Note: Ad-Aware 7.0
Ad-Aware SE has expired effective December 31, 2007. Lavasoft has replaced the
program with a new version: Ad-Aware 2007.
We have recently experienced many problems with this version in both Windows XP
and Vista, and therefore are no longer installing it on updated systems.
What's New: Comodo™ Free Firewall Software
We finally have a free software firewall program to recommend since the
disappearance of the Sygate Personal Firewall program in November 2005, when
Sygate was acquired by Symantec Corporation.
Click here to go to the COMODO Firewall Pro 3 web site.
Also, be sure to download the
Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0 User Guide.pdf (3.2 MB) in PDF format.
AVG Free Edition 7.5
GRISOFT has announced a new version of the AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition.
The new version 7.5 features improved performance and full compatibility
with Windows Vista.
IE7 Annoying Security Warning
A new annoying warning shows up after IE7 is installed on
Windows XP systems if you try to run a program on your own
local area network.
Open File - Security Warning.
The publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to run this software?
We have found a solution to get rid of this warning on our
technical tips page.
Internet Radio Shows
Streaming (audio) Internet radio shows dealing with computers
and the latest technology that we recommend. Broadband connection
to the Internet recommended, but not required. The stream links
are active only while the show is broadcast.
Windows XP Startup Menu
We have added a new page that describes how to setup Windows
XP (Home and Professional) to use a boot menu similar to our
instructions for Windows 98 and Windows ME.
This is handy if you often want to boot to Safe mode without
having to hit a Ctrl or Function key.
The default options are set for a standard Windows boot, so if
you do nothing when this menu is displayed, Windows will boot
normally after a short delay. Instructions for Windows 2000 and
XP may be found
here.
Protect Your Windows System!
If you connect your computer to the internet, you need:
anti-virus software, spyware detection software, either a
hardware or software firewall, a safe web browser, an e-mail
client that will filter SPAM, and a secure operating system.
Here are excellent, FREE software products available
on the web for you to download and install:
- AVG Free Edition for anti-virus protection
- Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy for spyware detection
- SpywareBlaster for blocking spyware from installing
- AVG Anti-Spyware Free for spyware protection
- Sygate Personal Firewall for a software firewall
(now discontinued, but available on our downloads page). AVG is
also offering a Firewall product, but it is not free.
- D-Link, Linksys or Netgear routers for a hardware firewall (not free ;-)
- Mozilla's Firefox for web browser
- Mozilla's Thunderbird for e-mail
For a secure operating system we recommend one of the many
versions of Linux, including Ubuntu, or Apple Mac OS X.
If you must use Microsoft Windows, then be sure to keep up
to date on the Service Packs and Critical updates that released
every month. This is most important if you are using Windows XP,
as there have been many security flaws that have been patched
since it was released.
Microsoft Windows XP SP1 & SP1a support ended on October 10, 2006
Support for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Service Pack 1a (SP1a)
ended on October 10, 2006. Microsoft will end support on this date. This also
includes security updates for these service packs. Microsoft is providing final
notifications to customers regarding the end of support for these products.
We recommend that you install
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) if you are running Windows XP SP1 or SP1a.
Microsoft Windows 98SE Support ended on July 11, 2006
Effective July 11, 2006, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition,
and Windows Me (and their related components) transitioned to
a non-supported status. Microsoft now no longer provides any incident
support options or security updates. Microsoft is not offering a custom
support agreement for these products.
More information from Microsoft can be found here:
support.microsoft.com/w98.
HexFF LLC will continue to host all of our Windows 98 related
tips pages and continue to offer Windows 98SE tune-ups in the
lab.
Internet Services
Please see our Internet
Services page for information on Domain Name Registration,
Web Site Design, and Web Site Hosting.
There are also links from our Portfolio of recent web sites
we have designed.