Patch Tuesday December 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB2416400)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2296199)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2423089)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2436673)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2440591)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2443105)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - December 2010 (KB890830)

PC Pro February 2011

Features

1. Tablets buyer's guide
2. 10 pieces of software that changed the world

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. BullGuard Internet Security 2010 (6-month licence)
2. DiskAnalyzer Pro

PC Advisor February 2011

Features

1. 51 brilliant Windows tips
2. 15 biggest web dangers

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. AVG Anti-virus 2011
2. 1-abc.net Hard Drive Washer 4.0
3. Paragon System Backup 2010 SE
4. Webroot Internet Security Complete 2011
5. WebSite X5 Smart 8.0
   

Comparing Privacy & Security of Android 1.5 Free Browsers

The following browsers support Android 1.5 (Cupcake) & above and can run as desktop/PC mode. Only 2 browsers support private browsing for clearing cache & history on exit but not cookies. Even the free Mercury & Atomic Lite browsers on Apple iOS platform have the private browsing option to clear history & cookies on exit.

Browser	Dolphin 3.1.1	Skyfire 2.3.3.19663 Beta	xScope 5.34	Opera Mobile 10.1 Beta
Private Browsing	Cache	History Cache	No	No
Privacy	Clear cache, passwords, history, cookies, form data & location access	Clear cache, passwords, history, cookies, form data & location access	Clear cache, passwords, history, cookies & form data	Clear cache, passwords, history, cookies & shared location
Disable Javascript	Yes	Yes	No	No
Disable Plug-ins	No	Yes	No	No
Disable Cookies	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Block Pop-up Windows	Yes	Yes	No	No

Australian PC & Tech Authority January 2011

Features

1. Best Tech Buyer's Guide
2. Leading Your Digital Life

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Ashampoo Anti-Malware 1.2.1

Australian APC Magazine December 2010

Features

1. Win7 Power Guide
2. Windows Phone 7 versus: Android iPhone Blackberry Symbian

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Invisible Secrets 4

Australian PC User January 2011

Features

1. Ultimate Tech Buyer's Guide
2. Android tips & tricks

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. PC User RockDroid
2. eScan Internet Security 2011 (6-month licence)
3. Paragon System Backup 2010 Special Edition
4. Ashampoo Internet Accelerator 3.2
   

Adobe Flash Player 10.1.102.64

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.

You can get the latest update from the Flash Player Download Center which will also install Adobe Download Manager. If you want to bypass Adobe Download Manager, you can manually download the following:

• Flash Player 10 ActiveX (Internet Explorer for Windows only)

• Flash Player 10 Plugin (All other Windows browsers)

Patch Tuesday November 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - November 2010 (KB890830)

PC Advisor January 2011

Features

1. Speed up your PC
2. Tech myths exposed

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. O&O MediaRecovery 4
2. G Data TotalCare 2011
   

PC Pro January 2011

Features

1. The ultimate guide to internet TV
2. When computers go wrong

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. SafeBit Disk Encryption
2. Kingston Office 2010
   

Australian PC User December 2010

Features

1. Mobile mania
2. Tablet wars

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. PC User RockPod 4
2. Ashampoo Magical Uninstall 2
   

Australian PC Authority December 2010

Features

1. 50 expert tech tips
2. Is your computer killing you?

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Avira Premium Security Suite Version 10 (3 month licence)
2. Ashampoo WinOptimizer 6
   

7-inch 800 x 480 Android 2.1 Eclair Tablets Comparison

Vendor	Huawei Ideos Tablet S7	ZTE V9	Creative ZiiO 7"	Archos 70 Internet Tablet
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 768MHz	Qualcomm MSM7227 600MHz	ZiiLabs ZMS-08 1GHz	TI OMAP 3630 1GHz
Memory	512MB	512MB	512MB	512MB
Internal Storage/ External Storage	256MB 175MB free up to 16GB microSD	512MB up to 32GB microSD	8GB or 16GB up to 32GB microSD	8GB or 250GB up to 32GB microSD
Battery/ Wi-Fi	2200mAh Certified WPA2 bgn for model S7-105	3400mAh Certified WPA2 bg	5000mAh WPA2 bg	? bgn
Touch screen/ Dimensions/ Weight	Resistive 209 x 108 x 15.5mm 500g	Resistive 190 x 110 x 13mm 350g	Resistive 207.4 x 133 x 13.7mm 400g	Capacitive 201 x 114 x 10mm 300g
Price/ Warranty	Telstra T-Touch Tab A$299 2 years	Optus My Tab A$269 1 year	From A$299.95 1 year	From US$275 1 year

Australian APC Magazine November 2010

Features

1. The tricks & tools of tech experts
2. Programming for smartphones

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. NetObjects Fusion 10
2. Ashampoo Snap 3
3. 1-abc.net File Washer 3.0
   

Australian APC Magazine October 2010

Features

1. Best-ever upgrades
2. Android smartphones

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Ashampoo Burning Studio 2010 Advanced
2. Backup4all Lite
3. 1-abc.net Synchronizer
   

Running Android on Acer Aspire One Netbook

There are 3 options:

1. You can download Android 1.6 and even test it without installing with a CD or USB flash drive. I've tried on my Acer Aspire One AOA110 and it works including wi-fi.
   
2. Get Acer Aspire One D255 which comes with dual boot Windows 7 Starter and Android 1.06.00.0113 or 1.06.00.0115
   
3. Get Acer Aspire One Happy which comes with dual boot Windows 7 Starter and Android 1.06.00.0115, 1.09.00.0118 or 1.09.00.0120
   

Even though there is no Android Market access, you can still download and install third party apps.

PC Pro December 2010

Features

1. Who will win the battle for control of the web?
   
2. eBook readers

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. BitDefender Total Security 2011 (6 month licence)

PC Advisor December 2010

Features

1. 150 best software apps
2. Google: friendly giant, benevolent despot?

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. BitDefender Internet Security 2011 (6 month licence)
   
2. iolo Search and Recover 5.2 (6 month licence)
3. Lavasoft Privacy Tool Box
4. NetObjects Fusion 10
5. Serif PagePlus Starter Edition
   

Australian PC Authority November 2010

Features

1. Killer tech for your TV
2. The tablets are coming

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Ashampoo Photo Commander 7
2. Uniblue SpeedUpMyPC 2010
   

Patch Tuesday October 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB2360131)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2279986)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2296011)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2360937)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2387149)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979687)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB981957)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB982132)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - October 2010 (KB890830)

Australian PC User November 2010

Features

1. Cutting edge burning tricks
2. Huge digital video guide

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. PC User Video Toolkit
2. Ashampoo Anti-Malware 1.2
3. Wondershare Photo Collage Studio 4.2
4. Serif PagePlus Starter Edition

Samsung Galaxy 3 GT-I5801

Bought Samsung Galaxy 3 GT-I5801 aka Samsung Apollo Android OS 2.1 (Eclair) mobile phone. It has 3MP, 2048х1536 pixels and autofocus camera. There is also a built-in GPS for geo-tagging and navigation.

Hard Reset

*2767*3855#

or

Tap Applications> Settings > System > Privacy > Factory data reset > Reset phone

Dial Codes

1. Diagnostics - *#0*#
2. IMEI - *#06#
3. Vibration/Back Light/Alert LED test - *#0842#
4. Sound test - *#0673#
5. Battery - *#0228#
6. FTA SW Version - *#1111#
7. SW Version - *#1234#

Garmin Asus nuvifone M10

Bought Windows Mobile 6.5.3 Professional Garmin Asus nuvifone M10 PDA mobile phone. It has 5MP, 2592х1944 pixels and autofocus camera. A vehicle power cable and suction cup mount are bundled.

Hard Reset

1. Hold Power button to turn off phone
2. Hold Send key, volume down & power button until message appears
   
3. Press on Send key to delete all settings and files in system or do nothing to abort

or

1. Press Start menu key > Settings > System > Default Settings
   
2. Enter "1234" to restore default settings
   

Configure Opera

1. Type “opera:config” in the URL
2. Under Disk Cache, select Empty on Exit
3. Under User Prefs, deselect Enable Referrer

Australian APC Magazine September 2010

Features

1. Streaming secrets
2. Inside the internet filter
3. Hotmail Wave 4 Versus Gmail

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. 1-abc.net Surf Trail Washer
2. novaPDF Lite Desktop 7.1
3. Ashampoo WinOptimizer 6
4. B-free MoneyManager (12-month licence)
   

Australian PC Authority October 2010

Features

1. Android attacks!
2. Protect your PC against electricity spikes

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. BitDefender Total Security 2010 (6 month licence)
2. Quicken Personal Plus 2010 (6 month licence)
3. Uniblue SpeedUpMyPC 2010
   

Australian PC User October 2010

Features

1. Self Help Tech Guide
2. How to use UserOS Select 10.04

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. PC User UserOS Select 10.04
2. Easeus Data Recovery Wizard 4.3.6
   

Patch Tuesday September 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2121546)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2259922)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2347290)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975558)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB981322)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB982802)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - September 2010 (KB890830)

PC Pro November 2010

Features

1. Online banks: is your money safe?
2. Is your computer killing you?

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Ashampoo Burning Studio 2010
2. Serif PagePlus Starter Edition
3. Agnitum Outpost Security Suite Pro (6-month licence)
   

PC Advisor November 2010

Features

1. How to get 100Mbps broadband
2. Web browsers compared

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Panda Antivirus 2011 (3 month licence)
2. Ad-Aware Pro Internet Security (5 month licence)
   

G Data Internet Security 2011

G Data Internet Security 2011 unique feature is its DoubleScan technology. This uses two independent detection engines to scan suspect files. Engine A (Bitdefender) offers very good detection and very good perfomance while Engine B (Avast) offers good detection and optimum performance.

You can do a custom install to disable firewall if you've your own third party firewall. A bootCD can even be created to remove malware when your PC is not bootable.

Wing Linux 0.4.2

Since I've an old Qtek 9100 (aka HTC Wizard), I decided to try out Wing Linux. It will dual boot your existing Windows Mobile 5 Professional and run Android 1.5. The latest release is 0.4.2 and you can install as follows:

1. Download wing-linux-0.4.2.zip and unzip the file to a directory
   
2. Copy the directory to a miniSD card with minimum 256B of free space
3. Power on Qtek 9100 and insert the miniSD card
4. Use File Explorer to access Storage Card and run wing-linux-0.4.2-rootfs.cab & install to Storage Card
   
5. Run wing-linux-0.4.2-wizard.cab & install to Storage Card
6. Click on Start -> Programs -> Wing Linux and follow instructions to install

After installation, click on Start -> Programs -> Wing Linux. On HaRET Version 0.5.2 screen, tap Run and wait for Android to boot.

The Menu key is the button above the end call button. You can check what is working and what is not working. To shutdown, press & hold end call button and tap Power off. Next tap Ok. This will reboot the phone and starts Windows Mobile.

You can run Android with or without a SIM card. Sometimes, even with a SIM card, GSM may not work (without signal bars at the top) and you'll need to restart to get it working. Numbers can be dialed but there is no dial tone or audio and there is no ring tone when being called. These make it quite useless as a phone. But, nevertheless, it is excellent efforts by the developers and I'm looking forward to future releases.

PC Advisor October 2010

Features

1. Facebook exposed
2. Ultimate upgrades
   

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version

1. G Data Internet Security 2011 (90-day licence)
   
2. Uniblue SpeedUpMyPC (12-month licence)
3. iObit Advanced SystemCare Pro (12-month licence)
4. East-Tec Eraser 2010 (6-month licence)
   

Patch Tuesday August 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB2183461)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2079403)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2115168)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2160329)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2286198)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB980436)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB981852)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB981997)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB982214)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB982665)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - August 2010 (KB890830)

PC Pro October 2010

Features

1. Windows 7 vs Ubuntu 10.04
   
2. Perfect photo prints
3. Should internet slackers be sacked?

Australian PC User September 2010

Features

1. Privacy Secrets
2. Audio Superguide

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. PC User Audio Toolkit
2. Ashampoo Burning Studio 2010 Advanced
   

Adding Encrypted Google Search in Firefox Search Bar

You can add Google SSL beta search in Firefox search bar by using this add-on.

The downsides are McAfee SiteAdvisor will not work in the search results and search suggestions will not work when "Show search suggestions" option is activated.

Australian PC Authority September 2010

Features

1. Broadband unleashed!
2. iPhone 4: The facts

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Bullguard Internet Security 9.0 (6 month licence)
   

Australian APC Magazine August 2010

Features

1. Turn your iPod touch into an iPhone
2. 4G: Next-gen wireless
   

Mozilla Firefox 3.5.11

The latest release fixed several security issues :

MFSA 2010-47 Cross-origin data leakage from script filename in error messages

MFSA 2010-46 Cross-domain data theft using CSS

MFSA 2010-45 Multiple location bar spoofing vulnerabilities

MFSA 2010-42 Cross-origin data disclosure via Web Workers and importScripts

MFSA 2010-41 Remote code execution using malformed PNG image

MFSA 2010-40 nsTreeSelection dangling pointer remote code execution vulnerability

MFSA 2010-39 nsCSSValue::Array index integer overflow

MFSA 2010-37 Plugin parameter EnsureCachedAttrParamArrays remote code execution vulnerability

MFSA 2010-36 Use-after-free error in NodeIterator

MFSA 2010-35 DOM attribute cloning remote code execution vulnerability

MFSA 2010-34 Miscellaneous memory safety hazards (rv:1.9.2.7/ 1.9.1.11)

Budget 3.2MP Camera Phone - Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C510

Bought Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C510 for RM480 with charger, USB data cable, earphone, screen protector and 2GB M2 card. This is a 3G phone with 3.2MP camera, autofocus, dual LED flash, 2.2" display, bluetooth and FM radio.

• Check stuck pixels

Close camera cover and activate camera

• Check IMEI - serial number
  

*#06#

• Check firmware

From standby select Menu > Settings > the General tab > Update service > Software version

• Check service info, service settings, service tests & text labels
  

-> * <- <- * <- * If your phone has not been used before, total call time in service tests will show 00:00:00. This value cannot be changed with reset all. You can perform diagnostics on main display, LED/illumination, keyboard, speaker, earphone, microphone, vibrating alert, camera, video call camera, flash LED, accelerometer, memory card, FM radio & real time clock

• Perform 'Reset settings' - Deletes all settings but user data eg contacts, messages, pictures, sounds and downloaded games will not be deleted
  

From standby select Menu > Settings > the General tab > Master reset > Reset settings

• Perform 'reset all' - Deletes all settings and user data eg contacts, messages, pictures, sounds and games

From standby select Menu > Settings > the General tab > Master reset > Reset all

• Check battery status
  

From standby press volume key or select Menu > Settings > the General tab > Phone status

PC Pro September 2010

Features

1. The best music download sites
   
2. Buy a tech treat from abroad

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Paragon System Backup 2010
   

Patch Tuesday July 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2229593)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - July 2010 (KB890830)

Australian PC User August 2010

Features

1. Social networking secrets
2. Web hosting guide

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. PC User Perfect PC
2. PC User YouGrab 3
3. Ashampoo WinOptimizer 6
   

Australian PC Authority August 2010

Features

1. Is the best PC a Mac?
2. 22in monitor shootout
   

Mozilla Firefox 3.5.10

The latest release fixed several security issues :

MFSA 2010-33 User tracking across sites using Math.random()

MFSA 2010-32 Content-Disposition: attachment ignored if Content-Type: multipart also present

MFSA 2010-31 focus() behavior can be used to inject or steal keystrokes

MFSA 2010-30 Integer Overflow in XSLT Node Sorting

MFSA 2010-29 Heap buffer overflow in nsGenericDOMDataNode::SetTextInternal

MFSA 2010-28 Freed object reuse across plugin instances

MFSA 2010-27 Use-after-free error in nsCycleCollector::MarkRoots()

MFSA 2010-26 Crashes with evidence of memory corruption (rv:1.9.2.4/ 1.9.1.10)

MFSA 2010-25 Re-use of freed object due to scope confusion

PC Advisor September 2010

Features

1. Web privacy: a thing of the past?
2. Make Windows 7 faster

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Ashampoo Photo Commander
   

Adobe Flash Player 10.1.53.64

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.

You can get the latest update from the Flash Player Download Center which will also install Adobe Download Manager. If you want to bypass Adobe Download Manager, you can manually download the following:

• Flash Player 10 ActiveX (Internet Explorer for Windows only)

• Flash Player 10 Plugin (All other Windows browsers)

Budget Navigation Phone - Nokia 2710 Navigation Edition

Bought Nokia 2710 Navigation Edition for $209. This is a non-smartphone running the latest S40 6th Edition. It is a 2G quad-band (850/900/1800/1900) phone with 2MP camera, 2.2" display, bluetooth, FM radio and GPS.

It comes with lifetime global drive and walk navigation license with Nokia Maps 2.1 (Series 40) and the bundled 2GB microSD card contains maps for countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Australia etc. In drive mode, turn-by-turn voice navigation is supported while in walk mode, a digital compass is available.

• Check stuck pixels

Activate camera and cover the lens with your hand

• Check IMEI - serial number
  

*#06#

• Check firmware

*#0000#

• Check history - serial number, made date, purchasing date, repaired date & life timer.

*#92702689#

If your phone has not been used before, life timer will show 0000:00. This value cannot be changed with restore all.

• Perform 'Settings only' will reset all preference settings. Restoring will not delete any personal data.
  

Enter *#7780# in the standby mode
Enter 12345 as the default Security code

or

Press Menu > Settings > Rest. fact. sett. > Settings only
Enter 12345 as the default Security code

• Perform hard reset (Backup your contacts to SIM or memory card and messages to memory card and remove them first. Programs installed, country, date, time & connection settings, contacts, messages will be deleted)

Press Menu > Settings > Rest. fact. sett. > All
Enter 12345 as the default Security code

• Check date & time

Press any key to look at home screen while the phone is locked

or

Press End key while the phone is locked

or

With the built-in accelerometer, use tap-for-time – a double tap on the phone brings up a analog/digital clock

PC Pro August 2010

Features

1. Free satnav: a real-world road test
   
2. Upgrade your life from your PC
   

Australian APC Magazine July 2010

Features

1. Netbook Buying Guide
2. Portable Wi-Fi
   

Patch Tuesday June 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Cumulative Security Update for ActiveX Killbits for Windows XP (KB980195)

Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB982381)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975562)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979482)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979559)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB980218)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - June 2010 (KB890830)

Australian PC User July 2010

Features

1. Protect your PC
2. 30 pages of tips
   

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Bullguard Internet Security 9.0 (6-month licence)
2. PC User Perfect PC
   

Australian PC Authority July 2010

Features

1. 50 free killer downloads
2. Record digital TV on your PC

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Ashampoo Uninstaller 4
   

PC Advisor August 2010

Features

1. Who's got your personal data?
2. Can Palm live on in tablet PCs?

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Bullguard Internet Security 9 (6-month licence)
   
2. East-Tec Eraser 2010
3. Lavasoft Ad-Aware Game Edition
4. Iolo System Mechanic 9.5 (6-month licence)
   

Wireless in eJIFFY

Netgear WG111v2 Wireless USB adapter is supported in eJIFFY 1.1.4 without additional driver. It supports WPA2 but not static IP address so you need to configure DHCP server in your wireless router.

The chipset in WG111v2 is Realtek 8187L so any other wireless USB adapter using this chipset should also work.

ECS eJIFFY 1.1.4

Asus has an instant-on application called Express Gate and now ECS has eJIFFY. It is a Linux based interface for a fast boot application. The following applications are available in eJIFFY 1.1.4:

1. eWeb Browser 1.1 (supports Adobe Flash 10.0.32.18 but not Sun JRE)
2. ePix 1.1 (Photo Manager)
   
3. ePal 1.1 (Instant Messager)
4. Multi-language input

eJIFFY is available for the budget ECS motherboard G41T-M which costs only $75.

Webroot Internet Security Essentials 90-Day Licence

You can get this 90-day licence from PC Advisor June 2010 magazine. It supports Windows XP/Vista/7.

It can detect all Eicar anti-malware files automatically during download for http and https except eicar.com.txt. But, it passed all Spycar tests.

Webroot Internet Security Essentials

You can download a 14 days free trial of this software from Webroot by providing your first name, last name and e-mail address.

The software consists of antivirus from Sophos, antispyware, firewall, backup and cleanup. You can use your own third party firewall by selecting "Allow ALL Traffic" in the firewall setting. The backup account needs to be created online.

PC Pro July 2010

Features

1. Switch to 100Mbps broadband
2. Inside the cockpit: mile-high computing

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. NetObjects Fusion 10
2. BullGuard Internet Security 9
   

Patch Tuesday May 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978542)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - May 2010 (KB890830)

Australian PC Authority June 2010

Features

1. Ultraportables Vs Netbooks
2. 101 Essential Phone Apps

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Acronis True Image Home 2010
   

Australian PC User June 2010

Features

1. Hook up your home
2. 50 hot new tips

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Ashampoo Photo Commander 7
2. Serif DrawPlus 7
   
3. PC User Perfect PC
   

PC Advisor July 2010

Features

1. 75 Best Free Apps
2. Antivirus Group Test

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Avast Internet Security 5 (5-month licence)
   
2. Iolo System Mechanic 9.5
3. Ashampoo Uninstaller 2010
4. O&O PartitionManager 2.0
5. Paragon Backup & Recovery 10.0 Edition
   

Adobe Flash Player 10.0.45.2

For those still using Adobe Flash, you can get the latest update from the Flash Player Download Center which will also install Adobe Download Manager. If you want to bypass Adobe Download Manager, you can manually download the full latest update.

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 6 Update 20

The latest version fixed several security vulnerabilities :

CVE-2010-0886 - Java Deployment Toolkit

CVE-2010-0887 - New Java Plug-in

PC Pro June 2010

Features

1. Slates: Future or iFad?
2. Photoshop forensics

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Norton Internet Security 2010 (6-months licence)
   

Australian APC Magazine May 2010

Features

1. Detoxing Windows 7
2. Ultra-thins - Better value than netbooks

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. East-Tec Eraser 2009
2. Paragon Disk Wiper 10 Express
   

Patch Tuesday April 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB980182)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB977816)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978338)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978601)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979309)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979683)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB980232)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB981349)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - April 2010 (KB890830)

Australian PC User May 2010

Features

1. Storage Superguide
2. Big-Screen Burning

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. PC User TVrip

Australian PC Authority May 2010

Features

1. Mobile broadband
2. Smartphones do battle!

Australian PC User April 2010

Features

1. 50 Best Freebies
2. Broadband Bonanza

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. PC User UserOS Ultra 9.10
2. Ashampoo Magical Defrag 2
   

PC Advisor June 2010

Features

1. Laptops versus netbooks
2. Speed up your broadband
3. 3D: the next dimension
4. That synching feeling
   

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 (90-day licence)
2. Webroot Internet Security Essentials (90-day licence)
3. TuneUp Utilities 2009
   
4. Zoner Photo Studio Xpress 12.0

Mozilla Firefox 3.5.9

The latest release fixed several security issues :

MFSA 2010-24 XMLDocument::load() doesn't check nsIContentPolicy

MFSA 2010-23 Image src redirect to mailto: URL opens email editor

MFSA 2010-22 Update NSS to support TLS renegotiation indication

MFSA 2010-20 Chrome privilege escalation via forced URL drag and drop

MFSA 2010-19 Dangling pointer vulnerability in nsPluginArray

MFSA 2010-18 Dangling pointer vulnerability in nsTreeContentView

MFSA 2010-17 Remote code execution with use-after-free in nsTreeSelection

MFSA 2010-16 Crashes with evidence of memory corruption (rv:1.9.2.2/ 1.9.1.9/ 1.9.0.19)

Rescue Bootable CD

If your computer is not bootable due to malware, what can you do? There are two solutions :

1. Avira AntiVir Rescue System
2. AVG Rescue CD

You can create a bootable CD from both solutions but Avira has the latest malware signatures already updated. For AVG, you can even create a bootable USB flash drive for netbook without DVD drive.

Mobile Internet Devices

Model	Enso zenPad	Smart Devices SmartQ 5
Screen	5" 800x480 Touchscreen	4.3" 800x480 Touchscreen
Processor	Samsung S3C6410 ARM11 667MHz	Samsung S3C6410 ARM11 667MHz
OS	Android 1.6	Ubuntu Linux WinCE 6.0 Android
Memory/ Internal Storage/ External Storage	256MB 1GB microSD	256MB 1GB microSD
Wi-Fi/GPS	802.11a/b/g/n Optional	802.11b/g None
Price & Warranty	From US$155 2 years	From US$132 1 year

Running Windows XP Mode Without Hardware Assisted Virtualization

Microsoft has removed the need to have hardware assisted virtualization enabled in your PCs BIOS to run Windows XP mode. This means that Windows XP mode will work on all processors including netbook with Intel Atom CPU. You'll have to download Windows XP mode update (KB977206)

But, you'll require Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate. You can download Windows XP mode for free.

Australian APC Magazine April 2010

Features

1. Download Secrets
2. PC Forensics

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Ashampoo Office 2008
2. Ashampoo Photo Commander 6
3. 1-abc.net Backup 2.0
   

Web SMS

You can send free SMS to all three telcos subscribers in Singapore. Only SingTel requires registration with valid e-mail account, full name, year of birth and mobile number to use this service.

1. M1
2. StarHub
3. SingTel
   

PC Pro May 2010

Features

1. 100 Best Apps
2. Tech-aid in a disaster zone

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Serif WebPlus 9.1
   

Patch Tuesday March 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975561)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - March 2010 (KB890830)

Budget Netbook or All-in-one PC

	PROLiNK Glee TA-009 Netbook	Viewsonic VPC 100
Price	$388/$439	$499
CPU	Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz	Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz
RAM	1GB/2GB	1GB
HDD	160GB	160GB
OS	Windows 7 Starter	Windows XP Home
Others	3 cell/6 cell 10.1" LED	18.5" LCD 8x DVD+/-RW

PC Advisor May 2010

Features

1. Protect your PC
   
2. All-in-one PCs

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. McAfee Total Protection 2010 (3-month licence)
   
2. O&O CleverCache 6
   
3. Ashampoo WinOptimizer Advanced 2010
4. 1-abc.net Synchronizer 3
   

Netbook vs EeeBox

If you don't need the mobility of a netbook, you can get a EeeBox PC instead. Besides, not having a built-in LCD screen, keyboard or mouse, there are differences as follows:

	Netbook	Asus EeeBox PC B202
Price	$599	$438
CPU	Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz or higher	Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz
RAM	1GB DDR2 max 2GB	1GB DDR2
HDD	160GB SATA or more	80GB SATA
OS	Windows XP Home or Windows 7 Starter	Windows XP Home with Express Gate
External monitor	VGA	DVI

2.5" USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Disk Drives

Model	Seagate FreeAgent Go	Western Digital My Passport Essential	Buffalo MiniStation Lite	Hitachi SimpleDRIVE Mini
Price	320GB $99	320GB $119	320GB $99	320GB $99
OS Support	Windows 7/Vista/XP	Windows Vista/XP Mac	Windows Vista/XP/2000 Mac OS 10.2.7 or later	Windows Vista/XP
Warranty	5 years	3 years	3 years	3 years
Backup Software	FreeAgent	WD Sync Passport Synchronization	No	Yes
Diagnostics Software	SeaTools for Windows Mac	Data Lifeguard for Windows	No	No
Encryption	Yes	No	Yes	No

Australian PC Authority April 2010

Features

1. Intel Vs AMD CPU Megatest
   
2. Internet Security Suite 'torture test'

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Likno AllWebMenus Professional 5.2
2. Firetrust MailWasher Pro 6.5.3
3. Ashampoo Magical Defrag 2.34
   

Goodbye Skype for Windows Mobile & Welcome Skype for Symbian

The bad news is that Skype for Windows Mobile is no longer available for download. But, the good news is Skype now runs on Nokia Symbian phones.

You can download the application by visiting skype.com/m on your mobile phone. It will install automatically. I've tested the application on Nokia E63 and it works great.

Mozilla Firefox 3.5.8

The latest release fixed several security issues :

MFSA 2010-05 XSS hazard using SVG document and binary Content-Type

MFSA 2010-04 XSS due to window.dialogArguments being readable cross-domain

MFSA 2010-03 Use-after-free crash in HTML parser

MFSA 2010-02 Web Worker Array Handling Heap Corruption Vulnerability

MFSA 2010-01 Crashes with evidence of memory corruption (rv:1.9.1.8/ 1.9.0.18)

PC Advisor April 2010

Features

1. 50 ways to speed up Windows
2. Old PCs: sell, replace or upgrade?
3. Fix compatibility issues in Windows 7
   

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Symantec Norton Internet Security 2010 (90-days licence) (Windows XP/Vista/7)
2. O&O SafeErase 3.0 (Windows XP/Vista)
3. Ashampoo Magical Defrag 2.34 (12-month licence) (Windows XP/Vista)
4. IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro (12-month licence) (Windows XP/Vista/7)
   

PC Pro April 2010

Features

1. The Mobile Broadband Con
2. The Dark Side of the Web

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Paragon Rescue Kit 8.5 Professional

Australian APC Magazine March 2010

Features

1. Smartphones
2. Why 3D will takeover

Cover DVD (Free Paid Full Version)

1. Ashampoo Music Studio 2009
2. Ashampoo Slideshow Studio 2010
3. Uniblue Speed Up My PC 2009
   

Acid3 Test

After looking at the interesting results from Touch web browser mega shootout, I decided to do the same Acid3 test with my devices. Here are the results:

1. Apple iPod Touch 8GB running OS 3.1.2 (7D11) with default Mobile Safari (100/100). I'm surprised that it's better than iPhone 3GS/3G.
   
2. PC running Mozilla Firefox 3.5.6 (93/100)
3. Samsung Omnia SGH-i900 running Opera Mobile 9.5 Build 15746 (59/100)
   
4. Samsung Omnia SGH-i900 running Windows Mobile 6.1 with default IE Mobile (Failed to run scripts)
5. Nokia E63 running firmware 200.21.012 with default S60 Browser (Failed to run scripts)
   

Budget DVD Player

Since Astone media players are not able to playback original CSS-protected DVD Video, I bought Akira DVD Player PD-3228E for $34.90. It has USB input, progressive scan and LED Display with composite, S-video and component video.

Using a card reader, flash drive or hard disk drive with the USB port, you can play music (MP3) and photo (JPG). Video (VOB) can be played but without audio. You can even rip a music CD into MP3 files by connecting a flash drive or hard disk drive with the USB port.

Astone Media Players

Australian Astone has the most extensive range of media players available in the market. All the models can play music, video & photo and come with 2 x USB 2.0 port except AP-32B with 1 x USB 2.0 port.

* USB DVD-ROM doesn't support playback of CSS-protected DVD Video.

Model	AP-32B	AP-110D	AP-200	AP-300
Price	$99	$149	$199	$189
USB Devices Support	Card reader, flash drive, hard disk drive	Card reader, flash drive, hard disk drive, DVD-ROM* & Wi-Fi Dongle	Card reader, flash drive, hard disk drive, DVD-ROM* & Wi-Fi Dongle	Card reader, flash drive, hard disk drive, DVD-ROM* & Wi-Fi Dongle
Video	HD 1080i Composite, Component & HDMI VOB, Real RMVB, AVI, MPEG-4 etc	Full HD 1080p Composite, & HDMI 1.3 VOB, Real HD, AVI, H.264 MPEG-4/AVC, MOV etc	Full HD 1080p Composite, Component & HDMI 1.3 VOB, Real HD, AVI, H.264 MPEG-4/AVC, MOV etc	Full HD 1080p Composite, Component & HDMI 1.3 VOB, Real HD, AVI, H.264 MPEG-4/AVC, MOV etc
Audio	L/R RCA MP3, WMA etc	L/R S/PDIF, TOSLINK dts 2.0+ Digital Out MP3, WMA etc	L/R, S/PDIF dts 2.0-HD 2.0ch Downlmix MP3, WMA etc	L/R S/PDIF, TOSLINK dts 2.0-HD 2.0ch Downlmix MP3, WMA etc
LAN	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Internal Hard Disk Support	No	No	Yes, 2.5" SATA	Yes, 3.5" SATA

Patch Tuesday February 2010

Microsoft has released the following security updates for Windows XP :

Cumulative Security Update for ActiveX Killbits for Windows XP (KB978262)

Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB978207)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB971468)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975560)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB975713)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB977165)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB977914)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978037)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978251)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB978706)

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - February 2010 (KB890830)