Review: Best Internet Security Suites 2016

Folks, the guy I trust has published his product reviews for the all-important software category of Internet Security for 2016.

* Stay Safe With a Security Suite

“Using your computer for games and social media is fun; keeping it safe isn’t. A security suite can be your one-stop solution. We’ve tested almost four dozen of them, and these 10 get our highest recommendation.” Read more..

I cannot say often or fervently enough that one simply must do everything they can to protect themselves from the scumbuckets and nation-states who have ruined the Internet. It is a most dangerous place. Far worse than we can know. Do what you can!

(And that title should say “safer”, not “safe”. No product is bulletproof.)(And no product protects you from you. Careful what you click!)

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Today’s quote: “It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.” ~ Winston Churchill

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

New tech security resource

Also, a $99 “PC Stick” (That comes with Windows 10)

Sharp-eyed readers will have noticed that I, for the first time in ages, have added a new referral link to my ‘blogroll’; CNet’s recently announced Security and Antivirus Center. I recommend taking a look-see.

* The best security apps and expert advice

“Today we’re thrilled to launch our new Security and Antivirus Center. Our goal: to give you the tools and tactics you need to protect your privacy, your data, and your devices. You’ll find guides, reviews, and how-tos, including tips on banishing bloatware from your PC, tweaking your browser settings for better security, and building better passwords. We’re especially pleased to present our Best recommendations: we’ve tested security software and services and have declared a winner for best VPN, best password manager, and best cloud backup. Come check it out and let us know what else you’d like to see.” Read more..

Other Items (of possible interest):
* The best tool for protecting your kids (or employees) from malware and porn

“One of the industry’s best security tools gives a hand to frazzled parents.” Read more..

[Note: worth reading even if you are not a parent, IMHO.]

* Archos $99 PC Stick is latest Windows computer that fits in your pocket

“The French device maker joins Lenovo and Intel in offering a miniature system that connects to your HDTV via HDMI, but its version is cheaper and will ship with Windows 10 pre-installed.” Read more..

Today’s quote: “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” ~ Yogi Berra

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

And the winner is…

Two “winners” items today. One good. One vile.

Let’s start with the bad news:

* Oracle extends its adware bundling to include Java for Macs

“For years, Oracle has tormented Windows users by bundling adware with its Java installer for Windows PCs. With the most recent update of Java for the Mac, Oracle has begun including the same adware as part of a default installation, using the same deceptive techniques.” Read more..

[I cannot print what I’d like to say about that..]

And now the good:

* This year’s security app all-stars

“If reading about Superfish and Gazon has made you want to put your PC in a panic room and your Android in an armory, you’re not alone. Protecting your privacy and your gear requires constant vigilance and regular software updates — of all your software, not just the antivirus apps. If you’re searching for a new or updated security app, check out AV-Test’s and AV-Comparatives’ recent award winners. These independent labs benchmark effectiveness, speed, usability, and other factors, so when they crown apps as the best, that’s the result of rigorous tests. Read on for the lab results and our reviews.” Read more..

[The “FREAK” vulnerability made news after this was written, apparently..]

* * *

Today’s quote: “Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

Best Android security app

I had never heard of this product, so I took notice.

Qihoo 360 – 360 AntiVirus

“For the best protection of Android systems in all 2014 certification tests, AV-TEST is honoring the product Qihoo 360 – 360 AntiVirus with the BEST ANDROID SECURITY PRODUCT 2014 AWARD.”

To read the summary, click here.

And, yes, folks. Your smartphone, and/or tablet needs an antivirus.

Today’s quote: “Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well- warmed, and well-fed.” ~ Herman Melville

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

Smartphone protection, Free software, Fun videos, More!

Let me start today by wishing you all a safe, and joyous long holiday weekend! I know many are happy to see the arrival of Fall.

First up: The other day I mentioned Rick Robinette has been quite actively posting on his What’s On My PC..  site. Here’s two more I think you may want to look at.

* NEW FEATURE – Android CM Security Now Includes An App Lock, Phone Finder and Family Locater

“I am often asked what security app do I use on my Android devices (tablet and smartphone)? Answer: I highly recommend CM Security (by Cheetah Mobile). Two of my biggest fears with that computer in my pocket (called a smartphone) is data security and losing my phone. With CM Security and their recently added components, I […]” Read more..

* DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS – Some Really Good, FREE, and Tasty Software

“One of my passions is software and when I come across something that is professional in stature and FREE, I really get excited. Software developers are a completely different breed of people that are dedicated to a building process that can literally require years of devotion to get it just right or to keep up […]” Read more..

[ There’s a media convertia/YouTube downloader some may want to look at.]

Bonus reading:
* The executive order that led to mass spying, as told by NSA alumni

“Feds call it “twelve triple three”; whistleblower says it’s the heart of the problem.” Read more..

* Does Technology Cause ADHD?

“Some experts believe that technology has a role in the rising rates of ADHD — but whether it causes the disorder is still being debated.” Read more..

 [ There’s kinda a Rule.. if you have to ask the question, the answer’s “yes”. Example: “Do I look fat in these jeans?” ]

* CNET presents the 100 hottest devices of the month‏

“CNET 100 is a tech-filled list of the latest and greatest products that give you a look into how they are trending, in real-time using our exclusive algorithm. From the most talked about products to the obscure fascination, you can keep up with the newest tech obsession.” Read more..

Friday Fun Videos (Yes. Plural.)

This first was sent to me by a reader.

And this Fail compilation was posted just two days ago.

Today’s quote: “Man is the most intelligent of the animals – and the most silly.” ~ Diogenes

Copyright 2007-2014 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.
And please, never forget – one person can make a difference.
Find a way to make someone’s day today.
(Best advice I ever heard? Don’t sweat the small stuff.)

How To Restore the Menu bar | Best Internet Security

In older versions of Windows, the menu bar was always visible in Explorer. In Vista and Windows 7, (and many programs too) the menu bar is now hidden by default, and you must press the ALT key to see it. These simple steps will cause it to always be visible.
(The “menu bar” gives you the familiar File | Edit | View |Tools | Help ‘drop down’ menus)

1) Launch Explorer by opening Computer (or Documents, or Pictures..), then press ALT to access the menu bar.

2) Click on Tools and then on Folder options.

3) In the Folder Options window, click on the View tab, and click to place a check in Always show menus.

4) Click on Apply and then OK.

That’s it. You’re done. (Should you decide you prefer the “more screen real estate” no menu bar look, simply repeat the steps and un-check the box.)

For other (specific) programs, you may have to hunt around a bit for the Show Menu bar setting; but usually it is under the View menu (visible after pressing Alt).

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Reading reco’s:

* The Best Security Suites of 2013

“Yes, new versions of security suites are coming in every day, but we want to keep you up to date. We’ve reviewed 28 packages to help you choose which is best for you.” Read more..

* Surprise at the GoDaddy outage? Vulnerable networks are ticking bombs

“Bob Eisenhardt sees the GoDaddy outage as the tip of iceberg for vulnerable networks from banks to infrastructure. His take is pessimistic. Do you disagree?

…The GoDaddy incident could be viewed as a staggering breach of web-based commerce, and Steve Wozniak has it precisely correct when the guru-savant of Apple predicted the security risks of storing data “in” the cloud. A partner of mine (a certified BCP/DR planner) feels precisely the same way about the inherent dangers of cloud-based storage. The list of consequences is actually endless if you ponder the imponderables of it all.” Read more

* Cisco Acquires ThinkSmart Technologies For Wi-Fi Location Analytics

“By acquiring ThinkSmart Technologies, Cisco plans to use the company’s Intellify Wi-Fi location analytics technology to expand its customers’ ability to track mobile users within a venue for a variety of business intelligence uses.” Read more..

Data Mining. Tracking. Yippee yahoo.
(They don’t need to track me with GPS and WiFi triangulation.. I update foursquare every chance I get!)

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Today’s free download: (an “oldie but a goodie”) It has been a while since I have mentioned one of my fave little computer protection apps – WinPatrol.

Clean up your Taskbar, ActiveX, Brower and Startup programs. WinPatrol monitors and exposes adware, keyloggers, spyware, worms, cookies, and other malicious software. This program puts you back in control of your computer with no need for constant updates.
Download WinPatrol (Window XP, Vista, Windows 7 including x64 support)

Today’s quotable quote: “Action without study is fatal. Study without action is futile.” ~ Mary Beard

Copyright 2007-2012 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

This ‘n That for Your Saturday…

Let me start today’s post by wishing you, Dear Reader, a joyous Easter weekend.

Image source: SFGate.com

I have several, disjointed (and unrelated) things on my mind today; not one of which is a “tech tutorial”. Sorry.

1) Earlier this week, I wrote about how I get asked about blogging/being a “bogger” (see, Blogging For Your Monday + Springtime). I would like amend, and add something I did not write then: due to this online writing of mine, I have had the privilege of “meeting” some remarkable people. The purpose of, and my intent for, this website is (basically) to help out by teaching. But, thanks to these people, and the good ‘ole Law Of Unintended Consequences – turns out, I have learned a thing or two.
Or twenty.

I want to acknowledge, and thank, those of you who have participated in Tech – for Everyone, and taken the time to write in.

2) I would also like to proffer a quick reminder that SAS is offering a (limited time) 50% off lifetime licenses Easter Special. A lifetime of top drawer anti-spyware protection for $20. That gets my reco!

3) (sorta related to #1) Some of you may remember an article I wrote back in January, where I talked about a letter I received from reader who expressed disgust with CNet’s Download.com (see, I Support A Good Cause aka “An Open Letter To CNet, et al”) due to misleading “download here” advertising (links).

“Tech Paul, I am getting really sick of these download websites that try everything possible to get you to download the wrong file, usually a registry editor, but downloads.cnet.com has pushed my button for the last time…”

Today I received a note from that reader which said that they had noticed an improvement in the page’s layout design. So I took a look for myself, and had to agree.. there was a modest improvement — which causes me to say to the folks at ZDNet/CNet, “Yay! Good move, guys!”
And, also, “Now admit it: there’s room for improvement. Let’s get serious and redesign.. not just ‘tweak’.”
Download.com is one of my preferred sources for safely obtaining the latest versions of freeware utilities. And I have high regard for the staff and editors there.

4) Life is not easy. Sometimes I think this fast-paced and frenetic, “modern” world we live in is not healthy (or natural) for us humans, and I get “nostalgic” for simpler, more innocent times. Even if I am looking at those times with rose-colored glasses.

Sometimes, I think we need to stop. Count to 10. And remember that each of us are fighting our own battles. And I think we need to remember to congratulate ourselves on our victories (however small).
I need to remember to do that more often… and, so, a poem:

Success

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Let me end today’s post by wishing you, Dear Reader, a joyous Easter weekend.

Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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