One of the biggest headaches of working in technology, is having to repair an affected computer. Depending on what library department that computer is associated with, it could take a day and a half - just focusing on that one machine - to "wipe it out and restore it" to suitable working conditions. Needless to say, its very frustrating and very time-consuming on my part. But for some of you, when this involves your home computer, it can be a very crippling feeling, especially if that computer is the only computer in your entire household.

So to continue our discussion on free and paid software to help you save time and money, I want to tell you about ways to protect the data on your personal laptops, home computers, smartphones, and tablets by gaining an understanding of why ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAMS are important and how you can download/install one of these programs onto your personal devices for FREE.

ANTI-VIRUS EXPLAINED:

Dummies.com defines anti-virus as "a utility used to spot and erase [computer] viruses from a system." As Princeton.edu points: a "true virus cannot spread [to another computer] without human interaction" in that a virus is "a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer." Therefore, EVERY DEVICE you own (and use) that connects to the Internet, from your home computer to even your smartphone, should have an anti-virus program installed on it.

Those who create viruses are getting clever and clever. Just like them, we too have to be just as clever in finding ways to safeguard our equipment. Therefore, installing an anti-virus program and forgetting about it, simply isn't enough. You need to make sure it stays up-to-date with the latest virus definitions. Now, virus definitions (or threat signatures) are databases that keep up with the latest viruses along with strategies to help your anti-virus program "get rid of it." So, why is all of this important?

According to an October 2011 report by Kaspersky Labs, makers of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, there are at least 70,000 new viruses introduced EVERYDAY. So whenever your anti-virus program notifies you that it is out-dated, needs to be updated, or has a new update to download/install, you should PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION!

It means that the anti-virus software really needs to connect back to its "home base" to obtain the latest updates. Why? - because today's viruses are brutal. Once your device is infected, the virus is likely designed to block your ability to get on the Internet thereby blocking your ability to update your anti-virus software. By then, its too late!

Here are two popular free antivirus programs.


(1) PANDA CLOUD ANTI-VIRUS FREE

• Unlike AVG, Panda Cloud is currently only available for computers and laptops. 

• Yet unlike any existing anti-virus program - paid or free, Panda Cloud is the first cloud-based anti-virus program on the market. Cloud-based means its a service available through the Internet. So you can only buy/download it via the Internet only, and not in stores.

• In a January/February 2012 performance test conducted by AV-Test.org, Panda Cloud was ranked #1, while AVG ranked third and Microsoft Security Essentials ranked lowest. In April 2012, PCWorld stated that Panda Cloud "...outperformed AVG in a malware [detection] test." Just so your know, malware is another name for a type of [computer] virus and it means "malicious software".

• To download Panda Cloud for FREE:
• Visit http://www.cloudantivirus.com/en/forHome/ and click on the Download Free button.
• Their FREE version offers protection against real-time anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, along with automatic, behind-the-scenes updates. In case you're wondering, spyware is a type of malware that monitors your actions as you're using your device and reports your actions back to someone else, likely a hacker.

(2) AVG ANTI-VIRUS FREE

• In April 2012, PCWorld named AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition as their top pick in "Free Anti-Virus  You Can Trust".

• Unlike Panda Cloud, AVG offers protection for your mobile devices as well as year-round telephone support for the FREE version installed on your personal computers and laptops.

• To download AVG for FREE:
• For Android-based devices, such as smartphones and tablets: 
• Visit the Google Play Store and search for "Antivirus Free" by AVG Mobilization. 
• Be sure to check the box to "Allow automatic updating" either before or after install.
• Like most anti-virus programs for mobile devices, it will scan every new app that you install, perform scheduled scans on your existing apps, emails, text messages, etc., along with performing automatic updates - if you have the "Allow automatic updating" button checked.
• For personal computers and laptops:  
• Visit http://free.avg.com/us-en/free-downloads and find the Install button for the latest FREE version.
• Their FREE 2012 version offers basic protection against viruses and spyware and don't forget about the year-round free telephone support.

Here are a few other FREE anti-virus programs:

• Avast
• Avira
• Bitdefender
• Microsoft Security Essentials

PLEASE NOTE: Not all anti-virus programs "get along", so you only want to have ONE anti-virus (AV) program on your computer at any given time. Multiple AV programs on the same device could cause a "tug-of-war" whenever a virus is detected. So if you already have an anti-virus program installed, consider uninstalling it prior to installing something else. If you are unfamiliar with whether your current program is working for you, then seek out expert advice by visiting your local computer store like Best Buy, Office Depot, or Staples.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

I personally used Panda Cloud on my personal laptop and AVG on my Android-based smartphone, so what do you use? Perhaps you use an anti-virus that is different from those mentioned here. If so, feel free to share your preferred AV program with us in the comments section below.

In Part Two, the discussion continues as I focus on how to protect and backup your smartphone data.

Image Source: PowerPCNet.com

Recently bought a computer or thinking about buying one? Or maybe you received a new computer for Christmas and you're not quite sure what to do with it. Well, for the entire month of March, we'll focus on helping brand new Windows 7 computer owners.

To help you out, we'll bringing back a SPECIAL EDITION of Tech Tuesdays as well as focus on how to select a new home printer or how to take your old printer and save money on ink and other techniques for printer efficiency.

Our anticipated postings are as follows:

• Windows 7 vs. older Windows operating systems, such as Windows Vista or XP
• What Should I Buy First - Laptop, Netbook, or Desktop?
• MACs  vs. PCs
• Home Printers 101
• Learn about the different Types: desktop, inkjet, photo, laser, multi-function/all-in-ones...
• Ways to Save Your Printer Ink...
• The Importance of Using the Right Printer Paper...
• What to Do When You Have a New Computer & an Old Printer...

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DID YOU MISS LAST MONTH'S DISCUSSION ON eREADERS?

Throughout the month of February, we covered eReaders from the most popular devices to the eReader benefits, apps and much more. In case you missed it, check out these links!

• Kindle vs. Sony vs. Nook: Part II (Feb. 28th) - Read now
• eReader Apps (Feb. 24th) - Read now
• Benefits of an eReader (Feb. 23rd) - Read now
• Kindle vs. Sony vs. Nook: Part I (Feb. 18th) - Read now
• How to Get Started with Overdrive (Feb. 14th) - Read now
• eReader Terms You Should Know (Feb. 11th) - Read now
• Introduction to eReaders (Feb. 11th) - Read now

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Hewlett-Packard, HP, was established in 1939, but didn’t trademark the name until 1954. HP equipment can be dated back to 1941. One of HP’s first clients was The Walt Disney Company. Disney purchased equipment to better the surround sound for the movie Fantasia. As Hewlett-Packard grew so did their products and their knowledge for technology. Today HP provides desktops, laptops, servers, printers, and cameras to name a few. They also sell switches, wireless access points, and WAN routers making them the 2nd largest networking company in the world.

This week we will be discussing HP laptops. Like most companies who sell laptops, HP’s range in price, size, and memory. For instance the cheapest HP laptop sells for $379.99 and the most expensive sells for $1699.99. The reason for the big price gap is again size, memory, and processor speeds. The smallest amount of memory (RAM) in 2010 HP models is 2GB. Some models can be upgraded to 4GB. The smallest laptop, not netbook, HP produces has a 13” screen, while the biggest screen is 18.4”. Hard drives in these laptops range from 250GB to 640GB. The processors range from single core 1.7GHz to duel core i5 2.23GHz. In layman’s terms, that’s fast in both performance and startup time.

In our product review Thursday, we will compare the HP G42t to some of its top competitors. Until next time, happy teching!

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This week we are going to be discussing Toshiba laptops. Toshiba has been around for a while. The company was founded in 1939 by merging two Japanese companies together. But it wasn’t until 1978 when the company was officially named Toshiba. Like Dell, Toshiba sells many technological devices such as, servers, desktops, laptops, netbooks, external hard drives, and home entertainment equipment. In recent years Toshiba has gained popularity by developing cutting edge devices. There laptops are no different. In fact, I am on my second Toshiba laptop.

Toshiba’s laptops range anywhere from 11.6” to 18.4”. Most laptops that are sold today have Windows 7 installed on them. Windows Vista can still be purchased. Like Dell, some netbooks or mini laptops can be purchased with Windows XP, but the supply is limited. Toshiba laptops start out at $429.99 and can reach prices well over $1000. Prices range because of the different ways you can customize your laptop. Some models allow you to upgrade your memory (RAM), while others may allow you to upgrade your hard drive. Also, like many manufactures, Toshiba gives you the options of installing software when purchasing direct such as MS Office 2007.

Over all, Toshiba has always been a leader in developing reliable laptops. Be sure to check our product review later in the week and see how one of Toshiba’s laptops compares to others. Until next time, happy teching!

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The Apple iPad made its debut last week (April 3, 2010). With it came questions and debates over whether or not to buy it or to look elsewhere for a similar product such as a tablet (PC). Well today we are going to compare the iPad against its top competitors. If you are still in the market for an iPad and you are asking the ever important question, “Do I really want an iPad?” please feel free to use this as a guide.

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Interview with Jason Jordan/Best Buy GM - Shreveport, LA

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So what can you take away from the iPad interview with Jason?
We learned that the different versions of the iPad cost anywhere from $499-$699 and all models are WiFi. In late April, Apple will release 3 more iPads that have 3G capabilities via the AT&T mobile network. The 3 that will be released in late April will cost more and require a monthly contract with AT&T. We also learned that most iPhone/iPod Touch apps are compatible with the iPad. As far as running multiple apps, you are only able to run one at a time. In saying that, Apple apps, such as the iPod feature and surfing the web via Safari, can run at the same time. Another thing Jason talked about was flash in the iPad. He said, “Steve Jobs has a certain opinion about flash.” And as far as the iPad replacing your personal computer, that’s not going to happen.

Over the past year I have been exploring various operating systems ranging from Windows XP to Linux. And I must say, I was surprised with my findings. I first started my exploration earlier this year when my Toshiba laptop of 4 years started giving me fits. When purchased brand new, the Toshiba had a Celeron processor, Windows XP Home, with 512 RAM and a 80 GB hard drive. Sounds out dated right? In 2006, upgraded the RAM to 1 GB (a $50-$60 addition) and installed Windows Vista Home. Everything was working perfectly at the time; until I installed Office 2007 Student/Home ed. I noticed Office 2007 took a long time to load on my laptop and would sometimes crash and turn my computer off.

My first mistake was installing Vista on a machine that wasn't stable enough for it. Vista claims it can run on 1 GB RAM, but I have yet to see it preform well in that type of environment. My second mistake was installing Office 2007 with a hard drive that was half way full. Both, Vista and Office 2007, require a lot of hard drive space to run. The laptop never had a virus. I did a good job of keeping it clean and free from the evil viruses that plague Windows computers. Plus, I was the only one to use the laptop. As you can imagine, it was an endless road of frustration. It was so bad that I bought a desktop and put the laptop in a closet.

After my wife and I got married in March, we took a leap of faith and moved to Oklahoma City, OK to finish our education. This is where most of my research and trial and error took place with operating systems. I wanted something "light" and easy to use. Unfortunately, Windows did not match my search criteria. Windows OS are easy to use, but by no means light. Plus, living on a student income, Windows was not in my budget. So, off to Google I went. One of the first things I noticed when started my research for reliable light weight operating systems, was the word Linux. I have heard of this OS before, but never researched it or any of that jazz. So as a curious techie guy, I started to dig a little deeper on this Linux. Come to find out it was very light and my computer's response time was quite fast. I guess you could describe Linux as the basics of a computer. The best part about Linux operating systems are they are FREE to download and to install. No licences, unlike Windows.

My Linux OS of choice and recommendation is Ubuntu. I installed Ubuntu on the laptop and it works great. But before I start praising it, I need to tell you some important details. Microsoft programs are not compatible with Linux. I will say that there are free open source programs that are like Microsoft, but not exact. For example, Office 2003 or 2007 will not run on Linux, but there is a program called OpenOffice.org that is as close as you can get to the Office programs. Also, Linux uses Firefox and Opera for Internet browsers instead of Internet Explorer. Overall, I like both Windows OS and Linux/Ubuntu. They both have their positives and negatives. Again, research before deciding on your OS and always look for reviews. And it never hurts to ask your computer guy about either of the operating systems.