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How To Find The Best Anti-Virus For You

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windows securityAnti-virus software is not a security panacea. Additionally, IMHO there is no “best” anti-virus.
Here are some links to help you find what is best for you.
AV-Comparatives – Real-World Protection Tests
Virus Bulletin – Latest Comparative
PC Mag – The Best Antivirus for 2013

Personally, I would not pay for an AV solution as I think the free versions of these programs are good enough. (I am NOT a security expert.)
If you want the full (pay-for) versions there are often deals that make these programs free after rebate.
Try the usual deal sites, Techbargains, or Newegg.

See also:
Why Antivirus Software Isn’t Enough To Fend Off Attacks

Software – Does The Country Of Origin Matter To You?

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earthYesterday I saw a post from a software vendor that bothered me (more on that in a bit). It got me to thinking.
Though I don’t inquire about the country of origin of an app I’m aware that I use software from all over the world. Off the top of my head: U.S.A, Russia, Ireland, Germany, India, Norway, and China all quickly come to mind (though I’m sure there are a dozen others). Also as a Linux user I know that most of that software is truly global. These vendors do not go out of their way to trumpet where they are from and honestly I don’t care.

That is until you put it in my face.

The post I referenced above stated in part (I’ve edit the country); “Let the power of ‘Their Country’s‘ Technology keep your PC…”.
I read that and I thought, wait, are you saying your software is better because of where it is from?

I dunno, am I being overly sensitive or is that messed up?

Does where software is produced matter to you?

Monday Random Stuff

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thpinpostlogoThe Week Ahead
Tomorrow Microsoft will have lots of updates for you and Adobe will update Reader.

Men Acting Like Boys
Most of us men never really grow up but we should at least act like an adult in public.
The recent TechCrunch Hackathon and Halo character controversies have reinforced the fact that some folks need to grow up:
TechCrunch Titstare Demo (video – warning, may be offensive to some and possibly NSFW)
Halo character controversy at Gamespot

Speccy
Piriform has updated their free system info tool.

You Knew This Was Coming
Instagram will have ads next year.
Happily, I never signed up there.

My Thoughts On Windows 8.1 RTM

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win8logo*Note – This is an opinion piece, not a review. And a short one at that.

I put a poll up last week to see what the regulars who stop by here think. Here are the results (as of this writing):
What is your opinion of Win 8.1 RTM?
No Windows 8 for me. (42%)
Waiting for Oct. 18th. (30%)
Meh. (11%)
It sucks. (9%)
It Rocks. (8%)
(Yes, I am aware this is an unscientific poll.)
[Read more…] about My Thoughts On Windows 8.1 RTM

Microsoft Digital Citizenship Infographics

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microsoft_Knight_shieldThis post dedicated to @thurrott. :mrgreen:
“Each infographic offers relevant statistics of current negative online behaviors and helpful tips for correcting and preventing them, offering one each for tweens, teens, and parents.”
I’m not a parent, teen, or tween so I can’t vouch for the helpfulness of this stuff.
I can say after looking at the infographics, every time Microsoft tries to do “cool” it equals FAIL.

Download one or all:
Is Your Teen a Good Digital Citizen parent infographic PDF.pdf
Bing_for_Schools_infographic.jpg
Student Body Language tween infographic PDF.pdf
The Naked Truth teen infographic PDF.pdf
Using Parental Controls survey results infographic PDF.pdf

nLite Is Back!

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nliteAfter no updates for almost 5 years nLite is active again.
For those who don’t know nLite is a program that allowed you to easily create custom installation images for XP (and 2000).
The return of the developer is good news. Congrats and Welcome Back!
I know I will be using it to finalize my XP images just before XP support ends.
nLite Home Page