AVG Free Edition, Version 9.0

An updated version of AVG anti-virus software is now available. Contrary to what the upgrade notices may suggest, you can still get the free version.

In addition to improved protection from virus and spyware threats, AVG 9.0 Free Edition offers an improved, faster virus scanner. It also includes new technology that checks web page and search result links for malicious content before the pages load.

The pro version ($34.99) adds advanced "root kit" protection, which blocks the most sophisticated hidden infections. It also provides additional security for downloading and exchanging files.

All versions include a new look which most users will find to be more intuitive and graphically pleasing. The status of all main AVG components appears on the "home" screen and you can easily access details for each component by clicking its corresponding icon.

Computer Homecare continues to feel that the Free Edition will provide adequate protection for most computer users. However, families with middle school, high school and college students who frequent social networking websites (Facebook, MySpace, etc.) may want to consider the paid version. You can learn more about AVG Free Edition 9.0 here: http://www.avg.com

For those interested in trying another free anti-malware solution, consider the new Microsoft Security Essentials which is getting decent reviews. Stay tuned. We will be featuring this product in our December issue.

Web Content Filtering: A Must for Concerned Parents and Employers

Web content filtering is a process that monitors website requests for one or more computers, checks the requests against a list of known offensive or malicious websites, then allows or blocks the request according to user-defined preferences.

This concept is nothing new. There are many hardware and software solutions out there that allow employers and parents to monitor web activity and prevent access to inappropriate content. Unfortunately, the hardware tends to be pricey and the software can interfere with desirable networking functions like file and printer sharing. Today, however, business and home computer users have some new choices that effectively filter web content without the high cost and negative side effects. As a matter of fact, some of these solutions are completely free; and products that are both effective and free earn a big thumbs-up from Computer Homecare!
This new crop of content filters works by redirecting your Internet Service Provider’s DNS servers to third party servers. When you or another computer user requests a web page, the request is directed to the third party servers. If the request is deemed safe (according to your stated preferences), it is allowed and the page appears normally. However, if the site matches any of the undesirable content categories you have specified, the request is blocked with a message stating the content is not allowed. Sites can be explicitly added to a “safe” or “blocked” list, which allows even more administrative control.
Two great examples of free content filters are OpenDNS (opendns.com) and Untangle (untangle.org). OpenDNS is an excellent solution for home applications. It also works well for businesses who already have an effective firewall system in place. Untangle is a content filter and firewall bundled together. While overkill for home networks, it is an excellent solution for businesses that also need firewall protection.

Content filtering is, in our humble opinion, critical for parents concerned about shielding their children from pornography and similarly undesirable content. These days, relying solely upon an anti-virus software program to keep your computer clean is no longer effective. The use of social networking, gaming and music sharing websites often creates major holes in your computer’s security. Unfortunately, there is no "silver bullet" security software that blocks every threat. Web filtering not only checks for offensive content, it also looks for and blocks virus- and spyware-infested websites, the source of the vast majority of nasty computer infections. This dramatically reduces your computers' overall exposure to threats – meaning your security software doesn't have to work as hard.

This method of protection makes content filtering an attractive option for businesses as well. Employees who have unfettered access to the Internet can potentially expose company data, computers and other network resources to dangerous risks – risks that can turn into costly downtime and, worse yet, destroy data. Furthermore, unless social networking is part of your company's marketing effort, this activity can be a serious drain on employee productivity. Since, the level of filtering for these products can be finely tuned, employers should be able to find the right balance of administrative control and employee freedom. You might think OpenDNS and Untangle would require license fees for commercial use. However, just like home computer users, businesses can use both products for free. Can you say "no brainer?"

Installation for both products is quick and simple. OpenDNS can usually be set up and configured in just 30 minutes or less. Computer Homecare can take care of everything with a single, remote visit. Untangle installation is a bit more involved and must be performed on-site.

As always, let us know how we can help you.

Frequently Asked Question: Should I Upgrade to Windows 7?

Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you probably know that the new version of Windows – called Windows 7 – is now available. While the new operating system gets high marks from Computer Homecare, not everyone should rush to the upgrade.

Upgrading from Windows Vista

If your computer is presently running Windows Vista, it is a safe bet it will work even better with Windows 7. Anyone who purchased a new computer after June 26, 2009 with Vista Home Premium, Vista Business or Windows Vista Business Bonus – Windows XP Professional Downgrade, will likely qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 7. If this situation applies to you, we highly recommend the upgrade. Check with your computer manufacturer to verify eligibility. Click here for more information. The free upgrade promotion has an expiration (which varies by computer manufacturer) – so don't procrastinate!

If you purchased a Vista-equipped computer before June 26, the upgrade will not be free. Street price for an Windows 7 upgrade CD is approximately $120 for the Home Premium edition, or $175 for the Professional edition. The Vista-to-7 upgrade process is relatively simple. However, if you don't feel like spending money on your computer right now, there is no compelling reason to upgrade immediately. Windows 7 is more like Windows Vista than it is different. Furthermore, Microsoft has released a few service releases for Windows Vista in recent months that fix the glaring issues present in the initial release of the operating system. As long as Vista is patched to the latest version level ("Service Pack 2"), you should find that your computer behaves well.

Upgrading from Windows XP or Earlier Versions

Windows XP has been around since 2001. So there are a wide range of computers out there running XP under various hardware configurations. For this reason, you must consider the age of the computer and it's current configuration before jumping into Windows 7.

If your Windows XP computer is more than 2 years old, your existing hardware may not be ready for Windows 7. For this reason, it may very well be more cost effective to get Windows 7 when you purchase a new system. Also, whether your computer is old or new, upgrading XP to Windows 7 is much more involved than it is for Vista; you will need to back up your files, reformat the computer hard drive and perform a “clean install” of the new operating system.

To help customers determine whether a Windows 7 upgrade is feasible, Microsoft offers a utility called the "Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor." Click here to download and install this free utility.

If your computer is running a version of Windows earlier than XP, don't even think about upgrading to Windows 7. The cost to beef up your old geezer will likely exceed the cost of purchasing something new with the Windows 7 operating system pre-installed.

Compatibility Issues: The Price of Progress

Thus far, Computer Homecare has been impressed with Windows 7 compatibility with older "legacy" hardware and peripheral devices. However, we have already encountered issues with older stuff, most notably printers. In some cases, manufacturers have decided not to provide Windows 7 drivers for certain models. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will usually flag these devices as potentially incompatible, but not always. Some customers may have to spring for a new printer, hardware adapter or related device.

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