by: Matt Garrett
Minimizing the risks related to the Internet security is of primary concern for any online business site. Internet security is very important and must be guarded severely at all costs. Minimizing the risks related to online security will ensure that you will be able to attract many customers to your online sites. Many security measures can be installed in an online site for lessening the risk of Internet security.
If the customers are not sure about the security of their personal details and financial statements, they will never conduct online business. Internet privacy security is very important for any online business site.
Internet privacy is at risk due to the presence of different elements. The presence of spyware is one factor of risk for Internet privacy security. The spyware that is present in your computer can track your online behavior. Spyware software is enabled with the advanced features that allow the spyware manufacturers to surreptitiously track the actions of a computer user. The information gathered through this process can be used to commit frauds and other illegal activities.
The cookies that are deposited in your computer when you visit different sites can also pose a risk to your Internet privacy security. Cookies are data that is sent from a website to be stored in your computer. The cookies of the different websites can be used to track the user’s activities for a particular span of time. If the information falls into wrong hands many illegal activities can take place as a result. With the advancement in technology, it is very natural to be worried about online privacy and security.
A person with a criminal intention is always on the look out for ways and means to invade Internet privacy security of the people. If he can get information about a person’s bank details and other personal details, he can misuse them. The person can assume your identity online and deal with your bank or other agencies in your capacity. The victim may be completely unaware about the fraud that is taking place in his name. This can lead to the huge losses to the person whose privacy has been invaded.
You will have to adopt various means to safe guard your Internet privacy security. Installing a spyware in your computer can be one option for you to safe guard your privacy. The software will efficiently remove all traces of the presence of any kind of spyware from your computer. If it is difficult to remove all spyware installed in your computer, seek online advice on the manual removal of such spyware.
Imagine yourself in a situation where someone else is able to monitor every move that you make. This is a terrifying situation to face. The best way for you to escape such a situation is to install the best security features in your computer. You will then be able to surf online peacefully without constantly worrying about your Internet privacy security.
About the author:
Matt Garrett, http://www.internet-privacy-systems.com
by: Scott Morris
Well, we all have been there. We turn on our computer (boot up) getting ready to type that school report, or business presentation and guess what, our computer just does not want to work today. Whether it's the word processor, spreadsheet, or financial package that isn't working, most people do not know that Microsoft Windows XP has a built in feature that just may come and save the day. That feature is called "System Restore."
Basically, System Restore is like a little hound that runs behind the scenes taking "snapshots" of various parts of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. So, if a part of Microsoft Windows XP stops working one day, the System Restore utility is able to reference one of the "snapshots" it took and restore your system from a previous day (a day when your computer worked). It's kind of like going back in time to a day when your computer worked. All your current data (Microsoft Word files, etc.) are still retained, so you don't have to worry about losing any present day files.
In order to restore your computer just follow these simple steps:
1. Close any open programs.
2. Click on the Windows "Start" button (normally located on the bottom of your computer desktop)
3. Click on "All Programs"
4. Click on "Accessories"
5. Click on "System Tools"
6. Then click on "System Restore"
7. At this point the System Restore wizard will launch. You will have two options:
a. "Restore my system from an earlier date"
b. "Create a system restore point"
If you just need to restore your system and get it working correctly again, just select option "a" and click "Next."
8. On this screen you can select a date from the calendar that you would like to try and restore from. So, if you knew that your computer worked fine two days ago, just pick that date on the calendar and click "Next."
9. The next screen is the confirmation window. Just verify the information on the screen and click "Next." Windows XP will then reboot and try to restore your system with the settings from the date you selected.
The System Restore process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much reconfiguration Windows XP needs to do and how fast of a PC you have. When System Restore is done, a screen will popup with the results of the restore. If it was successful, you can then log into the system and start using the computer again. Any quirky issues that you were having are now hopefully gone.
Now, on step 7b above, I mentioned the "Create a system restore point" option. This option is for when you want to force Windows XP to take a snapshot of your system just before you install a program or alter any system settings that you are not sure of. It is like a safety net for when you install any internet programs (sometimes riddled with spyware) or system drivers (video, audio, etc). If you want to revert back to a virgin state just create a restore point "before" installing any software. This way, if your machine starts acting weird, you can just restore your settings from the selected point.
With a little practice, the System Restore utility is easy to use and a great way to help ensure the safety of your computer.
About the author:
Morris gathers information about virtual pbx software
pbx phone system.
by: Angie Noack
If you’ve recently purchased a computer, or are just learning about using email and the internet, you may have heard about computer viruses and anti-virus software. You may be wondering if this is something that you should be concerned about, and if so, what you should do about it. This article will attempt to answer these questions for you.
First, you may be wondering just what a computer virus is. Basically a computer virus is one of many types of small programs that install themselves on your computer without your consent. Usually they enter your program through an email, or while you are browsing a website.
When these programs run, usually without you knowing, they can cause all types of problems with your computer. Some viruses can be mildly annoying, slowing down your computer as they use your computer’s resources for another purpose. Others can be very dangerous, collecting your personal information and sending it to another party, or damaging your hard-drive.
True to their name, viruses are able to use your internet connection and email program and send themselves to the computers of other people you know, spreading themselves just like a contagious disease.
Because of this, just like the health of your body, when it comes to computer viruses, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is much easier to prevent viruses from entering your computer than it is to get rid of them and cure your computer once it becomes infected. This is why Anti-Virus software is important.
Once you realize that you need anti-virus software installed and running on your computer, you’ll have to choose which one to purchase and install. This can be a complicated process, but here are some tips to make it a bit easier.
First, check your computer to see if it came with anti-virus software. Many new computers are shipped with anti-virus programs already to go on them, you just need to turn them on. Check your instruction manual to see if this is the case with your computer.
Check with the vendor. If you purchased your computer from a local retailer, check with them to see what anti-virus program they recommend. They should be more than willing to help you and may even be able to provide you with a discount since you purchased a computer from them.
Once you have your anti-virus installed and running on your computer, be sure to contact the software’s support if you have any questions. It is also important to keep your software updated. Many of these programs will automatically update themselves when you are online. This is very important since new viruses are always appearing and you want to make sure your computer is protected.
About the author:
Angie Noack is a business strategist with a sharp edge for technology. With her unique ability to combine these two skills, she's able to help businesses save time and increase profits. You can find her online at http://softwaresoftwaresystems.com
by: Natalie Aranda
Getting started with video editing is very simple you only need a few items and you can be producing quality movies at home that you will be able to enjoy for many years to come. Maybe even produce a hit Hollywood movie.
The basic items you need are a video capture card, the software to edit, your computer, storage space on your computer and a camcorder, VCR, or you can display your movie on your computer screen.
The process is effortless, all you do is capture the video to you computer using a capture card, then edit your video with video editing software and then download the video that you edited to either tape or burn it to a VCD, CD, or DVD.
Let’s look at your computer first. You will need a minimum of a Pentium II 300 or faster, a minimum of 256 Megs of RAM, but you will get better performance with 512 Megs. You will also desire to have a 30GB drive that is split into 2 separate partitions. This means that you will have a C: and a D:. The C: should be given 10GB and will have all of your software stored there and the D: will be where your audio, video and editing projects are stored. Your graphics card should be a 32 Meg AGP. You can have an 8 or 16 Meg but the quality will not be as good.
Storage is probably the most confusing thing about video editing. Video makers have many choices for storing their digital video files and this is why it can be so confusing.
If you desire creating your own DVD’s then you are going to need lot of storage. The most you can get out of a single sided 4.7 GB DVD is around 2 hours of video. If you are using DV footage you are going to need 13GB per hour of video, this means you will need 26GB of storage and remember you always have extra footage that you need to factor that in as well so you are now up to 39GB of storage space needed. If you are adding other options such as graphics, MPEG2 footage for the DVD and the folder to hold it all then you are now up to 50GB. So, for your 2 hour movie you will need 50GB of space at least.
So, when you begin be sure that you have enough storage on your computer for the type of video that you wish to store.
On to the video capture card and the video editing software. When you first visit the electronics store you will find many manufacturers that create video capture cards. The most popular include
Some of the reputable video capture card manufacturers are: Pinnacle, Matrox, Dazzle, ADS, Canopus, and Digital Origin.
What video capture cards do to put it in simple terms is that these cards use hardware or software compression to digitize your video onto the hard drive on your computer. This way you can edit your video and play it back onto tape or display your movie on your computer screen.
Some times, you can purchase the video capture cards along with the video editing software that you choose. Some of the most popular video capture cards that are packaged with video software include the Pinnacle Pro One which comes with the Adobe Premiere 6 full version, TitleDeko RT, DV Tools 2.0, Hollywood FX, and Impressions DVD. The Dazzle DV NOW AV can be purchased along with the Premiere 6 full version and the DVDit LE.
Having music along with your video can also be accomplished with a MP3 Converter that will allow you to convert your MP3 music into a wav file or the format in which you need for your video. You may also wish to purchase a MP3 Encoder which will allow you to Wav or other formats into a MP3. A CD ripper is another item that you may wish to purchase that will help with converting your CD’s to MP3, WAV, WMA type files.
One other software program that will make you life easier when you begin video editing is a MPEG Encoder which is a very easy to use program that will make converting several formats easy than you can imagine. Many of these MPEG converters will aid in converting DVD, VCD, AVI, MPEG, GIF, Flash, WMV, WMA, WAV, MP3, MP4, M4A, OGG, AAC, 3GP and even more/
So, now all you need to do is to find the best video editing software that you feel comfortable with and off you go. You can find several different video editing software companies that offer their software on a trial basis, this will let you try out the software so you can see if it is the perfect software for you. But, remember with the trial version you will be receiving the video capture card. You will have to purchase it separately.
About the author:
Natalie Aranda is a freelance writer. She's been experimenting Audio & Video Editing with MP3 Converter http://www.blazemp.comand MPEG Encoder http://www.blazemp.com/mpeg_encoder_software.htmon many ecommerce websites.
by: Philippa Smith
Spyware is rapidly becoming a major problem for Internet
users. It is estimated that 9 out of 10 computers are
infected with spyware or ad ware or both. Spyware may be
responsible for 50 % of all computer crashes. Spyware runs
silently and you may not be aware that your every move on
the Internet is being observed and recorded.
If a user does not detect and remove spy ware from his
computer, all his files may get infected and it may stop
working. All his passwords, credit card numbers and other
personal information may be stolen before he can realize
what is going on. Once spyware has been removed, the
computer will run much faster. It is worth while you to
find and use the best spyware removal software available.
Features Of Good Spyware Removal Software
A few features to consider, while searching for spyware
removal software products, are:
* It should offer complete protection from spyware, key
loggers, remote acess Trojans (RATS), browser hijackers and
ad ware.
* A good spyware program will offer automatic updates, to
provide protection from the latest spy ware threats.
* The spyware product should offer technical support, so
you can call or e-mail someone, if you have a technical
problem.
* A good customer service back up also shows that the
manufacturer can be trusted to look after the needs of the
customer in the long run.
How Does It Work?
It is very difficult to find and remove spyware software
from a computer manually. Spyware protection software
detects and removes spyware and ad ware from your computer
automatically. It can also protect your computer from data
thieves, hackers, malicious e-mail and other threats.
There are many free spyware protection software products
available. These programs can be used to detect and remove
spyware and adware that is already present in your
computer. Many types of spyware, install themselves on your
computer again, after you have deleted them.
Free spyware removal programs can help you to assess the
problem. A permanent solution may be to get the best
spyware solution product available.
Click to find a daily updated blog of articles and news
about spyware ! Get advice and information about how to
protect your computer from attack, and disinfect it.. Click
http://www.spyware-101.com/
About the author:
Philippa Smith runs a home business in los angeles. The
constant attacks on here computer caused her to learn all
about spyware & viruses, and how to deal with them.
by: Joel Walsh
Can you really get a website even without knowing anything about code, and without paying a fortune? Find out.
The days when websites were primarily distinguished by their code are long gone. Nowadays, the web is a true publishing medium that favors well thought-out ideas. You can get a professional-looking website online in minutes with many website building services and software. But what should you look for? What are the features you really need and which are just clutter?
Content Editing
Some website authoring software packages only allow you to entire plain, unformatted text. Some of them allow you to entire HTML tags. Others provide a WYSIWYG ("what you see is what you get") interface with options for font, links, and image insertion much like a word processor's. Some will allow you to use more than one, or even all of these options so you have a choice on how you want to format your text.
Template Designs
Every website builder ever invented came with at least one or two templates for creating the graphical look of a website, so you don't have to design the look of the site yourself. But some packages have very large libraries of templates, some have only a few. Some will let you mix and match elements of the design templates, while others will lock you in to one setup.
Ecommerce Functions
Many ready-to-go websites created by website builder software feature built-in shopping carts. Some even come with credit card processing. This is of course necessary if you're going to be selling stuff direct online. But if you're not going to be selling anything, ecommerce functionalities may just complicate the administration of the site and pad the price for the software or service.
Blogging Functions
Blogs are "web logs," but blogging software involves more than just a simple online journal. Blogging technology allows you to send your new posts directly to subscribers via RSS, without them having to visit your site or receive an email from you. Still, unless you plan on updating your site regularly (at least once a month), your website's blog will just gather cobwebs.
Email
Some hosted web authoring systems provide email accounts at no additional charge, while others do charge separately. Some web builder systems even come with modules for creating email newsletters.
Support
It is very likely that you will encounter a technical difficulty at some point while owning your website. Make sure you know in advance of paying whether the company provides only paid support, and if any included support is over email, a web ticketing system, or the telephone.
Photo and Image Management
For many, if not most, people who want personal websites, displaying pictures online is a primary motivation, if not the only motivation. If you want to display pictures on your website, make sure to choose a website builder system that makes it easy to upload and publish images.
Renting vs. Owning
You can buy website authoring software upfront for a flat fee, or you can "rent;" i.e., pay a company every month to use a hosted service. The choice is up to you, but remember that the hosted service will likely charge you much more in the end: averaging around $20/month, hosted the typical hosted website builder will cost you $240/year--far more than most desktop software.
In short, you don't need to know how a website is coded to make one, any more than a book author needs to know about printing ink. Don't burden yourself with learning how to do web design. Having fun with your website starts with choosing a website builder software that will make it fun.
About the author:
Joel Walsh recommends you check out http://www.ezgenerator.com/documents/167.html?%20web%20authoring%20software[Publishthis article on your website! Requirement: live link for above URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: "web authoring software" OR leave this bracketed message intact.]
by: Elizabeth Ward
Can you be absolutely sure, that your activity isn't being monitored and recorded right now, while you're reading this?
The problem with many people is, because they're alone in a room with their computer, they think that no body can be watching.
If only they knew how easy it is to plant a computer recording device or software recording program onto a computer, they wouldn't feel so safe.
Whether you're a total computer newbie or a seasoned Internet veteran, everyone needs to know how to protect their privacy using the right anti spyware tools for the job.
In this article, I will show you how to easily spot a computer recording device or detect spy software using specific anti spyware tools.
It's really quite simple if you know what FREE anti spyware tools to use.
Computer monitoring devices come in two main categories, Hardware Key loggers & Spyware Software:
In this article I will address each of these categories and give you the best anti spyware solutions available, to spot and prevent them from spying on you
Hardware Key Loggers:
This type of Key Logger requires that the perpetrator have physical access to your computer.
Key Loggers can easily be installed in less than 5 seconds.
It doesn't matter if you use your computer at home or at work. If anyone has access to your computer they can install one of these devices without knowing a thing about computers.
If you want to see pictures and read up on this type of product, here is the URL for probably the most well known hardware Key Logger on the Internet:
http://www.i-loc.com
Once installed, a hardware Key Logger will capture every keystroke entered into your keyboard and then store it for future retrieval on the device itself.
Some hardware Key Logger companies boast a two-million keystroke capacity!
That's about 5 years worth of typing for the average computer user.
Whether at home or in the office, you can easily fall victim to this type of spying. A hardware Key Logger is installed between your keyboard and computer.
Removal of Hardware Key Loggers:
There are no anti spyware tools available for this except you're own two eyeballs. By taking a peek behind your system and following your keyboard cable, you can find out if there is something "odd" inserted between your keyboard and computer.
To remove a hardware Key Logger, you must shut down your system! You could cause damage your system if you attempt to remove the Key Logger while your computer is running!
Once your system is powered off, carefully remove the Key Logger from in between your keyboard and computer, and then plug your keyboard directly back into the computer. Make sure that it is plugged in completely and be gentle as the connectors are somewhat fragile.
It is very important to become an anti spyware enthusiast and check any computer you sit down at for hardware key loggers
Spyware:
Most everyone has heard of the term spyware.
Unfortunately the majority of people don't really understand what spyware does and what kind of anti spyware tool is best for them.
Spyware itself is broken down into two categories.
Adware vs Spy Software
Adware:
Adware (Advertising Spyware) is the most prevalent form of spyware. It monitors Internet activity to send targeted advertising to you as a consumer, or simply monitor your surfing habits to gather intelligence for companies who want to know what your interests are.
Adware is generally not a security threat, but can really mess up your computer when you try to remove it. Adware removal could cost you hundreds of dollars in repair bills even using the best anti spyware tools available.
Adware is written by "coders" who don't care what happens to your computer should you try to uninstall their software using an anti spyware tool.
Their only concern is making money from the information they acquire from your computer use.
Adware infections often cause many to make a trip to the computer repair shop just to get their computer back into running condition.
Adware can get on your computer in a variety of ways. You may download free programs, a screensaver, or some music or video, and the adware tags right along with your download file.
File sharing on peer to peer networks has been one of the worst culprits out there causing the serious spread of spyware worldwide.
Adware Symptoms:
The symptoms of Adware are uncontrollable popups, unwanted extra toolbars, and drastically slowed down computer performance that can result in freezes or lock up. When this happens it's time to get out your favorite anti spyware tool.
Tip: Music or File Sharing Can Be Dangerous: Never download ANYTHING from a website you do not trust, or can't verify, that they are a legitimate download site. Many times spyware can be attached to the music or file sharing programs themselves!
Adware Removal Using Anti-Spyware Tools:
You don't have to purchase an anti spyware tool for adware removal. I'm going to show you how to deal with an adware problem for free.
Unfortunately there are many anti spyware companies trying to profit from the spyware problem, so some of the anti spyware tools on the market today are very inferior "slapped together" products.
Some of these anti spyware companies do as much damage to a computer as the adware does. Many times all they want you to do is give them money. After all, how can you really know if they have done the job or not?
Some sneaky adware companies have even joined up with anti-spyware software companies and created a spyware removal utility that actually puts spyware on your system!
It's unbelievable what some people will do for a buck.
The only anti spyware tool you need to use if you have adware on your system is SpyBot, which comes highly recommended by security experts.
And it won't cost you a penny!
SpyBot is FREE...
SpyBot anti spyware will do everything the paid ones do and then some.
If you like SpyBot anti spyware you can donate money to the author, but only if you want to.
Here is the website for this excellent FREE anti spyware adware removal tool.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
Spy Software...Are You Sure You're Alone?
Spy Software is designed to silently record computer activity and then archive it for later retrieval, or stealthily send everything you do on your computer back to the intruder.
In my opinion, this type of spyware does the more damage to lives WORLDWIDE than any virus or adware product ever could.
Because spy software is so easy for anyone to purchase and install, now ANYONE who wants to find out what you're doing on your computer can see everything.
The worst part is, spy software is virtually undetectable by most adware scanners.
Want to see what I'm talking about? One of the best known companies who sell this type of spy software is www.spectorsoft.com
Most Spy Software is sold to spy on other family members, leading to divorce and all kinds of grief.
The worst cases are when used by business associates or even those who are after your credit card information or passwords to your accounts.
I've got a firewall you say...
Many Spy Software products can bypass even the best firewalls.
A firewall will lock up your system and require you to give your permission for any software program to operate on your system.
Spy Software companies know this, and many have figured a way to bypass most firewalls and send your personal information right over the Internet to the perpetrators.
When your firewall is triggered to ask you for your permission to send your captured information, the spy software will actually alter the message your firewall uses to ask your permission.
Your firewall will now ask you if it's alright for "Internet Explorer" or some application you're totally familiar with to access the Internet.
Of course you will click yes, and many times you will tell your firewall not to bother you when this program accesses the Internet in the future.
By clicking yes, you've just allowed the spy software to send your private information to the perpetrator(s).
Spy Software can be slipped onto your system via e-greeting cards, emails, Trojans or just simply physical access to your PC.
Spy Software Removal:
Whatever anti spyware tool you get, don't spend your money unless you're VERY SURE the product will do the job for you.
You wouldn't get a virus scanner that only got some of the viruses would you?
You can use the anti spyware SpyBot for most adware related spyware and it will even catch some Spy Software products.
The absolute best product I've seen to detect Spy Software is SpyCop.
SpyCop does not... I repeat, DOES NOT focus on adware. Do not download SpyCop to deal with adware infections.
SpyCop is a tool that is totally dedicated to detecting Spy Software products and has the most up to date spy software database anywhere.
SpyCop will scour your system for over 500 spy software products
SpyCop has been tested and proven to work by the most ardent anti spyware experts. http://www.spycop.com/download1
About the author:
Elizabeth Ward makes it easy to protect your Internet & computer privacy. Learn the 4 essential steps to spy proofing your computer. To receive your FREE mini-course visit http://www.nospyzone.com/AntiSpyware
by: David Chandler
Computer games can be categorized mainly into PC games that are played in your computer after installation using the CDs that contain the software, downloadable pc games, and the online games. Many websites provide you with the downloadable version of the PC games.
Category based on permission to use
The games can be categorized based on licenses. Some of the games are free and they can be downloaded on the internet free. Some pc games are free downloadable games but are shareware. Shareware games have limitations in the features. Some of the shareware can be used for only 30 days time and some are limited by the number of times that software is used. Trial versions of the software are also available which are time limited or feature limited.
Online Games
Online games are those that are played online. The user who is playing the online games should have an internet connection in his PC. You should be aware that your internet bill is on the rise during the time you play the online games. Yahoo games are one among the popular online games. Many websites provide you online games. Some of the sites require you to become a member to play these online games. Some charge you on per game basis for playing.
PC Games
PC Games are those that require an installation through a CD to play the pc games. Some of the games even require the CD to be present in the CD drive to play the game. These software CDs are to be purchased by the user. There are many pc games available like Tomb Raider that requires you to purchase the CD. Most of the games that contain Car races and Motorbike races require the software to be installed through the CD bought by you.
Downloadable PC Games
These games can be downloaded from the internet and can be installed in your computer. Most of the free game downloads are small enough to be downloaded from the internet. There websites like www.download.com that can be searched for free game downloads. A good search engine would give you thousands of links to free downloadable games.
What you need in your PC to play these games?
Most of the games can be played without any additional hardware. If you are having the latest configuration of the PC, which has the software pre-installed in your computer, then you might not need any additional software to be installed. Some of the online games require you to install plug-ins to run the online games. Plug-in is additional software that is required to run an application in your computer. You will be provided appropriate links to download the plug-ins required by your browser or your computer. You need to check the system requirements for the computer games that is downloaded or installed in your system and install them before you start playing the game.
About the author:
For more information, visit http://www.ComputerGamesInfo.com
by: Monty Cordello
When we think of adware, what comes to mind are those annoying and pesky ads that pop up out of nowhere whenever we are surfing the net. Anybody who has surfed through the net has encountered those irritating pop-up adwares advertising everything from computer software down to Viagra. Adwares are some of the most derided objects in the web alongside viruses, spyware and other malicious softwares and programs. Although adwares are alleged to be the most benign form of spyware, most web users hate the blatant and bothersome way of advertising. Most are often tricked into clicking on such adwares and end up unintentionally downloading something far more serious.
What are adwares, anyway? Adware or advertising-supported software is defined as any computer program or software package in which advertising and other marketing material are included with or automatically loaded by the software. Adwares are usually played back after installation. Some malicious adwares upload information about the computer or its user's activities even without the consent of its user. Adwares most often take the form of banner ads that appear on pop up windows or anywhere on the computer screen.
Software applications display these advertising banners whenever a program is opened or through some other triggering mechanism. Most adwares are integrated into a free application. This is a way for the developers to recover the costs of creating such software. A prominent example of this is the Opera browser software, which is a free application but comes with a banner ad. The adware can only be removed once the user purchases and registers his copy of the software. It is also a revenue-generating mechanism. A company can sponsor adwares to capture more visitors and potential customers. Adware as a marketing strategy is just one of the many techniques used by websites to attract more traffic.
However, some adwares are more than just pesky and garish ads. In many cases, adwares accompany a more malicious program, which uploads information about the user collected without permission. The users surfing habits are then tracked; in some cases, the browser home page is altered or redirected to the adware company's sponsoring site. These types of adwares are dangerous since they may jeopardize the computer system's health. Aside from installing malicious software, they may also become an avenue for viruses to invade the system.
Adwares have come under fire not only because of their annoying presence in the form of pop ups and banners but also in the way they invade the privacy of the user. Trackware and Spyware are just two of the "evil" forms that adware can take. That is why most computer users make an effort to get rid of these adwares. Because of the annoying nature of pop-up adware, most browsers now employ an adware blocking system through the form of a pop-up blocker or adware blocker. Browsers such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Mozilla's Firefox all use pop-up blockers, which instantly block or close any window that is triggered by adware in the sites that the user visits. These steps have significantly reduced the number of irritating adware that pop up every time a site is opened.
Most antivirus programs and utilities now feature an adware search and removal system. These programs indexes known adwares and spywares in the internet universe and searches for it in the user's computers system then subsequently quarantines or deletes the malicious files. Nevertheless, despite the numerous efforts against adwares, they continue to plague web surfers with their showy ads and banners as well as the nasty programs they introduce into the computer system. As the sage of the annoying adware continues, web surfers are also equipped with the best tools and utilities to combat them.
About the author:
Monty Cordello is the owner of the famous adware secrets
website http://adwarefound.com
by: Bruce Zhang
Customer Relationship Management or CRM is a combination of enterprise strategies, business processes and information technologies used to learn more about customers' needs and behaviors in order to develop stronger relationships with them. CRM software systems automate many customer-related business tasks. CRM applications are traditionally developed as client-server software which incurs higher initial cost of ownership. The proliferation of the Internet and the Web has fueled the rapid growth of Web-based CRM or online CRM applications ( http://www.sysoptima.com/crm/web_based_crm.php ). Web CRM systems are widely deployed for web based call center, contact management, trouble ticket, personal information manager and scheduling.
The life cycle of CRM consists of three phases - customer acquisition, customer relationship enhancements and customer retention. CRM software streamlines CRM activities at each phase of customer relationship management.
Customer Acquisition
Contact management module and direct marketing module of CRM allow companies to effectively promote and market their products and services to prospects. Those modules help speed up the acquiring processes and reduce the cost of acquiring new customers.
Customer Relationship Enhancements
CRM helps companies better understand existing customers' needs and behaviors and enhance the profitability from existing customers by cross-selling. They can customize their products and services to individual customers' needs and preferences.
Customer Retention
Customer service module of CRM system gives the organizations the edge in customer support and call center services ( http://www.sysoptima.com/crm/call_center_management_software.php ). They can increase customer satisfaction while reducing the cost of support. Customer retention is critical to the overall profitability of an organization. A customer you spend hundreds of dollars and months to acquire may leave you in seconds as a result of poor customer services.
About the author:
Bruce Zhang has over 10 years experiences in developing and implementing ecommerce and ebusiness systems in various industries. He has created a news aggregator http://www.sysoptima.com/newsbot/crm.phpthat automatically extracts CRM news and new articles from over 50 sources daily to help corporate executives, IT professionals and consultants to keep up with the latest development in enterprise software market. The website offers a knowledge base http://www.sysoptima.com/crm/for understanding CRM software from a systems perspective.
by: Mitch Johnson
Now that spyware has far exceeded the threats of viruses Microsoft has released their version of a beta spyware scanner, remover and blocker. Spyware infects users with Internet Explorer with an endless build up of threats that run on computers and gather personal and usage information. Consequences of spyware can be browser crashes and start page changes as well as constant freezing.
With Micorsoft’s beta spyware tool users must verify through the site that they possess a true, non stolen version of Windows XP before being able to download the software. Upon approval computer users get the download free and it begins immediately protecting against spyware invasions. The software includes a scanner that will detect and remove or fix spyware infected files. The scan runs easily just by booting up the program and choosing the scan. It can take twenty minutes or more for the entire scan to complete and once done it gives you a list of detected spyware.
When you choose to delete the detected spyware files you have the option of creating a restore point so that if any problems occur from remove a particular file you may rejuvenate its functions later. Microsoft’s anti-spyware tool also restores original Internet Explorer settings that may have been altered by spyware infections. Without this feature it is difficult and sometimes impossible to get an Internet Explorer browser to return to its normal features after spyware has hindered them.
After Microsoft’s beta spyware software has done its work your computer should run more productively and your privacy will be safer from intruders as you surf the internet. If you have Microsoft software it is wise to try to the free beta software so you computer can be better armed against spyware invasions.
About the author:
Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/, a site that focuses exclusively on spyware removal software, as well as tips on how to prevent spyware from popping up on your computer. This site articles on has spyware guard, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_guard.htmas well as spyware scanner, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_scanner.htm
by: rogel dias
The Quickest Way I Know To Secure Your PC-Safety In 7
Easy Steps And Only Using Free Software While Not Missing The
One Critical Piece Of Free Software That's Been Overlooked By
Many.
Can You Prevent Spyware, Worms, Trojans, Viruses,
... To Work When You Switch Your Pc On ?
I Can And I Do It On A Pro-active Basis.
Surfing Means More And More To Stay Invisible, To Be Clean From
The Inside And To Prevent Installment Of Malicious Software
(So Preventing Unwanted Communication From Inside To Outside
And From Outside To Inside).
How do you stay invisible while surfing? Of course
by installing a firewall. How do I get one free?
That's the easy point.
You like to stay invisible. But are you? And how do you know?
You could do a test from someone out there trying to get in.
But who can you trust?
Suppose you are doing a test. Do you obtain objective and
reliable information about your PC-vulnerability (for free)?
Now even if you stay invisible, you will visit websites
leaving cookies in your PC and you will download software.
By doing so you will get spyware, viruses, ...
How can you detect them and delete them? That's also
the easy point: you have to install an anti-virus program
and anti-spyware programs. Research on the internet makes
it clear that you need 2 anti-spyware programs. Why 2?
Because a great fish may be caught by the net but a small fish
can swim through the holes. Using 2 makes the holes smaller.
What are those 2 free programs you have to download?
Can you prevent spyware to install on your PC? Maybe,
maybe not. There is one free software that might prevent it
(but not with 100% guarantee).
And even then you need an additional freeware program to
prevent a piranha to install itself on your PC (just enabling
itself to start up whenever you switch your PC on).
This freeware program is overlooked by many and gives you
an additional feeling of relief and security. It gives you
also a hint whether some new downloaded software is good or bad
(and thus giving you the chance to delete it anyway before it
becomes too malicious).
Now you owe it to yourself to maximize the safety of your PC
for surfing. You need a firewall,an anti-virus software,
2 anti-spyware programs, one spyware preventing program,
a trusty guard preventing installment in your startup files
and even 3 musketeers. And last but not least do a safe test
to get an objective idea about the vulnerability of your PC.
Everything is free. It only needs your attention.
So look after the fully simple and logical steps in:
http://startwithoutadime.blogspot.com/2005/02/first-things-first-pc-safety_13.html
http://startwithoutadime.blogspot.com/2005/02/first-things-first-pc-safety-ii.html
After all, preventing a disease is better than curing it !!
About the author:
Finally. Discover A Lifetime Of Amazing Simple And
Free Web Marketing Strategies, Tips And Resources.
Subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter.
Reply To My Survey And Receive A Free Software And Ebook! Go to
http://startwithoutadime.blogspot.com
by: Gracy
Emails are an essential medium of communication in the fast track world of today. Be it for our personal or for business purposes, emails are indispensable. Loss of emails can bring about anything from a minor loss to devastation, depending on the need of the user. Hence, data recovery vis a vis emails is an absolute must, especially if emails are essential communication tools for one’s business. Data recovery softwares are a viable and dependable option when it comes to effective email recovery.
Data recovery softwares function differently for different types of files, which are:
* Outlook PST Files
* Outlook Express DBX Files
* Web Mail
Outlook PST Files
PST Files are very complex. So, once data is lost from these files, it is important to recover the data as well as repair them. To recover data the files themselves, these softwares are very helpful. Good software is equipped to repair and restore data from damaged or corrupted Microsoft Outlook file.
Microsoft Outlook stores email messages, contacts, notes and folders on the local drive as a .pst file. The Outlook recovery software scans the damaged .pst file and extracts and saves information in a new usable .pst file, enabling PST Recovery.
The key features of good PST files recovery software are:
* Providing PST Recovery from folders, calendars, contacts, tasks, notes.
* Repairing even the password protected files
* Restoration of formatting from RTF and HTML messages
* Recovering data from encrypted files
* Providing support to repair .pst files.
* Recovering deleted email attachments.
Outlook Express DBX Files
Good recovery software can scan, extract and save emails form .dbx files in which Microsoft Outlook Express stores messages and folders in the local drive. It should also be allowed to retrieve accidentally deleted messages from the ‘Deleted Items’ folder in Outlook Express. The .dbx files also need to be repaired so as to enable smooth functioning subsequently.
The key features of good DBX files recovery software are:
* Providing Mail Recovery from Outlook Express dbx files.
* Providing deleted email recovery of dbx files from corrupt media, such as floppy disks, Zip disks, CD ROMs, etc.
* Provides Mailbox repair of dbx files.
* Support to repair dbx files within a size limitation.
* Recovering deleted email attachments.
* Enabling the recovered messages to be opened directly in MS Outlook Express.
* Enabling recovered messages to be saved in the *.eml file format on any (including network) disks visible by the host operating system.
* Enabling message source view.
Web Mail
In order to access a web based email program like Yahoo or Hotmail, one has to use the Internet Browser to log onto a remote computer which stores the emails. When mails from it are deleted, they cannot be recovered. Hence, data recovery software is required to retrieve that data. It is a very complicated procedure, and only messages that have been opened already can be retrieved using a good software.
As the old and clichéd adage goes, prevention I better than cure. So, it is advised that a lot of care be taken. After all, loss of important mails can spell disaster for your business.
About the author:
Emails are an essential medium of communication in the fast track world of today. Be it for our personal or for business purposes, emails are indispensable. Loss of emails can bring about anything from a minor loss to devastation, depending on the need of the user.
by: Dean Phillips
Spyware is software or hardware installed on a computer
without the user's knowledge which gathers information about
that user for later retrieval by whomever controls the
spyware.
Spyware can be broken down into two different categories,
surveillance spyware and advertising spyware.
Surveillance software includes key loggers, screen capture
devices, and trojans. These would be used by corporations,
private detectives, law enforcement, intelligence agencies,
suspicious spouses, etc.
Advertising spyware is software that is installed alongside
other software or via activex controls on the internet,
often without the user's knowledge, or without full
disclosure that it will be used for gathering personal
information and/or showing the user ads. Advertising
spyware logs information about the user, possibly including
passwords, email addresses, web browsing history, online
buying habits, the computer's hardware and software
configuration, the name, age, sex, etc of the user.
As with spam, advertising spyware uses the CPU, RAM, and
resources of the user's computer, making the user pay for
the costs associated with operating it. It then makes use of
the user's bandwidth to connect to the internet and upload
whatever personal information it has gathered, and to
download advertisements which it will present to the user,
either by way of pop up windows, or with the ad banners of
ad-supported software. All of this can be considered theft
in the cases of advertising spyware that installs without
disclosure.
And while anti-virus software like Symantec's Norton Anti-
Virus or McAfee's ViruScan can offer some protection, one of
the best ways to combat spyware is with anti-spy software.
Two of the best are Lavasoft's Ad-aware and Spybot's Search
& Destroy, which are available as free downloads.
http://www.lavasoft.de/
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
The free version of Ad-aware does not proactively protect
against spyware infestation. You have to start the Ad-aware
application and initiate a scan to detect spyware. But the
paid version, Ad-aware Plus does remain alert in the
background, like Spybot, to deflect any attempts at
infestation. In recent tests, Ad-aware Plus and Spybot both
protected systems extremely well.
If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend
installing Microsoft's Service Pack 2. SP2 tightens your
PC's security with a new Windows Firewall, an improved
Automatic Updates feature, and a pop-up ad blocker for
Internet Explorer. Plus, the newly minted Security Center
gives you one easy-to-use interface for keeping tabs on your
PC's security apps.
There are also other steps you can take to protect against
spyware. One simple step is to switch from Microsoft's
browsers, which have security holes for spyware programs to
exploit. A good alternative is Mozilla Firefox. Another not-
so-simple step is switching to the Mac or Linux operating
systems, which don't have spyware problems.
About the author:
Dean Phillips is an Internet marketing expert, writer,
publisher and entrepreneur. Questions? Comments? Dean can be
reached at mailto: dean@lets-make-money.net
Visit his website at: http://www.lets-make-money.net
by: Jim Edwards
A recent article about preventing hackers from breaking
into your computer caused an overwhelming response by
readers.
It seems everyone has an opinion about the best software
and advice for keeping your computer safe from viruses and
online predators. The following will help you increase your
online security and usually without spending a dime!
Zone Alarm
Zone Alarm offers several versions of their
popular firewall software with various options for
increased security. The basic firewall software comes free
of charge and ranks among the most highly rated firewalls
available. The paid version helps you to eliminate
everything from pop-up windows to unwanted advertising and
also helps you track hackers back to their source.
Visit www.zonealarm.com to download your copy today,
especially if you don't already carry a firewall on your
system.
The Guru Of Security
Visit www.grc.com if you want a real "eye opener!" Frankly,
some of the things I saw on this website shocked me. I had
no idea so many potential problems existed for breaches in
your online security.
But what also shocked me was how simple most of the "fixes"
rate for securing your computer against attack. It became
very apparent to me that most computer hackers don't
exploit hardware or software weaknesses, they actually
exploit our ignorance about the simple steps we should take
to protect ourselves and others.
When you visit www.grc.com you'll see the site covers a lot
of ground. Since you might find it easy to get sidetracked
with all the interesting information, make sure to
specifically check out the "Shields Up!" area. This section
offers two comprehensive tests of your Internet connection
to check for the typical points of entry used by hackers.
The first test, "Test My Shields," checks the security of
your Internet connection itself and how much system and
personal information others can obtain without your
knowledge.
The second test, "Probe My Ports," attempts to find open
ports on your computer and evaluate how and where a hacker
could enter.
Both tests will help you spot the most common and obvious
vulnerabilities most of us face when connected to the
Internet. Also to its credit (and unlike similar sites),
this website doesn't use these tests as a lead-in to try to
sell you anything.
Free Anti-Virus Software
Visit www.grisoft.com to download a free anti-virus
software package that rivals anything you could buy. The
software comes with free updates on virus definitions
(critical for up-to-date protection) and will even certify
your outgoing email as virus free!
I have used this software myself and, though nothing rates
perfect, I have found it rivals products costing $50 or
more. If you don't carry virus protection software on your
computer, stop this minute and go to www.grisoft.com to
download the free version now.
With so many resources and advice available for free, no
valid excuse exists for not immediately securing your
computer against hackers, vandals, viruses and malicious
code.
About the author:
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-
author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to
use free articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted
visitors to your website or affiliate links...
Simple "Traffic Machine" brings Thousands of NEW visitors to
your website for weeks, even months... without spending a
dime on advertising! ==> "Turn Words Into
Traffic"
by: Philippa Smith
Spyware is the software that collects information about
your online activities and preferences. The information is
then sent to another computer with the intention of selling
it to online advertisers.
Spyware and adware can enter your computer through e-mail,
downloads or instant messaging. This is a frightening
prospect for anyone, who uses the net frequently or
constantly downloads products and services online. It is
upsetting to think, that someone may be watching your every
move, when you are online.
What is Adware?
Adware is software that displays advertisements like
banners and pop-ups on your computer. It may also track the
preferences of the user without his knowledge. If ad ware
keeps building up, on your computer, you may face a deluge
of pop-ups, banners and search tool bars, making it
difficult for you to work.
Adware infection may change your homepage repeatedly.
Mysterious toolbars may appear on your browser. Your
computer may run at a noticeably slower speed or there may
be other mysterious changes on your computer.
What Are The Signs Of Spyware?
If your computer shows any of the following symptoms,
spyware or some other malicious software may have infected
it:
* Spyware and other malicious software may add additional
toolbars to your browser, which you don't want. Even, if
you delete them, they will appear again, each time you
restart your computer.
* Pop-up advertisements may appear whenever the computer is
turned on, even when you are not online. Some of them may
be for adult or other objectionable sites.
* The computer's settings may change mysteriously. Even if
the user changes the settings back to the earlier settings,
they may revert repeatedly to the new settings. Malicious
software may change your homepage or search page settings.
* Spyware and other malicious software are not designed to
be efficient. The process of watching a user's activities
and displaying advertisements may noticeably slow down, the
functioning of a computer or even makes it crash.
If spy ware or ad ware infects your computer, don't
despair. You can use any of the free or paid spy ware or ad
ware elimination software products, available to detect and
eliminate them.
Click to find a daily updated blog of articles and news
about spyware ! Get advice and information about how to
protect your computer from attack, and disinfect it.. Click
http://www.spyware-101.com/
About the author:
Philippa Smith runs a home business in los angeles. The
constant attacks on here computer caused her to learn all
about spyware & viruses, and how to deal with them.
by: Jake Johnson
Content management system is the latest rush in the management world. No one is unaware that this system enables amateurs to edit, write or even delete data on the web sites without being able to read or write HTML Lang. And this is exactly why content management software has become so popular within a short period.
Every aspiring business entity is adopting it and the ones who haven�t yet done so are more than eager to know all about its acquisition. But how do you start going about it? How do you know which available content management software is the best suited for your pocket? Queries like these have been on the mind for long, and now is the time to get hold of their solid answers!!
Choice of software
There are a lot of brands of content management systems available. Some of them being Perl, MySQL, WebGUI and the Apache Web server software based. Some of these available systems come in ready to install software packages which you can put up on your servers. And there are certain others which are accessed through internet via a browser by the people who have developed the software.
The ones which are accessible through the net by the developers prove to be cheaper than the ready to install packages. They can also be rented on a monthly basis and generally are lesser trouble makers in the area of technical support and expertise. But then again, the ready to install software has a whole and sole owner i.e. you. This is where you have to decide whether you have a better developer expertise and money to handle the software or you rather learn bit by bit and be on the safer side.
How much to shell out
Once you have decided which kind of software to go for your next step is to worry about the charges to set up the site. This varies to a wide extent because; some charge a single amount for the software and the needed support and training for a year. Others, charge separate for installation and separate for additional design work. Hence, the best way to make the cost fit your wallet is to estimate whole of the costs for a two year period. The way you can do this is by looking into the ongoing cover charges.
It seems cheaper to have the payment tension done with a single payment but then ongoing support costs cannot be ignored. Hence, the need to be on the look out for bogus offers of low prices is a must. Always remember that your software is of the lowest level if its installation on your computer is not generating any revenue for your supplier.
Usually the entry level cost for the content management system is around $ 55000. Generally the price for the license is between $15000 to $ 120000, while the maintenance costs anything from $ 2000 to $ 21600 and lastly the premiums may cost from $ 3000 to $ 30000, with discount. The variations in prices depend upon the type of content management system you decide to install and the number of added features you apply for.
Disclaimer
Before installation of the content management system, be sure to go for a stand alone system, meaning that your system should have no need to get it customized for every job. If not done so then your budget may largely go out of control.
About the author:
Jake Johnson is the senior writer for http://www.content-management-central.com ContentManagement Central - Your Source for CMS News, Resources and Articles.
by: Steve Mezak
Many executives and investors are skeptical that software products can be developed using outsourcing. Even more skepticism is expressed at the idea of outsourcing version 1.0 of a product. Yet Accelerance clients are using outsourcing to create their products right now. What is the secret to using outsourcing to successfully develop a software product?
Many people believe outsourcing is useless when you are in the Fuzzy Front End - that fuzzy zone between when a market opportunity is known and when serious software development can begin. They think you need to slog through the Fuzzy Front End by coding a prototype of your product. If so, you need the development team here, not several oceans away.
Another false assumption is that you need to write a comprehensive specification for your software during the Fuzzy Front End. Many companies use a very formal product definition process, optimized to remove as much "fuzz" as possible. How long should it take to design a software product before development can begin?
Obviously time is of the essence when developing a new product, but before the development process can begin you must have some idea of what your software will do. It is best to find this out from your prospective customers. But how can you involve your customers early and often in a collaborative process, when both of you are not sure of what they need or want? And what does that have to do with outsourcing?
According to Steve Blank, founder of several software startups and now lecturer at the Haas School of Business at Berkeley, you don't need a product development process. You need a customer development process. You need a process to discover what ornery problem your potential customers have that will cause them to part with their hard-earned money to solve that problem by buying your software.
The first step of Blank's customer development process is Customer Discovery. Here are his steps of customer discovery:
* Create a product (or product demo)
* Meet with customers and answer these four questions of customer discovery:
1. Have you identified a problem customers want to solve?
2. Does your product solve these customer needs?
3. If so, do you have a viable and profitable business model?
4. Have you learned enough to go out and sell?
* Change your product to reflect what you learn
* Iterate until all questions can be answered positively
Is there a way to shorten these iteration cycles? The Accelerance answer is, don't code up your product or prototype at the start. Use an HTML editor to create screen mock-ups. Then link them together to tell the "user stories" of your software product. They show the major use cases of your product. Demonstrating the use cases this way is like putting your product requirements in motion. It simulates how the real product will be used.
HTML is easy to edit and requires no programming. You can make quick iterations before committing your product ideas to code.
Here is the five-step Accelerance formula you can follow to successfully design your product:
1. Describe your product idea and its benefits
2. Create a demo of the major use cases showing the biggest benefits of your software
3. Perform the Customer Discovery steps described above, iterating until you & customers are satisfied
4. Write an MRD using screen shots from your demo as illustrations
5. Develop and test your software
In modern business, you should focus on your core competency and outsource the rest. In the Accelerance five-step process, the first 4 steps of defining your product idea, completing the customer discovery process and documenting the requirements must be part of your core competency. The last step is not.
Anybody can develop software. But only you can figure out what your customers will buy. And that makes your software development a non-core process. Use this five step formula to take advantage of low cost outsourcing as an effective way to get your product developed quickly.
About the author:
Steve Mezak is a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur and international outsourcing expert. Get your copy of his free report now on "The Seven Deadly Dangers of Outsourcing Your Software Development" by visiting http://www.Accelerance.com
