software

Continued from Choosing a Backup Solution: An In Depth Look . As I outlined in my previous article, there are many backup solutions available -- but few that are designed to meet the requirements of virtually every computer user. Therefore, it's ... important to establish your backup strategy ahead of time before choosing the backup solution that is right for you. Whether it's a short term or long term solution, and for home or office use -- here are 6 key elements you can use in formulating your own Backup Strategy: 1. Determine the Frequency of your Backups Most (but not all) backup solutions ... (view more)

Continuing on with our Feature Article on Registry Mechanic, here are some top Frequently Asked Questions about the Windows Registry, courtesy of PCTools.com: Q: " Do I really need to fix registry problems? " A: In short, yes. If you don't fix ... registry problems when they arise or try and prevent them from even happening at all, then you may soon find yourself faced with sudden crashes, system stalls, or a severe degradation in operating speed. Working to fix registry issues and prevent system crashes should be a top priority whether you use your computer for business or pleasure, ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Jim L. writes: " Dear Dennis, You have helped me in the past numerous times and for that I'm thankful. I read all issues and sometimes save those articles that I have a current or potential future need for. In a recent news ... article, I noticed an ad for 'DVDSqueeze', which copies and compresses VHS/DVD video to a CD. Even though they advertise in your newsletter, I haven't seen a review from you on their software. I have quite a few old VHS tapes of miscellaneous TV programs of yesteryear. They are not valuable enough to copy to DVD, but it would be nice if I could put ... (view more)

Recall -- Last week , Infopackets Reader Paul H. had problems accessing his Kodak camera after upgrading to the latest revision of Kodak Easy Share camera software. Paul wrote: " I have a Kodak DX3600 camera equipped with a 'docking' unit. I ... upgraded the camera software (from version 1.2 to latest revision), but can no longer transfer pictures from my camera to the computer (I am using Windows 2000, by the way) ... Are you aware of any fixes, or should I just use this thing for a fishing weight? " In my response, I suggested that Paul upgrade his USB driver in hopes of resolving the ... (view more)

I'm swamped this time of year, and so is my inbox -- full of spam (unsolicited email) offers, that is. RE: the ultimate free anti-spam solution? I recently stumbled across a web site that offers a free, seamless anti-spam solution: all without the ... need to install special, third-party software or to configure complex mail filter rules. Because there the client computer does not require a software integration, this makes 0Spam platform independent and perfect for home or corporate use, whether it's for a Linux, Mac, or Windows machine. From the 0Spam.com web site: " 0Spam works with POP3 ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Kathy O. writes: " Dear Dennis, I am getting ready to build a new computer and plan to put Windows XP Home Edition with XP Service Pack 1, although I have already ordered the XP Service Pack 2 CD from Microsoft. As it stands now, ... I will be running both computers from my LinkSys router; however, I was told by a friend that I would need to turn off Windows XP's firewall from the Control Panel after I install Service Pack 2. Is this true? And also, is it necessary to apply XP Service Pack 2 since my router acts like a firewall? If so, should I disable the Windows Firewall ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Peter S. writes: " Dear Dennis, I'd like to add my two pennyworth to your recent article on XoftSpy . I have recently tried out the software and so far have been pleased ... I [also] run Ad-Aware and Spybot regularly and I have ... SpywareBlaster running in the background on my machine, plus a firewall and AntiVirus software. I downloaded XoftSpy in an attempt to get rid of a persistent nasty worm (Dumaru-AM) which the other software failed to solve. I am pleased to say that XoftSpy worked well and picked up several other bugs ... This is not to say that the other programs ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Bill G. writes: " Dear Dennis, I just finished reading the latest issue of the Gazette, and have two questions to ask you concerning transferring video files to CD recordable. Similar to reader Samuel C., I own a video recorder ... and have transferred a number of VHS videos to the computer. The problem is, however, that a number of the files are too large to copy onto a single CD recordable disc. I read somewhere that I can compress my video files into another format, and therefore, make them fit onto a single CD. Can you explain how this works? And secondly, I have ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Samuel C. writes: " Dear Dennis, I have many VHS tapes created from the use of my old JVC personal camcorder (analog). I would like to transfer the VHS video onto my computer and then to CD. I've tried researching this issue on ... the web, but am so confused because the lingo is too technical for me to understand. I have a 2 year old computer (Dell) with all the bells and whistles, currently running windows XP Home Edition. Can you help? " My response: In terms of hardware and software requirements, you will need: a camcorder or VCR to play the VHS video a video card ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Doug L. writes: " Dear Dennis, After reading your wonderful acticle on GuruNet , I downloaded and installed it on my machine. To my surprise, my Spyware detection utility (SpyDoctor) reported GuruNet as a malware BHO (Browser ... Helper Object). Can you comment on this? " Side note: a Browser Helper Object is a 'plug-in' for Internet Explorer which allows software developers to customize and control browsing sessions. BHO's are typically instantiated [initialized] by .DLL files which are located in the Windows System / System32 folder. My response: Unfortunately, your ... (view more)