Novell India has released the latest version of PC operating system openSUSE - version 10.3. has a dual-boot (an option to start running either Linux or Windows on the PC), compatibility of OpenOffice.org office suite with Microsoft Office and better multimedia support.
The latest GNOME and KDE desktop environments have been included, including a KDE 4 preview. AppArmor protects the operating system and applications from attacks, viruses and malicious applications. Version 10.3 also now includes MP3 support for Banshee and Amarok, the default media players.
Users can also set up a home network and run a Web server with virtualisation software such as Xen 3.1 and VirtualBox 1.5 on the OS. With ‘1-Click Install’, the installation of new drivers and applications is simplified. OpenSUSE is created by the openSUSE project, which has more than 54,000 registered members.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Fight against Spyware - Choose the right Anti-Spyware
If you ever go online, you know what can happen. Without the right software to protect it, your computer is vulnerable to all kinds of viruses, trackers and other intruders. This you already know. Because every time you turn around, there's something new on the market that claims it's crucial to the safety of your PC. Heck, you even get spam about protecting your computer from spam.
If you paid attention to all of this, you'd end up with a hard drive full of anti-virus programs and a whole host of spyware seekers. Which would really slow down your computer, if nothing else. So what do you truly need to protect your home PC? We asked Monica Forrest, who's a DCI -- that's deputy of counterintelligence -- for Best Buy's cheeky computer support team, the Geek Squad. (Don't ask about the job title. It's a geek thing.)
Here's what Forrest says you need: "One really good anti-virus program and one good spyware program." Really? Is that all? It seems too simple. As long as those two programs are reputable and updated, you should be safe, she says. How do you know what to get? Here are tips:
Do your research.
What kind of software should you buy -- Norton? McAfee? Trend Micro?
Most computer and technology publications rate this stuff every so often, so go online and search for recent ratings. (You can go to CNet.com to find all the reviews you'll ever want to read.) Once you've seen a few of these charts, you'll start to see which software programs consistently come out on top -- and which have features that you like. Or, of course, you can ask an expert. Forrest urges you to drop by the Geek Squad counter at your neighborhood Best Buy and ask for advice.
Don't opt for the combo.
Lots of companies sell software suites -- package deals that offer both anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. But Forrest doesn't recommend those. In her experience, when security software is packaged, it tends to protect against one problem far better than it protects against the other. "They tend to work better," she says, "if it's not a combination." So don't just settle for the suite. It's unlikely that the very best will come in a single package.
Beware of freebies.
What about those anti-spyware programs that are free for the downloading?
Those can be OK, Forrest says. But be careful. Sometimes free software can have some nasty stuff attached. "Some of the free anti-spyware programs are very good programs," Forrest says. "But some that say they are free are more spyware than they are protection."
Don't assume your computer is protected.
Yes, some sort of anti-virus software probably came with your computer. You've seen the little icon on your desktop, and you know you once saw it scanning for something. Isn't that enough? Probably not, unless your PC is brand-new. Most of those programs are installed with a 60- or 90-day trial period. And once that trial expires, if you don't subscribe to the service, then you're out of luck.
(Watch the expiration date even if you paid for the program, by the way. You don't get indefinite protection; you have to re-up every year or so.) Once you've picked out your software, how do you know it's doing its job?
Here are tips for making your security software work for you:
Don't forget to scan
You can have all the protection programs you need, but if you don't use them to scan your computer, they might as well not be there. You should set up your anti-virus program to scan your system once a week. And run your anti-spyware program at least a couple of times a week. "You don't have to sit there and watch it," Forrest says. "Let it run in the background, then check and see if it finds anything."
Don't forget to update
Here's why you pay for these programs in the first place: They're constantly searching for new threats, coming up with new ways to protect your computer. But you don't get the benefit unless you update your system. So check for updates every time you run a scan. (You may be able to set your program to do this automatically.)
Set up your firewall
A firewall protects your computer from more than just viruses -- it keeps out a whole array of network intruders. Some security suites include a personal firewall. But the one that Windows installs on your PC is perfectly decent, Forrest says. "As long as that's turned on," she says, "that'll protect you as well as anything else." To turn it on, or to see whether it's turned on, go to your computer's Security Center.
Be careful out there anyway
"Be careful where you go on the Internet," Forrest says. Just about anytime you download something for free, you're going to get some spyware. Those programs that offer you free music and free movies? Yeah, you may get entertainment for free. But there's likely some stuff you don't want thrown in with the deal. The Geek Squad sees a lot of that, Forrest says.
"You're getting the music, but you're also getting X, Y and Z spyware that's on there," she says. And that's just asking for it.
So Just be Cautious Enough to Fight them all........
If you paid attention to all of this, you'd end up with a hard drive full of anti-virus programs and a whole host of spyware seekers. Which would really slow down your computer, if nothing else. So what do you truly need to protect your home PC? We asked Monica Forrest, who's a DCI -- that's deputy of counterintelligence -- for Best Buy's cheeky computer support team, the Geek Squad. (Don't ask about the job title. It's a geek thing.)
Here's what Forrest says you need: "One really good anti-virus program and one good spyware program." Really? Is that all? It seems too simple. As long as those two programs are reputable and updated, you should be safe, she says. How do you know what to get? Here are tips:
Do your research.
What kind of software should you buy -- Norton? McAfee? Trend Micro?
Most computer and technology publications rate this stuff every so often, so go online and search for recent ratings. (You can go to CNet.com to find all the reviews you'll ever want to read.) Once you've seen a few of these charts, you'll start to see which software programs consistently come out on top -- and which have features that you like. Or, of course, you can ask an expert. Forrest urges you to drop by the Geek Squad counter at your neighborhood Best Buy and ask for advice.
Don't opt for the combo.
Lots of companies sell software suites -- package deals that offer both anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. But Forrest doesn't recommend those. In her experience, when security software is packaged, it tends to protect against one problem far better than it protects against the other. "They tend to work better," she says, "if it's not a combination." So don't just settle for the suite. It's unlikely that the very best will come in a single package.
Beware of freebies.
What about those anti-spyware programs that are free for the downloading?
Those can be OK, Forrest says. But be careful. Sometimes free software can have some nasty stuff attached. "Some of the free anti-spyware programs are very good programs," Forrest says. "But some that say they are free are more spyware than they are protection."
Don't assume your computer is protected.
Yes, some sort of anti-virus software probably came with your computer. You've seen the little icon on your desktop, and you know you once saw it scanning for something. Isn't that enough? Probably not, unless your PC is brand-new. Most of those programs are installed with a 60- or 90-day trial period. And once that trial expires, if you don't subscribe to the service, then you're out of luck.
(Watch the expiration date even if you paid for the program, by the way. You don't get indefinite protection; you have to re-up every year or so.) Once you've picked out your software, how do you know it's doing its job?
Here are tips for making your security software work for you:
Don't forget to scan
You can have all the protection programs you need, but if you don't use them to scan your computer, they might as well not be there. You should set up your anti-virus program to scan your system once a week. And run your anti-spyware program at least a couple of times a week. "You don't have to sit there and watch it," Forrest says. "Let it run in the background, then check and see if it finds anything."
Don't forget to update
Here's why you pay for these programs in the first place: They're constantly searching for new threats, coming up with new ways to protect your computer. But you don't get the benefit unless you update your system. So check for updates every time you run a scan. (You may be able to set your program to do this automatically.)
Set up your firewall
A firewall protects your computer from more than just viruses -- it keeps out a whole array of network intruders. Some security suites include a personal firewall. But the one that Windows installs on your PC is perfectly decent, Forrest says. "As long as that's turned on," she says, "that'll protect you as well as anything else." To turn it on, or to see whether it's turned on, go to your computer's Security Center.
Be careful out there anyway
"Be careful where you go on the Internet," Forrest says. Just about anytime you download something for free, you're going to get some spyware. Those programs that offer you free music and free movies? Yeah, you may get entertainment for free. But there's likely some stuff you don't want thrown in with the deal. The Geek Squad sees a lot of that, Forrest says.
"You're getting the music, but you're also getting X, Y and Z spyware that's on there," she says. And that's just asking for it.
So Just be Cautious Enough to Fight them all........
Computer Software - Blood for PC
Computer software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some task on a computer system. The term includes application software such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users, system software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide the necessary services for application software, and middleware which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.
Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes: system software, programming software and application software, although the distinction is arbitrary, and often blurred.
* System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, windowing systems, utilities and more. The purpose of systems software is to insulate the applications programmer as much as possible from the details of the particular computer complex being used, especially memory and other hardware features, and such accessory devices as communications, printers, readers, displays, keyboards, etc.
* Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include text editors, compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, and so on. An Integrated development environment (IDE) merges those tools into a software bundle, and a programmer may not need to type multiple commands for compiling, interpreter, debugging, tracing, and etc., because the IDE usually has an advanced graphical user interface, or GUI.
* Application software allows end users to accomplish one or more specific (non-computer related) tasks. Typical applications include industrial automation, business software, educational software, medical software, databases, and computer games. Businesses are probably the biggest users of application software, but almost every field of human activity now uses some form of application software. It is used to automate all sorts of functions.
Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes: system software, programming software and application software, although the distinction is arbitrary, and often blurred.
* System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, windowing systems, utilities and more. The purpose of systems software is to insulate the applications programmer as much as possible from the details of the particular computer complex being used, especially memory and other hardware features, and such accessory devices as communications, printers, readers, displays, keyboards, etc.
* Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include text editors, compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, and so on. An Integrated development environment (IDE) merges those tools into a software bundle, and a programmer may not need to type multiple commands for compiling, interpreter, debugging, tracing, and etc., because the IDE usually has an advanced graphical user interface, or GUI.
* Application software allows end users to accomplish one or more specific (non-computer related) tasks. Typical applications include industrial automation, business software, educational software, medical software, databases, and computer games. Businesses are probably the biggest users of application software, but almost every field of human activity now uses some form of application software. It is used to automate all sorts of functions.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Windows XP - Problem Free Desktop
As a regular computer user, it is essential for you to understand the need and importance of keeping your system problem free. There are many ways through which you can keep your computer fit and in proper shape. But the most important way of keeping your system problem free is by using it properly.
All the computers available nowadays can easily perform a number of tasks simultaneously, but you must realize that the more tasks you do at a single time, the slower your computer will become. On the other hand most of the people don’t realize that many programs load up when they first turn-on their computers. These programs start automatically and remain until you turn off the computer.
If by chance you use these programs, your computer will become slower and possibly less reliable. You can locate these programs at the right side of screen just near the clock in form of small icons. In order to remove these unwanted programs, follow the given steps carefully.
1. Place your mouse over one of the small icons. Then right click on them and see if there is any option to delete or prevent it starting when Windows loads up. Do the same with other icons except the speaker icon.
2. After that right click on the start option at the left hand side of the screen and click on explore, look for a folder called programs just do a double click on this folder and then again double click on startup. Is there any shortcut in this folder that you don’t want while starting up every time and if you find anything unwanted then do a right click on it and the click on ‘delete’ option.
3. At last, to avoid obstinate or stubborn programs, you need to go into Windows System Information – click on Start menu, go to Programs, then Accessories and System Tools and finally click on System Information.
When the window gets opened, click Tools and then System Configuration. If you click on startup tab you can see the remaining programs that automatically load up when the system first starts. So now simply uncheck the box besides those things that you dont want to load up and then restart your computer.
Remember that these unwanted programs can spoil your computer’s speed and reliability so remove them as early as possible.
All the computers available nowadays can easily perform a number of tasks simultaneously, but you must realize that the more tasks you do at a single time, the slower your computer will become. On the other hand most of the people don’t realize that many programs load up when they first turn-on their computers. These programs start automatically and remain until you turn off the computer.
If by chance you use these programs, your computer will become slower and possibly less reliable. You can locate these programs at the right side of screen just near the clock in form of small icons. In order to remove these unwanted programs, follow the given steps carefully.
1. Place your mouse over one of the small icons. Then right click on them and see if there is any option to delete or prevent it starting when Windows loads up. Do the same with other icons except the speaker icon.
2. After that right click on the start option at the left hand side of the screen and click on explore, look for a folder called programs just do a double click on this folder and then again double click on startup. Is there any shortcut in this folder that you don’t want while starting up every time and if you find anything unwanted then do a right click on it and the click on ‘delete’ option.
3. At last, to avoid obstinate or stubborn programs, you need to go into Windows System Information – click on Start menu, go to Programs, then Accessories and System Tools and finally click on System Information.
When the window gets opened, click Tools and then System Configuration. If you click on startup tab you can see the remaining programs that automatically load up when the system first starts. So now simply uncheck the box besides those things that you dont want to load up and then restart your computer.
Remember that these unwanted programs can spoil your computer’s speed and reliability so remove them as early as possible.
Computer Repair / Help - "Professional Help versus fixing it Yourself"
In a world that is filled with viruses, worms, and other harmful computer programs many computer owners may find themselves in need of a computer repair. Dangerous programs are just a small amount of the common computer repairs that may need to be made. Sometimes a computer part can stop working or cosmetic damage may occur.
Once damage occurs to a computer there are many computer owners who have to make an important decision. As much as many individuals would love to purchase a new computer there are a many people who can’t afford the large purchase. Since a computer is an expensive piece of equipment many computer owners with a broken machine often opt for having it repaired.
Depending on the computer problem there are a number of repair choices available. Having a computer professionally repaired is a great way to make sure that the problem is fully fixed; however, professional computer repair does not always come cheap. There are many computer owners who try and repair their computer themselves or have a friend do it for little or no money.
Which is the better computer repair choice? As previously mentioned the best repair option will mostly depend on the type of repair that a computer needs. Each computer repair option has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Viruses and worms are just a couple of the dangerous computer programs that somehow can make its way into our computers. These programs often attack the operating system of a computer. Many computers can be fixed by simply installing an anti-virus computer program; however, other computers may actually crash and no longer operate.
Simply installing and deleting viruses and other dangerous computer programs is something that many computer owners can do on their own. A large number of anti-virus computer software programs can be purchased over the internet or from a wide variety of retail store locations. This process is best done before it gets out of control because some computers may have their operating system completely destroyed and many individuals are unable to do the repair themselves.
It is not uncommon for a specific computer part to stop working. Office supply stores and the internet make it possible for just about anyone to purchase a specific computer part. Individuals who are able to retrieve the needed computer part may be able to repair their computer on their own. Many online internet resources guides offer tips and instructions for completing a certain repair.
Fixing your computer without having to pay a professional is nice; however, many computer owners do not successfully repair their computer. Many actually end up causing additional damage to the computer or only temporarily fixing the problem. Self computer repair may end up costing a computer owner a lot more money then the intended to spend.
As difficult as it may be for you to fork over your hard earned money to have your computer professionally repaired it may be more beneficial to an inexperienced computer owner. Many computer technicians are properly trained and educated in repairing a computer. There are some computer technicians that stand behind their work so much that they offer a warranty or a satisfaction guarantee on their work. Deciding whether to have your computer professional repaired or not is up to you; however, you should think about the pros and cons of each repair option before making you final decision.
Once damage occurs to a computer there are many computer owners who have to make an important decision. As much as many individuals would love to purchase a new computer there are a many people who can’t afford the large purchase. Since a computer is an expensive piece of equipment many computer owners with a broken machine often opt for having it repaired.
Depending on the computer problem there are a number of repair choices available. Having a computer professionally repaired is a great way to make sure that the problem is fully fixed; however, professional computer repair does not always come cheap. There are many computer owners who try and repair their computer themselves or have a friend do it for little or no money.
Which is the better computer repair choice? As previously mentioned the best repair option will mostly depend on the type of repair that a computer needs. Each computer repair option has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Viruses and worms are just a couple of the dangerous computer programs that somehow can make its way into our computers. These programs often attack the operating system of a computer. Many computers can be fixed by simply installing an anti-virus computer program; however, other computers may actually crash and no longer operate.
Simply installing and deleting viruses and other dangerous computer programs is something that many computer owners can do on their own. A large number of anti-virus computer software programs can be purchased over the internet or from a wide variety of retail store locations. This process is best done before it gets out of control because some computers may have their operating system completely destroyed and many individuals are unable to do the repair themselves.
It is not uncommon for a specific computer part to stop working. Office supply stores and the internet make it possible for just about anyone to purchase a specific computer part. Individuals who are able to retrieve the needed computer part may be able to repair their computer on their own. Many online internet resources guides offer tips and instructions for completing a certain repair.
Fixing your computer without having to pay a professional is nice; however, many computer owners do not successfully repair their computer. Many actually end up causing additional damage to the computer or only temporarily fixing the problem. Self computer repair may end up costing a computer owner a lot more money then the intended to spend.
As difficult as it may be for you to fork over your hard earned money to have your computer professionally repaired it may be more beneficial to an inexperienced computer owner. Many computer technicians are properly trained and educated in repairing a computer. There are some computer technicians that stand behind their work so much that they offer a warranty or a satisfaction guarantee on their work. Deciding whether to have your computer professional repaired or not is up to you; however, you should think about the pros and cons of each repair option before making you final decision.
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