Antivirus or Antispyware Software

Do you really need to purchase antivirus or antispyware software? I prefer a third party firewall software installed on a computer with Windows 7 running as a standard user. You won't get all the security problems related to running as an administrator.

But, if you're a home user and concerned about security, you can install those reputable free versions of antivirus or antispyware software.

Adobe Flash Player

Do you really need Adobe flash player? My frequently visited websites listed below do not require it.

1. Engadget
2. Crave
3. PC World
   
4. Hot Hardware
5. Liliputing

I don't miss the flash videos or advertisements and I feel more secure without worrying about patching it for security vulnerabilities.

Budget 15.6" Notebook

You can buy a 15.6" Compaq Presario CQ61-314TU notebook for the price of a netbook or cheaper at $491 in Australia.

Specifications

1. Intel Celeron Dual Core T3000 1.8GHz 800MHz FSB 1MB L2 CPU
   
2. 15.6" LCD 1366 x 768
3. Intel GMA 4500MHD
   
4. 2GB RAM
   
5. 250GB 5400rpm HDD
6. 802.11b/g WLAN
   
7. Webcam
8. Lightscribe 8x Super Multi DVD+/-RW DL
9. Windows 7 Home Premium
10. 1 year warranty
    

Drivers

1. Windows 7 (32-bit)
   
2. Windows 7 (64-bit)

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 6 Update 17

The latest version fixed several security vulnerabilities :

269869 : Command Execution Vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment Deployment Toolkit May be Leveraged to Execute Arbitrary Code

269870 : Security Vulnerability in the Java Web Start Installer May be Leveraged to Allow Untrusted Java Web Start Application to Run As Trusted Application

270474 : Buffer and Integer Overflow Vulnerabilities in the Java Runtime Environment With Processing Audio and Image Files May Allow Privileges to be Escalated

270475 : A Security Vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment With Verifying HMAC Digests may Allow Authentication to be Bypassed

270476 : Two Security Vulnerabilities in the Java Runtime Environment With Decoding DER Encoded Data and Parsing HTTP Headers may Result in a Denial of Service (DoS)

CCleaner Portable 2.27.1070

The changes are as follows :

- Added support to Wipe MFT Free Space.
- Added cleaning for Windows Explorer breadcrumb bar.
- Added cleaning for Opera beta versions.
- Added option to turn off CCleaner jumplist tasks on Windows 7.
- Added menu option to Registry Cleaner to add key to exclude list.
- Improved support for SeaMonkey 2.0.
- Improved Windows 7 Taskbar progress accuracy.
- Improved minimize to system tray functionality across all platforms.
- Improved Opera cleaning by including opcache and temporary_downloads folder.
- Improved performance of Compact database routines.
- Improved Wipe Free Space code to avoid locks.
- Improved security when deleting files.
- Minor GUI and interface improvements.
- Minor bug fixes.

Australian APC Magazine December 2009

Features

1. Windows 7
2. Hyper Drives

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. 1-abc.net Personal Addresses
   

Mozilla Firefox 3.5.6

The latest release fixed several security issues :

MFSA 2009-71 GeckoActiveXObject exception messages can be used to enumerate installed COM objects

MFSA 2009-70 Privilege escalation via chrome window.opener

MFSA 2009-69 Location bar spoofing vulnerabilities

MFSA 2009-68 NTLM reflection vulnerability

MFSA 2009-67 Integer overflow, crash in libtheora video library

MFSA 2009-66 Memory safety fixes in liboggplay media library

MFSA 2009-65 Crashes with evidence of memory corruption (rv:1.9.1.6/ 1.9.0.16)

Adobe Flash Player 10.0.42.34

Adobe has released a security update to its flash player. This will fix vulnerabilities that could cause the application to crash and could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.

After update, you can change the default settings using Settings Manager :

1. Global Privacy Settings Panel - Always deny
2. Global Storage Settings Panel - None & Never Ask Again
3. Global Security Settings Panel - Always deny
4. Website Privacy Settings Panel - Always deny
   
5. Website Storage Settings Panel - None & Never Ask Again

Patch Tuesday December 2009

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB976325)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB973904)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB974318)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB974392)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - December 2009 (KB890830)

PC Pro February 2010

Features

1. Top 10 techs of 2010
2. How to get a job at Google, Microsoft or Apple

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Agnitum Outpost Antivirus Pro 6.7 (180-day licence)
   
2. Agnitum Outpost Firewall Pro 6.7 (180-day licence)
3. Ashampoo Slideshow Studio 2010

Budget Netbook

Hasee Q130B HEI10 netbook is selling for RMB1,999 with 3 years warranty in China.

Specifications

1. Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz CPU
   
2. 10.1" 1024 x 600 LCD
   
3. Intel GMA 950
   
4. 1GB DDR2 400/533MHz (1 socket, max 2GB) RAM
   
5. Toshiba 160GB SATA HDD
6. 3 cell Li-Ion battery 2200mAh
   
7. 4-in-1 SD/MMC/MS/MS-Pro card reader
8. Realtek RTL8102E/8103E 10/100Mbps LAN
9. Realtek RTL8191SE 802.11b/g/n wireless
10. Webcam, 3 x USB 2.0, VGA
    

Drivers

1. Realtek RTL8191SE - Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7
2. Realtek RTL8102E/8103E - Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7

Australian PC Authority January 2010

Features

1. 2009 Best & Worst Tech
2. The Hype-Free Buyer's Guide

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Avira Premium Security Suite 8.2.0.251 (90 days trial)
2. Ashampoo Burning Studio 2010