computer_matters_article002

Articles on Computer Matters:

Protect Your PC Against Viruses and Spyware

The key to effective and efficient spyware detection and removal is in the spyware file definitions database that is provided by the software developer. Spyware removal software is just what it sounds like it is, a software program that will go through your computer and get rid of spyware and other programs you do not want to have on your machine. However, since it can be transmitted in a number of ways, spyware removal software may be something you want to try just in case you have acquired software without your knowing it. Several spyware removal software programs have been identified as fakes, but not before many computer users were drawn into the trap. With the demand for anti-spyware tools continuously on the rise because of the constant release of new and more invasive spyware scams, computer users may find themselves falling victim to malicious software downloads while searching for the right spyware removal tool.

The computer user will be unaware that this is happening as spyware software applications are usually hidden components in both freeware and shareware programs that can be downloaded from the internet. The challenge for us is to know where to go for these results and recommendations, and to know which of the anti-spyware and anti-virus programs to use on our computers. A real benefit for us is that most of the top rated anti-spyware and anti-virus programs are free, or available in Trial or Demo versions. There are thousands of these programs out on the internet that are just waiting to leach onto their next unsuspecting victim and launch hundreds of annoying popups on the victim's computer or worst steal the victims Identity. Besides the most obvious issues of identity theft, spyware, adware, malware and other similar programs can greatly slow down your PC causing it to behave in ways you would never expect. The free spyware cleaners are good programs to get rid of spyware viruses you already have on your computer now. But how much of your personal information, passwords and even credit card numbers did these programs send out before they were removed.

To keep the anti-virus software working effectively it must be updated every couple of days and letting it become out-dated may harm your computer. Anti-virus software will help to keep your computer safe against worms, viruses, Trojan horses, and other uninvited programs. The important thing to remember about anti-virus software is that you make sure to update it often so that you get the latest computer virus definitions installed into the software program.

Here's what you should look for when choosing anti-virus software:. They speak of up-to-date definitions and thorough scanning of the computer, and they are correct in that the anti-virus programs of today are leaps and bounds ahead of what was available just a couple years ago. The general way that almost every anti-virus program works is that it must be updated regularly to download the definitions of the newest viruses and spyware.

David Fishman
28 Dec 2006

David Marc Fishman is the owner of howtopcguru.com http://www.howtopcguru.com. Protect your pc against viruses http://www.howtopcguru.com

Microsoft, Like All Software Companies, is Update Crazy

2003 Microsoft Office, like earlier versions of Microsoft Office, is a package of software programs designed for various office work activities. 2003 Microsoft Office comprises the programs Excel, Word, Access, Outlook, OneNote, Visio, PowerPoint, InfoPath, FrontPage, Project, Publisher, and Live Meeting. Each of these programs is sold as a separate software product, but the 2003 Microsoft Office combines them all together under a sort of bulk rate price tag.

The 2003 Microsoft Office package boasts a more complete package than any of the previous versions, offering more programs, and the most up to date versions of the software available. Of course, the older versions of the Office package are still perfectly good. I'm still using the 2000 addition, and am perfectly happy with it. It's easy to get sucked into the hype over the 2003 Office deal only to discover that you didn't really need the 'improvements'. Microsoft, like all software companies, is update crazy. Newer versions of their programs represent an entire new product line for a minimal cost to them, and are often basically the same thing as the older version.

The Microsoft Office concept is a huge success for the software giant. Just about every major business has a copy of 2003 Microsoft Office or some earlier version installed on all their employee's computers. Using the 2003 Microsoft Office programs you can do just about anything including writing form letters, tracking data, creating visual presentations, sending emails, creating graphical designs, combining text and graphical images, and arranging online meetings.

Personally, the only programs I ever use are Excel, Word, and occasionally PowerPoint. These three programs are a must have for anyone that does any kind of work involving presentations, writing, and organizing data. For these three programs alone, I think the 2003 Microsoft Office package is a good deal. Even if you don't work with computers, Excel and Word are vital programs for personal use, making letter writing and tracking your finances much easier.

If you don't have any Microsoft Office versions, and don't even have Word, or Excel, I highly recommend picking up 2003 Microsoft Office. You can buy it online from just about anyone, and any stores that carry computer software will have it as well. If you already have an older Office version, you probably don't really need to get 2003 Microsoft Office unless you do a lot of office work and are interested in the new programs that come with the package.

Muna wa Wanjiru
02 Jan 2007

Muna wa Wanjiru has been researching and reporting on Internet Marketing for years. visit his site at
http://www.merpetsales.com/you-can-automate-your-microsoft-offic.html http://www.merpetsales.com/you-can-automate-your-microsoft-offic.html

WiFi

The basic system of WiFi is very simple. In a WiFi enabled network, computers with WiFi cards connect wirelessly to an access point or router. This access point or router is internet enabled the usual way, connected to the internet using a cable or DSL modem. Any PC or laptop with a WiFi card, which is within a radius of 200 feet (60 meters) from the access point can access internet. However a distance of 100 feet (30 meters) is considered ideal for good quality access. An area surrounding an access point, providing wireless access, is called a wireless hotspot.

The Technology

The technology used in WiFi is easiest to understand in terms of radio. It is quite similar to walkie-talkies, the only difference being in the strength of signals. An ordinary walkie-talkie can handle only limited data in the range of 1000 bits per second, and operate at 49 MHz. In the case of WiFi radios, the signal strength is much more, so they can handle much higher data rates. WiFi radios typically operate at a frequency of 2.4GHz.

There are three versions of WiFi radios currently available- the ones that work with 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11a standards. While the first two- 802.11b and 802.11g- transmit 2.4 GHz, the radios operating at 802.11a standard can transmit at 5GHz.

Another important feature of the WiFi radios that enables higher data rates is the coding techniques used. The 802.11a and 802.11g standard radios use Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technique while the 802.11b uses Complementary Code Keying (CCK) technique.

Due to the higher frequencies and the encoding techniques, WiFi radios can transmit a very high amount of data per second. The 802.11a and 802.11g standard radios transfer between 30-54 megabits per second and the 802.11b standard typically conveys 7-11 megabits per second.

The WiFi Alliance has developed certification standards for laptops and other electronic gadgets like PDAs. Most of these appliances are today WiFi certified. This means that these gadgets are interoperable regardless of the brand.

The Benefits

The technology of WiFi was developed to enhance the convenience and increased productivity that portable computing and communication systems ushered in. In today’s scenario, the workforce moves about a lot on business. They typically carry laptops, PDAs and other gadgets and need to access the office network from wherever they are. WiFi is a hassle-free, cost effective and quicker way of deploying a network. It also makes greater flexibility possible.

A WiFi enabled work environment helps workers to stay connected for longer and even interact with the co-workers effortlessly.

Security- The Risk Factor

A wireless access point has the risk that anyone can access the information if they get within an accessible distance. Therefore it is important to take security precautions while setting up a WiFi network in your organization. The degree of security depends on the nature of information your organization handles. If it is highly sensitive information, you will need to go for customized security measures.

WiFi, or Wireless Fidelity, is a technology standard developed in 1997 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). WiFi is all about high speed wireless internet access. In today’s scenario, workers typically move about a lot and need to operate from several stations other than their office cabin. As gadgets like laptops and PDAs were developed to meet this need, it was also necessary to develop wireless internet technologies to enhance their function. This is where WiFi comes in.

WiFi is Fast

WiFi typically offers much faster internet access than cable and DSL connections, a definite advantage for businesses. The high speed is also useful when you’re on the move. There is a promise of enhanced productivity here.

WiFi is Convenient

You can access internet from your Wi-Fi enabled device from wherever you are, as long as you are within range of a base station or source. Thus the workers can move about with their gadgets from their cabin down the corridor to the conference room all without losing connection. You can also access your company’s network from your own laptop or PDA, even when you are in another place, like a business associate’s office, a hotel or convention center, as long as this place has a WiFi network.

It is also faster and more cost effective for the company to set up a wireless network than a wired connection.

WiFi is Ubiquitous

The WiFi technology is already commercialized, so most of the computing and communication gadgets like laptops and PDAs come WiFi enabled. Further, these WiFi certified gadgets are interoperable regardless of the brand.

On the other hand, public WiFi access sites or hot spots are also on the increase. More and more offices, bookstores, airport lounges and food outlets are setting up WiFi hotspots in the hope that this will induce their tech-savvy customers to stay on. In some cities, entire neighborhoods and business districts are setting up bigger hotspots.

Drawbacks

The small range is the biggest drawback for WiFi. Even while you can move about without the wires, the mobility is severely restricted. Most typically, it is about a radius of 100 feet or so from the hotspot.
Earlier versions of WiFi radios drain a lot of power, which is a disadvantage for laptops as they are battery dependent. Also, nearby equipment like microwave ovens and cordless phones can cause interference.

Security is another big threat. It is easy for anyone to access your wireless networks if you are not careful. Therefore it is important to install stringent security precautions depending on the sensitivity of the information you handle.

Wi-Fi Internet WiFi uses radio technology for communication, and mostly operates at 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency. Most of the new connectible devices are today WiFi certified, which means not only that they are WiFi enabled, but also that these devices are interoperable.

In a WiFi network, computers with a WiFi network card can connect wirelessly to a WiFi router. The router is connected to internet using a cable or DSL modem. Any WiFi enabled connectible device within 60 meters or so of the access point can access the internet.

Some WiFi hotspots are open in the sense that anyone with a connectible device within the range can access them, while some others are closed which means that only authorized users can access them using a password.

Where WiFi can Help

Interoperability is one big advantage of WiFi. WiFi allows users to connect with internet as well as with each other and other devices. It also helps you transcend the distance imitations of using cables and also saves some of the cost.

WiFi technology is of special advantage to people in marketing and sales as these sectors involve a lot of travel. In fact WiFi can help anyone who has to move about a lot on work. They can access their work email or company databases from wherever they are using WiFi technology. Thus WiFi technology allows businesses to grow and expand fast.

Further, businesses do not have to throw away their existing network infrastructure to start on WiFi. It is very easy to integrate WiFi into your current wired network. This gives WiFi a definite cost advantage.

As we saw earlier WiFi technology uses the 2.4-5 GHz bandwidth and speeds ranging from10 to 50 Mbps. This is quite comparable to the speed of a T1 line.

Security

All said and done, security is one of the biggest issues with a wireless network. This is all the more relevant in the case of a plug and play technology like WiFi. If you are not careful enough, anyone close enough to your base station can intercept the data you send and receive from your network or break into your system.

Therefore it is important to take sufficient security measures when you set up a WiFi hotspot at your home or office. Security is also applicable when you need to access a public hotspot using your laptop or other devices.

Wi-Fi Phones A WiFi phone is a wireless device that gives you the dual benefits of wireless connectivity and the cost savings of VoIP. It can be used in any areas- hotspots- where WiFi connectivity is provided. If there are no obstructions, you will be able to use a WiFi phone within a radius of 300 feet (90 meters) of the hotspot. However this also depends on the number of people accessing the hotspot at the given moment.

What a WiFi Phone Can Do

Just like a cell phone, you can use a WiFi phone to make calls, send text message, receive voicemail and to some extent even access the internet. The WiFi phone is capable of retrieving data and accessing the internet better than a cell phone.

As wireless hotspots are becoming widespread, a WiFi phone enables you to converse with your family, friends and work associates anywhere in the world at much cheaper rates than a regular telephone allows. All you need to ensure is that you are within the range of a WiFi hotspot.

In other words, you can use your WiFi phone from home, hotels, offices, airports, internet cafes, business districts or just about anywhere there is a WiFi network established. More and more metropolitan areas and commercial outlets are deploying free or low cost WiFi hotspots, so you have many places where you can use your WiFi phone to make and receive calls.

Most of the WiFi phone models available in the market have built in features like echo cancellation, lost packet recovery and packet delay compensation. Thus you can expect excellent voice quality from WiFi phones.

The Hitch

The problem with WiFi technology is the range and this applies to WiFi phone as well. It is not possible to roam beyond the hotspot, or between two hotspots, and this means limited mobility while you are on a WiFi call. Further, many WiFi enabled phones shut off the WiFi receptor when not in use, in order to save energy. This can lead to missing the incoming calls. However we can expect that these problems will be ironed out soon as the technology develops.

The Bottom Line

The cost effectiveness is the biggest factor here. The average American user today spends $50 a month on cellular calls. Hotspots are free or much cheaper in comparison, and multiplying fast too. By switching over to WiFi phones, the average consumer as well as businesses can save a lot on the telephone bill. From this angle, WiFi phone looks like the next big thing in the telecom revolution.

Riktesh Srivastava
PhD Internet Technologies
MS(Electronics and Communicatios)
06 Apr 2007