Recently, subscriber Peter Killick had a question about protection from downloads: I was under the impression that my combination of a router plus a software firewall completely prevented anything ever being downloaded on my computer over the web without my approval, typically indicated by clicking a button. My router is a Netgear, properly and carefully [...]

Longtime subscriber Greg wrote to ask: Terry, My desktop has started to have a couple really aggravating problems and I wanted to run them by you. 1) Every morning when I go to check my email before work, I find that all my desktop icons have disappeared and I am looking at the wallpaper only. [...]

If you don’t already have a home computer network and want to set up one, it’s easy. In fact, it’s so easy that I recommend that ANYONE using a high-speed Internet connection should use a router for the added security that it gives their computer. A wired or wireless router (wireless routers normally have 4 [...]

EJ wrote to ask about backing up his computer: Terry, what program do you use to back up your files I use two programs routinely. First, every evening, I use Karen’s Replicator (www.karenware.com, free for personal, non-business use) to copy my data files to another computer across my home network. Not only does this give [...]

I’ve mentioned many times that my main computer is my notebook computer. Sure, I have a desktop computer, too, I just don’t use it very much. Before getting my Inspiron 8600 in 2004, my primary computer was a Dell Inspiron 5000, which was also a notebook. That notebook taught me a number of important things [...]

Remember back when you got your latest computer? It seemed so fast, so much faster than your previous computer. Now, if it doesn’t seem to drag, it just doesn’t seem as peppy as it used to… Part of that effect is our memory — not the computer’s memory but the memories stored between our ears. [...]

One of my newsletter readers wrote to ask about antivirus recommendations: I have been using Norton antivirus programs for 10 years. In May I purchased Norton 360 which has been giving me fits. When I shut down Windows, everything goes off but the tower. I have done all their troubleshooting to see which program I [...]

Forbes has a nice Eee PC article on the history behind the new product from Asus. Chairman Jonney Shih was looking for a new growth product for Asus – well, he found it! Whether you’re a road warrior wanting to stay in touch, a computer newbie wanting a simple way to get to the Web [...]

With your first computer (or even your fifth!), don’t be too quick to buy Microsoft Office — there’s a great, free alternative called OpenOffice. First, let me say it this way: “If you can use Excel, you can use Calc.” It’s really that simple. Learning to use a spreadsheet — learning the concepts of putting [...]

“Firewall? I don’t need no stinkin’ Firewall!” You only have to read a few of my Internet security articles or my home networking articles to know my thoughts on that. I believe you must be use a software firewall on your computer. Whether you are use dialup, cable or DSL, and no matter whether you [...]