Hotmail Is Different
“This week they changed Hotmail on me.”
I have been using Microsoft’s (free) webmail service .. well, since the pioneering days (remember the AOL CD’s?).. long before there was a Gmail, and so I have seen it change over the years. Some of the changes were insignificant and unnoticeable (like, renaming it “Live Hotmail”).
But this week’s change is so major, we even get a new icon.
I generally don’t like it when companies revamp and overhaul their products, and I like it even less when they do not give us the option of sticking with what they usually call “classic mode” (but I call it the “what-I-am-familiar-with mode”). Many is the time I have simply stopped using a product because I do not like the new version as much as the old (“Progress” often equals “bloat”).
Fortunately, there is much to like about the new Hotmail.
The idea behind “Live” has it’s roots in the evolution of computers and the Internet into a terrible idea (at least, from a security standpoint) called “cloud computing” – specifically online collaboration, social networking, and “sharing”. The changes in Hotmail are in the same direction as the changes to Office 2010.
“Windows Live can help you synchronize all the ways you communicate and share. Imagine one convenient place online to share photos, online calendars, files, e-mail, and see what’s new with your social network. With Windows Live, it’s easier than ever to stay connected to the people and things that matter to you.”
Group hug.
I really don’t care that I can now open a Word document attachment directly in my Hotmail, but you might. And I am an independent contractor so I am not trying to “stay in sync”, but you might be.
I like the new “Sweep” feature. A lot. And I like the improvements for sending photos too.
To learn about the changes to Hotmail, click here. Have an old Hotmail account that you have been neglecting? You might want to re-think. Microsoft is not sitting still, and letting Google go unchallenged you know.
Today’s free download: WOT (Web Of Trust) is a free Internet security add-on for your browser. It’s community-based ratings can help keep you safer from online scams, identity theft, spyware, spam, viruses and unreliable shopping sites. WOT warns you before you interact with a risky Website. It’s easy and it’s free.
- The WOT browser addon is light and updates automatically
- WOT rating icons appear beside search results in Google, Yahoo!, Wikipedia, Gmail, etc.
- Settings can be customized to better protect your family (new “Parental Control” setting blocks access to Web sites with a poor child safety rating and no rating at all)
- WOT Security Scorecard shows rating details and user comments
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. 
post to jaanix.
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A SUPER-Grand Day For… (drum roll please)
I want to start this out by saying to you, Dear Reader, that this special day would not be happening if it were not for my high regard this product and the people responsible for it. When I was asked to be involved, I did not hesitate to agree.
(Please see, People Make The Difference and I Answer A Common Question.)
SUPERAntiSpyware is a program for combating spyware and Internet threats. It is an anti-malware tool that I use on the job; on my own machines; recommend to clients; and install on the PC’s of my friends and family. I’ll tell you why — it’s simple and it’s effective. Since it “plays well” with most other security programs, SAS makes a great additional layer of protection to your existing antivirus/security solution.
A SUPER-Special Software License Giveaway
To help celebrate SUPERAntiSpyware’s recent inclusion in VirusTotal’s premier file analyzing service, the good folks there at SUPERAntiSpyware (known in the biz as “SAS”) generously donated 10 Professional Edition licenses to me – “lifetime” licenses no less – to award to my readers.
I did say “SUPER-Special”…
All entrants were placed into Random.org’s “list randomizer”, and the top result was winner of the Grand Prize: a 5-pack of SUPERAntiSpyware Pro. (I will mention this winner last.. naturally!)
I then removed the Grand Prize winner from the list, and “re-shook the hat”, so to speak. The top 5 names will each receive a single-use Lifetime license (retail $39.90). Those 5 lucky winners are…
* Real-Time Blocking of threats! Prevent potentially harmful software from installing or re-installing.
* First Chance Prevention examines over 50 critical points of your system each time your system starts up and shuts down to eliminate threats before they have a chance to infect and infiltrate your system.
* Detect and Remove Spyware, Adware and Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers, Parasites, Rootkits, Rogue Security Products and many other types of threats.
* Schedule either Quick, Complete or Custom Scans Daily or Weekly to ensure your computer is free from harmful software.
* Registry Protection against Browser Hi-Jackers and other threats.
* Repair broken Internet Connections, Desktops, Registry Editing and more with SAS’s unique Repair System.
* Light on System Resources and won’t slow down your computer like many other anti-spyware products. Won’t conflict with your existing anti-spyware or anti-virus solution.
And The GRAND PRIZE Winner Is..
Winners will be sent an e-mail containing their license key. (You may need to check your Junk folder.)
Did not win? Keep reading!
The SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition, a 100% free product, will detect and remove potentially harmful software from a your computer. In addition, the Professional version provides real-time protection against the installation of new threats, scheduled scanning and removal of threats as well as additional protective features not available in the free edition. SUPERAntiSpyware Free and Professional Editions will detect and remove the latest rogue/fake anti-spyware products as well as over 1,500,000 other harmful application components. SUPERAntiSpyware definitions are updated daily to protect users against the latest zero-day threats.
SUPERAntiSpyware is used by computer technicians worldwide to clean end user systems at companies such as Dell, HP, and AT&T. SUPERAntiSpyware is also recommended on popular security forums such as MajorGeeks.com, Wilders Security and thousands more. SUPERAntiSpyware Professional is priced at $29.95 for the general public and includes updates for one year. (I suggest to you that adding the $9.95 “Lifetime” upgrade makes SAS one of the best values around.) SUPERAntiSpyware is available for immediate download from www.superantispyware.com.
SUPERAntiSpyware is supported by Windows 2000, XP Home/Pro, Media Center, Server 2003, Server 2008, Vista and Windows 7.
I told you these were some good people..
My thanks to all who participated in this contest!
Busy day ahead. I hope you all have marvelous weekend.
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.
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Warning To Firefox Users – Fake Update Installs Malware | SUPER-Contest Deadline
If you use the popular Mozilla Firefox web browser (as I do) and you see this,
immediately hit Alt+F4 to close Firefox (or use Task Manager to kill the firefox.exe process [An Overview and Tutorial on the Windows Task Manager]).. it would also be a good idea to start a Full anti-malware scan.
Why? Because this is a carefully crafted criminal cyber attack which is attempting to trick you into clicking a link that will install a fake (aka “rogue”) antivirus program. This page sure looks real, but it is 100% fake. (It has been a while since I mentioned rogues here, but everybody should know about them by now, right? Right. If you don’t, click here, Your Computer Is Lying To You… The Epidemic Of Rogues)
The full story of this (current) attack is here, Fake Firefox Flash Update is Rogue. I bet this one is going to nail a lot of people… Hey. Cyber Czar. You see this *stuff*??? Think there might be a problem?
In happier news..
** SUPER Software License Giveaway Ends Tonight **
To help celebrate SUPERAntiSpyware’s recent inclusion in VirusTotal’s premier file analyzing service, the good folks there at SUPERAntiSpyware (known in the biz as “SAS”) have generously donated some Professional Edition licenses to me – “lifetime” licenses no less – to award to my readers.
SUPERAntiSpyware is a program for combating spyware and Internet threats. Today’s Grand Prize retails for $200, and features software I have endorsed from Day One.”
For details (and to enter), click here.The contest ends at midnight (Pacific) tonight, so don’t miss out – act now.
Today’s recommended website: Should you suspect that you have been cyber-attacked, and/or you want to make sure nothing has slipped past your onboard defenses (and trust me, it happens), and you have Internet access, head over to Microsoft’s Windows Live OneCare safety scanner and Get a free PC safety scan. Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is a free service designed to help ensure the health of your PC.
- Check for and remove viruses
- Get rid of junk on your hard disk
- Improve your PC’s performance (it examines and repairs your Registry)
Today’s free download: Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that helps guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Get high-quality, hassle-free antivirus protection for your home PC now. Free. Lifetime.
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.
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XP Error Messages.. (wink)
A loyal reader sent me this video showing Windows XP Error messages that has to be seen to be believed. I could not ’embed’ the video, so you must click here to see it.
Thank you, Dear Reader (you know who you are).
“Some things you just can’t predict. I thought I was through with contests, and now, ‘lo and behold!, I have a Grand Prize Contest, and I am pleased as punch to run it! Today’s Grand Prize retails for $200, and features software I have endorsed from Day One.”
Get your attention? Find out more here: A SUPER-Special Software License Giveaway (My Last?)
A short while back now I wrote a popular series about hardware upgrading – specifically, about rebuilding my gaming rig into an Intel i7/X58 based machine to take advantage of the new technologies available to us consumers. (To see that series, click here.)
The other day I noticed a good price on an X58 motherboard on the “B stock” page at EVGA. EVGA is my company of choice for nVIDIA based graphics cards and mobo’s.
(X58 is already B-stock.. wow. I know “Moore’s Law“ tells us that tech is ‘growing’ at an exponential rate [evolving is a better word] but this is ridiculous. I think time needs to slow down…)
To see all the deals at EVGA (on slightly-older-than-cutting-edge gear) click here.
** SUPER Software License Giveaway Drawing **
To help celebrate SUPERAntiSpyware’s recent inclusion in VirusTotal’s premier file analyzing service, the good folks there at SUPERAntiSpyware (known in the biz as “SAS”) have generously donated some Professional Edition licenses to me – “lifetime” licenses no less – to award to my readers.
SUPERAntiSpyware is a program for combating spyware and Internet threats. Today’s Grand Prize retails for $200, and features software I have endorsed from Day One.”
For details (and to enter), click here.
Today’s free download: Need a “quick and simple” program for working with digital images? FastStone Image Viewer 4.2
“An image browser, converter and editor that supports all major graphic formats including BMP, JPEG, JPEG 2000, GIF, PNG, PCX, TIFF, WMF, ICO and TGA. It has a nice array of features such as image viewing, management, comparison, red-eye removal, emailing, resizing, cropping, color adjustments, musical slideshow and much more.”
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
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Unplug Your Webcams | SUPER Giveaway
“Big Brother” isn’t the only one watching you. “Uncle Nasty” is out there prowling the Internet too!
“No LED / No Warning” Trojans, that switch on your webcam by stealth, were once a closely guarded secret…”
Folks, that first sentence is a link to an article I think you should read.
And then show it to your friends and family.
“Some things you just can’t predict. I thought I was through with contests, and now, ‘lo and behold!, I have a Grand Prize Contest, and I am pleased as punch to run it! Today’s Grand Prize retails for $200, and features software I have endorsed from Day One.”
Get your attention? Find out more here, A SUPER-Special Software License Giveaway (My Last?)
Today’s free download: Friend and fellow blogger tech Rick Robinette posted this yesterday. HAMSTER – A High End Video Converter for FREE
“Myself, I just started using HAMSTER and I must say it is one of the best, easy to use, video converters I have experienced.“
Rick is one of those whose opinions are “take it to the bank”, IMHO, so check it out. If you haven’t visited his site before, you’re in for a treat – it is one of my daily reads.
** SUPER Software License Giveaway Drawing **
To help celebrate SUPERAntiSpyware’s recent inclusion in VirusTotal’s premier file analyzing service, the good folks there at SUPERAntiSpyware (known in the biz as “SAS”) have generously donated some Professional Edition licenses to me – “lifetime” licenses no less – to award to my readers.
SUPERAntiSpyware is a program for combating spyware and Internet threats. Today’s Grand Prize retails for $200, and features software I have endorsed from Day One.”
For details (and to enter), click here.
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
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A SUPER-Special Software License Giveaway (My Last?)
Some things you just can’t predict. I thought I was through with contests, and now, ‘lo and behold!, I have a Grand Prize Contest, and I am pleased as punch to run it. Today’s Grand Prize retails for $200, and features software I have endorsed from Day One.
SUPERAntiSpyware is a program for combating spyware and Internet threats. It is an anti-malware scanner that I use on the job; on my own machines; recommend to clients; and install on the PC’s of my friends and family. I’ll tell you why — it’s simple and it’s effective. Since it “plays well” with most other security programs, SAS makes a great additional layer of protection to your existing antivirus/security solution.
To help celebrate SUPERAntiSpyware’s recent inclusion in VirusTotal’s premier file analyzing service, the good folks there at SUPERAntiSpyware (known in the biz as “SAS”) have generously donated some Professional Edition licenses to me – “lifetime” licenses no less – to award to my readers.
* Real-Time Blocking of threats! Prevent potentially harmful software from installing or re-installing.
* First Chance Prevention examines over 50 critical points of your system each time your system starts up and shuts down to eliminate threats before they have a chance to infect and infiltrate your system.
* Detect and Remove Spyware, Adware and Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers, Parasites, Rootkits, Rogue Security Products and many other types of threats.
* Schedule either Quick, Complete or Custom Scans Daily or Weekly to ensure your computer is free from harmful software.
* Registry Protection against Browser Hi-Jackers and other threats.
* Repair broken Internet Connections, Desktops, Registry Editing and more with SAS’s unique Repair System.
* Light on System Resources and won’t slow down your computer like many other anti-spyware products. Won’t conflict with your existing anti-spyware or anti-virus solution.
* System Requirements: 2000, XP Home/Professional, 2003, Server 2008, Vista and Windows 7. 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
(So those of you already running the free edition should still enter.. IMHO.)
So I am announcing my latest software license giveaway contest.
I did say “SUPER-Special… This week my Giveaway is going to be a little different, Folks, and I am actually running two contests — but you (still) only enter one time (the usual rules apply!). Keep reading…
¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “list randomizer”, and the top result will be the winner of the Grand Prize: a 5-pack of SUPERAntiSpyware Pro.
I will then remove the Grand Prize winner from the list, and “re-shake the hat”, so to speak, and then, from the new result, the top 5 names will each receive a single-use Lifetime license (retail $39.90).
[Note: If for some reason you do not want to be entered in the Grand Prize drawing, please indicate “1 license only” in your comment. I will mod the lists accordingly.]
How to enter: US and Canada residents 
may simply click on “comment” (below) and enter a name and valid e-mail in the form (so we can send you the key {or keys}). Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this but, multiple entries in this contest will result in disqualification. The drawing will conclude at midnight (Pacific) on Thursday, July 29th, so act now. The six winners will be announced Friday.
For those who would simply like to learn more about this great security program, the SAS website is here. To read what I have said about SAS:
I also want to say that I admire the people behind SAS, and they get a big tip of my geek hat. They are hard working and generous and they know their stuff. Their motto is “Remove ALL the Spyware, NOT just the easy ones” and I like that attitude!
Why not get a jump on the game and download a trial version of SUPERAntiSpyware Professional today.. you just might get an “activation” as a winner. And if not, you can either purchase (if you do, I advise getting the lifetime upgrade) or it will revert to the free version. Check it out here. SAS is one of those few programs I believe the “for pay” version is well worth it.
I sincerely thank the good folks at SUPERAntiSpyware for making this exciting giveaway possible.
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
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Sunday Beauty
click on image to see more by this artist
Burning Sky by Per Ola Wiberg
Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr
• About Tech Paul
I am a Retired computer & network technician. I used to think the machines were pretty cool. Now I don’t.
They’re anything but.
I regularly posted how-to’s and tricks & tips and general computing advice here starting in 2007. (Use the Search tool to find answers. But be aware, many are rather dated.) Sometimes I answered (your) specific questions in an article if I believed the answer was generally helpful to “everyone”. All the writing you see was my own, typos and all. There always is/was an implied “IMHO” in what you see here.
Note: You are responsible for using this blog and its content. I am in no way liable for any losses caused by user error, viruses and/or other malware, hardware or software failure, or any other conceivable reason.
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