Windows Tools, Help & Guides

Use of USB devices is sometimes the easiest way to get infected by a virus.

Perhaps you want to control the usage so that another user cannot copy something to an external device.

Learn, in this guide, how to protect yourself from attacks via a USB drive.

Read the rest of this entry »

[Ed note] Recently, we suggested seven free alternatives to iTunes and Songbird made the list. In this guide, we take a look at why this media player is so good.

This funky Free music player gets you geared up and keeps you conscience clean.

Songbird is a Web Player—a music program on your computer that utilises the internet constantly to give you many features. This makes Songbird superior to other major players as you can view artist bio’s, lyrics, concerts and videos as you listen to them. Then upload your files to you music player or mobile or publish what your listening to your IM, twitter or last.fm account for your friends to see. Pretty damn cool eh?

Did I mention it monitors your music directory and actively imports and corrects files locations for songs?

Read on for the list of life-saving features, cool add-ons and smooth skins.

Read the rest of this entry »

Updates are essential to make your computer stay secure. I for one like to be able to decide for myself when to install and update my system. But if you prefer Windows to do it without consulting your first, you will from time to time see the “updates awaiting reboot” icon when you want to shut down your computer.
If you don’t like to leave your computer on when leaving it – waiting for the update process to get done before you leave will test your patience.
If you want to be able to override this feature – shut down the computer without starting the update process, Here’s how…

Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve done a major rework on the PC Security Handbook and the second edition is now available as a free download. Below is a changelog of some of the changes you’ll see in the new edition. As always, feedback–whether positive or constructive–is always welcome.

Read the rest of this entry »

When I set out to write this article I discovered that there was much to learn about this subject. And some stuff weren’t all that easy to understand either. I am going to do my best to simplify the topic as best I can.

Now days with the introduction of Plasma, LCD and LED monitors and TV’s have become easier to handle, even if you should buy a 50″ screen. However; new technology also bring new standards. New equipment means new cables, new standards, like HDMI, and DV-I. Meaning you really have to know if your “old” equipment is compatible with your new. To really add to the confusion, you see tags like HD-Ready, Real HD, 1080p and so on.

Have you wondered what these tags mean, or if it’s something you really need to pay attention to ?

Read the rest of this entry »

The addition of a TV Tuner card turns your PC into a full “DVR” – a Digital Video Recorder. For those familiar with it, your PC becomes just like a “TiVo” box providing high quality record and play-back options from broadcast TV.
This tuner card also brings in all the available FM Stations.
In the US there are a wealth of stations to tune into and each of them has an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) transmitted along with the picture and sound and picked up by Windows Media Center for presentation in WMC on-line TV Guide.
The EPG is an essential part of a recording system because it provides a schedule of up-coming programs and allows you to schedule the recording not just of the show itself, but every show in the series (like all the episodes of “Family Guy” ) – you can even instruct the guide to record episodes of the show even if they are seen on different channels and at different times.

Read the rest of this entry »