Mother Board- As the name implies the motherboard is the part of the computer where everything is connected.  All parts of the computer connect to the motherboard.

Mouse-  The mouse is a part of the computer that acts as a selector tool. Users use the mouse to highlight different texts and to open and control windows.

Keyboard- An input device that allows users to input text into a computer.

Byte – A binary number that the computer reads as data. 1000 bytes=1 kilobyte (KB), 1000 KB = 1 megabyte (MB), 1000 MB, = 1 Gigabyte( GB),  1000 GB = 1 Terabyte(TB)

Multi-processor (Dual Core, Quad Core)- Multi-processors are processors with multiple components that act simultaneously to process data. A multi-processor can process more data per second than regular processors. Many computer companies today use multi-processors for their computers.

Power Supply- The power supply unit is the part of the computer that directs power to the computer and individual components.

Monitor- The monitor is the display screen of a computer. This is a component that allows users to visually interact with a computer. Most monitors today are LCD (liquid crystal display); reducing the size of the monitor while also maintaining size and functionality.

Speakers- Speakers allow for audio files and other sound to be heard from a computer.

Firewall- A firewall is generally used to permit or deny access to network transmissions to protect against unauthorized access to a network. Many personal computers have firewalls to protect against threats from the internet.

Registry- Saved settings for how Windows stores configuration settings and options.

Wireless Adapter- An adapter that can be inserted into a computer for the computer to be able to access a network or the internet wirelessly.

VGA cable- The basic cable used to connect a computer to a monitor.

Toolbar- On-screen icons or other GUI( graphical user interface, basically pictures on the screen) which are usually placed on the sides, bottom or top of the computer screen.

Taskbar- This is where the computer will place open programs for easy access. The Start menu and often used programs are placed on a taskbar.

Start menu- The start menu will allow access to all the programs available on a computer. Generally an icon with the word “start”  or a plain icon with the windows logo.

Software-A set of programs that tell a computer what and how to do something. Software is usually not something a person will be able to physically touch. For example, software like Microsoft Office is a collection of programs that allow users to create different types of files.

Hardware- The physical parts of a computer. An example of hardware is a monitor.

Six weeks to the day after the official release of Firefox 6, Mozilla on Tuesday rolled out Firefox 7, the next version of its popular Web browser for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android users.

The new release comes as part of the rapid release schedule Mozilla implemented for Firefox earlier this year, by which users are offered upgrades every six weeks.

Business users who want less-frequent updates will soon have a slower alternative schedule, as I noted last week. The first such enterprise-focused Extended Support Release (ESR) version of desktop Firefox is expected to be based on Firefox 8 or 9 later this year.

In the meantime, there are plenty of reasons to make the switch to this newest version, which is now available as a free download. Many of them, in fact, boil down to one key thing: faster speed.

1. Memory Management

Ever since Firefox 7 entered the Aurora channel back in July, its primary focus has been speedier performance and better use of memory, and that emphasis is apparent in the software released today.

Firefox 7 manages memory more efficiently than its predecessors did, Mozilla says, for a speedier Web browsing experience. “Users will notice Firefox is faster at opening new tabs, clicking on menu items and buttons on websites,” the organization says. “Heavy Internet users will enjoy enhanced performance when lots of tabs are open and during long Web browsing sessions that last hours or even days.”

A new Mozilla Hacks blog entry posted today offers several key metrics demonstrating Firefox’s new nimbleness.

2. More Speed

New tools included in Firefox 7, meanwhile, are designed to make it easier for developers to build speedy Web experiences for users. A new version of hardware-accelerated Canvas, for instance, speeds up HTML5 animations and games in the browser, allowing developers to build more compelling and interactive Web experiences.

Firefox now also supports the W3C navigation timing spec API so developers can measure page load time and website navigation against bandwidth speed, website traffic and other factors. This API allows developers to test user experiences remotely and easily so they can quickly optimize websites and Web apps for different types of users.

3. A New Performance Tool

Focusing on future speeds, Firefox 7′s new Telemetry tool collects performance feedback so as to help Mozilla make future Firefox releases even faster.

“Firefox 7 marks a turning point in how we measure Firefox performance,” reads a Mozilla Hacks blog post from this morning on the topic. “Traditionally we measured Firefox performance on individual developer machines and our build & release infrastructure. However it turns out synthetic benchmarks do not correspond to real-world Firefox usage: it is difficult to model a ‘typical’ computer in a lab environment.”

Exceptionally slow consumer hardware, changes in usage patterns and preinstalled “bloatware” can all affect Firefox performance in unexpected ways, the post notes.

The browser’s new Telemetry tool will prompt users to opt into reporting performance data to Mozilla. “This data will supplement our existing benchmarking infrastructure to help us optimize future Firefox releases,” the post explains.

Telemetry performance metrics are very lightweight, however, and will not negatively impact Firefox performance, Mozilla says.

4. Add-On Compatibility

When Firefox 6 launched, 97 percent of add-ons compatible with Firefox 5 were still compatible with version 6, according to Mozilla add-ons product manager Justin Scott, who wrote a blog post yesterday on the topic.

Not only that, but “we’re on track to launch Firefox 7 tomorrow with 99 percent compatibility from 6,” Scott added. With Firefox 8, which will reach beta later this week, compatibility issues should improve even more, he wrote.

Add-on users can also install Firefox’s Add-On Compatibility Reporter to flag any problems with the software they use.

5. A Cross-Platform Approach

By supporting tools like WebSockets across desktop and mobile platforms, Firefox lets developers create faster, seamless Web applications for use on mobile phones, tablets and computers. Firefox also now supports the W3C navigation timing spec API across desktop and mobile platforms, so developers can optimize websites and Web apps for different types of devices, platforms and networks.

A number of features in Firefox for Android, meanwhile, are designed to make it faster to browse the mobile Web, such as the ability to copy any website text and paste it into emails, website forms and SMS messages.

6. Free, as in Beer

Firefox is free in more ways than one. First and foremost is that it costs you nothing to install, use or upgrade–a winning feature by most accounts, though certainly not Firefox’s only one.

7. Free, as in Freedom

Perhaps even more important, though, is that Firefox is open source software and so it doesn’t restrict your use of the browser in any way. There’s no vendor lock-in, and it’s eminently flexible and customizable to your needs.

Also significant is that Mozilla is what it calls a public benefit organization, existing not to make money but to make the Web better for everyone.

Read the full article at: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/240662/seven_good_reasons_to_upgrade_to_firefox_7.html

By Lincoln Spector, PCWorld

Windows can do all sorts of amazing things, some of which you might actually want it to do. Unfortunately, the things you don’t want it to do can slow it down. By turning off unnecessary programs, processes, and services, you can unburden Windows and help it live up to its full potential.

Some of the following suggestions may not produce a noticeable improvement in performance individually. But their cumulative effect can be to speed up your system significantly.

You don’t have to turn off all of these features, mind you. Most of them are useful–or at least aesthetically pleasing–to some people, but pointless to others. I’ve tried to provide enough information to enable you to make an informed decision about which ones to keep.

To help you follow my suggestions more easily, I’ve organized the questionable features in my list by the Windows location where you must go to turn them off. That way, you won’t have to visit the Windows Features dialog box, or Services, more than once.

The System Properties Dialog Box

You can turn off many features from the System Properties dialog box.You’ve almost certainly been here before. This is where you change your network ID, manage System Restore, and launch Device Manager. You can also shut off some unnecessary features here.

To get to the System Properties dialog box in Vista or Windows 7, click Start, right-click Computer, and select Properties. Then click one of three links–Remote settings, System protection, or Advanced system settings–in the left pane.

Alternatively, click Start, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.

In XP, click Start, right-click My Computer, and select Properties. Or click Start, Run, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.

Unnecessary Cosmetic Features: XP, Vista, Windows 7

Windows doesn’t have to look as pretty as it does to do its job. And some aesthetic compromises can free up precious processor clock cycles for real work.

To see your options for turning off these extras, click the System Properties dialog box’s Advanced tab, and then click the Settings button inside the Performance box.

This brings up another dialog box, where you can select which visual effects to keep and which to lose. Select Adjust for best performance to turn off all of them, or individually uncheck the ones you don’t care for.

Error Reporting: Windows XP

Turn off Error Reporting to speed up XP a bit.You’ve probably noticed that both Windows and the programs that run on it occasionally make mistakes. When that happens, the operating system attempts to send a report back to Microsoft. In theory, your report helps the company find bugs and improve future versions.

Whether that reporting system really helps is open to debate. It certainly doesn’t help you in the short run.

If you’d rather get on with your work after something goes wrong, you can disable error reporting. To do so in XP, click the System Properties dialog box’s Advanced tab, click the Error Reporting button in the lower-right corner, and select Disable error reporting. I recommend keeping ‘But notify me when critical errors occur’ checked.

You can also turn off error reporting in Vista and Windows 7, but not from this dialog box. I explain how to proceed in the Services section.

Remote Assistance: XP, Vista, Windows 7

If you’re not providing or receiving long-distance support, or if you use a third-party tool to provide that support, there’s no reason to leave the Remote Assistance feature on.

To turn it off, click the System Properties dialog box’s Remote tab. Uncheck Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer (in Vista or Windows 7) or Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent from this computer (in XP).

Windows Features Dialog Box

This handy box, semi-hidden in Vista and Windows 7, gives you on/off control over a multitude of features. You can control what games are available, turn on RIP Listener (which isn’t nearly as macabre as it sounds), and turn off some resource-wasting services.

XP users can skip this section, entirely–this dialog box was added with Vista.

To open the Windows Features dialog box, click Start, type programs and features, and press Enter. Once the ‘Uninstall or change a program’ application comes up, click Turn Windows features on or off in the left pane.

Windows 7 users can take a quicker alternative route: Click Start, type windows features, and select Turn Windows features on or off.

One warning: This dialog box takes a long time to load; and when you’re done with it and click OK, it takes an even longer time to close. Then it usually reboots the PC. Consequently it’s best to make all of these changes at one time.

Internet Printing Client: Vista, Windows 7

Don’t use Internet Printing? Turn it off.Do you ever print documents over the Internet? If not, you’re unlikely to miss Windows’ Internet Printing Client. To turn it off, first find and expand the Windows Features dialog box’s Print Services (or Print and Document Services) listing. Then uncheck Internet Printing Client.

Windows Meeting Space: Vista

If you’re working on collaborative projects with other Vista users, Meeting Space is a handy program to have around. It lets you share files across a network while editing them with a remote colleague. A lot of people were disappointed with Microsoft dropped Meeting Space from Windows 7.

But, if you’re not working on collaborative projects with other Vista users, Meeting Space is just a waste of resources. To disable it, simply uncheck Windows Meeting Space in the Windows Features dialog box.

Tablet PC Extras, Part 1: Vista, Windows 7

Turn off Tablet PC extras, part 1.In the long-ago days before the iPad, a tablet PC was a laptop with a touchscreen that could rotate 180 degrees and fold down over the keyboard. With those rather bulky and heavy tablets in mind, Windows offers some very good tools for touchscreen interfaces.

I’m actually writing this article on such a computer, and though I seldom fold it down into tablet mode, I wouldn’t dream of turning off those enhancements. However, if your computer lacks a touchscreen, you have no reason to leave them on.

This is a two-step process that starts in the Windows Features dialog box. Start by unchecking Tablet PC Optional Components (Vista) or Tablet PC Components (Windows 7).

Services

The first time you look at the Services window, you may feel that you’re getting deeper into geekdom than you ever wanted to go. But calm down–it’s really not that difficult.

To enter Services in Vista or Windows 7, click Start, type services, and press Enter.

In XP, select Start, choose Run, type services.msc, and press Enter.

The window that comes up can seem intimidating. It lists a great many services (nearly 200 on my PC) that various programs need to help them do their job. The problem is that some of the services that are running in the background could just as well be sleeping.

Double-click a service and up comes its Properties dialog box. One option on the General tab, ‘Startup type’, controls how the service starts. Select Automatic, and it loads when Windows boots. Select Manual, and it loads when a program needs it. Select Disabled, and it won’t load at all.

Tablet PC Extras, Part 2: Vista, Windows 7

Turn off Tablet PC extras, part 2.I’ve already discussed why you should or should not turn this set of features off, and I’ve described how to do the first part of the job. Now comes the second part. In Services, find and double-click the Tablet PC Input Service. In the ‘Startup type’ drop-down menu, select Disabled, and then click OK.

ReadyBoost: Vista

In theory, plugging a flash drive into your PC and letting ReadyBoost take control of it will speed up your PC. I have my doubts.

But if you aren’t using ReadyBoost to speed up Windows, the feature is slowing it down. In that case, you’ll be happier turning ReadyBoost off entirely.

In Services, find and double-click ReadyBoost. In the ‘Startup type’ drop-down menu, select Disabled, and then click OK.

XP doesn’t have ReadyBoost, and Windows 7 doesn’t allow you to turn it off.

Search Indexing: XP, Vista, Windows 7

Indexing speeds up Windows’ searches considerably, especially in Vista and Windows 7: An indexed search can take seconds, while a nonindexed search can take minutes. But when you’re not searching, indexing drags down performance.

If you almost never search for files, or if you use a third-party search tool like Copernic Desktop or Google Desktop, consider turning off search indexing. Otherwise, leave it on.

The service you want to turn off is called Windows Search in Vista and Windows 7, and Indexing Service in XP. To turn it off, select Disabled.

Error Reporting: Vista, Windows 7

I’ve already discussed how to do disable this feature in XP. To switch it off in Vista or Windows 7, you’ll need to disable it in a different location.

Windows reports errors back to Microsoft, in order to gain information for later bug fixes. The trouble is that this reporting operation slows down your PC at the moment when you’re most annoyed by it.

If you’d rather speed up your PC than help Microsoft debug software that it has already sold to you, find and double-click the Windows Error Reporting Service. In the ‘Startup type’ drop-down menu, select Disabled.

Fast User Switching: XP

No, I’m not suggesting that anyone switch you with a faster user.

This service helps Windows keep two or more users logged on and active at a time. That’s useful and convenient…provided you’re sharing the PC with another person.

If the PC is all yours, find and double-click the Fast User Switching Compatibility service, and set the Startup type to Disabled.

Help and Support: XP

You shouldn’t turn this one off entirely. After all, if you need help for an XP component, the last thing you want is to get an error message instead.

But unless you constantly use Help, you won’t want it to be running until you need it. So in Services, find and double-click Help and Support, and select the Startup type Manual. That way, Help and Support won’t load until you ask for it.

Offline Files: Vista and Windows 7 (Business and Ultimate Editions Only)

If you work on files stored on a server whose availability you can’t depend on, Offline Files makes your life easier by copying the files to your hard drive and keeping them synced.

But if you don’t work on such files, there’s no point in keeping the feature activated. Find and double-click the service Offline Files. In the ‘Startup type’ drop-down menu, select Disabled, and then click OK.

This feature isn’t available in any of the Home editions of Vista or Windows 7.

The Desktop

The features that you can disable here are the easiest ones to turn off–and switching them off is likely to yield the biggest improvements in performance, too.

Aero: Vista, Windows 7

Turn off Aero in Vista, step 1.With Vista, Microsoft gave Windows an attractive, transparent look that it dubbed Aero. With Aero on, the headers at the top of each window are slightly transparent. You can’t see what’s behind them clearly enough to read them, but it gives the desktop a nice, three-dimensional look.

But that look eats clock cycles, and depending on the speed of your PC and your willingness to trade performance for aesthetics, you might want to turn Aero off.

Turn off Aero in Vista, step 2.If you’re using Vista, right-click the Windows desktop and select Personalize, Window Color and Appearance. Click the Open classic appearance properties for more color options link (if you don’t see the link, Aero is already off).

Turn off Aero in Windows 7. In Windows 7, right-click the Windows desktop and select Personalize. Select one of the themes that are displayed under the ‘Basic and High Contrast Themes’ heading.

The Sidebar: Vista

That bar full of widgets on the right side of the Vista desktop must have seemed like a good idea at the time. Who wouldn’t want a feature that distracts you when you need to concentrate, steals precious screen space, and slows system performance like an anvil chained to a swimmer’s leg?

Someone must have complained, because Microsoft didn’t include the Sidebar in Windows 7.

Unlike the other features in this article, this one has no possible redeeming value. I’m not suggesting that you consider turning this feature off; I’m urging you to turn it off without further consideration.

To remove the Sidebar, Right-click a blank space on the Sidebar and select Properties. Uncheck Start Sidebar when Windows starts.

Read the full article at: http://www.pcworld.com/article/218323-2/speed_up_windows_by_stripping_it_down.html

http://www.pcworld.com/article/225373/how_to_reset_your_wireless_router.html

By Nick Mediati, PCWorld

Is your Wi-Fi network at home password-protected? If not, it should be. You might not care if your neighbors use your Wi-Fi connection to surf the Web, but someone with more sinister motives could take advantage of your generosity (and lack of protection) to gain access to data stored on your home PCs.

The easiest way to guard against Wi-Fi interlopers is to encrypt your Wi-Fi network. Afterward you’ll have to enter a password whenever you connect to your Wi-Fi network, but that’s a small price to pay for improved security. Most Wi-Fi routers support WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption standards. Be sure to use either the WPA or WPA2 encryption settings, which provide a much higher level of security than WEP encryption.

Another safeguard is to set your router not to broadcast the SSID (your network’s name). With SSID broadcasting disabled, your wireless network won’t be visible to computers nearby, and only people who specifically know your network’s name will be able to find it.

The procedure for locking down your Wi-Fi will vary depending on your router’s model and manufacturer. Check the router’s documentation for instructions.

Read the full article at: http://www.pcworld.com/article/226784/how_to_secure_your_home_wifi_network.html

By Rick Broida, PCWorld

When the phone rings in my house, there’s a 50/50 chance it’s a call for help–tech help. Maybe it’s my sister trying to figure out why her wireless mouse no longer works. Maybe it’s Dad wanting to know why virus warnings keep popping up on his desktop. (Uh, oh.) Or it could be Aunt Judy looking for the file attachment she knows she saved–but doesn’t know where.

Sound familiar? The curse of being even a little tech-savvy is that you automatically get elected Tech Support for friends, family members, and maybe even your coworkers.

It can be a heavy burden to bear, as the interruptions always seem to come right when you’re watching the final episodes of Lost or smack in the middle of an Xbox smackdown. I mean, working. They always come when you’re working.

Still, these are people you care about (or at least, tolerate), and surely it’s a compliment that they look to you as the brains of the outfit. So wear your Computer Repairman badge with honor, and follow these tips to deal with common problems as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Patience Is a Virtue

How you feel when your printer won’t print.More often than not, the person you’re dealing with will be frustrated, exasperated, and possibly downright angry. (Just like you are when your printer won’t print.)

The key here is to be as understanding as possible. Start by assuring the person that whatever happened isn’t his or her fault, that these kinds of things happen all the time, to everybody, and that the problem, whatever it is, is just par for the computing course.

In other words, be patient. Let him vent. Give her a shoulder to cry on. Then get down to business. They’ll feel better, and you’ll be able to work without so much yelling and/or sobbing over your shoulder.

You’re Not Superman

When it comes to troubleshooting other people’s PCs, think like a physician: “First, do no harm.” Before you start deleting drivers, installing utilities, or replacing power supplies, ask yourself if this is a problem you really know how to solve. It’s great to be the hero, but the last thing you want to do is make things worse. Know your limits, and know when it’s time to call in professional help.

Start With the Obvious: Undo, Reset, Reboot

Tech remedies that seem elementary and obvious to you might be totally foreign to your “clients,” so before you roll up your sleeves too far, start with some everyday troubleshooting maneuvers.

For example, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten this panicky call: “I was typing along in Word and all of a sudden my entire document disappeared!” Crazy, right?

Not really: This is often the result of accidental selection of all the document’s text, either from pressingCtrl-A (the Select All command) or an errant brush of a laptop’s touchpad, followed by additional typing.

Ctrl-Z equals “Undo,” and works in almost every modern application.Consider this a teachable moment: “Ctrl-Z is your friend.” That’s theUndo command in just about every modern application, from Adobe Photoshop to Microsoft Word, and it reverses your most recent action.

In fact, many programs support multiple levels of Undo, meaning your first press of Ctrl-Z reverses the last action, the next press reverses the one before that, and so on. It’s like going back in time step-by-step.

Suppose the problem is a sluggish or unavailable Internet connection. Computer neophytes love to blame the situation on viruses, but if you see no other evidence to support that, start with the obvious: resetting the modem and/or router. In my experience, that simple step solves the problem more often than not.

And speaking of resets, don’t forget one of the best problem-solvers of all: rebooting the PC. When a program won’t run, a printer won’t print, or some other mysterious glitch appears out of nowhere, a reboot will frequently do the trick. Not always, but it’s definitely worth a try. Same goes for the phone, iPod, printer, GPS, and other gadgets.

Take (Remote) Control of Their PC

Trying to troubleshoot a computer problem over the phone is like trying to tie someone else’s shoelaces–when that someone is in a different house. It’s a maddeningly slow, often fruitless process, one that usually unfolds like this:

“Okay, open up the Control Panel.”

“Where’s the Control Panel?”

“In the Start menu.”

“Where’s that?”

“The Start menu. You know, the Start button?”

“Oh, that. So I should click that?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, then what?”

“Open the Control Panel.”

“Where’s the Control Panel?”

“Look for the thing that says ‘Control Panel.’”

“I don’t see it.”

Fortunately, an easy way to avoid this special kind of hell is to use remote-control software. As long as their Internet connection is working, such software lets your PC take control of the other person’s PC, interacting with their system just as though you were actually sitting in front of it. It’s a lifesaver and a sanity-saver–and it won’t cost either person a penny.

CrossLoop Free (Windows), LogMeIn Express (Windows), and TeamViewer (Windows and Mac OS X) are among the free tools that make this remote control (which is also known as screen sharing) possible.

I’m partial to LogMeIn Express, if only because it’s the easiest of the three for the other user–the person needing help–to deploy. Here are the exact over-the-phone instructions you’d give that person:

1. Google “LogMeIn Express,” then click the first link that appears.

2. Click the blue Share button.

3. When a pop-up box appears, click the Run button. (Firefox users may need to save theLogMeInExpress.exe file, then run it manually.)

4. Read off the nine-digit code that appears in the LogMeIn Express box.

At your end, fire up your browser, visit the aforementioned LogMeIn Express site, and type the code into the View Another Screen field. Click View, and in a few seconds you should have total control over the other person’s system. Now you can poke around, see what’s happening, and, hopefully, fix whatever needs fixing.

Don’t Forget The Flash Drive

If you can’t make any headway via remote control–a definite possibility if the problem is a malware infection, a finicky printer, or the like–it may be time for an in-person visit. But unlike a repairman out to fix a busted dishwasher, you don’t need a big, heavy toolbox to deal with most computer-related issues. The only “hammer” required is a flash drive.

Specifically, a flash drive (I recommend one with at least 2GB of storage space) equipped with file-recovery utilities, malware-fighting software, system-diagnostic programs, and other so-called portable apps that can run directly from the drive, no installation required. It’s like a multitool for PCs, one you assemble yourself with the applications you like best.

Or, if you prefer, the ones I like best. I never go on a repair call without the following flash-drive freebies:

CCleaner Portable Not so much a problem solver as a system tuner, CCleaner cleans up the Registry, eliminates temporary files, and just generally gives Windows a good scrubbing. It may help a slow PC run faster.

Everything Portable Sometimes the only problem is a missing file. The Everything search engine makes quick work of finding files and folders.

Recover your “client’s” files with Recuva Portable, running on a flash drive you carry.Recuva Portable Virus, drive glitch, user error–who cares how the files got deleted? The point is to get them back. With this free tool, your chances of “Recuva-ry” are about as good as they get. And because you run it from your flash drive, it reduces the chances of the lost file(s) getting overwritten on the hard drive.

SUPERAntiSpyware A few months ago, the so-called AntiVirus Live virus started bombarding PCs with scary, real-looking security warnings and masquerading as a program–Antivirus Live–that would protect and repair them. SUPERAntiSpyware (which sounds like one of the fake programs it promises to remove) can rid a PC of that and other pernicious infections. (Click on the thumbnail below.)

Clean out your “client’s” PC–or your own–with SUPERAntiSpyware.You can find hundreds more portable apps at Pendriveapps.com. Of course, most of these tools have one common requirement: Windows. But what happens if Windows won’t boot or keeps crashing? This could be the result of corrupted system files, a major malware infestation, or even a failing hard drive. In any case, Windows-powered utilities won’t do you much good. You’re going to need a stronger solution.

Like Linux. You can install an entire Linux operating system on your flash drive and make that drive bootable, meaning it’ll load the OS without making any changes to your PC. That’s one effective way to rescue files and data that are otherwise trapped inside a busted Windows. To learn how to create a bootable flash drive, check out Lincoln Spector’s handy guide.

On the other hand, if you’re just trying to clear out some stubborn viruses, try AVG Rescue CD. True to its name, this free antivirus utility was designed for bootable CDs–but a flash-drive version that works just as well is also available. It boots into a specialized Linux environment that can scan for and remove infections within Windows. It also features a Registry editor, a file-recovery tool, and a file browser, among other helpers.

Share Your Resources

What’s the best defense against technology problems of all kinds? Education, of course. Consequently, when you come across particularly helpful articles, how-to guides, and the like–you know, the kind packed in PCWorld and on PCWorld.com–share them with your family, friends, and colleagues. The more they know, the better prepared they’ll be when trouble strikes–and all the less likely to call you during dinner.

To view the original article visit: http://www.pcworld.com/article/193811-2/how_to_fix_your_familys_pc_problems.html

Enjoy!

Office Suite

1. OpenOffice.org – OpenOffice.org is a viable alternative to Microsoft Office – even for professional use. It can do just about anything Office can.
2. Notepad++ – A free source code editor and Notepad replacement, which supports several programming languages, running under the MS Windows environment.
3. EditPad Lite – A general-purpose text editor, designed to be small and compact, yet offer all the functionality you expect from a basic text editor.

Security

1. avast! 4 Home Edition – A complete antivirus solution that is able to find computer viruses, create and check the integrity of programs installed, test executed programs and opened documents, to test and check email and other functions.
2. AVG Anti-Virus – A free security solution that is easy to use, has low system resources, automatic update functionality and ability to protect as files are opened and programs are run.
3. Comodo Firewall – A free firewall that constantly monitors and defends your PC from internet attacks. It is a fully functional product that comes with continual updates that are free forever!

Desktop management

1. Clipomatic – A clipboard cache program that remembers what was copied to the clipboard and allows you to retrieve it, even after you’ve copied something else to the clipboard.

Browser

1. Firefox – Firefox includes tons of useful features such as tabbed browsing, built-in and customizable search bars, a built-in RSS reader and a huge library of extensions developed by thousand of developers.

Graphics Editing

1. GIMP – A complete image editing software with capabilities not found in any other free software product. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert-quality photo-retouching program, a mass production image renderer, or an image-format converter.
2. IrfanView – A fast and compact image viewer/converter that is simple for beginners and powerful for professionals.

PDF creator

1. PDF creator – A simple PDF creation tool for those who just want to skip the technical steps and produce a PDF file. If you know how to print, then you know how to use this software.

Virtual Server

1. VMware Server – VMware Server installs on any existing server hardware and partitions a physical server into multiple virtual machines by abstracting processor, memory, storage and networking resources, giving you greater hardware utilization and flexibility.
2. LogMeIn Hamachi – A VPN that allows you to access your home PC from work (or vice versa) as though you’re sitting right in front of it.

Download manager

1. Internet download manager – A tool for increasing download speeds by up to 5 times, and for resuming, scheduling, and organizing downloads. The program will resume unfinished downloads due to network problems, or unexpected power outages.

File Management

1. Eraser – An advanced security tool for Windows that allows you to completely remove sensitive data from your hard drive by overwriting it several times with carefully selected patterns.
2. Restoration – An easy to use and straight forward tool to undelete files that were removed from the recycle bin or directly deleted from within Windows (we were able to recover photos from a Flash card that had been formatted).

Backup Program

1. Cobian Backup – A multi-threaded program that can be used to schedule and backup your files and directories from their original location to other directories/drives in the same computer or other computer in your network.
2. DriveImage XML – This software allows you to backup logical drives and partitions to image files, browse these images, view and extract files, restore these images to the same or a different drive and copy directly from drive to drive.

File Compression

1. Winzip – Using WinZip, you can quickly and easily compress and decompress files, folders, and entire folder trees to save storage space and reduce e-mail-transmission time, as well as encrypt and decrypt your sensitive documents.

System Optimization and Diagnostic Tool

1. CCleaner – A system optimization and privacy tool that removes unused files from your system and allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space.

Video Converter

1. Any Video Converter – An all-in-one video converting freeware with easy-to-use graphical interface, fast converting speed, and excellent video quality.

To read the full list of software visit: http://maketecheasier.com/best-101-free-computer-software-for-your-daily-use/2007/12/10

By Justin Phelps, PCWorld

Malware is a term used to describe a broad category of damaging software that includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, rootkits, spyware, and adware. The effects of malware range from brief annoyance to computer crashes and identity theft. Malware is easier to avoid than it is to remove. Avoiding malware involves a two-part strategy. Follow these guidelines for staying safe.

Prevent Malware With Smart Online Behavior

The single biggest factor in preventing a malware infection on your PC is you. You don’t need expert knowledge or special training. You just need vigilance to avoid downloading and installing anything you do not understand or trust, no matter how tempting, from the following sources:

From a website: If you are unsure, leave the site and research the software you are being asked to install. If it is OK, you can always come back to site and install it. If it is not OK, you will avoid a malware headache.

From e-mail: Do not trust anything associated with a spam e-mail. Approach e-mail from people you know with caution when the message contains links or attachments. If you are suspicious of what you are being asked to view or install, don’t do it.

From physical media: Your friends, family, and associates may unknowingly give you a disc or flash drive with an infected file on it. Don’t blindly accept these files; scan them with security software. If you are still unsure, do not accept the files.

From a pop-up window: Some pop-up windows or boxes will attempt to corner you into downloading software or accepting a free “system scan” of some type. Often these pop-ups will employ scare tactics to make you believe you need what they are offering in order to be safe. Close the pop-up without clicking anything inside it (including the X in the corner). Close the window via Windows Task Manager (press Ctrl-Alt-Delete).

From another piece of software: Some programs attempt to install malware as a part of their own installation process. When installing software, pay close attention to the message boxes before clicking Next, OK, or I Agree. Scan the user agreement for anything that suggests malware may be a part of the installation. If you are unsure, cancel the installation, check up on the program, and run the installation again if you determine it is safe.

From illegal file-sharing services: You’re on your own if you enter this realm. There is little quality control in the world of illegal software, and it is easy for an attacker to name a piece of malware after a popular movie, album, or program to tempt you into downloading it.

Remove Malware With the Right Software

Chances are that no matter how careful you are, you will be infected some day. That’s because malware is designed to sneak onto your computer in ways you can’t possibly foresee. Enlist the help of the following software:

An updated operating system: Use Windows Update. Take advantage of its ability to automatically notify you of updates, or better yet, to automatically download and install updates.

An updated browser: No matter which browser you use, keeping it current is vital to preventing infection. Take advantage of your browser’s pop-up blocking, download screening, and automatic update features.

Antivirus software: You must run an antivirus program to be safe. Keep it updated, turned on, and schedule a scan to run at least once a month. (Don’t run two antivirus programs; they will interfere with one another.)

Anti-malware: Also called anti-spyware, many antivirus applications include an anti-malware component. If yours does not, install and use a standalone anti-malware program that does not conflict with your antivirus program. Keep it updated.

Firewall: If you aren’t running a third-party firewall, use Windows Firewall. (Don’t run two firewalls at once; they will interfere with one another.)

Spam filter: If your e-mail program is not adequately filtering spam from your in-box, consider additional spam filtering software. If your security software is a security suite, spam filtering may be a feature that you need to switch on.

Read the full article at: http://www.pcworld.com/article/210891/how_to_avoid_malware.html

By Justin Phelps, PCWorld

You weren’t expecting the email attachment you just received. Or a website is asking you to install software you don’t recognize. Or a friend whose computer is infected hands you a flash drive with a file he wants you to open. Your instincts are right: If you are unsure about a file, don’t download it or open it before you do some detective work. It takes less time to check a suspicious file than it does to clean up the contamination it can cause. This guide shows you the steps to take to protect yourself.

Rely on Your Software

Your security software (antivirus or anti-malware program) most likely has the ability to check a file before you open it (or even before you transfer it from physical media to your computer). Here’s how to do it:

1. View the file’s icon in a window.

2. Right-click the icon to bring up a contextual menu.

3. Your security software may have a menu entry labeled Scan file or something similar. Click the entry to initiate a scan.

If your security software does not provide a contextual menu option, open the security software’s control panel and navigate to the scan section. Here, you will be able to select specific targets (files) to scan (sometimes this option is listed in an Advanced Options menu).

Internet Research

In cases where you aren’t able to scan a suspect file with your security software-when a website is trying to install something, for instance-follow these steps:

1. Gather as many details as you can about the suspicious software. Record the name of the software as well as the name of the website you were on when it popped up.

2. Search the Internet for the name of the software first. The legitimacy and safety of the software will usually become apparent after you read the first few results. If it is still unclear, search again for the name and add terms like “malware,” “safe,” or “remove.” Also check the reputation of the website that asked you to accept the software. If you remain unsure, stay away.

Keep Software Updated

1. The latest versions of Web browsers are able to screen downloads, warn you of harmful programs, and block recently discovered malware.

2. Most email programs scan attachments for infections before you download them. Pay attention to these scans.