premium Security Suite

I installed this software from the CD of PC Advisor October 2007. It can be customized to install firewall, antispam or rootkit detection along with antivirus and antispyware. You can install your own preferred third party firewall which I did. After installation, the software will not update unless you register on their website.

Once registered, Avira will email you immediately a license key which will run for 90 days. This will allow you to run updates which took me quite a while to install. After updates and a restart, I performed a full scan which did not find any virus or spyware on my computer.

Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2007 Plus Error

Encountered an error when opening the software.
















After clicking Update, it says the definition file is up to date. Really ironic.

Java Runtime Environment JRE 6 Update 3

I downloaded the latest JRE 6 Update 3 as it fixed some security issues. For details, please refer to the following links:

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Bugs Let Remote Users Bypass Network Access Restrictions

Java Web Start Bugs Let Remote Users Read/Write Files on the Target User's System

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Lets Remote Applets Obscure the Untrusted Applet Warning Banner Display

During installation, I found that the update is trying to contact Sun. Please see the screen capture below. This is really intrusive. Anyway, I answered No and the installation was completed successfully.

PC Advisor October 2007

Cover Features

1. 75 free ways to refresh Windows XP & Vista (Counted 63 not 75)
   
2. University challenge
3. Entertainment everywhere
4. Fact of fiction
5. Group Test : Photo printers

Cover CD (Free Full Version)

1. Avira Premium Security Suite (Windows 2000/XP/Vista) - 90-day license
   

Cover DVD (Free Full Version)

1. Avira Premium Security Suite (Windows 2000/XP/Vista) - 90-day license
   
2. O&O Software UnErase 2.0 (Windows 2000/NT/XP)
3. Actinic Catalog 25 (Windows 2000/XP)
4. Argentum Michelangelo MoodBook (Windows 95/98/2000/NT/Me/XP)
5. Argentum Back Up 1.9 (Windows 95/98/2000/NT/Me/XP)
6. Nero PhotoShow Express (Windows 2000/XP/Vista)
7. Advanced Disk Cleaner (Windows 98/XP/Vista)
8. DriverMax (Windows XP/Vista)

Personal Computer World October 2007

Cover Features

1. No-Fuss Networks
2. Windows Home Server
3. Build a Linux Media Centre PC
4. Vista Utilities Starter Pack
5. Nokia N95 Unlocked

Cover CD (Free Full Version)

1. Paragon Partition Manager 8.5 Personal (XP/Vista)
2. NovaPDF 5 Lite
3. Quick Notes Plus 5
4. Ashampoo Magical Security 2007
5. Roxio Buzz

APC October 2007

Cover Features

1. Foundations of the New PC
2. Tested Premium Boards for a Top Machine
3. Hot New LCD HDTVs
4. 16GB USB Drives Compared
5. NAS Boxes for Home

Cover DVD (Free Full Version)

1. Paragon Drive Backup 8.5 Special Edition (XP/Vista)
   
2. 1-abc.net Right Click Configurator 1.01

Australian PC User October 2007

Cover Features

1. Massive Screen Test
2. Media Centre Mega Guide
3. TVs for PCs
4. Fix your pics
5. Vista hints

Cover DVD (Free Full Version)

1. Paragon Drive Backup 8.5 Special Edition (Works with Vista)
2. Ashampoo Magical Snap
3. MegaView 6.0
   

PC Answers October 2007

Cover Features

1. Security Special - Protect Your PC
2. Boost Your Wireless Signal
3. Top Tips for Windows Mail
4. PC Power Boost
5. Boot from a USB Drive

Cover DVD (Free Paid Version)

1. Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2007 Plus (180-day trial)
2. Actinic Catalog LE v8
3. SnagIt 7.2.5
4. East-Tec Eraser 8.5.1.104
   
5. TaxCalc Lite 2007
   

Australian PC World September 2007

Cover Features

1. 20 & 22in Big Screen Tests
2. Supercharging Your PC

Cover DVD (Free Full Version)

1. Ashampoo AntiSpyWare
2. Movavi VideoMessage
3. Ashampoo ClipFinder

Australian PC Authority September 2007

Cover Features

1. 50 Secret Websites
2. Mechanics of Malware
3. Quad Wars
4. SMB Networking

Cover DVD (Free Full Version)

1. Exalead One Desktop Professional
2. NetObjects Fusion 9
3. NovaPDF Lite Desktop 5
4. OrgPlus 7.0 Express Small Business Edition
5. WebSite X5 Smart Edition
   

Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2007 Plus

Found this software on the cover CD of PC Answers October 2007. It offers 180 day of realtime protection as compared to the free version of Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2007. Since prevention is better than cure, I decided to install on my laptop running Windows XP SP2.

Installation was smooth but unable to register the license automatically. Had to input the serial number given manually and select upgrade license from SE to Plus before it can be registered and the realtime protection can be turned on.

Also, you have to select the setting to load Ad-watch at startup. This is the component for the realtime protection otherwise your computer will not be protected. The browser setting only supports IE. You can set the scheduler to perform Web update for the definitions file on a daily basis.

Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0

Installed Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0 from APC Magazine August 2007 CD on my laptop running Windows Vista. This is a full version award-winning pc security software. It consists of antivirus, firewall, antispyware and antispam which can be customized. There is no need to register for license. Downloaded the latest version 7.0 from Kaspersky website which added parental control, on-going behavior analysis and protection from leaks of confidential data. Upgraded successfully and the license is valid until 11 Feb 2008.

The price I paid for the magazine is well worth the money for over 4 months of license.