Chip Legal War Over…For Now

Intel to pay AMD $1.25 billion as companies end litigation war

Intel and AMD on Thursday said they will settle all legal disputes, including antitrust litigation, for $1.25 billion. AMD CEO Dirk Meyer said the settlement ushers in a “new era” in the chip industry. But Intel CEO Paul Otellini was a bit defiant in a conference call this morning, saying that there would be no changes to the company’s business practices because the company has not acted illegally.

AMD Unveils Two-Year Processor Road Map

AMD has laid out its road map for processors through 2011, with an emphasis on a complete computing experience featuring stunning graphics and video. AMD also is on track to deliver a new line of Fusion processors to lower power consumption. For next year, AMD will release multi-core processors for notebook graphics.

Microsoft Insists Windows 7 Not Copied from Mac OS

Microsoft is denying comments by partner manager Simon Aldous that Windows 7 copies the "Mac look and feel" in graphics. Not so, Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc quickly wrote in the Windows Blog. Aldous also called Vista "far more stable" than Mac OS X. An analyst noted the irony of Windows 7 arguments, since it was supposed to just refresh Vista.

Google's SPDY protocol will speed up the web - and Chrome OS, too

Over at the Chromium blog, Google has announced a project they've been working on called 'SPeeDY.' It's an updated transport protocol for the web which improves upon HTTP, reducing latency through network-fu like multiplexed streams, request prioritization, and header compression.

Find and Get Rid of Old Files with an Advanced Explorer Search

It's easy to visualize your hard drive usage by file size to get rid of big files you don't need, but if you want to hunt down the files you haven't used in ages, this quick search query can help.

Free WiFi at Airports

Hundreds of Facebook groups hijacked

Facebook groups are under attack. But the attackers say they come in peace and insist they want only to highlight a flaw in the way Facebook handles group administration.

Crazy tech support stories

An IT support specialist remembers the calls that made him push the mute button while he pulled himself together. A fun read.

Stop Paying for Windows Security; Microsoft's Security Tools Are Good Enough

Security tips: When it comes to keeping your Windows PC secure, all of the scare tactics and overblown virus stories out there make it hard to feel safe online. The fact of the matter is that you don't need to pay for Windows security.

Google Offers Free Holiday Wi-Fi at Major Airports

On Tuesday, Google announced an early Christmas present for the traveling masses: Free Wi-Fi at major airports across the country. Google is teaming up with scores of airports, as well as Boingo Wireless, Advanced Wireless Group, Airport Marketing Income, and others to offer the holiday gift starting Tuesday and running through Jan. 15.

Paint.NET 3.5 earns Windows 7, stability fixes

Far more robust than Microsoft Paint, but nowhere near as loaded with features as Photoshop, Paint.NET occupies a niche perfect for users who want a free image editor that has more than resizing and inverting. Version 3.5 includes an enormous number of stability tweaks and menu adjustments, as well as a couple of new minor features and some Windows 7 love, too. And its free!!

Microsoft and Google in the News

Patch Tuesday heads-up: Critical MS Office patches coming

Microsoft plans to release six security bulletins next Tuesday November 10 to fix at least 15 serious vulnerabilities that could expose Windows users to malicious hacker attacks.

Windows 7: First Service Pack Details Emerge

It has been just over a week since Microsoft's low-key Windows 7 launch, and rumors are already circulating around the operating systems first service pack (SP).

Windows 7's default UAC bypassed by 8 out of 10 malware samples

A recently conducted test by malware researchers reveals that eight out of ten malware samples used in the test, successfully bypassed Windows 7’s default UAC (user access control) settings. That is a little scary, to be sure.

Google Dashboard: A Closer Look 

Google Dashboard allows you to manage your Google digital life. Here is a closer look at how it works.

9 things we still hate about tech

We all claim to love technology, but there's just as much to loathe about the world of techies

The Friday Roundup

Which antivirus is best at removing malware?

Detecting the presence of malicious code is one thing, successfully eradicating it is entirely another. According to AV-Comparatives.org’s recently released malware removal test evaluating the effectiveness of sixteen antivirus solutions, only a few were able to meet their criteria of not only removing the samples they were tested against, but also getting rid of the potentially dangerous “leftovers” from the infection.

Find safe-browser technologies that really work

The major browsers and security programs all tout their ability to warn you about malware sites before you visit them, but do any of these early-warning systems really work?

Google Maps and the mystery of the non-existent town

A small village in the north of England, Argleton, has been causing confusion with an air of mystery. The simple reason is, is that the village simply doesn’t exist except in the world of Google.

Near-final Thunderbird 3 due next week

Thunderbird 3, an update to the e-mail software that Mozilla hopes will give it some of the advantages its Firefox browser has enjoyed, is due to arrive in near-final form next week. Mozilla Messaging plans to issue release candidate 1 of Thunderbird 3 as soon as Monday, with the final version expected later in November, the e-mail-focused subsidiary of the Mozilla Foundation.

Microsoft Learning Snacks

Learning Snacks are short, interactive presentations about popular topics created by Microsoft Learning experts. Each Snack is delivered by using innovative Microsoft Silverlight technology and includes various media, such as animations and recorded demos. At the end of each free presentation, you can view more Snacks, learn more about the topic, or visit a related Web site.

Mostly Browser News Today

Firefox 3.5.5 Update Fixes Critical Security Bug

There's nothing terribly exciting to speak of in today's Firefox 3.5.5 update; from the looks of the tiny changelog, it looks like one critical security fix and a few other minor bug fixes will make their way to your browser.

Mozilla: Firefox 3.6 won't be late

Mozilla may have released the first beta of Firefox 3.6 nearly two months late, but the organization believes the final version still will arrive on schedule before the end of the year.

Microsoft fixes IE patch again

Microsoft has released an out-of-schedule fix for problems introduced by its last patch for Internet Explorer.

Chrome: How Fast? This Fast ...

Tests indicate that Google's latest edition of Chrome may well be the fastest Web browser on the market, beating even Apple's Safari. There are certain things that Chrome does where the score differences are factors of 10. In some rounds of testing, Chrome's results can only be described as virtually obscene.

Flash Cookie Cleaner - The Free Flash Cookie Cleaner

Flash Cookies are small bits of data saved by websites you visit. They can be used to store website settings and info (like Flash game scores), to track website behavior, and to target advertisments.

Lawsuits, Photography Tips, and Two Freebies!!

AT&T Sues Verizon To Stop 'Misleading' Map Ads

Verizon Wireless has scored a roundhouse with its ads attacking AT&T's 3G coverage, and AT&T has sued to block the ads. AT&T says the maps featuring coverage maps are misleading, but Verizon insists its message is clear. The ads are part of the struggle between Verizon and AT&T since Apple, Inc.'s iPhone lured away Verizon customers.

New York antitrust suit accuses Intel of bribery

New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo filed a federal antitrust lawsuit Wednesday against Intel that accuses it of paying computer makers rebates to illegally maintain its monopoly power, the newest among several such attacks that have dogged the chipmaker in recent years.

How to Develop Your Photography Skills: 11 steps (with pictures)

If you've mastered the basics of framing, shooting, and taking a photograph, try taking it further. Make it a hobby, or maybe even a career, rather than taking the usual holiday, pet, and kid snapshots. It is time to start making stunning, rather than simply passable, photographs.

Golden Rules Organizer 1.5.4 (Windows), from Golden-Rules

Golden Rules Organizer is a free professional organizer and goal system. It provides three planning levels: mission & values, projects, recurring and one-time activities.

Hulu Desktop

Hulu Desktop is a lean-back viewing experience for your personal computer. It offers superior resolution and a large viewing area than watching regular Hulu through your browser. It works with XP and all later versions of Windows and can also be set up to run inside Windows Media Center. Highly recommended by yours truly. Thousands of TV shows and movies are available for free.  

Report on Cybercriminal and Cool Free Desktop Organizer

Report: Malware Makers Are Organized, Sophisticated

Cybercriminals are organized like corporations, and follow regular software release cycles, says principal group program manager for the Microsoft Malware Protection Center.

Windows 7's real killer feature

What gives Windows 7 a strong future is not what you're thinking

E-book reader news and releases round-up

The last two weeks have been especially busy for the e-book reader industry (and probably pretty frightening for Amazon). Here’s a quick round-up of what’s been released and what we have to look forward to this holiday season. (Strangely, they left the excellent Sony readers out this story)

How to capture vibrant fall foliage with your digital camera

Fall (or autumn, for many of you) is my favorite season of the year, particularly because of the crisp weather and beautiful falling leaves. Capturing the vibrancy of the foliage can easily be done with either a pocket camera or digital SLR. Here are five tips to get you started:

Stardock ObjectDock

ObjectDock™ is a free program that enables users to organize their shortcuts, programs and running tasks into an attractive and fun animated dock. By allowing users to have more control over how they organize their desktop, users can take control of their desktop icons and shortcuts to have them be available when where and how they need them. Editor's note: I am using this program and loving it. Take a look. It works in all versions of Windows.

Postcard from Tucson – Apologies

Hi everyone.  I fully intended to write a photo blog today on Bryce Canyon, but the last few photos I have attached to the blog have not been good.  The colors are washed out and nowhere near the originals.  I hate showing my photos when the displayed results are not even close to what I intended.

Am not sure why this is happening but am trying to find a solution.  I will resume the blog as soon as I figure out why this is happening.  My apologies and hope you will stay tuned for some really good photos and stories.

Jim

Two Windows Stories and a Droid

Phishing experiment sneaks through all anti-spam filters

A recently conducted ethical phishing experiment impersonating LinkedIn by mailing invitations coming from Bill Gates, has achieved a 100% success rate in bypassing the anti-spam filters it was tested against. The experiment emphasizes on how small-scale spear phishing campaigns are capable of bypassing anti-spam filters, and once again proves that users continue interacting with phishing emails.

Windows 7 security: Five things you should know

Microsoft says Windows 7 is the most secure version of the Windows OS yet -- but you should be aware of some enhancements

The Master List of New Windows 7 Shortcuts

Windows 7 adds loads of great shortcuts for switching between apps, moving windows around your screen, moving them to another monitor altogether, and much more. Here's a quick-reference master list of the best new Windows 7 shortcuts.

Droid by Motorola (Verizon Wireless)

The Motorola Droid is the first truly lust-worthy smartphone from Verizon Wireless, and it puts all other Google Android phones to shame. Motorola may have stinted on a few of the basics in its quest for mind-blowing smartphone power. But the first Android 2.0 phone is definitely the most advanced and exciting device connecting to Verizon today.

12 cool ways to donate your PC's spare processing power

So you'd like to do more volunteering but can't find the time? Here's an easy way to do it: Donate the spare processing power on your computer via one of the dozens of ongoing volunteer computing projects

Congressional Blunders and more Microsoft News

P2P snafu blows lid on secret Congress probes

A confidential memo from one of the most secretive panels in Congress was leaked on a peer-to-peer file-sharing network, publicly detailing sensitive probes involving more than 30 lawmakers and aides.

Microsoft to discontinue Office Accounting next month

Microsoft is killing off its small business accounting product, Office Accounting. The company will no longer distribute Office Accounting Professional or the free version, Office Accounting Express after November 16, 2009.

Windows 7: Giving credit where credit is due

Microsoft's ad campaign is a lie. Let's set the record straight about who really shaped the Windows 7 development process

Microsoft Strikes Back: The Microsoft Store in Scottsdale, AZ

Jumping on the coat tails of another high-end computer store we won't mention, the Microsoft store is clean, shiny and covered in gleaming screens. In fact, walking by you might confuse it for, well, that other high-end computer store we won't mention.

Top 10 Windows 7 Booster Apps

Windows 7 is a big improvement over Vista, and a pretty convenient OS in general—but it's by no means perfect. These 10 downloads improve Windows 7's looks, functions, and make it easier, safer, and more convenient to upgrade to.

No Windows Today

Hollywood wants share of Netflix's windfall

Wall Street and Netflix subscribers appear overjoyed with the direction that Netflix's CEO has the Web's top video-rental store pointed in. The only people who don't seem pleased with Netflix's success work in Hollywood. Just days before Netflix reported third-quarter earnings that jumped 48 percent from a year ago and subscriber growth of 28 percent during the same period, two executives from different studios told me they aren't getting their fair share. Is there no end to Hollywood's greed?

L.A. votes to "Go Google"; pressure shifts to Google and the cloud

Score one for Google and The Cloud. The Los Angeles City Council today voted unanimously to “Go Google,” approving a $7.25 million contract to outsource the city’s e-mail system to Google’s cloud and transition some 30,000 city employees to the cloud over the coming year.

Death of the DSLR Camera

Here's a news flash: Cell-phone cameras be damned, because a significant segment of the population is actually prioritizing sharp, well-exposed images over ultimate convenience. Since the introduction of the first Canon Digital Rebel in 2003, this quality-conscious segment has been turning to interchangeable-lens digital SLRs (DSLRs) to take the best possible photos.

Amazon.com rolls out shortcut for paying online

Amazon.com Inc on Wednesday announced the launch of "PayPhrase," a shortcut for making purchases on the Web, as the online retailer prepares for a rush of holiday season shopping.

Twitter Lists finally unrolled to the masses -- get your lists here!

Though Twitter seem to be having some stability issues, at the time of writing, almost every active Twitter user should now have access to the new Lists functionality

Internet Problems…and Some Solutions

Infected sites rising at alarming rate

The number of websites hosting malicious software, either intentionally or unwittingly, is rising rapidly, according to statistics to be released on Tuesday from Dasient.

Firefox 3.5.4 fixes critical memory flaws

Mozilla trotted out Firefox 3.5.4 yesterday, which patches 16 vulnerabilities - 11 of which were critical bugs. Interestingly, my Windows 7 notified my about the upgrade before Firefox did.

Mozilla releases SeaMonkey 2.0

Do you pine for the Netscape Communicator days with unified browser and e-mail software but want something more current? Mozilla on Tuesday released SeaMonkey 2.0, which combines Firefox and Thunderbird.

Official Gmail Blog: Gmail account security tips

As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we recently posted about how to pick a smart password. Having a strong password goes a long way in helping to protect your data, but there are a number of additional steps you can take to help you keep your Gmail account secure:

Best Free CD / DVD Burning Software 

Despite the technology world’s efforts to eliminate moving parts in computers, optical mediums such as CDs and DVDs are still widely used and most average users still need to burn optical discs. Whether backing up data, preparing an audio mix CD, or creating a bootable Linux disc, finding the right burning software is essential.

A Mostly Windows-Free Edition

Social Networking: Facebook Users Balk at New Dual-Feed Design

Many Facebook users are disgruntled over the latest design changes to the site. The home page now defaults to a News Feed containing items Facebook selects as most interesting, based on the attention they attract. To see the latest updates, users have to toggle to the Live Feed, which now includes a lot of extra notifications that many users consider junk.

Google's new Social Search surprisingly useful 

No, Social Search isn't yet another social network aggregator. It's a way for you to make your Google search results more relevant by adding a section dedicated to content written by your friends and acquaintances. Though limited, we think it's pretty useful thus far.

Google Voice Offers Voicemail Without a New Number

Want in on Google Voice's web-based, transcribed, custom-greeted voicemail, but you're not quite ready to adopt a new number? Starting tonight, Voice users can choose to keep their number and still get Google's upgraded voicemail features.

Adobe Releases Lightroom 3 Public Beta

A quick look at the highlights of Adobe Lightoom V3 beta. No word yet on a final version release date. The beta is free to download.

Results of the Windows 7 upgrade poll

Over the weekend, CNET ran an unscientific poll inquiring about the level of difficulty in your Windows 7 upgrade experience, and the response we received was undoubtedly strong. Nearly 11,000 people voted, and more than 50 percent of you said your Windows 7 upgrade experience was as easy as pie. (And who doesn't love pie?)

More Windows 7 Info for your Dining and Dancing Pleasure

Editors note: Got my Win 7 upgrade package yesterday and been installing it and my software since then (in between football games). It is going great…the speed is incredible and no problems at all with crashes or programs not working properly. Will keep you apprised. JRC

How to Prep for an XP-to-Windows 7 Upgrade: FAQ - PC World 

We're here to help lower your blood pressure with answers to your questions about how to get ready for tomorrow -- or later -- when you pull the trigger on Windows 7 and finally, finally leave XP fading in the rearview mirror.

Six free antivirus programs made for your Windows 7 system 

Hey, you just paid for an OS or a whole new computer -- why not save a few bucks if you can? The most important thing to remember when you go hunting for a Windows 7 antivirus program is to make sure it's fully compatible. You can get just about any old program to install under 7, but who knows if it's going to work the way it's supposed to?

Netbooks worth the upgrade to Windows 7? Heck yes!

There’s one place where an upgrade is definitely in order and it should probably happen sooner than later: Netbooks.

iPod: The device that changed everything

Eight years ago Apple introduced its first iPod. The world has never been the same

FolderSize Displays What's Eating Your Hard Drive Space

Windows only: Free portable application FolderSize quickly analyzes the contents of any hard drive or specific folder on your computer to help you hunt down your hard drive hogs and free up space

Free Panda Security Software – Today Only

Happy Windows 7 Release Day, everybody.

Panda Internet Security Free for 24 Hours on Oct 22

Panda will be offering a full 12 month license to their Panda Internet Security 2010 anti-virus program for 24 hours starting on October 22, the launch date for Windows 7.

Fake 'Conficker.B Infection Alert' spam campaign drops scareware

An ongoing spam campaign is once again attempting to impersonate Microsoft’s security team — the same campaign was first seen in April — by mass mailing Conficker.B Infection Alerts (install.zip), which upon execution drop a sample of the Antivirus Pro 2010 scareware.

The pros and cons of switching to Windows 7

After you wade through the Win7 marketing hype, you'll find a solid core of real improvements in the new release. There are many aspects of Windows 7 that cry out for adopting it and just a few that suggest sticking with Vista or XP.

Exclusive: Easing XP Netbook owners' path to Windows 7

After months of grappling with the issue of how to allow Windows XP Netbook owners to move to Windows 7, Microsoft is ready with its answer. Starting on Thursday, Microsoft is adding a tool to its online store that will allow those who buy Windows 7 to create a bootable USB drive with the operating system that can then be used to upgrade a Netbook.

100+ Places for Free Books Online

This is a listing of 193 sites that legally offer free books (eBooks) for download or for online viewing. Also included are free audio books for downloading.

Firefox, Email, and More Windows 7 Stuff

Microsoft exposes Firefox users to drive-by malware downloads 

Remember that Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant add-on that Microsoft sneaked into Firefox without explicit permission from end users? Well, the code in that add-on has a serious code execution vulnerability that exposes Firefox users to the “browse and you’re owned” attacks that are typically used in drive-by malware downloads.

E-mail Isn't Dead—But it Is Broken

E-mail isn't going away anytime soon, but it will need to evolve to be useful. And so will we.

Windows 7 - Reviews, News & Information

Here is PC Magazine's central location for news and information about Windows 7. Some excellent stories here.

Google Chrome 5, Not 4, Will Support Windows 7

Google is not in any rush to adapt its open-source browser to the latest iteration of the Windows client. While Mozilla has already tailored the first Beta development milestone of Firefox 3.6 to Windows 7, the Mountain View-based search giant will not make the current Stable and Beta development milestones play nice with Windows Vista’s successor.

Kill desktop clutter

This freeware app helps you create flexible boxes, or "fences" on your desktop that help you cleanly organize your shortcuts. You can rename these fences easily, and drag and drop shortcuts in and out of them. Works for XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

Implementing Windows 7

Windows 7 is only three days away now.  So, I thought I would share with you how I plan to implement my upgrade to this new operating system.

If you have read my blog posts, you know I really like this upgrade and am excited about moving my entire computer operation over to it.  It will be like having a brand new computer for me as Windows XP is really showing its age.

Having downloaded and installed the the Release Candidate, I know it works very well on my computer.  If you are not sure if it will work on yours, just download the Windows 7 Upgrade Analysis software and it will analyze your system.

Assuming your computer will handle Windows 7, how should you install it?

First of all, whatever you do will require a clean install…you cannot do an upgrade to XP and you must do a special work-around to upgrade Vista. But, all experts agree that you should always do a clean install anyway…even if you are running Windows 7 Release Candidate like me.

Doing a clean install requires reformatting your hard drive.  So, say goodbye to everything on your computer (of course you will backup your data). 

But there is a better way…repartition your hard drive and set up a dual boot.

I did this when I set up Windows 7 RC…and, I am going to keep this new partition and dual boot setup so I can keep running XP for as long as I need it.  I recommend you also do this.  Get yourself a free disk partitioning utility like Aeseus Partition Manager.  Then, set up a new partition, perhaps calling it “Win7” or something similar. 

Then, when you start to install Win 7, tell it to install on the new partition.  It will automatically set up a dual boot screen so when you turn on your computer, it will ask which operating system you wish to run.

After installing Win 7, I will begin installing some of my most important programs, like Office, Photoshop, Lightroom and several others (I have already made a list). Then before I get started really using Win 7, I will do a disk image of it to one of my external hard drives.  So, if my hard drive dies and I must reinstall, I do it from the backup image, saving myself many hours, perhaps days, of work.

The good news is Windows 7 includes a disk imaging program as part of its Backup program. Itwill also make a bootable DVD or CD so you can boot up and reinstall your operating system.  Make sure you do this (even if you buy a new computer with Windows 7 installed)!!!

For more good information, here is an excellent article from Tech Republic that gives you a realistic approach to upgrading to Windows 7:

http://www.wxpnews.com/9LH8QB/090908-WinXP-to-Win7

Weekend Bonus Edition

At the start of my recent vacation, I was in Flagstaff and wanted a good cup of coffee. I was passing a Barnes and Noble so I pulled in, got a cup, then went to get a book to browse. I grabbed a just-released book called “Windows 7 Secrets,” by Paul Therrott and Rafael Rivera. Paul is the chief editor of Winsupersite.com and does a weekly podcast with Leo LaPorte, so I am very familiar with him and was aware of the book.

It is a large book, over 1,000 pages, and weighs about 5 pounds. But as I sipped my coffee and browsed the book, I quickly knew I had to have it.  I was amazed how much I did not know about Microsoft’s latest operating system. I didn’t buy it then, but did shortly after my return to Tucson.  It is now my daily reading material out by the pool every morning.

The bottom line for me is there are many new things that are not in Windows XP, and, that are not obvious. I recommend if you move to Windows 7 via the forthcoming upgrade…or when you buy a new computer…you think about getting this, or another book to learn more about what this great new operating system can do.  There are a lot of new things here that you might overlook.

Paul’s book lists for $49.95, but is available at Amazon.com for $31.49 with free shipping.

Windows 7 nears the finish line

Here is a central depository of all Windows 7 stories and information, by ZDNet.

Amazon, Wal-Mart battling over book pricing

Wal-Mart Stores is waging an online book pricing war against Amazon.com, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday morning.

Is Quicken at the end of the road?

Conventional wisdom is that Intuit's acquisition of the personal finance Web service Mint will mean the end of the line for the company's standalone software app, Quicken. Upstart Mint, which is being acquired by Intuit for $170 million, has a personal finance product more in line with the times, with a younger demographic, a working business model, and a passionate CEO, Aaron Patzer, who's slated to take over the Quicken product line at Intuit once the acquisition closes. It doesn't look good for the old desktop app, Quicken.

Windows 7 Videos to Help You Learn

Editor’s Note: As the official release of Windows 7 is only a few days away, I will be focusing much of my editorial duties to bringing you some of the latest information about this new operating system. Whether you’re upgrading or buying a new computer after 10/23/09, you will need to know how it works and how it differs from what you have been using.

Windows 7 in action: Search tools

One of the best things about Windows 7 is its updated search mechanism. This short video shows how easy it is, how it works, and some of the new things you can do with it. Recommended.

Windows 7 in action: do more with the taskbar and Jump Lists

Here is a closer look at the new taskbar, which represents a striking departure in form and function from its predecessors. Its design is clearly intended to make it easier to manage large numbers of programs and open windows.

Windows 7 in action: A smarter way to manage windows

You’ve no doubt heard about Aero Snap and Aero Shake. Here’s a chance to see these features in action.

Windows 7: Windows Backup Overview

Another major improvement in Win 7 is its built-in backup. Windows Backup allows you to make copies of data files and also create a system image which includes your system settings, programs and files. In Windows 7, you can choose your custom location for the data backup and whether or not to include the system image during backup.

Hulu Desktop Integration Brings Hulu to Windows 7 Media Center

Now that sites like Hulu have become a viable destination for free TV, Hulu integration seems only natural, and Hulu Desktop Integration makes it simple for users to jump between Windows 7 Media Center and Hulu Desktop. Media Center is included as part of Windows 7 Home Premium Edition.

Some Updated Security Information

Probably the Best Free Security List in the World

This outstanding list has been compiled by one of our senior security editors, Antti Koponen. The products are listed with the best products first, as judged by Antti. The products are almost exclusively free with some exceptions.

AVG Free 9 offers speed, lacks etiquette 

AVG Free 9 introduces few new features, with improvements focused on performance, including claims of faster scan and boot times. AVG is claiming that scans are 50 percent faster compared with AVG 8.

New Ad-Aware offers behavioral detection

Lavasoft has updated its popular malware and spyware detection and removal tool Ad-Aware. Rather than a dramatic redo, version 8.1 builds on the improvements made in the previous version. The new version is faster, has better removal abilities, and introduces a behavioral detection engine.

Optical storage: RIP

TDK recently demo’d an impressive technical achievement: a 10 layer 320 GB optical disk - using standard Blu-ray (BD) drive technology. Too bad it will never be a commercial success. Optical is at the end of the line.

Kindle versus Sony Reader Pocket Edition

E-book readers are starting to become really popular and may be one of the hottest items for the upcoming holiday season. And the prices are starting to fall. Here is a good comparative review of the two hottest readers available today. Personally I am looking strongly at the Sony.