Discount Computers

Should one use Windows Update?

This topic has good and valid arguments on both sides. Some
would say keeping your windows up to date is essential in
keeping it free of the newest, worst viruses and the like.
Others would say that updating your windows is overemphasized,
unneeded and a waste of time.

In the future, Microsoft will have ways of detecting whether
your version of windows is actually store-bought, or pirated.
With so many copies of pirated windows on the market, such a
move by Microsoft is almost required in order to continue
cornering the OS market. For instance, when SP 1 (and 2) came
out, you had to have an authentic windows serial code in order
to download the update. There are of course ways of getting
around this, but it deterred much illegal upgrading to the new
service packs. Had you have had a pirated copy of windows (and
the majority does), then you could have downloaded a copy of
windows SP 1/2, but you would have had to completely re-install
and possibly format in order to install it.

If you had an original windows serial code that came with the
product, you could have just downloaded the packs from the
windows update servers.

So yes, having a non-pirated copy of windows is a convenience.
However, some would remember a stunning virus that was released
not too long ago; MyDoom. It managed to find its ways onto the
Microsoft windows update servers. When you got the virus, you
would have 30 seconds before the computer shut down. Should you
have formatted, just to re-install windows with automatic
updates turned on (and they are by default) you would get the
virus again.

And not to mention Windows Updates are a large time factor. Some
updates (especially the first time you use Windows Update) are
colossal, and the download speeds are not always at their
greatest. Someone on 56k would have a very hard time using
windows update at all (and if you do, I recommend not bothering).

Now, you ask, what exactly is Windows Update? It\’s simply
Microsoft engineers working hard to fix bugs, problems and
backdoors in Windows. What are these problems, you ask? Well,
when Microsoft released windows it wasn\’t exactly a perfect OS.
With every version of Windows, it becomes more and more hi-tech.
But there has always been problems with Windows being insecure.

The only way to find that Windows has a certain vulnerability is
first for that vulnerability to be exploited. Eg, Microsoft
using white hat hackers (the good guys) to breach windows, or
for a hacker to break into a version of Windows and it is
reported.

So, to answer the question, is it important to update your
windows? It\’s hard to say, without the answer being a biased
opinion. I will give both sides of the argument merit, but it
honestly depends on what you want to do with your PC. For large
businesses with intranets, windows updates are likely a good
idea. It only takes one serious OS fault for a hacker or a bad
virus to leak in and infect the whole network. Windows faults
and security issues, IE backdoors, etc. Windows update
constantly has fixes for these problems.

For a home desktop, even for a home network, windows updates
really aren\’t that important. No one wants to hack the small
guy; there is nothing to gain from it. Should you use a simple
firewall, even the windows in-house firewall, you are protected
from most threats. But big business is always at risk; major
websites are constantly under the gun from DoS attacks and IE
\”tricks.\” Windows Updates cannot really help DoS attacks, but
they can prevent hackers, crackers, viruses and the like from
entering their network computers from faults in the windows code.

So to answer the question – should I use windows update? If
you\’ve got a lot of infrastructure you want to protect, yes. If
you\’re a small guy, one PC at home, one laptop; even a few
computers thrown together in your home network. The answer is
no. I don\’t recommend it, anyway. Just throw on your windows
firewall, Black Ice Defender, Norton, Avast….what have you.
And enjoy browsing. That\’s about it.

About the author:
I am a young, aspiring computer engineer into Internet
Marketing, hardware, software, web design, SEO and just about
anything related to computers. Please come check out my growing
PC forum at www.markspcforum.com

Now you can more easily access the Internet wherever mobile
phone carriers offer high-speed data service coverage.

The JunxionBox enables multiple computing devices with Ethernet
or Wi-Fi (like laptops, desktops, handhelds and remote
computers) to connect with the web through your mobile phone
service provider\’s wireless PC Card modem.

You can also use the Junxion Box to share the Internet
connection, files or printers among multiple devices.

Mobile work groups, landline back-up, event connectivity,
vehicles, telemetry, home or business landline
replacement…with Junxion, it\’s easy to stay connected.

The JunxionBox (www.junxionbox.com) is a unique device that
combines a cellular data card with a Wi-Fi router and runs on
both 12 volts and 110 volts. This combination of features lets
you establish a hotspot nearly anywhere you go and even while
you\’re on your way there.

THE BOX The JunxionBox is pleasingly simple. It has one
PCMCIA slot for your cellular data card, a connector for power
(both 110 volt and cigarette lighter plugs are included), and
two Ethernet ports (one for connecting directly to a computer,
and another to connect to an Ethernet LAN). In addition, there
are two LEDs, one power indicator, and one cellular connection
status indicator.

Even that short list makes the box sound harder than it is. To
use the unit, simply plug it in to a power outlet with an
activated cellular data card installed. The power LED turns red,
and then the connection light changes from blinking to solid
green. At that point the unit is active and you\’re good to go.

USAGE The JunxionBox\’s $500 – $700 price tag is overkill
for a single-user environment where you could just as easily
slide the air card into your laptop. But for corporate
environments there are several uses that could easily justify
the cost of the unit, even for a single-user connection.

Conventions and trade shows are natural targets for the
JunxionBox, where the cost of a single dialup line for a
three-day show is likely to cost more than the acquisition price
of the JunxionBox. Not only would you get the better connection
speed to the booth, but you can have multiple connections for
the same price.

OTHER APPLICATIONS:

• VEHICLE

cars, trucks,
RV’s mobile command units commercial service/fleet vehicles
shuttles, carpool/vanpool transit (busses, trains, ferries)
taxis/limos private/commercial vessels

• PORTABLE

landline data/voice service back-up mobile
work teams events, trade shows, conferences visitor mobile
hotspot incident response vacation

• FIXED

landline data/voice service back-up broadband
alternative (w/3G service) dial-up alternative telemetry

• TEMPORARY

interim (waiting for landline) seasonal
hotspots trial hotspots kiosks

I\’m certain there are more uses that make sense for the
JunxionBox, such as providing a backup Internet connection for
critical environments like retail stores.

This category of device is still just beginning, and hot spots
are likely to emerge wherever user demand and financial
incentives exist.

For example, Google Inc. has setup JunxionBoxes in its shuttle
buses so its employees can be productive while commuting from
the parking lot to the office.

SERVICE The box will accept any air card from any
wireless service provider using any connectivity technology such
as CDMA, UMTS, EDGE, etc. Travelers needing guaranteed
connections can carry a variety of different cards with them and
simply slide the appropriate card into the JunxionBox depending
on their location and service area.

Most cellular carriers have unlimited data plans for $80 per
month. These generally assume single device connections, so it\’s
possible that as this market matures, carriers will begin to
offer premium plans that recognize multi-user cellular
connections.

Next time you\’re riding the commuter bus or train, check your
laptop for a WiFi connection. You may be able to connect through
a JunxionBox riding along with you on the same vehicle.

Visit
The JunxionBox Website

Discuss The JunxionBox On The PDA and Mobile
Today Forum

About the author:
Steve Bralovich runs a Pocket PC and Smartphone development
company. Visit the weblog at:http://pdatoday.blogspot.com for lots of
information on PDAs, Notebooks and SmartPhones.

Spyware is the most troublesome software to appear on the
Internet in recent times. When spyware infects a computer
system, it may be relatively harmless or it may be devastating.

Spyware like coolwebsearch and new.net are capable of paralyzing
a computer system. Laws to regulate spyware are pending in many
states and may take years to enforce.

What Is Spyware?

Spyware is any software that collects information about computer
usage and/or the computer user. It is installed on one computer
and sends information to another computer. Some spywares like
the Weather Bug, Bear Share and Kazaa are knowingly downloaded
and installed by users. Other spyware is installed without the
knowledge or permission of the user.

How Does Spyware Affect A Computer?

Symptoms of spyware infection includes:

* Very slow system performance while browsing the Internet. *
Your homepage changing mysteriously on its own. * Excessive
appearance of pop-ups, on sites likes Google, Yahoo and MSN,
which don\’t use them. * You can only get your browser to visit
sites, which are trying to dupe you into buying spy ware removal
software.

Many spyware detection and elimination programs are easily
available for free on the Internet.

How Does One Deal With Spyware?

There are many tools and catalogues available to deal with
spyware. One of these tools is Spybot Search and Destroy. It
scans computers for spyware and harmful programs. It shows a
list of problem areas to the user and allows him to delete any
or all of them.

A user can leave legitimate programs installed by him. These may
include peer-to-peer file sharing software or software installed
to monitor the on-line activities of children.

A Comprehensive Solution

It may be a good idea for most computer owners to get a
comprehensive PC security solution as a bundle. Norton and
McAfee, now offer a complete security suite consisting of
anti-virus, personal firewall, anti-spam and privacy offerings,
and anti-spy ware.

They are quite easy to install and allow parents to monitor
children who use the computer. There are many threats on the
Internet, from which these suites can protect your computer.