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Geekly Update March 16

Here's your Geekly Update for this week, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on......

Free Fax Number

"Every once in a while, I need to receive a fax, but I don't have my own fax machine. It's embarassing to tell business contacts that my fax number is the local Kinko's, and it's a hassle to drive there...

Geekly Update March 9

Track Cell Phone

There are many reasons you might want to locate a cell phone and track its movements. Perhaps you lost your phone and would like it back. You might be an anxious parent, a government agent, or you could be part...

Has Your Computer Been Hijacked?

Computer hijacking happens when someone snatches control of your computer and makes it do his evil bidding. This is bad not only for the owner of the computer but also for the millions of Internet users against which the hijacked...

Five Things You Didn't Know Windows 7 Could Do

Windows 7 is still fairly new. It's full of little differences from earlier Windows versions, and surprises buried deeply in its complex features. Here are a few things you can do with Windows 7 that many people don't know about......

More Than One Antivirus Program?

"I'm not sure which anti-virus program is installed on my computer. I think I might even have more than one. How can I find out which one I have, and is it good to have multiple anti-virus programs?"...

Geekly Update February 3

What is the Apple iPad?

After months of rumor and hype unrivaled since Windows Vista was conceived, Apple finally revealed the final form of its iPad tablet computer on Wednesday, January 27, 2010. What's it all about, and what does it mean to you?...

Geekly Update January 19

What Is Java and Do I Need It?

Many websites tell you they have a "Java application" to show you and you need to enable Java on your end to run it. Is Java safe? Are there any potential downsides to installing it? Read on to find out......

Google Public DNS

Google recently announced its Public DNS service, which provides an alternative Domain Name Service (DNS) for any user connected to the Internet. Read on to find out why using this service could speed up your web surfing and provide other...

YouTube to MP3 Converter

YouTube is one of the most popular sites on the Web, and a very useful one. You can find a video or audio file of almost any song or subject on YouTube, and upload your own creations to share with...

Internet Security Suites

"I recently got a new computer, and the free trial of McAfee antivirus is about to expire. I've been looking at Internet Security Suites, but there are so many options and features that my head is spinning. What should I...

Digital Picture Frames

"I want to give my mother a digital picture frame, but she's a senior citizen and not so tech savvy. What do you recommend that works well and is easy to use?"...

Who Owns That Website?

You may need to know who owns or operates a Web site. Most people don't realize that domain registration information is easily searched by using free publicly available databases. Here's how to get the name and contact info for (almost)...

Setting Up A Website

So, you want your own website... Setting up a site of your very own can be free and easy, or as expensive and complicated as a NASA mission to Mars. Here are some tips on getting started......

WAV to MP3 Converter

"I have hundreds of WAV audio files that are taking up a lot of hard drive space. Can you recommend a good WAV to MP3 converter that will do the job, preferably free?"...

Buy a Domain Name

"I want to create my own website, but I don't know where to start. Where can I buy my own .COM domain name, and how much does it cost?"...

Geekly Update December 14

Antispam Tools

Spam is a huge problem on the Internet. For many years now, well over half of all email traffic has been spam. Spam wastes much of the Net's bandwidth, slowing down legitimate traffic. On the personal level, few things irritate...

What Is Google Voice?

"I'm a little confused by Google Voice. It seems like a way to get free phone service, but that sounds too good to be true. Can you explain what Google Voice is, and is not?...

Geekly Update December 7

Does PCTools Threatfire Boost Security?

"I've seen magazine ads for a security tool called PCTools ThreatFire, but I don't quite understand what it's supposed to do. Will it replace my anti-virus software, or do I need both?"...

Completely Erase a Hard Drive

When you replace a hard drive, what do you do with the old one? Most people give their surplus drives away to friends or charities. Some just throw them in the trash. But what about all the data on that...

Free Teleconferencing

Voice teleconferencing remains a staple of business despite the proliferation of alternatives such as email, instant messaging, and webinars. When you want a meeting but can’t get everyone together in the same room, it’s natural to call for a teleconference....

Geekly Update November 17

Consolidate Email Accounts

"I have three email accounts, and it's a nuisance to check each one. I also have trouble keeping my address books in sync, and when I'm looking for a certain message, I have to check in three places. Is there...

Fax Broadcasting

"I need to send a weekly fax update to a large group of people. It's tedious to stand at the fax machine and enter each number. Is there software that can do this for me?"...

Inexpensive Computer Upgrades

"My computer is showing signs of age, but I can't afford a new one. What hardware upgrades do you recommend to improve speed and usability for those with older computers?"...

Geekly Update November 9

Here's your Geekly Update for the week of November 9th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on......

AVG 9 Review

AVG Technologies has been protecting computer users against viruses, spyware, and other malware since 1991. Its eponymous software, simply called "AVG" comes in a free version for personal "basic protection" use and a commercial version for "enhanced protection" use. The...

Geekly Update November 2

Here's your Geekly Update for the week of November 2nd, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on.....

The Droid Phone

There's a certain segment of the population that is addicted to gizmos and gadgets. They're always waiting for the Next Big Thing. Those people are anxiously awaiting November 6, 2009, when the Motorola/Verizon Droid smartphone will be released to the...

Internet Explorer 8 Versus Firefox

Should you use Internet Explorer version 8, or the new Firefox version 3.5? Which is better, faster, easier to use? Read on for my comparison of the latest versions of the two most popular browsers......

Backup Your Mobile Phone

"Recently I lost my phone, and along with it, all my contacts, music, text messages and apps. It's been expensive and time consuming to reconstruct everything, so I'm looking for a way to back up all the data on my...

Geekly Update October 20

Here's your Geekly Update for the week of October 20th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on......

Print to File

"Often I compose a letter in Word, then paste the text into an email. But all the formatting (and sometimes images) are lost when my friends view it. Can I somehow capture in a file, exactly what WOULD appear on...

Geekly Update October 13

Here's your Geekly Update for the week of October 13th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on......

What Is a Fax Server?

"I work in a busy office, and often the fax machine is a major source of frustation and lost productivity. I'm no geek, but it sounds like a central fax server would save time and money. Can you get me...

Piggyback Downloads

"Suddenly my web browser is cluttered with toolbars that I never asked for. I delete them, but sometimes they come back. Why is this happening, and how do I get rid of all those unwanted toolbars?"...

Which Linux Version Is Right For Me?

"I understand there are many variations on the Linux theme. I want to try Linux as a free alternative to Windows, but I feel like I'm in a diner with too many options on the menu. Can you give me...

Fax Over VOIP?

"I'm thinking of switching to VOIP phone service with Vonage or my cable provider. But I'm not sure if I can send a fax over a VOIP connection. Does faxing with VOIP work well?"...

Palm Pre Versus iPhone

"I'm a Sprint customer, and thinking about buying a new smartphone. I like the iPhone, but it's only on AT&T. Sprint's Palm Pre also looks good, but how does it stack up to the iPhone?"...

Is Stamps.com a Scam?

"I hear radio ads for Stamps.com, promising the ability to print postage stamps at home, and $100 in bonuses. Is Stamps.com internet postage legit, or a scam?"...

Can My Boss See What I Do Online?

"Like most people, I do a little personal web browsing at work. But I'm wondering... Can my boss see what websites I visit?"...

Geekly Update September 21

Here's your Geekly Update for the week of September 21st, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, security patches, browser news, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on......

Windows Task Manager

Task Manager is a utility built into Windows that lets you monitor the applications and hidden services running on your PC. You can also use it to force a task to shut down; get an idea of how well your...

Geekly Update September 15

Here's your Geekly Update for the week of September 15th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, security patches, browser news, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on......

Is Cloud Storage Safe?

"I'm using cloud-based services like online backup, web-based email and document sharing. But I really don't know much about the safety and security of cloud computing. How vulnerable am I?"...

Geekly Update September 8

Here's your Geekly Update for the week of September 8th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, security patches, browser news, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on......

How to Remove Rootkits

"What exactly is a rootkit, and how is it different than a virus? Also, how can I detect and remove rootkit infections from my computer?"...

Which Blackberry Should I Buy?

So you've decided that the time is right to join the BlackBerry revolution, but there are so many options. RIM offers 5 different Blackberry models -- Pearl, Curve, Storm, Bold and Tour -- so let's take an in-depth look to...

Geekly Update August 24

Here's your Geekly Update for the week of August 24th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, security patches, browser news, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on......

Netbook Or Laptop?

What is a netbook? And what's the difference between a netbook and a laptop? You may be standing in a store asking yourself these questions soon. Here are the answers......

Securing Your Router

Your router is the box that feeds your high-speed internet connection into your computer. But is it also an open door to hackers, crackers and wifi moochers? Learn how to secure your router…...

Geekly Update August 3

Here's your Geekly Update for the week of August 3rd, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, security patches, browser news, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on......

Do You Have a Gravatar?

A gravatar (Globally Recognized Avatar) is an image that appears alongside your name when you post on blogs and forums. If you're an active participant in online discussions, get a gravatar and get globally recognized! Here's how......

Send a Fax by Email

"I don't have a fax machine. Is it possible to send a free fax by email?"...

Social Networking Backup

"A huge chunk of my life social life is stored on Facebook and Twitter. What would happen if I could no longer access that information? Is there a way to backup my social network postings?"...

Geekly Update July 21

Here's your Geekly Update for the week of July 20th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, security patches, browser news, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on......

How to Hide Your IP Address

"I'm concerned about my online privacy, so I want to hide my IP address. How can I do this?"...

Ubuntu Jaunty Jackalope

Ubuntu, Gnome, desktop, operating system, OpenOffice

What is Wolfram Alpha?

Have you heard about Wolfram Alpha? It sounds like a secret society of zoologists, but it's actually one of the coolest new search engines to come along in quite a while. Here's the scoop......

Privacy Software

"I'm concerned about threats to my privacy while using my home computer. Can you recommend any good tools to help me use my computer and navigate the web safely, without compromising my privacy?"...

What Is Bing?

Today you have many search engines to choose from. Each search engine offers you both standard keyword search options and a few special features. One of the newest search engines to hit the streets is Microsoft's Bing. Let's see what...

Webmail Smackdown!

Twitter Tools Twelve

Using Twitter doesn't automatically make you cool. But if you put a bunch of these awesome Twitter tools, apps and addons to work for you, the chances of achieving a higher standing in the twittosphere are greatly increased......

Free Online Books

"I have a Kindle, and my wife owns a Sony eReader. We love our portable book readers, but we need to cut expenses. Can you recommend some online sources for free ebook downloads?"...

Note Taking Tools

When I was a kid, research meant spending hours in the library, poring over dusty tomes, making notes on index cards, and then trying to organize it all. Today the wealth of information on the Internet can be tapped, annotated,...

Free Video Chat Programs

Two-way video phones have been "just around the corner" for about 40 years. I've officially given up waiting on Ma Bell to provide this feature, since you can get free video chat software that works over the Internet. Here's a...

Internet Explorer 8

"Should I upgrade to Internet Explorer 8? How does it compare to Firefox, when it comes to features, speed and security?"...

The Lexicon of Online Evil

Hackers, black hats, cyber-criminals, identity thieves, and spam kings -- these are some of the Bad Guys in the online world. And because of them, we've had to invent a whole new vocabulary to describe the dastardly deeds they do....

Private Browsing

"Some browsers now have a 'private browsing' mode which is supposed to eliminate your tracks while surfing the web. How well does this work in practice, and which browsers support the private browsing feature?"...

Portable Apps

Did you know that you can load up a flash drive with your favorite programs and run them on any computer, without installing, directly from the portable drive? Here's the scoop on portable apps......

TrapCall Reveals Blocked Caller ID

"I've read about TrapCall, a service that claims to be able to reveal the true caller for calls where the callerID info is blocked or hidden. Does Trapcall really work? Are there any privacy concerns or gotchas?"...

My New Phone is an iPod Touch

I had myself talked into buying a new phone, and was eagerly checking out the latest phones, smartphones and PDAs. But something happened on the way to the phone store......

Free Anti-Spam Tools

"It seems like I get more spam than ever, and I'm not sure why. What free anti-spam tools can you recommend to help me keep spam to a minimum?"...

Magic Jack - Good or Evil?

Perhaps you've read reports about spyware in Magic Jack, or heard claims that the company sells your private information to third parties. Here's the scoop......

Best Web Browser?

"I have friends who have stopped using Internet Explorer and they're always telling me that Firefox or some other browser is better. What are my choices, and which one is best for the average internet user?"...

Magic Jack Phone Service

"I've seen commercials for Magic Jack, a device you can plug into your computer for really cheap phone service. It sounds too good to be true, so... is there a catch or is Magic Jack a scam?"...

How to Buy a Computer

"I teach senior citizens in a community based free computer lab. They often ask what to look for when buying a computer, what software they need for email, basic Internet usage, word processing, etc. Many are on a limited budget....

Parental Control Software

"I have pre-teen children who are just starting to get interested in the Web. What parental control software do you recommend?"...

Virtual Memory

"What's the difference between virtual memory and real memory? And how can I add more virtual memory to my computer?"...

How To Mess Up Your Computer

Aside from actually drop-kicking it or smashing it with a sledge hammer, it's fairly difficult to actually "break" a computer. That said, there are a number of ways to render your computer just slightly more useful than a doorstop. Certain...

Online Shopping Discounts

Saving money is something that everyone is interested in, and because of this many sites have been created to help shoppers find good deals on the products they want to buy. Here's the scoop on the best price comparison websites,...

Cloud Computing

"I'm hearing the term Cloud Computing more and more. One friend told me that it means computers will soon not need a hard drive. Is that correct?"...

Great Gadget Gifts

Are you going nuts over the selection of electronics that are available for this holiday season? There are so many choices -- cell phones, music players, PDAs, video cams and more. Read on for my personal recommendations to help you...

Mini Laptops

"I'm considering buying one of those netbook mini-laptops for my daughter. Can they do everything that the larger laptops do? Can you recommend any specific mini laptop models?"...

Free People Search

Are you searching for someone? Free people search tools online can help you find college classmates, high school sweethearts, long lost relatives, even dig up facts about neighbors, potential tenants or job seekers. Here are my recommendations for the best...

Avira Free Anti-Virus

"I'm confused by all the free antivirus products. I've read in some forums that Avira is the best, others claim that AVG or Avast is definitely the way to go. Which one do you recommend?"...

Internet Security Cameras

"I have someone in my home during the day to clean and do childcare. Can I install a wireless security camera that can be monitored over the internet? I'd like to be able to look in during the day from...

Is Free Wifi Illegal?

"Sometimes when I'm away from home, I'll park my car, fire up the laptop and get online with a free unsecured wireless signal. Is this legal?"...

Gmail Labs

Gmail has been my favorite web-based email service for several years, and one of the things I like is that they're always adding new features and experimenting with various options to make it easier to use. Have you heard what's...

What is Scribd?

Scribd is a type of a social networking website that allows you to publish all kinds of documents and images to the web. It's great for people who have something to share with the world but don't have a website,...

Wanna Wubi?

If you've always wanted to try out Linux but were afraid it would mess up your current Windows system, Wubi is a free, painless solution for installing Ubuntu Linux. Here's how......

The Chrome Browser

Google is now in the browser business. Chrome is the name of Google's new web browser, aimed squarely at competing with Microsoft Internet Explorer. So how does Chrome differ from IE, Firefox, Safari and other browsers? Read on for details...

Gmail - New Features

Google recently added some nifty new features to Gmail, their free web-based email service. Here's a look a what's new in Gmail......

Free Internet Faxing

Why use an expensive and complicated fax machine when there are so many Internet alternatives? Some even allow you to send and receive faxes online for free. Here's a roundup of free Internet fax services......

AVG Review

Is your computer safe from viruses? Without the proper protection, your computer can catch a virus faster than you can recite your email address three times. Viruses can destroy files, compromise your privacy, and make you vulnerable to identity theft....

What is a Botnet?

"I've read warnings about getting caught up in a botnet, but I still don't understand the danger. Can you explain in simple terms what a botnet is, and how to avoid them?"...

Free Inbound Faxing

"I occasionally need to receive an inbound fax, but I don't own a fax machine. Going to Kinko's or the local drugstore to pick up a fax is a nuisance, and nothing is private there. Is there some way to...

Accessing Blocked Websites

If you are a student, employee, or part of the military, you've probably experienced the frustration of not being able to access certain websites or even your webmail. Fortunately there are some things you can do to access these blocked...

My Favorite Software

In the course of doing my job, I use certain programs on a regular basis. On any given day, I might be doing word processing, web design, programming, image editing, trouble shooting, and of course email and web surfing. Here...

Samsung Instinct Review

Samsung recently introduced the Instinct at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association Wireless 2008 show. The Instinct was rated the top cell phone presented at this year's show by CNET. But how does this slick mobile device compare to the iPhone?...

Search Privacy

"I've heard that Google keeps a log of everything that people search for. If this is true, can I delete my search history? Who else is keeping track of what I search for?"...

Voyager Versus iPhone

"Some people are calling the new LG Voyager a potential iPhone killer. I'm considering buying the Voyager so I'd like your take on how it stacks up against the Apple iPhone."...

What is Hulu?

"I checked out Hulu and was impressed by the amount of popular TV shows available for free there. Almost seems too good to be true, so… is it?"...

Ubuntu Hardy Heron

"I'm hearing good things about the latest Ubuntu Linux. Is there anything compelling enough in the latest release to save me from installing Vista on my next machine? Kinda hoping so..."...

Automatic Backups

"My hard drive failed last week, and my latest backup was a year old. So I lost pretty much ALL of my important files. Can you recommend an AUTOMATIC backup that just works?"...

What Is My House Worth?

"I'm worried about the worth of my house in today's economy. The mortgage crisis is wreaking havoc on property values. What online tools can you suggest to help determine the value of my home?"...

Ubuntu Linux Gutsy Gibbon

Is Linux ready for the masses? Or is it still a geeks club? The new Ubuntu Linux Gutsy Gibbon puts a little more polish on the Linux desktop and moves the focus toward everyday users. Check out the new features...

Internet Collapse

"I've gotten some forwarded emails claiming that the Internet is doomed to collapse very soon, unless some big changes are made to the infrastructure. Is it true… is the Internet going to go "poof" and vanish in a cloud of...

Cheap Desktop Computers

"I'm looking for a basic entry-level desktop computer to give to a high-school student as a Christmas gift. What do you recommend in the budget category that can handle web surfing, email and word processing?"...

Free Online Survey Tools

"I'd like to do a survey of visitors to my website. I need basic demographics, some multiple choice questions, and the ability to generate reports. Oh, and free is nice! What tool do you recommend?"...

Free Online Translations

"I have a site that attracts visitors from all over the world, so I often get emails in Spanish, French, and German language. Sometimes even Russian and Japanese! Is there a tool that will help me translate to English? I...

Skype: Beyond the Basics

You already know that Skype allows you to use VoIP technology to make phone calls over the Internet. Here's a look at some of the more advanced features, and how to incorporate them into your work or social life......

Gmail: Beyond the Basics

You've opened a Gmail account and now you can send and receive email on the web. Lots of email... 5.2 gigs and counting. But beyond all that space, Google's Gmail can give you better control over how you manage your...

Making Money In Second Life

"I've heard reports about people making pretty good money inside Second Life. How can I get started in the business of making money for (virtually) nothing?"...

Firefox Version 3

"I just read that Firefox 3 is now available. What new features does it have, and should I upgrade now, or wait a while?"...

Ebay Tips for Buyers

"I've tried several times to buy items on eBay, but the bidding options are confusing to me, and I always get outbid at the last minute. Can you give me some tips on saving money and winning eBay auctions?"...

XO - The $200 Laptop

"I've read about the '$200 XO Laptop' that's being promoted by the One Laptop Per Child organization. I think it's great that these will be given to children in poor countries, but is it possible to buy an XO laptop...

Job Search Online

"Last week my job was 'downsized' so I'm searching for a new job. Where can I post my resume and search for a job online? Are there any gotchas to be aware of?"...

HP OfficeJet Pro L7780

HP is known for its versatile line of business and home office equipment. One of their latest releases is the HP OfficeJet Pro L7780 All-In-One. This office machine operates as both a color and a black and white printer, copier,...

Clean Hard Drive

Do you have a clean hard drive? If you're selling a computer or discarding a hard drive, you'll want to clean off your personal files first. Or maybe you're getting that annoying "low disk space" message. Don't ignore it, or...

Are The Spammers Winning?

It seems to be a given these days, as much as death and taxes -- spam (the email variety, not the canned meat product) is not going away. Back in 2004, Bill Gates predicted the death of spam in 2006....

Cats and Dogs

Calling all cats, dogs, birds, furry friends and those who love them... here are a list of the best websites for and about pets. We'll cover pet health, training tips, travelling with Fido & Fluffy, and other cool pet sites...

Jott - Note to Self

Jott is a cool new service that will convert your voice into email or a text message. Just call a toll-free number from your cell phone, and leave a voice message. Jott will translate your spoken words into text, and...

What is Twitter?

"What's the deal with Twitter? Some of my friends are telling me how great it is, but when I checked out the site, it seems like just a stream of random personal comments from people who don't even know each...

Get Your Tech Fix

"There's so much happening with computers and technology. How do you keep up with all the latest cool stuff without getting information overload?"...

Sued for Searching?

I hear from readers often who are worried about the possible repercussions of downloading music and movies from file-sharing sites or P2P services such as LimeWire and Bittorrent. Now there's something new to worry about for users of P2P search...

Facebook Applications

"On Facebook, I always get invitations to add 'applications' to my profile. Some sound interesting, but I'm not even sure what an application is. Are they part of Facebook, or something from the outside? Do I need to worry about...

Facebook Privacy

"I've switched from Myspace to Facebook because I was unhappy with the privacy controls there, and I've been told that Facebook lets you control this much better. Would you please go over the Facebook privacy settings and recommend which ones...

Free Anti-Virus Programs

"I've been using the free Norton antivirus package that came with my computer, but the subscription will expire in a few days. Are the free anti-virus programs any good? What do you recommend?"...

Computer Privacy At Work

Can the boss really see when you're surfing the Internet at work? Can the geeks from the IT Department monitor everything you do on your PC? Are any of them keeping tabs on those last twenty minutes of your lunch...

Forgot Facebook Password

Did you forget your Facebook password? Having trouble logging in? Or did you forget the email address for your Facebook login? Maybe your email account is not working, so you can't change your password. Or maybe it's something with a...

Do Not Call Registry

"I keep getting emails from friends about adding my cell phone to a Do Not Call registry. Looks like a scam to me... Is the Do Not Call Registry for real, and if so, should I put both my home...

Top Sites for Kids

"My eleven year old wants a Myspace account, but I think she's a bit young for that. Are there some other sites I can encourage her to visit, with games and activities that are appropriate for pre-teen kids?"...

Ten More Tech Gadgets

Every geek needs gadgets, but even the computer novice will love these plug and play USB add-ons. Here are my latest top ten gadgets, sure to add a little fun to your desktop....

Remembering Passwords

Passwords... we have a love/hate relationship with them. We love them because they are the first line of defense against fraud and identity theft. They protect the security of our email account, online banking and credit card purchases. We hate...

Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging (IM) services allow you to connect directly with other computer users and engage in text, audio or video conversations. Unlike email, blogs or chat rooms, instant messaging provides real time one-to-one conversations. Here's the scoop on the most...

What Is a Rootkit?

Rootkit... the name sounds innocent enough. Kinda like something your Grandma would use in her garden. Actually, rootkits are a particularly nasty form of malware, created to wreak havoc on computers....

Ubuntu Linux Feisty Fawn

Ubuntu Linux 7.04 (Feisty Fawn), was recently released, and from installation to every day use, this version is the best so far. Read on to see what's new in this release for diehard Linux users and tire kickers, too......

Switching From Windows To Linux

If you thought computers only came in two flavors, think again. There are other operating systems besides Mac and Windows. In fact, most of the computers that power the Internet are running Linux. This free operating system is robust, secure...

Is Webmail Better?

"I'm thinking about switching from Outlook Express to a webmail service. What are the trade-offs? Are some better than others? Is webmail secure?"...

Secure Passwords

"With identify theft so common now, I'm concerned that my passwords may not be good enough. Can you give me some tips to picking good passwords that can't be easily guessed by hackers?"...

Online Backup

Periodically creating a backup of your computer files is critically important to the preservation of your work, your entertainment and your memories. In the event that your system is corrupted by a virus, natural disaster or hardware malfunction you must...

Switching From Windows to Mac

Devoted fans of Macs and PCs have been in heated debate for years, even before those "I'm a Mac", "I'm a PC" commercials ever appeared. Let's set aside the question of which camp is "right" and focus on the reasons...

Best Cell Phone

With hundreds of cell phones on the market you can narrow down your choices by first deciding what features you need or want. Read on for a handy guide to selecting the cell phone that's right for you......

Anonymous Web Surfing

Going online can be like taking a walk in the park after midnight. Behind every tree there may be someone getting ready to mug you. This article will tell you how to surf the web with a higher level of...

What is Podcasting?

"Hey Bob, what's a podcast? Is this some kind of broadcast just for people with iPods?"...

Phishing Scams

"I got a note from my bank about phishing scams, but I'm still not sure what it means. Can you explain in simple terms what phishing is all about?"...

What is Web 2.0?

"I keep seeing articles that mention something called Web 2.0, but they never give a good definition. What is Web 2.0? How is it different than the one Al Gore invented, and when is Web 3.0 coming?"...

Recover Deleted Files

It's happened to all of us at some point. One stray mouse click, and poof! You've deleted a file that you did not mean to. But must it really be the final goodbye to that file? Happily, there are tons...

Which Camcorder Should I Buy?

"I'm looking for a camcorder, but the selection and features are overwhelming. What's a good model for someone who wants decent quality without spending a pile of money?"...

Search Engine News

Tired of the same old search engine? In this article you'll find reviews of some new Internet search tools with all the bells and whistles......

Beyond Myspace

As the Myspace population passes 100 million members, the site seems to be creaking and groaning, ready to burst at the seams. With frequent outages, valid passwords being rejected, problems with music players, and comment spammers, you might be looking...

Upgrade to Vista?

"I'm confused about upgrading to Windows Vista. There are so many options, prices, and new features. Which ones are really important, and is Vista ready for prime time?"...

Medical Advice Online

"There's a lot of medical information online, but I'm not sure what to trust. Where can I go to learn more about various drugs and medical conditions? I want information from real doctors, not some guy selling miracle cures."...

View Private Profile

"I have my Myspace page set to private, but an ex-friend has gotten access to all of my Myspace friends that are on my page, and is emailing them. I asked him about this and he told me that he...

Free Satellite TV on PC?

"I saw a website advertising software that's supposed to give you free satelite TV on your PC. The program costs $40, but they claim it lets you watch hundreds of live worldwide channels free of charge. Sounds too good to...

Hide Myspace Friends?

"I added some code for hiding my friends list on Myspace, but my ex-friend somehow got the whole list and sent it to me as proof. How did she do this? Isn't that a security problem on Myspace?"...

Revealing Your Email Address

Last week I did a search for dolls (I'm a collector) and accidentally wound up visiting an adult site that sells dolls of a very different sort! Now it seems like I'm getting a lot more adult-related spam than ever....

Remove Phone Listing

I just did a search for my phone number on Google and was shocked at the results that popped up. It showed my full name, street address and a map of my neighborhood with a big arrow pointing to my...

What is Broadband?

"I see commercials on TV telling me to switch to broadband, but I'm not sure what that means. They talk about DSL lines, cable access, satellites and megabits, which further confuses me. I've had dialup access through AOL for years...

Forgot Myspace Password

"Help, I forgot the password for my Myspace account! Now I can't login and people think I'm dissing them because I can't reply to their comments. How do I get the password, or have it reset so I can login?"...

Cancel Myspace Account

"My daughter has two Myspace accounts. One gives out too much personal information and we want to delete it. But we don't remember the password and we no longer have access to the email account she used to create the...

Emailing Photos

"Emailing a group of 4 or 5 JPG photos from the 'My Pictures' folder is no problem. But Emailing a group of 50 seems to clog the system for ever and nothing actually sends. The pictures are taken with my...

AOL for Free?

"I read somewhere that AOL is going to stop charging for their Internet service and make AOL access free. Is that true, and if so, are there any gotchas I should now about?"...

Spyware or Virus?

"I had an anti virus program by McAfee but uninstalled because it was bogging my computer down. I now have anti spyware software, so do I still need to get an anti virus program? What is the difference between viruses...

Spam Blocker

"I'm having a terrible time with spam emails. Suddenly I started getting dozens per day, and I can't seem to get rid of them. Is there a spam blocker or spam filter that's easy and just works?"...

Senior Citizens Online

"I'm a long-time computer user, almost 80 years young, but I'm no expert at Internet searching. Can you point me to some sites that are especially useful to senior citizens?"...

Currency Converter

How many Drachmas in a Dinar? How many Rupees can you get for a hundred Rubles? In what countries are the official currencies called the Zloty and the Punt? A visit to the Universal Currency Converter will answer all these...

Nigerian Scammers

Have you gotten a message from someone claiming to be a representative of the Nigerian government, promising a multi-million dollar reward for your help in transferring a huge sum of money? Are you soon to be rich, filthy rich --...

Remove PurityScan

"This PurityScan software is driving me crazy with popups. Spyware Doctor claimed to remove it, but after a restart it was back. Adaware and other spyware removal programs couldn't even detect it. Can you help me remove PurityScan from my...

Photo Printing and Sharing

To say that digital cameras have revolutionized photography would be an understatement. It's not just the way we take pictures that has changed, but photo printing, photo storage and photo sharing have all gone digital as well. Free digital photo...

Websites for Kids

"As a parent with young children, I worry that there are so many dark alleys on the Internet for kids to wander into. Can you recommend some GOOD sites and offer any help on keeping kids safe online?"...

Buying a Computer

"I teach senior citizens in a community based computer lab. They often ask what to look for when buying a computer, what software they need for email, basic Internet usage, word processing, etc. Many are on a limited budget. What...

Remote Assistance

"My friends often call or email and ask computer questions that are hard to answer without actually sitting in front of their computer. I've heard radio commercials for a product that lets you control another computer over the Internet. But...

Take A Screenshot

"I want to take a screenshot of my screen and save it in a graphics file, so I can email it to a friend. Do I need to purchase or download special software to do this?"...

Travel Information

"My family is planning a vacation this summer, but we can't agree on where to go. What online travel sites do you recommend to help people research popular destinations, and find good deals on reservations?"...

Secure Your Computer!

Cyberspace malefactors are enslaving millions of unsecured computers into zombie networks that are responsible for spewing out mountains of spam and attacking legitimate websites that oppose the spammers. Is your PC part of the problem? Find out now......

Is Google Desktop Evil?

"I got a warning from a friend who told me not to use the Google Desktop program. He says it will secretly make copies of my personal files and send them to Google's own servers, and from there they could...

Send a Free Fax

"I don't have a fax machine, but I've heard that there are places on the Web that will let me send a free fax. I visited one site but they wanted my credit card to open a free trial account....

Myspace Safety Tips

Are teens putting themselves at risk by posting too much personal information on Myspace? Is Myspace a danger to kids that should be tightly controlled or shut down?...

Name and Address Search

"I'm trying to reconnect with some old friends, but I'm having trouble finding their address and telephone numbers. Can you tell me where to look for good "people finder" tools that offer searches for telephone, email and address listings?"...

Searching in Myspace

"I understand that once I'm logged in to my Myspace account, I can search for people that meet certain criteria. For example, I may want to search for guys over 40 within 60 miles of my city that have "softball"...

System Restore

"Help! I downloaded a program that was supposed to remove spyware from my computer. But now I'm getting even MORE popups and my system freezes at random intervals. I tried to uninstall but can't find a way to get rid...

Astronomy online

Attention Stargazers... If you're an amateur astronomer, or you just enjoy looking up into the night sky, the Internet is full of resources for you. For the best star pictures, astronomy websites, user groups and telescope reviews, read on....

Urban Legends and Hoaxes

Is the government or AOL planning to implement an email tax? Does your lipstick contain dangerous levels of lead? Will Microsoft send you money for forwarding an email? Do you need to add your cell phone number to a "Do...

Is public wi-fi access safe?

If you use wireless Internet access in public places like Starbucks or the airport, you should take some simple precautions to make sure you're not broadcasting your passwords and other personal info to others in the vicinity......

Identity Theft

Remember that 1995 movie "The Net", starring Sandra Bullock? Okay, I didn't see it either. Somehow I couldn't imagine Sandra as a software engineer after watching her in "While You Were Sleeping". But I digress... the movie was a story...

Backup Outlook Express

"How can I backup my Outlook Express emails and address book? I tried the Export function but that doesn't work. I can't even drag and drop from the Inbox folder to a diskette or CDROM. Help!"...

How to Stop Spam

It is estimated that 70% of emails sent over the Internet are unsolicited commercial e-mail. When you consider that over 35 BILLION emails are sent every day, the impact of spam is staggering. Here's what YOU can do to stop...

Red X appears instead of image?

"Sometimes in my emails or websites, the images do not appear, but a little red X shows up. Can you tell me please how to correct this?"...

Which PDA Should I Buy?

The proliferation of PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) in the last several years has been staggering, and a wide range of products exists to satisfy the needs of everyone from the busy stay-at-home Mom to the power hungry Internet geek on...

Home Networking

"We just purchased a second computer and now we'd like to share the printer and Internet connection between them. How do I set up a simple home network?"...

Should I Buy Anti-Spyware or Anti-Virus Software?

"Task Manager shows I have 50+ processes running, and I have no idea which ones are slowing down my system. Should I regularly run SpyBot, AdAware and other freeware, or should I pay for a supposedly better program? I read...

Computer Humor

"Every day I get the same lame jokes in my email that have been making the rounds for years. Are there some websites you can recommend for really good computer humor?"...

Create Currency Quickly

If you've been online for more than an hour, you've probably gotten one of those "PHENOMENAL MONEY MAKING PROGRAMS" that promise to make you 50 thousand dollars richer in short order. It's the classic David Rhodes "Make Money Fast" scheme,...

Bots and Intelligent Agents

Remember back when you were a kid, watching The Jetsons and wishing someone would invent a robot to do your chores? Decades later, we still haven't realized the promise of a machine to clear the dishes off the table, but...

Keystroke Logging

A friend of mine believes that her husband is chatting through email and IM's with other women. Is there any way to track the IM's or emails on her home computer?...

Free Internet Software

So, you've got a web browser and an email program... Is that all the Internet software you'll ever need? Maybe, but first take a look at some of the nifty tools that are reviewed in this article. I think you'll...

What is Windows OneCare?

Microsoft has announced a new service called Windows OneCare. Is it something you need for your computer? Maybe... If you're worried about not doing everything you should to keep your PC optimized and safe, then Windows OneCare is something that...

Sending Scheduled Emails

I want to send friends my weekly sermon, but I'll be on sabbatical for the next few months. I've written most of them out already and I'm wondering if there's a cheap or free way to send these out on...

Get an Uninterruptible Power Supply

"During stormy weather the power often flickers in my home, causing my computer to reboot. And of course I lose whatever I was working on at the time. I've heard that an uninterruptible power supply will protect my computer from...

Does IP Address Reveal my Physical Location?

"Can someone track a user (name, home address, etc.) simply by having their email or IP address? The reason I ask is my kids play some games online, and these sites sometimes have a chat area, where the players can...

Internet Innovators: Dave Taylor

Back in 1995-96 I worked for BoardWatch Magazine, covering the world of Bulletin Board Systems and the fledgling Internet. One of my favorite parts of that job was interviewing prominent netizens of the day. Some may boast about being self-made...

Backing Up Your Files

Sooner or later, something terrible will happen to your hard drive. That's not a very happy thought, but the good news is you can survive a hard drive failure with only minimal inconvenience -- if you back up your files....

Do I Need a Firewall?

"I've heard conflicting reports on whether or not I should be using a firewall. Some people say they are only needed for dialup users. Others say you MUST have a firewall if you have a highspeed DSL or cable connection....

Removing Winfixer Popups

"I've been getting those very annoying Winfixer popups. My popup blocker is set to High. I have Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy and even Microsoft AntiSpyware. But no matter what I try they keep coming back. I’ve searched for help...

Missing Emails

"Sometimes I don't get certain emails, or newsletters that I signed up for. It's like they're going into a black hole. Is this a problem on the sending or receiving side?"...

Too Many Emails?

Does having too many emails in my inbox cause my computer to freeze up?...

What is RSS?

I keep hearing about RSS, XML and RSS feeds. I have only a vague idea of what they are, but then people start talking about RSS aggregators, and I get really confused. What are they talking about and why would...

Spam From Tourbus?

"Not sure how to say this -- but just for fun I clicked on a credit card application, and then cancelled IMEADTELY!! Well, two months later my count as of this day: 2948 spams for credit cards, loans, easy credit,...

Dialup Window Pops Up

Lately, my dialup window keeps popping up unexpectedly and it's getting agravating, especially when I'm typing an email or playing a game. Is there something I can do to correct this?. I have looked at everything connected to it and...

Worst Problem on the Net: Stupid Users

According to a survey conducted at the Aunty Spam site, the worst problem on the Internet is stupid users. More than 600 respondents chose from among spam, spyware, phishing, identity theft, hacking, viruses, stupid users, and lost emails....

Paypal and Ebay Phishing Scams

"I keep getting warnings and alerts from Paypal, eBay, my bank, and various other banks and financial institutions that I don't even have accounts with, all telling me to log in and verify my account information. I've read about something...

Thunderbird Email Rules

I really liked Thunderbird and the way I was able to have RSS feeds, email, and newsgroups all in the same program. What I didn't like was the email rules. I could not get the rules to work, except when...

Make Windows XP Run Faster!

"My Windows startup seems to be taking a long time, and once it finally stops churning, everything seems to run slower than it used to. Can you suggest any maintenance tips to make Windows XP start and run faster?"...

Email Sent Multiple Times

"Bob, When I send a large attachment, it keeps on resending to the recipients several times. Can you explain to me why this happens? If I notice it is sending more then once sometimes I can delete the email from...

Backup Eudora Spam Filters

I am creating 10-20 new spam filters in Eudora each day. But I am afraid that I will lose them in the event of a computer crash. It would take a tremendous amount of time to recreate them. How do...

Friend Claims You Sent a Virus

A friend told me twice she received an e-mail from me and it says it has a virus, but I didn't send any e-mail to her. Does this mean that I have a virus, or does it come from somebody...

How Does a Virus Spread?

"I love your site and your Tourbus Newsletter! I would like to know how a virus propagates over a network? If you get a virus on one computer - do other users on the network have to do anything to...

Nonsense Words in Spam

What's the story behind all the weird, nonsensical words that appear in the text of spam emails? Examples: "his acquirements entitled him to the honour. He possessed a large... she was not allowed to proceed. The Admiral's kind urgency... turned...

Blue Security - Spam Solution?

"BlueSecurity.com has a bold plan to go after spammers. Have you reviewed this outfit? If so, what say you about it?"...

New Emails in Trash Folder

I have an e-mail "notifier" and it says "Hey you've got mail". Lately some emails have not been showing up in my Inbox, but sometimes I find an unread message in either Deleted Items or Drafts folder. Can you help...

Online Maps and Driving Directions

"Once upon a time, I had to drop off my kids at the airport. It's a 90 minute drive, or at least it's SUPPOSED to be a 90 minute drive. Without heaping too much embarrassment on myself, let's just say...

Copying Old Hard Drive to New PC

"When I buy a new computer, how do I transfer everything from the hard drive on my old computer? I enjoy the Tourbus and appreciate all the information you provide." If you bought a new computer, or just a new...

Google Toolbar is Spyware?

I just got a new computer at work. On my last one I had downloaded the google toolbar. The tech people here have now blocked it because they say it contains spyware. Is this true? It was so convenient to...

Making Windows XP Start Faster

"My computer startup seems to be taking a long time. It's sometimes three or four minutes before the hard disk stops churning and I can launch a program. I'm sure it used to boot up faster -- can you suggest...

Spammer Using My Email Address!

"Occasionally I get a bounced, or rejected email sent by someone else, with my email address in the From line. Do I have reason to be concerned? Comcast techs say it is just spam. I find that very weird."...

Can I Delete This File?

"As a fairly new computer user, I find that deleting files is a problem for me. When I want to delete a file, I get a message that I should check to see what the file does before I delete...

Can't Delete Email in Outlook Express

"I received an email recently, with no attachment, and when I tried to open it, my computer froze. Even a ctrl-alt-del wouldn't help. Every time I try to open, or just click on and delete this message my computer freezes....

Wrong Font for Outlook Express Printing

"When printing email in Outlook Express, all of a sudden the printer has increased the font size from 12 to about 16 or 18. I can find no place to tell Outlook Express to use a smaller font size. What...

Whois Registry Database

"I'm wondering about the possible vulnerability of having your personal information (name, address, phone, and email) visible on the Whois website registrant database. Some companies sell proxy services that shield this information from the public claiming it helps prevent identity...

Emails converted to attachments

"My boss is using Outlook 2000 and sometimes he receives his emails from other employees as plain text email attachments. For example I send him an HTML email in Outlook 2000. He receives a totally blank email and my text...

What is ASCII Art?

Have you heard the term "ASCII art" and wondered what that's all about? Long before the advent of the Web and all of its glittering graphics, people were creating computer graphics of a different sort that required no special hardware...

Help with Basic Linux Commands

New to linux? A reader today said "I need to know some of the basic commands for a linux server that I accquired." Turns out I wrote the book on Linux. Well, one of them anyway......

Who was the first Internet celebrity?

Long before the Numa Numa guy and the Star Wars Kid became the stuff of legend, the Internet was making unwitting celebrities of ordinary people. Let's meet four people who got a lot more than their 15 minutes of fame,...

How can I avoid computer viruses?

When I wrote in a previous entry "Do I need anti-virus software?" that "You CANNOT get a virus just by opening or reading your email" I fully expected it would unleash a torrent of emails in response. I knew this...

Spy, Counter-Spy

Is your computer running slower than usual? Has your browser's start page been hijacked? Having trouble reaching your favorite search engine? Popups driving you crazy? Most likely your computer is infested with spyware, the cockroaches of the digital age....

Do I need anti-virus software?

I have an unorthodox strategy for dealing with computer viruses. It doesn't involve the use of firewalls or anti-virus software. But if everyone understood the simple virus safety tips I'll outline here, the virus writers would get very bored very...

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