Computer viruses are big news in the world of computer security and in the world of Windows operating systems. Now that many people use always-connected broadband internet, it has become increasingly easy for viruses to spread between machines. What are viruses and what should you do to avoid them?

What are viruses?

Boo! Popular media and science fiction has portrayed the computer virus as something mystical and magical. In reality, it is no more than a malicious computer program

Despite what you may have heard, computer viruses are not magical. They cannot be transmitted through the air and while some of them are able to erase information from your computer, they cannot erase backup CD-ROM's you have made and they cannot cause your computer to explode! Computer viruses are computer programs, just like every other bit of software that runs on your PC. What makes computer viruses different however is the fact that they are designed to copy themselves, throughout your computer's memory or hard drive, or even across the internet. Many computer viruses have malicious components too, and may try to cause all sorts of mischief from slowing down your computer to allowing hackers to gain entry. Click here to see what Microsoft have to say about computer viruses.
What is the Difference Between Computer Viruses and Spyware?
Spyware is software specifically designed to watch things you do on your PC, perhaps to gather data on the websites you visit, or music you listen to. Plain spyware does not copy itself or exhibit other malicious behaviour, although many computer viruses are also spyware or contain spyware components. Not all spyware is necessarily bad. The popular music utility LastFM for example, is considered by some to be spyware, as it tracks what music you listen to. However, it uses that data to recommend bands and music to you that you might like, which makes it great fun to use and highly recommended!

What about "Trojans" ?

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Actually, beware of any shady website offering freebies on the net

You remember the story of the Trojan horse, right? The Greeks manage to convince the Trojans that a giant wooden horse, containing lots of their warriors, was actually a gift from the Gods. The Trojans, thinking the Gods had smiled on them, took the horse inside their giant walled city, and then the Greeks burst out surprising them and overthrowing the city. Trojans that you get on your computer don't look like horses, but they may look like games, or pictures, or other files which may seem to be fun to play with. In actual fact when you click the file you will get a nasty surprise as a computer virus or malicious program lurks inside. Trojans can be computer viruses or spyware and are generally to be avoided.
What about "Scumware", "Parasites", "Malware" etc
Ok so there are many buzzwords going around but they all boil down to one thing, computer programs that are bad news for you, the owner and user of your computer. So, we know that this bad software is out there, what can we do to avoid it?

Don't let computer viruses ruin your day

Although there are a lot of viruses on the internet, it is important not to get carried away. With a few simple precautions it is easy to stay safe from this kind of threat online. Choosing good Antivirus software is only part of the solution, here are a few common-sense tips that every Windows user should follow:
Make Sure Your Operating System is Up To Date! If you don't have automatic updates enabled (we recommend you do) be sure to check for Windows updates frequently. Virus writers exploit mistakes or bugs in the operating system in order to install viruses or help them spread. Once these problems are known, Microsoft issues fixes to prevent this, so always make sure your operating system is up to date. For more information on updating your Windows machine, visit our comprehensive updating Windows pages.
Make Sure Your Web Browser is Up To Date! Whether you use Firefox or Internet Explorer, making sure that you are using the latest version will help keep you secure. If you are still using Internet Explorer 6 we strongly recommend you upgrade immediately. Virus writers love bugs (mistakes in the software) in your web browser, they can use them to smuggle viruses aboard your PC. Once Microsoft or Mozilla find out about these mistakes, they issue software updates to correct them.

Be Careful What Attachments You Open! Just because an attachment came from somebody you know, doesn't mean it is safe. Before opening an attachment, at least read the rest of the e-mail. It is usually easy to tell if an E-mail has been written by a virus rather than a human. Antivirus software can help you here by automatically detecting if an attachment is safe.
Consider using "Limited" accounts wherever possible.

Macintosh and Linux platforms are hardly ever affected by computer viruses and other types of malicious software. While some people believe this is because virus writers simply ignore these platforms, it is more likely due to the way in which these operating systems approach user account settings. On the Mac and on Linux, users have a limited account by default. Limited accounts can access most programs and files on the computer, but they cannot make changes to the system settings, such as the registry. Because of this, it is much harder for a virus to infect the system. Administrator accounts are only used on Linux and MacOS when changes need to be done to the system.
Windows has had limited accounts for some time now, however thanks to certain older (designed for Windows 98/ME) or poorly designed software packages that are not compatible with limited accounts, most users always run as an administrator, giving viruses and spyware a free run of the system. If all your applications are compatible, then you should run limited user accounts whenever possible. With Windows Vista, Microsoft introduced User Account Controls (UAC). While the frequent prompts that UAC generated were a shock to some users, UAC is great for security because it makes it possible to run a standard user account for day-to-day computing activities, providing another layer of security. We recommend all Windows Vista and Windows 7 users run standard user accounts.
Limited user accounts can be set up in the control panel, we show you exactly how to configure limited accounts in our online safety tutorials section.

Which antivirus software is the best?

Unfortunately there is no one correct answer to that question. However, out of the dozens and dozens of computer antivirus packages on the market, we have listed below the best three for you to consider. We believe that one and only one, (don't ever be tempted to install more than one Antivirus package at once, they will just interfere with each other) of the packages below will be the right choice for almost everyone.

Eset NOD32

Ask I.T. professionals what they consider to be the best antivirus and many will answer "NOD32". Why? Because NOD32 not only has probably the best detection rates for known and unknown viruses in the industry, but it is one of the most efficient antivirus solutions too. This means that it won't slow your computer down or consume lots of hard drive space. NOD can detect even unknown viruses by using what is called a "heuristic" scanner. What that means is it can scan programs and look for patterns which suggest virus-like behaviour. Virus Bulletin has consistently given NOD32 it's VB100 award and AV-Comparatives rated it the best antivirus of 2006.
Because NOD has very little impact on system performance, it is a popular choice for gamers who don't want to risk disabling their anti-virus while they play the latest processor intensive games.
NOD isn't the cheapest solution on the market, at just over £29 for a years subscription. Many solutions include a firewall or additional security software for a similar price. ESET also offer a combined firewall and NOD32 antivirus package called ESET smart security, this costs around £39 for a years subscription. For help with NOD32, check out the NOD32 Tutorials in our Antivirus Tutorials section.

more :
 Buy blog reviews from linkfromblog.com
Processor (CPU) buying tips
Computer memory buying tips
Laptop buying tips
Computer game buying tips
Flat panel buying tips
Processor (CPU) buying tips
CD-R buying tips


 

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Finally it could be a new post, this time ane share AutoCad 2010 software Engineer. For those who do not know what it is AutoCad, let's see,,,,

AutoCAD is a CAD computer software for drawing two-dimensional and three-dimensional developed by Autodesk. AutoCAD product family, as a whole, is a CAD software most widely used in the world.
AutoCAD is used by civil engineers, land developers, architects, mechanical engineers, interior designers and others.
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Processor (CPU) buying tips

Introduction
Purchasing a processor is an important consideration when building or buying a computer. Below we have listed several considerations and additional information about what to ask and look for when purchasing a processor directly or already installed into a computer.

Type

The processor can be a very important consideration for users who are building a computer. Today, there are three main processor manufacturers: AMD, Cyrix and Intel. Each of these companies have good and bad reviews, and really each of them are very close in compatibility and reliability. When considering any of these processors verify the motherboard is compatible. For example, if an Intel motherboard is purchased or currently installed into the computer, you will want to consider an Intel Processor, an AMD processor will not work on a motherboard designed for AMD.

• Computer CPU, heat sink, and fan manufacturer links.

Considerations

Heat Sink	It is highly recommended that all processors have a heat sink. The heat sink helps to allow for the processor to remain cool and therefore run more efficiently. A computer processor with a missing, bad or failing heat sink will cause the computer to lock up, cause errors or encounter other issues.  When looking at a processor, also consider the heat sink that will be attached to that processor and ensure that the processor being purchased is compatible with that heat sink. Additional information and help on computer heat sinks can be found on our heat sink page.
Interface	Today, there is a wide availability of interfaces the CPU may connect to. Below is a listing of each of the interfaces and a brief description on each of them. Slot Slot A The slot was first used and introduced by Intel when they released the Pentium II processors. This slot was designed to allow users to install the processor into the computer. However, because of the additional cost considerations, Intel has now gone back to the Socket what is now known as the FC-PGA socket. Computers that have the Slot are the Intel Pentium II and early versions of the Intel Pentium III. The AMD processors use the Slot A interface Socket FC-PGA Flip Chip Coppermine The socket is the most commonly used and found interface for processors today. The socket has been used in all Intel processors preceding the Intel Pentium II and is now being used for the Intel Pentium III and above processors with the name FC-PGA, which is short for Field-Programmable Gate Array. The FC-PGA is a socket and not a slot processor and is also known as the Intel Coppermine or the Flip Chip. Slocket Slocket, which is a slot card, can be used to connect a socket or FPGA processor. This is not an actual interface but can be an option for users who have a slot adapter with a computer that supports speeds of a socket or FPGA processor. When looking at the interface of the CPU, it must match that of what is on the motherboard unless it is possible to use a Slocket. Additional buying tips on computer motherboards can be found on our motherboard buying tips page.
Names	The names of the processors can be very confusing and are used as a method of helping to sell a computer or computer processor. Below is a listing of some of the more commonly used names and a brief description on each of them. Intel family names: Pentium - The 80586, or P5, the Pentium is the generation above the 486 processor line. Pentium Pro - Chip designed to help speed up Windows 32-bit software Pentium with MMX - Processor with additional 57 new instructions and enhanced speed to graphics and multimedia software. MMX is now included in all Intel processors that have been released after this processor. Pentium II and III - The first of the Intel processors to include the Slot adapters. These processors were the next generations of the Intel Pentium processor. Intel Coppermine - The Socket (FC-PGA) version of the Intel Pentium III and IV. Intel Flip Chip - Another name for the Intel Coppermine. Intel Celeron - The low end Intel processors designed to help lower the prices of the computers by reducing or at first eliminating the level 2 cache. Pentium IV - The next generation of Intel processors, these processors were over 1GHz and were the FPGA processors. Additional information and diagrams of each of the above can be found on our CPU help page. AMD family names: AMD K6-2 - Socket 7 processor with the 3DNow! technology and first to have the 100MHz bus. AMD K6-3 - K6-2 chip with Level 2 cache memory that runs at the speed of the CPU. AMD Duron - Like the Intel Celeron, the AMD Duron is an affordable solution processor allowing for the price in the overall computer to drop. AMD Athlon - AMD generation with features such as the 200MHz bus speed AMD Thunderbird - The latest AMD processor, this processor is the socket version.
Speed	The speed of the processor is an important consideration as it is what will rate the speed of the computer and help the computer run faster overall.  When looking at the speed of processors available, we highly recommend that you do not purchase or consider purchasing a processor that has just been released. The price of the processor will be at a premium price and if you give that processor 2-4 months it will drop in price dramatically.

Effects

Upgrading the computer processor may have the below effects on the computer.

• Allow for programs that may require steeper processor requirements to be run.
• Help the computer or computer programs speed in load and opening time. Note: In many cases this may not be noticed or will not be dramatic.

CPU installation

Additional help and information about installing a computer processor and other computer hardware can be found through our Installation section.

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Computer memory buying tips

Introduction

Computer memory is one of the most commonly purchased and performed computer upgrades. Below is a listing of different considerations and tips to look for when purchasing computer memory.

What type of memory does my computer need?

• Determining what type of memory to use in a memory upgrade.

How much memory should I get?

This question really depends on the computer user you are, what programs you plan on running on the computer, and how many programs you have open at a given time.  One of the best methods of determining how much RAM you should have is to look at the system requirements of the programs you're running on your computer and double whatever the memory requirements are for the program you use most. However, below is the general recommendation for memory we'd suggest your computer.

Minimum: 512MB
Recommended: 1GB
Excellent: 2GB or more.

See document CH001189 for additional information about this question.

What should be expected

Upgrading the computer system memory may have the below effects on the computer.

• Allow for programs that may require steeper memory requirements to be ran.
• Help the computer or computer programs speed in load and opening time.
• Fix memory errors.

Memory installation

Additional help and information about installing computer memory and other computer hardware can be found through our Installation section.

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Laptop buying tips

Introduction
Purchasing a home or business laptop can be a much more confusing and sometimes frightening experience as most users today have some experience with a desktop computer but not as many have experience with a laptop, what is properly known as a portable computer. Portable computers are an excellent solution for anyone who needs to be portable and have all of their information on a small computer. Below is a listing of help and tips when considering to purchase a laptop computer.

What to look for

When purchasing a computer, it is likely that you will have a general idea of what you may like in the computer or how you would like to configure the computer. Below is a listing of the various components likely to be found in a computer, and recommendations and tips when considering any of the below components.

Device	Short recommendation
Battery usage	A very important consideration for any users that need to have a working laptop on the road or in the air. Verify when purchasing a portable computer how long the battery lasts. Be cautious, as many manufacturers will indicate a battery usage time but this may be at the lowest possible settings; ensure that the manufacturer clarifies what the standard battery usage life is when using the portable computer in all power modes.
Display	All portable computers come with a display. While it is almost always possible to hook up an external monitor when traveling with the laptop, the display is an important consideration. When looking at the display, ensure it is large enough for your needs. A very easy method of reducing the cost of the laptop is to reduce the size of the screen, unless price is an very important consideration we highly suggest that you purchase a laptop with at least a 12" or lager LCD and recommend an LCD size of 14" Complete buying tip information on Flat Panel or LCD solutions can be found on our flat panel buying tips page.
Drives	Drives are sometimes overlooked when considering a portable computer but can be an important consideration. Portable computers can come with various drive configurations, for example: One drive bay where the CD-ROM and the Floppy drive are interchangeable. For users who utilize the floppy drive often, this may be an issue; however, for other users who do not utilize the floppy, this may be a more appropriate solution as the computer will be lighter and thinner with one drive bay. Two drive bay portable computers have a floppy solution as well as CD-ROM solutions. These computers will be a less expensive computer when compared to the other solutions; however, it is the always the heaviest of all the solutions. No drive bay portable computers allow for a laptop to be extremely light and utilize external drives instead of internal. Pay close attention to the price of these laptops; while it may appear to be a portable solution, many manufacturers will charge you an additional price for the external drives, which will eventually be needed. Finally, some users may also want to consider different media solutions. For example, many laptops allow for a standard floppy drive or an LS120 drive. The LS120 drive can read floppy diskettes and at the same time be used as a backup storage device as it can store up to 120MB on a LS120 diskette. Additionally consider the option of a DVD* or CD-RW drive as opposed to a CD-ROM drive. *If you are considering a DVD solution, verify if the DVD comes with hardware or software decoding. Hardware decoding for laptops is accomplished by using a PCMCIA card and will add onto the overall price of the laptop.
Hard drive	Hard drives have and always will be an important consideration to think about when purchasing a new portable computer. Like a standard computer, the hard drive will be the destination of all your files and information, and if that drive is to become full, that drive will need to be replaced or another drive will need to be added to the computer. When looking at the space of the hard drive, always get the maximum size hard drive, considering you will eventually always run out of space.  Complete buying tip information on hard disk drives can be found on our hard disk drive buying tips page.
Lock	Does the portable computer include any locking system? If yes, what locking system is included? This can be very important for users who are on the road.
Memory	Memory is and has always been an important consideration when looking at purchasing a computer. Determine the amount of memory included in the computer as well as verify if that memory can be upgraded in the future. The more memory the computer has, the more efficient the computer will run. Complete buying tip information on computer memory can be found on our memory buying tips page.
Modem	If a modem is required, ensure that a modem is included with the portable computer. In addition, verify if the modem is an internal or PC-CARD (PCMCIA) modem as you may require all the available PC-CARD slots in the future. PC-CARD modems are Type II that for most computers will allow for an additional Type II to be connected.  Complete buying tips and information on modems can be found on our modem buying tips page.
Network card	If a network connection is required, ensure that a network card is included with the portable computer. In addition, verify if the network card is an internal or PC-CARD (PCMCIA) network card as you may require all the available PC-CARD slots in the future. Network PC-CARDs are Type II that for most computers will allow for an additional Type II to be connected.  Complete buying tips and information on network cards can be found on our network card buying tips page.
Processor	The computer processor is and will always be an important consideration when purchasing a computer. Today, with multiple CPU/Processor manufacturers, it may be more confusing as well as more cost efficient to look at the different processors available.Complete buying tips and information on computer processors can be found on our CPU buying tips page.
Sound card	Sound cards are important when looking at purchasing a computer; however, the majority of all computer users will find that most standard sound cards will suit their needs. However, some users may enjoy purchasing more advanced sounds cards that will increase the amount of speakers that can be used and in some games and programs and the sound quality and capabilities. When looking at the sound aspect of a portable computer, many laptops do not have sufficient sound and will require external speakers or headphones. Ensure that the sound quality meets your needs.
Weight	Weight is a very important consideration when considering a portable as the computer will be carried; the lighter the portable computer, the more easy it will be to carry.
Video card	Video cards are becoming an extremely important factor when purchasing a computer. While this may surprise some, a video card can make or break a computer when it comes to playing games on the computer. Most games today require additional video memory as well as special video modes such as OpenGL. With a video card with little video memory or without these modes, the computer will be unable to play these games. In addition, the advances in video cards can dramatically increase the user enjoyment of the game being played. Complete buying tips and information on video cards can be found on our video card buying tips page.

Brand of computer

When looking at purchasing a portable computer, you will likely hear different stories, some good and some bad. Regardless if the story is good or bad, these stories are always based on the experience of that user. While it may be true that the user had a bad or terrible experience with that computer, all computer manufacturers have had users who have had a bad experience and there is no such thing as a bad or perfect computer manufacturer. Below is a listing of various things to consider when purchasing a computer, and in some cases, how to tell the good from the bad and help allow you to purchase the portable computer that will suit your needs.
 

Add-ons	Some computer manufacturers may try to sell additional add-ons when purchasing a portable computer. Unless you have done your research on the additional add-on, do not consider the add-on. While in some cases it may be beneficial to get a printer, scanner, camera or PC Cards with a computer, you may be paying premium for the additional add-on, or in the case of the printer, you may have to pay premium on the ink in the future. Do you research, ensure that if you get an additional hardware or add-ons that the hardware will suit your needs and that it does not end up being something that is not going to be used.  Free add-ons? Some computer companies may entice you into purchasing a computer by giving you free add-ons. These add-ons may be advertised as free, however, ensure or ask if the add-on price is not just being added to the overall computer price.
Documentation	While most manufacturers today are reducing the amount of documentation included with their computers, an excellent question, especially if the computer is being purchased by a new computer user, is "what documentation is included with the computer?" All computer manufacturers will include some paper documentation or paper inserts; however, does this information include documentation about upgrading the computer in the future? How to connect the cables to the computer? Documentation on how to use the software such as the additional included software? Note: It is important to distinguish between paper documentation and on-line documentation. On-line documentation, which is being found more today, is information that is either locally on the computer or can be accessed via the Internet. If the information is available over the Internet, see how that information looks and if it suits your needs before purchasing the computer.
Location	We use location to describe several different topics. First, what is the location of where the computer is purchased: If the computer is purchased at a local retail store, can the computer be returned to that store if unsatisfactory? If the computer is purchased through mail order or directly through the computer manufacturer or reseller, where can the computer be returned if unsatisfactory? Second, can the store location of where the computer was purchased service the computer? If not where is the closest location to where the computer can be serviced? Third, if the computer is purchased directly from the computer manufacturer and is shipped through mail, how is it shipped? What is the time period for the computer to arrive to your destination? What happens if the computer is damaged during shipping?
Refurbished	Refurbished is a term used to describe a computer or a hardware device or component in a computer that has been used; however, it has been looked at and determined to be in working order. However, because the product has been used or purchased, it cannot be sold as new. Refurbished computers will have a lower price and are a good deal for users who may not have a lot of money to spend on a new computer. It is important, however, to compare the price of the refurbished computer to a new computer as well as to review all of the tips on this page as all the same rules, tricks and tips still apply.
Service	Service is an important consideration to look at when looking to purchase a computer, new or used. The service is how many companies describe the repair of a computer if it or a component within it is to become broken. Below is a listing of what services to look for. Is the service onsite, meaning a technician will come to your location to replace or fix a bad component. If the service is onsite, is it for the complete time of the warranty? If onsite is not offered, what is and for how long? Can the computer be taken to a local service center? If yes, what is the closest authorized service center? What is the time frame the service takes to occur? For example, if the computer has a bad component, what is the time it will take for a technician to come onsite and replace that component, or what is the time it will take to have the computer sent in to be fixed? Finally, if that time frame is not accomplished, what is the company willing to do? Would they be willing to provide you with a loaned computer? Because the computer is a portable computer, is International Service available? This will allow users who may be in a different country to have their computer fixed in that country.
Software	Software, for many computer users especially new users, is thought to be an important consideration when purchasing a new computer. Granted there is software that we highly recommend looking for when purchasing a computer, such as word processor or spread sheet program, some computer companies may over hype the software package. Below is a listing of what to look for when looking at the software included with a computer. Does the software include Microsoft Office or Corel Suite? These packages allow you to have a word processor and a spread sheet. For the majority of all users, this should be an important consideration. Is the software full versions of the software or is the software demo programs or shareware programs?
Support	While you can always contact Computer Hope for support, manufacturer support for most users will be a very important consideration, as if an issue arises with the computer, you must be able to be able to contact a support representative. Things to consider when looking at the support options of a computer are shown below. Is support open 24 hours, 7 days a week? If not, what are the hours? Is support open on holidays? If not, what days are it closed? What support options are available? Phone? E-mail? Web? Chat?
Upgrade ability	While this option may not be considered at first when purchasing a computer, it is an important consideration. Below is a listing of different options to look for when looking to upgrade a portable computer. What can be upgraded in the computer? RAM? CPU? Hard Drive? If available to upgrade, what are the maximum amounts or is it specified within documentation provided with the computer? Are the upgrades something that the end-user can do or does it require a service center to install?
Warranty	Finally, what warranty is offered by the computer manufacturer? How long is the warranty? Does the warranty cover both hardware and software issues?  Warranty can cause frustrations for most users. We highly recommend that a computer only be considered if it has at least a one-year warranty. Many cheap computers will only come with a 90 day warranty; meaning if a part goes bad, you will have to pay for the part as well as the service. This may not be an issue for users who just need a cheap computer and are willing to replace parts and service the computer.

Scams

Unfortunately, like anything, it is possible to be tricked or for computer companies to scam you. Below is a listing of what to look for when purchasing a computer.

• Get what you pay for - Ensure that the product you are purchasing is what you are paying for. It has been known that computer companies may list a processor being a specific speed but may actually have a different speed into the computer. This, unfortunately, can be very easy as any user can 'over clock' a processor, making it appear as one speed but in reality being a completely different speed. For example, you may buy a 733MHz processor but instead get a 500MHz.
  
  To determine the processor speed, open the computer and look at the processor itself. Do not look at the processor through a software program or through BIOS as these values can be changed or tricked.
  
• Legal software - When purchasing a computer, ensure it comes with legal software. Many end-users or small computer companies who build or sell computers may not provide you with legal copies of the software, which is illegal. Verify that the software that came with your computer is on a standard CD and not a burnt CD. A burnt or home-made CD will be a different looking CD and have a gold or green bottom. Ensure that if the software requires a license or registration number that it was included with the computer. An example of software that includes these certificates is Microsoft Office and Windows.

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