Sarasota PC Monitor

Review Chairmans Industry Comments (01/03)

Reviewing Software

by Herb Goldstein, Review Editor

E-mail comments, suggestions, etc. to Herb Goldstein at: revieweditor@spcug.org

MISSING A .DLL? Every now and then, up comes a cryptic message informing you that you can't get to where you want to go because you are missing a particular .dll file. Not only have you absolutely no idea how it became missing and how to retrieve it, but you haven't a clue as to what it does or why! Fear not, dear reader. I have the answer to this all too frequently occurring and difficult to solve dilemma. Just go to http://www.dictacomm.com/Win_Dll/98_2nd/98_2_Dll.htm. That's where you will find an incredibly useful alphabetized collection of many hundreds of .dll's along with info on each. This tip alone is worth the "price" of the Monitor for many months to come. Be sure to save this reference, It will save your fanny some day!

Were all that not enough, this great site will also help you decipher the meaningless text you receive in the Microsoft error messages that hit you from time to time. When you check this site out be sure to add it to your list of favorites.

WINDOWS XP SERVICE PAK CD's. Thanks to Dave Gerber, Windows XP Service Pak CD's will be available at the software review table during the January meeting. The cost is $5 each with the entire proceeds going to our SPCUG treasury.

ONTRACK'S SYSTEM SUITE MOVES. Our favorite utility software publisher recently did a product split. Ontrack sold its superb System Suite 4 to V Communications (publisher of System Commander), v-com.com, while retaining and specializing in its hard drive recovery tools.

System Suite is still the best utility suite in the business with a collection of more than 50 incredibly useful utilities to find, fix, and prevent computer problems. It runs rings around Norton and everything else. One of my favorite System Suite utility applets is SystemSaver. It backs up or restores your registry and essential system files in a flash. I use it almost daily to make such a backup. When Windows gives me one of its mysterious malfunctions, I just restore my recent SystemSaver backup, and all is well once again.

SystemSaver backups take only a second or two, and restores work just as quickly. SystemSaver keeps the last few backups available from which you can choose whatever days backup you wish to restore. When Windows malfunctions, at least 9 times out of 10, the problem is a glitch in the registry. Restoring to a backup done when your computer was functioning properly will almost always solve your problem. And that's only one of its System Suite's more than 50 essential, incredible utilities. If you don't already have it, check it out and get it today at v-com.com. You'll be glad you did!

DESKTOP CALENDAR is a free calendar that sits on your desktop and make keeping track of the date, and of your appointments, easier than ever before. We find that it's much easier to keep track of things when the calendar is right there on your desktop. There are no programs to run, and no calendars will pop up at the most annoying possible time.

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~tinnes/desktopcalendar/index.html

THE PROBLEM WITH DOWNLOADED SOFTWARE. Downloaded software has become a way of the world. It saves the publisher the expense of cutting CD's, printing manuals, making boxes and distributing. It also provides the user with immediate access to software, as well as the important luxury in many instances of using a trial version to make sure the 'shoe fits" before buying.

Unfortunately, a serious downside exists that all too many users have experienced. If the download is faulty, or if you did not save the download backed up in a safe place, reinstalling is impossible. Contacting the vendor with a problem can be equally fruitless. Many vendors use a third party to supply downloads and receive payment. Correspondence via email back and forth with complaints can be a real hassle. You would be well advised to follow these suggestions:

  1. When you have the choice between a download and a CD, choose the CD every time even though it may involve paying a few dollars more.
  2. Save all your downloads on a CD. If your hard drive fails, it will be almost impossible to retrieve them.
  3. In a safe place, log all your serial numbers, dates of purchase, keys, purchase numbers, and other vital information that will be necessary to either reinstall or properly identify your purchase. This information may also be necessary for getting help from a vendor's tech support.

LOOKDISK is a freeware tool that allows you to search for files on your system. You can also search for duplicate files and even search for text within a file. LookDisk is compatible with Windows 95/98/2000/NT/XP. You can get it at http://www.fxsearch.com/ldw_eng/

OPERA 7, THE BEST YET! I have been working with the beta version of this product for some time now. As many of you have discovered, Opera is the fastest browser on the planet, with many outstanding features that leaves Internet Explorer well behind. The latest version, 7.0, is so outstanding that I have made it my default browser. Its cookie manager alone is worth the change. It's free! Get it at opera.com.

MEMTEST is a free RAM reliability tester. It evaluates the ability of your computer's memory to store and retrieve data. A correctly functioning computer should be able to do both these tasks with 100% accuracy day in and day out. A computer that fails these tests, perhaps because of old hardware, damaged hardware, or poorly configured hardware, will be less stable and crash more often. By running MemTest, you can ensure that your computer's RAM is functioning correctly. Unlike other memory checking software, MemTest is designed to find ALL types of memory errors, including intermittent problems. Therefore, it needs to be run for several hours to truly evaluate your RAM. MemTest works with any type of memory. <http://www.mywebattack.com/gnomeapp.php?id=105570>

3-D TRACEROUTE. Why use uninspiring ping and traceroute utilities when you can use a full-color 3-D traceroute program. 3d traceroute offers a multiple graphics display, a statistics window that displays min, max, etc. and a Whois query. You can also record any trace and then play it back one step at a time. 3-D Traceroute is freeware and you'll find it at http://www.hlembke.de/prod/3dtraceroute/

WINDOWS HELP. Here's a site that will show you how to install, upgrade , reinstall , repair , troubleshoot and fix Microsoft Windows XP ( Also known as WinXP & whistler ) , Windows 98 ( Also known as Win98 ) , Windows ME ( Also known as WinME & Windows Millennium) , Windows 95 ( Also known as Win95 ), Windows 2000 ( also known as Win2k & W2K ), Windows NT ( Also known as WinNT), OEM computers ( Dell, Advent, Time, HP, and Compaq home PC's and Laptops ). Also tips, tricks, help, hints, how to build a computer plus much much more. http://www.windowsreinstall.com/

MACROMAKER is a free utility that allows building macros and assigning them to hot keys to do just about anything in Windows. You can execute functions, play back previous recordings, or perform a series of keystrokes with this useful application.

http://www.webattack.com/get/macromaker.shtml

FIREWALL PROBLEMS? Most of you realize the vital need for a firewall on your computer. The one in most common use is Zone Alarm. There are a few caveats in using Zone Alarm or whatever else you may prefer.

Firstly, never install or run two firewall products on the same computer. Before installing a new firewall, be certain to completely remove any prior installation, even if it is an update of the same product unless the vendor specifies otherwise. You can get some very vital information and instructions on installing or uninstalling Zone Alarm by going to http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/support/zapInstallFAQ.jsp#6install . If you are currently experiencing problems with Zone Alarm, the information you will find here may solve them for you. Be certain to reboot your computer immediately after either installing or uninstalling firewall software.

MICROSOFT PRODUCT ACTIVATION. Here's a topic where misinformation abounds! According to noted computer columnist Ed Bott, "You can install Windows XP on the same hardware an unlimited number of times and it will activate automatically over the Internet without protest (or over the phone). Activation is only prevented if you try to install the OS on a computer that is substantially different from the one on which it was originally activated. IOW, if you make major upgrades to your current computer or install the same CD on a second computer. Even then, you can call MS and explain that you upgraded your components and you will get the activation code without any question. The only way you would be denied is if you were foolish enough to admit that you were trying to install the software on a second or third computer without a license."

FILMCRITIC.COM is an online listing of more than three thousand reviews and feature stories that were written by more than twenty active film critics scattered throughout the country. The system is simple: "one star" is bad, while "five stars" is good. Before you go to rent the latest release, use the "Search the Site" feature to help you narrow down your choices. Perhaps you are stuck between two movies showing at the theater, and if so, the "Now showing" section can help you by rating the important films and possibly save you from wasting your money.

DEFRAG YOUR RAM. RAM Def: XTreme! is a freeware utility that helps you make the best use of your system RAM. When your memory reaches a level determined by you, RAM Def: XTreme! will defragment the memory to give you access to RAM that has been tied up, but no longer needed by any programs. When you visit the RAM Def: XTreme! site, be sure to read the online documentation. http://vstef.softnews.ro/downloads.htm

EPSON PERFECTION 1660 SCANNER. According to PC World, a combination of very fast performance and sharp, colorful images earns this USB 2.0 flatbed scanner a strong thumbs-up. Plus, it includes a built-in transparency adapter that holds four slides or a single filmstrip; you can scan multiple images in a single operation.

Four push buttons provide fast access to common tasks: Scan, Copy, E-mail, and Scan to Web. Epson includes an entry-level image editor, and the scanner's Smart Panel feature includes NewSoft's Presto OCR functionality. Epson's TWAIN driver has a one-click automatic mode for beginners and a manual mode for veterans who want to use advanced tools such as color adjustment and gamma correction. The manual mode can be used to scan and save color-rich 48-bit images, and the horizontal resolution tops out at 1600 dots per inch. Read PC World's full review at: <http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,106088,tk,bbx,00.asp>

A WINXP TIP. If the interface of Windows XP is not to your liking and you want to revert to the classic look and feel, here's how:

COMPUTERLESS PRINTERS. The latest innovation in digital imaging will soon be coming on strong. Some models are here already. We're talking about printers that will feed directly from your camera, allow you to preview and adjust your pictures, and then print those you select, all without your computer taking part in the process.

POP3 EASY automatically checks an unlimited number of POP e-mail accounts, and notifies you of new e-mails you have received. It runs in your System Tray and reports to you as soon as you receive new mail. It displays sender, subject, date and time, and also the size of all the messages, and allows you to preview selected messages. You can also delete them on the server without having to download them with your e-mail program. POP3 Easy v1.29 is free and works with all Windows versions. <http://www.mywebattack.com/gnomeapp.php?id=105656>

EASY DELETE. When working with text, of course you can highlight a word and tap the Delete key; or select Cut from the menu from a right click. But an easy way is to place the cursor either before or after the word. If the word is to the left of the cursor, press Ctrl and hit the Backspace key. If the word is to the right of the cursor, press Ctrl and hit the Delete key.

FIREWALL SUMMARY. Here's a very brief summary of the firewalls in most common use by our members.

  1. Zone Alarm Pro - Excellent firewall, but has become disappointedly buggy as of late. The free version is more than adequate for most users.
  2. PC-Cillin - Does the job but leaves several ports as identifiable although closed, instead of the preferable stealth mode. Also provides no separate indicator in the system tray to assure that it is in effect and working.
  3. Outpost Agnitum - Excellent firewall but heavy on system resources.

4. Sygate - excellent firewall in all respects and the one I am currently using.

5. Black Ice- Buggy firewall and it is not free like the others.

ANOTHER OPERA ADVANTAGE. Perhaps you need to get back into the last page you had accessed in your browser but you have forgotten the URL. If you use Opera 6, you can start the browser again and choose Window|Special|History and then select that last page. If you prefer keystrokes, press Ctrl + Alt + H.

Opera is a great free browser that is a joy to use and may solve the problems that some of you may be having with other browsers. It's exceptionally fast and has the best cookie control options in the business. Get it at opera.com

FREE MAILWASHER FIGHTS SPAM. According to computer guru and user group president Steve Bass, "The shipping version of MailWasher works as a stand-alone tool, so it is compatible with any POP3-based e-mail program, but it won't work with Web-based programs. (I also tried an early beta compatible with Hotmail). The free program goes to your mail server, retrieves the header and enough of the message for analysis, and marks suspected spam. Once you double-check the list, it filters, blacklists, bounces, and deletes the spam. Because MailWasher identifies spam before you download entire messages, it's a real plus for dial-up users. In my tests, MailWasher caught 93.5 percent of spam."

You can get it at www.mailwasher.net

PRIVACY PROTECTION 2003

By popular request, we are continuing our series formerly entitled "Privacy Restored" that we started in 2001 on recommendations to assure your privacy in this age where it is almost daily invaded every time your computer is turned on. This month we feature a pair of programs from Iolo Technologies (www.iolo.com) that have been the subject of a number of computer columnist positive recommendations recently.

An exceptionally nice thing about the two is that you can download a 30 day trial of the full version of each to try before you buy. That's especially important in utility software to be satisfied that the program works satisfactorily for you on your computer. It's a very positive feature becoming ever more available online today from an increasing number of software publishers.

SYSTEM SHIELD

Here's just what the doctor ordered for helping to prevent theft of private information from your computer. Most contain a wealth of files containing personal and business data of a confidential nature to its owner; credit card info, banking, investment and financial, communications, passwords, and a whole host of other text and graphic files. When these files are deleted, You would hope they would be gone for good. Unfortunately, when it comes to computers, "deletion" is a very misleading term. We would be more accurate to use the description, "temporarily unavailable."

When you click that delete key and your file seems to disappear, it is more illusion than fact. Your computer just modifies the file header so that the file is no longer visually displayed. Unfortunately, the file is still there in all its glory, just waiting for someone to use any commonly available undelete utility to bring it back to life again. That "anyone" could vary from a hacker, common snoop, someone with criminal intent, anyone with entree to your computer, or possibly law enforcement looking to make you a guest at their expense. The moral of the story is simple. When you delete sensitive information, you had better make pretty darned sure it is absolutely, positively unrecoverable by any means known to man. Iolo's System Shield does exactly that!

This brilliant utility will easily take the files you have deleted by ordinary means in most any version of Windows and Windows file format, and clean them so they are gone for good. In fact, they will be undetectable and unrecoverable by law enforcement, the Department of Defense, the IRS, or even Sixty Minutes!

To use this super utility, merely delete files as you usually have. Most of them will wind up in your recycle bin. At the end of your computer session, run System Shield. It will then seek out and perform its destroy operation on any file residing on your hard drive that had been previously deleted by ordinary means and quickly make those files unrecoverable by any means. You can elect to clean not only the area on your hard drive occupied by files, but the unoccupied area (free space) where stray

previously deleted information can reside as well. If there is any trace anywhere on your hard drive of anything previously insecurely deleted, System Shield will positively find it and eliminate it

System Shield works by repeatedly overwriting insecurely deleted files a number of times with random letters or numbers, like 1's, 0's, or even a short message or combination of your choosing. The work is done in the overwrites. You can select the number of times a file will be overwritten from 1 to 35. Seven times constitutes complete security by Department of Defense standards.

We put System Shield through testing by various recovery means, including Ontrack's professional recovery software. No traces of files eliminated by System Shield were even detected. Iolo's own testing with industrial hardware detection equipment provide similar results. While many utilities exist, both commercial and shareware, that can overwrite files a selected number of times, System Shield is the only one we have discovered that is specifically targeted to this purpose and offers professional, industrial strength, completely verifiable and assured results.

The program is available on CD from iolo.com in either a standard ($39.95) or professional edition ($129.95). Both provide similar unrecoverable file security by any software means. Additionally, the professional edition offers similar security against recovery by any hardware means such as electron microscope, making it an especially good choice in business and industrial environments. You can download System Shield in either or both versions from iolo.com and try it free for 30 days. Be sure to try before you buy.

SYSTEM MECHANIC

While System Shield is designed to remove previously insecurely deleted files that may exist on your computer or those you may insecurely delete later, System Mechanic will securely delete files you choose to get rid of now! But that's far from all this excellent utility will do. It contains a number of multi-purpose features that provide protection and privacy in numerous other ways.

System Mechanic contains a series of tools that protect three specific areas of your computer:

1. YOUR FILES- At your selection and configuration, the software scans your system for junk, obsolete, temporary, zero length and similar files or folders and removes them at your command. You can pre-select the types of files you choose to scan for. You can also find and fix broken shortcuts.

Perhaps the handiest feature in this area is a secure file deletion tool called the Incinerator. You can send files to the incinerator from Windows Explorer or drag and drop them. The Incinerator will overwrite these files the number of times you select (7 meets Department of Defense standards) for secure and unrecoverable elimination.

2. YOUR SYSTEM- Here is a whole series of tools that you can configure and use to clean your system registry, modify your startup files, customize a passel of Windows settings, and safely install and uninstall programs. You can elect to have various tasks performed on a pre-set regular schedule.

3. THE INTERNET- System Mechanic provides a number of tools in this area that will eliminate cookies, run history, Internet cache, and other snoop functions that follow you around the Net and record your wandering without your knowledge or approval. An added feature is a tool that will speed and optimize your use of the Internet.

System Mechanic is also available for a full free 30 day trial you can download at iolo.com. You are encouraged to do so before you buy. We discovered no discrepancies in our trials of both System Shield or System Mechanic, but you need to be satisfied it works satisfactorily for you on your own computer. Both are fully compatible with all versions of Windows.

The only negative feature we can report is the cost of System Mechanic. At $60 it is a bit pricey compared to other multipurpose utilities in its class. At least you have 30 days of free usage to determine whether you feel the expense is justified. You are encouraged to visit their web site at iolo.com for further information about these excellent privacy protection utilities.

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Copyright 2003. This article is from the January 2003 issue of the Sarasota PC Monitor, the official monthly publication of the Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group, Inc., P.O. Box 15889, Sarasota, FL 34277-1889. Permission to reprint is granted only to other non-profit computer user groups, provided proper credit is given to the author and our publication. We would appreciate receiving a copy of the publication the reprint appears in, please send to above address, Attn: Editor. For further information about our group, email: admin@spcug.org/ Web: http://www.spcug.org/

The Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group, Inc. has 1,100+ members and was established in 1982. We are members of the Assoc. of PC User Groups (APCUG), the Florida Assoc. of PC Users Groups, Inc., and we are members of the America Online Ambassador Program.

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