Steve Bass's Home Office
October 13th, 2004
proudly presented by
PC World
Technology Advice You Can Trust
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/1/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
PC World columnist Steve Bass writes weekly commentary on the
technology products he loves, the strategies for getting the most out
of them, and the gotchas that can cause computing misery.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=
XEROX
A winner in the printing triathlon, brilliant color that won't
quit.Enter to win an $11,000 Business Upgrade Package (USD) or a Xerox
Phaser(R) 6250 Color Laser Printer. Visit this link to enter:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755207/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
October 13th, 2004
* This week: More on Fighting Spyware
I'm still angry.
I wrote about spyware last week, and ever since then I've been
simmering. Spyware is ripping us all off. We're spending money and
losing time fighting it, and I'm wasting precious space in this
newsletter telling you about it instead of giving you productivity
tips.
This week: More on preventing spyware from getting on your PC and
determining what it is if you've been nailed. Next week? Getting rid
of it.
How to Protect Yourself
Last week I told you about the difference between spyware and adware:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755835/0/
I also told you about how the junk gets on your PC. Now I want to take
a sec to elaborate--and show you how to guard against spyware.
Here's a situation you may have experienced: You're surfing and land
on a site waving a banner ad. It's flashing on and off, frantically
warning that there's spyware on your system. "Click here for good
time," it blares. Oh, wait, sorry, that's another site. This one
suggests that clicking the banner will help you rid your system of
spyware. Hogwash. Another ad may offer you quicker downloads, fewer
problems browsing, or smarter searches. Bullcrackers. (BTW, the same
offers may come by way of pop-up ads.)
My advice? Ignore them all. Unless you're 100 percent sure of the site
and the ad's veracity, pull a Nancy Reagan and just say no. That's
because, IMHO, legitimate sites don't need to rely on come-ons or
other deceptive--or even verging on deceptive--marketing practices.
If there's a worthy product for speeding up your system, or a terrific
toolbar for searching the Internet, you'll read about it on PC World's
site. Or even, I hasten to add, any of our competitors'.
Useful Digression: Here are two nifty tools that help you ignore those
deceptive banner ads. For an Internet speed-up, read about CableNut, a
free tool in "Who Knew Your...PC, Software, Camera, Printer, Network,
Drive, Handheld...Could Do That?" It's the second tip in the Internet
section:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755836/0/
And Google's Toolbar can't be beat for searching--get it from our
Downloads site:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755837/0/
Dig This: Have you ever wondered about the value of newsgroups (those
big, public bulletin boards on the Internet)? They are, as PC World
editor Andy Brandt says, "oh so infinitely, er, useful." Check out
this one (and trust me, it's funny) at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755838/0/
Spyware Background Checks
Fairly often I'll find adware--or even spyware--hidden in free
software. You know the kind I'm talking about. The software promises
to be my download manager for life or a dreamy browser search add-in,
and, oh how it's something I really want to try.
My strategy for guarding against spyware in free products is
straightforward. If I see a product that sounds intriguing, I'll do my
due diligence and spend 5 minutes, sometimes 10 (okay, 15 if you're on
dial-up, now stop whining) using the Web for a background check.
Here's How I Do It
Step 1: If I find a utility or program I want to try--even if it's a
mainstream app--I first Google the product's name along with the word
"spyware." Try an experiment. Do a search with, say, "Cool Web Search
spyware" (without the quotes) and see what Google has to say. This
gives you a good idea if a product is--or isn't--a worry. In this
case, you'll see the dozens of variations of this particular sweetie.
However, even if the product comes up clean, we still can't rest.
Step 2: I verify what I may have found with a Google search by
checking other sites. PestPatrol's database of spyware is a favorite.
The company made things a little easier for me (and will for you, too)
by recently by opening up its site for searches. Its comprehensive
database is kept up to date, and you can find it here:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755839/0/
Click in the search field on the left and enter the name of the
program you want to check. PestPatrol was recently purchased by
Computer Associates, so if the site I mention isn't working, head for:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755840/0/
Step 3: I often want a second opinion, and sometimes a third. The
Kephyr File Database is another good spot:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755841/0/
So is Spyware-Guide.com:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755842/0/
Dig This: Keep the drunk on his feet. That's the name of the game; you
have to move your cursor to the left and right to keep the guy
upright. I got to about 90 (and that's without a beer). [Thanks to my
editor, of all people.]
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755843/0/
Next week, one more verification technique and tools for ridding
yourself of spyware.
Bass Background Checks
I doubt you'll find anything juicy. Well okay, maybe that time
I--well, wait. No, that's not important now. What is is getting you to
spend a minute sending the link below to some schlemiel who's always
being hassled by spyware. Passing along the link to them might
encourage them to sign up for their own newsletter, making my numbers
go up, a good thing.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755844/0/
Steve Bass writes the "Home Office" column in PC World's print edition
and is the author of "PC Annoyances: How to Fix the Most Annoying
Things About Your Personal Computer," available from O'Reilly:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755301/0/
Steve Bass can be reached, even if you don't have anything juicy to
say, at:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
* See Steve Bass's previous Home Office Features at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/237822/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Sponsored Downloads:
* Wintuneup Pro *
Wintuneup Pro is actually a bundle of utilities which optimize Windows
for maximum performance gains and frees disk space. Keep your system
running faster, smoother and error-free. Includes: Internet and memory
optimizer, protection tools and system cleaning tools to keep PC
performance at its best. With System Information, you get a snapshot
of what's going on inside your computer at any point to help keep your
system in tiptop shape. Cleans registry, clears junk, protects
privacy, optimizes I nternet connection and much more. Exclusive
$10.00 discount coupon for PC World newsletters subscribers. One Touch
Wizard and Express modes for new and advanced users.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755786/0/
* Magic Ball: Highly addictive fun *
This Arkanoid remake is so exciting it will keep you enthralled and
riveted to your computer as you wait to see whether your ammo is going
to help or hurt you. Load up "Jack - the Bat Killer" or ball
Speed-Up and it will negatively affect your performance. Destroy all
the bricks at each level using the Magic ball rockets. This game
provides unlimited play, stunning 3D graphics, studio-level sound
effects and awesome soundtrack with tons of power-ups. Track your high
scores as you gain skill and rack up as many points as you can in as
many exciting sessions as you can handle. Caution, download the free
trial if you dare.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755787/0/
Check other exclusive discount software offers for PC World
newsletters subscribers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/237749/0/
=====================================================================
Top News From PC World
* Yahoo's Yang Looks Back on 'Amazing Ride'
Cofounder reflects on company's first ten years at Web 2.0 Conference.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755831/0/
* First Look: RemoteTV Offers Slick Media Streaming
Belkin's latest product lets you effortlessly share digital content
within the house, but is it lawful?
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755832/0/
* Check out all of today's news...
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/54/0/
=====================================================================
Editors' Picks
Free Games: Ruthlessly Claw, Blast, and Shoot Your Opponent
>From the sublime to the absurd, these games are sure to entertain--and
they're free to keep.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755796/0/
Chicken-Fight v1.0
Claw and scratch your opponent in this silly chicken fight game.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755797/0/
Desert Combat 0.7 Full Install
The full-sized, 620MB Desert Combat installer for Battlefield: 1942.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755798/0/
Tribes: Vengeance multiplayer demo
Try out the multiplayer gameplay in this latest addition to the Tribes
family of first-person shooters.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755799/0/
World Wind
A highly detailed 3D map of the Earth enhanced with live satellite
imagery.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755800/0/
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 demo
Take a spin at building your own amusement park, rollercoasters and
all.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755801/0/
For a full list of this week's Editors' Picks, go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755796/0/
=====================================================================
* Reviews *
* Top 15 Desktop PCs
Our chart has eight newcomers this month, including speed champs from
Micro Express and Polywell, and a superpricey Media Center PC from HP.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755802/0/
Check the latest prices on Desktops:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755803/0/ /tk=cxb
* Top 10 Monochrome Laser Printers
This month's chart presents an all-new lineup of printers, and the
striking feature they share is sharply lower pricing.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755804/0/
Check the latest prices on Printers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/237/0/
* Microsoft Works a Deal
Trusty productivity software satisfies most needs, at a bargain price.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755805/0/
Check the latest prices on Software Suites:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/516549/0/
See all Reviews:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/86/0/
=====================================================================
* PC World Magazine: Get 15 free Power Guides instantly plus Bonus
CD-ROM! Get 2 trial issues of PC World--the world's leading monthly
computer publication. Plus, you'll get PC World's 15 Power Guides and
Bonus CD-ROM free when you enter your trial subscription! Order now to
receive this exclusive Power Guide Collection from our award-winning
editors. Here's what you'll get--Upgrading Your PC,
Multimedia/Gaming, PC Hardware, A Trouble-Free PC, Windows XP, The
Internet, Using Windows and more! Don't delay. Order today.
[Note: Adobe Reader version 5 or newer is required to view Power
Guides.]
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/237590/0/
Or Try PC World in Digital Format. Same Magazine, Now Digital!
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/216/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Shop Now Online
*XEROX
Get productivity to burn, without burning a hole in your budget. Enter
to win a 50" HDTV or a Xerox Phaser(R) 8400 Color Printer.
Visit this link to enter:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/237406/0/
=====================================================================
* PC World Picks and Promotions *
* A Whole New World
HDTV, DVD recorders, Media Center PCs, gaming phones--don't look now,
but entertainment has gone digital. And now there's Digital World, a
new bimonthly publication from PC World filled with reviews, news, and
help on these products and much more. Copies of the October 2004 PC
World sold at newsstands and other retailers included the print
version, and the next issue will be December 2004. If you're a PC
World magazine subscriber, you can download DW in pdf format (free
Adobe Reader v6.0.2 is required) at find.pcworld.com/43830. Check
www.digital-world.com for more information.
And a new, free DW newsletter!
PC World has launched Digital World Insider. Read about the latest
from the world of consumer electronics: HDTV, DVD, digital audio,
camera phones, GPS navigation, and more, plus highlights of the news,
reviews, and features from Digital World magazine. Subscribe now at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/755010/0/
* Optimize and Protect Your PC with PC World's downloadable pdf Super
Guides!
PC World's award-winning editors have compiled hundreds of tips,
tricks and tweaks to help you fine-tune and secure your computer. If
you want your pdf Super Guides mailed to you on a CD instead of
downloading them, select the eCD option for an additional $8.50. Free
samples from each of our tip guides can be found on our Super Guides
catalogue page. [Note: Adobe Reader version 5 or newer is required to
view Power Guides.] For more information and sample tips, go to
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/1137/0/
* Save 15% on Steve Bass's PC Trouble-shooting Book
O'Reilly and PC World are pleased to present a book by PC World
contributing editor Steve Bass, "PC Annoyances, How to Fix the Most
Annoying Things About Your Personal Computer." PC World newsletter
subscribers get 15% off the cover price, *and* a free Windows Secrets
Super Guide PDF download.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/601321/0/
=====================================================================
* Newsletter Subscriber Services *
If you cannot "click" on the links in this newsletter, please try
copying the complete URL and pasting it into your browser's address
field.
--To unsubscribe from this or all newsletters, to sign up for new
newsletters or to change your newsletters format from text-only to
HTML, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/19/0/
--To change the e-mail address to which we send your PC World e-mail
newsletters, please visit our change of address form at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/20/0/
--PC World will occasionally send e-mail announcements of special
deals, new products, and other third party product and service offers
to newsletter subscribers and PCWorld.com Registered Members who have
asked to receive them. To update your preferences and be excluded from
these mailings, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/21/0/
--For a list of all these subscriber services online, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/22/0/
--PCWorld.com Privacy Policy:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/146/0/
If you have questions or comments regarding PC World e-mail newsletter
subscriptions, please contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Interested in PC World RSS feeds? Please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/248773/21421678/66/0/
PCWorld.com newsletters may contain links to sites on the Internet
which are owned and operated by third parties. PC World
Communications, Inc., is not responsible for the availability of, or
the content located on or through, any such third-party site.
2004 PC World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written
permission of PC World Communications, Inc., is prohibited. PC World
is a registered trademark of International Data Group, Inc. All other
trademarks used on PC World and PCWorld.com are the property of their
respective owners. PC World Communications, Inc., 501 2nd St., San
Francisco, CA 94107.
---
You are currently subscribed to home_office_text as: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
