Archive for November, 2005
Prevent Windows XP from searching inside ZIP and CAB files
The search function in Windows XP leaves a lot to be desired. For one thing, it can be as slow as molasses in January. This is due in part because it searches inside compressed files. If you have as many zipped files as I do, that can make searches really tedious. Ramesh Srinivasan has a [...]
Lack of security in public networks
In a recent column security expert Roger Grimes writes about how an acquaintance of his has been “sniffing” various public wireless and wired networks around the world, looking to see what plain text passwords are visible. She counts plain text passwords passing by her traveling laptop’s NIC when she’s in a hotel, airport, or other [...]
Critical Flash Flaw Found
Macromedia’s Flash player is installed on most computers. A critical security hole has been found and Macromedia has issued a patch. Everyone with a Flash player should download the patch here.
Sign in without signing up
There are numerous Web sites that contain information of occasional interest but which require you to sign in. Rather than being bothered with the hassle of setting up an account, people often just skip the site. Or they may be worried about the potential misuse of any email address they give out. This last worry [...]
See better with ClearType
In Windows XP, Microsoft introduced some new technology called ClearType. It is designed primarily for LCD displays and is therefore mostly applicable to notebooks and to desktops using flat panel displays. It improves font display resolution and screen readability for this type of display. Some people claim that it helps regular CRT monitors also but [...]
Convenient list of Microsoft resources
Microsoft’s site has a terrific collection of useful information. However, the site is huge and hard to navigate. Finding stuff there can be almost impossible. Blake Handler’s site has a collection of useful links to help you find information at Microsoft.
Digital Rights Management by Sony goes too far, way too far
In a recent development in the efforts of software and media companies to control what you do with your computer, Sony has stirred up a storm of protest by surreptitiously installing the worst kind of malware on any computer that tries to play one of their protected CDs. Mark Russinovitch may have been the [...]
Tips for multi-user PCs
If you share computing facilities at home, either with a network or by multi-user accounts on the same machine, you may find these tips from Neil Rubenking at PC Magazine to be helpful.
Moving your stuff to a new computer
The holiday season is approaching and maybe you are thinking of giving (or receiving) a new PC. A new PC is nice but moving all your stuff from the old computer to the new one can be a pain. You can get help with the changeover by using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer [...]
Understanding and adding RAM
In many PC systems adding more Random Access Memory (RAM) is the easiest and most economical way to improve the performance. Although the average PC user is probably loath to have to do anything that means opening up the PC case, it is actually a very simple process to plug in an extra memory board. [...]