** Issue #15 March 15th, 2007 **
|
#1- News, News, News
In This Issue...
#2 - Do you have a buck or two?
#3 - Where's Dave? - Why is this issue late?
#4 - It's happened to me - Identity theft.
#5 - Sorting data in Excel - Carol tells us how to organize our records.
#6 - My Recommended Software - Need software? Check here first!
#7 - Webroot SpySweeper announces free trial version
#8 - The Lighter Side - Some humor to lighten your load!
#9 - Useful web sites - Website's I've visited lately that you may find useful.
In the next issue...
Nothing on the radar yet, we'll see what happens.
Here is where I beg!
Please tell a friend, relative, or coworker about my site and newsletter. Use any means necessary to spread the word about Daves Computer Tips. A quick suggestion: Add www.davescomputertips.com to your email signature!
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.
Click Here to recommend this newsletter to a friend!
#2 - Do you have a buck or two?
I'm asking those that have an extra dollar or two and appreciate the work I do to donate a few of dollars in support of the newsletter. The money will be used to purchase a new computer running Microsoft Vista. The new computer will allow me to begin adding relevant Vista content to the newsletter! There is no pressure to contribute. The only purpose of this request is the purchase of a new computer to further the efforts of my site and newsletter.
Total amount presently in the new computer fund is 23% of the cost, so the purchase is on hold for a while longer. Be assured the money is tucked away and will be used for no other purposes, as I promised.
If you enjoy the Daves Computer Tips Newsletter and find it helpful please donate by clicking the PayPal button below. You may donate any amount you feel comfortable with. Every little bit helps and is appreciated!
#3 - Where's Dave?
By David Hartsock
This issue is a little late and a lot shorter than normal. I was sent to Albuquerque, New Mexico for work. I've been there for the last 2 weeks. Albuquerque is a nice town with beautiful scenery. Did I mention it's a lot warmer than home? LOL
I thought I would have time to catch up on tech news, get completely through my email, and fire off a top notch newsletter. I was mistaken. I barely had time to sleep! To top it off, a maintenance issue with my flight caused me to miss a connecting flight. I had to stay in Albuquerque an extra two days while my luggage made the trip without me. Needless to say I didn't complete anything I had planned.
I finally arrived home yesterday evening and have been reunited with my belongings. I've pounded out this newsletter in very short order. Please excuse any spelling and/or grammar errors.
#4 - It happened to me!
By David S. Hartsock
In the February 15th issue I spoke briefly about phishing scams, securing your personal information, and identity theft. If I had only known...
My wife and I have gotten into the habit of visiting www.annualcreditreport.com each year to check our credit reports. My wife checked hers before I left for New Mexico. She noticed her current address had changed to a suburb of Dallas Texas and a loan had been opened and closed by HSBC bank in Dallas. Upon contacting HSBC she was informed that HSBC had issued a Return Anticipation Loan (RAL) to someone using my wife's information.
So what to do? Spend an hour convincing HSBC that this is a fraudulent loan opened. Spend several hours filling out forms. Spend a few hours talking to the IRS. Spend a couple hours waiting on the local police department to arrive to take a report. Spend an hour convincing the officer he needs to actually take a report. Wait for more paperwork and hassles. The IRS expects a six month delay in our return while they confirm which return is the correct one.
Last week was my turn to check my report. Guess what! Yep. Me too. According to HSBC I now live in Texas. Not that I have anything against Texas, or it's fine residents, but I've never been to Texas. Now I have to repeat exactly what my wife has been through.
I know for a fact that neither my wife or myself have given out our information either online or in person. We currently suspect someone in the chain of our recent home and car purchases. An "inside" job. What ticks me off is the fact that neither the tax preparer nor HSBC itself put much effort into verifying the identity of the persons filing false tax returns to get these fraudulent RAL loans. Do you think they would have pulled a credit check themselves and noticed I've never lived in Texas, held my current job for over 16 years, and bought a new home in Indiana within the last year? These would have been red flags to me!
I don't know yet whether HSBC filed the fraudulent tax returns themselves or issued the loans as a service to another agency. Because both instances are through HSBS leads me to believe someone within HSBS or an agency related to them must be involved. It's too happenstance that both of us would have this happen at the same time and through the same RAL provider.
The sad part of this is these companies can actually file a tax return and issue a loan without exercising due diligence in proving the identity of the actual person sitting in front of them. Then they add negative remarks to a credit report of a completely innocent person when the whole issue is really their mistake.
Needless to say I'm angry at the person(s) using our identities, the company who filed the tax returns, and HSBC. Maybe I'm too angry to write this in a clear manner, but I wanted you to be aware of what can happen if your identity is stolen and the personal time and effort you will have to put forth to correct the problem.
I had hoped to use a portion of our tax return to make up the difference of a new computer. That looks like it's going to be at least August now. Whoever is responsible for this is going to pay criminally and civilly! (Don't get between a geek and a new computer!)
This is going to take many months to repair. I'll provide updates as they come so everyone will be aware of the toll that identity theft can take.
Click Here to recommend this newsletter to a friend!
#5 - Sorting Data in MS Excel
by Carol A. Bratt
Sorting data refers to organizing the records in a data list so that they are presented in a certain order. If data is arranged in a list structure, data can be automatically sorted by choosing one individual cell within the list to define the sort criteria. All corresponding data will be repositioned on sort order.
The Sort Ascending and Sort Descending button on the Standard toolbar can be used to quickly sort a list by one column.
Follow the steps below to sort by one column:
- Select one cell anywhere within the field (column) upon which the sort will be based.
- Click on the Sort Ascending
or Sort Descending 
button.
Excel sorts all rows on the list according to the data in the selected column.
If the data lists contains blank rows, the Sort Ascending and Sort Descending buttons will not produce the desired results.
Perform a Multi-Column Sort in MS Excel
There will be some occasions when you will want to perform a sort using more than one column in MS Excel. You already know how to perform a sort using one column and now if you follow the steps below you can add a little to your Excel knowledge of sorting.
- Position the active cell anywhere within the data list.
- Choose Data | Sort The Sort dialog box will appear.
- Select the first column to sort by in the Sort by List box.
- Choose Ascending or Descending.
The names of the columns appear if the list is designed correctly and the Header row option is selected in the My list has area of the Sort dialog box.
- To specify additional sort criteria, select columns from the Then by list boxes, and then select the appropriate sort order for each.
- Select the desired option in the My list has area.
- Choose OK.
Defining a Custom Sort List in MS Excel
There may be times when you will find it necessary to sort a data list on something other than the alphabet. You can define a custom list of elements on which to base the criteria for a sort.
Excel provides a built-in custom sort routine that lists months in their chronological order from January to December. Other lists can be created from an existing range of cells or simply entered on the Custom Lists tab of the Options dialog box.
Follow the steps below to see how it works:
- Choose Tools | Options.
The Options dialog box opens.
- Click on the Custom Lists tab.
- Choose New List in the Custom lists box.
- Enter the values in the List entries list box.
Enter the values separated by a comma and a space.
- Choose Add.
- Choose OK.
OR
Select the cells to be used as a custom list in the order they are to be sorted.
- Choose Tools | Options.
The Options dialog box opens.
- Click on the Custom Lists tab.
- Choose NEW LIST
- Ensure correct range is specified in the Import list from cells text box.
- Choose Import.
A Custom List Imported in the Options Dialog Box
- Choose OK.
Performing a Custom Sort
Once a custom sort list has been defined, it can be used as the basis for sorting your data list. In order to use the custom sort list, it is necessary to use the field that contains the custom sort list components as the primary (first) sort key for the sort routine.
Follow the steps below to perform a custom sort:
- Position the active cell anywhere within the data list to be sorted.
- Choose Data | Sort.
The Sort dialog box opens.
- Select the column (field) by which to sort the data.
- Choose Options.
The Sort option dialog box opens.
- Select a custom sort from the First key sort order drop-down list.
- Choose Case sensitive if you desire.
- Choose Sort top to bottom as an Orientation.
or
- Choose Sort left to right as an Orientation.
- Choose OK.
The Sort dialog box opens.
Choose OK.
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
Click Here to recommend this newsletter to a friend!
#6- 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.
#7- SpySweeper announces free trial
By David S. Hartsock
Hopefully you've been around long enough to remember my Knock Down Drag Out Anti-Spyware Cage Match, which tested the seven most popular anti-spyware programs. If you missed it you should really take a few moments and read them. Spyware Test Part 1 Spyware Test Part 2 Spyware Test Part 3 Spyware Test Results
Webroot's SpySweeper program won the test and has now become the software I use and recommend for spyware prevention and removal. I've used it exclusively since I completed the test and have been very pleased with all aspects of the program. A few things I really like about the program are:
- It runs silently in the background
- It has a small memory footprint
- It updates often and with no user intervention
- It doesn't slow my computer down during updates
- It doesn't slow my computer down during scans as much as other programs I've used
Some may have bought SpySweeper based on my testing. Some may not have because they did not offer a trial period as other programs often do, until NOW!
I suggest you download the SpySweeper trial and disable or uninstall any currect anti-spyware programs you may be running. It's only way for you to get a true feeling for the software.
The Free Trial of SpySweeper is available by clicking HERE. Try it out (it's free) and I'm sure you will share my feelings about this program.
Click Here to recommend this newsletter to a friend!
#8- 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!
ADG security - How about that off-shore tech support? - Thanks Don.
Spray paint? - How do these people come up with this stuff? Amazing.
Pick your fights wisely - Angry pimp gets more than he bargained for!
Click Here to recommend this newsletter to a friend!
#9- A few website's you may find useful
I didn't have a lot of time these past 2 weeks to find any interesting sites. I'll do better next time!
If you would like to subscribe to future newsletters, or change your current subscription please do so by visiting www.davescomputertips.com/subscribe.php.