Rrruff! (video tutorial)
Okay. I admit. That is a weird title for a tech article. Maybe too weird?
Unless, maybe, you know who Scotty is.
Today, an “oldie but a goodie”! It has been a while since I have mentioned one of my favorite little free 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.
I not only have been using WinPatrol forever, highly recommend it, count it as one of those few apps and programs that is fersher worth the small fee to “go Pro” (aka “paid version”), but I like the author.
You do not need to be “computer savvy” to benefit from having WinPatrol on your PC, but Über Geeks will find plenty to fiddle with (aka “good, advanced, tools”). Improve performance and enhance your online safety. That’s a “win”.
Today I have a video ‘demonstration’ of WinPatrol, made by a fellow blogger.. which will give you an idea of what it does (and why you want it). Again, you do not have to be as savvy as is shown, or open all those menus — he’s trying to show all that it can do.
Today’s free download: Download WinPatrol (Window XP, Vista, Windows 7 – includes 64 bit support. There’s a “portable” version as well.)
Today’s Bonus: Five things you should know before trying to fix a smartphone or tablet
“Bill Detwiler shares essential advice for everyone who wants to repair a cracked iPad screen or broken smartphone.” watch video..
Today’s quotable quote: “The thoughts of Plato and Machiavelli… don’t seem quite enough armor for a world beset with splitting the atoms, urban guerrillas, nineteen varieties of psychotherapists, amplified guitars, napalm, computers, astronauts, and an atmosphere polluted simultaneously with auto exhaust and TV commercials.” ~ John Fischer
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.
Win 8 Part 2 | Restore the Menu Bar | PC Giveaways | More..
After I got Windows 8 DE installed (a quick and – for me – painless process) and got past the (painful) ‘bump’ that was my introduction to the Metro “interface” (see, My First Day With Windows 8 (Part One)) it was time to start doing the post-install steps, and also my “customizations” to make the computer “more me” – things like setting a Desktop wallpaper, and configuring some settings to my liking.
I was able to skip right to “tweaking” (aka “customizing”), as Windows 8 detected all my hardware and installed the appropriate drivers automatically.. even my old webcam (impressive) .. and even the wireless network printer (not directly connected)(even more impressive). There was only one ‘glitch’ – even though the printer was detected and appeared to be “installed”, it would not get out of “offline mode” and actually print. So, I “deleted” it, and then clicked on “Add a printer”, then on the device, rebooted, and badda-bing, badda-boom – working printer. Just too easy.
So the first thing I did was to get rid of a ton of those Metro “secret squares”, as they are utterly irrelevant to me, by right – clicking on each one and either choosing “unpin” or “remove”. Then I simply dragged the remaining squares into an order/arrangement more to my liking. I had found that I had to research on the web how to interact with Metro, so I had read Paul Thurrott’s 8 Is Enough: Post-Setup Configuration.
Learn about the new Task Manager, and more – click the link.
Today’s Quick Tip: I am just “old school” enough that I prefer just having my menu bar visible in Explorer.. having to press Alt is not “cool” and “neato” to me. So.. “tweak that”.
In older versions of Windows, the menu bar was always visible in Explorer. In Vista and Windows 7, 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.)
Today’s free download and first giveaway: (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)
To help celebrate Scotty’s 14th birthday, BillP is giving away – PRIZES to Thank you for your support
Happy Birthday Scotty!
On November 19th, 1997 the first release of WinPatrol was made public and generated 1252 downloads. This year is the 14th anniversary of WinPatrol and we’d like to celebrate it with a bang and plenty of prizes.
Click here for the 4-1-1.
Here’s another sweepstakes you might want to know about..
Perhaps we’ve gone a little overboard this holiday season? Nah, we didn’t think so either. Enter the Windows and Southwest Airlines® Holiday Sweepstakes for a chance to win:
- A Windows 7 PC…every day
- One of 10 Epson® Artisan® 730 printers
- Or the grand prize of free flights for a year on Southwest Airlines®
Click here for the 4-1-1.
Sure they did….
Today’s quotable quote: “The thoughts of Plato and Machiavelli… don’t seem quite enough armor for a world beset with splitting the atoms, urban guerrillas, nineteen varieties of psychotherapists, amplified guitars, napalm, computers, astronauts, and an atmosphere polluted simultaneously with auto exhaust and TV commercials.” ~ John Fischer
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> 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. <<
WinPatrol PLUS Contest Winners
Bill Pytlovany generously donated five licenses for WinPatrol PLUS to me to award to my readers. I sincerely thank him for that.
Scotty the Windows watchdog
WinPatrol consistently earns 5 stars and is a frequent “Editor’s Choice”.
“WinPatrol’s Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge. WinPatrol was the pioneer in using a heuristic behavioral approach to detecting attacks and violations of your computing environment. It continues to be the most powerful system monitor for its small memory footprint.
WinPatrol’s easy tabbed interface allows you to explore deep inside your computer without having to be a computer expert. A one-time investment in WinPatrol PLUS provides a unique experience you won’t find in any other software.”
WinPatrol is freeware, and a “portable version” is available for carrying on your ‘thumbdrive toolkit’. WinPatrol PLUS is a way of supporting Scotty, and includes important extra features. A comparison chart of the editions is here, and downloads here.
And the winners are…!
Winners have been sent an e-mail, containing their license keys, with the subject “WinPatrol PLUS License Winner”. (You may need to check your Junk folder.)
My thanks to all who participated in this contest.
Didn’t Win?
FYI – To help ‘kick off’ the new Version 18, BillP Studios is offering a limited time discount sale: HALF PRICE SPECIAL! (Folks, the “limited time” is expiring, so don’t delay.)
WinPatrol PLUS Lifetime License
Single User/Multiple Computers/No subscription
SALE Price $14.98
Upgrading provides high performance, real-time monitoring and access to our PLUS Info database. Your investment is a one-time cost. No hidden fees, advertisements or unwanted toolbars. Your support helps continue the development of new WinPatrol features.
Again, my thanks to Bill P. for making this drawing possible, and for creating this nifty “watchdog” & toolset.
Bonus FYI — Bill has an interesting blog, “Bits from Bill“, here: http://billpstudios.blogspot.com/ (I particularly liked Can Facebook Be Trusted?)
Bits from Bill
Technology thoughts leaking from the brain of “Bill Pytlovany
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. 
post to jaanix.
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WinPatrol PLUS License Giveaway
Today It Brings Me Special Pleasure To Announce My Latest Software License Giveaway: WinPatrol 2010 PLUS
"Scotty" the Windows watchdog
You say you don’t know about Scotty and WinPatrol? I have recommended it here before, and I’ve used it for so long I can’t remember (I think, all the way back to when a certain “Y2K bug” was going to end civilization). I consider WinPatrol one of those essential programs to have around.
Short version: I am a “Scotty fan”. Rrrrruff!
Much good has been said about WinPatrol (from BillP Studios) over the years.
“..I’ve got more to say, and it’s summed up in two words: WinPatrol Pro. The latest version, 9.8 Ɨ, is a must-have tool.” — Steve Bass, “Hassle-Free PC: Clean House on a Junk-Filled System Tray“, Feb 21, 2006.
CNet Editors currently give it 5 stars. (WinPatrol has won several “Editor’s Picks”, in different places, over the years.)
“I would recommend the software to anyone who is looking for additional protections from Internet ‘bugs’ and ‘critters’.” — Ron Schenone. MVP on Lockergnome blog The Blade, 02/16/2007.
Softpedia’s Ionut Ilascu said, “It is definitely a must for your computer.” in a review in 2007. (click here to read entire review.)
Bill Mullins lists WinPatrol in his 10 Best, and has this review: WinPatrolToGo – A Great Addition to Your Geek Toolbox
From the publisher:
“WinPatrol’s Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge. WinPatrol was the pioneer in using a heuristic behavioral approach to detecting attacks and violations of your computing environment. It continues to be the most powerful system monitor for its small memory footprint.
WinPatrol’s easy tabbed interface allows you to explore deep inside your computer without having to be a computer expert. A one-time investment in WinPatrol PLUS provides a unique experience you won’t find in any other software.”
Features: (clickable. To find out more, just click!)
I do not use WinPatrol in place of Anti-malware programs, but alongside them. (WinPatrol is not an antivirus; its purpose is more to prevent bad stuff from getting onboard in the first place. An ounce of prevention..!) I feel a lot better knowing Scotty is being my watchdog. You just install it and that’s it — each time something is about to be changed, Scotty’s bark (Rrrrruff! ) will let you know, and a window will pop up asking for permission for the process. I would use WinPatrol just for that Rrrrruff!, but I also use WinPatrol’s features to remove stubborn startup entries, identify processes to look for malware, and generally see what’s hidden on a machine. WinPatrol can be used it to “optimize” your startup time by setting some programs to wait a while before launching – very cool! There are other tools for those things, sure, but WinPatrol has them all in one place, and presents the info in a way that’s very “user friendly”.
Okay. Okay. Okay! The contest!
Bill P. has generously donated five licenses for WinPatrol PLUS to me, to award to my readers. I sincerely thank him for that. So I am going to do a random drawing ¹ contest from folks who “enter”. The contest will end midnight Thursday, June 18th, and the winners announced Friday.
A PLUS license can be used on as many computers as you own.
How to enter? To enter the drawing, simply click on “comment”, and enter a name and a valid e-mail (so we can send you the key) in the form. Actually commenting is optional. And, I shouldn’t have to say this, but it seems I do — multiple entries will result in disqualification. (In this contest. Entry in prior contests doesn’t count against you.)
WinPatrol is freeware, and a “portable version” is available for carrying on your ‘thumbdrive toolkit’. WinPatrol PLUS is a way of supporting Scotty, and includes important extra features. A comparison chart of the editions is here, and downloads here.
FYI — (I was not asked to put this here, btw) To help ‘kick off’ the new Version 18, BillP Studios is offering a limited time discount sale: HALF PRICE SPECIAL! (Folks, the “limited time” is expiring, so please read this special consideration from Bill P. himself – for T4E readers.)
WinPatrol PLUS Lifetime License
Single User/Multiple Computers/No subscription
SALE Price $14.98
Upgrading provides high performance, real-time monitoring and access to our PLUS Info database. Your investment is a one-time cost. No hidden fees, advertisements or unwanted toolbars. Your support helps continue the development of new WinPatrol features.
Again, my thanks to Bill P. for making this drawing possible, and for creating this nifty “watchdog” & toolset.
Also FYI — Bill has an interesting blog, “Bits from Bill“, here: http://billpstudios.blogspot.com/ (I particularly liked Can Facebook Be Trusted?)
Bits from Bill
Technology thoughts leaking from the brain of “Bill Pytlovany
¹ All entrants will be placed into Random.org’s “randomizer”, and the top 5 results will be the winners.
Ɨ Current version is 18.1
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.
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• 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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