<B:LOOP VALUES='DATA:POSTS' VAR='POST'><B:INCLUDE DATA='POST' NAME='POST'></B:INCLUDE></B:LOOP> ~ <DATA:BLOG.TITLE></DATA:BLOG.TITLE> <DATA:BLOG.PAGETITLE></DATA:BLOG.PAGETITLE> TECHNOLOGY TUTORIAL: 2009

Saturday, October 31, 2009

the Best Free Antivirus Software

Many people choose to or want to choose the free route when it comes to computer security. This can be tricky though because the market for free and commercial security applications is enormous. Achieving effective security for free is possible, and a good free anti virus program is the biggest contributor.


The marks of a good anti-virus program are
a) High detection rate
b) Low false detection rates
c) Low demand on system resources
d) Simple to use

Based on these factors, I have looked at many free anti virus programs, and the following 3 antiviruses are clearly the best 3 anti-virus programs available:

#1 Best Free Antivirus: Avira AntiVir Personal
Avira Antivir has the highest detection rate and lowest demand on your computer of all of the free anti virus programs. In fact, AntiVir regularly outperforms many commercial anti virus programs. Make sure you keep it updated, and be cautious because it does not support antispyware.

#2 Best Free Antivirus: Avast! Home Edition
Avast! includes support against spyware, rootkits, and other threats in addition to viruses. It also has fantastic detection rates, but takes a little more of a toll on your system's resources then Avira.

#3 Best Free Antivirus: AVG Anti-virus Free Edition
AVG has a slightly lower detection rate than the other two anti-virus programs, and is more demanding on your system. It does support antispyware (like Avast!), and requires very little maintenance as it can update itself. AVG is a great solution for the individual who is less tech savvy.

These three anti virus programs comprise the best free antivirus solutions on the market. To complete your security solution, back one of them up with a trusted anti spyware program. With this under your belt, you are well on the way to free, effective computer security.

Nick Dimon writes about computer security and maintenance on his site http://www.crappycomputer.com/ with the purpose of informing and teaching users how to get what they deserve from their machines.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dimon

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Remote backup software

There is an increasing demand for remote backup software not only at home, but in business. It has become the safest, most automated, most effective means of backing up your data without worry. Set and forget. The question is, what information should you backup on your computer, what features do you need in your software, and is your software going to work when you need it?


In the past, tape drives have been used to backup files in business environments. Tape drives recently became outdated with the new remote backup tools available. The tape drives have proved costly and expensive to upkeep. They also can fail at any time and are stored locally which can lead to disaster in certain circumstances. Remote backup software can give you total piece of mind.

You should backup only the files that you would want to keep. You probably don't want to backup the entire hard drive although you can choose to. Starting with backing up your documents and desktop files is a good start. Locate any folders where you are storing vital information such as documents, pictures, videos, contacts, and music. You may only need a couple gigabytes or you may need a couple hundred. In any case, find the plan that works best for the amount of space you need.

Each piece of software has different tools and options available. You may want to have it only backup during the night or backup every time you change a file. Some programs are bulky and take up memory in the backup. Remember to review the product's specs before purchase to get the features and space you need.

Looking for more information about data backup? Visit SaveComputer.Com

Watch your free video about data protection today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_M_Shaw

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Fix Dynamic Link Library DLL Errors

The Dynamic Link Library, otherwise known as DLL, is part of an application. Applications depend on DLLs to function properly. If a DLL isn't found, be it a Windows DLL or an application DLL, most likely the software will either fail to start or will not function properly even if it does start. Therefore DLLs are important.



When you encounter a DLL problem, take note of any error messages that appear. Then, do a search on the web by typing in the exact error. There are usually people who have encountered the exact same problem and provide fixes to the problem.

Alternatively, you can try downloading the most updated drivers and installing them, assuming the DLL is for a driver. Otherwise, if it's for an application, you can reinstall the application to see if the problem persists. This step usually resolves the problem.

Another cause for the DLL error can be due to spyware or adware that is installed on the computer. In such a case, use an anti-virus program to detect and clean the system of the problem. You may also want to use AdAware or Spybot as a more lightweight alternative to the anti-virus program, but I suggest using an anti-virus for better flexibility.

After doing all of the above, the next step is to fix the registry. It is highly likely that at this point, the registry needs to have maintenance performed on it to remove wrong entries and to improve system performance. A missing DLL often indicates that there is wrong information inside the registry. This is the easiest to fix if you use a registry cleaner software.

A registry cleaner software helps to go through the entire registry to detect errors and fix them. There are plenty of solutions for registry cleaners so it is very important to find a good one; not all of them are equally good.

A good registry cleaner will help keep your Windows system in good shape and performing optimally. If you are unsure which registry cleaner to use, you can take a look at these reviews of registry cleaners.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Webber

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Friday, October 30, 2009

Fix Registry Errors


The registry in your computer is like a huge data base, or filing system where every piece of information about your computer is kept.
When there are in errors or problems in the registry windows will not know how to run programs, will be unable use devices, desktop settings and program settings will be lost and error messages will start appearing.
Windows cannot fix registry files by itself. If the problem gets too bad, you will get a 'registry error' warning that you need to fix registry errors.
there are two ways to fix these problems. Manually or automatically.
One example of a registry error is when you try to remove a program from add and remove programs and it will not uninstall. The solution here is as follows.
1. Find the directory for the application and delete all the files in the directory. Delete the directory.
2. Go To windows start menu then run and type in regedt32.
3. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE then software and find the program folder and delete it.
3. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER then software and find the folder for the application and then delete this folder.
4. Next you need to remove the application entry from add and remove programs and you do this by navigating to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE then software then Microsoft then windows then CurrentVersion then uninstall and find the folder for the application and then delete the folder.
Having to do that every time you want to fix registry errors is time consuming and if you make a mistake windows will not run anymore.
The second way to fix all these errors and the quickest is with a free registry scanner. You can download one and run it from in windows without touching the registry yourself. This will quickly find any errors that are slowing down your computer and preventing you removing programs or changing settings in windows.
This only takes a few minutes and will make your computer run faster and free of errors.
If you have a slow windows computer here is the best solution to Fix Registry Errors this will make your computer run faster and error free, just click here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Armstrong
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Optimize Windows Vista Performance

Just like its predecessors, Vista's startup to shutdown performance is maintained. Aside from the familiar two, it now has a "sleep" function where it resumes sessions quickly upon pressing the power button but has the benefits of "hibernation" when it comes to protecting data. This version also has self-tuning and diagnostics features that have self-correction mechanisms once it detects system glitches. It also claims to be more consistent when it comes to responsiveness. It promises to launch your programs quickly and sustain the same performance throughout your day.
Other Windows Vista performance features include Windows Superfetch, which makes sure of maximizing the use of your computers RAM thereby making programs more responsive, and Low Priority I/O, which schedules priority of programs that would access information on your hard disk drive and thereby enhances your computer's performance. These two features are just two of the newest ones that Vista promised during its launch.
This version of Windows also promises a quicker access to your DVDs and music files. It has a program called HotStart that connects directly to Media Player or Media Center. This function allows you to save on battery life on long journeys.
ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive were introduced on this version as well. These two features enhance the time spent in accessing information from your memory spaces. The former focuses on cutting the time it takes to access information from your flash drives while the latter deals with your hard disk drive. As these two functions work together to enhance performance, the end result will be a faster information exchange and a longer battery life for mobile personal computers. Although they are not part of Windows Vista performance features, it is worth looking at these tools to enhance performance.
One unique feature of Vista is its capability to find errors within its system, all by itself, and figures out quick fixes for these faults as well. Performance Diagnostics detects and fixes issues within the computer system. This comes in helpful whenever your computer comes to an error when accessing or opening audio and video files, network or internet delays, and complicated program executions.
The most prominent improvement that Microsoft did for Vista really focuses on the visual and aesthetic features. Along with the other features, this makes Vista a load-full of software that would really eat up disk space and demand memory from your PC. One of the most effective Windows Vista performance features is the ability to optimize the registry and this can be done with registry cleaners.
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Virus Removal Software


The first step to removing the virus completely is to download a good anti-virus software. An anti-virus software will clean your files of traces of the virus. However, be sure to update the virus definition files prior to doing a virus scan on your system. This will ensure that the detection engine and virus signature is current to maximize the removal of the virus.
Once the virus is detected and removed by the anti-virus software, the virus' operations are also halted. However, there is still something that needs to be done. The virus should have planted malicious entries inside your Windows registry and it is important to find them. Unless you enjoy manually searching for the relevant entries and know what to look for, it is best to use a software to do this. You can use a registry cleaner software to do a comprehensive check of your entire registry and depend on it to fix issues that it finds.
Different registry cleaner software have varying capabilities so it is important that you use a good one to do the job. In addition to being able to fix errors introduced into the registry by the virus, the registry cleaner software can also optimize your system performance by doing house-keeping on the registry and keeping it in tip-top condition. It's also good to restart the computer after the virus has been purged from your files and registry. If you periodically run the registry cleaner to maintain your Windows registry in a good condition, your system will run better and give fewer problems.
A good registry cleaner will help keep your Windows system in good shape and performing optimally. If you are unsure which registry cleaner to use, you can take a look at these reviews of registry cleaners.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Webber
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Installation of Windows 7

As Windows 7 has been officially launched by Microsoft, users are in dilemma regarding various issues related to the Operating System. Windows XP users do not know whether they can upgrade to Windows 7 directly or they only have the option of clean installation. Users running Windows 32 bit Vista wants know whether they can upgrade to Windows 64 bit or they will have to install Windows 7, 32 bit version only. There are many confusions pertaining to the new Operating System installation. But, there is nothing to worry. Both clean and in-place installations are quick and easy. Before thinking of any kind of upgrade, check whether you system meets the minimum requirements for the new OS, windows 7 installation:• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor• 512 MB of system memory• 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space• Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory• DVD-ROM drive• Audio OutputIt is true that people running Windows XP on their computer have no choice other than ‘clean install”. While upgrading through this process, a certain things like taking proper backup should be kept in mind. Once you have taken back up of all the existing data, applications and everything; you can boot to Windows 7 installation disc. Select "Custom Installation" and re create primary drive partitions. It may take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your system configuration. Now, re-configure the Operating System and restore backup.Some of the system requirements as suggested by Microsoft are as follows:
1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)DVD Drive to install from DVD16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
If your system fulfills all the above requirements, you can go for Windows 7 anytime you wish. But, there are some additional requirements to use certain features. For instance, a USB flash drive
is required to use BitLocker to go. Or, if you want to run Windows XP Mode, it requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V enabled.People who have hardware that supports 64 bit Windows can easily upgrade from Vista to Windows 7, 64 bit version through in-place upgrade. All the applications, programs, settings, and files will be available as it is. But, in case you have a 32 bit version of Windows Vista running on your system, you will only be able to do in-place installation for 32-bit version of Windows 7. And, if you want to upgrade 32 bit Vista to 64 bit Windows 7, again you will have to opt for clean windows 7 installation. 64 bit version of any operating system can manage much more information at a time than a 32 bit version. The install process for Windows 7 is absolutely simple and pain-free, particularly if you have strong hardware configuration
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Computer Registry Cleaner


With all these computer problems and with that incurability low performance you feel as if you are back in the 90's as one of the testers for Pentium I computers. Your computer has never been this slow. In fact, you think this computer is now slower than you very first computer used to be on its worst days. There's not much you did about this entire situation because you don't want to waste any more money on components or repair, you just want a fast computer again.
In this case, the only viable solution for you is a computer registry cleaner. With the computer registry cleaner of your choice you will be able to fix and prevent any and all registry errors. Prevention is also a very important part of computer repair, because this way you are assured to maintain a constant fast performance.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects you'll be noticing after using a computer reg cleaner next to the increased speed is the fact that you will no longer experience freeze screens and sudden reboots. Next to any other alternative, the computer registry cleaner is pretty much the only thing that guarantees you a fats pc in no time with little money.
Now Pay Close Attention Here-
A Reg Cure will definitely cleanup a computer from errors that often cause it to crashes, freezes, and make the applications and tasks run slower than they are supposed to. A good registry repair program will scan and restore your PC, optimize performance, protect your computer, make it run faster as well as others basic functions.
Check Regcure, and Don't Forget to Run a Free Performance Scan using it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashish_K_Arora
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