Installing Microsoft Security Essentials on client's computers

I recently noticed the article below in my reading and it reinforced my recent change in what software I install on my friend's, family and client's Windows PCs.

I was installing a combination of ClamAV and Windows Defender, but upon the release of this new software, Microsoft Security Essentials, I saw an opportunity to stream line things and give the users less to concern themselves with as far as updates and new versions.

Twitter friend and follower @MadMarv saw my original Twitter post when I shared the item below and repied "yeah, I'm starying to roll out MS. Sec. Essentials around the office. Seems less obtrusive than any other AV right now."

Every Windows PC needs an antivirus and anti-malware program to protect it and Microsoft Security Essentials combines both into one, easy-to-install package. If you don't currently have protection installed, or it is out of date, head over to Microsoft's Web Site and download and install Microsoft Security Essentials as a base line of protection.

While it has been true for years that you needn't spend a lot of money (or any money) on you PC protection products, Microsoft Security Essentials simply reinforces that fact.

Microsoft Security Essentials Ranks as Best-Performing Free Antivirus [Antivirus]
from Lifehacker by The How-To Geek

Anti-malware testing group AV-Comparatives.org not only gave Microsoft Security Essentials a top rating for malware removal, but now they've given it their best ranking in their performance test as well.

AV-Comparatives.org ran a series of real-world tests running through common scenarios like downloading, extracting, copying, and encoding files, installing and launching applications, and they also ran through an automated testing suite as well. Once the dust had settled, it became clear that not only is MSE one of only three products that both blocks and removes malware well, but it's also very light on system resources.

Read the entire article

A New Vista Laptop

New Laptop - PaD 3/12/07
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

As my clients begin to get Windows Vista on new computers, I needed a new machine to assist them with the questions they will almost certainly have.

This is an HP Pavilion DV200 with 2 GB of RAM, 160GB HD and AMD Turion Dual Core Processor.

So far, I am liking it a lot. Very perky. I got the 15" version, as I plan on carrying this around a lot more than my previous laptop, as I am doing more speaking engagements on podcasting and other topics.

Tags: laptop notebook new technology windows vista windows vista

Aging modems and routers might be slowing down your network

by Douglas E. Welch, techiq@welchwrite.com
Reader/Listener Line - 206-338-5832

Over the last several months I have noticed a growing issue for those of you who were early adopters of DSL and cable modem broadband connections. Many of you have been happily working along for years, without ever upgrading your modems or routers. While the cliché "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" usually applies in these cases, you might find that upgrading your modems and routers could gain you a substantially better online experience.

I first started to notice issues when wireless networking finally moved into the home in a large fashion. More and more people were buying laptops and wanted to use these computers throughout the house, instead of being tied to their desk. While I usually had no problems adding these routers to homes which had recently purchased broadband (this is the generic name for high-speed Internet access) as I upgraded longer-term customers, I found it difficult, if not impossible to get the router working.

A pattern soon began to emerge, though. It seems that the older modems simply weren't up to the task of communicating with the newer routers. Their internal software was probably written in the days when companies only expected you to connection 1 computer directly to the modem. Sure enough, after the customer contacted their Internet Service Provider (ISP) and received a new modem, the router was easily installed.

In the past, most companies would simply upgrade your modem for no charge, but now I am finding that most ISP's (including SBC/AT&T) and Earthlink will require you to purchase a new modem from them, or purchase your own modem from your local electronics store. In some cases, most notably AT&T, they will even sell you a combination modem and router that not only shares your DSL connection, but also provides wireless access.

Finally, even if you aren't experiencing any obvious problems with your modem today, you might not be getting all the network speed for which you are paying. Older modems, and older routers, like an older computer, process data at a set speed. Older units might be acting as a bottleneck on your network, slowing your Internet access, even though your computer might be able to accept data at a much higher rate. The installation of a new router might increase network speed by a significant amount.

If your modem or router is over 4 years old, or you are experiencing problems with your connection or installing a router, you might consider upgrading. Contact your ISP for information and pricing.

Technorati Tags: technology, windows, software, computers, high-tech, modem, router, network, broadband