Hillary Sent Me An Email…

Folks, today, Hillary Rodham sent me an email. And I think you should see it.

RE: Your fund in ATM card

It seems Mrs. Clinton wants to let me know something important regarding my ATM card..

And the FDIC sent me a poor-grammar email as well.. Of all people.

You’d have to be Too Dumb To Live to open those. Right? I mean.. the planet is ruled by Darwin’s Law. (The slow and the stupid are food.)

Today’s Pop Quiz: What could that paperclip (attachment) be?

They were nice enough to send it.. maybe I should take a look.

Today’s free sleeping pill: Folks, you don’t need a sleep aid. Just read this: The 7 Coolest Features Of The Apple iPhone 5

“As always, Apple’s new iPhone is truly boss. Here’s a look at seven of its most impressive features.” Read more..

“Truly boss”? What measure was he using? Please! The iPhone may have been first, and changed the game, but, seriously, not your best choice. (Unless, maybe, all your other devices are Apple too.) Wonder why those 7 things less than thrill me..?

(Maybe because what’s “new” to Apple is at least 2 years old to everybody else? Or maybe it’s the “cool features” that force you to buy all new peripherals/add ons? “Actually Works On AT&T + Verizon” — um.. wasn’t it supposed to from version 1? Whoever coined “Apple’s reality distortion field” is/was right.)

So.. today’s the big day!!!

Do you have your iPhone 5 yet?

Today’s news:

* End User Security Awareness Gap Remains Wide, Experts Say
“Enterprise-driven security education programs continue to fall short of the mark.”

* Old Operating Systems Die Harder
“Aging OSes like XP still getting hit big-time with old exploits, new data shows.”

Um.. maybe I should have labeled that “today’s headlines stating the obvious”..

Today’s Geekspeak Translation: “End User” = you and me (aka “the people sitting at their PC’s”)

Breaking news: It must really, really, be important to some folks how many “likes” they have..

CNET is giving away a big prize: Win the ultimate home theater

Click on image to see how to enter.. (Facebook)

Facebook & Twitter..
Yippee yahoo.

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.

Software Giveaway: Handy Backup

Folks, I am pleased to announce my latest software license giveaway drawing.

The folks at Novosoft have asked me to run another giveaway of their highly regarded backup software, and this time have generously donated 7 licenses for Handy Backup Standard to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. (The first giveaway proved very popular!) So I am going to do a random drawing¹ contest from folks who “enter” by posting a comment (below). The drawing will close Thursday, October 6th, and the winners announced Friday. So act now!

Handy Backup ($39 retail) is a program for creating “backup copies” of the files on your computer – which regular readers know, is something I repeatedly urge people to do! With a backup program like Handy Backup, you can set-it-and-forget-it. 

I personally do not use “online backup” as my ‘solution’, nor will I ever. I use external drives (and/or discs) and software like Handy Backup. I do not trust “the cloud” to either be secure or always available. And with my method, I’m not renting, I’m owning. Below, I will give you my impressions of HB and some screenshots, but first…

CNet Editors say, “Handy Backup Standard offers users an easy, streamlined approach to backing up important files and folders. Novice users will especially appreciate the program’s easy navigation.”

Publisher’s description:

Handy Backup™ Standard is an easy-to-use backup software designed to perform automated backup of your computer. User-friendly interface and a rich set of backup features make it one of the best PC backup software for home and small office use.

• Outlook backup, Windows Mail
• My Documents backup
• Desktop backup
• Windows Registry backup
• Individual files and folders backup
• Backup your Program settings, playlists, skins, etc.
• a variety of free plug-ins that let you back up Outlook Express, Photoshop, Winamp and Windows Media Player, back up Skype and Yahoo Messenger, and much, much more.
• Free Email, Phone, Internet Support

Handy Backup will automatically backup your data with the options of file mask filtering, backup compression, backup encryption, “native”, and other options. The application supports backing up to DVD/CD, Blu-ray, HD DVD discs, LAN/FTP and Online.

I found it easy enough for beginners, as it uses a “wizard” to walk you through the process of creating a “task” (a backup, or a restore) the first time it runs (but after that first time, you need to click on “New task”, which is not made obvious). I particularly like Handy Backup’s ability to automatically “span” a backup set across multiple CD/DVD discs (you must place a check in a checkbox, though), prompting you to insert a fresh disc when it fills up the current one. (One other note.. you need to place a check in “Verify the backup after burning” to help ensure a successful write. This should be the default, IMHO.) Handy Backup successfully handled every backup and every restore operation I tested it with. It is a full-featured backup solution.
One critique: it does not support “selective file restoring”.

To see the full Handy Backup slideshow, click here. (the article will open in a new window.)

How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada only may enter the contest drawing by simply clicking on “comment” (below), and entering a name and a valid e-mail (so I can send you a license key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but multiple entries will result in disqualification. (In this contest. Entry in prior contests doesn’t count against you.)

Again, I thank the folks at Novosoft for making this giveaway possible. A 30-day free trial can be downloaded here, Download Handy Backup. Try it out yourself. (And then leave a comment. You may just win an activation key..)

¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “randomizer”, and the top 7 results will be the winners.

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

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Software Giveaway – novaPDF Professional

Folks, I Am Pleased to Announce My Latest Software License Giveaway Drawing.

The folks at Softland have generously donated 10 licenses for novaPDF Professional to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. So I am going to do a random drawing ¹ contest from those who “enter”. The contest will close at midnight (Pacific) Thursday, August 11th, and the winners announced Friday.

I am going to start this out by telling you that main thing I want to say about this software is – it delivers what it advertises (and merits the word “Pro”). At $50 retail, novaPDF will convert your document files into PDF format without making your wallet cry OUCH! (like Adobe’s product can..).

I have to also say that I agree with the reviews shown immediately below (the first is quite comprehensive). And that I am a fan of the “mail to” (email) and document security features. (A full list of features is available here. [It is too lengthy to post.]) I found the integration with Office 2010, and also Office 2003 – done during initial install – produced flawless output (on Vista and XP machines, respectively).

Read review..

Read review..

Read review..

From the publisher:

“novaPDF is a PDF creator for Windows that allows you to easily create PDF files (searchable and optionally PDF/A compliant). With novaPDF, everyone from novice users to professionals can create high-quality documents in industry-standard PDF format, by simply selecting the “Print” command from virtually any application.

Once installed, this PDF creator lets you: add PDF bookmarks, insert active PDF links, use it as shared network PDF printer, create public/private printing profiles, add PDF watermarks, reduce PDF file size, password protect PDF files, overlay and/or merge PDF files, convert to PDF any printable document and much more.”

One of my ‘competitors’, SpyOnTech.com, posted this video demonstration of novaPDF Pro on YouTube. (Their review is here.) They are showing available features.. you do not need to do that much clicking to use novaPDF! (In fact, I set my preferences, and haven’t gone back.)

novaPDF works quickly, and produces crisp (“sharp”), small (“compact”), PDF files. NovaPDF Professional includes the features businesses expect, and is affordable enough for the average consumer. The PDF (format) was suppose to create a “paperless society”; which hasn’t quite happened yet. With novaPDF you can take big strides in that direction.
(There are also “Lite” and “Standard” editions available. “Professional” is the top of the line. A comaprison of the editions is Here.)

How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada only may enter the contest drawing by simply clicking on “comment” (below), and entering a name and a valid e-mail (so I can send you a license key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but multiple entries will result in disqualification. (In this contest. Entry in prior contests doesn’t count against you.)

¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “list randomizer”, and the top 10 results will be the winners. A 30-day trial of novaPDF Professional Desktop can be downloaded here, Free 30-day trial. Try it out yourself. (And then leave a comment. You may just win one of these valuable prizes!)

Again, my thanks to the folks at Softland for making this Giveaway possible!

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

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Spyware Doctor 10 License Giveaway

Folks,
Interested in a chance at a free, 3PC license of Spyware Doctor 2011? I am giving ten away. To find out the 4-1-1, click here, and read.

A Special Day Indeed – SDAV 2011 License Giveaway

Folks, I Am Sincerely Pleased to Announce My Latest Holiday Software License Giveaway Drawing.

The folks at PCTools have generously donated 10 licenses for Spyware Doctor With Antivirus 2011 to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. So I am going to do a random drawing ¹ contest from those who “enter”. The contest will close at midnight (Pacific) Thursday, June 2nd, and the winners announced Friday.

I am going to start this out by telling you that I have a very high regard for the effectiveness of this anti-malware and Internet Security tool, (so high, I installed it on my mother’s machine) and have been using it for years now – since before they acquired the award-winning Threatfire heuristics engine. Not only is “SD” very good at detecting and removing viruses, trojans, keyloggers, etc., but it is also very good at blocking that *stuff* from getting onto your machine as well.
(And I have said many times: an ounce of malware prevention is worth a couple pounds of cure.)

From the publisher:

Editor’s Choice Antivirus and Antispyware in One
Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus combines two powerful engines to detect and remove unknown threats faster.

• Antivirus guards against malicious PC threats.
• Antispyware prevents information and identity theft.

It defends your computer against malware attacks with multiple layers of protection using proactive, reactive and automatic anti spyware antivirus software protection to stop threats at every entry point. Now includes memory scanning, behavior profiling, and report cards to provide up-to-date protection and status monitoring for your PC.

Please notice in this slideshow, the various “layers’ (ten of ’em) of protection SDAV’s technology provides. (I hope you never have to use any of those last three.. )

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

SDAV 2011’s main features and improvements are:

IMPROVED! Detection, blocking and removal of threats awarded top ratings by independent testing labs and recommended by reviewers worldwide.

• Built on award-winning Spyware Doctor™ antispyware technology.
• Advanced rootkit detection technology identifies and removes hidden threats from your PC.
• NEW! Memory Scanner helps eradicate threats lurking on your PC.
• NEW! Download Guard checks your downloads against a cloud-based network.

NEW! Multi-layered browsing protection against web-based attacks including phishing attempts, rogueware scare tactics and silent drive-by downloads.

• Uses a combination of reactive blacklists and proactive content analysis.
• Site Guard blocks you from visiting potentially unsafe or phishing websites and from downloading threats through your browser, IM or email.
• Cookie Guard automatically removes potentially malicious tracking and advertising cookies.
• Browser Guard stops automatic downloads, fake AV and malicious files from compromised or exploit websites.

Constant real-time IntelliGuard™ protection monitors for malicious activity involving spyware, viruses, tracking cookies, suspicious ActiveX® objects, browser hijackers, keyloggers, Trojans and more.

Quick links

• Overview

• Features

• Accolades

• Details

Spyware Doctor, in the years I have been using it, has never failed to earn my regard and respect. My (very few) critiques nitpicks have been minor. I consider it a most important tool in my fight against cybercrime. It is Top Drawer – period. (That’s my “review”.)

These 1 year (subscription) licenses retail for $39.99, and can be used on up to three of your PC’s.

How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada only may enter the contest drawing by simply clicking on “comment” (below), and entering a name and a valid e-mail (so PC Tools can send you a license key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but multiple entries will result in disqualification. (In this contest. Entry in prior contests doesn’t count against you.)
Again, the license can be used on up to three PC’s.

Note: SDAV is an antivirus; and you only want one AV on your machine at a time. It is also not a good idea to have more than one heuristic (behavior detection) tool onboard (active) so you may need to disable or uninstall some products before installing Spyware Doctor With Antivirus.

¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “list randomizer”, and the top  10 results will be the winners. A 30-day, limited-function trial of Spyware Doctor with AV can be downloaded here, Free 30-day trial. Try it out yourself. (And then leave a comment. You may just win one of these valuable prizes!)

Again, my thanks to the folks at PCTools for making this Giveaway possible!

UPDATE: This contest has concluded. The winners can be seen here, Spyware Doctor Winners. My thanks to all who partcipated.

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

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Software License Giveaway: Auslogics BoostSpeed 5

I am pleased to announce my latest software license giveaway drawing.

Folks, I had decided to not run any more contests; but, I recently received an email from a company I trust, asking me for a review. The upside for you is: the folks at Auslogics have generously donated three licenses (a license can be used on up to three PC’s) to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. So, I am going to do a random drawing¹ contest from folks who “enter” by posting a comment (below). The drawing will close midnight (Pacific) Thursday, April 7 — the winners announce Friday — so act now.

BoostSpeed is a program (maybe more accurately, a suite of programs) for optimizing your computer and improving its performance. I have been testing it for a week now and, below, I will give you my impressions, but first…

“This system optimization tool suite takes an everything-plus-the-kitchen-approach to cleaning, optimizing, and potentially speeding up your PC. ” ~ PC World (read full review)

CNet says:

“BoostSpeed is an effective all-encompassing utility suite, combining some of Auslogics’ popular freeware titles such as Disk Defrag and Registry Defrag with services that they don’t offer elsewhere…“

Here is CNet’s video review and description of BoostSpeed. (The full review is here.)

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Publisher’s description:

Your one-stop PC maintenance and optimization tool.
The program will clean up, speed up and repair your system
to make it running as fast and stable as new.

• Cleans up the Windows registry
• Defragments hard drives
• Frees up disk space
• Recovers accidentally deleted files
• Speeds up Internet connection

click to see larger

I found BoostSpeed 5 safe, and it’s 1-Click feature quite easy enough for beginners. This is a comprehensive set of tools, and I was happy that it also had cool goodies (aka ‘tweaks’) for the Power User too (I was particularly impressed by the comprehensive TCP/IP ‘tweak’ options). For giggles,  I also installed and ran BoostSpeed 5 on a machine that had a competitor’s “live optimization” suite running, and BoostSpeed 5 found a couple hundred (minor) issues the other had been missing (see screenshot).

My one ‘critique’ is minor: the “scheduler” is not turned on by default, and you need to go into the advanced settings menu to enable it (and set a scheduled scan); which the ‘casual’/’novice’ type of user won’t (I suspect) know to do.. and there’s no prompts. Hopefully, a (future) update will cure that oversight.

But I won’t reinvent the wheel here –> for the “full skinny” on BoostSpeed, I refer you to (and encourage you to read) Bill Mullins’ comprehensive review, Auslogics BoostSpeed 5 – A Powerful “One Stop” Optimization And Maintenance Suite, which he posted just a few days ago.

Auslogics BoostSpeed 5 is $49.95/year, and supports the following Windows versions:

• Windows XP with SP2 or later (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Windows 2003 (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Windows 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)

How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada may enter the contest drawing by simply clicking on “comment” (below), and entering a name and a valid e-mail (so I can send you the license key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but multiple entries will result in disqualification.
Again, the license can be used on up to three PC’s.

Again, I thank the folks at Auslogics for making this giveaway possible. More reviews can be seen, and a 15-day free trial of BoostSpeed can be downloaded, here. Try it out yourself. (And then, maybe, leave a comment. You may just win an activation key..!)

¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “randomizer”, and the top (first) 3 results will be the winners.

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

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Special Holiday Edition (A Giveaway!)

Folks, I am pleased to announce my latest software license giveaway drawing.

(So much for my “hibernation mode…”) Yesterday I received a note from one of my contacts out there ‘in the biz’, asking me if I would be willing to run another contest, and help them promote a special sale they are offering for the holiday season. (Loyal readers may remember, I had reviewed their product in May.) Always thinking of you, Dear Reader, I agreed.

The folks at Novosoft have generously donated five licenses for Handy Backup Standard to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank them for that. So I am going to do a random drawing¹ contest from folks who “enter” by posting a comment (below). The drawing will close Thursday, Dec. 30, and the winners announced Friday, in the last post of 2010.

Handy Backup is a program for creating “backup copies” of the files on your computer, which regular readers know, is something I repeatedly urge people to get into the habit of doing! With a backup program like Handy Backup, you don’t need a ‘habit’, you can set-it-and-forget-it.

Publisher’s description:

Handy Backup™ Standard is an easy-to-use backup software designed to perform automated backup of your computer. User-friendly interface and a rich set of backup features make it one of the best PC backup software for home and small office use. Handy Backup Standard features:

• Selective data backup. Back up folders and individual files with file mask filtering (allows to back up only photos, music files, videos, etc.)
• Free plug-ins. There are presets and plug-ins designed to facilitate My Documents backup, Windows registry backup, Outlook backup, etc.
• Variety of supported storage media. Backup to DVD, CD, any local or external HDDs, network drives, remote FTP servers
• Backup options. Enable backup compression, encryption, verification and other options for most convenient and smooth backups
• Flexible backup scheduling. Perform all backup and synchronization tasks on a regular basis by assigning a schedule
• Run backup as Windows service. This option allows performing absolutely inconspicuous backups, not requiring the user to be logged in

(Businesses will want to look at Handy Backup Server.)(Holiday sale expires on January, 10, 2011.)

To see my full review of Handy Backup, complete with slideshow, click here. (the article will open in a new window.)

How to enter? Residents of the US and Canada may enter the contest drawing by simply clicking on “comment” (below), and entering a name and a valid e-mail (so I can send you the license key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but multiple entries will result in disqualification.

Again, I thank the folks at Novosoft for making this giveaway possible. A 30-day free trial can be downloaded here, Download Handy Backup. Try it out yourself. (And then leave a comment. You may just win an activation key..)

¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “randomizer”, and the top 5 results will be the winners.

Please have a safe and joyous Holiday!

Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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