** Issue #10 January 1st, 2007 **
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#1- News, News, News
In This Issue...
I would like to welcome everyone to 2007! I hope each and every one of you have a great year.
I apologize for this issue being so late. With all the commitments of the holidays, the huge amount of data generated by the recent testing, and some family matters I've been overwhelmed. It's not easy to admit and I hope you'll understand. The next issue will have the winner of the test and will be on time. That means you only have to wait one week between issues!!
#2 - Have an extra dollar or two?
#3 - Knock Down Drag Out Anti Spyware Cage Match Results - I've devoted countless hours (just ask my wife) to this. I'll present the results for each program and some observations I've made during the test.
#4 - Create a chart in Microsoft Word - Carol tells you how to add a chart to a Word document.
#5 - My Software Recommendations - Need antivirus, Antispyware, Photo, or other software? Check out my recommendations.
#6 - The Lighter Side - A few videos and games to shake the stress.
#7 - A Few Websites You May Find Useful - A few of the websites I've visited recently that may be of interest to you.
In The Next Issue ...
In the next issue I'll present the winner of the No Holds Barred Knock Down Drag Out Anti Spyware Test and Carol will have another informative Microsoft Office article. I promise the regular newsletter schedule will resume with the next issue. Only 1 week to the 15th!
Here is where I beg!
I hope you find this newsletter useful. I strive to provide information in a manner that is entertaining and useful for everyone. There is something in each newsletter for everyone. If you enjoy reading the newsletter I would appreciate if you would tell a friend, relative, or coworker. Use any means necessary to spread the word about Daves Computer Tips. A quick suggestion: Change all screen savers in your office to www.davescomputertips.com!
As always I appreciate your comments and suggestions about the site and newsletter. If you would like to share please contact me at dave @ davescomputertips.com.
Carol is our resident "Office Goddess". If you have Microsoft Office questions or suggestions for future Office articles shoot her an email at carol @ carolscorneroffice.com.
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#2 - Do you have a buck or two?
I would like to ask a favor. I provide this newsletter for free. Generally I ask nothing of any reader, other than they explore the newsletter and use the information provided to better their own computer knowledge. For those that don't know Microsoft is introducing a new operating system, Windows Vista, at the end of the month. I know many readers received new computers over the holiday season and others are in the market either for a new PC or to upgrade to Vista when it's released. I hope to be in a position to continue providing Windows XP coverage and add some Vista content also.
I have two options: buy a Vista Ultimate upgrade for $259 (which I can't afford) or replace my computer (which I can't afford). I'm a power user and can truly tax the abilities of my current computer, so I am highly suspect of the ability of my computer to run Vista and continue to multitask to the degree I require. My current computer is almost 4yrs old and it's had a hard life. I've actually worn the coating off the touch pad. Basically I need a new computer with a lot of guts to run Vista and the hoard of other programs I test and use.
I know that things are tight for everyone and we are all trying to recover from the holiday season. Basically I'm asking for those that have an extra dollar or two and appreciate the work I do if they would donate a couple of dollars to support the newsletter so I can add Windows Vista content free to everyone. If you don't have the extra money I understand. If you don't think this newsletter is worth it, I won't hold that against you. If you don't agree with me groveling for donations I understand. I won't hold it against anyone. I won't give those that can donate special treatment. I won't change the newsletter. The only purpose of this request is the purchase of a new laptop to further the efforts of my site and newsletter.
If you enjoy the Daves Computer Tips Newsletter and find it helpful you may donate by clicking the paypal button below. You may donate any amount you feel comfortable with. Every little bit helps and is appreciated!
#3- Anti-spyware test results
By David Hartsock
I know you've all been waiting with baited breath for the results of the Knock Down Drag Out Anti Spyware Cage Match. It's been quite a task for me to complete, but let's get down to business!
Here is a quick summary for each program:
| Program Name | AdAware | AVG | CounterSpy | SpyBot | SpySweeper | Spyware Doctor | Spyware Terminator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Version | 1.06 | 7.5.0.50 | 2.0.521 | 1.04 | 5.23.2132 | 4.0.0.2621 | 1.7.0.883 |
| Definition # | SE1R137 | 545,606 | 461 | 11/17/2006 | 12/14/2006 | 3.0623 | 1.0.521 |
| Download Size | 2.72mb | 6.16mb | 40.3mb | 4.8mb | 12.4mb | 8.3mb | 2.23mb |
| Installed Size | 3.50mb | 12.5mb | 187mb | 19.2mb | 23.00mb | 17.4mb | 8.32mb |
| Memory Usage | N/A | 9108k | 14660k | N/A | 11812k | 29692k | 12604k |
| Total Removed Files | 1353 | 623 | 1420 | 1810 | 1536 | 1700 | 551 |
| Unique Removed Files | 28 | 88 | 159 | 1061 | 337 | 480 | 118 |
| Total Removed Keys | 21460 | 18781 | 24234 | 18760 | 20032 | 22188 | 1271 |
| Unique Removed Keys | 25 | 4 | 67 | 45 | 68 | 51 | 4 |
| Unique program files | 8 | 51 | 25 | 17 | 57 | 17 | 17 |
A quick note
Spyware is tricky business (pun intended). Spyware uses many means to infect your computer and do it's bidding within your computer. Once infected a single spyware program can add hundreds of registry entries and multiple files. You'll notice that thousands of registry keys were removed. A winner can not be judged by the number of keys removed or files removed alone because spyware is a combination of both. Files creating registry keys. Files creating additional files. Registry keys automatically running processes. Programs watching other files to verify they are still doing their dirty work. Spyware can modify Windows system files, add shortcuts on your desktop, and entries in your Start Menu. A common trick of spyware is to use a filename that is very similar to a file normally used by Windows. Rundll32 and RundII32 (the second one is d-capital i-capital i) to confuse users and hide themselves.
Memory usage is the amount of memory the program will use on a computer, when it's idle (most of the time). There is a price to pay for any program that runs on your computer and that's memory. You want anti-spyware protection and a program that runs in the background to provide that protection. The figures above show how much memory is required for each program, except AdAware and Spybot. All programs exhibit very exceptable memory usage. Download size is the size of the download for each program. Obviously dialup users will be playing a waiting game with each program, and may have to wait overnight for CounterSpy. Installed size is the disk space required by the program and it's spyware definitions once installed. With today's large drives this really isn't a concern, but provided for your information.
The unique program files row shows how many programs located in the Program Files directory were targeted.
I have compiled Excel spreadsheets of files and registry keys removed by each program, which you can download. These can be viewed with Excel, Open Office, and the free Excel Viewer. Dial up users may wish to skip this as the spreadsheets are .7mb and 3.5mb respectively. Highlighted entries in the spreadsheets mean the file or key was also removed by more than one program. I've also blacked out the bottom of each column to help visually show the difference in numbers between programs.
Download Files Removed Spreadsheet .7mb
Download Registry Keys Removed Spreadsheet 3.5mb
Download Program Files List (with one entry per program) 188kb
Download Free Microsoft Excel Viewer 9.9mb
AdAware
AdAware has been around for a long time. You can say that AdAware and SpyBot are the parents of modern anti-spyware. The current user interface is an improvement over that previous one. The only issue I have with the current interface is the location of the link to update. Updates are important and should be placed prominently.
AdAware failed to remove files from the following: Sexy.exe, eAcceleration Software, AWS, AxBx. BulletProof Software, Freeze, MyWay, MyWaySearchbar, ICOO, KillandClean, MyNetProtector, Starware 316, Starware 347, SysProtect, and NetDotNet among others.
AVG
AVG was recently purchased from Ewido. I've always liked Ewido and that feeling goes for the AVG version. I like the user interface and it's easy to navigate and updates are easy to find.
AVG failed to remove files from the following: Starware 347, VS add-in, spyware added to the MSN and Internet Explorer folder.
CounterSpy
Counterspy and Microsoft Defender are distant cousins. Both began life as Giant Anti-spyware. Both Microsoft and Sunbelt continue development of this program. Sunbelt has done a much better job than Microsoft. The user interface is easy to navigate and updates are easy to find, but the installed size is seven times larger than the nearest competitor.
CounterSpy failed to remove files from the following: Sexy.exe, 3B software, Acceleration Software, AxBx, BT, BulletProof software, Coffee Tycoon, eAcceleration, Fake MP3 detector, Freeze, ICOO, Kazaap, MyNetProtector, Personal Antispy, Screensaver.com, sexy desktop, Spy Analyst, starware 347, Stopzilla, The Weather Channel FW, Tower Blaster, Vg, Warez, and Your screen.
Spybot
As stated above SpyBot has been around a long time. The program shows it's age. The interface is plain, and if in advanced mode confusing for a non-savy user.
SpyBot failed to remove files from the following: Sexy.exe, B3, Acceleration Software, AWS, AxBx, BT engine, Coffee Tycoon, eAcceleration, Fake mp3 detector, Freeze, ICOO, files in the internet explorer and MSN folders, kazaap, personal antispy, screensavers.com, spy analyst, sexy desktops, spy analyst, starware 316, starware 347, stopzilla, strip saver, The Weather Channel FW, Tower blaster, trustin bar, ultimate cleaner, Vg, VS add-in, registry power cleaner, and Yazzle.
SpySweeper
SpySweeper also has a nice user interface and easily found updates. Spysweeper was plagued with high memory usage recently and this was traced to a problem with their keylogger protection and has been corrected. SpySweeper is the only program that removed files from the Recycle Bin.
SpySweeper was the program that removed the most files from the Program Files directory.
Spyware Doctor
Spyware Doctor again has an easy to navigate interface, but also holds the memory usage record at 30mb. PCTools, the maker of Spyware Doctor, makes my favorite registry cleaner - Registry Mechanic.
Spyware Doctor failed to remove files from the following: Sexy.exe, 3B, Acceleration Software, AWS, AxBx, BT engine, BulletProof software, coffee tycoon, eAcceleration, Fake mp3 detector, Freeze, FunWebProducts, Files from the internet explorer and MSN folders, Kazaap, MyNetProtector, MyWay, MyWebSearch bar, NewDotNet, Personal antispy, Save, screensavers.com, sexy desktops, spy analyst, spywarebot, stopzilla, strip saver, The Weather Channel FW, Tower blaster, Vg, Warez, Winferno, and Your Screen.
Spyware Terminator
Spyware Terminator was the biggest let down. I'm very disappointed in the results of this program, but hope it will continue to improve. Spyware Terminator classifies everything into three categories: Threats, Safe Software, and Unknown Software. Spyware terminator listed many of the known spyware infections in the unknown category. The average user won't know that it's something they don't want on their computer. That's what they expect a program such as this to do.
Spyware Terminator failed to remove files from the following: Sexy.exe, 3B, Acceleration Software, AWS, AxBx, BT engine, BulletProof software, coffee tycoon, eAcceleration, Fake mp3 detector, Freeze, FunWebProducts, Files from the internet explorer and MSN folders, ICOO, Kazaap, MyNetProtector, MyWay, MyWebSearch bar, Personal antispy, Save, screensavers.com, sexy desktops, spy analyst, spywarebot, strip saver, The Weather Channel FW, Tower blaster, Vg, Warez, Winferno, and Your Screen.
Coming Up
I'll present the Winner of the www.davescomputertips.com Seal of Approval in the next issue and explain exactly why they were chosen!
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#4 - Create a chart in MS Word
By Carol A. Bratt
Choose Insert | Picture | Chart
By default, the toolbars for Microsoft Graph appear on a single row. Click More Buttons to display additional buttons you can use to build and format your chart.
You must change the sample chart and data to reflect your own figures. Each change you make in the data sheet will immediately appear on the sample chart.
Click the data sheet and type your text and numbers. Press Tab or arrow keys to navigate from cell to cell.
Add more rows or columns by typing them.
Eliminate data by selecting and pressing Delete. Alternatively, you can keep the data in the data sheet but not include it in the chart. To do this, double-click the column heading (A, B or C) or row heading (1, 2 or 3).
When your data sheet is complete, click the View Data sheet button to remove the data sheet from the screen so you can more easily work with the chart.
The chart depicts the data, with the values represented by the columns. Text appears either as categories or in the legend.
If the numbers you want to chart are in a Word table, select the cells of the table before you begin the chart. These numbers will automatically appear in the data sheet, saving you the chore of typing and the possibility of making an error.
If the data already exists in a file, you don't have to retype it to create a chart using Microsoft Graph. Rather, you can import it directly into the data sheet
Click the Import File button.
In the dialog box, navigate to the correct drive or folder that contains the file. If necessary, change the file type to location the file.
Double-click the name of the file you want to import.
If you are importing a spreadsheet, a dialog box appears allowing you to designate the specific range, or selection of cells. If you are importing a text file, the Text Import Wizard appears to lead you step by step through the import process.
You can import any text file where the data is a delimited file (separated by tabs, commas or spaces). If Excel contains the data, you can simply cut and paste into the data sheet – or create the chart in Excel and paste it into the document.
Carol writes the monthly Word Bytes Newsletter with more tips and tricks each issue. Visit Carol's website for more great Microsoft Office tips and tricks! Visit Carol's site at www.carolscorneroffice.com.
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#5 - My Recommended Software
Anti-spyware and Anti-malware Software
Webroot SpySweeper - Daves Computer Tips Seal of Approval Winner! See the test results HERE. Spysweeper provides the best protection of the seven anti-spyware programs tested! Great detection and removal rates with a small real-time protection memory footprint. This is the one you want! SpySweeper includes the ASK toolbar. Be sure to uncheck this option during installation. Free 14 day trial.
CounterSpy - Runner-up in my Anti-Spyware test. Not only does CounterSpy scan and remove spyware, it also uses real time protection. Real-time protection prevents spyware infection. Free 15 day trial. Winner of Computer Shopper Magazine's Best Buy Award!
Antivirus and Firewall Software
ESET Smart Security - New from the maker's of NOD32. Antivirus, Antispyware, Antispam, and Firewall all wrapped into one effective, swift, and low resource package. It is what I use to protect each of my computers!
Kaspersky Antivirus - Kaspersky is my second choice for antivirus software. A good program that is very close in performance to NOD32. Free trial.
Online Armor Firewall - You shouldn't be on the internet without a software firewall that offers inbound and outbound protection. Online Armor is the Best of the Best. Online Armor uses an interface that is easier to navigate than most other firewalls and the protection level can't be beat! Online Armor is available in both a free and reasonably priced paid version, which offers even more protection!
Audio and Video Software
Acoustica Audio Converter Pro - This program converts audio formats and bitrates. Perfect for those with portable audio players or large music collections. 30 day trial.
Adobe Premier Elements - Elements is the consumer version of Adobe Premiere. It costs 1/6th the price, but is very capable of making videos that will impress everyone.
DVDFab is my favorite DVD software. I tried over 30 different programs before settling on DVDFab. It offers every function of the other programs and more! Copy, burn, shrink, convert for mobile devices, or convert for streaming. Almost all of the other programs I've tried did not function as advertised, were extremely slow, or did not have features that worked as advertised. DVDFab works, and works as advertised! It's easy to use, has a pleasant user interface, and it updated often.
Computer Hardware
Crucial Memory - Memory (RAM) is the upgrade that gives any computer the best bang for the buck. If you want to speed things up with more memory, why not purchase it from the leading source of quality RAM memory. Great selection, good prices, excellent support, and a lifetime warranty! A real winner!
CyberGuys - The place to get those hard to find cables and accessories for your computer!
HP Computers
- My current pick for new laptops and desktops. In the current market I don't think you can beat HP's combination of price and performance. Their laptop line is very cost effective and the design is absolutely beautiful!
Newegg - Newegg.com is known for great service and awesome pricing on computers, upgrades, and electronics. If you're looking for computers, computer parts, or electronics you owe it to yourself to start here! Great Products. Great Prices. Great Customer Service!
Computer Maintenance Software
Diskeeper 2008 - My current favorite defrag program. As files are written and erased from the hard drive they begin to leave "spaces" behind. When the drive is written to again files are broken up to fill in these spaces. This causes the drive to go to several different locations to read an entire file, which slows performance greatly. Diskeeper has several advanced features such as; automatic defrag, scheduled defrag, and the ability to defrag the MFT (Master File Table) and paging file. 30 day trial.
Registry Mechanic - A very thorough and efficient registry cleaner and defragmenter. A definite must to maintain peak performance and stabile operation. 30 day trial.
Computer Utility Software
Acronis True Image 11 - Do you value the data on your computer? Do you value your time? How much time will you spend recovering data and returning your computer to its original state after a hardware failure or software glitch? True Image is my #1 choice in backup tools. Whether you choose file or image based backups (you should use both!) True Image will perform better than any other application I've used. Disk images created with True Image are generally 10-20% smaller than those from comparable programs. If your time and files are as important to you as mine are to me this is a must have.
Acronis Disk Director - My favorite tool to partition, format, and resize hard drives.
Roboform - This program is the next best thing since sliced bread in my book! This program integrates into Internet Explorer and firefox. It generates very secure passwords at the click of a button. How do I remember these complex passwords? Roboform allows you to save passwords and personal data in an encrypted format. A master password (yes only one password to remember!) allows access. Roboform in IE and FireFox works like a super powered bookmark. You click the site you want to go to and Roboform opens the site, enters your username and password for the site (if required) and as if by magic clicks the submit button. If you shop online Roboform can enter your personal information and credit card information, which is also stored in a secure encrypted file, in one click. A real time saver with great security thrown in to boot! 30 day trial.
WinRar - What is commonly called a zip utility, similar to the more widely known WinZip. WinRar is faster and works with more formats for about 1/2 the price of WinZip. 30 day trial.
Desktop Utility Software
LogonStudio - Change the screen that appears when you boot Windows (the one with the moving bar graph). Hundreds of free skins available online. It's free.
Cursor XP Plus - Change the cursors on your computer. Hundreds of cursor packs are available online for free.
Icon Packager - Change the icons on your computer. Icon Packager puts you in control to change every icon with the click of a button. Tired of the plain icons built into Windows? There are hundreds of Icon Packs available online for free, which will add a truly personal feel to your computer.
WindowBlinds 6 - This is the icing on the proverbial cake. WindowBlinds changes the look and feel of Windows. By changing the appearance of the task bar, start menu, and any other window or program you open. It adds transparency, shadows, alpha blending, and animations. Hundreds of themes are available online for free.
Internet and Email
1&1 hosting - If you want to start your own website, blog, photo gallery, or have a personalized email address then 1&1 is for you. 1&1 can not be beat for reliability, features, support, and price. 90 day guarantee.
Google Gmail - The best internet based email (webmail) available. Each mailbox has a 6.5GB limit. The interface is superb, and the spam filter is top notch. You will never need to delete an email again! It has a great search function and a feature called thread view, which makes finding emails easy. A webmail account offers several advantages including not being required to change your email address if you change service providers. Gmail requires an invitation from a current member. If you are interested shoot me an email and I'll send you an invite.
Microsoft Outlook 2007 - Outlook is the current email client of choice for corporate America. I get well over 200 emails a day. Outlook has a few features I really need such as a plug in for automatic backups, office sounds which offers me some audible feedback, and the ability to change headers. I've used Mozilla Thunderbird and liked it a lot. With the amount of mail I go through I really need the features of Outlook. If you aren't a heavy user, or don't need the features I do then Thunderbird is a great alternative.
- An amazing, free, web browser. If you aren't using it you should be! Highly customizable through addins called extensions. There are thousands of extensions which can allow FireFox to do just about anything you can imagine. More importantly, Firefox is not subject to ActiveX, which is a large part of Internet Explorer, AOL, and MSN. No ActiveX means much less chance of getting spyware! Firefox also conforms to web standards more closely than Internet Explorer, which means you will see what the authors intended, not Microsoft.
Mozilla Thunderbird - A great free email client, from the same folks that brought us FireFox. Easy to use and highly customizable through extensions.
Photo and Picture Software
Adobe Photoshop Elements - Photoshop Elements is a consumer version of Adobe Photoshop. If you are serious about digital photos you will find Photoshop Elements a great program to have at your disposal. Elements provides all the functionality most will need at 1/6th the price.
Picasa - A great (FREE) way to organize, edit, and share your digital photos.
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#6 - The lighter side
After spending countless hours surfing the web in search of various funny or interesting things to share with you here are a few of my finds to lighten your day! I go through a lot to please my readers!
Four Fantastic Commercials - You've gotta love the commercials!
Ms. Dewey - An interesting search engine concept by Microsoft.
Wilhelm scream - You've heard it. You've heard it hundreds of times. Check this out!
Japander - Many celebrities make overseas commercials that you will never see due to contracts. Well here they are!
Subservient Chicken - Tell this chicken what to do!
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#7 - A few website's you may find useful
Dave's Computer Help Links - Dave (great name) contacted me this week and asked me to exchange links with his site. Other that the fact he has the best name in the world, he also has a site chock full of links to help you with computer issues.
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