Tips
Best AntiVirus software?
Oct 15th
This is a question that I get asked often by friends and customers:
What should I use to protect my computer from X?
Here are my current recommendations for antiX software (x = virus, malware, phishing, etc.). Keep in mind this is for home and small business (10 or less computers) users only; larger businesses may want software that gives them more control over managing workstations and deploying updates. I have personally used both of these products and have found them to do an adequate job of providing basic protection from malware, without causing a significant performance penalty (slowing down your computer).
Note: Use one of the programs below, not both!
Microsoft Security Essentials
Provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Cost: free (Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security Essentials)
AVG Free Edition
Basic antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows
Cost: free (private, non-commercial use)
Leave a comment and let me know what your software of choice is for blocking malware.
Easy Entertainment Center WiFi
Sep 16th
Recently, I entered into a truce with the pay-for-television industry, gave into the demands of my family, and signed an “exclusive” 2-year deal with DirecTV. I was perfectly happy the last couple of years not having a monthly bill and besides online entertainment has been coming into its own for a while (Hulu, ABC/NBC/Fox, Joost, etc.). Well, one thing I was looking forward to was that the DirecTV receiver I ordered has the capability to connect to the Internet to download OnDemand programming, weather, etc. There is only one problem: running Ethernet cabling in my home would not be pretty.
So, I decided to go wireless. I purchased a Linksys WRT54GL router, installed DD-WRT firmware, configured it as an access point, and voila – I now have a 4-port wireless ap to connect my DirecTV receiver, my hacked Xbox, and with two ports left over for future expansion. The whole setup took about 30 minutes.
